JP2002024070A - Data backup method and computer readable recording medium in which backup program is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data backup method capable of efficiently performing backup of data at low cost even by a device of the same scale as that of a personal computer and to provide a computer readable recording medium in which a backup program is recorded. SOLUTION: Backup object data held in a user terminal 1 is retained in a data storage means 4 provided in a server 2 by using a network 3 to connect the user terminal 1 provided on the user side to the server 2 disposed on the provider side by whom backup service is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a data backup method and a computer-readable recording medium on which a backup program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The remarkable spread of personal computers has increased the amount of data created by users themselves, and the importance of the data has also increased. A user who recognizes the importance of backup performs regular data backup by purchasing a dedicated storage device or the like.

[0003]

However, a magnetic disk drive used as a storage device is constituted by only electronic components because of the nature of a device constituted by mechanical components such as a magnetic head or a disk-shaped storage medium. It is considered that the failure rate is higher than that of other devices. In addition, a failure of a device composed of only such electronic components often occurs suddenly and cannot be predicted in advance. Further, the cause of the data loss may be unexpected due to a hardware factor other than the magnetic disk device, a virus, a user's own operation error, a program bug, or the like. As a countermeasure against such data loss, duplication of a file or redundancy of a disk system can be cited. However, in a personal computer, such a measure is costly, and adoption of such a measure has been difficult for general users. In addition, since most of the users of the storage device are ordinary users who do not have specialized knowledge, it is difficult to perform complicated and cumbersome operations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a data backup method and a computer-readable recording medium on which a backup program is recorded, which can efficiently back up data at low cost. The purpose is to:

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The first invention of the present application for solving the above problems is to provide a network for connecting a user terminal provided on a user side and a server provided on a provider side for providing a backup service. A data backup method, wherein the backup target data stored in the user terminal is stored in a data storage unit provided in the server.

Therefore, a user can efficiently back up data at low cost without purchasing a backup storage device or the like in a user terminal owned by the user. More specifically, the user can easily back up the data without having to save the data to a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the like, which is troublesome for backing up the data.

Further, the second invention of the present application is characterized in that when the user terminal is connected to the network, updated data to be backed up is automatically held in the data storage means.

[0008] That is, the backup target data held in the user terminal updated by the user is automatically held in the data storage means. Therefore, the user can easily back up data without feeling operational complexity.

The third invention of the present application is characterized in that the backup target data larger than a predetermined data amount is divided and transmitted to the server.

[0010] The predetermined data amount is a data amount determined from a transmission time predicted by a computer based on the data amount and the transmission speed, and whether or not to divide is determined by a user. That is, when the user sets an upper limit of the transmission time in advance and the transmission time longer than the upper limit is calculated, the backup target data is divided. As described above, by dividing the data to be backed up, the user can sequentially transmit the divided files in a convenient time zone. Therefore, since the waiting time of the user until the transmission is completed is short, the user can efficiently back up data without feeling mental stress.

Further, the fourth invention of the present application uses a network for connecting a user terminal provided on the user side and a server provided on the provider side for providing a backup service, wherein the network is connected to the user terminal. A computer-readable recording medium on which a backup program is recorded, wherein data to be backed up is stored in a data storage means provided in the server.

Therefore, a user can efficiently back up data at low cost without purchasing a backup storage device or the like in a user terminal owned by the user. More specifically, the user can easily back up the data without having to save the data to a floppy disk or the like, which is troublesome for backing up the data.

Further, the fifth invention of the present application is characterized in that when the user terminal is connected to the network, updated data to be backed up is automatically stored in the data storage means.

That is, the backup target data held in the user terminal updated by the user is automatically held in the data storage means. Therefore, the user can easily back up data without feeling operational complexity.

Further, the sixth invention of the present application is characterized in that the backup target data larger than a predetermined data amount is divided and transmitted to the server.

The predetermined data amount is a data amount determined from a transmission time predicted by a computer based on the data amount and the transmission speed, and whether or not to divide the data is determined by a user. That is, when the user sets an upper limit of the transmission time in advance and the transmission time longer than the upper limit is calculated, the backup target data is divided. As described above, by dividing the data to be backed up, the user can sequentially transmit the divided files in a convenient time zone. Therefore, since the waiting time of the user until the transmission is completed is short, the user can efficiently back up data without feeling mental stress.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A data backup method and a computer-readable recording medium on which a backup program is recorded according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for realizing a data backup method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the data backup method of the present invention, a user terminal 1 provided on a user side and a server 2 provided on a provider side for providing a service to the user are connected to each other. This is realized in an environment composed of a network 3 such as the Internet.

