JP2002123813A - Method and device for generating one data on server by using server and client - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form one data on a server by connecting the server and a client, and using the server and the client. SOLUTION: The client generates object data having a structure as an object and sends the object data to the server. The server receives the object data and synthesizes the object data in a state of maintaining the structure as the object with the data stored in the server to generate one data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for connecting a server and a client, and using the server and the client to create one data on the server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an environment where a plurality of computers are connected via a communication network or a dedicated communication line, users of the plurality of connected computers collaborate to create one data. There is a system. In a collaborative work by a plurality of users using this system, each user can use his or her computer,
The client accesses the server as a place for collaborative work, and creates multimedia data including characters and images on the server. As an example, a case in which one image is created by a joint work by a plurality of users will be described.

[0003] The server records data to be cooperated by the user (cooperative work data). When one image is created by the joint work, the initial state of the joint work data includes, for example, data forming the background of the image created by the joint work, data forming a blank screen, and the like. State. In this example,
It is assumed that the initial state of the collaborative work data includes data constituting the background of the image.

[0004] The client receives the collaborative work data in the initial state, that is, data constituting the background of the image from the server via the communication network, and displays the background image on the display unit. The user of the client performs a process of writing another image on the background image, that is, a process of changing a part of data in the collaborative work data. Data that changes the collaborative work data is sent from the client to the server via the communication network. Upon receiving the data, the server changes and records the collaborative work data based on the data, and transmits the changed collaborative work data to the client via the communication network. The display unit of the client displays an image composed of the changed collaborative work data.

[0005] The client and the server maintain a communication state until the user of the client finishes the process of writing the desired image on the background image, that is, until the work on the client is completed.

In the conventional system as described above, when one piece of data is created, the contents of the collaborative work data itself are directly changed from the client. That is, in the above-described conventional system, the client only functions as an input device, and the process of actually creating multimedia data including characters and image data is performed by the server. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that the amount of data communication between the server and the client increases, and a load is imposed on the communication network. Further, since processing for creating multimedia data including characters, image data, and the like is performed by the server, there is a disadvantage that the load on the server is increased.

[0007] Further, in the conventional system, any client can change the collaborative work data. For example, an image written by a certain user can be erased by another user, or another user can newly write an image on an image written by a certain user. In other words, there is a disadvantage that the collaborative work data changed by one user is further easily changed by another user.

Further, in the conventional system, data is written directly from a client into collaborative work data. That is, the collaborative work data itself is changed. Therefore, for example, such as moving an image written by a certain user to another location, or reviving an erased image,
There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to edit data input from the client.

Further, in order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks in the conventional system, it is necessary to incorporate a complicated program, and there is a drawback that such a program is costly and time-consuming to develop. Programs have the disadvantage of putting a burden on the computer.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to combine a server and a client so that when one piece of data is created on the server using the server and the client, the data can be easily edited. With the goal.

According to the present invention, when a server and a client are combined and one piece of data is created on the server using the server and the client, a load on a communication network or a communication line connecting the server and the client is reduced. The purpose is to do.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the load on a server when a server and a client are combined and one piece of data is created on the server using the server and the client.

According to the present invention, when a server and a client are combined to create one data on the server using the server and the client, data created by one client cannot be changed by another client. The purpose is to:

An object of the present invention is to facilitate creation of a program that can use multimedia data.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting a server and a client, and using the server and the client to create one data on the server. Creating, at the client, object data having a configuration as an object, the client transmitting the object data to the server, and the server receiving the object data; Creating the one data by combining the object data with the data stored in the server while maintaining the configuration as an object.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the first aspect, the object data created by the client has a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data. Includes data for setting and unlocking.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the first or second aspect, the server assigns the object data received from the client to a priority assigned to the object data. The data is combined with the data stored in the server in the order of the rank.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to any one of the first to third aspects, the client transmits the object data in the one data created by the server. The method further includes the step of selecting and changing.

An apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus that combines a server and a client, and creates one piece of data on the server using the server and the client. Means for creating object data having a configuration as an object;
Means for transmitting data to the server, means for receiving the data from the client at the server, and means for storing the object data in the server while the server maintains the configuration of the object as an object. Means for creating one piece of data by combining with existing data.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the object data created by the client is a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data. Includes data for setting and unlocking.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the server assigns the object data received from the client to a priority assigned to the object data. The data is combined with the data stored in the server in the order of the rank.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the client transmits the object data in the one data created by the server. It further comprises means for selecting and changing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium for connecting a server and a client and executing a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of creating one data on the server using the server and the client. A recording medium on which the client has recorded,
Creating object data having a configuration as an object; the client transmitting the object data to the server; the server receiving the object data; and the server transmitting the object data. And a step of creating one piece of data by synthesizing the data stored in the server while maintaining the configuration as an object.

The recording medium according to claim 10 of the present invention
10. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the object data created by the client includes data for setting a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data and releasing the lock.

The recording medium according to claim 11 of the present invention
11. The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the server combines the object data received from the client with data stored in the server in the order of priority given to the object data. I do.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium comprising:
12. The recording medium according to claim 9, further comprising a step in which the client selects and changes the object data in the one data created by the server.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present invention, in an environment where a plurality of computers including a server and a client are connected, when one piece of data (collaborative work data) is created on the server using the server and the client, The data created by the user of the client is referred to as data (object data) constituting the object, ie, 1
Treated as one completed product, the server composes one piece of collaborative data by synthesizing the object data created by the client.

The object data is character data,
This is a type of multimedia data including image data, audio data, and the like. Normal data, for example, graphic data, text data, etc., is constituted by the data itself (that is, data representing graphics, text, etc.). On the other hand, object data is composed of data itself and data representing a procedure for reading and writing the data. The object data includes, for example, the data itself (for example, graphic data, text data, etc.), data indicating the position when the data is displayed on the screen, and other displayed data when the data is displayed on the screen. Data indicating the hierarchical relationship (before and after relationship on the screen), data identifying the creator of the data, data related to procedures for reading, writing, and processing data, and lock when a lock for preventing change is applied The password data for unlocking is encapsulated as one. Therefore, the object data can be combined with other data while maintaining the configuration of the object data.

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for creating one data on a server using a server and a client in an environment in which a plurality of computers including a server and a client are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. Show.

