JP2008021164A - Information processor, data management method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure the use of data at other nodes even if some nodes are detached from a network. <P>SOLUTION: A personal computer TR which is the node of the network is provided with a shared data storage part 2K2 for storing a shared file DTK. The personal computer TR stores the shared file DTK in its shared data storage part 2K2. The personal computer TR transmits the shared file DTK stored in the shared file storage part 2K2, to other personal computers TR which do not store the shared file DTK. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can be used as a node of a network, a data management method in the information processing apparatus, and the like.

  In recent years, P2P (Peer To Peer) technology is often used when information processing apparatuses communicate with each other.

  In a client-server network, data shared by information processing apparatuses that are clients is stored in file units by a file server. Hereinafter, data shared by a plurality of information processing apparatuses is referred to as “shared data”. On the other hand, in a P2P type network, there is basically no file server, so each node stores shared data. The node may provide shared data stored by itself to other nodes, or may request and download shared data from other nodes.

  Not all nodes constituting a P2P type network always participate in the network. In other words, by turning off the power or turning off the network function, communication with other nodes may be disabled and the network may be disconnected. However, this makes it impossible to use shared data stored in the node.

Therefore, it is conceivable to configure a network using a terminal device as described in Patent Document 1. According to such a terminal device, when logging out, the other terminal device is accessed and the actual file is copied. When copying is completed, logout is performed.
JP 2005-215797 A

  According to the terminal device described in Patent Document 1, if logout can be performed through a normal procedure without any abnormality occurring, the file stored in the terminal device is stored after the logout is completed. Other terminal devices can continue to be used. However, if a normal procedure cannot be performed due to a failure of the terminal device suddenly, other terminal devices cannot use the file stored in the terminal device.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to ensure the use of data in other nodes even when a failure occurs in some nodes of the network.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus used as a node of a network, and includes shared data storage means for storing shared data that is data shared in the network, and the information processing apparatus itself A shared data transmission unit that transmits the shared data stored in the shared data storage unit to another information processing apparatus that does not store the shared data when the network tries to leave the network. It is characterized by having.

  Alternatively, a data dividing unit that divides shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data, and stores the divided data divided by the data dividing unit or received from another information processing apparatus Divided data storage means, data distribution means for distributing the divided data of the shared data divided by the data dividing means by transferring it to one or more other information processing devices, and the information Divided data transmission means for transmitting the divided data stored in the divided data storage means to another information processing apparatus that does not store the divided data when the processing apparatus itself tries to leave the network It is characterized by having.

  Alternatively, shared data storage means for storing shared data that is data shared in the network, and when the information processing apparatus itself tries to switch to the standby mode, it is stored in the shared data storage means Storage information transmitting means for transmitting storage information indicating all or a part of the shared data to another information processing apparatus.

  Alternatively, a data dividing unit that divides shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data, and stores the divided data divided by the data dividing unit or received from another information processing apparatus Distributed data storage means and distributed by transferring the divided data of the shared data divided by the data dividing means to one or more other information processing apparatuses or storing the divided data in the divided data storage means When the data distribution unit and the information processing apparatus itself try to switch to the standby mode, the storage information indicating all or part of the divided data stored in the divided data storage unit is stored in the other information processing. Storage information transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus.

  In the present invention, “leaving from the network” means disabling communication with other nodes (information processing apparatus, computer) by turning off the power or stopping the communication function (turning off the network function). Say. “Standby mode” refers to a mode in which the supply of power to a monitor or a hard disk is stopped, and a standby mode is established so that the normal mode can be restored when necessary. Supply of power to the NIC (Network Interface Card) is not stopped, and when there is a request for shared data from another node, for example, the normal mode is immediately restored.

  According to the present invention, use of data in other nodes can be ensured even when some nodes leave the network.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since data can be stored redundantly in a plurality of nodes, use of data in other nodes is ensured even if some nodes of the network leave the network due to a failure or the like. be able to.

  According to the inventions of claims 6 to 11, 15, and 19, data can be managed while protecting data security.

  1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the network 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the personal computer TR, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the personal computer TR.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the network 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of segments SG (SG1, SG2,...) And a wide area communication line WNT. Each segment SG is provided with one or more personal computers TR, a hub DH, a router DR, and the like. The personal computer TR and the router DR are connected to a hub DH in the same segment SG by a twisted pair cable.

  Further, the routers DR of each segment SG are connected to each other via a wide area communication line WNT. Thereby, personal computers TR belonging to different segments SG can perform data communication. As the wide area communication line WNT, the Internet, a dedicated line, or a public line is used. In the segment SG, a modem or a terminal adapter may be used instead of the hub DH and the router DR.

  This network 1 is a network in the form of P2P (peer to peer), and these personal computers TR function as nodes of the network 1. As a result, each personal computer TR can share each other's resources (for example, hardware resources such as a CPU, hard disk, or printing unit, software resources such as an application, file of document data, file of music data, or image data). (Information resources such as files) can be shared.

  The network 1 is constructed in a company having a plurality of bases, for example. In this case, the segment SG is provided for each of these bases.

  Hereinafter, the network 1 constituted by nine personal computers TR will be described as an example. In addition, each personal computer TR may be described separately from “personal computer TR1”, “personal computer TR2”,..., “Personal computer TR9”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer TR includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a hard disk 20d, a communication interface 20e, an image interface 20f, an input / output interface 20g, and other various circuits or devices.

  The communication interface 20e is a NIC (Network Interface Card), and is connected to any port of the hub DH via a twisted pair cable. The image interface 20f is connected to a monitor and sends a video signal for displaying a screen to the monitor.

