JP2008226134A - File management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a file management system for storing a file in a plurality of recording media, allowing a user to easily specify the recording medium for storing a file, and efficiently storing a file when the user does not specify the recording medium for the file storage destination. <P>SOLUTION: A selection means allows a user to select whether or not he or she specifies an HDD 2 for storing a file, and allows the user to select one HDD 2 when he or she specifies an HDD 2 for storing a file. A first storage means stores the file in one HDD 2 concerned when one HDD 2 is selected, a detection means detects a free capacity in each of the plurality of HDD 2 connected to a PC 1, and a second storage means stores the file in the HDD 2 having the largest free capacity when the user selects not to specify the HDD 2 for storing the file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a file management system capable of connecting a plurality of recording media to an electronic device.

Conventionally, various systems and methods for managing files have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 includes at least a plurality of classification item input fields that constitute a hierarchical structure when storing Web pages. The set attribute input form is displayed, the attribute information about the Web page is input, the directory corresponding to the character string described in the classification item input field is automatically generated in the recording device, and the lowest layer is configured A data filing system that stores Web files in a directory is disclosed. According to this system, classification can be easily performed when data is accumulated, and a target file can be efficiently extracted when the accumulated data is reused.
JP 2003-122608 A

  However, in file management systems that store data on a plurality of recording media, such as the data filing system described above, if the user does not specify a file storage destination drive when storing a file, some of the drives are file Often used as a storage location. As a result, each of the plurality of connected drives is not used evenly, and there is a possibility that the plurality of connected drives may not be effectively used as a whole. In addition, there is a possibility that only a part of the drives may be adversely affected.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a file management system for storing files in a plurality of recording media so that a user can easily specify a recording medium for storing the file when the file is stored, and the user can record the file storage destination. To provide a file management system capable of efficiently storing files when no medium is designated.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a file management system capable of connecting a plurality of recording devices to an electronic device.
A key operation unit that accepts user key operations;
When the user selects whether or not to specify a recording device for storing a file by a key operation in the key operation unit and selects to specify the recording device for storing a file, the key operation in the key operation unit is selected. And a selection unit that allows a user to select one of the plurality of recording devices,
First storage means for storing the file in the one recording device when the one recording device is selected by the selection means;
Detecting means for detecting free space in each of the plurality of recording devices connected to the electronic device;
Based on the free capacity in each of the plurality of recording devices detected by the detection means, list creating means for creating a list for storing the plurality of recording devices in order of increasing free capacity;
When the selection unit selects that the recording device for storing the file is not designated, the file is stored in the recording device with the largest free space based on the list created by the list creation unit. Second storage means;
Creation of creating a virtual directory tree having storage information indicating on which recording device each of the files recorded on the plurality of recording devices is based on a directory tree provided on each of the plurality of recording devices. Means,
Based on the virtual directory tree created by the creation means, when a user accesses a file recorded in the recording device, a presentation means for presenting the storage information about the file on a display means;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention according to claim 2 is a file management system capable of connecting a plurality of recording media to an electronic device.
A key operation unit that accepts user key operations;
When the user selects whether or not to specify a recording medium for storing a file by a key operation in the key operation unit and selects to specify the recording medium for storing a file, the key operation in the key operation unit is selected. Based on the selection means for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of recording media,
First storage means for storing the file in the one recording medium when the one recording medium is selected by the selection means;
Detecting means for detecting free space in each of the plurality of recording media connected to the electronic device;
When the selection unit selects that the recording medium for storing the file is not designated, the free space is the largest based on the free space in each of the plurality of recording media detected by the detection unit. Second storage means for storing the file in a recording medium;
It is characterized by providing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the file management system according to the second aspect, the plurality of recording media are changed based on the free capacity of each of the plurality of recording media detected by the detecting unit. A list creation means for creating a list to be stored in the order of a large free space,
The second storage means stores the file on the recording medium with the largest free space based on the list created by the list creation means.

