JP2006285712A - Application software server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To clarify the owner of application software and use the application software over a network. <P>SOLUTION: An application software server networked to a plurality of client computers has a software storage means for storing at least one piece of application software in association with identification information about the owner of the application software. A software specification information reception means receives the owner identification information and information identifying the application software from a specific client computer out of the client computers, and a software sending means extracts and sends the application software from the software storage means according to the application software identification information and owner identification information received by the software specification information reception means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a server that stores application software for each owner.

  In recent years, a service called ASP (Application Service Provider) has been widely performed along with the spread of the Internet. ASP is a service that stores application software on a server and lends application software to client computers connected through a network. In ASP, a user who intends to use application software connects to a server on which application software is installed, transmits data using browser software, etc., and results processed by the application software In general, it is used in procedures such as receiving a message.

By the way, many users of application software want to own the application software. Further, in order to customize the application software so as to be convenient for the user, it is necessary to store the application software for each user. This can be realized by installing the application software on a stand-alone computer, but the convenience that the application software can be used as long as there is a client computer, such as an ASP, is lost.
In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to clarify the owner of an application software and make it possible to use the application software on a network.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
The invention described in claim 1 is an application software server connected to a plurality of client computers via a network, and stores one or more application software in association with identification information of the owner of the application software Having storage means; Then, the software identification information receiving means receives the identification information of the owner and the information specifying the application software from the specific client computer which is one of the client computers, and the software transmission means receives the software identification information. Based on the information specifying the application software received by the means and the identification information of the owner, the application software is extracted from the software storage means and transmitted to the specific client computer.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the application software server, when use of the application software ends, the specific client computer deletes itself and the end notification information, which is information indicating the end of use, is stored in the application software server. A program to notify the application software server is included. The software transmission means is configured not to transmit application software for which the end notification information is not notified after transmission.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the application software server, the application software can be customized on the specific client computer, and customization information that is information relating to the customization is stored in the application software server. A program to notify is included. Then, the software update means receives the customization information and stores the corresponding application software in the software storage means in a customized state. The information related to customization includes the customized application itself, the changed part changed by customization, information indicating the changed content, and the like.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the application software server, a data file storage means for holding a data storage area associated with the identification information of each owner is provided, and the specific client computer is provided by a stored data reception means. In the above, while the transmitted application software is being executed, the storage data that is the data to be stored transmitted from the specific client computer is received, and the owner of the application software that is executing the stored data is identified. It is stored in a data area associated with information.

The invention described in claim 5 is an application software server connected to a plurality of client computers via a network, and stores one or more application software in association with identification information of the owner of the application software Having storage means; Then, the software specifying information receiving means receives the identification information of the owner and the information specifying the application software from a specific client computer which is one of the client computers, and the software starting means receives the software specifying information. Based on the information specifying the application software received by the information receiving means and the identification information of the owner, the application software is extracted from the software storage means and activated. Further, processing of the activated application software based on the data received by the software data receiving means by the processing result transmitting means is received by the software data receiving means by the data for the application software started from the specific client computer. The result is transmitted to the specific client computer. Note that the data for the application software includes data indicating an instruction.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the application software server according to the fifth aspect, the application software can be customized from the specific client computer, and the software update means is information relating to the customization. The customization information is received and the corresponding application software is stored in the software storage means in a customized state.
The invention according to claim 7 is the application software server according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising data file storage means for holding a data storage area associated with the identification information of each owner, and stored data reception means. While the application software is running, it accepts saved data that is to be saved sent from the specific client computer, and is associated with the identification information of the owner of the running application software Remember to area.

In the invention described in claim 1, since the application software is stored in the software storage means for each owner, the possession of the application software becomes clear, and the owner owns the application software he owns, It can be obtained from any client computer connected to the network.
The invention according to claim 2 can prevent the application software from being transmitted twice.
In the invention according to claim 3, the owner can customize and save his application software.
The invention according to claim 4 stores the stored data on the application software server, so that the owner of the application software can acquire the stored data from any client computer connected to the network. Can do.