This device comprises a server 1 and a client 2
And a communication network 3 connecting the server 1 and the client 2. The server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output unit 13, an input unit 14, and a display unit 15. The control unit 11 is coupled to the storage unit 12, the input / output unit 13, the input unit 14, and the display unit 15, and controls the server 1 based on a program stored in the storage unit 12.
The storage unit 12 includes work data, a program (server application) for controlling the operation of the server 1 so that a plurality of users can create data jointly, and a program (operating system) for controlling the basic operation of the server 1. And so on). The input unit 14 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 15 includes a display device such as a cathode ray tube and a liquid crystal display device. Further, the server 1 may include an audio reproducing and output device for reproducing the audio data.

The client 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input / output unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit 25. The control unit 21 is coupled to the storage unit 22, the input / output unit 23, the input unit 24, and the display unit 25, and controls the client 2 based on a program stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores a program (client application) that controls the operation of the client 2 so that a plurality of users can create data jointly, and a program (an operating system or the like) that controls the basic operation of the client 2. I remember. Input unit 24
Is provided with an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display unit 25 includes a display device such as a cathode ray tube and a liquid crystal display device. Client 2
May also include an audio playback and output device for playing audio data.

Although only one client 2 is connected to the server 1 in FIG. 1, one or more clients are connected to the server 1 when a plurality of users work together.

The communication network 3 is connected to the input / output unit 13 of the server 1 and the input / output unit 23 of the client 2. The communication network 3 is any communication network that enables data communication between the server 1 and the client 2, such as a local area network or the Internet. Further, in this embodiment, the server 1 and the client 2 are connected by the communication network 3, but the server 1 and the client 2 may be connected by a dedicated communication line.

Next, work data stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1 will be described. The work data is data configured and used based on the server application, and has a hierarchical folder structure. The work data includes a work name folder to which a name for identifying one work is given. When there are a plurality of works, the work data includes a plurality of work name folders. One work is divided into a plurality of works (hereinafter, referred to as small works). Usually, one small work is performed jointly by a group of users of a plurality of clients. Therefore, the small work is referred to as a joint work (this joint work can be performed by one user).
In the work name folder, a group folder to which a name for identifying the small work or a name for identifying the group performing the small work is created. If the work is not divided into a plurality of small works, the work name folder includes only one group folder.

The group folder includes a master folder, a distribution folder, an addition folder, and a log folder. The master folder includes data that is prepared in advance in the server 1 and serves as a basis for the collaborative work (data that defines the basic configuration of the screen when performing the collaborative work), and data that the server 1 receives from the client 2 (the client 2 (object data created by the second user) and the latest version of the data (collaboration data). This latest collaboration data is called master collaboration data.

When the work is divided into a plurality of small works, the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder represents a part of data created by this work. If the operation is not divided into a plurality of sub-operations, the master collaboration data stored in the master folder represents the entire data created by the operation.

The distribution folder stores a copy of the master collaboration data. The copy of the master collaborative work data is data distributed from the server 1 to the client 2 so that the user of the client 2 can refer to it when creating object data to be combined with the master collaborative work data.

The additional folder is a folder for the server 1 to receive and store object data from the client 2. Objects in additional folders
The data is stored in the additional folder until it is added to the master collaboration data in the master folder, that is, until the data is combined with the master collaboration data.

The log folder records the operation status of the server application in the small work identified by the group folder. To summarize the folder structure, the work data includes one or more work name folders, the work name folder includes one or more group folders, and the group folders include a master folder, a distribution folder, an additional folder, and a log file. Including folders.

Data such as master collaborative work data and object data created by the client are as follows:
Any type of multimedia data composed of at least one of a plurality of types of data such as graphics, text, and audio.

Before describing the operation of the device of FIG. 1 in detail,
A procedure for creating data using this device will be schematically described using an example in which one work is created in one class in a school.

First, a work to be created in one class is determined. For example, suppose that it is decided to create a "picture book of river fish (picture book composed of electronic data)". In that case, next, the work of creating the picture book is divided into a plurality of small works. For example, a picture book is divided into a plurality of pages, for example, "a fish page upstream of the river", a "fish page downstream of the river", and the like, and a group (group) for creating each page in the class is created. One page is created by collaborative work of people belonging to one group. Each group creates a picture of a fish in the river that lives in their basin.

In the initial state, the server basically prepares only data (screen size and the like) defining the basic configuration of a screen when performing a joint work as initial data. In the case of "upstream fish page", a picture of the upstream scenery on the server as a background image (wallpaper)
It may be created as. That is, the server may prepare, as initial data, data obtained by combining data defining the basic configuration of the screen and background image data (wallpaper data). (The background image may not be created, and may be left blank and created by the client.) The person who creates the "upstream fish page" group reads the initial data stored in the server and sends it to the client. To display. When the initial data is a data obtained by combining the data defining the basic configuration of the screen and the background image data, each person in this group displayed a background image represented by the initial data on the client. Draw a picture of the fish upstream of the river in the state. Each member of the group sends the picture data of the fish drawn by the client to the server. The server combines the received fish picture data with the initial data stored in the server to form the data of “upstream fish page in the river”.

An example of the above-mentioned "picture book of river fish" will be described in relation to the terms in the above description of the work data. The work name folder is a folder for storing data relating to all pages of the “picture book of river fish”. The work name folder is
The data of “picture book of river fish” is stored in a plurality of groups and folders that store data on each page of the picture book. For example, the work name folder is given a name for identifying a “river fish picture book” or a name for identifying a class that creates a “river fish picture book”.

The group folder stores data created by each group, for example, data created by a group that creates a "page of fish upstream".
There is a folder, a group / folder for storing data created by a group that creates a “page of fish downstream of the river”, and the like. For example, a name for identifying the page of the picture book or a name for identifying the group that creates the page is assigned to the group folder.

One group / folder is a folder for storing data relating to one page of “picture book of river fish”.
That is, they are stored separately in a master folder, a distribution folder, and an addition folder. A group that saves the data created by the group that creates the “upstream fish page”
The folders will be described by taking a folder as an example.

The master folder in the group folder stores the latest version of the data that actually constitutes the “upstream fish page”. This data is master collaborative work data. For example, initial data composed of a combination of wallpaper data (a picture of the upstream scenery of the river as a background image) and data that defines the basic configuration of the screen is stored in the master folder in the initial state. Master collaboration data. In this case, after the server receives the fish picture data from the client, the server combines the fish picture data with the initial data, and the master collaborative work data (the latest master collaborative work data) is combined with the initial data. The data is composed by combining the fish picture data.

The distribution folder in this group folder contains a copy of the master collaborative work data for a member of the group creating the “upstream fish page” to refer to when drawing a fish picture on the client. Will be saved. This copy is a copy of initial data (initial master collaboration data) in an initial state. However, after receiving the fish picture data from the client, the server combines the fish picture data with the initial data and saves it in the master folder as new master collaboration data. Also, a copy of master collaborative work data composed by combining fish picture data and initial data is stored.

