JP2007207017A - Information processor, installation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide data of the latest version to a user of an information processor without imposing an operation burden, without imposing a burden on a maker side. <P>SOLUTION: A PC 100 is provided with: an OS processing part 120 displaying available drives and a list of data stored in each drive with a directory structure, and receiving access to each drive and the data; and a virtual device driver part 140 making the OS processing part 120 construct a new drive. The virtual device driver part 140 acquires directory data showing a configuration of a directory of the data on a server 300 from the server 300, makes the OS processing part 120 associate the directory data as data stored by the new driver, and acquires the data associated to the directory data from the server 300 and installs them when receiving an installation request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for an information processing device, and more particularly to a technology for the information processing device to download various data.

  In general, peripheral devices such as printers and multifunction peripherals are sold with a storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing a dedicated device driver and an operation manual. The user operates the information processing apparatus to install device drivers and various manuals stored in the attached storage medium in the information processing apparatus.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an installation manual stored in a CD-ROM is installed and used in an information processing apparatus. Note that Patent Document 1 further describes that the update information is acquired via a network in consideration of updating the manual.

JP-A-11-316636

  Incidentally, in recent years, peripheral devices such as printers and multifunction peripherals tend to increase the types of programs (device drivers and the like) provided as accessories. As a result, there is a problem that the number of storage media such as CD-ROM as an accessory increases. The user needs to install various programs from a plurality of storage media, and the installation operation is troublesome. These programs (device drivers and the like) are often upgraded. For this reason, every time the version is upgraded, the manufacturer needs to replace the storage medium of the accessory, which is troublesome. Note that the above replacement also causes an increase in cost. Therefore, it is required to provide the latest version of data with a simple operation to users of peripheral devices such as printers without burdening the manufacturer.

  The technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1 does not consider solving the “increasing number of storage media”. Moreover, although the said patent document 1 can acquire upgrade information, it is not the technique for providing the newest version program when a user purchases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide the latest version of data without burdening the manufacturer and without burdening the user of the information processing apparatus. It is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problem, the first aspect of the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus connected to a server that provides various data via a network. Here, it is assumed that the server is provided with a directory for each data to be provided, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other.

  The information processing apparatus displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and a file management unit that receives access to each drive and data, and the file management unit A virtual device driver unit that constructs a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the device, and the virtual device driver unit is provided from the server to the server via the network. Directory data indicating the configuration of the directory, and associating the directory data as data stored in the new drive with the file management unit and receiving an installation request from a user, From the server via the network, the Download the data that is associated with the directory in the Kutorideta, to install the data downloaded the.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, if the user installs only the program for realizing the virtual device driver unit in the information processing apparatus, the user can transfer the data on the server to his / her own drive (newly). It can be installed as data on the built drive).

  Therefore, if the first mode is used to provide various programs (printer drivers, etc.) necessary for peripheral devices such as printers, the latest information is provided to the user of the information processing apparatus without imposing a burden on the manufacturer. Can be provided with a simple operation. That is, the manufacturer only needs to provide a program for realizing the virtual device driver unit to the user and upload various data to the server. Further, the version upgrade may be performed only on the data on the server. In addition, since the storage medium that is an accessory of the peripheral device only needs to store the program that implements the virtual device driver unit, the number of storage media does not increase, and the operation burden on the user is reduced. The

  Further, in the information processing apparatus, the file management unit displays a list of drives including the new drive when the new drive is constructed, and displays the list when the directory data is associated with the new drive. The directory data may be displayed as a list of data stored in the drive.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus, the virtual device driver unit is configured to be able to accept an installation request from a user from the file management unit, and the file management unit is stored in the new drive. It is also possible to receive access to a directory in the directory data displayed as a list of stored data, and make an installation request for data associated with the received directory to the virtual device driver unit.

  In this way, the data on the server can be displayed in a list of drives and files that can be accessed by the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the user can access the file on the information processing apparatus as if accessing the file on the server. You can download the data in

  Further, the second aspect of the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus connected to a server that provides various programs via a network. Here, the server is provided with a directory for each of the provided programs, and files necessary for executing the corresponding program are stored in association with each directory.