Here, the network 3 is, for example, the Internet or a dedicated line which is connected to lines all over the world and covers the whole world like a spider web (WWW: World Wide Web). Also, the network 3
It is sufficient that information is transmitted between the user terminal 1 and the server 2 irrespective of wired or wireless.

The user terminal 1 is a plurality of terminals used by a plurality of users.
, And a terminal having means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 2. The means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 2 may be constituted by a hardware interface such as a modem, a terminal adapter or a router, and software (hereinafter, a backup program) for accessing the server 2 and executing data transmission and reception. it can. Further, the user terminal 1 has a storage unit 4 such as a hard disk for recording information as shown in FIG.
Having. The user terminal 1 may be a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like connectable to the network 3 such as the Internet.

The backup program has a function of determining whether data to be backed up held in the user terminal 1 has been updated. Further, the backup program stores updated data (hereinafter, referred to as “updated data”).
Server 2 via the network 3
Has the function of transmitting to Further, the backup program has a function of receiving data from the server 2 when restoring a data file. It is preferable that the transmission and reception of the backup target data be performed using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Further, the backup program is automatically started when the user terminal 1 is started or the user terminal 1 is started.
When the user starts accessing the network 3, it is possible to select automatic start or manual start.

The server 2 is an information processing device such as a workstation server, and is provided with a data storage means 5 such as a hard disk for storing data received from a user.

Next, the first operation of transmitting data to be backed up from the user terminal 1 to the server 2 and backing up the data held by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an initial operation of transmitting backup target data from the user terminal 1 to the server 2. (Steps A1 and A2) First, a contract for a data backup service is made between the user and the provider. Here, the provider transmits to the user a user ID indicating that the user has concluded a backup service contract with the user. (Steps A3 and A4) Next, the provider who has concluded the backup service contract with the user secures a storage area of the data storage means 5 of the server 2 and stores the user I
In addition to performing security settings such as registration of D, settings required for data transmission and reception are performed. In addition, the provider provides the user with a backup program necessary for the user to use the data backup service. The provision of the backup program is performed via the network 3. On the other hand, the user installs the backup program provided by the provider on the user terminal 1 owned by the user and performs setting. (Step A5) Here, the user determines a data area to be backed up for each folder or file, which is an aggregate of files, and sets the data area in the backup program as backup target data. Further, it is desirable that the setting of the backup target data can be added and changed.

(Step A6) Next, the user activates the backup program installed on the user terminal 1 of the user. (Step A7) Next, the user connects the user terminal 1 to the network 3, and transmits a connection request including the user ID from the user terminal 1 to the server 2. (Step A8) Next, based on the connection request received from the user terminal 1, the server 2 confirms the user's authentication by collating the user ID and the like, and sends the authenticated user ID to the user terminal 1 that has transmitted the authenticated user ID. Reply for data transfer acceptance permission. (Step A9) Next, the user who has received the reply of the data transfer acceptance permission transmits all of the backup target data from the user terminal 1 to the server 2. That is, when transmitting the backup target data for the first time, it is necessary to transmit all the backup target data. Here, when the data amount of the data to be backed up is enormous compared to the transmission speed of the user terminal 1, divided transmission over several days is performed. The setting of the divided transmission can be performed on a backup program. (Step A10) Finally, the server 2 transmits the user terminal 1
Is stored in the data storage means 5.

Next, an operation in which the user backs up data for the second time and thereafter will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the user terminal 1 periodically transmits backup target data to the server 2 to back up the data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk provided in the user terminal 1. (Step B1) First, the user activates the user terminal 1 and activates the backup program installed in the user terminal 1. Further, the backup program may be automatically started at the same time when the user terminal 1 is started. (Step B2) Next, the activated backup program automatically checks whether or not preset backup target data has been updated. (Step B3) Next, the user connects the user terminal 1 to the network 3, and the user terminal 1
A connection request including the user ID.

(Step B4) Next, based on the connection request received from the user terminal 1, the server 2 confirms the user's authentication by collating the user ID and the like, and sends the authenticated user ID to the user terminal. 1 is returned with a data transfer acceptance permission. (Step B5) Next, the user receiving the reply of the data transfer acceptance permission connects the user terminal 1 to the server 2,
The updated backup target data among the plurality of backup target data held in the user terminal 1 is transmitted from the user terminal 1 to the server 2. (Step B6) Next, the server 2 stores the backup target data received from the user terminal 1 in the data storage unit 5.

