JP2002268934A - System, method and program of hierarchical storage service - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable use of a large capacity data base without purchasing an expensive library device, etc., and to enable high speed access to a new file without requiring a user to be aware of a storage place of a file in a home and a private hospital, etc. SOLUTION: A server 30 and the library device 40 are installed in a data center. A client terminal 10 connected with the server 30 via the Internet 20 is installed in facilities such as the home and the private hospital and the client terminal 10 is provided with a hard disk 12, a processing means 13 and a hierarchical storage control means 14 having a function to automatically transfer the file between the library device 40 and the hard disk 12 so that a file the last access data of which is new is stored in the hard disk 12 and a function to search the hard disk 12 and the library device 40 in response to an access request to a prescribed file from the processing means 13, to receive the prescribed file and to transmit it to the processing means 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hierarchical storage service system and method, and more particularly, to a hierarchical storage service system and method for storing a large amount of data by using a hierarchical storage control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, files such as created document data and image data have been widely stored on a hard disk of a personal computer owned by the user. In recent years, with the progress of digitization, the number of cases in which images captured by a digital camera, images captured by radiography, and the like are processed as image data and stored are increasing in homes and private hospitals.

Incidentally, image data files are generally large in size, and require large-capacity storage devices and recording media for storage. For this reason, at home, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk is added,
The file is stored by using a recording medium such as a file or a CDR. Also, when storing medical images in medical facilities, it is necessary to appropriately manage a huge amount of files that are increasing day by day. For example, a library device that automatically takes out a desired recording medium and reads a file is used.

However, since the library device is very expensive, it is difficult to provide such a device in a small medical facility such as a private hospital, and even if the library device is purchased, the operation of the device is difficult. Performing tasks that require technology, such as maintenance and management, can be a heavy burden.

In order to solve this problem, a server having a large-capacity database such as a library device is installed at a location distant from a medical facility, and medical image data and the like of a plurality of medical facilities are centrally managed in the large-capacity database. A system to do this is being considered. The server equipped with this large-capacity database is connected via a network to a client terminal provided in a medical facility, receives a file (image data, etc.) transmitted from the client terminal and stores it in the large-capacity database, Further, in response to a request from the client terminal, a file stored in the large-capacity database is transmitted to the client terminal.

According to this system, the client terminal can use the large-capacity database via the network, so that there is no need to install expensive library devices for each medical facility, and the cost and work burden are reduced. Can be reduced.

On the other hand, if a medical facility such as a private hospital purchases and installs a library device, it is possible to secure a huge storage capacity in the facility, but any file on the hard disk can be used as a recording medium of the library device. The user has to manually perform operations on the recording medium and the file, such as whether to move the file or which recording medium of the library apparatus has a sufficient capacity for storing the file. In other words, it takes time to read files from the library device, so the operator can transfer frequently used files to the hard disk or move old files to the library device when the hard disk is full. It was necessary to understand the current situation of each recording medium.

As a means for solving this problem, a hierarchical storage control (HSM) system has recently been proposed and widely known (Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-5621). This hierarchical storage control method automatically moves old (unused) files on a hard disk to a recording medium of a connected library device without requiring an operation on a file or a recording medium by an operator or the like. , So that new (frequently used) files are stored on the hard disk. In other words, new files that are frequently used can be stored on the hard disk that can be read at high speed, and old files that are not used can be read as needed on the storage medium of the library device that can be read at low speed. And automatically controls so as to optimize the storage location according to the usage status of the file. Furthermore, in a system using the hierarchical storage control method, not only the files stored on the hard disk but also all the files stored on the recording medium of the library device are represented as if they existed on the hard disk. In other words, since the storage capacity of the hard disk is represented as if it were a huge size, the file user can use the file without being aware of the storage location.