The invention according to claim 4 is the file management system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a creation unit that creates a virtual directory tree based on the directory tree provided in each of the plurality of recording media,
The virtual directory tree includes storage information indicating on which recording medium each of the files recorded on the plurality of recording media is recorded.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key operation unit that accepts a key operation by a user, and whether or not a recording device for storing a file is designated by the key operation in the key operation unit by the recording destination selection selection unit. Is selected by the user and is selected to designate a recording device for storing the file, one recording device is selected from the plurality of recording devices by the user based on the key operation in the key operation unit, and the first When one recording device is selected by the selection unit by the storage unit, the file is stored in the one recording device, and the free space in each of the plurality of recording devices connected to the electronic device is detected by the detection unit. A plurality of recording devices are vacated on the basis of the free capacity in each of the plurality of recording devices detected by the detecting means by the list creating means. A list that is stored in order of large quantity is created, and when the second storage means selects that the recording device that stores the file is not designated by the selection means, the list is created based on the list created by the list creation means. Files are stored in the recording device with the largest capacity.
Therefore, in a file management system that stores files in a plurality of recording devices, the user can easily specify the recording device that stores the file, and the user does not specify the recording device that stores the file. In this case, the file is stored in the recording device having the largest free space, and the file can be stored efficiently. In addition, since the recording device with the largest free space is determined based on the created list, when the list is created in advance, the processing at the time of file storage can be speeded up.
In addition, the virtual directory includes storage information indicating which recording device each of the files recorded in the plurality of recording devices is based on the directory tree provided in each of the plurality of recording devices by the creating unit. A tree is created, and when the user accesses a file recorded in the recording device based on the virtual directory tree created by the creating unit, the presenting unit presents storage information regarding the file on the display unit.
Therefore, the files stored in a plurality of recording devices can be managed in a centralized manner, and when the user accesses the files, it is grasped in which recording device each file is stored. be able to.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the key operation unit that accepts a key operation by the user is provided, and whether or not the selection unit specifies the recording medium for storing the file by the key operation in the key operation unit is determined by the user. When the selected recording medium is selected to store the file, one recording medium is selected from the plurality of recording media by the user based on the key operation in the key operation unit, and the first storage means When one recording medium is selected by the selecting means, the file is stored in the one recording medium, and the detecting means detects the free space in each of the plurality of recording media connected to the electronic device. (2) A plurality of recordings detected by the detecting means when the selecting means selects that the recording medium for storing the file is not designated by the selecting means. Based on the available capacity in each of the body, the file is stored in the free space is largest recording medium.
Therefore, in a file management system for storing files in a plurality of recording media, the user can easily specify the recording medium for storing the file when storing the file, and the user does not specify the recording medium for storing the file. In this case, the file is stored in the recording medium with the largest free space, and the file can be stored efficiently.

According to the invention described in claim 3, it is needless to say that the effect of the invention described in claim 2 can be obtained, and the free space in each of the plurality of recording media detected by the detecting means by the list creating means. Based on the list created by the list creation means, a list in which the plurality of recording media are stored in the order in which the plurality of recording media have the largest free capacity is created on the basis of the list created by the list creation means. A file is stored.
Therefore, since the recording medium with the largest free space is determined based on the created list, when the list is created in advance, the processing at the time of file storage can be speeded up.

According to the invention described in claim 4, it is a matter of course that the effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3 can be obtained. Based on the directory tree provided in each of the plurality of recording media by the creating means, the virtual A directory tree is created, and the virtual directory tree is provided with storage information indicating on which recording medium each of the files recorded on the plurality of recording media is recorded.
Therefore, files stored in a plurality of recording media can be managed centrally.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a mode in which the file management system of the present invention is applied to a personal computer (PC) system will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a file management system 100 in the present embodiment.
In the file management system 100 of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of recording devices (recording media) are connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 1 as an electronic device. The recording device is, for example, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 2 that reads / writes data from / to a magnetic disk.
Specifically, the PC 1 includes, for example, one master hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “master HDD”) 21 and one or a plurality of (for example, two in this embodiment) removable external devices. Hard disk drives (hereinafter referred to as “external HDDs”) 22 and 23 are connected, and each of the master HDD 21 and the external HDDs 22 and 23 stores a file group having a directory tree structure with different root directories. Yes.
The master HDD 21 may be built in the casing of the PC 1 or may be externally attached to the casing of the PC 1 with a hard disk case or the like. Further, the number of external HDDs 22 and 23 is not limited, and may be two or more. Further, the types such as the master HDD and the external HDD may not be distinguished.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of the file management system 100 in FIG.
Each of the master HDD 21, the external HDD 22, and the external HDD 23 includes file management information 211, 221, and 231 for managing each file stored in the HDD 2 and file information about the directory tree structure.