  The information processing device displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and executes a process of accessing each drive and data, and the file A virtual device driver unit that causes the management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the management unit, and the virtual device driver unit is provided from the server to the server via the network. Directory data indicating the configuration of the directory being stored is acquired, and the file management unit displays the directory data as data stored in the new drive, and the file management unit displays the directory data. When access to a directory in directory data is accepted Downloading a file necessary for execution of a program associated with the received directory from the server via the network, and the file management unit associates the downloaded file with the directory that has received the access. Storing the new drive, receiving access to the stored file, executing the received file, and the virtual device driver unit, when the information processing apparatus finishes operation, The file management unit is controlled to delete the stored file and delete the constructed new drive.

  As described above, according to the second aspect, even if a predetermined application is not stored in the information processing apparatus, it is possible to download and execute the application from the server when the application is desired to be used. In addition, when the operation of the information processing apparatus is terminated, the downloaded data (data such as an application) is erased, so that the memory of the information processing apparatus can be prevented from being compressed. The second aspect is convenient when using an application that is not normally used. Note that, when the second mode is used to provide various programs (printer drivers and the like) for accessories of peripheral devices such as a printer, the same effects as the first mode are obtained.

  The third aspect of the present invention is applied to a data installation method performed by an information processing apparatus connected to a server that provides various data via a network. Here, the information processing apparatus is provided with a file management unit that displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and receives access to each drive and data. Yes. Further, the server is provided with a directory for each provided data, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other.

  Then, the information processing apparatus causes the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the file management unit, and the server provided from the server to the server via the network. A step of obtaining directory data indicating a directory structure, a step of causing the file management unit to display the directory data in association with the new drive, and an installation request from a user. A step of receiving, and a step of downloading data associated with a directory in the directory data from the server via the network and installing the downloaded data.

  The fourth aspect of the present invention is applied to a program for installing data in the information processing apparatus connected to a server providing various data via a network. . Here, the information processing apparatus is provided with a file management unit that displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and receives access to each drive and data. Yes. Further, the server is provided with a directory for each provided data, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other.

  Then, the program causes the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by itself, and from the server via the network, the directory of the directory provided in the server. Obtaining directory data indicating a configuration; causing the file management unit to display the directory data in association with data stored in the new drive; accepting an installation request from a user; And downloading the data associated with the directory in the directory data from the server via the network and installing the downloaded data.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, an information processing system to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this invention.

  As shown in the figure, the information processing system of this embodiment is connected to a local PC 100, a Web (World Wide Web) server 300 connected to the local PC 100 via a network 500, and the local PC 100 via a network 600. And a DNS (Domain Name System) server 400. A display device 200 such as a liquid crystal display and an input device 210 such as a keyboard and a mouse are connected to the local PC 100. Note that the specific configuration of the network 500 is not particularly limited, but in the following, the case where the network 500 is the Internet is taken as an example. Further, a case where the network 600 is a LAN (Local Area Network) is taken as an example.

  The local PC 100 constructs a virtual drive (virtual device drive) in a predetermined area of the auxiliary storage device held by the local PC 100, and uses a function provided by an OS (Operating System) to connect the virtual server drive to the Web server. The directory structure of data such as various programs (printer drivers and the like) stored in 300 is associated with the user and presented to the user. In addition, the local PC 100 downloads from the Web server 300 entity data (directory contents data) having a directory structure associated with the virtual device drive. Then, the local PC 100 installs the downloaded program and the like.

  The web server 300 is an information processing apparatus that provides content to be viewed with a web browser. In the present embodiment, various information is provided to the local PC 100 in response to a request from the local PC 100.

  The DNS server 400 provides a function for determining an IP address from a host name on a TCP / IP network such as the Internet. Specifically, the DNS server 400 provides the access information (IP address) of the Web server 300 to the local PC 100 in response to a request from the local PC 100.

  Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system will be specifically described.

  The local PC 100 includes an input / output unit 110, an OS processing unit 120, a communication processing unit 130, and a virtual device driver unit 140.

  The input / output processing unit 110 receives various requests from the user via the input device 210. In addition, the input / output processing unit 110 displays the processing results of the OS processing unit 120 and the virtual device driver unit 140 on the display device 200 as an image.