[0009]

In a system for centrally managing medical image data and the like, when a client terminal uses a file stored in a large-capacity database of a server connected via a network. It is necessary to access the file via a network such as the Internet, so the access speed is based on the processing speed of the network, and the file stored in a storage device such as a hard disk provided in the client terminal is used. It is slower than the access speed. When accessing a file, it is necessary to recognize whether the file is stored on a hard disk or stored in a large-capacity database of a server.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention makes it possible to use a large-capacity database without purchasing an expensive library device or the like, and to store a client terminal in a file stored in a hard disk or a large-capacity database. Hierarchical storage service system and method capable of automatically increasing the access speed to new or frequently used files without having to be aware of the storage location of the file when accessing from It is another object of the present invention to provide a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0011]

A hierarchical storage service system according to the present invention is connectable to a server provided with low-speed storage means via the Internet.
A client terminal having high-speed storage means and processing means capable of accessing a data file stored in the high-speed storage means and a data file stored in the low-speed storage means, wherein the client terminal performs processing on the data file. Hierarchical storage having an automatic access control function for automatically controlling access from the means and an automatic file movement function for automatically moving data files between the high-speed storage means and the low-speed storage means based on a predetermined rule. It is characterized by comprising control means.

Here, the low-speed storage means means storage (storage).
Means that the access speed from the processing means to the file being stored is low, and high-speed storage means means that the access speed from the processing means to the stored file is high. It is. That is, the low-speed storage means refers to a storage means such as a large-capacity database attached to a server, the access speed of which becomes low through the Internet, and specifically means a large-capacity library device or the like. The high-speed storage means refers to storage means such as a hard disk provided in the client terminal, which can be accessed at high speed from the processing means.

[0013] The "Internet" does not include a local network such as an intranet or other general networks.

The phrase "the client terminal includes the hierarchical storage control means" means that the hierarchical storage control means is provided for each client terminal, and is not necessarily provided together with the client terminal (for example, inside the client terminal or at the same time as the client terminal). It is not limited to the form provided in the place.

In addition, the above-mentioned predetermined rule is set such that data files of a predetermined capacity are stored in the high-speed storage means in order from the latest data file among the data files, and data files other than the data files of the predetermined capacity are stored in the low-speed storage means. May be stored. The above-mentioned predetermined rule is not limited to this, and various rules may be adopted, such as, for example, storing the file in the high-speed storage unit in order from the file having the largest number of accesses.

The latest data file means a latest data file based on one or more histories determined in advance among various histories such as a creation date, an update date, and a last access date. is there. That is, for example, when the last access date and the update date are set as the history for selecting the latest data file, both the last access date and the update date are referred to, and the data in which either date is the latest Make the file the latest data file.

The predetermined capacity may be any capacity as long as it is within the storage capacity of the high-speed storage means, and may be substantially the same as the storage capacity. The predetermined capacity may be a capacity obtained by subtracting the capacity of a file that is to be always stored from the storable capacity. The files stored in the high-speed storage means are not limited to the latest data files of a predetermined capacity. The files stored in the low-speed storage means are not limited to data files other than the data files of the predetermined capacity. For example, there are data files stored in both the high-speed storage means and the low-speed storage means. You may.

The client terminal receives the Internet connection instruction transmitted from the hierarchical storage control means,
Internet control means for connecting the Internet may be further provided.

[0019] The server may further include charging means for charging the client terminal based on the storage capacity and / or storage period of the data file moved from the high-speed storage means and stored in the low-speed storage means. .
Alternatively, charging may be performed based on various other conditions such as the number of times the file is used. Further, the server may be provided with an output unit that outputs charging information based on the charging unit. The output means broadly means printing means such as a printer for printing billing information, means for outputting (transmitting) billing information to a client terminal, and the like.

The client terminal used in the hierarchical storage service system of the present invention includes a high-speed storage unit and a data file and a high-speed storage unit stored in a low-speed storage unit attached to a server connectable via the Internet. A processing unit capable of accessing the stored data file, an automatic access control function for automatically controlling access to the data file from the processing unit, and a high-speed storage unit and a low-speed storage unit based on a predetermined rule. And a hierarchical storage control means having an automatic file movement function for automatically moving a data file.

The server used in the hierarchical storage service system of the present invention is a data file transferred from high-speed storage means provided in a client terminal connectable via the Internet by a hierarchical storage control means provided in the client terminal. Is provided with a low-speed storage means for storing.

