JP2000099340A - Computer system and its basic software change method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the cost needed for the change of resources of each of plural industrial computers which are distributed in various locations. SOLUTION: This computer system includes plural industrial computers (object devices) 20 and a resource distribution server 10 which is connected to the devices 20 via a communication circuit 1. The server 10 sends the changed resources A and then the dummy files (autions. flg) of specific names to the devices 20. Each of devices 20 includes an application decision processing means 31 which sets the device 20 in an automatic distribution mode when the dummy file (autions. flg) is received after the resource A is distributed and an application execution processing means 34 which activates an OS in a maintenance mode if an automatic distribution mode is set when the means 34 activates, changes the OS via the changed resources A and reactivates the OS in a normal operation mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system in which, for example, a host computer at a central center and computers at each branch are connected by a communication line, and a method for changing basic software of the computer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a computer comprises a plurality of computers arranged at branch offices all over the country, and a host computer arranged at a central center and connected to these computers via a communication line such as a public line or a dedicated line. In a computer system, the operation of each computer is centrally managed by a host computer. In particular, when a version upgrade or a defect occurs in a change resource such as an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is basic software of each computer. ,
Change resources (version upgrade kits and bug fixes)
May need to be distributed from a host computer to computers in various places and applied all at once.

Usually, in order to distribute and apply changed resources, a resource distribution server, ie, a host computer, distributes resources to computers in various places using a communication line.

[0004] In this case, due to physical conditions such as different distances from the distribution source to the distribution destination, a time difference occurs before the changed resources arrive at each target machine, and the changed resources are distributed to all computers. May not be applied all at once.

[0005] Therefore, in order to apply the changed resources to all the computers at the same time, usually, engineers are dispatched to various parts of the country where the computers are installed, and the changed resources are directly sent to the machines to which the resources are to be applied by a human system. Applying is being done.

[0006]

However, dispatching technicians to all over the country every time there is a change in resources in this way requires not only human labor but also costs if any trouble occurs during the work. There was a problem that suffered a great deal of damage.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a computer system capable of reducing the cost for changing resources.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer system capable of unifying resources and preventing a failure due to a version deviation from related software beforehand, and a method of changing basic software of the computer system. It is an object.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a computer system according to the present invention is provided with a basic software for a plurality of computers connected via a communication line through the communication line. A first distribution means for distributing a change resource for changing the basic software to each computer, a means for receiving a change resource distribution completion notification from each computer, And a second distribution unit that distributes specific trigger information for starting application of the changed resource when a distribution completion notification is received from the computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
In a computer system for performing a change of basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode for a plurality of computers connected via a communication line through the communication line, each of the computers may have a resource changed from the communication line. Means for receiving specific trigger information, storage means for storing the received information, search means for searching the storage means at the time of startup, and when at least the specific trigger information is searched by the search, the basic software In the maintenance mode, means for changing the basic software started in the maintenance mode by using the changed resources of the storage means, and means for restarting the changed basic software in the normal operation mode. It is characterized by:

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
In a computer system including a plurality of computers equipped with basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode, and a host computer connected to the plurality of computers via a communication line, the host computer may be configured such that the computer Means for distributing a change resource for changing the basic software and specific trigger information for instructing the start of application of the change resource, wherein each of the computers transmits the change resource and the specific resource from the communication line. Means for receiving trigger information, storage means for storing the received information, search means for searching for the storage means at startup, and when at least a specific trigger information is found by the search, the basic software is placed in a maintenance mode. And the storage means for storing the basic software started in the maintenance mode. And means for changing by the change resources,
Means for restarting the changed basic software in a normal operation mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for changing basic software of a computer system, comprising a plurality of computers mounted with basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode, and connected to the plurality of computers via a communication line. And a specific trigger for instructing each computer to change the basic software from the host computer and instructing the computer to start applying the changed resources. Distributing the information, the respective computers receiving the changed resources and the specific trigger information from the communication line and storing them in a predetermined storage location, and searching for the information of the predetermined storage location at startup. And if the search finds at least certain trigger information,
Starting the basic software of each computer in a maintenance mode, changing the basic software started in the maintenance mode by using a change resource, and restarting the changed basic software in a normal operation mode. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, a change resource for changing the basic software from the host computer to each computer and specific trigger information for instructing the start of application of the change resource are distributed to each computer via a communication line. . When each computer receives the change resource and the specific trigger information from the communication line, each computer temporarily stores the information in a predetermined storage location.