  The input / output interface 20g is connected to an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse or an external storage device such as a floppy disk drive or a CD-ROM drive. And the signal which shows the content of operation which the user performed with respect to the input device is input from an input device. Alternatively, data recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM is read by an external storage device and input. Alternatively, data to be written to the recording medium is output to the external storage device.

  The hard disk 20d includes a packet generation unit 201, a packet transmission unit 202, a packet reception unit 203, a data analysis unit 204, a connection table management unit 211, an application processing unit 212, an authentication processing unit 213, a data operation unit as shown in FIG. A program and data for realizing functions such as 214, end sequence processing unit 215, power supply control unit 216, node information storage unit 2K1, and shared data storage unit 2K2 are stored. These programs and data are read into the RAM 20b as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU 20a.

  Each personal computer TR1, TR2,... Is given a node ID, an IP address, and a MAC address for identification with other personal computers TR. The node ID and IP address are given according to the rules of the network 1. The MAC address is fixedly given to the communication interface 20e of the personal computer TR.

  In addition, a unique device certificate is issued to each of the personal computers TR1, TR2,... By a certificate authority (CA). As a device certificate, X.264 recommended by ITU-T (International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector). An electronic certificate having a specification of 509 is used. Each personal computer TR has its own device certificate and a corresponding private key.

  4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the connection table TL, FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing for joining the network 1, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the data operation unit 214, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the sequence process part 215.

  Next, the processing contents of each part of the personal computer TR shown in FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

  The node information storage unit 2K1 stores the connection table TL. In the connection table TL, node data DTN for each of the other personal computers TR configuring the network 1 is stored. For example, the node table DTL of the personal computers TR2 to TR9 is stored in the connection table TL of the personal computer TR1 when the personal computers TR1 to TR9 are participating in the network 1, as shown in FIG.

  The node data DTN shows information such as the node ID, IP address, and MAC address of the personal computer TR related thereto.

  The contents of the connection table TL are set in advance by the administrator before the operation of the personal computer TR is started. After the operation is started, the connection table management unit 211 manages the connection table TL.

  For example, every time another personal computer TR newly joins the network 1, the connection table management unit 211 adds the node data DTN of the other personal computer TR to the connection table TL. Alternatively, every time another personal computer TR leaves the network 1, the node data DTN of the other personal computer TR is deleted from the connection table TL.

  The shared data storage unit 2K2 stores a file to be shared (hereinafter referred to as “shared file DTK”). Further, the shared file DTK can be divided into a plurality of divided files DTB, and each divided file DTB can be stored in the shared data storage unit 2K2 of a separate personal computer TR. That is, the shared file DTK can be managed in a distributed manner.

  Furthermore, the same shared file DTK or its divided files DTB can be stored in a plurality of shared files DTK of different personal computers TR. Thereby, although redundancy occurs, it is possible to prevent the use of the shared file DTK due to the occurrence of trouble.

  Hereinafter, a case where the shared file DTK is distributed to a plurality of personal computers TR and managed with redundancy will be described as an example.

  The packet generation unit 201 performs processing for packetizing various data to be transmitted to another personal computer TR. The packet transmission unit 202 transmits the packet generated by the packet generation unit 201 to the destination node.

  The packet receiving unit 203 receives a packet flowing through the communication line. The data analysis unit 204 extracts only packets necessary for the personal computer TR itself by analyzing the packets received by the packet reception unit 203. In other words, packets whose address is designated by themselves are filtered. Then, the original data is reproduced by integrating these packets.

  Data obtained by the packet reception unit 203 and the data analysis unit 204 is used by the connection table management unit 211, the authentication processing unit 213, the data operation unit 214, the power supply control unit 216, and the like.

  When the personal computer TR itself participates in the network 1 (for example, when the power is turned on, when the operating system is restarted, or when the offline state is switched to the online state), the application processing unit 212 In addition, a process for applying (requesting) to any of the other personal computers TR registered in the connection table TL is performed so as to execute node authentication or user authentication of the personal computer TR. Alternatively, when the personal computer TR itself leaves the network 1, a process for applying to that effect to another personal computer TR is performed.

  The authentication processing unit 213 executes node authentication or user authentication applied from another personal computer TR by a known method.

  Here, the processing procedures of the application processing unit 212 and the authentication processing unit 213 are the same when the personal computer TR9 newly joins the network 1 in which the personal computers TR1 to TR8 have already joined, and the personal computer TR9 leaves the network 1. An example of this will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In preparation for joining the personal computer TR9 to the network 1, the user or administrator of the personal computer TR9 adds node data of any other personal computer TR currently participating in the network 1 to the connection table TL of the personal computer TR9. DTN is stored. Then, an operation such as inputting a predetermined command is performed.

  Then, in the personal computer TR9, the application processing unit 212 checks the connection table TL of the personal computer TR9 itself (# 101 in FIG. 5), and other personal data indicated in any one of the node data DTN stored therein. Connection with the computer TR is established (# 102, # 111). Here, it is assumed that the node data DTN of the personal computer TR1 is stored in the connection table TL. Therefore, the connection with the personal computer TR1 is established. At this time, both personal computers TR use the respective device certificate and private key to establish a connection by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).

  When the connection is established, the application processing unit 212 receives the participation application data DT0 indicating the node ID, IP address, and MAC address of the personal computer TR9 itself, the user ID and password of the user, a message indicating that the user wants to participate in the network 1, and the like. And the packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 are controlled so that the participation application data DT0 is transmitted to the personal computer TR1. Thereby, an application for participation in the network 1 is made (# 103).

  When participation application data DT0 is received in personal computer TR1 (# 112), authentication processing unit 213 performs node authentication or user authentication based on participation application data DT0 by a known method (# 113).