In the hierarchical storage service method according to the present invention, a low-speed storage means is provided to a server which can be connected to the client terminal via the Internet, and the server is operated based on an instruction from the hierarchical storage control means provided in the client terminal. The data file transmitted from the client terminal is received and the data file is stored in the low-speed storage means. Based on an instruction from the hierarchical storage control means, the server determines whether a predetermined one of the data files stored in the low-speed storage means is available. Is transmitted to the client terminal.

The server may further include charging means for charging the client terminal based on the storage capacity and / or the storage period of the data file stored in the low-speed storage means.

Further, between the high-speed storage means provided in the client terminal and the low-speed storage means attached to a server connectable to the client terminal via the Internet, the data file stored in the high-speed storage means and Processing for automatically moving a data file stored in the low-speed storage means based on a predetermined rule; and processing means for responding to an access request from a processing means provided in a client terminal to the predetermined data file among the data files. And a program for causing a computer to execute a process for enabling access to a predetermined data file from a computer. Note that the “processing for enabling access” includes processing for connecting to the Internet.

[0025]

According to the hierarchical storage service system and method of the present invention configured as described above, a server connected to the client terminal via the Internet is provided with low-speed storage means (large-capacity library device or the like). Since the server receives the data file transmitted from the client terminal and stores the data file in the low-speed storage means, the medical facility or the like only needs to install the client terminal and can store a large-capacity database without installing an expensive library device or the like. It can be used.

Also, the client terminal provided in the medical facility or the like can process the data file stored in the low-speed storage unit provided in the server and the data file stored in the high-speed storage unit provided in the client terminal. Since the hierarchical storage control means having an automatic access control function for automatically controlling access from the means is provided, there is no need to be aware of the storage location of the file when accessing the data file from the client terminal.

Further, since the hierarchical storage control means has an automatic file transfer function for automatically moving a data file between the high-speed storage means and the low-speed storage means based on a predetermined rule, for example, If the predetermined rule is to move a new or frequently used file to the high-speed storage means, the new or frequently used file is automatically moved to the high-speed storage means. The access speed to the file can be increased without being affected by the processing speed of the Internet.

If the server is provided with a charging means, it is possible to automatically charge according to various conditions such as storage capacity, storage period, or the number of uses.
Useful for providing services to a large number of users.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a hierarchical storage service system and method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the entire hierarchical storage service system according to the present invention.

The hierarchical storage service system according to the present embodiment is provided in a client terminal 10 provided in a facility such as a home or a private hospital, and installed in a data center,
Server connected to client terminal 10 via 20
And a library device 40 connected to the server 30 and installed in the data center together with the server 30.

The client terminal 10 includes a hard disk and a modem (not shown), and a mouse 51 and a keyboard.
An input device such as 52 and a monitor 53 are connected. Hierarchical storage control (HSM)
Software (programs) having the functions described above and files (data files) such as image data used in facilities are stored (stored). In the present embodiment, software having the function of the hierarchical storage control fulfills the function of the hierarchical storage control means 14 described later.

The client terminal 10 is connected to the Internet 20 via a telephone line by a built-in modem, and is capable of transmitting / receiving files and the like to / from the server 30 and the library device 40 of the data center via the Internet 20. Connected in state.

Here, the client terminal 10 and the server
The detailed configuration of 30 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The server 30 includes a reception control unit 30a, a transmission control unit 30b, and a charging system. Also,
A library device (low-speed storage means) 40 is provided together with the server 30.

The reception control unit 30a receives the file transmitted from the client terminal 10 via the Internet 20, and controls the library device 40 to store the file via the charging unit 30c of the charging system. Further, the transmission control unit 30b controls transmission of a file stored in the library device 40 to the client terminal 10 according to an instruction from the client terminal 10.

The library device 40 is a large-capacity storage means configured to accommodate a plurality of recording media. The billing system includes a billing unit 30c, a billing database 30d, and an output device (printer) 50. The billing system exchanges files between the reception control unit 30a, the transmission control unit 30b, and the library device 40. The billing means 30c acquires billing data for each client terminal 10 based on predetermined billing conditions, such as the storage status (storage capacity and storage period) of files stored in the library device 40, and stores the billing data in the billing database 30d. Then, the output device 50 periodically outputs a bill to the client terminal 10 based on the accumulated billing data.

The client terminal 10 is provided with a hard disk (HDD: high-speed storage unit) 12 for storing files, a processing unit (CPU) 13 for performing calculations and controls, and a hierarchical storage control unit 14.