  The file management information 211, 221, 231 indicates, for example, the file name, the first logical block address of the area where the file is stored on the magnetic disk, the file size, and the file storage location for each file stored in the HDD 2. The real path (absolute path), creation date / time, update date / time, file type, attribute, creator, etc. are stored in association with each other.

In particular, the master HDD 21 stores virtual directory tree information (storage information) 212 related to a virtual directory tree created by executing a creation program 143f described later. The virtual directory tree is a single directory tree that is virtually constructed based on the directory tree of the plurality of HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1 in order to centrally manage files stored in the plurality of HDDs 2.
The virtual directory tree information 212 includes, for example, a file name, a virtual path of the determined file, a device ID for identifying the HDD 2 storing the file, and an actual file name for each file stored in each of the plurality of HDDs 2. The actual path indicating the position, the head logical block address where the file is stored on the magnetic disk, the file size, and the like are stored. The virtual path indicates the position of the file in the virtually constructed virtual directory tree, unlike the real path indicating the position in the directory tree of the HDD 2 where the file is actually stored.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 1 has a key operation unit 11 for a user to perform key operations to input various instructions, a display unit 12 as a display unit for displaying various display data, and a master HDD 21. The external HDDs 22 and 23 are connected to the PC 1 and are configured to include an I / F unit 13 that transmits and receives data between the devices, a control unit 14 that performs overall control of the PC 1, and the like.

  The key operation unit 11 includes a keyboard having a cursor key, numeric keys, various function keys, a mouse, and the like, and outputs an input operation signal based on a key pressed on the keyboard and the mouse to the control unit 14.

  The display unit 12 includes a display (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Display Panel), and displays various display data on the display according to control by the CPU 141.

The I / F unit 13 is an interface adopting, for example, the ATA (AT Attachment) standard, and transmits and receives various types of information between the master HDD 21 and the external HDDs 22 and 23 connected to the PC 1.
Specifically, the I / F unit 13 controls, for example, file management information 211, 221 and 231 described below, various file data, and detected free space from the HDD 2 connected to the PC 1 under the control of the control unit 14. And so on.

  The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 141, a memory unit 142, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 143, and the like.

  The CPU 141 executes various programs stored in the ROM 143 in accordance with input signals input from each unit of the PC 1, input operation signals input by pressing various keys in the key operation unit 11, and the like. Based on such a program, the overall operation of the file management system 100 is comprehensively controlled by outputting an output signal to each part of the PC 1.

  The memory unit 142 includes, for example, a work area 1421 formed of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and processing results generated when various programs are executed by the CPU 141, input data, and the like. Store in work area 1421.

  The memory unit 142 includes a data area 1422 made of a nonvolatile memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM). The data area 1422 includes, for example, a connection information management table 1422a, an area management list (list) 1422b, and the like.

  The connection information management table 1422a stores, for example, information related to the HDD 2 connected to the PC 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection information management table 1422a includes a drive name set by the PC 1 or the user for each of the HDDs 2 (for example, the master HDD 21 and the external HDDs 22 and 23) connected to the PC 1. The device ID, the type information indicating whether it is a master HDD or an external HDD, the member registration information indicating whether the HDD 2 is integrated into the virtual directory tree, and the like are stored in association with each other. ing. The connection information management table 1422a is updated each time the HDD 2 connected to the PC 1 is recognized as an external recording device, for example, when the PC 1 is activated.