In the invention described in claim 5, since the application software is stored in the software storage means for each owner, the ownership of the application software becomes clear and the owner owns the application software owned by the owner. Can be obtained from any client computer connected to the network.
In the invention described in claim 6, the owner can customize and save his application software.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the storage data is stored on the application software server, so that the owner of the application software can acquire the storage data of his / her own from any client computer connected to the network. Can do.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 schematically shows a network to which an application software server X that stores and manages application software (hereinafter referred to as “software”) belongs to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the application server X is connected to a plurality of client computers A via the Internet.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the hardware configuration of the application software server X. The application software server X is composed of a general computer. Specifically, the CPU 11 performs arithmetic processing, the RAM 12 as a work area of the CPU, the basic program ROM 13 for recording data, and the operation timing of the CPU. Clock 14, hard disk 15 for storing data and programs, keyboard 18 for inputting data, input device such as mouse 19, monitor 16 for displaying information, router for connecting to the Internet, etc. The network interface 17 is configured. The application software server X is realized by incorporating a program for causing such a general computer to perform the following operations. The hardware configuration of the client computer A is almost the same.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the application software server X. The application software server X functionally includes a software storage unit 101, a data transmission / reception unit 102, a software identification information reception unit 103, a software transmission unit 104, a software update unit 105, a data file storage unit 106, and a storage data reception. Part 107 is included.
The software storage unit 101 stores one or more pieces of software in association with identification information of the owner of the software. These software can be run in the operation system of the client computer, and each owner purchases the software in advance and stores it in the application software server X. Accordingly, the number of software stored by each owner varies, and different owners may store the same type of software. FIG. 4A schematically shows the record contents of the software storage unit 101. As shown in the figure, in the software storage unit 101, a plurality of pieces of software are associated and stored together with a software ID for specifying software using owner identification information as a main key. In addition, a use flag indicating a use state is associated with each software. Here, when the use flag is “0”, it is unused, and when it is “1”, the use state is indicated. Each software is automatically installed when transmitted to the client computer A. When the termination operation is performed in the client computer A, the end notification information, which is information indicating the end of use, is applied to the application. It is sent to the software server X and is automatically uninstalled. Further, each software can be customized in the client computer A, and when the termination operation is performed in the client computer A, the customized information which is information indicating the customized portion and contents is applied to the application software. It is sent to server X. The customization information may be transmitted as the customized software itself.

The data transmitting / receiving unit 102 exchanges data with the client computer A. Further, the data transmitting / receiving unit 102 stores an input screen for inputting owner identification information, a password, and a software ID that is information for identifying software to the client computer A, a screen indicating that transmission is not permitted, and the like. The HP storage unit 102c, the owner information storage unit 102b that stores the owner identification information of the owner in association with the password, and the owner identification information and password transmitted from the input screen are stored in the owner information storage unit 102b. And an authentication unit 102a for determining whether or not it matches.
The software specifying information receiving unit 103 receives the owner identification information received by the data transmitting / receiving unit 102 from the client computer A through the input screen and the software ID that is information specifying the software.
The software transmitting unit 104 extracts the software indicated by the software ID received by the software specifying information receiving unit 103 from the software storage unit 101 based on the software ID and the owner identification information, The data is transmitted to the specific client computer A that has requested the software via the data transmitting / receiving unit 102. If the use flag of the extracted software in the software storage unit 101 is “1”, the software transmission unit 104 does not transmit the software. After sending the software, the use flag of the software is changed to “1”.
The software update unit 105 receives customization information transmitted when the use of the software in the client computer A is completed via the data transmission / reception unit 102, calls the corresponding software from the software storage unit 101, and customizes according to the customization information. Then, the corresponding location in the software storage unit 101 is overwritten and stored. If the customization information is customized software itself, the software update unit 105 overwrites and stores the received software.

The data file storage unit 106 holds a data storage area associated with owner identification information of each owner of the software group. Arbitrary file data can be stored in the data storage area. FIG. 4B schematically shows the record contents of the data file storage unit 106 in which file data is stored. The data file storage unit 106 stores a plurality of data files in association with owner identification information as a primary key.
The stored data reception unit 107 is a storage that is data to be stored transmitted from the client computer A while the transmitted software is being executed in the client computer A that is executing the transmitted software. Data is received and stored as a data file in the data area associated with the owner identification information of the owner of the application software being executed, in the data file storage unit 106.

  Next, the operation of the application software server X having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the application software server X, and FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of information between the application software server X and the client computer A. First, the software owner who intends to use the software accesses the application software server X and transmits a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location where the predetermined input screen is stored (s1001). The data transmission / reception unit 102 receives this, and transmits the input screen stored in the HP storage unit 102c to the client computer A (s101) (s1002). From this input screen, the owner inputs the user identification information, password, and software ID, and returns (s1003). The data transmission / reception unit 102 accepts this (s102), and the authentication unit 102a compares the stored contents of the owner information storage unit 102b with each other to authenticate whether the owner is a legitimate owner (s103). Here, if authentication as a legitimate owner cannot be performed, a screen displaying a message indicating that transmission is not permitted is transmitted to the client computer A (s114), and the process ends.