In the additional folder in the group folder, data of the picture of the fish drawn by each client and received by the server is stored until it is combined with the master collaborative work data.

FIGS. 2 to 7 are flowcharts of the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. Next, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the work to be performed by the entire group has already been determined and the work has been divided into small works.

A. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a preparation process in the server before starting the work by the client user before starting the work by the user of the client.

In step A1 of FIG. 2, the user of the server 1 activates a program for controlling the operation of the server 1, that is, a server application so that the users of the plurality of clients 2 can create data jointly. The control unit 11 controls the operation of the server 1 based on the server application. The control unit 11 starts a process of creating a folder based on the server application.

In step A2, the control unit 11 of the server 1 sends a message instructing the user of the server 1 to input a work name of work to be performed by the entire group in order to create a work name folder. And displays it on the display unit 15. When the user of the server 1 inputs a work name from the input unit 14, the control unit 11 creates a work name folder with the work name input by the user.

In step A3, the control unit 11 of the server 1 inputs a group name (or a small work name) for performing a small work of the entire group to create a group folder under the work name folder. A message instructing the user to perform the operation is read out from the storage unit 12 and the display unit 1
5 is displayed. When there are a plurality of groups (small work), the user of the server 1 inputs a plurality of group names into the input unit 13.
Enter from. The control unit 15 creates a group folder with the input group name under the work name folder.

In step A4, the control unit 11 creates a master folder, a distribution folder, an addition folder, and a log folder under the group folder. In step A5, the control unit 11 determines the basic configuration of the master collaboration data stored in the master folder. That is, the control unit 11 determines a basic configuration of a screen on which data (multimedia data and object data) created by the client 2 can be combined. In this embodiment, as a basic configuration of the screen, the control unit 11 sets the screen size to A4 vertical size, and sets the vertical size to 1026 dots and the horizontal size to 752 dots. The position on this screen is identified by the position of the dot.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11
Although the basic configuration of the master collaborative work data is automatically determined to be a predetermined configuration, the user of the server 1 can change the basic configuration to a desired configuration.

In step A6, the user of the server 1 determines the initial state of the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder. That is, in this step,
The user of the server 1 may configure the master collaborative work data in the initial state only with data that defines the basic configuration of the screen (such as the size of the screen), or may add some data that defines the basic configuration of the screen. It is determined whether the data is composed of data obtained by combining target data.

Basically, the master cooperative work data in the initial state is composed of only data defining the basic structure of the screen when performing the cooperative work. However, the master collaboration data in the initial state includes data that defines the basic configuration of the screen and some additional data, for example, data that constitutes a previously created wallpaper, object data, and a screen in which object data already exists. May be composed by combining data such as data constituting the above.

When the user of the server 1 determines that the data defining the basic structure of the screen and the additional data are combined to form the master collaboration data in the initial state, the basic structure of the screen is first defined. Data to be saved in the master folder. The data defining the basic configuration of the screen is automatically created by the control unit 11 of the server 1 or created by a user of the server 1 inputting a desired configuration from the input unit 14. Next, additional data (wallpaper data, object data, object
Data that makes up a screen where data already exists)
A process of creating via the input unit 14 and saving it in the master folder, or a process of reading out additional data for combination already created and stored in the storage unit 12 and copying it to the master folder is performed. The control unit 11 composes the initial state master collaboration data by synthesizing the data defining the basic configuration of the screen and the additional data, and stores the data in the master folder.

When data other than the data defining the basic structure of the screen is not stored in the master folder in advance,
Only data that defines the basic configuration of the screen is stored in the master folder as master collaboration data in the initial state.

In step A7, the control section 11 copies the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder in the group folder to the distribution folder. The master collaboration data copied and stored in the distribution folder is called copy collaboration data. The purpose of copying the master collaboration data and storing it in the distribution folder is to protect the master collaboration data stored in the master folder.

Thus, the preparation processing in the server 1 is completed. B. In the process of creating data by collaborative work, the process of creating data at the client and transmitting the data to the server. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the process of creating data at the client and transmitting the data to the server. It is a flowchart.

In step B 1 of FIG. 3, the user of the client 2 is connected to the server 1 by one or more clients connected to the server 1 via the communication network 3.
A program for controlling the operation of the client 2 so as to create one data, that is, a client application is started. The control unit 21 uses the client
The operation of the client 2 is controlled based on the application.

The control unit 21 performs a process of selecting a work desired by the user of the client 2 and a process of selecting a desired small work in the selected work based on the server application, that is, the user performs a joint work. And a process for determining a group to which the user wants to belong.

The control unit 21 of the client 2 logs in to the server 1 via the communication network 3. Server 1
The control unit 11 reads data of a list of work (work name list) that can be performed using the server 1 and the client 2 from the storage unit 12 and transmits the data to the client 2. The client 2 displays the received data (work name list) on the display unit 24, and the user of the client 2 selects the work desired by the user.

For this purpose, first, the control unit 11 of the server 1
Creates a list of the names of currently performed work (work name list) for allowing the user of the client 2 to select a work. The control unit 11 of the server 1 includes a storage unit 12
Is read from the name of the work name folder corresponding to the work currently being worked on, and a work name list composed of the names is created. The control unit 11 of the server 1 creates data constituting a screen including a column for displaying the work name list in a selectable manner.

The server 1 sends data constituting the screen of the work name list to the client 2. At this time, a message for introducing the contents of each work may be added to the work name list. Control unit 2 of client 2
2 displays the received work name list on the display unit 24.

In step B2, the user of the client 2 uses the input unit 24 to select a work name for identifying a desired work from the work name list displayed on the display unit 22. The control unit 21 stores the work name selected by the user in the storage unit 22 here. Next, the control unit 21 transmits to the server 1 the work name selected by the user, that is, work name folder identification data for identifying the work name folder.

The control unit 11 of the server 1
Storing the work name folder identification data (identifying the work name folder corresponding to the work selected by the user) received from the storage unit 1
Stored in 2.

In step B3, the control unit 11 first reads out the name of the group / folder in the work name folder identified by the work name folder identification data received from the client 2, and reads the group name list constituted by the name. Create Next, data constituting a screen including a column for displaying the group / folder in a selectable manner and a column for inputting data for identifying the user himself (user identification data) is transmitted to the client 2. At this time, a message that briefly introduces the contents of the small work performed by each group may be added to the group name list. The control unit 22 of the client 2 displays on the display unit 24 a screen including a column that enables the received group name list to be selected and a user identification data input column.

