JP2006252097A - Information processing system, information processor, information processing method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure security of a processing result or to protect user data inside a computer when executing processing by use of the computer not in use. <P>SOLUTION: A server calls a client PC via a network. The client PC is performed with boot processing by use of an operating system present in a disk of the server when the client is performed with Wakeup on LAN from the server in time of non-use, and is started as a diskless client. The server performs incorporation in a calculation resource of itself, and remotely executes processing of simulation calculation or the like on the client PC. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program for processing digital data, and in particular, an information processing system for linking operations between two or more devices connected to a network. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program that execute an enormous number of arithmetic processes using surplus processing capability in a plurality of computers connected to a network. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program that activate one or more computers that are not in use at night and perform specific processing in cooperation.

  Along with the recent rapid progress in the information technology (IT) field, various forms of computer systems have been developed and manufactured, and are widely used in universities, other research institutions, corporate offices, and even general households. . On a computer, in addition to text-format document files, various media such as audio, images, and natural languages are digitized and handled mathematically, so that information editing / processing, storage, management, transmission, sharing, etc. are more advanced. It is possible to perform a wide variety of processing.

  More recently, research and development on distributed computing technology that promotes high computing performance by coordinating a plurality of computers on a network and achieving high computing performance is being promoted.

  The present inventors consider that such a distributed computing technique is appropriate for an arithmetic process in which the same calculation is repeatedly performed while changing conditions and parameters. As an example of this type of arithmetic processing, simulation calculation for powder behavior analysis in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using electrophotographic technology can be cited. In this case, a powder consisting of two components, toner as an image forming agent and a carrier made of a magnetic material for transporting the toner, is handled as particles to be analyzed, and powder behavior analysis is performed in each process such as stirring, development, and transfer. By applying simulation, an image to be formed can be predicted and evaluated without actually performing an image formation experiment.

  As an example of the configuration of the distributed computing system, there is a form in which a personal computer used for office purposes in a general office is linked while the user is not in use. For example, a specific computer that comprehensively controls processing such as powder behavior simulation uses the processing power of a stopped PC left in the office at night after the user returns home to set conditions and parameters. Perform the set simulation calculation.

  However, when using a local resource such as a built-in hard disk device when performing a linkage process using a PC that is not used by such a user, there is a problem in protecting user data owned by the original user. In addition, a security problem arises that the result of cooperation processing such as simulation leaks through the PC.

  For example, a simulation program execution method for simultaneously executing a large number of simulations has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1), but a stopped computer such as using a PC that is stopped at night. It does not make effective use of resources.

  In addition, each computer in the bus office LAN connected by Ethernet (registered trademark) has proposed a network usage method that accepts many tasks when the load is light and reduces the tasks accepted when the load becomes heavy. (For example, see Patent Document 2). However, in this network utilization method, the task is executed using the local disk of each computer, so that it is not possible to protect user data and secure the processing result.

JP 2000-267890 A JP-A-10-171673

  An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method capable of suitably executing an enormous number of arithmetic processes using surplus processing capability in a plurality of computers connected to a network. And providing a computer program.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing capable of suitably performing specific processing in cooperation by starting one or more computers that are not in use at night or the like by a user It is to provide a method and a computer program.

  A further object of the present invention is to ensure protection of user data in the computer and security of processing results when processing is performed using a computer that is not being used by a user at night or the like. An object is to provide an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing system for executing predetermined processing by incorporating a client whose server is stopped into its own computing resource on a network. The server confirms the stop state of the client and requests activation via the network. When the client is activated in response to the activation request via the network, the server is on the disk on the server side. An information processing system is characterized in that an operating system is booted to operate as a diskless client, and the server incorporates the diskless client into its own computing resource to execute a predetermined process.

  According to a distributed computing system in which office-use computers existing in an office are linked, a plurality of computers on a network can be linked and high computing performance can be realized by the cooperative operation.

  However, when a system configuration is adopted in which a client PC in a stopped state is linked at night after the user returns home, if a local resource such as a built-in hard disk device of the client PC is used, the user There is a problem in terms of security that the result of cooperation processing such as data protection and simulation calculation is leaked through the PC.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, when using a client PC that is stopped at night after the user returns home, the network is booted and the operating system is different from the environment used by the client. Is started as a diskless client, and processes such as simulation are executed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to protect the user data on the client that is executing the simulation process, and to ensure the security of the simulation result.

