JP2000250855A - Network computing system, operating mode control method for the same and repeater to be used for the same system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely switch the operating mode of a network computer. SOLUTION: When a network computer 30 is loaded in a repeater 20, on the basis of an indication from a mode switching mechanism 336, the operating mode is automatically switched. In an office mode, synchronizing processing is performed and a lock state is held by a lock mechanism 38. In a mobile mode, the lock state of the lock mechanism 38 is canceled as well and the network computer 30 can be detached from the repeater 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network computing system in which a server computer and a terminal device are connected via a network, and more particularly to a network computing system and a network for controlling an operation mode of a network computer as a terminal device. The present invention relates to an operation mode control method in a computing system and a relay device used in a network computing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A server computer (hereinafter referred to as a "server") storing various data and information (resources) of programs such as an operating system (OS) of a network computer and application software.
A network computer, which is a terminal device that acquires and operates resources including the OS by downloading from the server, operates and updates data, and sends the data to the server by uploading, is connected to a public network or a LAN (Loc).
A network computing system connected via a network such as an Al Area Network is provided. In this system, a network computer is constantly connected to a server via a network to download and operate an OS and desired application software (referred to as an office mode), or download an OS and desired resources to connect to a network. In this case, a mode is assumed in which the network computer is operated offline alone (referred to as a mobile mode). Normally, the downloaded resources are stored in a logical storage area called a daypack provided in, for example, a hard disk device mounted on a network computer, in a replica (replica).
ation) and subjected to various processes.

[0003] When a downloaded replica is used in a mobile mode, data is inconsistent between a server-side resource and a replica in a daypack because a server and a network computer are not connected / communicated in real time. It is. In order to resolve this inconsistency, it is necessary to connect a network computer to a server via a network at any time to synchronize data. For example, when daypack data is updated in the mobile mode, the data needs to be uploaded to the server. When the software on the server side is updated, it is necessary to download new software in the daypack. As described above, in the mobile mode, it is necessary to download and upload resources between the server and the network computer, and the network computer is used while repeating the mode transition between the office mode and the mobile mode. Things.

[0004]

However, in the above-described switching process between the office mode and the mobile mode in the network computer, it is necessary for the user himself to directly perform the switching operation. For example, the user is forced to perform an operation such as performing a reboot or clicking an icon for mode switching.

In the case of using in the office mode, it is necessary for the user to perform a troublesome operation of connecting a cable for connecting to the network by himself / herself to a network computer with a connector.

[0006] As described above, the mode switching operation is a very troublesome operation for the user, and since the operation is left to the user's own will, there is a possibility that the user may forget to download or upload. However, it is hard to say that this is performed accurately, and this has been a factor in lowering the reliability of data updating and the like.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and solves the above-mentioned disadvantages, and a network computing system in which operation modes can be easily and reliably switched, and an operation mode in the network computing system. It is an object to provide a control method and a relay device used in a network computing system.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides various data and operating systems (O / O).
S) and a server computer storing program information such as application software, a network connecting the server computer, and connecting to the server computer via the network to download the OS and desired information from the server computer. In a network computing system comprising a network computer that operates in a network, a relay device that is connected to the network and detachably mounts the network computer is provided. The operation mode can be switched.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, when the network computer is mounted on the relay device, the operation mode is switched, and information stored in the network computer corresponds to information stored in the server computer. It is characterized in that it is configured to perform a synchronization process related to stored information and a process unique to application software.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the mode switching processing is automatically switched to another operation mode when the synchronization processing or processing unique to application software is completed. And

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that when the network computer is mounted on the relay device, the operation mode is switched periodically.

According to the above configuration, the mode can be automatically and simply switched without any trouble of the user, and the operability is improved.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a configuration in which the network computer and the relay device are locked so as not to be detached during the synchronization processing or the processing unique to the application software. It is configured to notify the operation mode status.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a user accidentally removes the network computer from the relay device and causes data destruction,
It also improves the reliability of the system.

[0015]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network computing system according to the present embodiment.
As shown, in the present network computing system, a server computer (server) 10
And the relay device 20 and the network computer 30,
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configu
(Relation Protocol) server computer 40 and a LAN (Local Area Network).
rk) 50.

The server 10 having a server function is provided with a control unit 12 for performing various controls / processes and an operating system (O) for operating the network computer 30.
S) and a storage device 14 composed of a large-capacity hard disk device for storing program information and data (resources) of various application software. Here, the OS and program information are stored in the OS of the storage device 14.
The data is stored in the / software storage area 14a in a readable / writable manner in the data storage area 14b.

