JP2002024175A - Client/server type computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a personally available client/server type computer system. SOLUTION: This system is provided with an exchange network 20 formed as a public network, a server 10 connected to this exchange network 20 and a client 50 connected to the exchange network 20, the server 10 has a bulk storage 13 for storing the data of the client 50 and the client 50 operates by accessing its own data stored in the bulk storage 13 through the exchange network 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a client-server type computer system for storing user data on a network, and extracting and processing the stored data as needed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, relatively small computers such as personal computers and information terminal devices (hereinafter simply referred to as "personal computers") have been used by many companies and individuals. As shown in FIG. 5, the personal computer 100 is connected to a network 110 and used in many cases.

[0005] The personal computer 100 generally includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “CPU”) 51, a memory 52, an input / output device 53, and a storage device 54 having a relatively large capacity. As the storage device 54, a hard disk device or a flash memory is used. The storage device 54 stores an operating system, application software, and user private data such as documents, images, and sounds. The memory 52 is a random access memory (hereinafter, “R”).
AM ") and a sub-memory area composed of a non-volatile memory, and a startup program is stored in the sub-memory area. This startup program is used to start up the personal computer 100.

In the conventional personal computer 100 configured as described above, when a power-on or reset operation is performed, first, a startup program is executed by the CPU 51. Accordingly, the CPU 51 loads the operating system from the storage device 54 to the main memory area on the memory 52. Thereafter, the CPU 51 operates according to the operating system loaded in the main memory area. For example, the CPU 51 loads an application program specified by the input / output device 53 into a main memory area on the memory 52 under the control of the operating system. Then, the application program is executed while reading the private data from the storage device 54 as necessary. CPU5
1 communicates with other computers via the network 110 under the control of the operating system.

The hard disk device used as the storage device 54 in the personal computer as described above has a large capacity, but cannot be said to have high reliability because it is a rotary machine. Further, since a mechanical operation is involved in reading and writing data, there is a fundamental problem that an access speed such as a data reading and writing speed is low. On the other hand, a flash memory has a feature of high reliability and a high access speed because there is no part that performs a mechanical operation. However, this flash memory has a problem that the cost for the capacity is high.

On the other hand, in recent years, the speed of a network connecting computers has rapidly increased, and the speed has become sufficiently fast to the access speed of a hard disk drive. Therefore, a client-server type computer system has been developed in which a server computer is provided with a disk array system composed of a plurality of hard disk devices to centrally store private data of a plurality of users so that a plurality of users can access in parallel. Have been.
In this client / server type computer system, each user stores his / her private data from a personal computer via a network in a disk array system of a server, and if necessary, from the disk array system via the network. Can be read and used.

According to this client-server type computer system, the disk array system connected to the server is composed of a hard disk device having high reliability and high speed. As compared with the case where data is stored in a memory, reliability and speed are increased.
In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a large-capacity storage device in each personal computer, hardware costs can be reduced when viewed as a whole system including a server.

Further, conventionally, when the power of the personal computer is turned off or taken out to another place, the user cannot access his / her private data stored in the personal computer from the outside.
According to this client-server type computer system, since the user's own private data is stored in the continuously operating server, the user can access the user's own private data from outside at any time. Because of the various advantages described above, the client-server type computer system is rapidly spreading.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which such a client-server type computer system is realized by an in-house local area network (LAN). The system includes a server 10, a plurality of thin client 50 _1-5
0 _n (hereinafter, represented by reference numeral “50”) and an in-house LAN 60 connecting them. In this system, the operating system, application private, private data, and the like used by each thin client 50 are collectively managed by the server 10. Therefore, the thin client 50 does not include a hard disk device or is configured by a personal computer including a small-capacity hard disk device.

According to this system, since all data used by the user is stored in the server, the data is less likely to be damaged due to the personal computer as in the related art. Further, since the data backup is performed collectively by the server 10, even if the data is broken, it can be restored. Also, because the user's data is stored on the server 10, the user can access his or her data using any thin client, and each individual need not own a personal computer. Furthermore, Shin
A personal computer used as a client does not have a hard disk drive, or even if it has one, it is a small-capacity hard disk drive.
A personal computer used as a client can be configured at low cost.

[0011]

In recent years, a system as shown in FIG. 7 has been considered as a further development of the client service type computer system shown in FIG. In this system, the server 10 managed by the outsourcing service provider is connected to a corporate LAN 60 installed in each of a plurality of companies by a dedicated line 70. A plurality of thin clients 50 are connected to the LAN 60. According to this system, in addition to the same effects as the client-server type computer system realized by the in-house LAN described above, the server is managed by an outsourcing service provider having specialized knowledge, so that the company has a cost advantage. And a highly reliable system can be used.