  The area management list 1422b is a list that stores the order of the HDDs 2 with the larger free capacity based on the free capacity of the plurality of HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1, and is created by executing a list creation program 143b described later. Since the area management list 1422b will be described in detail in the description of the list creation program 143b, description thereof is omitted here.

  The ROM 143 has a program storage area composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory. Specifically, the ROM 143 includes a detection program 143a, a list creation program 143b, a recording destination selection program 143c, a first storage program 143d, and a second storage program 143e. , A creation program 143f, a presentation program 143g, and the like are stored.

The detection program 143a is, for example, a program for causing the CPU 141 to realize a function of detecting free space in each of the plurality of HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1.
Specifically, the CPU 141 causes the HDD 2 connected to the PC 1 to detect a free space or the like at a predetermined timing. More specifically, after storing the file in the HDD 2 based on the execution of the first storage program 143d or the second storage program 143e described later, the CPU 141 stores the stored / unrecorded area and free space from the HDD 2 storing the file. Get information such as capacity. Further, when the PC 1 is activated, information such as stored / unrecorded areas and free capacity is acquired from each of the HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1.
The CPU 141 functions as a detection unit by executing the detection program 143a.

For example, the list creation program 143b stores, in the CPU 141, an area management list (list that stores a plurality of HDDs 2 in order of increasing free capacity based on the free capacity in each of the plurality of HDDs 2 detected by the execution of the detection program 143a. ) A program for realizing the function of creating 1422b.
Specifically, when the CPU 141 acquires data such as a stored / unrecorded area and a free capacity from the HDD 2 connected to the PC 1 in the execution of the detection program 143a, the area management list is based on the acquired data. 1422b is created or updated.
FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying the area management list 1422b created in the execution of the list creation program 143b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the area management list 1422b stores the HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1 in order of increasing free capacity, and stores the drive name, identification ID, free capacity, recorded area, unrecorded area in each HDD 2. Recording areas and the like are stored in association with each other.
The area management list 1422b is referred to when determining a recording destination address or the like in the HDD 2 when storing a new file in the HDD 2 designated by the user in the execution of the first storage program 143d described later. . Further, in the execution of a second storage program 143e to be described later, it is referred to when specifying the HDD 2 having the most free space and determining the recording destination address in the HDD 2 when storing a new file in the HDD 2.
The CPU 141 functions as a list creation unit by executing the list creation program 143b.

For example, the recording destination selection program 143c allows the user to select whether or not to specify the HDD 2 for storing the file by the key operation in the key operation unit 11 and to select the HDD 2 for storing the file. This is a program for realizing a function of allowing the user to select one HDD 2 from among the plurality of HDDs 2 based on the key operation in the key operation unit 11 when the operation is performed.
Specifically, when a request for saving a file in the HDD 2 is made by a key operation of the user by the key operation unit 11, the CPU 141 displays a window illustrated in FIG. 5A on the display unit 12, for example. Thus, the user is allowed to select whether or not to designate the HDD 2 for storing the file by the key operation of the key operation unit 11. In the window, for example, a command button for selecting whether or not to specify the HDD 2 in which the file is to be stored is displayed, and the user performs selection by pressing any command button. Further, when the user selects to specify the HDD 2 in which to save the file in the window, the CPU 141 displays, for example, the window illustrated in FIG. 5B on the display unit 12, and a plurality of windows connected to the PC 1 are displayed. The user is made to select the storage destination HDD 2 from the HDD 2. In this window, for example, a list of HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1 is displayed in a pull-down menu or the like based on the connection information management table 1422a, and the user wants to specify the HDD 2 (eg, , B drive) is selected by operating the key operation unit 11. In addition to the designation of the storage destination HDD 2, the CPU 141 allows the file name (for example, “patent”), the file type (for example, (“document”)), and the like to be input in this window.
Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when inputting a file name in the file name input field of the window displayed when saving the file, a file is added at the beginning of the file name as “drive name: file name”. It is also possible to specify the storage destination HDD 2 by adding a drive name for storing the. When the drive name is added in front of the input file name (for example, “B drive: patent.doc”), the CPU 141 determines that the HDD 2 for storing the file is designated and is selected. If the drive name is not added in front of the file name, it is determined that the HDD 2 for storing the file is not designated unless it is selected. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, it is not necessary to separately designate whether or not to select the HDD 2 for storing the file.
The CPU 141 functions as a selection unit by executing the recording destination selection program 143c.