The relay device 20 is connected to the LAN 50 and an external power supply, and detachably mounts the network computer 30 (see FIG. 2). This relay device 20
Is provided with a lock mechanism 22. While the network computer 30 is mounted and performing a predetermined process (described later), the locked state between the network computer 30 and the relay device 20 is maintained. The lock state is released when not performed.

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a concave portion 20b on which the network computer 30 is mounted is formed in the upper surface portion 20a of the relay device 20.
An engagement pin 222 made of an elastic member constituting the lock mechanism 22 is formed at a rear portion of the concave portion 20b. A metal piece used for an electromagnetic lock is attached to the engaging portion 222a of the engaging pin 222,
A release portion 222 for unlocking is provided at a portion opposite to 22a.
b is formed. That is, the engagement portion 222a is engaged with an engagement receiving portion 38a (described later) of the lock mechanism 38 provided in the network computer 30. It is configured to be released by the movement of 222b in the direction of arrow B.

A LAN wall is provided on the rear wall surface of the recess 20b.
A LAN connector 24 connected to a LAN cable connected to 50 and a power connector 26 connected to a power cable connected to an external power supply are provided. Both connectors 24 and 26 are flat, flat contact type conductive connectors. When the network computer 30 is mounted, the connectors 24 and 26 are a flat planar contact type conductive LAN connection connector 31 and a power supply connector 32 provided on the back of the network computer 30.
(See FIG. 3). Further, a red lamp 28a is turned on when the network computer 30 is executing the predetermined process, and a green lamp 28b is turned on when the process is not performed, on the front surface of the relay device 20. Indicator part 2
8 are provided.

The network computer 30 has a control unit 33 for controlling various internal controls, a memory 34 for storing information and the like downloaded from the server 10, and an interface function for connecting to the network by being connected to the LAN connection connector 31. Network controller 3 having
5. A battery 36 serving as a driving power supply source, a power supply control device 37 connected to the power supply connector 32 for monitoring and controlling external supply power transmitted through the battery 36 and the connector 32, and a lock mechanism 38 are provided. (See FIG. 5).

The memory 34 is composed of a small hard disk device, downloads an OS for operating the network computer 30 and resources such as desired application software and data from the server 10 and is called a daypack provided in the hard disk device. The logical storage area to be created has a replica (replica)
ation). The OS and the application software are stored in the OS / software storage area 3
4a, and the data is stored in the data area 34b. However, in the office mode described later, the data does not need to be normally downloaded. still,
Of course, a flash memory card may be used as the memory.

The control unit 33 includes the network control device 3
5, a power control mechanism 334 for controlling the power control device 37, a mode switching mechanism 336 for transmitting instruction information to the network control mechanism 332 and the power control mechanism 334, and a synchronization processing section 338.
Is provided.

The mode switching mechanism 336 is provided when the network computer 30 is mounted on the relay device 20, that is, when the connectors 31 and 32 of the network computer 30
Contacts the connectors 24 and 26 of the relay device 20, an interrupt signal is generated in the control unit 33 and the mounting state is detected /
When recognized, the operation mode of the network computer 30 is switched. That is, until then, only the desired resource is downloaded, the network connection is cut off, and the network computer 30 goes offline.
The operation mode is switched from a mode in which the server 10 is operated alone (mobile mode) to a mode in which the server 10 is always operated while connected to the server 10 (office mode). The synchronous processing unit 338 is driven in accordance with the mode switching, and performs synchronous processing of data and software and processing unique to software. Here, the synchronization processing means, for example, when data of a daypack is updated in the mobile mode, the data is uploaded to the server 10. or,
If the software on the server 10 has been updated, the new software must be downloaded into the daypack. The processing unique to the software is assumed to be, for example, a case where electronic mail software is downloaded to the network computer 30 and a mail is created in the mobile mode. The created mail is held in the network computer 30 until the network computer 30 is connected to the server 10. Then, when connected to the server 10, the e-mail software sends the created mail to the server 10. Alternatively, the e-mail sent to the network computer 30 during the mobile mode is stored in the server 10. When the network computer 30 is connected to the server 10 and enters the office mode, the electronic mail stored in the server 10 is transferred to the network computer 30. When the network computer 30 is connected to the server 10 in this manner, it refers to a process unique to the function of the software, such as the software of the network computer 30 performs.

Further, based on the instruction information from the mode switching mechanism 336, the power supply control mechanism 334 controls whether to drive with the power supplied from the battery 36 or with the power supplied from the outside, and to control the inside of the network computer 30. Is controlled. Further, based on the instruction information from the mode switching mechanism 336, the lock mechanism 3
8 controls the driving of the electromagnetic clutch provided on the engagement receiving portion 38a. That is, in the office mode, the electromagnetic clutch is driven to keep the engagement portion 222a and the engagement receiving portion 38a in a locked state, and in the mobile mode, the electromagnetic clutch is not driven and the engagement portion 222a is engaged. Receiving part 38a
Is configured to be unlockable.