  The OS processing unit 120 centrally manages the input / output unit 110, the communication processing unit 130, the virtual device driver unit 140, and the like. For example, the OS processing unit 120 performs allocation of hardware resources of the local PC 100 used by the virtual device driver unit 140, management of peripheral devices connected to the local PC 100, and the like. In addition, the OS processing unit 120 includes a file management unit that provides a function of accepting access to a drive used by the local PC 100. The file management means displays a list of drives that can be used by the local PC 100 (see FIG. 4) and a directory structure of files stored in each drive (see FIG. 5). The file management means accepts access to the file displayed in the directory structure.

  The communication processing unit 130 controls transmission / reception of data performed with a device (Web server 300) connected to the network 500. In addition, the communication processing unit 130 controls transmission / reception of data performed with the DNS server 400.

  The virtual device driver unit 140 constructs a virtual drive (virtual device drive) in the local PC 100, accesses the Web server 300 (via the communication processing unit 130), and stores various types stored in the Web server 300. Acquires information (directory information) indicating the directory structure of the data. The virtual device driver unit 140 associates the acquired directory information with the constructed virtual device drive. In addition, when the virtual device driver unit 140 receives a data installation request from the user, the virtual device driver unit 140 accesses the Web server 300 (via the communication processing unit 130), and data (such as various programs corresponding to the acquired directory information ( (Substance data constituting the contents of the directory) is downloaded. Thereafter, the virtual device driver unit 140 installs the downloaded data in a predetermined area of an auxiliary storage device (not shown) held by itself.

  The local PC 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a main storage device that functions as a work area, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk device (HDD) that stores programs executed by the CPU and various data, and a display device. 200 I / F for connecting to 200 or input device 210, network I / F for controlling communication via network 500, LAN I / F for communicating with DNS server 400, DVD / CD-RW drive, Can be used. In the following description, the auxiliary storage device is a hard disk device (HDD) as an example.

  An input / output program for realizing the function of the input / output unit 110, an OS for realizing the function of the OS processing unit 120, and a communication processing program for realizing the function of the communication processing unit 130 are stored in an auxiliary storage device. It is assumed that it is stored in The function of the input / output unit 110 is realized by the CPU loading and executing the input / output program stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main storage device. The function of the OS processing unit 120 is realized by the CPU loading and executing the OS stored in the auxiliary storage device on the main storage device. The function of the communication processing unit 130 is realized by loading a communication processing program stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main storage device and executing it.

  A program (virtual device driver) for realizing the function of the virtual device driver unit 140 is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The function of the virtual device driver unit 140 is that the CPU controls the DVD / CD-RW drive while the storage medium storing the virtual device driver is inserted in the DVD / CD-RW drive of the local PC 100. This is realized by loading the virtual device driver stored in the storage medium into the main storage device and executing it.

  The web server 300 includes a communication processing unit 310, a data supply unit 320, and a data storage unit 330.

  The communication processing unit 310 controls transmission / reception of data performed with the local PC 100 via the network 500. In response to a request from the local PC 100, the data supply unit 320 transmits directory information of data such as a program stored in the data storage unit 330 to the local PC. Further, the data supply unit 320 transmits data such as a program specified by the directory information to the local PC in response to a request from the local PC 100. The data storage unit 330 stores various data (data such as programs) to be provided to the local PC 100.

  As the Web server 300, an information processing apparatus having a CPU, a memory, and a network I / F that controls communication via the network 500 can be used. Note that the function of the Web server 300 of the present embodiment is realized by an existing technology. Moreover, since the DNS server 400 is an existing technology, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, processing for downloading and installing various data from the Web server 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of various data download processing performed by the information processing system of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the processing steps shown in FIG. 2 between apparatuses. In the following description, it is assumed that the virtual device driver is loaded into the main storage device of the local PC 100.

