JP2005063124A - Information synchronous system, information synchronous method, information synchronous program and program recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information synchronous system allowing use of a file between different terminals without necessity to store an original document into a server, without necessity to on-line connect the different terminals, and having improved safety, an information synchronous method, an information synchronous program and a program recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: When actual file information and actual directory information that are synchronous targets are updated in each of a terminal A 2 and a terminal B 3, an update file set is produced on the basis of reference configuration information of one's own terminal and the updated actual file information or the like, the produced update file set is transmitted to the server 4 via the Internet 5, and the update file set is received from the server 4 via the Internet 5. When an update process is performed in one of the terminal A 2 and the terminal B 3, the update is performed to the actual file information and the actual directory information that are the synchronous targets on the basis of the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the received update file set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information synchronization system, an information synchronization method, an information synchronization program, and a program recording medium for synchronizing information between terminal devices.

  A communication network such as the Internet forms a ubiquitous work environment, and there is an increasing demand for using and sharing file information of terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as terminals) among a plurality of terminals that are distributed and arranged. As a function necessary for realizing this, various distributed processing file management methods have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The above distributed processing file management method or the like employs a method in which a file is stored in a server and is loaded into a terminal as necessary.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-18635

  However, in the distributed processing file management system as described above, it is necessary to save all files (originals) used by the user in the server.

  In this case, it is necessary to make the storage area of the server larger than the storage area of the terminal, which is a limitation in constructing the system.

  In addition, the original file may be damaged or lost for some reason, but measures against this are not sufficient.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention makes it possible to use a file between these terminals without having to store the original in a server and without having to connect each terminal online at the same time. An object is to provide an improved information synchronization system, information synchronization method, information synchronization program, and program recording medium.

  The present invention according to claim 1 includes a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a server connected to each other via a communication network, and the first terminal device and the second terminal are connected via the server. An information synchronization system for synchronizing information with each other, wherein each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device. On the other hand, when the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated, the update file set creation that creates the update file set based on the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc. Means, an update file set transmitting means for transmitting the created update file set to the server via the communication network, and reception for receiving the update file set from the server via the communication network If the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the actual update target is based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the own terminal. The gist of the present invention is to include information synchronization means for synchronizing information by updating file information and real directory information.

  The present invention according to claim 2 is configured by a first terminal device and a second terminal device connected to each other via a communication network, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device are mutually connected. Information synchronization system for synchronizing information with each other, wherein each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is synchronized with one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. An update file set creation means for creating an update file set based on the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc., when the target real file information and real directory information are updated; An update file set transmitting means for transmitting the update file set to the other terminal apparatus via the communication network; and a receiving means for receiving the update file set from the other terminal apparatus via the communication network; When update processing is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the own terminal, real file information to be synchronized and The gist of the present invention is to have information synchronization means for synchronizing information by updating the real directory information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The update file set and the update file set sent by either of the above are received, the update file that becomes valid is selected from the update file set and the update file set, and the history of the synchronization processing performed on the selected update file is created And an update file set list creating means for updating and creating an update file set list.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a server connected to each other via a communication network. Information synchronization method for mutually synchronizing information between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the first terminal device and the second terminal device, respectively. An update file that creates an update file set based on the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information when the real file information and the real directory information to be synchronized are updated on one side of the device A set creation step, an update file set sending step for sending the created update file set to a server via a communication network, and an update file set via a communication network. When the update process is performed on one of the reception step and the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the own terminal, The gist is to execute an information synchronization step of synchronizing information by updating the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system constituted by a first terminal device and a second terminal device connected to each other via a communication network. An information synchronization method for synchronizing information between each other, wherein each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. Then, when the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated, an update file set creation step for creating an update file set based on the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, An update file set transmitting step for transmitting the created update file set to the other terminal device via the communication network, and the other terminal device via the communication network. When the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the synchronization is performed based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the own terminal. The present invention according to claim 6, wherein the information synchronization step is performed to synchronize information by updating the target real file information and real directory information. In the invention, each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device receives the update file set and the update file set transmitted by any one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The update file set and the update file that becomes effective from the update file set are selected, and the history of the synchronization processing performed on the selected update file is created and the update file is created. And it is required to perform the update file set list creation step of updating create a Ttorisuto.