  As a result of the node authentication or user authentication, if it is confirmed that the personal computer TR9 is appropriate as a node of the network 1, the authentication processing unit 213 displays a message indicating that the authentication has been obtained and the contents of the connection table TL (that is, the network 1 generates authentication result data DT2 indicating the node data DTN of other personal computers TR currently participating in # 1 (# 114), and the packet is sent so that the authentication result data DT2 is transmitted to the personal computer TR9. The generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 are controlled (# 115). Thereby, the result of authentication etc. is notified to personal computer TR9.

  Further, the authentication processing unit 213 generates new node data DT3 indicating a message indicating that the personal computer TR9 has been authenticated and the node data DTN of the personal computer TR9, and the new node data DT3 has already joined the network 1. The packet generator 201 and the packet transmitter 202 are controlled so as to be transmitted to other personal computers TR (in this case, personal computers TR2 to TR8) (# 116). The connection table management unit 211 additionally registers the node data DTN of the personal computer TR9 in the connection table TL of the personal computer TR1 itself (# 117).

  When the authentication result data DT2 is received in the personal computer TR9 (# 104), the connection table management unit 211 is already in the network 1 based on the authentication result data DT2 in the connection table TL of the personal computer TR9 itself. Node data DTN of the remaining participating personal computers TR is added (# 105).

  When the new node data DT3 is received in the personal computers TR2 to TR8 (# 121), each connection table management unit 211 adds the personal computer TR9 to each local connection table TL based on the new node data DT3. Node data DTN is additionally registered (# 122).

  With the above processing, the processing for the personal computer TR9 to join the network 1 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the personal computer TR9 leaves the network 1, the application processing unit 212 generates leave application data DT1 indicating a message to leave, and the leave application data DT1 is indicated in its connection table TL. The data generation unit 201 and the data transmission unit 202 are controlled so as to be transmitted to each node (personal computer TR).

  Then, in each of the personal computers TR1 to TR8 that received the withdrawal application data DT1, the connection table management unit 211 deletes the node data DTN of the personal computer TR9 from its own connection table TL.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the data operation unit 214 includes a file dividing unit 301, a storage destination determining unit 302, a file transfer control unit 303, a file writing unit 304, a file calling unit 305, a file restoring unit 306, a file searching unit 307, And a file deletion unit 308 and the like, and performs various operations related to the shared file DTK and the divided file DTB. For example, the shared file DTK newly generated or input from an external device is made redundant and distributed and stored. Alternatively, a process of restoring the shared file DTK requested by the user is performed. Alternatively, a process of calling a divided file DTB for transmission to another personal computer TR from the local shared data storage unit 2K2. Alternatively, a process of deleting the designated divided file DTB from the local shared data storage unit 2K2 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the end sequence processing unit 215 includes a divided file list generation unit 311, a copy target file selection unit 312, a divided file presence / absence inquiry unit 313, a copy destination selection unit 314, a notification divided file selection unit 315, and a list. The transmission control unit 316 is configured to perform sequence processing when the personal computer TR itself is turned off or switched to the standby mode.

  The power supply control unit 216 controls on / off of the power supply of the personal computer TR itself. Further, when the non-operation state continues for a predetermined time or more, or when the user inputs a predetermined command, the mode is switched to the standby mode. The standby mode may be generally referred to as “suspend mode” or “power saving mode”.

  Here, when the new shared file DTK is stored in a redundant and distributed manner, when the shared file DTK is restored, when any personal computer TR is turned off, and any personal computer TR is in the standby state. The contents of processing such as each unit of the data operation unit 214 shown in FIG. 6 and each unit of the end sequence processing unit 215 shown in FIG. 7 in the case of switching to the mode will be described.

[When a new shared file DTK is made redundant and distributed]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing when the shared file DTK is made redundant and distributed, stored, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for distributing the shared file DTK, and FIG. 10 is a divided file DTB. It is a figure which shows the example of the preservation | save form.

  For example, it is assumed that the user operates the personal computer TR9 to input a command for creating document data and saving it as a shared file by an application such as word processing software.

  Then, in the personal computer TR9, processing of a procedure as shown in FIG. 8 is executed. As before, a shared file DTK including document data created by the user is generated (# 131 in FIG. 8). In the header or footer of the shared file DTK, as shown in FIG. 9, the hardware and software constituting the personal computer TR recognize the shared file DTK and the user recognizes the shared file DTK. The file name to be used is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the file dividing unit 301 (see FIG. 6) divides the generated shared file DTK into a predetermined number to generate a divided file DTB (# 132). In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the division is performed by dividing the shared file DTK into Nb pieces by about (Sf / Nb) bytes from the first byte. However, “Sf” is the number of bytes representing the file size of the shared file DTK, and “Nb” is the number of divisions. Further, serial numbers are given to the divided files DTB in the order of arrangement. Hereinafter, a case where Nb is “3”, that is, a case where the shared file DTK is divided into three and stored will be described as an example.

  In the header or footer of each divided file DTB, the file ID of the original shared file DTK, the file name, the number of divided files (that is, how many divided the shared file DTK are divided), and the serial number of the divided file DTB are recorded. Keep it.

  In addition, in the header or footer of the divided file DTB, the date and time when the divided file DTB is placed (saved) or rearranged (saved) in the shared data storage unit 2K2 of any personal computer TR (hereinafter referred to as “placement”). "Date and time"). However, at the time of step # 132, since it is not arranged anywhere yet, the arrangement date is not shown.

The storage destination determination unit 302 determines each storage destination of the divided file DTB based on the following rules (Rule 1-1) to (Rule 1-3) (# 133).
(Rule 1-1) In principle, all the divided files DTB divided from the same shared file DTK are stored in separate personal computers TR.
(Rule 1-2) In order to ensure redundancy, the same divided file DTB is stored in a plurality of nodes (personal computers TR). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the data is stored in two nodes.
(Rule 1-3) The hard disk 20d is preferentially stored in the personal computer TR having a large free space.

