KR100693346B1 - System for providing virtual computing environment adapted to users and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for providing a customized virtual computer environment for each user. The system for providing a customized virtual computer environment for each user may include a terminal for transmitting a signal input from an input device to an external device or outputting a content received from an external device to a display unit, and storing and managing information on a virtual computer environment set for each user. And a virtual computer providing server for providing a virtual computer environment according to information set to users connected through a network using the terminal. The virtual computer providing server of the virtual computer environment providing system provides a user with a virtual computer environment according to information registered and registered by at least one user, and the user operates the same as a desktop PC using his terminal. You will be able to run a virtual machine on the server that will run.

Virtual Machines, Server-Based Computing Environments, Terminal Services

Description

System for providing customized virtual computing environment for each user and method thereof {SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT ADAPTED TO USERS AND METHOD THEREOF}

1 is a block diagram showing an overall system for providing a user-specific virtual computing environment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a virtual computer providing server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a client program according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a terminal and a virtual computer providing server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of a user connecting to a virtual computer providing server using a website according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of a user accessing a virtual computer providing server directly from a terminal according to the present invention.

7 is a screen configuration diagram exemplarily illustrating a screen in which a user accesses his or her virtual computer from a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart sequentially showing the operation of the speed management module of the client program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of downloading a file according to the present invention.

10 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a process of uploading a file according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual computer providing server supporting a plurality of OS environments according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

12 is a screen configuration diagram exemplarily illustrating a state in which a user accesses a virtual computer of his Linux OS environment from a terminal of an MS window environment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a screen configuration diagram exemplarily illustrating a state in which a user accesses a virtual computer of his Linux OS environment from a dedicated terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100, 102, 104: terminal

110: virtual machine providing server

200: user authentication unit

210: virtual machine configuration register

220: control unit

230: output signal processing unit

240: communication unit

250: first database

260: second database

300: user authentication module

310: signal output module

320: video output module

The present invention relates to a system for providing a user-specific virtual computing environment and a method for providing a user-specific virtual computing environment and allowing a user to use his or her own virtual computer on the web using only a terminal.

A widely used computing architecture is a client / server system, and high performance client computers installed under such a conventional server and client network environment had to install and execute software on each computer individually in order to use application software. The server only had the ability to connect clients to the network or to keep files and programs that they shared.

As a result, the focus is on client computers, and tens of thousands of desktops need to be upgraded whenever a large-scale application such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), document management, customer management, or customer relationship management (CRM) is introduced. In addition, there are enormous costs for the individual deployment and installation of applications, maintenance, and expansion of network bandwidth.

On the other hand, as the speed of technological development of computers is rapidly increasing and its specifications are further improved, the PCs used are old. As a result, when new applications come out, they require high hardware specifications, which often means that new applications cannot be used with existing PCs. Each time you have to pay a huge fee to buy or upgrade new hardware.

In addition, as the network technology such as the Internet is rapidly improved, all computer users are suffering from computer viruses, hacking, etc., but it is economical or technical for each individual to devise certain security measures against such damages. Not so easy

In addition, it is not easy for general users to upgrade the version of the application installed on their computer or properly manage the antivirus program.

In order to solve this problem, a server-based computing technology that performs most tasks on the server computer has been developed, which is also referred to as a thin client computing environment. One example of such a system is Microsoft's Terminal Services. In server-based computing, an application runs on a server, and a client can access the application installed on the server through a terminal emulator regardless of the client device.

Therefore, all work performed by the user in the terminal corresponding to the client is performed in the server, and the result of the work is displayed on the screen of the user's work terminal. Since all work that is done on the current PC is actually done on the server, unlike the conventional PC, it is not necessary to mount a storage device such as a hard disk, floppy disk, it is possible to reduce the price of the terminal of the client.

In addition, server-based computing technology provides an environment in which multiple users can access a single server and execute different applications independently of each other.

This terminal service is installed on a server system based on Microsoft's Windows NT / 2000 / Net server OS. The terminal service can be installed only once and the user can access the terminal service. Will run. The emulator running on the user's computer can connect to the server via the network and use the applications installed on the server system.

Accordingly, the present applicant is to propose a system that can provide a user-specific virtual computing environment based on the web (WEB) using a server-based computing technology.

An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual computing environment providing system that can provide a web-based customized virtual computing environment for each user.                         