The DHCP server computer 40 manages information such as the IP addresses of the network computer 30 and the server 10 that are used in the connection processing between the network computer 30 and the server 10.

The operation / action of the above configuration will be described below.

As described above, in the office mode, the network computer 30 centrally manages the resources such as the OS and application programs in the server 10, and transfers only necessary resources from the server 10 via the LAN 50 when necessary. Download and work. When updating data, the data in the server 10 is directly updated. Therefore, it is premised that it is always connected to the network 50 and can communicate with the server 10 ((a) of FIG. 6).
reference).

Here, in order to connect to the server, information such as the IP address of the network computer 30 and the IP address of the server 10 is required. This information is
The information is obtained from the DHCP server 40 by the DHCP protocol. Note that DHCP is merely an example, and other methods may of course be used.

On the other hand, in the mobile mode, in order to operate the network computer 30, necessary resources are downloaded from the server 10 and a replica is created in the memory 34 (see FIG. 6B). Thus, it is possible to perform the same processing in the mobile mode as in the office mode.

When the network computer 30 is used in the mobile mode, data mismatch occurs between the server 10 side resource and the replica in the daypack. In order to resolve this inconsistency, the network computer 30 is connected to the server 10 via the LAN 50 by attaching the network computer 30 to the relay device 20 at some point,
Data needs to be synchronized.

Hereinafter, the synchronization processing will be mainly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the network computer 30 operating in the mobile mode is mounted on the relay device 20 (Y in step S702), the corresponding connector 24,
31, 26, and 32 are connected by contact, and
2a is engaged with the engagement receiving portion 30a. Then, an interrupt process occurs in the network computer 30 and recognizes that the network computer has been attached to the relay device 20 (step S704). As a result, the lock mechanism 38 drives the electromagnetic clutch of the engagement receiving portion 38a to maintain the locked state with the engagement portion 222a.

Here, to describe the movement of the engaging pin 222 in detail, when the network computer 30 moves in the direction of arrow A with respect to the relay device 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), The lower end portion contacts the upper portion of the engagement pin 22 to urge the engagement pin 222 in the direction of arrow B. Since the engagement pin 222 has elasticity, the engagement pin 222 is inclined in the direction of arrow B, and the back surface thereof is pressed by the engagement portion 222a against the above-mentioned bias as the network computer 30 moves in the direction of arrow A. . Then, when the network computer 30 is accommodated in the concave portion 20b of the relay device 20, the engaging portion 222a and the engaging receiving portion 38a are engaged.

If the network computer 30 thus mounted is in the suspend mode for energy saving (Y in step S706), the network computer 30 is temporarily resumed (step S708).
That is, via the connectors 26 and 32 between the relay device 20 and the network computer 30, the power supply control device 37 detects that the power supply has been started from the relay device, and resumes.

Next, the mode switching mechanism 336 operates to automatically start the mode switching process and switch to the office mode (step S710). When the mode is switched to the office mode, as described above, the synchronization processing between the server 10 side resources and the replica in the daypack is operated, or the application is notified of the switching and the application performs specific processing. It becomes possible, and the process is executed (step S712).
At this time, a red lamp 28a indicating that the synchronization process is being performed is turned on.

When the synchronization processing and the application processing are completed (Y in step S714), the mode switching mechanism 336 recognizes that the processing is completed, and switches the operation mode to the mobile mode again (step S716). Accordingly, the red lamp 28a is turned off and the green lamp 28b is turned on, and the lock mechanism 38 stops driving the electromagnetic clutch of the engagement receiving portion 38a to release the locked state with the engagement portion 222a. The network computer 30
Has shifted to the mobile mode, the user presses the release portion 222b in the direction of arrow B to release the engagement portion 2b.
The engagement state between the engagement receiving portion 38a and the engagement receiving portion 38a is released, the network computer 30 is detached from the relay device 20, and can be used in the mobile mode. Note that the network computer 30 that is in the mobile mode and detached from the relay device 20 enters a suspend state if it has not been used for a predetermined time.

By the way, the network computer 30
Is continuously mounted on the relay device 20 after a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S718, Y in S720).
The mode switching mechanism 336 operates periodically to perform processing of switching to the office mode → synchronization processing, software specific operation → switching to the mobile mode (steps S710 to S716). As a result, it is possible to periodically synchronize the data of the server 10 side resources and the data of the replica in the daypack or to perform processing unique to the software.

The above series of processes may be configured to be executable by storing the program information in a computer-readable storage medium and mounting the storage medium in a network computer. Of course.