  According to the rules (Rule 1-1) and (Rule 1-2), the three divided files DTB are stored in two locations respectively. That is, the divided file DTB is stored in six places. The free capacity of the hard disk 20d of the personal computer TR9 itself can be found by inquiring an OS (Operating System). The available capacity of the hard disk 20d of the personal computers TR1 to TR8 may be inquired by transmitting inquiry data to each personal computer TR based on the connection table TL. Which divided file DTB is stored in which personal computer TR may be determined using a random function or the like.

  Based on the result of determination by the storage destination determination unit 302, the file writing unit 304 writes and stores the divided file DTB in the local shared data storage unit 2K2 as necessary (# 134). Also, the date and time of writing is recorded as the arrangement date and time in the header or footer of the divided file DTB.

  Based on the result of determination by the storage destination determination unit 302, the file transfer control unit 303 transmits the divided file DTB to the other personal computer TR that is the storage destination so that the packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 (see FIG. 3) (# 135).

  For example, the storage destination determination unit 302 determines that the storage destination of the divided file DTB whose serial number is “1” is the personal computer TR1, TR9, and the storage destination of the division file DTB whose serial number is “2” is the personal computer TR2, TR6. And the storage destination of the divided file DTB “3” is determined to be the personal computers TR3 and TR8. Then, the file writing unit 304 writes and saves the divided file DTB whose serial number is “1” in the local shared data storage unit 2K2. The file transfer control unit 303 causes the divided file DTB with the serial number “1” to be transmitted to the personal computer TR1, and causes the divided file DTB with “2” to be transmitted to the personal computers TR2 and TR6. The divided file DTB is transmitted to the personal computers TR3 and TR8.

  On the other hand, in personal computers TR1, TR2, TR3, TR6, and TR8, each file writing unit 304 writes and saves the divided file DTB transmitted from personal computer TR9 in each local shared data storage unit 2K2. Let Also, the date and time of writing is recorded as the arrangement date and time in the header or footer of the divided file DTB.

  Through the above processing, the new shared file DTK is made redundant and distributed and stored. When new shared files DTK are successively made redundant and distributed, the divided files DTB of each shared file DTK are stored in nodes around as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each shared file DTK may be described separately as “shared file A”, “shared file B”, “shared file C”,. In addition, each divided file DTB of the shared file A may be described separately as “divided file A1”, “divided file A2”, and “divided file A3”. The same applies to the divided files DTB of the shared files B, C,.

  In step # 133, the node currently in the standby mode may be excluded from the copy destination candidates from the beginning. Whether or not the standby mode is set can be determined based on standby notification data DT7 and standby mode release notification data DT8 described later.

[When restoring the shared file DTK]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the flow of processing when restoring the shared file DTK.

  The shared file DTK that is divided and saved in the divided file DTB is restored by a procedure as shown in FIG. 11 as necessary.

  For example, it is assumed that the user inputs a command for opening the shared file A by operating the application of the personal computer TR9 (# 141 in FIG. 11A).

  Then, in the personal computer TR9, the file restoration unit 306 collects the divided file DTB of the shared file A, that is, the divided files A1 to A3, from the local shared data storage unit 2K2 or another personal computer TR.

  That is, if any one of the divided files A1 to A3 is stored in the local shared data storage unit 2K2, the file restoration unit 306 instructs the file calling unit 305 to call it. Then, the file calling unit 305 calls it from the shared data storage unit 2K2 (# 142).

  Further, the file restoration unit 306 requests the divided file DTB that is not stored in the local shared data storage unit 2K2 among the divided files A1 to A3, to other personal computers TR (TR1 to TR8), and these Is downloaded (# 143). At this time, the divided file request data DT4 indicating the serial number of the divided file DTB, the file ID of the original shared file DTK (that is, the shared file A), a message requesting the divided file DTB, and the like is generated. The packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 are controlled so that the divided file request data DT4 is multicast to the personal computers TR1 to TR8.

  When all the divided files A1 to A3 are prepared (Yes in # 144), the shared file A is restored by combining them (# 145).

  On the other hand, the processing shown in FIG. 11B is executed in the personal computers TR1 to TR8. When the divided file request data DT4 from the personal computer TR9 is received (# 151), the file calling unit 305 stores the divided file DTB indicated by the divided file request data DT4 in the local shared data storage unit 2K2. If so (Yes in # 152), this is called from the shared data storage unit 2K2 (# 153). Then, the file transfer control unit 303 controls the packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 so that the called divided file DTB is transmitted to the requesting personal computer TR9 (# 154).

  In step # 143, the split file DTB is not requested to the node that is currently in the standby mode. However, if many nodes are in the standby mode, the divided file DTB may not be prepared. In this case, a divided file list BLY, which will be described later, is referred to and a request is made to the node storing the missing divided file DTB.

[When any personal computer TR turns off the power]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing flow when the power is turned off, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the divided file list BLX, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the node table NL, and FIG. 15 is copied. It is a figure which shows the example of transmission / reception of the divided file DTB.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in a situation where the divided file DTB is distributed (stored) in each node, the user operates the personal computer TR9 to turn off the personal computer TR9 (command for shutdown). Command).

  Then, each unit (see FIG. 7) of the end sequence processing unit 215 (see FIG. 7) copies the divided file DTB stored in the local shared data storage unit 2K2 by the personal computer TR9 to another personal computer TR. Is executed in the procedure as shown in FIG.