  If the authorized owner can be authenticated, the software identification information receiving unit 103 receives the transmitted owner identification information and software ID, and the software transmission unit 104 receives the owner identification information and software ID. Based on this, the software having the software ID associated with the owner identification information is extracted from the software storage unit 101 (s104), and the value of the use flag for the extracted software is “1” or “0”. Is determined (s105). Here, when the value of the use flag is “1”, a screen displaying a message indicating that transmission is not permitted is transmitted to the client computer A (s114), and the process is terminated. When the value of the use flag is “0”, the software transmission unit 104 transmits this software to the client computer A via the data transmission / reception unit 102 (s106) (s1004). At this time, the software transmission unit 104 changes the value of the use flag in the software storage unit 101 of this software to “1” (s107). Thereby, the owned software is transmitted to the client computer A, and this software is automatically installed in the client computer A.

  Here, the operation of the software in the client computer A will be briefly described. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation according to FIG. The software transmitted to the client computer A is automatically installed and activated in the client computer A (s201). The software owner performs processing by inputting an instruction command or data to the client computer A (s202). When the software owner instructs the data file storage unit 106 of the application software server X to store the data file during execution of the software, the file data is transmitted to the application software server X ( s203, s204) (s1005). In addition, when the owner instructs the software to customize during the execution of the software, this is accepted (s205), the software is customized (s206), and the customization indicating the customized part and contents is performed. Information is generated and stored (s207). When the use of the software ends and the owner inputs an end instruction to the software, this is accepted (s208), and end notification information and customization information are transmitted to the application software server X (s209) (s1006). (S1007). Note that the customization information is not transmitted if the customization is not performed.

  Since the transmitted software performs the above operation on the client computer A, the application software server X waits for transmission of the data file after transmission of the software (s108), and the data file is transmitted In step S112, the saved data receiving unit 107 receives the stored data and stores it in the data file storage unit 106. In addition, it always waits for transmission of the end notification information (s109), and upon receiving the end notification information, the software transmission unit 104 returns the use flag to “0”. At this time, it is determined whether or not the customization information is also transmitted together (s111). If the customization information is transmitted, the software update unit 105 accepts the customization information from the software storage unit 101. The corresponding software is extracted and customized according to the customization information, and updated and stored again in the software storage unit 101 (s113). Thus, the software transmission operation is completed.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the application software server Y according to the second embodiment will be described. In the application software server X according to the first embodiment, the software is transmitted to the client computer A, and the software is executed on the client computer A. However, the application software server Y is the software. It is executed on the server Y. The network including the application software server Y is the same as that shown in the first embodiment, and the hardware configuration of the application software server Y is the same as that of the application software server X according to the first embodiment. Is omitted.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the function of the application software server Y. Functionally, the application software server X includes a software storage unit 201, a data transmission / reception unit 202, a software identification information reception unit 203, a software activation unit 204, a software data reception unit 209, a processing result transmission unit 210, a software An update unit 205, a data file storage unit 206, and a saved data reception unit 207.

The software storage unit 201 stores one or more pieces of software in association with identification information of the owner of the software. These software can be operated in the application software server Y, and each owner purchases the software in advance and stores it in the application software server Y. Accordingly, the number of software stored by each owner varies, and different owners may store the same type of software. The record contents of the software storage unit 201 are the same as the record contents of the application software server X according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Each software stored here is started and executed in the application software Y, but the instruction command and input data are accepted on the browser software screen of the client computer A, and the processing result is also displayed in this browser. It is displayed on the software. Also, when an end operation instruction is transmitted from the client computer A, end notification information, which is information indicating the end of use, is notified. Furthermore, each software can be customized from the client computer A, and when the end operation instruction is transmitted in the client computer A, the customized information which is information indicating the customized portion and contents is notified. It is supposed to be. Note that the customized software itself may be transmitted as the customization information.
The data transmission / reception unit 202 exchanges data with the client computer A. Further, the data transmitting / receiving unit 202 stores an input screen for inputting owner identification information, a password, and a software ID that is information for identifying software to the client computer A, a screen indicating non-use of permission, and the like The HP storage unit 202c, the owner information storage unit 202b that stores the owner identification information of the owner in association with the password, and the owner identification information and password transmitted from the input screen are stored in the owner information storage unit 202b. And an authentication unit 202a for determining whether or not they match.