  The present invention according to claim 7 causes a computer to function as at least one of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The gist.

  The gist of the present invention described in claim 8 is that the information synchronization program according to claim 7 is recorded.

  In the present invention, each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the real file information and the real directory information that are synchronization targets. Is updated, the update file set is created based on the reference configuration information of the terminal itself and the updated actual file information, etc., and the created update file set is transmitted to the server via the communication network, and the update file When the set is received from the server via the communication network and one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is updated, the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the terminal itself Based on the above, information is synchronized by updating the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized.

  In addition, each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, and the real file information and the real directory information to be synchronized are updated. The update file set is created based on the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated actual file information, etc., and the created update file set is transmitted to the other terminal device via the communication network. When the set is received from the other terminal device via the communication network and update processing is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the received update file set and the own terminal Based on the reference configuration information, information is synchronized by updating the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized.

  In addition, each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device receives an update file set and an update file set transmitted by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device, and updates them. A valid update file is selected from the file set and the update file set, a history of the synchronization processing performed on the selected update file is created, and an update file set list is updated.

  That is, according to the present invention, only information related to the update is stored in the server, and the updated file itself is not stored. Therefore, the storage capacity of the server may be smaller than that of the terminal, and the degree of freedom in system construction is expanded. .

  Further, as described above, each terminal has reference configuration information, and information synchronization is performed while verifying the information of the update file set. Therefore, it is possible to perform synchronization safely and reliably.

  Therefore, an information synchronization system and information synchronization in which files can be used between these terminals and safety can be improved without having to store the original in a server and without having to connect each terminal online at the same time. It is possible to provide a method, an information synchronization program, and a program recording medium.

The information synchronization system, information synchronization method, information synchronization program, and program recording medium of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The following examples are only for the purpose of explaining the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can employ various embodiments including each or all of these elements, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and the repeated explanation thereof is omitted.

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

  The information synchronization system 1 is for synchronizing information between a plurality of terminals (terminal A, terminal B), and is connected to a terminal A2, a terminal B3, and a server connected to each other via an Internet network 5 as a communication network. 4.

  The terminal A2 includes a storage unit 22 that stores various types of information, a communication unit 26 that performs communication (information transmission / reception) with the outside, and a control unit 21 that controls the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 26.

  The terminal B3 includes a storage unit 32 that stores various types of information, a communication unit 36 that performs communication (information transmission / reception) with the outside, and a control unit 31 that controls the storage unit 32 and the communication unit 36.

  The server 4 includes a storage unit 42 that stores various types of information, a communication unit 46 that performs communication (information transmission / reception) with the outside, and a control unit 41 that controls the storage unit 42 and the communication unit 46. .

  The storage unit 22 includes synchronization area actual data A23 including real directory information and real file information to be synchronized in the synchronization area, and an agent A24 that is an agent program.

  The agent A24 generates reference configuration information A25 based on the contents of the synchronization area actual data A. This consists of directory configuration information and file management information.

  Further, the agent A24 generates an updated file set 44 from the updated real file information and the reference configuration information A25 before this update process. The update file set 44 is stored in the update file set list storage area 43 of the storage unit 42 of the server 4. The storage unit 42 also stores an update file set list that is a history of update file sets.

  In addition, the storage unit 32 includes synchronization area actual data B33 including real directory information and real file information to be synchronized in the synchronization area, and an agent B34 that is an agent program.

  The agent B34 generates reference configuration information B35 based on the content of the synchronization area actual data B. This consists of directory configuration information and file management information.

  In addition, the agent B34 generates an updated file set 44 from the updated real file information and the reference configuration information B35 before the update process. The update file set 44 is stored in the update file set list storage area 43 of the storage unit 42 of the server 4. The storage unit 42 also stores an update file set list that is a history of update file sets.