  The divided file list generation unit 311 generates a divided file list BLX in which all the divided files DTB currently stored in the local shared data storage unit 2K2 are recorded as shown in FIG. 13A (FIG. 12). # 161). The copy target file selection unit 312 copies the divided file DTB shown in the divided file list BLX to another personal computer TR before turning off the personal computer TR9 based on a predetermined rule. A power division file DTB is selected (# 162). In the present embodiment, (Rule 2) is selected based on a rule that a divided file DTB arranged within a predetermined period is to be copied. The administrator of the network 1 can arbitrarily set this predetermined period. For example, “for the past month from the present” may be set. That is, a divided file DTB that has just been placed may be targeted. Alternatively, “before the date and time one month ago” may be set. That is, the divided file DTB for which a considerable time has elapsed after the placement may be targeted. The (rule 4) regarding the division file DTB to be included in the division file list BLY to be described later can be similarly determined.

  The divided file list generation unit 311 updates the divided file list BLX to show only the divided file DTB selected by the copy target file selection unit 312 as shown in FIG.

  The divided file presence / absence inquiry unit 313 generates divided file presence / absence inquiry data DT5 indicating a message for inquiring whether or not there is a divided file DTB related to the original shared file DTK of each divided file DTB shown in the updated divided file list BLX, The packet generator 201 and the packet transmitter 202 are controlled so that this is transmitted (multicast) to other personal computers TR (TR1 to TR8) (# 164). In the example of FIG. 13B, the divided file presence / absence inquiry data DT5 relating to the presence / absence of the divided files A1 to A3 and the divided files B1 to B3 is generated and transmitted.

  Then, in the personal computers TR1 to TR8, each file search unit 307 stores the divided file DTB (A1 to A3, B1 to B3) indicated in the divided file existence inquiry data DT5 in each local shared data storage unit 2K2. Search from. Then, the divided file presence / absence reply data DT6 indicating the search result is generated, and the packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 are controlled so that the divided file presence / absence reply data DT6 is returned to the personal computer TR9.

  In the personal computer TR9, the copy destination selection unit 314 sets the copy destination of each divided file DTB shown in the divided file list BLX in FIG. 13B to the divided file presence / absence reply data DT6 obtained from the personal computers TR1 to TR8. Select based on the following method.

  Attention is paid to one divided file DTB shown in the divided file list BLX. For example, pay attention to the divided file A1. As shown in FIG. 14A, in the personal computers TR1 to TR8, a node table NL indicating the presence or absence of the original shared file DTK of the divided file A1, that is, the divided file DTB related to the shared file A, that is, the divided files A1 to A3 is generated. (# 165).

The nodes (personal computer TR) shown in the node table NL are rearranged on the basis of the following (Rule 3-1) to (Rule 3-3), and the highest ranking node is the divided file currently focused on The copy destination of the DTB (here, the divided file A1) is selected (# 166).
(Rule 3-1) A node having the same divided file DTB as the divided file DTB of interest is excluded from copy destination candidates.
(Rule 3-2) Priorities are assigned to the remaining nodes in the order of the following (1) to (3), and these nodes are rearranged. (1) A node that does not store the divided file DTB related to the original shared file DTK of the focused divided file DTB. (2) A node having another divided file DTB related to the original shared file DTK of the divided file DTB of interest and whose serial number is not adjacent to the divided file DTB. (3) A node having another divided file DTB related to the original shared file DTK of the divided file DTB of interest and having a serial number adjacent to the divided file DTB.
(Rule 3-3) When there are a plurality of nodes having the same priority, these nodes are rearranged in the order of increasing free capacity of the hard disk 20d.

  When the nodes are rearranged based on these rules, a result as shown in FIG. 14B is obtained. Then, the copy destination selection unit 314 instructs the data operation unit 214 to transmit the divided file A1 to the selected node, that is, the uppermost personal computer TR of the node table NL. Then, the file calling unit 305 (see FIG. 6) of the data operation unit 214 calls the divided file A1 from the shared data storage unit 2K2 (# 167), and the packet generation unit 201, the packet transmission unit 202, and the file transfer control unit. In step 303, the divided file A1 is transmitted to the copy destination (# 168).

  Similarly, pay attention to the remaining divided files DTB shown in the divided file list BLX in FIG. 13B, and execute the processes of steps # 165 to # 168. When transmission of all the divided files DTB shown in the divided file list BLX is completed (No in # 163), the power control unit 216 in FIG. 3 turns off the personal computer TR9 itself (# 169). .

  On the other hand, in the node that is the copy destination, the file writing unit 304 writes and stores the divided file DTB transmitted from the personal computer TR9 in the local shared data storage unit 2K2. At this time, the date and time of the current writing is overwritten on the arrangement date and time currently indicated in the header or footer of the divided file DTB. That is, a new arrangement date and time is recorded.

  Through the above processing, a part of the divided files DTB stored in the personal computer TR9 is copied to another node as shown in FIG.

  If there is a node in the standby mode, it may be excluded from the copy destination candidates from the beginning.

[When any personal computer TR switches to standby mode]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage format of the divided file DTB, FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when switching to the standby mode, and FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the divided file list BLY. 19 is a diagram showing an example of distribution of the divided file list BLY.

  When the divided file DTB is distributed and arranged (saved) in each node as shown in FIG. 16, in the personal computer TR9, when the power control unit 216 in FIG. 3 attempts to switch to the standby mode, Each unit (see FIG. 7) of the end sequence processing unit 215 (see FIG. 7) indicates that the personal computer TR9 is switched to the standby mode and all or a part of the divided file DTB stored in the personal computer TR9 is stored in another personal computer. Processing for informing the TR is executed in the procedure as shown in FIG.

  The split file list generation unit 311 of the end sequence processing unit 215 of FIG. 7 performs the same processing as that when the power is turned off, as shown in FIG. 18A, all currently stored in the local shared data storage unit 2K2. The divided file list BLY in which the divided files DTB are written is generated (# 171 in FIG. 17).