However, the above-mentioned client-server type computer system is difficult to construct and manage the system unless it is an organization such as a company having a plurality of computers, and it is difficult to realize cost merit. In particular, individuals cannot use a client-server type computer system as described above at home.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a client-server type computer system that can be used by individuals.

[0014]

[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS]
To achieve the above object, the server-type computer system includes a high-speed network formed as a public network,
A server connected to the high-speed network, and a client connected to the high-speed network, wherein the server has a large-capacity storage device for storing the data of the client; It is configured to operate by accessing its own data stored in the mass storage device via the storage device.

According to this client-server type computer system, the server and the client are connected via a high-speed network formed as a public network. Accordingly, since the server can be accessed from an unspecified number of clients, it is possible to construct a client-server type computer system using an unspecified number of individuals as clients.

In this client-server type computer system, the high-speed network can be formed by a switching network. According to this configuration, since the server and the client are connected one-to-one via the exchange, data transferred between the server and the client does not leak to the outside, and a high security system is constructed. it can.

In this client-server type computer system, the high-speed network can be formed by a cable television network. According to this configuration, high-speed data transfer can be performed between the server and the client using the cable television network that is currently in practical use, so that each client has a storage device (for example, a hard disk device) therein. Even if it is not provided, it is possible to access its own data at the same speed as when the storage device is provided.

In this case, it is preferable that the data transfer between the server and the client via the cable television network is performed by encryption. In general, a cable television network is used for the purpose of delivering the same data to each house at a high speed, so that data transferred between a server and a client may leak. Therefore, when confidentiality is required for data transferred between the server and the client, security can be ensured by encrypting and transferring the data.

Further, in this client-server type computer system, the client has a memory storing a start-up program for downloading an operating system from the server via the high-speed network, and responds to a start-up instruction of the client. Then, an operating system can be downloaded from the server by activating a boot program stored in the memory, and the operating system can be operated in accordance with the downloaded operating system.

According to this configuration, the conventional client
As in the case of a server type computer system, not only the client's private data but also the operating system used by the client is stored in the storage device of the server, and when there is a start instruction such as power-on or reset operation, the client A boot program stored in a memory is started, and an operating system is downloaded from a server to operate. According to this configuration, since the client does not need to have an operating system, a storage device such as a hard disk device or a flash memory for storing the operating system is not required. The application program can also be configured to be stored in the storage device of the server and downloaded as needed.

In this client-server type computer system, the client can be configured so as not to include a storage device for storing an operating system and an application. In this case, not only the client's private data but also the operating system and application programs are stored in the storage device of the server. According to this configuration,
Inexpensive client configuration.

Further, in this client-server type computer system, the server can be installed in a rugged building and provided with means for preventing unauthorized access from the high-speed network. According to this configuration, the server can be protected from both the physical aspect and the information aspect, so that the security of the entire system can be enhanced.

The client-server type computer system may further include an upload unit for uploading all data used by the client to the server. In this case, a dedicated computer installed at a site (docking station) scattered at an appropriate density such as a gas station or a convenience store, and a dedicated line connected to the server from the computer are used as the uploading means. Can be. According to this configuration, a large amount of data owned by the client can be uploaded in a short time.

In this client-server type computer system, the server further comprises a reading device for reading a portable recording medium, wherein the reading device is a portable recording medium on which all data used by the client are recorded. Is read and stored in the storage device.

According to this configuration, when the client shifts from the conventional personal computer to the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the client transfers all the data used by its own personal computer to a portable type. The above-described upload can be performed by storing the data in a storage medium and reading the portable storage medium by a reading device of a server. Therefore,
Uploading can be performed easily and in a short time.

In this client-server type computer system, the server is further connected to another network different from the high-speed network, and the storage device is accessed via the other network. Can be configured. According to this configuration, for example, the server can be accessed from the Internet by using the Internet as another network.
The usability is dramatically improved.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding parts as those described in the section of the related art will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1) In a client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a switching network is used as a high-speed network.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This client-server type computer system includes a server 10 operated by a service provider and a thin client 50 ₁ installed in a home or the like.
~ 50 _n (hereinafter, unless otherwise required,
(Represented by reference numeral "50"). The server 10 and each thin client 50 are connected by the switching network 20.