In step B 4, the user of the client 2 first uses the input unit 24 to input user identification data, for example, a name, into a user identification data input field on the screen displayed on the display unit 22. Next, a group name for identifying a desired group is selected from the group name list displayed on the display unit 22. The data representing the group name is data for identifying the group / folder (group / folder identification data). The control unit 21 associates the group name selected by the user, ie, the group / folder identification data, with the user name, ie, the user identification data, with the work name folder identification data and associates the storage unit 2 with the work name folder identification data.
Stored in 2. The control unit 21 transmits the group / folder identification data and the user identification data to the server 1.

The control unit 11 of the server 1
The storage unit 12 associates the group / folder identification data and the user identification data received from the storage unit 12 with the work name folder identification data received in step B2. The control unit 11 of the server 1 creates a list of users belonging to the group performing the small work based on the user identification data stored in association with the work name folder identification data and the group / folder identification data. The name of the user to which the user belongs can be displayed on the client 2.

When the above steps are completed, the user of the client 2 is ready to perform the selected small work in the selected work. In the following steps from step B5, which are performed subsequent to step B4, the user of client 2 creates new data in client 2 and stores the newly created data in storage unit 1 of server 1.
2 is added to the collaborative work data (master collaborative work data) stored in the group folder 2. The data created by the client 2 is multimedia data and object data.

In this embodiment, the client 2
When the connection between the client 2 and the server 1 is released, the client 2 deletes the user identification data, the work name folder identification data, and the group / folder identification data stored in the storage unit 22 of the client 2 in the above steps, In the server 1, the user identification data, the work name folder identification data, and the group / folder identification data received from the client 2 and stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1 are deleted. When the user participates in the small work (joint work), the user determines the group to which the user wants to perform the joint work (steps B1 to B1).
It is necessary to perform B4) again.

During the creation of object data in the client 2 in the following steps (steps B5 to B13), the group name (group / group) selected by the user is referred to in order to refer to the work status of another client. A window (work status reference window) for displaying the latest copy collaborative work data stored in the distribution folder in the group folder identified by the folder identification data) is displayed on the display unit 2 of the client 2.
4, the cooperative work data stored in the distribution folder is periodically read out and displayed on the work status reference window.

In step B5, the control unit 11 of the server 1 checks the master collaborative work data stored in the distribution folder in the group folder identified by the group name (group / folder identification data) selected by the user. The copy (copy collaborative work data) is read and transmitted from the input / output unit 13 to the input / output unit 23 of the client 2 via the communication network 3. The control unit 21 of the client 2 stores the received copy collaborative work data in the storage unit 2
2 to the data creation area.

In the client 2, based on the copy collaborative work data stored in the storage unit 22 in this step,
The user starts the process of creating data to be added to the collaborative work data (hereinafter referred to as object data).

At step B 6, the control section 21 of the client 2 performs processing so that the copy collaborative work data stored in the storage section 22 cannot be changed. That is, the control unit 21
Locks copy collaboration data. Thereafter, the control unit 21 displays a screen (cooperative work screen) indicated by the locked copy cooperative work data on the display unit 25 as a background.

In step B7, the user of the client 2 prepares data (object data) by using, for example, a mouse, a keyboard or the like (input unit 24) while the display unit 25 displays the joint work screen. Start.

First, the user uses a mouse, for example, to specify a region where the object data is to be arranged on the collaborative work screen, that is, the position and size of the object data. The user drags the pointer displayed on the collaborative work screen with the mouse to set a frame surrounding the area where the object data is arranged on the screen.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the object data created by the user, that is, the object data that the user wants to combine with the collaborative work data includes graphic data. The user draws a desired image on the screen using a graphic application in the designated area, or copies image data that has already been created.

The processing steps continue from step B7 in FIG. 3 to step B8 in FIG. In step B8 of FIG. 4, the control unit 21 generates object data including the graphic data created in step B7.

The object data includes (1) data representing graphics, text, etc., (2) data for identifying the type of object data, and (3) the position and size of the object data on the collaborative work screen. (4) data identifying the creator of the object data, (5) data indicating the hierarchical relationship of the object data, (6) HTML of the object data
Hyperlink data, (7) data for identifying the person who locked the object data, (8) a password for unlocking the object data, and the like.

The data of (1) is, for example, graphic data or text data displayed by being synthesized with a screen composed of the collaborative work data stored in the server 1.
The data is data created in the area designated in step B7, or data copied from other data in the area.

The data (2) for identifying the type of object data is, for example, data for identifying that the data (1) is graphic data. Control unit 2
1 automatically identifies the type of data (1) when generating object data, and incorporates the data identifying the type into the object data.

The data indicating the position and size of the object data in the joint work screen (3) is represented by the dot position of the area designated in step B7 on the joint work screen. For example, if the area is rectangular,
As data indicating the position and the size, the dot positions of the four vertices of the rectangle are recorded. When generating the object data, the control unit 21 automatically identifies the dot position of the area specified in step B7, and automatically incorporates the data identifying the position into the object data.

The data for identifying the creator of the object data (4) is the name of the user who has logged in to the server 1 from the client 2. The control unit 21 reads the user identification data (name) stored in the storage unit 22 when the user of the client 2 logs in to the server 1, that is, the user inputs to the client 2 in step B2 described above, Is automatically included in the object data.

The data indicating the vertical relationship of the object data in (5) indicates which object data is to be displayed preferentially when the object data is superimposed on the screen, that is, in the front of the screen. This is data indicating whether to display.

Normally, the upper / lower relationship of display of object data (which object data is to be displayed on the front) is based on the order in which the object data is recorded in the additional folder in the group folder of the server 1 (addition). The order is determined based on the order in which the data folders are created), and is not determined by the client 2. The server 1 is configured so that the object data newly recorded in the additional folder is displayed on the front.

However, in some cases, the client 2
In some cases, a plurality of object data that partially or wholly overlap when displayed on the screen are sent together to the server 1 at the same time. The hierarchical relationship of the display in the object data sent together (that is, priority)
Is determined by the server 1, the control unit 21 of the client 2 automatically generates data indicating the hierarchical relationship of the object data and incorporates the data into the object data. The data indicating the hierarchical relationship, that is, the data indicating the display priority order, is set so that the newer object data with the created date and time is displayed on the front, except when specified by the user.

The HTML hyperlink data of the object data (6) is incorporated into the object data only when the HTML hyperlink is included. Usually, the data of the HTML hyperlink is incorporated into the data when the user of the client 2 creates (1) the data.