Each computer searches for information of a predetermined storage location at the time of startup, and when at least a specific trigger information is searched by this search, the basic software of each computer is started in the maintenance mode, and then the basic software is updated. It is changed by the change resource, and the changed basic software is restarted in the normal operation mode.

That is, according to the present invention, in a system in which a plurality of computers are deployed all over the country, if a version upgrade or a problem occurs in the basic software (OS) of each computer, a version upgrade kit or a problem is transmitted from the host computer. First, as a modified resource such as a modified version, send the trigger information for instructing the start of application, and then apply the changed resource to all computers simultaneously and automatically in a simple manner. In addition to reducing such costs, it is possible to centrally manage software, which tends to be complicated, and prevent a failure due to a version shift from other software.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a dedicated line, for example, a communication line such as a local area network (LAN). The communication line 1 may be a public line or the like. The communication line 1 is provided with a host computer that distributes changed resources (version upgrade kits of basic software such as application software and a predetermined operating program (hereinafter referred to as OS) and modified versions of defects), such as a resource distribution server 10. And a plurality of industrial computers (hereinafter referred to as target machines) 20 which are arranged all over the country and need to upgrade the basic software. The target machine 20 controls the communication line 1 (such as a LAN) as the minimum equipment and
A LAN control processor 21 (hereinafter referred to as LCP 21) for transmitting and receiving information to and from a service processor 23 (hereinafter, referred to as an auxiliary storage device 22) for storing execution resources and change resources of basic software and a dummy file as specific trigger information. SVP 23) and the main storage device 24
(Hereinafter referred to as MEM 24), arithmetic control processor 25
(Hereinafter referred to as ACP25) and each of these processors and M
A basic G bus 26 for connecting the EM 24 and the like is provided. The ACP 25 operates under the OS environment. This OS has a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode for performing maintenance of the OS, and the program of the OS main body can be changed only when started in the maintenance mode.

FIG. 2 functionally (logically) represents each configuration of the target machine 20. In FIG.
Are changed resources such as upgraded basic software distributed from the resource distribution server 10 to target devices 20 in various places, and have a relatively large capacity. Reference numeral 31 denotes an application determination processing unit which determines whether or not the changed resource A is applied. Reference numeral 32 denotes a first storage location that stores execution resources such as an OS that is basic software of the target device 20. 33 is the target machine 20
This is a second storage location for temporarily storing the changed resources A, dummy files, and the like before being applied to. The first storage location 32 and the second storage location 33 are connected to the auxiliary storage device 22.
It is provided within. 34 is an application execution processing means,
A process for applying the changed resources of the basic software as execution resources is performed. The application determination processing unit 31 and the application execution processing unit 34 are one function of the ACP 25.

The operation of distributing and applying basic software change resources in this computer system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the resource distribution server 10 first takes in the changed resource A (S101) and registers it in itself.

The resource distribution server 10 distributes the changed resource A registered therein to a plurality of target devices 20 via the communication line 1 (S102). Since the change resource A generally has a large capacity, the change resource A may be distributed several times in consideration of the capacity, the load on the communication line 1, and the like.

While the change resource A is distributed to a plurality of target devices 20 through the communication line 1, even if the distribution of the change resource A to some target devices 20 is completed, the change resource A itself is automatically installed. It does not have any functions,
The application execution processing means 31 operates only after detecting that a dummy file, for example, autoins.flg, has been stored in the second storage location 33, so that the application of the change resource A No action is taken.