The server 10 is composed of a highly reliable processing device such as a large-scale computer system or workstation, which can perform high-speed processing. The server 10 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, and a mass storage device 13. The CPU 11
The entire server 10 is controlled according to a control program stored in the memory 12.

The memory 12 includes a main memory area composed of a RAM and a sub-memory area composed of a nonvolatile memory. In the main memory area,
The control program described above is stored. In the sub memory area, a start program for starting the server 10 is stored.

The large-capacity storage device 13 is composed of a disk array composed of a plurality of large-capacity hard disk devices. This large-capacity storage device 13 stores private data unique to each client. Private data includes data such as documents, images, and sounds.

The server 10 is a robust building having an earthquake-resistant, fire-resistant structure, etc., and is installed in a building provided with electronic locks and monitoring equipment for preventing intrusion of people.
Physical security is ensured. Although not shown, the server 10 includes a user authentication program that enables access after performing partner authentication using a known authentication technique in order to prevent unauthorized access from the switching network 20, and other programs. The security measures from the aspect of information are secured.

The thin client 50 includes a small-capacity storage device 55 instead of the relatively large-capacity storage device 54 of the personal computer 100 described with reference to FIG. As the small-capacity storage device 55, a small-capacity disk device or a flash memory can be used. Only the operating system and application programs are stored in the small-capacity storage device 55, and the user's private data is stored in the large-capacity storage device 13 of the server.

The thin client 50 accesses the large-capacity storage device 13 provided in the server 10 via the switching network 20, and
3 performs various processes while handling its own private data as if it were stored in its own small-capacity storage device 55.

The exchange network 20 is connected to the server 1 via the exchange.
0 and the thin client 50 are connected one-to-one. Therefore, the data transferred between the server 10 and the thin client 50 does not leak outside. As this switching network 20, in addition to the network constituted by cables,
An optical fiber network, a wireless network, or the like can be used.

Next, the operation of the client-server type computer system configured as described above will be described.

When the power is turned on, the server 10 enters a continuous operation mode, and is operated all day except for periodic inspections or when a failure occurs. Therefore, the server 10 can be accessed from each thin client 50 at any time.

While the server 10 is operating, the thin client 50 operates as follows. That is, when the thin client 50 is turned on or reset, the CPU 51 first executes a startup program stored in the sub memory area of the memory 12. As a result, the CPU 51 loads the operating system stored in the small-capacity storage device 55 into the main memory area on the memory 52.

Thereafter, the CPU 51 operates according to the operating system loaded in the main memory area. For example, the CPU 51 loads an application program stored in the small-capacity storage device 55 into a main memory area on the memory 52 according to an instruction from the input / output device 53, and transfers private data to the large-capacity The application program is executed while being read from the storage device 13 via the switching network 20.

As described above, this client
According to the server type computer system, the server 10 and the thin client 50 are connected via the switching network 20 which is a public network. Therefore, the server 10 can be accessed from an unspecified number of thin clients 50.
Unlike a conventional case in which a server can be accessed only through a corporate LAN or a dedicated line, a client-server type computer system having an unspecified number of individuals as clients can be constructed.

The thin client 50 operates while accessing its own private data stored in the mass storage device 13 of the server 10 via the switching network 20. Therefore, since there is no need to keep private data in the thin client 50 itself, various effects similar to those described in the section of the related art can be obtained.

In this client-server type computer system, a path for uploading the private data of the thin client 50 to the server 10 is provided, and all the private data of the thin client 50 is transferred to the server 10 via this path. Mass storage device 1
3 can be configured to be uploaded.

In this case, a computer dedicated to uploading is arranged at a site (docking station) scattered at an appropriate density, such as a gas station or a convenience store, and the computer dedicated to uploading is connected to the server 10 via a dedicated line. A route can be formed, and private data of the thin client 50 can be uploaded at a high speed using this route.

In general, the amount of private data held by a client is enormous, and the client cannot operate in the same manner as a conventional personal computer unless all data is available. Therefore, when migrating from the conventional personal computer to the client-server type computer system according to the present invention,
Although the client needs to upload all the private data to the server, even if the high-speed switching network 20 is used, the uploading takes a considerable time. However, according to the configuration in which the user's private data is uploaded from the docking station, a large amount of private data can be uploaded in a short time.

In the client-server type computer system according to the first embodiment, the server 1
0 can further comprise a reading device for reading a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM. in this case,
Private data to be uploaded to the server 10 is stored in the portable recording medium. Then, the reading device reads the private data from the portable recording medium and stores it in the mass storage device 13.