  First, when the OS processing unit 120 is activated, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs a process of constructing a new drive (virtual device drive (local disk (E)) in the HDD of the local PC 100 (S1). , S1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As a result of the processing in S1, a virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is built in the local PC 100 (S2). In other words, a virtual device drive (local disk (E)) 1001 is newly added to an available device of the local PC 100 (see FIG. 4). Then, the virtual device driver unit 140 accesses the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) via the OS processing unit 120. When the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is accessed, the process proceeds to S3. The processing when the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is accessed will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S <b> 3, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs processing for specifying a data acquisition destination for installation. Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 transmits the domain name of the Web server 300 to the DNS server 400. The DNS server 400 receives the domain name from the virtual device driver unit 140 and returns an IP address corresponding to the received domain name to the virtual device driver unit 140. The virtual device driver unit 140 acquires the IP address of the Web server 300 transmitted from the DNS server 400.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 acquires directory information indicated in a specific HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format from the Web server 300 in accordance with the HTTP protocol (S4). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 accesses the Web server 300 using the IP address acquired in S3, and stores data stored in the Web server 300 (in the illustrated example, “soft1, 2, 3 )) Directory information. The Web server 300 transmits directory information to the virtual device driver unit 14 in response to a request from the virtual device driver unit 140. The virtual device driver unit 140 receives directory information from the Web server 300. Note that the process of acquiring directory information from the Web server 300 performed by the virtual device driver unit 140 is the same as the process performed by a general browser.

  In S5, the virtual device driver unit 140 causes the OS processing unit 120 to associate the acquired directory information with the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) constructed in S1. As a result, the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 can display the directory information of the data on the Web server 300 as the directory of the data stored in the virtual device drive. That is, when the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 displays a list of available drives of the local PC 100 after the process of S5, a list screen including virtual device drives is displayed. Here, FIG. 4 shows a list screen of drives including virtual device drives.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a drive list screen displayed by the local PC according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the screen 1000 includes a local disk (E) 1001 that is the virtual device drive constructed in S1 described above. Then, when the user selects (by accessing) the local disk (E) 1001 using the function provided by the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120, the OS processing unit 120 is exemplified in FIG. A screen 1100 is displayed on the display device 200.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying a display screen of the directory structure of the virtual device drive displayed by the local PC according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, on the screen 1100, the directory structure of data on the Web server 300 is displayed as the directory structure of the local disk (E).

  Returning to FIGS. After the process of S5, the virtual device driver unit 140 receives a data acquisition request from the user (S6). For example, the virtual device driver unit 140 displays a screen 1200 for accepting an installation request illustrated in FIG. 6 on the display device 200. On the screen 1200, data to be installed (here, a printer driver and a user manual are exemplified) are displayed as a list, and a check box 1202 is displayed beside each data. The screen 1200 is provided with an installation acceptance button 1201. The user makes a data installation request to the virtual device driver unit 140 by selecting the check box 1202 corresponding to the data to be installed using the input device 210 and clicking the install button 1201.

  In S6, the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 may accept data installation. In this case, the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 displays the screen 1100 shown in FIG. The user uses the file management means of the OS processing unit 120 to access data to be installed (for example, access to “soft1 (printer driver)”). Then, the accessed data may be notified to the virtual device driver unit 140 by the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 downloads the data for which the installation request has been accepted in S6 from the Web server 300 in accordance with the HTTP protocol (S7). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 accesses the Web server 300 and requests transmission of data (for example, soft1 to 3) received from the user in S6. The data supply unit 320 of the Web server 300 receives a request from the virtual device driver unit 110. The data supply unit 320 of the Web server 300 reads the received requested data from the data storage unit 330 and transmits it to the local PC 100. It is assumed that data stored in the Web server 300 (soft 1 to 3 in the illustrated example) is stored in a compressed state. Then, the Web server 300 transmits data (soft 1 to 3 in the illustrated example) in a compressed state. The virtual device driver unit 140 receives the compressed data transmitted from the Web server 300.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 stores the compressed data (for example, soft1 to 3) received in S7 in a predetermined area (such as a temporary area) of the HDD (S8). Then, when the download of data from the Web server 300 is completed, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs a decompression process on the compressed data (soft1 to soft3) stored in the HDD (S9). The virtual device driver unit 140 stores the data decompressed in S9 in a predetermined area (such as a temporary area) of the HDD (S10).

  The virtual device driver unit 140 causes the OS processing unit 120 to associate the data stored in S10 with the corresponding directory of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) (S11). As a result, the file management means of the OS processing unit 120 can display the file structure in the directory of data stored in the virtual device drive (local disk (E)). Further, the user can execute and view each file in the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) by using the file management means of the OS processing unit 120.

  Returning to FIG. In S12, the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 executes the file of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) (S12). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 requests the OS processing unit 120 to execute the file of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)), and the OS processing unit 120 requests the virtual device drive (local disk). The file (E)) is executed. For example, when the file stored in the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is a printer driver, the OS processing unit 120 performs printer driver installation processing.