[0040]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the operation mode of the network computer can be switched easily and reliably without bothering the user. In addition, the data and the like can be automatically synchronized, so that the conventional inconsistency of the data and the like can be eliminated, and the reliability of the entire system can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, since the lock mechanism and the notification mechanism function during the synchronization processing, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user inadvertently removes the network computer from the relay apparatus and destroys data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network computing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view schematically showing an appearance of a relay device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view schematically showing the back surface of the network computer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary side view schematically showing the lock mechanism according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a relay device and a network computer according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a use form of a network computer according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating the flow of a synchronization process according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

10: server computer, 20: relay device, 22, 3
8 Lock mechanism, 28 Indicator part, 30 Network computer, 24, 31 Connector (for network connection), 26, 32 Connector (for power connection),
33 ... control unit, 34 ... memory, 50 ... LAN, 336 ...
Mode switching mechanism.

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A server computer that stores program data such as various data, an operating system, and software, a network that connects the server computer, and a server computer that connects to the server computer via the network and transmits the operating system to the server computer. In a network computing system comprising a system and a network computer which downloads and operates desired information, a relay device for connecting to the network and detachably mounting the network computer is provided. A network computing system comprising mode switching means for switching an operation mode of the network computer according to a state. 2. An operation mode of the network computer is switched by the mode switching means when the network computer is mounted on the relay device, and a synchronization process is performed on storage information in the network computer and corresponding storage information in the server computer. 2. The network computing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing: 3. The network computing system according to claim 2, wherein said mode switching means is configured to switch to another operation mode when said synchronization processing is completed. 4. An operation mode of the network computer is switched by the mode switching unit when the network computer is mounted on the relay device, and the network computer is provided with a unit for performing a unique process of software stored in the network computer. The network computing system according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The network computing system according to claim 4, wherein said mode switching means is configured to switch to another operation mode when the processing unique to the software is completed. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said mode switching means switches the operation mode periodically when said network computer is mounted on said relay apparatus. , Claim 4,
The network computing system according to claim 5. 7. A lock mechanism for preventing the network computer and the relay device from being detached during the synchronization process or the software-specific process. 7. The network computing system according to claim 6. 8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the operation mode status. Network computing system. 9. A server computer for storing program information such as various data, an operating system, software, etc., a network connecting the server computer, and a server computer connected to the server computer via the network to transmit the operating system from the server computer. In a network computing system comprising a system and a network computer that operates by downloading desired information, a relay device for detachably mounting the network computer is provided on the network, and the network computer is connected to the relay device. When attached, synchronous processing or software-specific processing is executed. When the synchronous processing / specific processing is completed, the network computer retrieves data from the relay device. An operation mode control method in a network computing system, wherein the operation mode control method is detachable. 10. The network computing system according to claim 9, wherein the network computer and the relay device maintain a locked state during the synchronization processing or the unique processing. Operating mode control method. 11. The operation mode control in the network computing system according to claim 9, wherein the status is notified during the synchronization process or the unique process. Method. 12. The network computer according to claim 9, wherein the operation mode of the network computer is periodically switched when the network computer is mounted on the relay device.
An operation mode control method in the network computing system described above. 13. A server computer that stores various data and program information such as an operating system and software, a network computer that operates by downloading said operating system and desired information from said server computer, said network computer and said server In a network computer system comprising a relay device provided on a network connecting a computer, the relay device is configured to detachably mount the network computer, and according to a mounting state of the relay device, A relay device used in a network computing system, further comprising means for switching an operation mode of the network computer. 14. The operation mode of the network computer is switched by the mode switching means when the network computer is mounted on the relay device, and a synchronization process is performed on storage information in the network computer and corresponding storage information in the server computer. 14. The relay device used in the network computing system according to claim 13, further comprising means for performing: 15. The relay device used in a network computing system according to claim 14, wherein said mode switching means is configured to switch to another operation mode when said synchronization processing ends. 16. The network computer further comprises means for performing an inherent process of application software in the network computer when the operation mode is switched by the mode switching means when the network computer is mounted on the relay device. Claim 1
3. A relay device used in the network computing system according to 3. 17. The relay device used in a network computing system according to claim 16, wherein said mode switching means switches to another operation mode when said specific processing is completed. 18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said mode switching means switches the operation mode periodically when said network computer is mounted on said relay apparatus. A relay device used in the network computing system according to claim 16 or 17. 19. A lock mechanism for preventing the network computer and the relay device from being disengaged during the synchronization processing or the unique processing. 19. The network computing system according to claim 18. 20. An apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a notifying means for notifying the operation mode status.
20. A relay device used in the network computing system according to claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, claim 18, or claim 19.