The first storage program 143d is, for example, a program for causing the CPU 141 to realize a function of storing a file in the one HDD 2 when one HDD 2 is selected in the execution of the recording destination selection program 143c.
Specifically, in the execution of the recording destination selection program 143c, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the user selects the file storage destination HDD2 from the HDD2 connected to the PC1, The CPU 141 accesses the HDD 2 via the I / F unit 13, sends file data to the HDD 2 and records it on the magnetic disk, and updates the file management table of the HDD 2.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the user designates the storage destination HDD 2 by adding a drive name to the beginning of the file name when inputting the file name in the file name input field, the CPU 141 A file name portion other than the drive name input in the file name input field is used as a file name to access the HDD 2 via the I / F unit 13, send and save file data to the HDD 2, and store the HDD 2. Update the file management table.
The CPU 141 functions as a first storage unit by executing the first storage program 143d.

The second storage program 143e is based on the area management list 1422b created by the execution of the list creation program 143b, for example, when the CPU 141 selects that the HDD 2 for storing the file is not designated by the execution of the selection program. This is a program for realizing a function of storing a file in the HDD 2 having the largest free space.
Specifically, in the execution of the recording destination selection program 143c, if the user selects not to specify the HDD 2 in which the file is stored, the CPU 141 is created or updated in the execution of the list creation program 143b, and the memory unit 142 The area management list 1422b stored in the data area 1422 is read, and the HDD 2 with the largest free space is specified based on the area management list 1422b. Then, the HDD 2 having the largest free space is accessed via the I / F unit 13, file data is sent to the HDD 2 and recorded on the magnetic disk, and the file management table of the HDD 2 is updated.
The CPU 141 functions as a second storage unit by executing the second storage program 143e.

For example, the creation program 143f is a virtual program that includes storage information indicating in which HDD 2 each of the files recorded in the plurality of HDDs 2 is stored in the CPU 141 based on a directory tree provided in each of the plurality of HDDs 2. This is a program for realizing the function of creating a directory tree.
Specifically, the CPU 141 performs a single operation based on the directory tree provided in each of the plurality of HDDs 2 when an instruction to create a virtual directory tree is given by a key operation or the like in the key operation unit 11. A virtual directory tree creation process for constructing a virtual directory tree is executed. Then, the virtual directory tree information 212 relating to the newly created virtual directory tree is stored in, for example, the master HDD 21 connected to the PC 1.
Further, when the CPU 141 executes the first storage program 143d or the second storage program 143e and saves the new file in the HDD 2, the CPU 141 has already created the file based on the directory tree of the HDD 2 in which the new file is stored. The process of updating the virtual directory tree is executed. Then, the virtual directory tree information 212 stored in the master HDD 21 is updated based on the updated virtual directory tree.
As described above, the virtual directory tree information 212 stores information for identifying the HDD 2 in which each file is stored (for example, the identification ID of the HDD 2).
The CPU 141 functions as a creation unit by executing the creation program 143f.