According to this configuration, when the user shifts from the conventional personal computer to the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the user stores the private data used in his / her personal computer in the portable storage. The uploading can be easily performed by storing the data in a storage medium and reading the portable storage medium by the reading device of the server 10.

Further, the server 10 can be configured to connect to another network different from the switching network 20, for example, the Internet. According to this configuration, the mass storage device 13 can be accessed via the Internet, so that usability is dramatically improved.

Embodiment 2 In the client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a cable television network is used as a high-speed network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This client-server type computer system includes a server 10 operated by a service provider, a media converter 30 operated by a cable TV provider, and a thin client 50 installed in a home or the like. The server 10 and the media converter 30 are connected by a high-speed dedicated line 25, and the media converter 30 and each thin client 50 are connected by a cable television network 40.

The server 10 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The media conversion device 30 converts a signal transmitted from the server 10 via the high-speed dedicated line 25 into a signal compatible with the cable television network 40 and transmits the signal, and also transmits the signal from the thin client 50 via the cable television network 40 High-speed leased line 2
5 and transmit it. The transmission and reception of data between the server 10 and the thin client 50 are performed using an empty channel of the cable television network 40.

In general, the cable television network 40 is used for the purpose of distributing the same data to each house at high speed by the cable television business operator.
Data transferred to and from the client 50 may leak. Therefore, it is preferable that the data transfer between the server 10 and the thin client 50 via the cable television network 40 be encrypted. Encryption can be performed using various known methods.

According to the client-server type computer system according to the second embodiment, high-speed data transfer utilizing the high speed of the cable television network 40 becomes possible. Further, since the data transfer between the server 10 and the thin client 50 is performed in an encrypted manner, security can be ensured even when the cable TV network 40 is used.

In the second embodiment described above, the server 10 operated by the service provider and the media converter 30 operated by the cable TV provider are connected by the high-speed dedicated line 25. As shown in the figure, the service provider installs the server 10 near the media converter 30 operated by the cable TV provider, and installs these servers at a high-speed LA.
It is also possible to configure to connect at N26. According to this configuration, since the high-speed dedicated line 25 is not required, the client-server type computer system can be configured at low cost.

(Embodiment 3) A client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention
A computer without a storage device for storing an operating system and application programs is used as a thin client. Note that the high-speed network used in the third embodiment may be any of the above-described switching network and cable television network, but hereinafter, an example using a switching network will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this client-server type computer system, a thin computer
The small-capacity storage device 55 of the client 50 has been removed. Hereinafter, points different from the client-server computer system according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

The mass storage device 13 of the server 10 is different from that of the first embodiment in that, in addition to private data unique to each client, an operating system and application programs common to all clients are stored.

In the thin client 50, the startup program stored in the memory 52 does not load the operating system from the small-capacity storage device 55, but uses the switching network 2 from the large-capacity storage device 13 of the server 20.
0 is different from that of the first embodiment in that it is programmed to be loaded via the “0”.

More specifically, the boot program stored in the sub-memory area of the memory 52 loads the operating system stored in the small-capacity storage device 55 of the first embodiment into the main memory area of the memory 52. Instead, the operating system is transferred from the mass storage device 13 of the server 10 to the memory 52 via the switching network 20.
Is loaded into the main memory area and executed.

When the operating system is resident in the main memory area, the thin client 50 accesses the large-capacity storage device 13 provided in the server 10 via the switching network 20 to provide the large-capacity storage. The operating system, the application program, and its own private data stored in the storage device 13 perform various processes while treating it as if it were stored in its own storage device.

Next, the operation of the client-server type computer system configured as described above will be described.

When the power of the thin client 50 is turned on or the reset operation is performed in a state where the server 10 is continuously operated, first, the CPU 51
The startup program stored in the second sub-memory area is executed. As a result, the CPU 51 loads the operating system from the large-capacity storage device 13 of the server 10 into the main memory area on the memory 52.

Thereafter, the CPU 51 operates according to the operating system loaded in the main memory area. For example, the CPU 51 loads an application program stored in the mass storage device 13 of the server into the main memory area on the memory 52 via the switching network 20 according to an instruction from the input / output device 53, and The application program is executed while reading the private data from the mass storage device 13 of the server 10 via the switching network 20.

As described above, according to the client-server type computer system according to the third embodiment, the thin client 50 is stored in the mass storage device 13 of the server 10 via the switching network 20. Since it operates by accessing its own private data, there is no need to keep private data in the thin client itself. Therefore, various effects similar to those described in the section of the related art can be obtained.