The data for identifying the person who locked the object data in (7) is used only when the object data is locked to prevent the created object data from being changed by another person. Include in object data. This data is included after the creation of the object data is completed. When the user sets the lock, the control unit 21 reads out the user identification data stored in the storage unit 22 and automatically incorporates the user identification data into the object data. The setting of the lock will be described in step B9 below.

The password for releasing the lock on the object data (8) is incorporated into the object data only when the lock is set. To create another object data following the creation of this object data, the steps from step B7 are repeated.

In this embodiment, data that can be pasted on the joint work screen, that is, data that can be combined with the joint work data stored in the server 1 are graphic data, text data, attached file data, and the like. .

In step B9, the user of the client 2 determines whether or not to set a lock for preventing change in the created object data. If the lock is not set, the process proceeds to step B11, and the object data is transmitted to the server 1. When the lock is set, the process proceeds to step B10.

In step B10, the client 2
The user sets a lock on the created object data in order to prevent the object data from being changed by another person.

To set the lock, a pointer is placed in the area of the object data on which the lock is to be set on the joint work screen, and the mouse is clicked. The object data at the position where the pointer is located is a lock target. The control unit 21 displays a menu from which various functions can be selected in response to a mouse click. This menu includes a lock setting function.

The user positions the pointer on the lock setting function column in the menu and clicks. In response to this click, the control unit 21 calls and executes the lock setting function from the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 displays a lock setting window including a field for inputting a password on the screen.

The user inputs a password from the input unit 24 (for example, a keyboard) to a field for inputting a password. When the password is input, the control unit 21 incorporates the password into the object data, and
Enter the user name (user identification data) in step B
8 (7) is incorporated into the object data as data for identifying the person who locked the object data.

Object data to which a lock has been set cannot be changed until the lock is released. To unlock, select the object data you want to unlock, call up a menu from which you can select various functions,
Select and execute the unlock function from the menu.
The lock release function will be described in step D6.

The processing is performed from step B10 to step B11.
Continue to In step B11, the user of the client 2 performs a process of sending the completed object data to the server 1. In this embodiment, the user creates object data on the collaborative work screen displayed on the display unit 25 of the client 2, and transmits the object data currently displayed to the server 1 from the client 2. For example, when the user of the client 2 continuously creates a plurality of object data with the joint work screen displayed, and the plurality of object data is displayed on the joint work screen, Object
The data is transmitted to the server 1 collectively.

When data for instructing transmission of object data is input by the user, the control unit 21 of the client 2 responds to the data and responds to the created object data (created here and displayed on the collaborative work screen). Is transmitted from the input / output unit 23 to the input / output unit 13 of the server 1 via the communication network together with the user identification data.

In step B12, the user determines whether or not to create another object data. To create another object data, the process from step B7 is performed. If no further object data is created, that is, client 2
If the object data creation processing in step S1 is ended, the process proceeds to step B13.

At Step B13, the client 2
The user inputs data for instructing the end of the object data creation process from the input unit 24. The client 2 transmits this data to the server 1 and releases the connection with the server 1. Next, the control unit 21 of the client 2
The user identification data, the work name folder identification data, and the group / folder identification data stored in the storage unit 22 are deleted. Thus, the processing on the client 2 side ends.

In step B14, when the control unit 11 of the server 1 receives the object data and the user identification data from the client 2, the control unit 11 stores the group / folder identification data stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the user identification data. Is read, and a folder (additional data folder) for storing the received object data is newly created in the additional folder in the group folder identified by the group folder identification data.

One additional data folder in the additional folder is created each time object data is received from the client 2 once. For example, one additional data folder is created regardless of whether a plurality of object data is received from the client 2 in one reception or one object data is received in one reception. . The control unit 11 of the server 1 creates the identification data identifying the additional data folder by combining the date and time when the additional data folder was created and a random number so as not to overlap with the identification data of any other folder. .

The additional data folder is created in the additional folder in the process of combining the object data received from the client 2 with the master collaborative work data in the master folder (described below). This is in order to properly maintain the order in which data is transferred from the additional folder to the master folder.

If the control unit 11 of the server 1 has received data instructing the end of the object data creation processing from the client 2 in step B13, the object data received from the client 2 Is stored in the additional folder, the user identification data, the work name folder identification data, and the group / folder identification data received from the client 2 and stored in the storage unit 12 in the previous step are deleted.

Subsequent to step B14, the control unit 11 of the server 1 starts a process of combining the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder with the master collaborative work data in the master folder. I do.
This processing will be described in the following C.

C. In the process of creating the collaborative work data, the process of combining the data received from the client with the master collaborative work data in the master folder in the storage unit of the server. FIG. 5 and FIG. It is a flowchart of a process of combining with master collaborative work data stored in a master folder in a storage unit of a server. Step C1 in FIG. 5 is a step performed subsequently to step B14 in FIG.

As will be described below, the control unit 11 of the server 1
Performs a process of combining the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder with the master collaborative work data in the master folder. The control unit 11 measures the time from the time when the synthesis processing is completed.

In Step C1 of FIG.
Determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the combining process of the object data and the master collaborative work data, that is, whether the previous combining process was completed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process waits until the predetermined time has elapsed, and proceeds to step C2 when the predetermined time has elapsed.

In step C2, the control unit 11 of the server 1 checks whether or not another user is editing the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder of the group folder by using a client. I do.

When the master collaborative work data is being edited, a flag indicating this is set in the storage unit 12. Editing of the master collaboration data will be described in the following D. When the master collaboration data is being edited, the object data saved in the additional data folder in the additional folder is stored in the master folder. Combining with the master collaborative work data is prohibited.

If the control unit 11 determines in step C2 that the master collaborative work data is not being edited, the process proceeds to step C3. (Fig. 6 when editing
To step C8. In step C3, the control unit 11
Since the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder in the folder is combined with the master collaborative data stored in the master folder, the master collaborative data is being edited. Set a flag to indicate This flag is set, that is, data indicating that the editing is being performed is stored in the storage unit 12.
, No client can access the master collaborative work data until the combining process by the control unit 11 ends.

At step C4, the control section 11 reads the master collaborative work data of the master folder. Note that, as described above, the master collaborative work data is data that initially defines the basic configuration of a screen to be synthesized, and the size of the screen defined by the data is, for example, as described above, for example, The size is A4 vertical and 1026 vertical
It is subdivided into dots and 752 horizontal dots. If the object data created by any of the users in the same group at the client has already been combined with the master collaboration data, the master collaboration data contains the data and the object that define the basic configuration of the screen to be combined. Data, and these data are linked to each other by position data.