  The copy target file selection unit 312 notifies the other personal computer TR that the file is stored in the personal computer TR9 based on a predetermined rule from the divided files DTB shown in the divided file list BLY. A division file DTB to be created is selected (# 172). In the present embodiment, (Rule 4) is selected based on a rule that a divided file DTB arranged within a predetermined period is to be copied. The divided file list generation unit 311 updates the divided file list BLY to show only the divided file DTB selected by the notification divided file selection unit 315 as shown in FIG.

  The list transmission control unit 316 controls the packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 in FIG. 3 so that the updated divided file list BLY is transmitted (multicast) to other personal computers TR (TR1 to TR8) ( # 173). At this time, standby notification data DT7 indicating a message indicating that the personal computer TR9 switches to the standby mode is generated, and the standby notification data DT7 is transmitted in association with the divided file list BLY. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, the divided file list BLY is distributed to each node.

  When the transmission of the divided file list BLY and the standby notification data DT7 is completed, the power control unit 216 switches the mode of the personal computer TR9 itself to the standby mode (# 174).

  Thereafter, in the personal computer TR9, the standby mode is continued until a predetermined event occurs such as when the user performs a predetermined operation on the personal computer TR9 or receives a request for transmission of the divided file DTB from another node. The When a predetermined event occurs, the power supply control unit 216 cancels the standby mode and returns the personal computer TR9 to the normal mode. Then, standby mode cancellation notification data DT8 indicating a message indicating that the standby mode has been canceled is generated, and the packet generation unit 201 and the packet are transmitted so that the standby mode cancellation notification data DT8 is transmitted (multicast) to the personal computers TR1 to TR8. The transmission unit 202 is controlled.

  On the other hand, after receiving the divided file list BLY and the standby notification data DT7 from the personal computer TR9, the personal computers TR1 to TR8 refer to the divided file list BLY for information on the divided file DTB stored in the personal computer TR9. . No inquiry is made to the personal computer TR9. Thereafter, when the standby mode release notification data DT8 is received from the personal computer TR9, the divided file list BLY is discarded. If it is necessary to know the divided file DTB stored in the personal computer TR9, an inquiry is made to the personal computer TR9 as usual.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing flow of the personal computer TR.

  Next, the overall processing flow while the personal computer TR is powered on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power is turned on (# 1), the personal computer TR performs a process for joining the network 1 (# 2). The contents of such processing are as described above with reference to FIG.

  If participation in the network 1 is accepted (Yes in # 3), the following processing is performed as needed (# 4) until the power is turned off or the standby mode is switched.

  For example, authentication processing of another personal computer TR that is going to participate in the network 1 is performed. The procedure of such processing is as described above in steps # 111 to # 117 in FIG. Alternatively, as described in # 121 to # 122 of FIG. 5, a process of adding node data DTN of another personal computer TR newly participating in the network 1 to its own (local) connection table TL is performed. Alternatively, the divided file DTB transmitted from another personal computer TR is stored in its own shared data storage unit 2K2. Alternatively, processing for answering an inquiry from another personal computer TR is performed. Alternatively, a process of providing a divided file DTB requested from another personal computer TR is performed. Alternatively, a process of saving or discarding the divided file list BLY transmitted from another personal computer TR is performed. Alternatively, a process for restoring the shared file DTK is performed. The procedure of such processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  The personal computer TR performs a process for switching to the standby mode when the operation is not performed for a predetermined time or longer or when the user inputs a predetermined command (# 7). By such processing, the list of divided files DTB stored in its own shared data storage unit 2K2, that is, the divided file list BLY is distributed to other personal computers TR. The specific procedure of such processing is as described above with reference to FIG.

  The standby mode continues until a predetermined event occurs. When a predetermined event occurs (Yes in # 8), it notifies the other personal computer TR that the standby mode has been released (# 9). And it returns to step # 4 and performs various processes as needed.

  When the personal computer TR turns off its own power supply, it performs a process of copying the divided file DTB stored in its own shared data storage unit 2K2 to another personal computer TR (# 10). The processing procedure is as described above with reference to FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the shared file DTK is divided into a plurality of divided files DTB, and these divided files DTB are distributed and stored in different personal computers TR. Further, the same divided file DTB is distributed and stored in a plurality of personal computers TR. Further, the personal computer TR copied the divided file DTB stored in itself to the other personal computer TR when the power was turned off. With such a configuration, it is possible to ensure the use of the shared file DTK in other personal computers TR even if some personal computers TR leave the network 1 while protecting the security of the shared file DTK.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the personal computer TR distributes the list of the divided files DTB stored on itself when switching to the standby mode to the other personal computers TR. Therefore, an energy saving effect can be achieved without changing the redundancy of the shared file DTK of the entire network 1 system.

  In this embodiment, when the personal computer TR turns off the power, it copies the divided file DTB stored in its own shared data storage unit 2K2 by calling it and transmitting it to another personal computer TR. The file DTB may be moved to another personal computer TR. That is, the transmitted divided file DTB may be deleted from its own shared data storage unit 2K2. Then, the redundancy of the shared file DTK can be kept constant.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the method for dividing the shared file DTK. In the present embodiment, the shared file DTK is divided into three. However, the number of divisions may be changed according to the size or confidentiality of the shared file DTK. Further, instead of dividing as described in FIG. 9, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the shared file DTK is divided into a large number of data chunks DTC of a predetermined unit, and these are regularly grouped into a plurality of groups. By dividing, the divided file DTB may be generated.

  Redundancy when storing the shared file DTK may be determined according to the importance of the shared file DTK. That is, the more important shared file DTK is, the more the same divided file DTB generated by dividing it may be duplicated, and distributed and stored in many personal computers TR.

  In the present embodiment, the storage destination of the divided file DTB of the shared file DTK is determined based on (Rule 1-3) or (Rule 3-3). That is, the data is preferentially stored in the personal computer TR having a large free space on the hard disk 20d. However, it may be determined based on other rules instead of these rules.