  In S12, the file downloaded in S7 is executed and automatically installed in a predetermined area of the HDD regardless of whether or not the user has accessed, but before installing to the user. A confirmation screen may be displayed.

  In S12, the virtual device driver unit 140 automatically instructs the OS processing unit 140 to execute the file. Instead of the processing in S12, the user uses the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120. The file may be executed (or browsed). In this case, for example, the OS processing unit 120 displays a file configuration screen 1300 of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of the file configuration of the virtual device drive according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the screen 1300 shows a file configuration 1301 of “soft1”. The user uses the function of the file management means of the OS processing unit 120 to display the screen 1300 and execute the file of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)). For example, “SETUP.EXE” is executed to install “soft1 (printer driver)”.

  Finally, when the process of the OS processing unit 120 ends, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs a process of deleting the virtual device drive (local disk (E)), and ends the process. The process for deleting the virtual device drive will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the process of S1 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of S1 shown in FIG.

  First, the virtual device driver unit 140 checks the environment where the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is incorporated via the OS processing unit 120 (S1). The virtual device driver unit 140 checks the free space of the HDD via the OS processing unit 120. If the HDD has a free space with a predetermined capacity, the virtual device driver unit 140 proceeds to the process of S21. Proceed to

  In S21, the virtual device driver unit 140 causes the OS processing unit 120 to perform a process for prohibiting access to the drive (volume). This is because when the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is being constructed, the file management means of the OS processing unit 120 accesses another drive (for example, the local disk (c)). This is to prevent malfunction caused by.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 assigns a new number to the drive management table held by the OS processing unit 120 (S22). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 requests the OS processing unit 120 to assign a new number to the drive management table. The OS processing unit 120 receives a request from the virtual device driver unit 140 and assigns a new number to the drive management table. Thereby, for example, the E drive (local disk (E)) shown in FIG.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 is a program (HTTP access function) that downloads data from the Web server 300 to the drive (local disk (E)) allocated in S22 via the OS processing unit 120. Is assigned (S23).

  Here, the OS processing unit 120 holds an “access processing jump destination table” for registering the address (jump destination address) of data to be executed when access to the drive is accepted. The jump address is set in advance. In this step (S23), the destination address of the “access processing destination table” is changed from the preset address to the address of the HTTP access function program (program included in the virtual device driver). The OS processing unit 120 stores the original address before the change.

  The HTTP access function program includes an “HTTP drive determination program” and an “HTTP access program”. The “HTTP drive determination program” determines whether or not the drive accepted by the OS processing unit 120 is the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) assigned in S22. If the “HTTP drive determination program” is determined to be a virtual device drive, the process proceeds to the HTTP access program processing. If it is determined that the “HTTP drive determination program” is not a virtual device drive, the OS processing unit 120 is instructed to perform normal drive access processing. Is executed. The “HTTP access program” executes a function of downloading data from the Web server 300 (executes the processing from S3 to S7 in FIG. 2).

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 secures a work area for temporarily managing data in the HDD (HDD temporary area) (S24). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 requests the OS processing unit 120 to secure a work area for temporarily managing data in the HDD. In response to the above request, the OS processing unit 120 secures a work area for temporarily managing data in the HDD. The OS processing unit 120 can change the capacity of the work area to be secured according to a request from the user.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 causes the OS processing unit 120 to perform drive (volume) access permission processing (S25). That is, the access prohibition to the drive (volume) performed in S21 is canceled and the process is terminated.

  It should be noted that in S30, which proceeds when there is no free space in S20, an error process is performed and the process ends. Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 is presented to the user that the virtual device drive cannot be constructed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, a specific procedure of the process of S13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of S13 shown in FIG.

  First, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs the same processing as S21 of FIG. 8 (S40).

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 deletes the assigned new drive number (S41). Specifically, the virtual device driver unit 140 requests the OS processing unit 120 to delete the new drive number assigned to the drive management table. In response to the request from the virtual device driver unit 140, the OS processing unit 120 deletes the new drive number assigned to the drive management table. That is, the OS processing unit 120 deletes the drive number assigned in S22 of FIG. 8 from the drive management table.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 returns the jump destination address set in the “access processing jump destination table” held by the OS processing unit 120 to the original address before the change (S42). That is, the setting of the “access processing jump destination table” changed in S23 of FIG. 8 is restored to the original data.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 ends the program of the HTTP access function (S43), and deletes each data stored in the work area for temporary data management (S44).