When each of the target devices 20 receives the changed resource A from the communication line 1, the received changed resource A is stored in a predetermined directory (folder) in the auxiliary storage device 22, that is, in the second storage location 33. To store.

When the storage of the changed resource A in the second storage location 33 is completed, each target device 20 transmits a notification of the completion of distribution to the resource distribution server 10.

Then, the resource distribution server 10 checks each target machine 2
0, the distribution completion notification is received, and
At the stage when the distribution of the change resources has been completed (S10).
3) A dummy file (autoins.flg) having a specific file name is sent as specific trigger information for notifying a plurality of target devices 20 of an instruction to apply the change resource A (S104). The dummy file is distributed to the target devices 20 in various places in the same manner as the change resource A on the day before the application start date of the change resource A. The dummy file may be an empty file or a simple command that does not apply a line load so that the dummy file can be distributed to target devices 20 in various places by the application start date.

A dummy file (autoins.
flg) (S105), the application determination processing means 31 stores the dummy file (autoins.flg) in a predetermined directory (folder) in the auxiliary storage device 22, that is, in the second storage location 33. Dummy file (auto
(ins.flg), the OS is set to start in the automatic distribution mode at the next start (S106), and a notification of the completion of the setting is returned to the resource distribution server 10.

The resource distribution server 10 controls all target machines 2
When the setting completion notification is received from 0, it is recognized that each target device 20 has been set to the automatic distribution mode. The location where the changed resource A and the dummy file (autoins.flg) are stored may be the same location as in this embodiment, or may be different locations. These operations of setting the distribution and the automatic distribution mode are performed before the processing of each target device 20 on the day before the application ends.

Hereinafter, the operation of the target machine 20 on the day of application will be described. When the power of the target device 20 is turned on and the OS is started from the first storage location 32 in the auxiliary storage device 22 on the day of the application date (S107), the application execution processing unit 33 is also started by the OS.

When activated, the application execution processing means 33 first searches the second storage location 33 and sets a dummy file (au).
toins.flg).

Here, the dummy file (autoins.flg)
Exists, that is, when the automatic distribution mode is set (YES in S108), the OS (target device 20) is restarted in the maintenance mode (S109).

Generally, when starting up an industrial computer, there are a normal mode and a maintenance mode, and when applying the changed resources of the basic software manually, the industrial computer is started up in a state where the execution resources of the basic software are not operating. Need to start in maintenance mode. The choice of boot mode is usually
Generally, an operator operates a switch before turning on the power.

When the target machine 20 starts up, it is always performed in the normal mode start-up process.
Becomes active, the application execution processing means 33 cannot operate the OS. Therefore, it is necessary to restart in the maintenance mode in order to replace or overwrite the OS.

When the OS is started in the maintenance mode, the application execution processing means 33 again executes the dummy file (autoins.flg).
Check for

Then, a dummy file (autoins.flg)
Does not exist, that is, when the automatic distribution mode is not set (NO in S110), the OS enters the conventional maintenance mode in which the change resource A is applied manually (S110).
111).

On the other hand, when the OS is started in the maintenance mode and the dummy file (autoins.flg) exists and is set to the automatic distribution mode (YES in S110), the application execution processing means 33 transfers the changed resource A to the After the transfer from the second storage location 33 to the first storage location 32, which is the storage location of the execution resources, and the change resource A is applied, the dummy file (autoins.flg
) Is deleted (S112).

In this embodiment, in order to automatically apply the change resource A while operating each target device 20,
After replacing the OS in the maintenance mode, it is necessary to set the normal mode again. In other words, a dummy file (autoins.flg
), The conventional maintenance mode will not be established. Therefore, if the processes of S111 and S112 are performed and the automatic distribution mode is not set, the conventional maintenance mode in which the changed resources are applied manually is defined so as to be usable.

When the application of the change resource A is completed by replacing the OS, the application execution processing means 33 sets the OS to be in the normal operation mode at the next startup (S113).

Then, the application execution processing means 33 outputs
0 is restarted in the normal operation mode (S114).