The operating system and application programs are stored in the mass storage device 13 of the server 10 as programs common to each client, and are loaded and executed by the thin client 50 as necessary. Need not have an operating system and application programs. As a result, a storage device such as a hard disk device or a flash memory for storing an operating system and an application program is not required, so that a client-server type computer system can be configured at low cost. Further, since data common to clients such as applications and operating systems can be collectively managed by the server, management costs can be reduced.

[0066]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Since the server and the client are connected via a high-speed network formed as a public network, an unspecified number of clients can access the server. Therefore,
A client-server type computer system that can be used by individuals can be provided.

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, since the high-speed network is formed by the switching network, the server and the client are connected one-to-one via the switching equipment. As a result, data transferred between the server and the client does not leak to the outside, and a highly secure system can be constructed.

In the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, since the high-speed network is formed by the cable television network, high-speed data transfer can be performed between the server and the client. Even in the case where the storage device is not provided in the self, the user can access the own data at the same speed as the case where the storage device is provided. In this case, security can be ensured by encrypting and transmitting data between the server and the client via the cable television network.

In the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the client operates by downloading the operating system from the server by activating the boot program, so that the client must have the operating system. Therefore, a storage device for storing the operating system is not required. Therefore, the client can be configured at low cost.

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the client can be configured not to include a storage device for storing the operating system and the application, so that the client can be configured at low cost.

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the server can be installed in a rugged building and provided with an unauthorized access preventing means for preventing unauthorized access from a high-speed network. And protect the server from both information and information aspects.
As a result, the security of the entire system can be improved.

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the uploading means for uploading all data of the client to the server is further provided, so that a large amount of data owned by the client can be uploaded in a short time. .

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the server further comprises a reading device for reading a portable recording medium, so that the client can be converted from a conventional personal computer to a client-server type according to the present invention. When migrating to a computer system, the client can store all data used by his or her personal computer in a portable storage medium, and upload the data by reading the portable storage medium with a reading device of a server. Uploading can be performed easily and in a short time.

Further, in the client-server type computer system according to the present invention, the server is further connected to another network (for example, the Internet) different from the high-speed network, and the storage device is connected via the other network. Because it can be configured to be accessed, usability is dramatically improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server computer system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server computer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the client-server type computer system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a client-server computer system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a conventional personal computer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a conventional client-server type computer system is realized by a corporate LAN.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a client-server type computer system that has been conventionally considered.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 server 11 CPU 12 memory 13 mass storage device 20 switching network 25 fast dedicated line 26 high speed LAN 30 media conversion apparatus 40 Cable television network 50 (50 ₁ ~50 _n) client 51 CPU 52 memory 53 input-output device 55 a small capacity storage apparatus

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Keiichi Michimo 2-1-1, Araimachi, Takasago-shi, Hyogo F-term in Takasago Research Laboratory, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Reference) 5B085 AE29 BA06 BG04 BG07 CC03

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A high-speed network formed as a public network, a server connected to the high-speed network, and a client connected to the high-speed network, wherein the server stores data of the client. A client-server computer system having a mass storage device, wherein the client operates by accessing its own data stored in the mass storage device via the high-speed network. 2. The client-server type computer system according to claim 1, wherein said high-speed network is formed by a switching network. 3. The client-server type computer system according to claim 1, wherein said high-speed network is formed by a cable television network. 4. The client-server type computer system according to claim 3, wherein data transfer between said server and said client via said cable television network is performed by encryption. 5. The client according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory storing a boot program for downloading an operating system from the server via the high-speed network, wherein the boot is stored in the memory in response to a boot instruction to the client. 5. The client-server type computer system according to claim 1, wherein an operating system is downloaded from the server by starting a program, and the operating system operates according to the downloaded operating system. 6. The client-server type computer system according to claim 1, wherein said client does not include a storage device for storing an operating system and an application program. 7. The client according to claim 1, wherein the server is installed in a rugged building, and further comprises an unauthorized access preventing means for preventing unauthorized access from the high-speed network. Server type computer system. 8. The client-server type computer system according to claim 1, further comprising an upload unit for uploading all data used by a client to said server. 9. The server further comprises a reading device for reading a portable recording medium, wherein the reading device reads a portable recording medium on which all data used by the client is recorded and stores the data in the storage device. A client-server type computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 10. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is further connected to another network different from the high-speed network, and the storage device is accessed via the other network. The client-server type computer system according to the paragraph.