  As described above, the configurations of the terminal A2 and the terminal B3 are similar to each other, but various specifications such as the storage capacity of the storage unit and the communication speed of the communication unit may be different from each other.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data configuration in terminal A2 and terminal B3 in FIG. 1 and a data configuration in agent A24 and agent B34.

  As shown in the figure, the synchronization area actual data 23 (33) includes actual directory information 23a (33a) and actual file information 23b (33b).

The real directory information 23a (33a) is composed of a directory name and directory management information, and the directory management information is composed of information indicating the date and time of update, the internal structure (subordinate file name), and the like.

  The actual file information 23b (33b) includes a file name, file management information, and file entity data (file body), and the file management information includes information indicating date and time of update, file size, checksum, and the like.

  The reference configuration information 25 (35) includes directory information 25a (35a) and file information 25b (35b).

  The directory information 25a (35a) is composed of a directory name and directory management information. The directory management information is composed of information indicating an internal structure (subordinate file name) and the like, such as an update date and time.

  The file information 25b (35b) includes a file name and file management information, and the file management information includes information indicating the date and time of update, the file size, the checksum, and the like.

  Note that file entity data can be included as appropriate, but this is not necessary for performing basic operations.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of the update file set 44 of FIG.

  The update file set 44 includes additional file information (+ file / + directory) when data is added in the update process, non-update file information (= file / = directory) when the update process is not performed, It consists of deleted file information (-file / -directory) when data is deleted in the update process, and updated file set management information.

  The update file set management information includes a registration number, registration source terminal information, creation date / time of the update file set, and the like, and may include a transmission date / time, reception date / time, and the like as appropriate.

  Note that the non-updated file information in the updated file set 44 is used for confirming the consistency of the synchronization area, but may be configured so as not to include this.

  Further, the file entity data in the non-updated file information is used when transferring actual data at the time of initial synchronization or when performing forced synchronization or the like, but may be configured not to include this.

  Further, the file entity data in the deleted file information is used when registering the actual file information in the update completion file, but may be configured not to include this.

  In addition, the transmission date / time and the reception date / time in the update file set management information are used when the date / time setting of each terminal is assumed to be inconsistent, but may be configured not to include these.

  An updated file set (update completed file set) of a file that has been updated is obtained by adding an error flag to each of directory information and file information.

  In addition, when distinguishing between updated files and non-updated files, the server corrects the time error that occurs between the terminals, and uses the corrected time as a criterion for more stable operation. can do.

  Furthermore, it is possible to use the time at the terminal, whereby the server can be eliminated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of the update file set list 45 of FIG.

  The update file set list 45 includes a registration number, terminal information, and the file set type. The file set list type also includes information indicating whether the update (synchronization) has been completed.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation at the time of initial registration of the information synchronization system 1 of FIG.

  Based on the synchronization region actual data (comparison target file) existing in terminal A2 and terminal B3 (terminal A2 in the case of agent A24, terminal B3 in the case of agent B34) by agent A24 and agent B34, reference configuration information ( A comparison reference file) is created (S51).

  Next, an updated file set is created based on the updated actual file information and reference configuration information (S52), the updated file set list is read from the server 4 and the contents are confirmed (S53), and created in S52. A number is assigned to the updated file set (S54).

  Next, the update file set to which the number is assigned is transmitted to the server 4 (S55), and the contents of the update file set list are updated together with this, and sent to the server 4 (S56).

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation at the time of registration of the update file set in the information synchronization system 1 of FIG. In the figure, first, a case where a file update process is performed in the terminal A2 is shown.

  An update file set is created by the agent A24 by comparing the synchronous region actual data (comparison target file) stored in the terminal A2 with the reference configuration information (comparison reference file) (S61). The update file set list is read and the contents are confirmed (S62), and a number is assigned to the update file set created in S61 (S63).