  Each client PC is provided with a means for storing its own activation factor, whether it is activated by the server via the network, or whether the user has activated the apparatus by operating the power switch and turning on the power normally. A boot processing method is selected according to the activation factor. Specifically, when booting from a server via a network like so-called Wakeup on LAN, boot processing is performed using an operating system in the server. On the other hand, when normal startup is performed by operating a power switch or the like, normal boot processing is performed using an operating system in the local disk of the client PC itself.

  When the client PC is started by a start request from the server via the network in the stopped state, the boot process is executed using the operating system on the server disk so that the local disk is not mounted. Because it can be set to, it will start as a diskless client. In such a case, since the client PC does not share resources such as its own local disk with the server, the user data in the client PC is stored when performing processing such as simulation calculation according to a command from the server. In addition to being protected, the security of the simulation results is ensured.

  Further, when the client PC is started up as a diskless client, it becomes impossible for the user to log in to the client PC by invalidating the locally connected input device, and the simulation is executed safely. be able to.

  The server may call the client PC (s) registered in advance via the network and check whether each client is in a stopped state based on whether there is a reply within a certain period. it can. Then, the stopped client PC is activated via the network by a method such as Wakeup on LAN.

  When the client PC is activated, the client PC confirms what the activation factor is, that is, whether it is Wakeup on LAN. In the case of Wakeup on LAN, a network boot is performed from the server, and the diskless client is activated. If not, boot from a local resource such as an internal hard disk.

  The server incorporates the client PC booted by Wakeup on LAN into its own computing resource as a diskless client, and remotely executes processing such as simulation calculation on the client PC. Further, during execution of the simulation, the server displays an outline of the program being executed on the display of the client PC.

  Then, the server periodically performs process check points during simulation execution on the client PC. When the simulation is completed, a new simulation is started. Also, at a preset time (for example, the time when the user starts using the client PC due to the start time), a simulation check point is executed and the client PC is stopped.

  Thereafter, when the user activates the client PC, boot processing is performed using local resources such as an internal hard disk, so that a normal client environment is activated.

  In addition, there are times when the user wants to use the client PC before a preset time. In such a case, for example, when the user presses the reset switch, the simulation being executed is interrupted, and the client environment used by the user is activated. The server can know that the simulation has been interrupted by a user operation by failing to check the process periodically or at a set time.

  In addition, the second aspect of the present invention is described in a computer-readable format so that information processing for executing a predetermined process by incorporating a network-connected client into its own computing resource is executed on a computer system. A computer program comprising: a status confirmation procedure for confirming the client's suspension status to the computer system; a startup request procedure for requesting the client whose suspension status is confirmed to be activated via the network; The computer program is characterized in that it executes a process execution procedure for executing a predetermined process by incorporating a network booted client into its own computing resource as a diskless client and making a startup request. This computer program operates a computer system as a server, and the server simulates a diskless client embedded in a computing resource until a predetermined time (for example, a user's work time) arrives. Processing such as calculation can be executed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program written in a computer readable format so as to execute predetermined information processing on a computer system, and storing an activation factor in the computer system. An activation factor storage procedure, a boot procedure for booting the operating system by selecting a boot method corresponding to the activation factor stored in the activation factor storage procedure, and an execution environment provided by the booted operating system And a process execution procedure for executing the process. This computer program operates a computer system as a client. When a network is booted by Wakeup on LAN, the client is incorporated into a server computational resource as a diskless client. Boot from the local disk and provide a normal client environment.

  The computer program according to each of the second to third aspects of the present invention defines a computer program described in a computer-readable format so as to realize predetermined processing on a computer system. In other words, by installing the computer program according to each of the second to third aspects of the present invention in the computer system, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer system, and each operates as a server and a client PC. . By activating such a server and one or more client PCs to construct a distributed computing system on the network, the same operational effects as the information processing system according to the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. .

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, an excellent information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method that can suitably execute an enormous number of arithmetic processes using surplus processing capability in a plurality of computers connected to a network. As well as computer programs.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an excellent information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information capable of suitably performing specific processing in cooperation by starting one or more computers that are not in use at night or the like A processing method and a computer program can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when performing processing using a computer that is not used by a user at night or the like, it is possible to ensure protection of user data in the computer and security of processing results. Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program can be provided.