For example, when the user accesses the file recorded in the HDD 2 based on the virtual directory tree created by executing the creation program 143f, the presentation program 143g uses the virtual directory tree information 212 as storage information. This is a program for realizing the function presented on the display unit 12.
Specifically, when a display request for file information related to a file integrated in the virtual directory tree is made by a key operation on the key operation unit 11, the CPU 141 executes a storage control program to execute a virtual control stored in the master HDD 21. The directory tree information 212 is read, and a file information window is displayed on the display unit 12 based on the read virtual directory tree information 212.
FIG. 7 is an example of a file information window displayed on the display unit 12 by executing the presentation program 143g in response to a file information display request from the user.
In the execution of the presentation program 143g, the files stored in the plurality of HDDs 2 are displayed in a single virtual directory tree structure virtually constructed by the execution of the creation program 143f. Furthermore, the virtual directory tree created by executing the creation program 143f is, for example, a folder having the same file name in the same hierarchy in the directory tree of the plurality of HDDs 2 as one folder. That is, for example, a file with a file name “patent” having an actual path “A: (root directory) / folder AAA (folder name) / patent (file name)” in the master HDD 21, and “B: A file with a file name “patent” having an actual path “/ Folder AAA / patent” and a file with a file name “patent” having an actual path “C: / folder AAA / patent” are stored in the external HDD 23. 7, the user stores three files stored separately in the master HDD 21, the external HDD 22, and the external HDD 23 in a single folder “Folder AAA”. Looks like it has been.
In such a file information window, when the user designates any file by key operation of the key operation unit 11, the CPU 141 stores the file management information 211, 221, 231 stored in each HDD 2 or the master HDD 21. Based on the virtual directory tree information 212 and the like, the file information of the specified file is displayed in a part of the file information window. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the file information includes the file name (for example, “patent”), the file type (for example, “document”), and the location as the HDD 2 for storing the file (for example, B drive). , File attribute (for example, “compression”), file update date (for example, “October 14, 2006 18:00”), file size (for example, “114 KB”), creator (for example, “○ △ × ○ ”)), and the user can use the file information even if a file with the same name exists in the same folder in the same hierarchy in the directory tree of the plurality of HDDs 2. Each file can be identified by recognizing the recorded HDD 2.
The CPU 141 functions as a presentation unit by executing the presentation program 143g.

Next, a recording destination selection process performed when saving a file will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, when a file name is input in the file name input field, the storage destination drive name is added to the beginning of the file name and the storage destination HDD 2 is designated. Will be described.
First, in step S1, the CPU 141 determines whether or not a file name has been input in the file name input field of the window displayed on the display unit 12. When the user inputs the file name of the file to be saved in the file name input field by the key operation in the key operation unit 11, in step S1, the CPU 141 determines that the file name is input in the file name input field (step S1). Yes), in step S2, it is determined whether or not “x:” as the drive name of the HDD 2 is added to the head of the file name input in the file name input field. If the CPU 141 determines in step S2 that “x:” is not added to the beginning of the file name (step S2; No), it is assumed that there is no designation of the HDD 2 for storing the file, and in step S3, automatic data storage is performed. Processing is performed, and this processing is terminated.
On the other hand, when the CPU 141 determines in step S2 that “x:” as the drive name is added to the head of the file name (step S2; Yes), in the subsequent step S4, the HDD 2 with the drive name “x” is identified. It is determined whether or not connected to the PC 1 based on the connection information management table 1422a and the like. If the CPU 141 determines in step S4 that the HDD 2 with the drive name “x” is not connected (step S4; No), in step S5, the user is assumed to have an invalid file name, and the user is warned of an illegal file name error. To end this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the HDD 2 having the drive name “x” is connected (step S4; Yes), a drive designation saving process is performed in step S6, and this process ends.