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs the same process as S25 of FIG. 8 (S45), and ends the process.

  Next, processing for accessing a drive (volume) performed by the OS processing unit 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of device access processing of the OS processing unit of this embodiment.

  First, the OS processing unit 120 receives a device access request (S50). Specifically, the OS processing unit 120 receives a device access request from an application (not shown) running on the local PC 100 or the virtual device driver unit 140. The device access request from the virtual device driver unit 140 is, for example, an access request to the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) described in S2 of FIG.

  Next, the OS processing unit 120 refers to the access processing jump destination table (S51). If the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is incorporated, the process proceeds to the processing by the virtual device driver unit 140 in S53. If the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) is not incorporated, S60 is performed. Proceed to the process.

  That is, if the virtual device drive is incorporated, the jump address of the “access processing jump destination table” is changed to the address of the program of the HTTP access function by S23 of FIG. Accordingly, when the OS processing unit 120 accepts the device access process when the virtual device drive is incorporated, the program of the HTTP access function is executed by the CPU of the local PC 100, and the HTTP access process is executed by the virtual device driver unit 140. Is done. On the other hand, if the virtual device drive is not incorporated, the jump destination address of the “access processing jump destination table” is an address set for the device access process of the normal OS processing unit 140. Therefore, when the OS processing unit 120 accepts the device access process when the virtual device drive is not incorporated, the process proceeds to S60 to S61 by the OS processing unit 120.

  In S60, the OS processing unit 120 performs drive access processing performed by the OS of the existing technology. In S61, the OS processing unit 120 transmits the accessed information to an access request source (for example, an application (not shown) operating on the local PC 100). In addition, since S60-61 is an existing technique, only the outline is shown here.

  Next, processing by the virtual device driver unit 140 in S53 will be described. In S53, the virtual device driver unit 140 determines whether the drive that the OS processing unit 120 has received in S50 is an access drive for HTT (virtual device drive (local disk (E))).

  If the virtual device driver unit 140 determines that the drive that has received access is not an HTT access drive (for example, a local disk (c) or a 3.5-inch disk (A)), the process of S60 is performed. Transition to. That is, when the virtual device driver unit 140 determines that the drive that has received access is not an HTT access drive, the virtual device driver unit 140 notifies the OS processing unit 120 that normal drive access processing is to be performed, and the OS that has received the notification. The processing unit 120 performs the process of S60.

  On the other hand, if the virtual device driver unit 140 determines that the drive that has received access is an HTT access drive, the virtual device driver unit 140 proceeds to S54.

  In S54, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs the processes of S3 to S7 in FIG. 2 described above, and proceeds to the process of S55.

  In S55, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs the processes of S8 to S12 in FIG.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the user inserts the storage medium storing the virtual device driver into the CD-DVD / CD-RW drive of the local PC 100, reads the virtual device driver into the local PC 100, Thereafter, various data on the Web server 300 can be downloaded and installed simply by operating the local PC 100 according to the screen 1200 shown in FIG. That is, the user can install various data simply by inserting a storage medium such as a CD-ROM into the local PC and clicking the install button 1201 on the screen 1200. As a result, the user can download the data from the Web server 300 and perform the installation process as if it is directly installed from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

  This embodiment is convenient when providing various data (printer drivers and the like) of peripheral devices such as printers. The manufacturer only needs to store at least the virtual device driver in the storage medium as an accessory of the peripheral device. In other words, it is not necessary to store various data (printer driver or the like) in the storage medium. Therefore, the number of storage media provided as accessories to peripheral devices such as printers does not increase. In addition, version upgrades of various programs provided as accessories of peripheral devices only require updating the data of the Web server 300, so that the labor of the manufacturer can be reduced. Furthermore, since the number of storage media as accessories is not increased for the user, handling becomes convenient. Further, in this embodiment, a user who has purchased a peripheral device such as a printer can easily install the latest version of the data at the time of purchase.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention that is a modification of the above-described first embodiment will be described.