  According to the present invention, a client that is not used as a computing resource can be used effectively, and the environment used by the local user can be completely separated from the computing execution environment. Further, there is no influence when the local user uses the client PC. In combination with user schedule management, it can be used all day as a computing resource not only at night but also when a user is absent, such as on a holiday or a business trip.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention relates to distributed computing that links operations between two or more devices connected to a network. According to distributed computing, a plurality of computers on a network can be linked together, and high computing performance can be realized by the cooperative operation.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a distributed computing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the network, a server that controls arithmetic processing such as simulation calculation and one or more client PCs are connected.

  In this embodiment, a system configuration is assumed in which client PCs in a stopped state such as at night after the user returns home are linked. In such a case, the server requests activation of the client PC that is stopped at night by Wakeup on LAN, and incorporates the client PC into its computing resource. When the working hours approach, the client PC is stopped and released for the original user.

  Here, when a system configuration is adopted in which a client PC in a stopped state such as at night after the user returns home is used, if a local resource such as an internal hard disk device of the client PC is used, the user owned by the original user There is a problem in terms of security in that the results of arithmetic processing such as data protection and simulation are leaked through the local disk of the client PC.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when using a client PC that is in a stopped state after the user returns home, a network boot is performed and an operating system different from the environment used by the client is started as a diskless client. Like to do. The client PC is incorporated in the calculation resource of the server, and does not need to share the client local resource with the server when performing simulation calculation or the like. Further, when the client PC is activated as a diskless client, input from the local console can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to protect the user data on the client that is executing the simulation process and to secure the security of the simulation result.

  In such a case, the client PC needs to select a boot processing method according to the activation factor, whether it is activated via the network or activated by the user operating the power switch. Therefore, the client PC includes means for storing the activation factor. A boot processing method is selected and executed according to the activation factor. Specifically, when booting from a server via a network like so-called Wakeup on LAN, boot processing is performed using an operating system in the server. On the other hand, when normal startup is performed by turning on the power, etc., normal boot processing is performed using the operating system in the local disk of the client PC itself.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the hardware configuration of the client PC. In the client PC, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 can execute various processing operations under an execution environment provided by the operating system.

  In this embodiment, the boot process is switched according to the activation factor, and when activated via the network, an operating system such as Linux provided by the server side is booted. In this case, the diskless client is incorporated into the calculation resource of the server, and the simulation calculation requested by the server is processed. Also, during normal startup such as turning on the power switch, an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) is booted from a local disk (described later) in the client PC.

  The CPU 11 is connected to a memory device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14 and various peripheral devices via a core LSI chip called a chip set 12.

  The ROM 13 is a read-only storage device in which a program code is permanently written. For example, a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is a program for controlling input / output operations of peripheral devices connected to the chipset. In addition, POST (Power On Self Test), which is a program for performing an initialization self-diagnosis at power-on, is stored.

  The RAM 14 is a writable storage device such as a DRAM, and is used for loading a program code such as an operating system or application executed by the CPU 11 or temporarily storing work data being executed. The

  When the PC is activated, the BIOS is first operated, and an MBR (Master Boot Record) written at the head of the activation disk is read into the RAM 14 by the BIOS, and control is transferred. There is a bootstrap code at the head of the MBR, and a boot process, that is, a process for starting the OS is performed.

  In this embodiment, when booting from a server such as Wakeup on LAN, the boot disk is a remote disk on the server side, from which an operating system such as Linux is booted and booted as a diskless client. As a protocol for booting a diskless client, BOOTP (Bootstrap Protocol, RFC 951) and the like are known. On the other hand, the startup disk at the normal startup time when the power is turned on is a local disk of the client PC, from which an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) is booted. In this embodiment, the boot loader switches the boot disk, that is, the operating system to be booted, according to the boot factor of the client PC.

  As peripheral devices connected on the chipset 12, a network controller 15 for mutual connection to a network such as a LAN, a built-in hard disk device 16 used as a local disk of the client PC at the normal startup, a display device The video controller 17 that controls the display drive of 18, the user interface controller 19 that handles input data from a user input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and the like.

  The network controller 15 performs a communication operation at the physical layer or MAC layer level according to a communication protocol such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, a Wakeup on LAN function for performing a startup operation of the system in response to a startup request from a server via a network is provided. In addition, in order for the boot loader to select a startup disk according to the startup factor, the network controller 15 includes a Wakeup on LAN register that stores the startup disk when it is started up by Wakeup on LAN.

  In the distributed computing system according to the present embodiment (see FIG. 1), the server makes a call to the client PC (s) registered in advance via the network and responds within a certain period. Check whether each client is in a stopped state depending on whether there is any. Then, the stopped client PC is activated via the network by Wakeup on LAN.