An object of the present invention is to provide a virtual computer environment providing system that allows the user to select an operating system (Operating System) for their virtual computer environment.

System for providing a user-specific virtual computer environment according to the present invention for achieving the above technical problem,

A terminal for transmitting a signal input from an input device to the outside or outputting a content received from the outside to a display unit;

And a first database for storing and managing information on a virtual computer environment set for each registered member, and providing a virtual computer environment according to the information set in the first database to members connected through a network using the terminal. And a virtual computer providing server configured to provide a virtual computer environment according to information registered and registered by at least one or more users to the corresponding user, and allow the corresponding user to execute the virtual computer using the terminal. .

Here, the virtual computer providing server receives a second database for storing and managing authentication related information of a registered member, and receives authentication related information from the terminal, and transmits the authentication related information and the corresponding information of the second database. In comparison, it is preferable to provide a virtual computer environment only for a user whose authentication is successful by providing a user authentication unit that performs authentication for a user.

In addition, the virtual computer providing server,

An output signal processor for compressing and transmitting the input video signal;

For the connected user, an operating system and starting programs are executed according to the user-specific virtual computer environment information set in the first database, and the screen information according to the execution result is transmitted to the output signal processor, or the user terminal. A control unit which performs a command corresponding to a signal transmitted from the screen and transmits screen information according to the result to the output signal processing unit;

A communication unit which transmits a signal transmitted from the output signal processor to the outside or a signal received from the outside to the controller,

The controller may control an operation of a virtual computer for each user according to a signal received from the communication unit, and transmit screen information according to the result to the terminal through the output signal processor.

In addition, the first database preferably includes at least a start program list registered for each user, information about a memory allocated to each user, information about files stored in the memory, and information about a monitor of a user terminal. .

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a user-specific customized virtual computer providing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall system for providing a virtual computer for each user according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a system for providing a customized virtual computer for each user according to the present invention includes a virtual computer providing server 110 providing a virtual computer environment for each registered user, and a user accessing the virtual computer providing server. It consists of terminals (100, 102) to receive the provided service.

The user is connected to the virtual computer providing server using the terminal (100, 102), the terminal is a key input capable of key input, a display, a communication unit for providing communication through the network, and a control unit for controlling input and output At least must be provided. Accordingly, the terminal may use a general personal computer as shown by reference numeral 100 of FIG. 1, or may use a separate terminal (reference numeral 102 of FIG. 1). In addition, the terminal of various forms and functions may be configured according to the purpose of use.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the virtual computer providing server 110 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the virtual computer providing server according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2. The virtual machine providing server according to the present invention should have multi-user access software installed to support server-based computing. Examples include Microsoft's Windows 2000 server, Citrix's MetaFrame, and SCO (Santa Cruz). Tarantella (Operation).

The virtual computer providing server according to the present invention includes a first database 250 for storing and managing information on a virtual computer environment set for each registered member, and a plurality of terminals connected through a network using the terminals 100 and 102. It is possible to provide each of the members of the virtual computer environment according to the information set in the first database.

Referring to FIG. 2, the virtual computer providing server includes a user authentication unit 200, a virtual computer environment setting registration unit 210, a control unit 220, an output signal processing unit 230, and a communication unit 240. In addition, the first database 250 and the second database 260 are further provided. Hereinafter, each component constituting the virtual computer providing server will be described in detail.

First, the first database 250 stores and manages information on a virtual computer environment set for each registered member. Specifically, the first database 250 may include a list of applications registered and registered for each user, information about a startup environment or startup programs of a virtual machine configured for each user, information about a memory allocated and assigned for each user, Information on a file stored in the allocated memory, information on a monitor specification set for each user, a list of start programs when the virtual computer is driven, information on a communication environment and a communication speed of a user terminal, and the like.

The second database 260 stores and manages authentication related information such as identification information (ID) and password (PW), log information, billing information, and the like for registered members.

Next, when the user authentication unit 200 is requested to provide a service from the connected terminal and receives the authentication related information, the user authentication unit 200 compares the transmitted authentication related information with the corresponding information in the second database and performs an authentication procedure for the user. . As a result, it is possible to provide a virtual computer environment only for users who have successfully authenticated.