  In the second embodiment, when the local PC 100 executes a predetermined application program using the function of the virtual device driver unit 140 of the first embodiment, the application program (hereinafter simply referred to as “application”) is executed from the Web server 300 each time. Is downloaded and executed, and the downloaded application is deleted when the OS is terminated. That is, in the second embodiment, since the downloaded data is not installed in a predetermined area of the HDD as in the first embodiment, the capacity of the HDD is not compressed. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the first embodiment.

  The schematic configuration of the information processing system of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the processing performed by the virtual device driver unit 140 is partially different. The hardware configuration of the information processing system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a program (virtual device driver) for realizing the function of the virtual device driver unit 140 is stored in an auxiliary storage device (using an HDD in the second embodiment) of the local PC 100. And The function of the virtual device driver unit 140 is realized by the CPU of the local PC 100 loading the virtual device driver stored in the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device and executing it.

  Next, processing performed by the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of various data download processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the processing steps shown in FIG. 11 between apparatuses. In the second embodiment, the web server 300 stores only data necessary for executing the application. It is assumed that the data stored in the web server 300 is compressed.

  First, when the OS processing unit 120 is activated, the virtual device driver unit 140 is activated, and a new virtual device drive (local disk (E) is constructed in accordance with the same procedure as S1 in FIG. 2 described above (S100). .

  Subsequently, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs the same processing steps as S2 to S5 in FIG. 2 (S200 to 500). As a result, the file management unit of the OS processing unit 120 can display a screen 2000 showing the directory structure of the virtual device drive shown in FIG. 13, for example.

  Next, the OS processing unit 120 receives a data acquisition request from the user (S600). Specifically, the OS processing unit 120 displays a screen 2000 (FIG. 13) and accepts selection of data from the user. The OS processing unit 120 notifies the virtual device driver unit 140 of the data that has received the download.

  After that, the virtual device driver unit 140 downloads data (various programs) from the Web server 300 according to the same procedure as S7 to S10 in FIG. Save in the area (temporary area) (S700 to S1000).

  Note that when the processing of S700 is performed, the same data may already exist in the temporary area of the HDD. Therefore, the virtual device driver unit 140 confirms that the same data does not exist in the temporary area of the HDD before downloading, and downloads data from the Web server 300 when the same data does not exist. If the same data already exists in the HDD temporary area, the virtual device driver unit 140 proceeds to S1100 without performing S700 to S1000.

  Next, the virtual device driver unit 140 follows the same procedure as S11 in FIG. 2, and stores the file configuration of the data stored in S1000 in the corresponding directory of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) in the OS processing unit 120. (S1100). As a result, the file management means of the OS processing unit 120 can display the file structure in the directory of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)). Further, the user can execute and view each file of the virtual device drive (local disk (E)) by using the function of the file management means of the OS processing unit 120.

  Next, the OS processing unit 120 accepts access to the file downloaded in S700, and executes the accepted file (S1200). Specifically, for example, the OS processing unit 120 displays a screen 2100 showing the file structure in the directory of the virtual device drive shown in FIG. The OS processing unit 120 accepts access to a file from the user on the screen 2100 and executes the accepted file. For example, when an access request for “Program.exe 2110” shown on the screen 2100 is received, the CPU of the local PC 100 executes “Program.exe 2110” and “soft1” is activated.

  Finally, when the process of the OS processing unit 120 ends, the virtual device driver unit 140 performs a process of deleting the virtual device drive (local disk (E)), and ends the process (S1300). The process for deleting the virtual device drive is the same as that in FIG.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the virtual device driver unit 140 is configured to use a Web server when it is desired to use an application without storing the predetermined application in the auxiliary storage device of the local PC 100. It can be downloaded from 300 and executed. Further, since the downloaded application is erased when the OS is terminated, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary storage device of the local PC 100 from being compressed. In particular, the second embodiment is convenient when using an application that is not normally used.

  The second embodiment can also be used when providing various data (printer drivers and the like) of peripheral devices such as a printer, as in the first embodiment. Also in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to store various data (printer driver, etc.) in a storage medium and provide it to the user. The latest version of data can be provided without any operational burden. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, data that is not normally used such as repair manual data for peripheral devices can be easily downloaded only when necessary (a purposely CD-ROM storing a service manual). Etc.).

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the local PC 100 acquires the IP address of the Web server 300 from the DNS server 400, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. When the IP address of the Web server 300 is fixed, if the IP address is held in the local PC 100, the process of acquiring the IP address from the DNS server (the process of S3 in FIG. 2) becomes unnecessary.