  The client PC confirms what was the activation factor during activation, that is, whether it is Wakeup on LAN. In the case of Wakeup on LAN, a network boot is performed from the server, and the diskless client is activated. Otherwise, boot from a local resource such as the internal hard disk 16. When the network boots, the input from the user interface controller 19 is not accepted, but the system is reset when the reset SW is pressed.

  The server incorporates the client PC booted by Wakeup on LAN into its own calculation resource, and remotely executes processing such as simulation calculation on the client PC. At the same time, the contents of the calculation being executed are displayed on the display device 18 of the client PC.

  Then, the server periodically performs process check points during simulation execution on the client PC. When the simulation is completed, a new simulation is started. Also, at a preset time (for example, the time when the user starts using the client PC due to the start time), a simulation check point is executed and the client PC is stopped.

  Thereafter, when the user activates the client PC, boot processing is performed using local resources such as an internal hard disk, so that a normal client environment is activated.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an operation sequence for executing a simulation calculation by a cooperative operation between a server and a client PC in the distributed computing system according to the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the client PC to be used is pre-registered in the server. In the figure, for simplification, only one client PC is drawn, but the same applies when there are a plurality of client PCs on the network.

  The server confirms activation of the client PC via the network (SEQ1). If the user is using the client PC such as in the daytime, it can be confirmed that the server cannot be used because there is an activation response. On the other hand, since there is no reply from the client PC not used by the user within a certain period, it can be confirmed that each client is in a stopped state (SEQ2).

  Then, the server starts the stopped client PC via the network by a method such as Wakeup on LAN (SEQ3). The client PC is activated by Wakeup on LAN, and when an operating system such as Linux provided by the server is booted, it notifies the server of activation (SEQ4).

  The server incorporates the client PC as a diskless client in the server computing resource. Then, the simulation calculation process is remotely executed on the client PC (SEQ5).

  While the simulation calculation is being remotely executed on the client PC, a periodic check point time is set, and the server executes the check point every time this check point time comes (SEQ6). ). At the check point, confirmation of the processing status of the simulation calculation on the client PC side, storage of the processing result, confirmation of the operating state of the client PC itself, etc. are performed.

  If the client PC finishes the simulation calculation before a specified time (for example, the time when the user starts using the client PC due to the start time, etc.) (SEQ7), the server performs a new simulation calculation on the client PC. Execution is started (SEQ8).

  When the specified time comes, the server executes a simulation calculation check point (SEQ 9), stops the client PC (SEQ 10), and releases it for the original user.

  Thereafter, when the user activates the client PC, boot processing of an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) is performed using a local resource such as an internal hard disk, so that a normal client environment is activated.

  When the user uses the client PC before the specified time, the simulation being executed is interrupted by pressing the reset switch, and the client environment used by the user is activated. In this case, the server can know the interruption of the simulation due to the user operation by failing the check point of the process periodically or within a specified time.

  In this way, the server can incorporate the stopped client PC into its own computing resource as a diskless client, and can suitably execute a large amount of simulation calculation such as powder behavior analysis in an electrophotographic process.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed by a computer operating as a server in the distributed computing system according to the present embodiment.

  The server makes a call (polling) to the client PC via the network (step S1) and confirms whether it is activated (step S2). If the user is using the client PC such as in the daytime, it can be confirmed that the server cannot be used because there is an activation response. On the other hand, since there is no reply from the client PC not used by the user within a certain period, it can be confirmed that each client is in a stopped state.

  Then, the server starts the stopped client PC via a network by a method such as Wakeup on LAN (step S3). The client PC is activated by Wakeup on LAN, and when an operating system such as Linux provided by the server is booted, it notifies the server of activation (step S4).

  The server incorporates the client PC into the server's own computing resource as a diskless client. Then, the simulation calculation process is remotely executed on the client PC (step S5), and the execution content is displayed on the display device 18 of the client PC.

  The server is set in advance with a predetermined time (for example, the time when the user starts using the client PC due to the start time) that is permitted to use the client PC as a diskless client. When the client PC finishes the simulation calculation within the specified time (step S7), the process returns to step S5 to start execution of the next simulation calculation for the client PC.