  For example, you may make it preserve | save preferentially in personal computer TR with a high communication speed. Or you may make it preserve | save preferentially in personal computer TR with a quick response (for example, response with respect to PING) from other personal computer TR. You may make it preserve | save preferentially in personal computer TR with a high calculation speed. Or you may determine at random from the personal computer TR which has a spec more than fixed.

  In the present embodiment, the divided file DTB to be copied to another personal computer TR when the power is turned off and the divided file DTB to be put on the divided file list BLY are based on the arrangement date and time of the divided file DTB according to (Rule 2) and (Rule 4), respectively. However, it may be determined according to other rules. For example, the date and time when the original shared file DTK was referred to or the date and time when the time attribute information was updated may be determined as the divided file DTB within a predetermined period.

  Alternatively, all the divided files DTB may be set as a copy target or a target to be put on the split file list BLY.

  In this embodiment, the copy destination of the divided file DTB is determined according to (Rule 3-2). That is, the node that does not store any of the divided files DTB related to the original shared file DTK of the divided file DTB to be copied is determined as the copy destination with the highest priority. As a result, file distribution can be maintained and high security can be maintained. However, it may be determined according to other rules.

  For example, the personal computer TR that already stores the copy target divided file DTB may be determined as the copy destination with the highest priority. Alternatively, the personal computer TR storing another divided file DTB in which the divided file DTB to be copied and the original shared file DTK are the same may be determined. Among them, in particular, the personal computer TR storing the divided file DTB adjacent to the divided file DTB to be copied (for example, the personal computer TR storing the divided file A2 when the copy target is the divided file A1). You may decide to. Furthermore, after that, the divided files DTB adjacent to each other may be combined into a single divided file DTB. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the sharing of the shared file DTK, and to reduce the processing load when accessing the shared file DTK.

  When the entire network 1 is suspended due to maintenance work or a power failure, the power-off process described with reference to FIG. 12 is not executed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the personal computer TR is used as a node of the network 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where another type of information processing apparatus is used as a node. . For example, the present invention is also applicable when an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) or a network home appliance is used as a node.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the flow of the power-off process, and FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the flow of the standby process.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the shared file DTK is divided into a plurality of divided files DTB and shared is described as an example, but the shared file DTK may be shared without being divided. In this case, the personal computer TR may be configured to execute the following processing, for example.

  When a new shared file DTK is input as a management target to the personal computer TR, in FIG. 6, the storage destination determination unit 302 determines a plurality of storage destinations of the shared file DTK. When the personal computer TR itself is determined as one of the storage destinations, the file writing unit 304 stores the shared file DTK in the shared data storage unit 2K2 without being divided by the file dividing unit 301. Further, the file transfer control unit 303 performs a process for transmitting the shared file DTK to another personal computer TR determined as the storage destination.

  When the personal computer TR is turned off and leaves the network 1, the copy target file selection unit 312 in FIG. 6 selects another personal computer among the shared files DTK currently stored in the shared data storage unit 2K2. A shared file DTK that needs to be copied to the TR is selected (# 181 in FIG. 22). For example, a shared file DTK for which a predetermined period has not yet elapsed since being stored in the shared data storage unit 2K2 is selected. Alternatively, the shared file DTK whose time attribute information is updated is selected. Alternatively, a shared file DTK that has passed a predetermined period after being stored in the shared data storage unit 2K2 may be selected.

  The copy destination selection unit 314 selects a copy destination from other personal computers TR that do not currently store the selected shared file DTK (# 182). The packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 perform processing for transmitting the shared file DTK to the copy destination selected by the copy destination selection unit 314 (# 183). The transmitted shared file DTK may be deleted from the shared data storage unit 2K2. Then, the power is turned off to leave the network 1 (# 184).

  When the personal computer TR switches to the standby mode, the divided file list generation unit 311 generates a list of the shared data storage unit 2K2 stored in the shared data storage unit 2K2 (# 192 in FIG. 23). Also in this case, the shared data storage unit 2K2 to be included in the list may be limited as in the case of leaving the network 1 (# 191). The packet generation unit 201 and the packet transmission unit 202 perform a process of transmitting (multicasting) the generated list to each personal computer TR (# 193). Then, the mode is switched to the standby mode (# 194).

  In addition, “redundancy” explained so far is to prepare more equipment than the minimum required amount, and build a system that can continue to provide services even if some equipment breaks down To do. For example, by preparing multiple connection lines to the Internet and using one of the connection lines even if one of the connection lines is disconnected, trouble will not occur by using “network redundancy”, RAID There are various types of redundancy, such as “storage redundancy” in which the same data is written to multiple hard disks in duplicate and parity is written to prepare for failure. “RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)” is a technique for managing a plurality of hard disks as if they were one hard disk.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire network 1 and personal computer TR or each unit, processing contents, processing order, table, list configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the example of the whole structure of a network. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a personal computer. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection table. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process of participating in a network. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of a data operation part. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of an end sequence process part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process at the time of making a shared file redundant and disperse | distributing. It is a figure for demonstrating the distribution method of a shared file. It is a figure which shows the example of the preservation | save form of a divided file. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process in the case of a restoration of a shared file. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process at the time of turning off a power supply. It is a figure which shows the example of a division | segmentation file list. It is a figure which shows the example of a node table. It is a figure which shows the example of transmission / reception of the copied divided file. It is a figure which shows the example of the preservation | save form of a divided file. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process at the time of switching to standby mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a division | segmentation file list. It is a figure which shows the example of distribution of a division | segmentation file list. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process of a personal computer. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the method of dividing | segmenting a shared file. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a power-off process. It is a flowchart explaining the modification of the flow of a standby process.