The target machine 20 restarted in the normal operation mode
Will operate under the normal operating mode environment of the new OS to which the changed resources have been applied.

As described above, according to the computer system of this embodiment, many industrial computers (target computer 2)
0), and when it is necessary to simultaneously upgrade the OS, which is the basic software of the plurality of target devices 20, and to deal with a problem, a version upgrade kit or a modified version to avoid the problem is provided. After distributing the change resource A to each target device 20 using the communication line 1, a dummy file having a relatively small capacity is sent to the target device 20 by the day before the start of application, and this dummy file is automatically applied as specific trigger information. A series of processes for changing to the setting mode, starting the OS in the maintenance mode when the target devices 20 are started on the day of the application start, simultaneously changing the changed resources A, and returning the OS to the original operation mode Automatically, the change resource A can be applied to all the target devices 20 at the same time.

As a result, costs required for changing resources can be reduced. Also, the software can be centrally managed. Further, it is possible to prevent a failure due to a version deviation from other software.

In the above embodiment, the version upgrade of the OS has been particularly described. However, the present invention can be applied to any basic software other than the OS as well as the OS.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the change of the basic software for computers in various places is automatically and simultaneously performed without manual operation, so that the cost for changing resources can be reduced.

In the case of a system in which computers of the same model are deployed all over the country, resources can be changed at the same time, such as repairing defects or upgrading, so that resources can be unified and related software can be used. Can be prevented beforehand due to the version deviation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a logical configuration of a target device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the computer system.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Changed resource, 10: Resource distribution server, 20: Target machine,
21 LAN control processor (LCP), 22 auxiliary storage device, 23 service processor (SVP), 24
Main storage device (MEM), 25 ... arithmetic control processor (A
CP), 26: basic G bus, 31: application determination processing means,
32 ... first storage location, 33 ... second storage location, 34 ...
Application execution processing means.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A computer system for changing basic software through a communication line for a plurality of computers connected via a communication line, wherein a change resource for changing the basic software for each computer is provided. First distribution means for distributing, means for receiving a change completion notification of the change resource from each of the computers, and a specific method for starting application of the change resource when the distribution completion notice is received from all the computers. A computer system comprising: a second distribution unit that distributes trigger information. 2. A computer system for performing a change of basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode on a plurality of computers connected via a communication line through the communication line, wherein each of the computers comprises: Means for receiving changed resources and specific trigger information from a communication line; storage means for storing the received information; search means for searching for the storage means at the time of activation; and at least specific trigger information searched by the search In this case, means for starting the basic software in the maintenance mode, means for changing the basic software started in the maintenance mode by using the change resource of the storage means, and restarting the changed basic software in the normal operation mode Computer system characterized by comprising: 3. A computer system comprising: a plurality of computers equipped with basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode; and a host computer connected to the plurality of computers via a communication line. Comprises means for distributing a change resource for changing the basic software to each computer and specific trigger information for instructing the start of application of this change resource, wherein each computer is connected to the communication line. Means for receiving changed resources and specific trigger information; storage means for storing the received information; search means for searching the storage means at the time of activation; and when at least specific trigger information is searched by the search, Means for starting the basic software in the maintenance mode, and the basic software started in the maintenance mode. Computer system, wherein the means for changing the A by changing resource in the storage means, that and means for restarting the modified basic software in the normal operation mode. 4. A basic software change method for a computer system having a plurality of computers equipped with basic software having a normal operation mode and a maintenance mode, and a host computer connected to the plurality of computers via a communication line. A step of distributing a change resource for changing basic software from the host computer to each of the computers and specific trigger information for instructing a start of application of the change resource, and A step in which the computer receives the changed resources and the specific trigger information and stores them in a predetermined storage location; a step of searching for the information of the predetermined storage location at the time of starting; and a case where at least the specific trigger information is searched by the search. Starting the basic software of each computer in the maintenance mode; Is a step of changing by changing the resource of the basic software, basic software change method of a computer system, characterized in that a step to restart the modified basic software in the normal operation mode.