  Also, within the specified time, the server periodically executes a check point, for example, and stores the simulation result (step S8). If the check point is successful (step S9), the process returns to step S6 and the simulation calculation is continued.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the reset switch on the client PC side, the simulation being executed is interrupted, and the client environment used by the user is activated. In this case, since the check point fails on the server side, the process proceeds to the next step S10.

  Then, when the specified time arrives, the server executes a simulation calculation check point (step S10).

  When the check point fails in step S9, or after the specified time has come and the check point is executed in step S10, the server corrects the situation of the simulation executed on the client PC (step S11). Then, the client PC is stopped (step S12) and released for the original user.

  FIG. 5 shows, in the form of a flowchart, processing operations executed by a computer operating as a client PC in the distributed computing system according to the present embodiment.

  When the power switch is turned on (or the reset switch is pressed) (step S21), or the network controller 15 receives a Wakeup on LAN (WOL) signal from the server via the network (step S21). Step S22), start-up is started. If the WOL is activated, the fact that the WOL is the activation factor is stored in the WOL register in the network controller 15 (step S23).

  Then, the BIOS operates from the ROM 13, the MBR written at the head of the boot disk is read into the RAM 14 by the BIOS, the control is passed to the boot loader, and the boot process is performed.

  In this embodiment, the boot loader switches the boot disk, that is, the operating system to be booted, according to the boot factor of the client PC. That is, with reference to the value of the WOL flag in the network controller 15 (step S24), it is checked whether the activation factor is WOL.

  If the activation factor is WOL, the activation disk is a remote disk on the server side, and an operating system such as Linux is network-booted from there (step S25) and activated as a diskless client.

  When the network boot is completed, the client PC notifies the server of activation (step S26). Then, the diskless client is incorporated in the calculation resource of the server, and the simulation calculation is executed in accordance with an instruction from the server (step S27).

  The server is set in advance with a predetermined time (for example, the time when the user starts using the client PC due to the start time) that is permitted to use the client PC as a diskless client. When this specified time arrives, the server executes a check point for simulation calculation and then instructs the client PC to shut down (step S28). In response to this instruction, the client PC shuts down (step S29).

  On the other hand, if the activation factor is other than WOL (step S24), the activation disk is a local disk of the client PC, from which an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) is booted (step S30). .

  In this case, a normal client environment is provided in the client PC, and a local user can execute various applications using the local disk (step S31).

  Then, when the use of the client PC ends (step S32), the local user shuts it down (step S29).

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  Although the present specification has been described using the embodiment in which the simulation calculation is executed by the cooperative operation between the server and the client PC, the gist of the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied even when processing other than simulation calculation is executed by the distributed computing system.

  In short, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and the description of the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the description of the scope of claims should be considered.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a distributed computing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the hardware configuration of the client PC. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation sequence for executing a simulation calculation by a cooperative operation between the server and the client PC. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed by a computer operating as a server. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing operations executed by a computer operating as a client PC.

Explanation of symbols

11 ... CPU
12 ... Chipset 13 ... ROM
14 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Network controller 16 ... Built-in hard disk drive 17 ... Video controller 18 ... Display apparatus 19 ... User interface controller

Claims (34)