The software specifying information receiving unit 203 receives the owner identification information received by the data transmitting / receiving unit 202 through the input screen from the client computer and the software ID that is information specifying the software.
The software activation unit 204 extracts the software indicated by the software ID received by the software identification information reception unit 203 from the software storage unit 201 based on the software ID and owner identification information, and activates the software. When the use flag of the extracted software in the software storage unit 201 is “1”, the software activation unit 204 does not activate the software. After the software is started, the software use flag is changed to “1”.
The software data receiving unit 209 receives data for the activated software from the client computer A that has transmitted the software ID. This data includes instruction data indicating an instruction to the software and processing data for processing, and is notified to the activated software. Thus, the activated software performs a predetermined process.
The processing result transmission unit 210 transmits the processing result of the activated software based on the data received by the software data reception unit 209 to the specific client computer.
When software customization is performed from the client computer A, the software update unit 205 receives customization information notified at the end of use of the software, calls the corresponding software from the software storage unit 201, and Customization is performed according to the customization information, and the data is overwritten and stored in the corresponding part of the software storage unit 201. When the customization information is the customized software itself, the software update unit 205 overwrites and stores the received software.

The data file storage unit 206 holds a data storage area associated with owner identification information of each owner of the software group. Arbitrary file data can be stored in the data storage area. The record contents of the data file storage unit 206 are the same as the record contents of the data file storage unit 106 of the application software server X according to the first embodiment.
The saved data reception unit 207 is a save that is data to be saved that is transmitted from the client computer A while the software is being activated in the client computer A that is transmitting data to the activated software. Data is received and stored as a data file in the data area associated with the owner identification information of the owner of the software being executed, in the data file storage unit 206.

  Next, the operation of the application software server Y having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the application software server Y, and FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing data exchange between the application software server Y and the client computer A. First, the software owner who intends to use the software accesses the application software server Y and transmits a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the location where the predetermined input screen is stored (s2001). The data transmission / reception unit 202 receives this, and transmits the input screen stored in the HP storage unit 202c to the client computer A (s301) (s2002). From this input screen, the owner inputs the user identification information, password, and software ID, and returns (s2003). The data transmission / reception unit 202 accepts this (s302), and the authentication unit 202a compares the stored contents of the owner information storage unit 202b with each other to authenticate whether or not it is a legitimate owner (s303). Here, if it is not possible to authenticate the user as a legitimate owner, a screen displaying a message indicating that transmission is not permitted is transmitted to the client computer A (s314), and the process is terminated.

  If the authorized owner can be authenticated, the software identification information receiving unit 203 receives the transmitted owner identification information and the software ID, and the software activation unit 204 receives the owner identification information and the software ID. Based on the above, the software having the software ID associated with the owner identification information is extracted from the software storage unit 201 (s304), and the value of the use flag for the extracted software is “1”. It is determined whether it is “0” (s305). Here, if the value of the use flag is “1”, a screen on which a message indicating that use is not permitted is transmitted to the client computer A (s314), and the process is terminated. If the value of the use flag is “0”, the software transmission unit 204 activates the extracted software (s306). At this time, the data transmitting / receiving unit 202 changes the value of the use flag in the software storage unit 101 of this software to “1” (s307). When the software is started, the screen data of this software is transmitted to the client computer A (s2004), so that the owner who uses the client computer A starts up the software as if on the browser of the client computer A. Can be operated as if

  Here, the operation of the activated software will be briefly described. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation according to FIG. The activated software waits for data transmitted from the client computer A (s401), and if the software owner inputs an instruction command or data to the software through the browser software (s2005). This is received via the software data receiving unit 210 and the process is executed (s402). The processing result is notified to the processing result transmitting unit 204 (s403). When the owner sends a customization instruction to the software during execution of the software (s2008), this is accepted (s404), the software is customized (s405), and the customized part and contents are also received. The customization information indicating is generated and stored (s406). When the use of the software ends and the owner transmits an end instruction to the software (s2009), this is accepted (s407), and the end notification information and the customization information are respectively sent to the software activation unit 204 and the software update unit 205. (S408). Note that the customization information is not transmitted if the customization is not performed.