Next, the output signal processor 230 compresses the video signal transmitted from the controller to transmit the data signal to the terminal through the communication unit.

The communication unit 240 transmits and receives a signal from a network. Specifically, the communication unit 240 transmits a video signal transmitted from the output signal processor 230 to the terminal, or transmits a signal transmitted from the terminal to the controller 220. Done.

Next, after performing an authentication procedure with respect to the connected user, the controller 220 provides a virtual computer environment according to user-specific virtual computer environment information set in the first database. The controller 220 reads the virtual computer environment information set for each user from the first database and provides an initial customized operating system for providing the user-specific customized virtual computer environment set by the user. Image information on the screen is transmitted to the user's terminal and output on the screen of the terminal. Next, the controller 220 executes the start programs set by the user, and as a result, transmits the image information on the screen to the user's terminal and outputs it on the initial screen of the terminal. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, a screen of the virtual computer is displayed on the screen of the user's terminal, and the user can use the virtual computer as his PC.

In addition, the controller 220 analyzes data or control signals transmitted from the terminal through the communication unit and executes a task corresponding to the control signals.

Therefore, the virtual computer providing server controls the operation of the virtual computer for each user according to the signal received from the communication unit by the control unit, and transmits the screen information according to the result to the terminal through the output signal processing unit.

Meanwhile, the virtual computer providing server further includes a virtual computer environment setting register 210 for allowing each user to set and change information about his or her virtual computer. The virtual computer environment setting register 210 stores and manages environment information or changed information about a newly registered virtual computer in the first database. Here, the environment information for the virtual computer set and registered by the user includes information on the communication environment (eg, modem, ISDN, ADSL, WAN, LAN, etc.) and communication speed of the user terminal, information on the display unit of the user terminal, It may include information about memory allocated to the user, a list of application software, and the like.

Therefore, the user can access the virtual computer providing server by using a terminal and execute his own virtual computer environment provided by the virtual computer providing server, thereby enabling the virtual computer on the server to be used as his PC.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a terminal used in a system for providing a virtual computer environment according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

A terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a key input unit for providing a key input, a display unit, a network interface unit, and a client controller for executing a client program.

The key input unit allows a user to input a key, and a keyboard or the like may be used. In addition, the display unit is a screen capable of outputting a video signal transmitted from the virtual computer providing server, the network interface unit is to enable the terminal to communicate with the virtual computer providing server via a network such as the Internet or intranet, modem or LAN equipment And the like. In addition, the client controller is a microprocessor which controls the operations of the key input unit, the display unit, the network interface unit, etc. of the terminal as a whole, and executes a client program that performs overall operation control.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the client program includes a user authentication module 300, a signal output module 310, and an image output module 320.

The authentication module 300 accesses the virtual computer providing server and transmits authentication related information for the user.

In addition, the signal output module 310 provides a signal input from the key input unit of the terminal to the virtual computer providing server through the communication unit.

In addition, the image output module 320 extracts an image signal from a signal transmitted from the virtual computer providing server through the network interface unit and outputs the image signal to the display unit. At this time, when the video signal received from the virtual computer providing server is compressed or encrypted, it is decompressed or decrypted and output to the display unit.

Another embodiment of the terminal according to the present invention further comprises a serial communication port or a parallel communication port, wherein the signal output module of the client program of the controller is a control signal input from the serial or parallel communication port. Transmits to the virtual computer providing server through the communication unit.

The terminal may further include a universal serial bus (USB) port, and the signal output module of the client program of the controller transmits a control signal input from the USB port to the virtual computer providing server through the communication unit.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, operations of a terminal on which a client program according to the present invention is executed and a virtual computer providing server will be described in sequence.

First, when the client program connects to the server (step 400), a secure session is created between the client program and the server (step 410), and transmits an ID and PW for the user to the server (step 420). Next, the server performs an authentication procedure for the user. If authentication is successful, the server generates an authentication session, and then compresses and transmits an image signal and a sound signal for the corresponding screen (step 430). On the other hand, the client program restores the video signal transmitted from the server and outputs it to the display unit or transmits signals input from the keyboard, mouse, etc. of the terminal to the server (step 440). Next, the server analyzes the signals transmitted from the terminal, performs a task corresponding to the signal, and as a result, repeats the process of transmitting the signal for the screen to the terminal (step 450).