Next, the control unit 11 searches for additional data / folders in the additional folder in ascending order of creation date.
The object data therein is read. That is, the control unit 11 determines the priority of superimposing the object data on the master collaborative work data based on the creation date of the additional data folder in the additional folder. Control unit 1
1 superimposes the read object data on the master collaboration data in the read order. This overlapping process includes a process of linking the object data and the master collaborative work data based on the position data of the data.

The position and size of the object data on the screen are determined by the position data held by the object data itself (see the description of the data of (3) in step B8 described above).

As described above, the order of superposition of object data, that is, the priority of superposition is determined based on the date and time data recorded in association with the additional data folder. (The date and time when the additional data folder was created is included in the identification data of the additional data folder. See step B12.) In this embodiment, the object files stored in the newly created additional data folder are stored. The higher the data, the higher the priority is given, and the data is displayed at the front of the screen. Therefore, at the time of superposition, the master collaborative work data is at the bottom, and the object data stored in the oldest additional data folder in the additional folder is superimposed thereon, and further, Finally, the object data stored in the newest additional data folder is superimposed on the object data stored in the second oldest additional data folder, and so on.

[0120] In addition, when a plurality of object data are stored in one additional data folder and a part or all of them are overlapped, the control unit 11 determines the upper / lower relationship, that is, the priority order. The determination is made based on the number data indicating the hierarchical relationship held by the object data itself (see the description of the data of (5) in step B8 above).

The control section 11 combines data obtained by synthesizing object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder with the previous master collaborative work data, and
Store as the master collaboration data of the folder.

In step C5, the control unit 11 determines whether the object
The additional data folder storing the data is deleted from the additional folder together with the object data.

The control unit 11 repeats the above-described steps C4 and C5 until there is no additional data / folder in the additional folder. At this time, the control unit 11 sets the data obtained by combining all the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder with the previous master collaboration data as master collaboration data of the master folder. keeping.

At step C6, the control section 11 copies the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder to the distribution folder. (Note that the user of the client 2 performs the operations described in steps B1 to B13 when creating new object data to be added to the master collaborative work data.) The processing steps are the steps in FIG. The process proceeds from step C6 to step C7 in FIG.

In step C7, when the control unit 11 confirms that there is no more additional data / folder in the additional folder, it releases the flag set in step C3. When this flag is cleared, users of the same group can access using the client to edit the master collaborative work data.

The control unit 11 of the server 1
When ending the processing relating to the folders (including the master folder, the distribution folder, the adding folder, and the log folder), processing is performed to prevent the client from accessing this group folder.

When the control section 11 continues the processing (synthesis processing), it returns to step C1 and performs the above steps. That is, when a predetermined time elapses after the completion of the above-described combining process, the next combining process is started. Server 1
When new object data is sent from the client 2 until the next synthesis processing is performed,
It is received and stored in an additional folder (additional data folder).

On the other hand, in step C2, the control unit 11
However, if it is determined that the master collaborative work data is being edited, the process proceeds to step C8 in FIG. Step C8 in FIG.
In, the control unit 11 reads the copy collaboration data of the distribution folder of the group folder.

Next, the control section 11 searches for additional data / folders in the additional folder in the order of creation date, and
The object data therein is read. Control unit 11
Superimposes the read object data on the copy collaboration data. That is, the object data and the copy collaborative work data are linked based on the position data of the data.

[0130] The order of superimposition of the object data is the same as in the case of step C4 above, in which the copy collaborative work data is at the bottom and the oldest additional data / Finally, the object data stored in the folder is overlaid, the object data stored in the second oldest additional data folder is overlaid thereon, and finally the newest additional data. The object data stored in the folder is overlaid. Further, when a plurality of object data are stored in one additional data folder, and a part or all of them overlap, the number indicating the upper / lower relationship held by the object data itself is used. Make decisions based on data.

The control section 11 sets a flag in the additional data folder for storing the object data which has been combined with the copy collaboration data, indicating that the data has been combined with the copy collaboration data. The object data in the additional data folder for which this flag has been set is stored in the additional folder until it is combined with the master collaborative work data in the master folder.

The control section 11 repeats the above processing until there is no additional data folder with the flag set in the additional folder. As a result, the control unit 11
Means that the collaborative copy data obtained by combining the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder is stored in the distribution folder.

This is because even if one of the clients is editing the master collaborative work data, the added object data is reflected in a pseudo short time. In step C9, the control unit 11 confirms again whether or not the master collaborative work data is being edited. In order to check whether or not editing is being performed, it is checked whether or not a flag indicating that editing is being performed is set in the master collaborative work data.

If the control unit 11 determines in step C9 that the master collaborative work data is not being edited, the process proceeds to step C10. (If the editing is being performed, the process proceeds to step C11.) In step C10, the control unit 11 sets a flag set for the additional data folder for storing the object data combined with the copy collaborative work data, that is, the copy. Release the flag indicating that the data has been combined with the collaborative work data. Next, the processing steps return from step C10 in FIG. 6 to step C3 in FIG. 5, and perform the processing from step C3.

On the other hand, in step C9, the control unit 11
However, if it is determined that the master collaborative work data is being edited, the process proceeds to step C11. In step C11, when the control unit 11 completes the process of combining the object data stored in the additional data folder in the additional folder and the copy collaboration data stored in the distribution folder. It is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since.

If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step C
Returning to step 9, it is confirmed whether or not the master collaborative work data is being edited. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step C8, and the processing from step C8 is performed again. In the process in step C8, the control unit 11 does not combine the flagged additional data folder with the copy collaborative work data.

Thus, the process of combining the data received from the client 2 with the master collaborative work data in the master folder in the storage unit of the server 1 is completed. Next, a description will be given of a process of editing object data already synthesized with master collaborative work data.

D. Process of editing object data created at the client and sent to the server and being a part of the master collaboration data, and creating new master collaboration data. FIG. 7 is created at the client and sent to the server. 13 is a flowchart of a process of editing object data that is a part of master collaboration data and creating new master collaboration data.

After the connection between the server 1 and the client 2 is released, in order to edit the master collaborative work data, the user executes steps similar to the steps B1 to B4 in the above B, and It is necessary to select a group folder that includes the master folder that stores the master collaboration data that the user wants to edit. Editing can be performed by only one client at a time. When the master collaborative data is being edited, computers other than the editing client cannot access the master collaborative data.

In step D1 of FIG. 7, a user who wants to edit master collaborative work data stored in a master folder of a certain group folder starts a client application on the client 2, logs in to the server 1, Prepare to edit master collaboration data. The specific procedure will be described below.