  Since the activated software performs the above operation, the application software server Y waits for the end of the software after the software is activated (s309). The application software server Y waits for the transmission of the data file by the end of the software at the same time (s308), and when the data file is transmitted, the stored data reception unit 207 receives the data file and receives the data file. The file is stored in the file storage unit 206 (s312). When the end notification information is received, the software activation unit 204 returns the use flag to “0”. At this time, it is determined whether the customization information is also transmitted (s311). If the customization information is transmitted, the software update unit 205 accepts the customization information from the software storage unit 201. The corresponding software is extracted and customized according to the customization information, and updated and stored again in the software storage unit 201 (s313). Thus, the software activation operation is completed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, only the part that stores the data file in the data file storage unit is described. However, the data file in the data file storage unit is stored as a configuration that the owner arbitrarily receives after authentication. It is desirable to provide a data transmission unit. The stored data transmission unit files the data file associated with the owner identification information transmitted from the client computer A in response to the request from the client computer A after the authentication of the owner identification information and password transmitted from the owner. The data is extracted from the data storage unit and transmitted to the client computer A.
In the first embodiment, the software is illustrated as being installed on the client computer A. However, separately from this, as the software executed on the browser software, the browser software is terminated at the same time. It can also be configured to end.

It is a figure which shows typically the network to which an application software server belongs. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware constitutions of an application software server. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating functions of an application software server according to the first embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows typically the record content of a data file memory | storage part, (b) is a figure which shows typically the record content of a data file memory | storage part. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the application software server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing exchange of information between an application software server and a client computer according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of software in a client computer according to the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows typically the function of the application software server which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the application software server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing exchange of information between an application software server and a client computer according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of software in an application software server according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

X, Y Application software server A Client computer 101, 201 Software storage unit 102, 202 Data transmission / reception unit 103, 203 Software specific information reception unit 104 Software transmission unit 105, 205 Software update unit 106, 206 Data file storage Units 107 and 207 Saved data reception unit 108 and 208 Saved data transmission unit 204 Software activation unit 209 Software data reception unit 210 Processing result transmission unit

Claims (7)

An application software server connected to multiple client computers via a network,
Software storage means for storing one or more application software in association with identification information of the owner of the application software;
Software identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of an owner and information for specifying the application software from a specific client computer that is one of the client computers;
Software that extracts application software from the software storage unit based on the information specifying the application software received by the software specifying information receiving unit and the identification information of the owner, and transmits the software to the specific client computer An application software server having a transmission means. When the use ends, the application software includes a program that deletes itself in the specific client computer and notifies the application software server of end notification information that is information indicating the end of use,
2. The application software server according to claim 1, wherein the software transmission unit does not transmit application software not notified of completion notification information after transmission. 3. The application software can be customized on the specific client computer, and includes a program for notifying the application software server of customization information that is information related to the customization,
The application software server further includes:
3. The application software server according to claim 1, further comprising software update means for receiving customization information and storing the corresponding application software in a customized state in the software storage means. The application software server further includes:
Data file storage means for holding a data storage area associated with the identification information of each owner;
In the specific client computer, while the transmitted application software is being executed, the data file storage means is executed by receiving stored data that is data to be stored transmitted from the specific client computer. The application software server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising saved data receiving means for storing data in a data area associated with identification information of an owner of the application software. An application software server connected to multiple client computers via a network,
Software storage means for storing one or more application software in association with identification information of the owner of the application software;
Software identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of an owner and information for specifying the application software from a specific client computer that is one of the client computers;
Software activation means for extracting and starting application software from the software storage means based on information identifying the application software received by the software identification information receiving means and identification information of the owner;
Software data receiving means for receiving data for application software started from the specific client computer;
An application software server comprising processing result transmission means for transmitting the processing result of the activated application software based on the data received by the software data reception means to the specific client computer. The application software can be customized from the specific client computer,
The application software server further includes:
6. The application software server according to claim 5, further comprising software updating means for receiving customization information, which is information relating to customization, and storing the corresponding application software in the software storage means in a customized state. The application software server further includes:
Data file storage means for holding a data storage area associated with the identification information of each owner;
While the application software is running, it accepts saved data that is data to be saved sent from the specific client computer, and identifies the owner of the running application software in the data file storage means 7. An application software server according to claim 5, further comprising a stored data receiving means for storing the data in a data area associated with the application software server.

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