Hereinafter, a method of accessing a user's virtual computer may include a method of using a website and a method of directly connecting by a client program.

First, a method of accessing his or her virtual computer using a website will be described with reference to FIG. 5. 5 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an access process using a website. Referring to FIG. 5, a user first executes a web browser (step 500) and accesses a corresponding website (step 510). Next, after logging in by entering the user ID and PW (step 520), the user can access his or her virtual machine by clicking the "Start Virtual Computer" button (step 530). In this case, if the client program is not installed in the terminal, the client program should be downloaded and executed.

 Next, a method of directly accessing its own virtual computer by executing a client program installed in the terminal will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, when a terminal is booted, a client program is executed (step 600), and a virtual computer providing server is accessed by selecting a "start virtual computer" menu (step 610). In this case, when the client program is executed without selecting the "start virtual computer" menu according to the user's preset, the virtual computer providing server may be immediately connected. Next, the user can enter his or her ID and PW to access his virtual machine (step 620).

On the other hand, the client program may further include a speed management module for improving the execution speed of the virtual computer. Hereinafter, the operation and operation of the speed management module of the client program will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 8, when a user first accesses a virtual machine of a server company and executes an arbitrary application program, information about an application program executed from the server is received (step 800). Next, the client program analyzes the information about the application received from the server, and determines whether the application is a web browser or a video file (step 810). If the corresponding application is a web browser, it is checked whether the communication speed of the network is higher than a predetermined level (step 820). If the communication speed of the network is above a certain level, the server's web browser is executed (step 830). However, if the communication speed of the network does not exceed a certain level, after transmitting a signal including a message indicating that the communication speed of the network is below a certain level (step 840), the client program is separated from the terminal. Launch the web browser (step 850).

If the file to be executed is a video file, after transmitting the corresponding signal to the server (step 860), the client program executes a separate media player (step 870).

As described above, if the amount of data to be transmitted / received or the communication speed between the networks is a problem due to the execution of the speed management module of the client program, the terminal side executes the corresponding program, so that the virtual computer connected through the terminal This can significantly improve the processing speed that the user perceives.

Hereinafter, a process of uploading and downloading a file between a terminal and its own virtual computer in a server in the virtual computer environment providing system according to the present invention will be described. 9 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a downloading process, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating an uploading process.

A process of downloading will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9, after the user selects a file on the virtual computer screen, the user drags the selected file and drops it on the desktop of the terminal (step 900). The client program sends a download signal for the dropped file to the server (step 910). The server receiving the download signal transmits the file to the terminal (step 920).

A process of uploading will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 10, after a user selects a file on the desktop of the terminal, the user drags and drops the selected file on the virtual computer screen (step 1000). The client program transmits the upload signal for the file to the server (step 1010), and then transmits the file from the terminal to the server (step 1020). The server stores the received file in the memory of the user's virtual computer.

Hereinafter, a virtual computer environment providing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The virtual computer environment providing system according to the present embodiment allows a user to select an OS of his or her virtual computer. Hereinafter, the virtual computer environment providing system according to the present embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions overlapping with those of the above-described preferred embodiment will be omitted. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a virtual computer providing server of a system for providing a virtual computer environment according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the virtual computer providing server of the virtual computer environment providing system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of OS servers, for example, a Windows server 1170, a Linux server 1172, and the like.

The virtual computer environment setting registration unit 1110 of the virtual computer providing server enables a connected user to register and register an OS, and the OS information set by the user is stored and managed in the first database 1150.

Meanwhile, the controller 1120 reads OS information on the connected user from the first database, and outputs an initial screen to the terminal of the user in cooperation with the corresponding OS server. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an execution screen of a virtual computer in a Linux environment of a user is output on a terminal when the user's terminal is a Windows environment of Microsoft Corporation, and is a small screen existing in the center of the screen. This is the screen for your virtual machine. 13 is a diagram showing a state where a dedicated terminal is connected to a virtual computer in a Linux environment.

According to this embodiment, the user can select and use the OS of his virtual computer.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art do not depart from the essential characteristics of the present invention. It will be appreciated that various modifications and applications which are not illustrated above in the scope are possible. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, components such as the type of OS serviced by the virtual computer providing server, the method of accessing the virtual computer providing server, the configuration of the terminal, etc. may be used depending on the application of the system. Various modifications can be made to make it convenient. And differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a customized virtual computer environment for each user who can perform a desktop PC function to registered members. In particular, users who are provided with their own virtual computer environment can access their virtual computer anytime and anywhere using their terminal and receive a desktop PC environment, and can perform desired tasks on the virtual computer. do.