The control unit 21 of the client 2
2, the data constituting the menu for selecting various functions is read out and displayed on the display unit 25, and the user of the client 2 selects an editing function from this menu. That is, the user of the client 2 requests the server 1 for the editing right. The control unit 11 of the server 1 executes a function (editing function) selected by the user of the client 2 from a menu.

First, the control unit 11 of the server 1 allows the user of the client 2 to select an object to be edited, that is, master collaborative work data. That is, the user is caused to select a group to which the user wants to join. The process of making this selection is performed in the above B
Is similar to the process of selecting work and small work in the processes of steps B1 to B4.

That is, the server 1 creates a work name list,
The data that composes the screen of the work name list
Send to The user of the client 2 selects a desired work name from the work name list, and transmits data identifying the work name (work name folder identification data) to the server 1. Next, the server creates a group name list including the names of the group folders in the work name folder identified by the work name folder identification data received from the client 2, and displays the group folder in a selectable manner. Data that constitutes a screen including a field and a field for inputting data for identifying the user (user identification data) is transmitted to the client 2. The user of the client 2 selects a desired group name from the group name list,
After inputting the user identification data, data for identifying the group name (group / folder identification data) and user identification data are transmitted to the server 1. The server 1 and the client 2 store the user identification data, the work name folder identification data, and the group / folder identification data input by the user in the respective storage units 12 and 22 until the editing process is completed. Keep it.

In step D2, the control section 11 of the server 1 determines that the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder of the group folder identified by the group / folder identification data received from the client 2 is currently being used. Is determined. That is, the control unit 11 checks whether a flag is set in the master folder. This flag is used when the master collaborative data stored in the master folder is used by the control unit 11 of the server 1 for combining with the object data, or used by another client for editing. If you are, stand up.

If the master collaborative work data is currently being used, the flow advances to step D3. In step D3, the control unit 11 of the server 1 creates a message indicating that the master collaborative work data cannot be edited, transmits the message to the client 2 via the communication network 3, and relates to the editing function for the client 2. The process ends.

On the other hand, in step D2, the control unit 11
However, if it is determined that the master collaborative work data is not currently in use, the process proceeds to step D4. In step D4, the control unit 11 sets a flag indicating that editing is in progress in the master folder of the group folder identified by the group / folder identification data received from the client 2, and requests the client 2 that has requested the editing right. Allow editing to. The client 2 can edit the master collaborative work data stored in the master folder in which this flag is set.
And other clients) will not be able to access this master collaboration data until this flag is cleared.

The control unit 11 creates a message indicating that the client 2 has obtained the editing right, reads out the master collaboration data from the storage unit 12, creates a copy, and copies this message and a copy of the master collaboration data. Are transmitted from the input / output unit 13 to the client 2 via the communication network 3.

In step D5, the client 2 having obtained the editing right receives the copy of the master collaborative work data from the server 1, and displays the collaborative work screen indicated by the data on the display unit 25.

In step D6, the user of the client 2 edits the object data included in the copy of the master collaborative work data received by the client 2, for example, changes the contents of the object data, moves the position, and changes the size. , The change of the hierarchical relationship, the deletion, etc. are started.

However, among the object data included in the copy of the master collaboration data received by the client 2, the user can edit the unlocked object data and the locked object data. Only the object data for which this user knows the password. Other object data cannot be edited.

The user of the client 2 first selects object data to be edited from among the object data displayed on the collaborative work screen by using an input device such as a mouse. To make this selection, the user places the pointer displayed on the collaboration screen in the area of the object data to be edited, and clicks the mouse. In response to this click, the control unit 21
Determines that the object data is selected, and displays a frame surrounding the area of the object data in a recognizable color (for example, green).

Examples of object data editing processing include the following. D6a. Processing for releasing the lock set for the object data If it is desired to release the lock for preventing the change to the selected object data, the processing for releasing the lock is performed. Note that, even when editing object data to which a lock is set, it is necessary to first release the lock setting.

The user of the client 2 places the pointer in the frame surrounding the object data area in a state where the frame is displayed in a recognizable color and clicks the mouse. In response to this click, the control unit 21 displays a menu from which various functions can be selected. This menu includes an unlock function. The user selects and clicks the unlock function in the menu. In response to this click, the control unit 11 executes the lock release function.

The control section 21 reads out the name of the locked person from the selected object data. Next, a window including a column for displaying the read name and a column for inputting a password is displayed on the display unit 25, and the user is requested to input a password. The user inputs a password from the input unit 24. The control unit 21 reads the password from the object data, compares the password with the password input by the user from the input unit 24, and releases the lock setting when the passwords match. If they do not match, the lock setting is not released, and the user is prompted to re-enter the password.

When the lock setting is released, the data related to the lock setting for this object data is deleted from the object data. That is, the control unit 2
1 deletes the data of (7) and (8) in the object data described in the above B (step B8).

When the processing for releasing the lock setting is completed, the object data can be edited. Further, in this embodiment, when it is desired to set the lock again after releasing the lock once, the lock setting function is executed from the beginning.

D6b. The process of changing the password for releasing the setting of the lock on the object data The user of the client 2 selects the object data whose password is to be changed, and changes the setting of the lock on the object data as described above Release by the lock release function described in D6a.

After canceling the lock setting, a new lock is set using the lock setting function. When setting the lock, the user enters a new password. Control unit 21
Reads the user identification data stored in the storage unit 22 and incorporates the user identification data (user name) and the password input by the user into the object data.

D6c. Processing for Changing the Position and Size of Object Data When changing the position of object data, the user of the client 2 may change the position of the object data in a state where the frame surrounding the area of the object data is displayed in a recognizable color. A pointer is arranged in the frame, and the entire area is dragged to a desired position using a mouse and arranged.

The control unit 21 controls the
Identify the new position of the data (the dot position of the frame surrounding the object data area on the collaboration screen)
Based on the data indicating the identified position, (3) in the object data described in the above B (step B8)
Rewrite the data of

When changing the size of the object data, the user of the client 2 places the pointer on the frame surrounding the object data area in a state where the frame is displayed in a recognizable color, The size of the frame is increased or reduced by dragging the frame to a desired position using a mouse.

The control unit 21 sets a new position of the object data whose size has been changed (in the joint work screen,
The dot position of the frame surrounding the area of the object data) is identified, and the data (3) in the object data described in the above B (step B8) is rewritten with the data indicating the identified position.

D6d. The process of including a hyperlink in the object data and the process of changing the hyperlink included in the object data The hyperlink data is stored in the above B (step B8).
This is the data of (6) in the object data described in.