  Next, the update file set to which the number is assigned is transmitted to the server 4 (S64), and the contents of the update file set list are updated and sent to the server 4 (S65).

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the update file set is applied (during synchronization) in the information synchronization system 1 of FIG.

  When the synchronization instruction is made manually or automatically, the update file set list is received from the server 4 by the agent B34 of the terminal B3 (S71), the contents are confirmed, and the update file stored in the processing shown in FIG. A set is received from the server 4 (S72).

  Next, a file to be updated (synchronized) is received from the terminal B3, and an update work list for performing update work is created from the reference configuration information, the synchronization area actual data, and the update file set (S73). Based on this, the synchronization area actual data and the reference configuration information are updated (S74), an update completion file set is created and transmitted to the server 4 (S75), and the contents of the update file set list are updated accordingly. (S76).

  If it is determined from the contents of the updated file set list that the updated file set is the last one, that is, if there is no unsynchronized file (S77: Yes), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when there is another file that is not synchronized (S77: No), the process of S72 is repeatedly executed.

  In the process of S72, the update file set list is referred to, and update file sets after the last update completion file set are received in the order of registration.

  In addition, in the update processing in S74 and S75, the additional file and the like are added and the deleted file and the like are deleted after the current file is saved in the update completion file set as a file separately deleted. An error is described in the update completion file as an error flag.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the creation logic of the various data described above, and the contents of the update file set differ depending on the contents (conditions) of the reference configuration information and the synchronization area actual data.

  Since the information synchronization system 1 as described above basically does not store the original in the server, stores only information related to the update in the server 4 and does not store the updated file itself, the storage capacity of the server 4 is the terminal A2. Or smaller than that of the terminal B3, and the degree of freedom in system construction is expanded.

  In addition, the information synchronization system 1 sets a token (update right) that is indispensable for performing the update work in preparation for the user confirming the update work and forgetting the update work itself after the work. In the case of performing, the token can be received at the terminal, and the token can be returned after the work is completed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where two terminals are connected to the server 4 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration having three or more terminals can also be adopted.

  In addition, the server may be configured to execute all or part of the functions of the agent.

  The server and terminal of the information synchronization system as described above include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a hard disk drive, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a keyboard, a display, a flexible disk drive, and a communication network. It is possible to use a computer, a PDF (Personal Digital Assistance), or the like having a communication unit or the like for performing communication by connecting to.

  In this case, the computer is caused to read and execute an information synchronization program for causing the computer to execute the functions of the aforementioned units.

  Therefore, the information synchronization program described above and a computer-readable program recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a PC card or the like on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  An information synchronization method using such an information synchronization system is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since each terminal has its own reference configuration information, the extraction of the corrected / updated file can be completed within the terminal itself.

  As a result, the time stamp is not affected by the time difference between the terminal and the server as compared with the conventional method in which the original is in another server. In addition, it is not affected by the inconsistency of the file management method between the terminal and the server.

  Furthermore, compared with a conventional method in which a direct comparison is performed with another terminal without using a server, there is no influence of a time stamp shift between different terminals. Moreover, it is not affected by inconsistencies in file management methods between different terminals.

  Further, the present invention can clearly grasp, process, and present both the file modified / updated by the own terminal and the file modified / updated by the other terminal when performing the synchronization processing.

  As a result, it is possible to appropriately deal with files and the like that have been corrected at the same timing between terminals, and the stability and safety of the system are increased.

  Further, the present invention extracts an updated file set list, an updated file set when extracting a modified / updated file and transferring this information to another terminal or receiving information transfer to perform a synchronization process. Can be transferred in a single timing.

  For this reason, the communication procedure amount, the communication amount, and the required time can be reduced.

  Further, it is not necessary to bring each terminal or server online except during the file transfer timing, including during synchronization processing, and the flexibility and stability of the system are increased.

  In addition, by directly exchanging information between terminals, a system that does not use a server is possible, and synchronization can be performed by exchanging files using a removable medium or the like.