  In the above embodiment, a printer driver and a user manual are exemplified as data to be downloaded from the Web server 300. However, the data to be downloaded may be a game program or music information.

It is a functional block diagram of the information processing system of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the download process of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the response | compatibility between the apparatuses of the download process shown in FIG. It is the figure which illustrated the drive list screen of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the display screen of the directory structure of the virtual device drive of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the installation request screen of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the display screen of the file structure of the virtual device drive of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of S1 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of S13 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of a device access process of the OS processing unit of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the download process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a response | compatibility between the apparatuses of the download process shown in FIG. It is the figure which illustrated the screen which shows the directory structure of the virtual device drive of 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which illustrated the screen which shows the file structure in the directory of the virtual device drive of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Local PC, 110 ... Input / output part, 120 ... OS processing part, 130 ... Communication processing part, 140 ... Virtual device driver part, 200 ... Display apparatus, 210 ... Input device, 300 ... Web server, 310 ... Communication processing part 320 ... Data supply unit, 330 ... Data storage unit, 400 ... DNS server, 500 ... Network, 600 ... Network

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus connected via a network to a server that provides various data,
In the server, a directory is provided for each data to be provided, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other.
The information processing apparatus includes:
A file management unit that displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and receives access to each drive and data;
A virtual device driver unit that causes the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the file management unit;
The virtual device driver unit is
Via the network, from the server, to obtain the directory data indicating the configuration of the directory provided in the server,
Let the file management unit associate the directory data as data stored in the new drive,
When an installation request from a user is received, data associated with a directory in the directory data is downloaded from the server via the network, and the downloaded data is installed. Information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The file management unit
When building the new drive, display a list of drives that contain the new drive,
When the directory data is associated, the directory data is displayed as a list of data stored in the new drive. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The virtual device driver unit is configured to be able to accept an installation request from a user from the file management unit,
The file management unit
Receiving access to a directory in directory data to be displayed as a list of data stored in the new drive, and requesting the virtual device driver unit to install data associated with the received directory An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. An information processing apparatus connected to a server providing various programs via a network,
In the server, a directory is provided for each program to be provided, and files necessary for executing the corresponding program are stored in association with each directory,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A file management unit that displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and executes access processing to each drive and data;
A virtual device driver unit that causes the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the file management unit;
The virtual device driver unit is
Via the network, from the server, to obtain the directory data indicating the configuration of the directory provided in the server,
The file management unit displays the directory data as data stored in the new drive,
When the file management unit accepts access to the directory in the displayed directory data, the file necessary for executing the program associated with the accepted directory is received from the server via the network. Download and
The file management unit
Associating the downloaded file with the directory that received the access and storing it in the new drive, receiving access to the stored file, executing the received file,
The virtual device driver unit is
When the information processing apparatus finishes operation, the information processing apparatus controls the file management unit to delete the stored file and delete the constructed new drive. A data installation method performed by an information processing apparatus connected to a server that provides various data via a network,
The information processing apparatus displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and is provided with a file management unit that accepts access to each drive and data,
In the server, a directory is provided for each of the data to be provided, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Causing the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the file management unit;
Obtaining directory data indicating a configuration of the directory provided in the server from the server via the network;
Displaying the directory data in association with the file management unit as data stored in the new drive; and
A step of accepting an installation request from a user;
An installation method, comprising: downloading data associated with a directory in the directory data from the server via the network, and installing the downloaded data. In an information processing apparatus connected to a server that provides various types of data via a network, a program for installing data in the information processing apparatus,
The information processing apparatus displays a list of drives that can be used by itself and data stored in the drives in a directory structure, and is provided with a file management unit that accepts access to each drive and data,
In the server, a directory is provided for each of the data to be provided, and data corresponding to each directory is stored in association with each other,
The program is
Causing the file management unit to construct a new drive in a free space of a drive that can be used by the file management unit;
Obtaining directory data indicating a configuration of the directory provided in the server from the server via the network;
Displaying the directory data in association with the file management unit as data stored in the new drive; and
A step of accepting an installation request from a user;
Downloading the data associated with the directory in the directory data from the server via the network, and installing the downloaded data in the information processing apparatus. Program to do.

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