Explanation of symbols

1 network 2K2 shared data storage unit (shared data storage means, divided data storage means)
301 File division unit (division means)
302 Storage destination determination unit (data distribution means)
303 File transfer control unit (shared data redundancy means, data distribution means, shared data transmission means, divided data transmission means)
304 File writing unit (shared data redundancy means, data distribution means)
308 File deletion part (divided data deletion means)
314 Copy destination selection unit (shared data transmission means, divided data transmission means)
316 List transmission control unit (stored information transmission means)
DTB split file (split data)
DTK shared file (shared data)
TR Personal computer (information processing equipment)

Claims (21)

An information processing apparatus used as a network node,
Shared data storage means for storing shared data that is data shared in the network;
Shared data that transmits the shared data stored in the shared data storage means to another information processing apparatus that does not store the shared data when the information processing apparatus itself tries to leave the network A transmission means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A shared data redundancy means for making the shared data redundant by transferring a predetermined number of data to one or more other information processing apparatuses or storing in the shared data storage means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The shared data transmitting means transmits only the shared data that has not yet passed a predetermined period since being stored in the shared data storing means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The shared data transmitting means transmits only the shared data in which the time attribute information is updated;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The shared data transmitting means transmits only the shared data that has passed a predetermined period since being stored in the shared data storing means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. An information processing apparatus used as a network node,
Data dividing means for dividing shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data;
Divided data storage means for storing the divided data divided by the data dividing means or received from another information processing apparatus;
Data distribution means for distributing the divided data of the shared data divided by the data dividing means by transferring it to one or more other information processing devices;
When the information processing device itself tries to leave the network, the divided data stored in the divided data storage unit is transmitted to another information processing device that does not store the divided data. A transmission means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The divided data transmission means preferentially transmits the divided data to another information processing apparatus that does not store the other divided data related to the original shared data of the divided data.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The divided data transmission means preferentially transmits the divided data to another information processing apparatus that stores the other divided data related to the original shared data of the divided data.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The divided data transmission means preferentially transmits the divided data to another information processing apparatus having a large free space in the data storage area.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. The divided data transmission means preferentially transmits the divided data to another information processing apparatus that has a quick response to the signal transmitted by the information processing apparatus.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. Divided data deletion means for deleting the divided data transmitted from the divided data transmission means to another information processing apparatus from the divided data storage means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. An information processing apparatus used as a network node,
Shared data storage means for storing shared data that is data shared in the network;
Storage information transmission for transmitting storage information indicating all or part of the shared data stored in the shared data storage means to another information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus itself attempts to switch to the standby mode Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus used as a network node,
Data dividing means for dividing shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data;
Divided data storage means for storing the divided data divided by the data dividing means or received from another information processing apparatus;
A data distribution unit that distributes the divided data of the shared data divided by the data dividing unit by transferring the divided data to one or more other information processing apparatuses or storing the divided data in the divided data storage unit; ,
Storage information transmission for transmitting storage information indicating all or part of the divided data stored in the divided data storage means to another information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus itself attempts to switch to the standby mode Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: A method for managing shared data, which is data shared in a network composed of a plurality of nodes,
The shared data is stored in any node,
When there is a node that is about to leave the network, the shared data stored in the node is transmitted to and stored in another node that does not store the shared data.
Data management method characterized by the above. A method for managing shared data, which is data shared in a network composed of a plurality of nodes,
The shared data is divided into a plurality of divided data, and each of the divided data is distributed and stored in separate nodes,
When there is a node that is about to leave the network, the divided data stored in the node is transmitted to and stored in another node that does not store the divided data.
Data management method characterized by the above. A method for managing shared data, which is data shared in a network composed of a plurality of nodes,
The shared data is stored in any node,
When there is a node to be switched to the standby mode, the storage information indicating all or a part of the shared data stored in the node is transmitted from the node to another node.
Data management method characterized by the above. A method for managing shared data, which is data shared in a network composed of a plurality of nodes,
The shared data is divided into a plurality of divided data, and each of the divided data is distributed and stored in separate nodes,
When there is a node to be switched to the standby mode, the storage information indicating all or a part of the divided data stored in the node is transmitted from the node to another node.
Data management method characterized by the above. A computer program for controlling a computer used as a node of a network,
On that computer,
When the computer itself tries to leave the network, the shared data stored in the computer is transmitted to another computer that does not store the shared data.
A computer program characterized by the above. A computer program for controlling a computer used as a node of a network,
On that computer,
Data division processing for dividing shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data;
A divided data storage process for storing the divided data divided by the data dividing process or received from another computer in a divided data storage unit;
A data distribution process in which the divided data of the shared data divided by the data division process is distributed by being transferred to one or more other computers or stored in the divided data storage means;
And execute
When the computer itself tries to leave the network, a divided data transmission process is executed for transmitting the divided data stored in the divided data storage means to another computer that does not store the divided data. Let
A computer program characterized by the above. A computer program for controlling a computer used as a node of a network,
On that computer,
When the computer itself is about to switch to the standby mode, a process of transmitting storage information indicating all or a part of the shared data stored in the computer to another computer is executed.
A computer program characterized by the above. A computer program for controlling a computer used as a node of a network,
On that computer,
Data division processing for dividing shared data, which is data shared in the network, into a plurality of divided data;
A divided data storage process for storing the divided data divided by the data dividing process or received from another computer in a divided data storage unit;
A data distribution process in which the divided data of the shared data divided by the data division process is distributed by being transferred to one or more other computers or stored in the divided data storage means;
And execute
When the computer itself tries to switch to the standby mode, a storage information transmission process is executed for transmitting storage information indicating all or part of the divided data stored in the divided data storage means to another computer. Let
A computer program characterized by the above.