An information processing system in which a server incorporates a client into its own computing resource and executes a predetermined process on a network,
The server confirms the stopped state of the client and makes a start request via the network,
When the client starts in response to the startup request via the network, it boots the operating system on the server-side disk and operates as a diskless client.
The server incorporates the diskless client into its own computing resource and executes predetermined processing.
An information processing system characterized by this. When the client starts up as a diskless client in response to a startup request via the network, it prohibits operations using locally connected input / output devices.
The information processing system according to claim 1. When the client starts up due to a factor other than the startup request via the network, it boots the operating system on its own local disk and operates in a client environment.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The server causes the display device of the diskless client that is executing the predetermined process to display the contents of the process that is being executed.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The server stops the client that is running as the diskless client when a predetermined time set in advance arrives.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The server, when the diskless client finishes the predetermined processing within the specified time, causes the next processing to be executed.
The information processing system according to claim 5. The server executes a check point every predetermined check point time for the diskless client that is executing the predetermined process.
The information processing system according to claim 5. The server detects that the execution of the predetermined process by a user operation is interrupted on the client side due to a check point failure.
The information processing system according to claim 7. An information processing apparatus that executes a predetermined process by incorporating a network-connected client into its own computing resource,
A status checking means for checking the client's stopped status,
Start request means for requesting start over the network to the client whose stop state has been confirmed,
Processing execution means for requesting activation via a network, incorporating a network booted client into its own computing resource as a diskless client, and executing predetermined processing;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The process execution means causes the display device of the client executing the process to display the contents of the process being executed.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. In response to the arrival of a preset specified period, it further includes client stop means for ending the process execution on the client by the process execution means and stopping the client.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. The process execution means, when the client ends the predetermined process within the specified period, causes the next process to be executed.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11. Check point execution means for executing a check point every predetermined check point time for a client executing the predetermined process;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. The check point execution means detects that the execution of the predetermined process by the user operation is interrupted on the client side due to the failure of the check point.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 13. An activation factor storage means for storing an activation factor;
Boot means for booting an operating system by selecting a boot method corresponding to the activation factor stored in the activation factor storage means;
Processing execution means for executing processing in an execution environment provided by the booted operating system;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A network connection means for connecting the information processing apparatus to a network and capable of starting the information processing apparatus in response to a start request via the network;
The activation request storage means stores that the information processing apparatus has been activated by an activation request via a network,
16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the boot unit performs network booting of an operating system provided by a start request source when a start request via a network is a start factor. When a network boot is performed by the boot unit, the process execution unit is incorporated in a calculation resource of a start request source as a diskless client, and executes a process instructed by the start request source.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16. When starting as a diskless client, further comprising an operation prohibiting means for prohibiting an operation using a locally connected input / output device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16. When the network is booted by the boot means, further comprising a shutdown means for shutting down by a shutdown instruction from an activation request source,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16. Further comprising a local disk with an operating system providing a client environment;
The boot means boots the operating system on the local disk and operates in a client environment when an activation factor other than the activation request via the network is booted.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16. An information processing method for executing a predetermined process by incorporating a network-connected client into its own computing resource,
A status check step to check the client's stopped status;
Start request step for requesting start over the network to the client whose stop state has been confirmed,
A process execution step for requesting activation via the network, incorporating a network booted client into its own computing resource as a diskless client, and executing a predetermined process;
An information processing method comprising: In the process execution step, the content of the process being executed is displayed on the display device of the client that is executing the process.
The information processing method according to claim 21. In response to the arrival of a predetermined period set in advance, the processing execution unit terminates processing on the client and further includes a client stop step for stopping the client.
The information processing method according to claim 21. In the process execution step, when the client ends the predetermined process within the specified period, the next process is executed.
The information processing method according to claim 23. A check point execution step of executing a check point every predetermined check point time for the client that is executing the predetermined process;
The information processing method according to claim 21. In the check point execution step, it is detected that the execution of the predetermined process by the user operation is interrupted on the client side due to the failure of the check point.
26. The information processing method according to claim 25. An activation factor storage step for storing activation factors;
A boot step for booting the operating system by selecting a boot method according to the activation factor stored in the activation factor storage step;
A process execution step for executing a process in an execution environment provided by the booted operating system;
An information processing method comprising: The method further comprises a step of receiving an activation request via a network under a network connection environment,
When the activation request via the network is stored as an activation factor in the activation factor storage step, the boot step performs network booting of the operating system provided by the activation request source.
The information processing method according to claim 27. When performing a network boot in the boot step, the process execution step executes a process instructed by a start request source as a diskless client.
The information processing method according to claim 28. When starting as a diskless client, further comprising an operation prohibiting step for prohibiting an operation using a locally connected input / output device.
30. The information processing method according to claim 29. A shutdown step of shutting down by a shutdown instruction from an activation request source when performing a network boot in the boot step;
The information processing method according to claim 28. A local disk with an operating system providing a client environment is available,
When an activation factor other than an activation request via a network is an activation factor, the boot step boots the operating system on the local disk and operates in a client environment.
The information processing method according to claim 28. A computer program written in a computer-readable format so as to execute information processing for executing a predetermined process by incorporating a network-connected client in its own computing resource, For the system,
Status check procedure to check the client stop status,
A startup request procedure for requesting startup via the network to a client whose shutdown status has been confirmed,
A process execution procedure for requesting activation via the network, incorporating the network booted client into its own computing resource as a diskless client, and executing a predetermined process;
A computer program for executing A computer program written in a computer-readable format so as to execute predetermined information processing on a computer system, the computer system
An activation factor storage procedure for storing activation factors;
A boot procedure for booting an operating system by selecting a boot method corresponding to the activation factor stored by the activation factor storage procedure;
A process execution procedure for executing a process in an execution environment provided by the booted operating system;
A computer program for executing

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