  In the present invention, it is not necessary to uniquely define a synchronization area, and it is not necessary to separately have an original.

  For this reason, the required capacity of the server can be reduced with respect to the synchronization area, and the applicability increases.

  In addition, information synchronization between small and different types of terminals is possible, and the application range of the system can be expanded.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information synchronization system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure in the terminals A and B of FIG. 1, and the data structure of the agents A and B. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the update file set of FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the update file set list | wrist of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the initial registration of the information synchronous system of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of the update file set registration of the information synchronization system of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement at the time of application of the update file set of the information synchronization system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the creation logic example of the various data of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information synchronization system 2 Terminal A
3 Terminal B
4 server 5 internet network 21, 31, 41 control unit 22, 32 storage unit 23 synchronization area actual data A
24 Agent A
25 Standard configuration information A
26, 36, 46 Communication unit 33 Synchronization area actual data B
34 Agent B
35 Standard configuration information B
42 Storage unit 43 Storage area for update file set, etc. 44 Update file set 45 Update file set list

Claims (8)

The first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the server are connected to each other via a communication network, and the first terminal device and the second terminal device are mutually connected via the server. An information synchronization system for synchronizing information,
Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is:
When the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc. An update file set creation means for creating an update file set based on
Update file set transmission means for transmitting the created update file set to the server via the communication network;
Receiving means for receiving the updated file set from the server via the communication network;
When the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the update processing is performed based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the terminal itself. An information synchronization system comprising: information synchronization means for synchronizing information by updating real file information and real directory information. A first terminal device and a second terminal device connected to each other via a communication network, and for synchronizing information between the first terminal device and the second terminal device An information synchronization system,
Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is:
When the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc. An update file set creation means for creating an update file set based on
Update file set transmission means for transmitting the created update file set to the other terminal device via the communication network;
Receiving means for receiving the updated file set from the other terminal device via the communication network;
When the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the update processing is performed based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the terminal itself. An information synchronization system comprising: information synchronization means for synchronizing information by updating real file information and real directory information.   Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device receives an update file set and an update file set transmitted by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device. An update file set list that selects an update file that is valid from the update file set and the update file set, creates a history of synchronization processing performed on the selected update file, and updates and creates an update file set list The information synchronization system according to claim 1, further comprising a creation unit. In a system composed of a first terminal device, a second terminal device, and a server connected to each other via a communication network, between the first terminal device and the second terminal device via the server An information synchronization method for synchronizing information with each other,
Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is:
When the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc. An update file set creation step for creating an update file set based on
An update file set transmission step of transmitting the created update file set to the server via the communication network;
Receiving the updated file set from the server via the communication network;
When the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the update processing is performed based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the terminal itself. An information synchronization method comprising: executing an information synchronization step of synchronizing information by updating real file information and real directory information. In a system composed of a first terminal device and a second terminal device connected to each other via a communication network, information synchronization is performed between the first terminal device and the second terminal device. An information synchronization method for taking
Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device is:
When the real file information and real directory information to be synchronized are updated on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the reference configuration information of the own terminal and the updated real file information, etc. An update file set creation step for creating an update file set based on
An update file set transmission step of transmitting the created update file set to the other terminal device via the communication network;
Receiving the updated file set from the other terminal device via the communication network;
When the update process is performed on one of the first terminal device and the second terminal device, the update processing is performed based on the received update file set and the reference configuration information of the terminal itself. An information synchronization method comprising: executing an information synchronization step of synchronizing information by updating real file information and real directory information.   Each of the first terminal device and the second terminal device receives an update file set and an update file set transmitted by either the first terminal device or the second terminal device. An update file set list that selects an update file that is valid from the update file set and the update file set, creates a history of synchronization processing performed on the selected update file, and updates and creates an update file set list 6. The information synchronization method according to claim 4, wherein the creation step is executed.   An information synchronization program for causing a computer to function as at least one of the first terminal device, the second terminal device, and the server according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 8. A program recording medium on which the information synchronization program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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