In addition, since the virtual computer provided according to the present invention is a virtual computer environment provided from the virtual computer providing server, the user does not have to upgrade the performance of the hardware of his terminal, and does not have to upgrade the application program. As a result, the user can reduce the cost or time burden caused by the upgrade.

In addition, by using the virtual computer according to the present invention, problems related to viruses and security are collectively managed by the virtual computer providing server, so that the user is safe against viruses or security.

In addition, the user does not need to separately manage the application programs registered in the virtual computer, and also does not need to manage the hardware.

In addition, since the virtual computer providing server according to the present invention provides a plurality of OS environments, the user may not only select and use a specific OS, but also easily switch to another OS environment without reinstalling the system.

Claims (10)

In the system for providing a customized virtual computer environment for each user, A terminal for transmitting a signal input from an input device to the outside or outputting a content received from the outside to a display unit; And And a first database for storing and managing information on a virtual computer environment set for each registered member, and providing a virtual computer environment according to the information set in the first database to members connected through a network using the terminal. A virtual computer providing server configured to provide a user with a virtual computer environment according to information registered and registered by at least one user, and allow the user to execute the virtual computer using a terminal. The virtual machine providing server, An output signal processor for compressing and transmitting the input video signal; For the connected user, an operating system and starting programs are executed according to the user-specific virtual computer environment information set in the first database, and the screen information according to the execution result is transmitted to the output signal processor, or the user terminal. A control unit which executes a command corresponding to a signal transmitted from the screen and transmits screen information according to the result to the output signal processor; And And a communication unit which transmits a signal transmitted from the output signal processor to the outside or a signal received from the outside to the controller. The control unit controls the operation of the virtual computer for each user according to the signal received from the communication unit, and the virtual computer environment providing system characterized in that for transmitting the screen information according to the result to the terminal through the output signal processing unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual computer providing server A second database that stores and manages authentication related information about registered members; And A user authentication unit configured to receive authentication related information from the terminal and perform authentication on a user by comparing the transmitted authentication related information with corresponding information of the second database; And providing a virtual computer environment only for a user whose authentication has been successful. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the first database includes at least a list of start programs set and registered for each user, information about a memory allocated to each user, information about files stored in the memory, and information about a monitor of a user terminal. A virtual computer environment providing system, characterized in that. The virtual computer environment setting unit of claim 1, wherein the virtual computer providing server may set and change information about a virtual computer for each user, and newly registered information or changed information is stored and managed in the first database. And further comprising a user to set and change the environment of his or her virtual machine. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the terminal includes a key input unit for providing key input, a network interface unit, and a client control unit in which a client program is executed. The client program, A user authentication module for accessing the virtual computer providing server and transmitting information about a user; A signal output module for providing a signal input from a key input unit to the virtual computer providing server through the network interface unit; And An image output module for extracting an image signal from the signal transmitted from the virtual computer providing server through the network interface unit to output to the display unit Virtual computer environment providing system comprising a. The terminal of claim 6, wherein the terminal further comprises a serial communication port or a parallel communication port, and the signal output module of the client program of the client control unit receives a control signal input from the serial or parallel communication port. And transmitting the data to the virtual computer providing server through the network interface unit. The terminal of claim 6, wherein the terminal further comprises a universal serial bus (USB) port, and the signal output module of the client program of the client controller provides the control signal input from the USB port to the virtual computer. System for providing a virtual computer environment, characterized in that the transmission to the server. The server of claim 1, wherein the virtual computer providing server comprises at least one OS server, The first database further includes OS information registered and registered for each user. The control unit reads OS information registered in the first database with respect to the connected user, and operates in conjunction with a corresponding OS server, thereby providing a user with a virtual computer of a registered OS environment. Provide system. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the client module of the terminal further comprises a speed management module, wherein the speed management module is a communication speed of the network when the application program selected on the virtual computer by the user is a preset application program. After confirming that the predetermined level or less, the virtual computer environment providing system, characterized in that for executing the same application stored in the terminal.

Images