Finally, an operation for performing data recovery will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. Here, a case where the user terminal 1 itself functions normally and only the backup target data is lost will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the user terminal 1 receives data from the server 2 and recovers the data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of data to be backed up (hereinafter, list data) stored in the data storage means 5 provided in the server 2. (Step C1) First, the user activates the user terminal 1. (Step C2) Next, the user activates the backup program installed in the user terminal 1. (Step C3) Next, the user connects the user terminal 1 to the network 3 and sends the user I to the server 2.
D, and sends a connection request.

(Step C4) Next, based on the connection request received from the user terminal 1, the server 2
The authentication of the user is confirmed by collation and the like, and a data transfer acceptance permission is returned to the user terminal 1 which has transmitted the authenticated user ID. (Step C5) Next, the user receiving the reply of the data transfer acceptance permission connects the user terminal 1 to the server 2,
The request for the list data 6 is transmitted to the server 2. (Step C6) Next, the server 2 receives a request for the list data 6 of the backup target data from the user terminal 1, and transmits the list data 6 to the user terminal 1. (Step C7) Next, the user who has received the list data 6 selects the backup target data to be restored from the list data 6 (hereinafter referred to as “recovery target data”), and transmits the information of the selected recovery target data to the user terminal 1. To the server 2.

(Step C8) Next, the server 2 that has received the information on the data to be restored extracts the data to be backed up stored in the data storage means 5, and uses the extracted data to be backed up as the data to be restored as the user terminal. Send to 1. (Step C9) Finally, the user recovers the lost data by receiving the recovery target data from the server 2.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a data backup method and a backup according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which are different from the data backup method and the computer-readable recording medium storing the backup program according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded will be described below. The computer-readable recording medium that stores the data backup method and the backup program according to the present embodiment allows the same user to perform work using the same data using a plurality of terminals. Specifically, first, when a user performs an operation using the data to be backed up on the user terminal 1 installed at home, the computer storing the data backup method and the backup program according to the first embodiment of the present invention The backup target data used by the user terminal 1 installed at home is transmitted to the server 2 by the data backup operation described in the readable recording medium. Lastly, the data to be backed up used on the user terminal 1 installed at home is transferred to the mobile terminal owned by the user or another terminal installed at the workplace by the data backup method and the backup method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The program is downloaded from the server 2 by the data recovery operation described on the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. As a result, the same user can perform work using the same backup target data using a plurality of terminals. Therefore, the user can work using the same backup target data without selecting a place or a terminal. Further, the user does not need to carry a storage medium for storing data.

The computer-readable recording medium on which the backup program of the present invention is recorded refers to any computer-readable recording medium on which the program enabling the operation in each of the embodiments described above is recorded. For example, it refers to an auxiliary storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM or a main storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0032]

According to the data backup method and the computer readable recording medium of the present invention described above, a user can back up data without purchasing a backup storage device. It can be performed efficiently and reliably. More specifically, the user can easily back up the data without having to save the data to a floppy disk or the like, which is troublesome for backing up the data.

[0033]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram for realizing a data backup method according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an operation diagram of a data backup method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation diagram of the data backup method according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of storage means of the user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an operation diagram of the data backup method according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of list data according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 User terminal 2 Server 3 Network 4 Storage means 5 Data storage means 6 List data

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Using a network connecting a user terminal provided on a user side and a server provided on a provider side for providing a backup service, backup target data held in the user terminal is transmitted to the server. A data backup method, wherein the data is stored in a provided data storage means. 2. The data backup method according to claim 1, wherein when the user terminal is connected to the network, updated backup target data is automatically held in the data storage means. . 3. The data backup method according to claim 1, wherein the backup target data larger than a predetermined data amount is divided and transmitted to the server. 4. Using a network connecting a user terminal provided on a user side and a server provided on a provider side for providing a backup service, data to be backed up held in the user terminal is transmitted to the server. A computer-readable recording medium on which a backup program is recorded, the recording medium being stored in a data storage means provided. 5. The backup program according to claim 4, wherein when the user terminal is connected to the network, updated data to be backed up is automatically stored in the data storage means. Computer-readable recording medium. 6. A computer-readable recording recording a backup program according to claim 4, wherein said backup target data larger than a predetermined data amount is divided and transmitted to said server. Medium.