The hierarchical storage control means 14 includes a client terminal
It controls files stored in or stored in the hard disk 12 provided in the server 10 or the library device 40 attached to the server 30, and basically has the following two functions.

One is that when there is an access request from a processing unit to a predetermined file among the files stored in the hard disk 12 or the library device 40, the processing unit automatically searches for and receives the predetermined file, and 13 is an automatic access control function to send to
One is an automatic file transfer function for automatically transferring files stored in the hard disk 12 and the library device 40 based on a rule that a new file is stored in the hard disk 12. In addition, when transmitting and receiving files to and from the library device 40,
When connection with 20 is required, the hierarchical storage control means 14 sends a network connection instruction to the network control means 15,
The client terminal 10 is connected to the Internet 20 to transmit and receive files.

Next, the operation of the hierarchical storage service system and method of this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

First, the operation of storing a file in a storage means such as the hard disk 12 or the library device 40 will be described. At the client terminal 10, an instruction to save a file is sent from the processing unit 13 to the hierarchical storage control unit.
When transmitted to the hard disk 12, when there is sufficient free space on the hard disk 12, the hierarchical storage control means 14 stores the file on the hard disk 12. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the predetermined capacity for storing data files on the hard disk 12 is substantially the entire capacity of the hard disk. The free space of the hard disk is monitored by the hierarchical storage control means 14.

Similarly, by repeating the process of storing a file in the hard disk 12,
When the free space of 12 decreases, the hierarchical storage control means 14 sends a signal to the network control means 15 to connect to the Internet 20 to connect to the Internet 20 and, among the files stored on the hard disk 12, The oldest file is stored in the library device 40 of the server 30.
And store it in the library device 40. The last access date means the latest date among the reference date, update date, and creation date of the file.

That is, when the hierarchical storage control means 14 transmits the file with the oldest last access date from the hard disk 12 to the server 30, the reception control means 30a of the server 30 receives this file via the Internet, and
The data is transmitted to the library device 40 via c and stored. At the same time, the hierarchical storage control means 14 deletes the file transmitted to the library device 40 from the hard disk 12 to free up space. If sufficient free space on the hard disk cannot be secured by moving only one file, a plurality of files are moved in order from the oldest file to free up the hard disk space. The old files may be moved from the hard disk 12 to the library device 40 when the free space of the hard disk 12 becomes less than the capacity of one file. A fixed capacity obtained by subtracting a sufficient free space from the capacity may be determined in advance, and the time may be set when the total capacity of the files stored and stored in the hard disk 12 reaches the fixed capacity.

As described above, the monitoring of the free space of the hard disk 12 and the movement of files are automatically performed by the hierarchical storage control means 14, so that the user using the client terminal 10 can change the storage location of the file. The storage process can be performed without being conscious. That is, when the user saves the data file, only the process of saving the data file on the hard disk need be performed.

Next, the operation when the processing means 13 accesses a file stored in the hard disk 12 or the library device 40 will be described. When a request to access a predetermined file is transmitted from the processing unit 13 to the hierarchical storage control unit 14, the hierarchical storage control unit 14 searches for the predetermined file and transmits it to the processing unit 13. That is, the hierarchical storage control means 14 first checks whether a predetermined file exists on the hard disk 12, and if there is a file on the hard disk 12, transmits the file to the processing means 13, and the file is stored on the hard disk 12. If not, connect the network and connect the library device via the Internet 20.
A predetermined file is received from 40 and transmitted to the processing unit 13.

At this time, since the access date of the file transmitted to the processing means 13 is updated and becomes new, the hierarchical storage control means 14 moves the predetermined file to the hard disk 12 and stores it.

As described above, when an access request for a file stored in the hard disk 12 or the library device 40 is made, the hierarchical storage control means 14 automatically searches for a file. It is possible to access a desired file on the assumption that all the files exist on the hard disk without being aware of the storage location. Also, since the file with the latest last access date is always stored on the hard disk 12,
Access to frequently used files can be performed at high speed.