The user of the client 2 places the pointer in the frame surrounding the object data area in a state where the frame is displayed in a recognizable color and clicks the mouse. In response to this click, the control unit 21 displays a menu from which various functions can be selected. This menu includes a hyperlink setting function. The user selects and clicks the hyperlink setting function in the menu. In response to this click, the control unit 11 executes a hyperlink setting function.

The user of the client 2 performs a process of setting a hyperlink in the area using the hyperlink setting function. When the hyperlink is set, the control unit 21 incorporates the hyperlink data into the object data.

When it is desired to change the already set hyperlink, for example, when the link destination is to be changed,
When the user wants to delete, for example, the function for changing the setting in the hyperlink setting function is called and executed. The control unit 21 changes the hyperlink data embedded in the object data in response to the change of the hyperlink data.

D6e. Processing for Changing Data Representing Images and Characters Formed on the Screen Included in Object Data This processing is performed by changing the data of (1) in the object data described in the above B (step B8), that is, This is a process of changing the displayed data itself.

With the frame surrounding the object data area displayed in a recognizable color, the user of the client 2 places the pointer in the frame and double-clicks the mouse. The control unit 21 enables the displayed data itself to be changed in response to the double click.

The user of the client 2 stores a program for creating the data itself or a program for creating another data to be newly added to the data itself in the storage unit 22.
Call from. The user changes the data itself using the called program. When the change of the data itself is completed, the user inputs data indicating the end of the change processing from the input unit 24. In response to the data indicating the end of the change processing, the control unit 21 rewrites the data (1) in the object data described in the above B (step B8) with the data indicating the changed data itself. .

After the editing of the object data as described above is completed, the process proceeds to step D7. In step D7, the control unit 21 of the client 2 combines the object data for which the editing process has been completed with the copy of the master collaboration data, creates new master collaboration data, and transmits the master collaboration data to the server 1.

In step D8, the control section 11 of the server 1 overwrites the master collaboration data received from the client 2 with the original master collaboration data stored in the master folder. That is, the server 1 saves the master collaboration data received from the client 2 as the latest master collaboration data in the master folder.

Next, the control section 11 releases the flag set in the master folder in step D4. By releasing this flag, the server 1 and other clients belonging to this group can access the master collaboration data.

Thus, the process of editing the object data that is a part of the master collaboration data and creating new master collaboration data is completed. The above is an embodiment of the present invention, in an environment in which a plurality of computers including a server and a client are coupled to a communication network, an apparatus capable of creating one data in the server using the server and the client. Operation. The program stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1 and the program stored in the storage unit 22 of the client 2 control the server 1 and the client 2 so as to execute the above-described processing.

[0174]

According to the present invention, in a client, object data having a configuration as an object is created in a client, a server receives the object data from the client, and the server maintains the configuration of the object data as an object. In this state, one piece of data is created by combining the data with the data stored in the server.

In the present invention, the object data completed by the client is sent to the server. As a result, the complexity between multiple clients to ensure data consistency during creation and modification, which is required when the client creates and modifies data directly on the server as in the past. This eliminates the need for synchronous processing, and has the effect of reducing the load on the server.

In the present invention, since the object data completed by the client is sent to the server, the object data between the server and the client is compared with the conventional case where the client directly creates and changes the data on the server. This has the effect of reducing the amount of data communication in the network.

According to the present invention, since object data is composed of various types of data and can be handled as one object, there is an effect that processing for synthesizing object data into one data on a server can be simplified.

According to the present invention, by including data relating to lock setting in the object data itself, there is an effect that processing for managing the editing right for each user by the server becomes unnecessary. Also, there is an effect that object data created by a certain user is not changed by another user.

According to the present invention, when one piece of data is created by synthesizing object data in the server and then one piece of data is changed, that is, edited, the object data can be individually changed. Thus, there is an effect that the one data can be easily edited.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for connecting a server and a client via a communication network and creating one piece of data on the server using the server and the client according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a preparation process in a server before starting work by a user of a client;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process of creating data on a client and transmitting the data to a server, and the flowchart of FIG. 3 is continued from the flowchart of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart following FIG. 3 of a process for creating data on a client and transmitting the data to a server.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process of combining the object data received from the client with the master collaborative work data stored in the server, and the flowchart of FIG. 5 is continued from the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart following FIG. 5 of a process of combining the object data received from the client with the master collaborative work data stored in the server.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process of editing object data that is a part of master collaboration data and creating new master collaboration data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 server, 2 clients, 3 communication network, 11, 21 control unit, 12, 22 storage unit, 13,
23 input / output unit, 14, 24 input unit, 15, 25 display unit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A method of combining a server and a client to create one data on the server using the server and the client, wherein the client is configured to generate object data having a configuration as an object. Creating; transmitting the object data to the server by the client; and receiving the object data by the server; and the server maintaining the configuration of the object data as an object. Creating one piece of data by combining with the data stored in the server. 2. The object data according to claim 1, wherein the object data created by the client includes data for setting a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data and releasing the lock. Method. 3. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server combines the object data received from the client with data stored in the server in an order of priority given to the object data. The method described in. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the client selecting and changing the object data in the one data created at the server. 5. An apparatus for connecting a server and a client to create one data on the server using the server and the client, wherein the client is configured to store object data having a configuration as an object. Means for creating; means for transmitting the object data from the client to the server; means for receiving the data from the client in the server; and a configuration in which the server uses the object data as an object. Means for creating one data by combining the data stored in the server with the data stored in the server. 6. The object data according to claim 5, wherein the object data created by the client includes data for setting a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data and releasing the lock. apparatus. 7. The server according to claim 5, wherein the server combines the object data received from the client with data stored in the server in an order of priority given to the object data. An apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for the client to select and change the object data in the one data created by the server. 9. A recording medium recording a program for connecting a server and a client and causing a computer to execute a procedure for creating one data on the server using the server and the client, wherein Creating object data having a configuration as an object; the client sending the object data to the server; and the server receiving the object data; and the server receiving the object data. A step of creating one piece of data by combining the data with the data stored in the server while maintaining the configuration of the object as an object. 10. The object data according to claim 9, wherein the object data created by the client includes data for setting a lock for restricting a change in the content of the object data and releasing the lock. recoding media. 11. The server according to claim 9, wherein the server combines the object data received from the client with data stored in the server in an order of priority given to the object data. A recording medium according to claim 1. 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of the client selecting and changing the object data in the one data created by the server.
12. The recording medium according to any one of claims 11 to 11.