The large-capacity storage means provided in the server 30 is not limited to a library device, but may be any means capable of storing large-capacity data.
Further, the network connecting the client terminal 10 and the server 30 is not limited to the Internet 20, and any communication medium that can transmit and receive files can be adopted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a hierarchical storage service system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a client terminal and a server according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Client terminal 12 Hard disk 13 Processing means 14 Hierarchical storage control means 15 Network control means 20 Internet 30 Server 30a Reception control means 30b Transmission control means 40 Library device

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G06F 17/60 126 G06F 17/60 126A 132 132 502 502 502

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A server provided with low-speed storage means, connectable to the server via the Internet, high-speed storage means, a data file stored in the high-speed storage means, and stored in the low-speed storage means. A client terminal provided with processing means capable of accessing the data file, wherein the client terminal automatically controls access to the data file from the processing means; and A tiered storage service system comprising tiered storage control means having an automatic file transfer function for automatically moving the data file between the high-speed storage means and the low-speed storage means based on rules. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined rule is such that, among the data files, data files of a predetermined capacity are stored in the high-speed storage means in order from the latest data file, and data files other than the data files of the predetermined capacity are stored. 2. The hierarchical storage service system according to claim 1, wherein said low-speed storage means is stored. 3. The client terminal further comprises Internet control means, wherein the Internet control means comprises:
3. The tiered storage service system according to claim 1, wherein the tiered storage service system receives the Internet connection instruction transmitted from the tiered storage controller and connects the Internet. 4. The server further comprises a billing unit, wherein the billing unit is moved from the high-speed storage unit and stored on the low-speed storage unit based on a storage capacity and / or a storage period of the data file. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is charged.
3. The hierarchical storage service system according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The hierarchical storage service system according to claim 4, wherein said server further comprises an output unit for outputting charging information based on said charging unit. 6. A high-speed storage unit, and a processing unit capable of accessing a data file stored in a low-speed storage unit attached to a server connectable via the Internet and a data file stored in the high-speed storage unit. An automatic access control function for automatically controlling access to the data file from the processing means, and automatically storing the data file between the high-speed storage means and the low-speed storage means based on a predetermined rule. 2. The client terminal used in the hierarchical storage service system according to claim 1, further comprising: hierarchical storage control means having an automatic file moving function of moving. 7. The predetermined rule is that, among the data files, data files of a predetermined capacity are stored in the high-speed storage means in order from the latest data file, and data files other than the data files of the predetermined capacity are stored. 7. The client terminal according to claim 6, wherein the client terminal is stored in the low-speed storage unit. 8. The client terminal according to claim 6, further comprising Internet control means for receiving an Internet connection instruction transmitted from said hierarchical storage control means and connecting to the Internet. 9. A low-speed storage means for storing a data file moved from a high-speed storage means provided in a client terminal connectable via the Internet by a hierarchical storage control means provided in the client terminal. The server used in the hierarchical storage service system according to claim 1, wherein: 10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising charging means for charging the client terminal based on a storage capacity and / or a storage period of the data file stored in the low-speed storage means. Server. 11. Data stored in said high-speed storage means between high-speed storage means provided in a client terminal and low-speed storage means attached to a server connectable to said client terminal via the Internet. A process of automatically moving a file and a data file stored in the low-speed storage unit based on a predetermined rule; and an access request from a processing unit provided in the client terminal to the predetermined data file among the data files. Causing the computer to execute a process for enabling the processing means to access the predetermined data file in accordance with the above. 12. The predetermined rule is that, among the data files, data files of a predetermined capacity are stored in the high-speed storage means in order from the latest data file, and data files other than the data files of the predetermined capacity are stored. The program according to claim 11, wherein the program is stored in the low-speed storage unit. 13. A low-speed storage means is provided to a server connectable to the client terminal via the Internet, and the server transmits from the client terminal based on an instruction from a hierarchical storage control means provided in the client terminal. Receiving the stored data file and storing the data file in the low-speed storage means, and based on an instruction from the hierarchical storage control means, the server stores the data file among the data files stored in the low-speed storage means. A hierarchical storage service method, comprising transmitting a predetermined data file to the client terminal. 14. The server according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit configured to charge the client terminal based on a storage capacity and / or a storage period of the data file stored in the low-speed storage unit. 14. The hierarchical storage service method according to claim 13.