Next, drive designation saving processing (step S6 in FIG. 8) for saving a file in the HDD 2 designated by the user will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
First, in step S11, the CPU 141 reads the free space of the designated HDD 2 with reference to the area management list 1422b. In step S12, the CPU 141 determines whether or not the read free space of the HDD 2 is equal to or greater than the data to be stored. In step S12, if the CPU 141 determines that the read HDD 2 capacity is not equal to or greater than the data to be stored (step S12; No), in step S13, the user is informed that the HDD 2 has insufficient free capacity. To end this process. On the other hand, in step S12, if the CPU 141 determines that the free space of the read HDD 2 is equal to or greater than the data to be stored (step S12; Yes), the directory tree of the designated HDD 2 is integrated into the virtual directory tree in step S14. It is determined based on member registration information in the connection information management table 1422a or not. If the CPU 141 determines in step S14 that the directory tree of the designated HDD 2 has not been integrated into the virtual directory tree (step S14; No), the directory tree of the designated HDD 2 is integrated into the virtual directory tree in step S15. Processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S16.
In step S16, the CPU 141 deletes the drive name portion added to the head of the file name input in the file name input field, sets the remaining portion as the file name, and stores the file in the designated HDD 2. In step S <b> 17, the CPU 141 updates the file management information (e.g., 211, 221, 231, etc.) of the HDD 2 storing the file, and updates the virtual directory tree information 212 stored in the master HDD 21. Further, in step S18, the free space of the HDD 2 storing the file is detected. In step S19, the area management list 1422b is updated based on the detected free space, and this process is terminated.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the automatic data storage process (step S3 of FIG. 8) for storing a file in the HDD 2 with the largest free space when the file storage destination HDD 2 is not designated will be described.
First, in step S21, the CPU 141 refers to the area management list 1422b to identify the HDD 2 with the largest free capacity among the HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1. Next, in step S22, the CPU 141 determines whether or not the free space of the specified HDD 2 is equal to or greater than the data to be stored. In step S22, if the CPU 141 determines that the specified free space of the HDD 2 is not equal to or greater than the data to be stored (step S22; No), the user is informed that the free space of the HDD 2 is insufficient in step S23. A warning is issued and the process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the free space of the identified HDD 2 is greater than or equal to the data to be stored (step S22; Yes), the file is stored in the HDD 2 in step S24, and the file is stored in step S25. The file management information (for example, 211, 221, 231 and the like) of the HDD 2 is updated, and the virtual directory tree information 212 is updated. Further, in step S26, the free space of the HDD 2 storing the file is detected. In step S27, the area management list 1422b is updated based on the detected free space, and this process is terminated.

According to the file management system 100 in the present embodiment described above, the key operation unit 11 that accepts a key operation by the user is provided, and the file is generated by the key operation in the key operation unit 11 by executing the recording destination selection program 143c by the CPU 141. Whether or not to specify the HDD 2 to be stored is selected by the user, and when it is selected to specify the HDD 2 to store the file, one HDD 2 among the plurality of HDDs 2 is selected based on the key operation in the key operation unit 11. When one HDD 2 is selected by the execution of the recording destination selection program 143c by the execution of the first storage program 143d by the CPU 141, the file is stored in the one HDD 2. Further, the CPU 141 detects the free space in each of the plurality of HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1 by executing the detection program 143a, and each of the plurality of HDDs 2 detected by executing the detection program 143a by executing the list creation program 143b. An area management list 1422b for storing a plurality of HDDs 2 in order of increasing free capacity is created based on the free capacity in the storage area, and a file is stored by executing the second storage program 143e by the CPU 141 and executing the recording destination selection program 143c. When it is selected that the recording device to be designated is not designated, the file is stored in the HDD 2 having the largest free space based on the area management list 1422b created by executing the list creation program 143b.
Therefore, in the file management system 100 that stores files in a plurality of HDDs 2, when a file can be stored, the user can easily specify the HDD 2 that stores the file, and the user does not specify the HDD 2 that is the file storage destination. Since the file is stored in the HDD 2 having the largest free space, the file can be stored efficiently. In addition, since the recording device with the largest free space is determined based on the created area management list 1422b, when the area management list 1422b is created in advance, the processing at the time of file storage is performed at high speed. Can be

Also, virtual directory tree information indicating in which HDD 2 each of the files recorded in the plurality of HDDs 2 is recorded based on the directory tree provided in each of the plurality of HDDs 2 by execution of the creation program 143f by the CPU 141. When the user accesses a file recorded in the HDD 2 based on the virtual directory tree created by executing the creation program 143f by executing the presentation program 143g, the display unit 12 is created. The virtual directory tree information 212 related to the file is presented.
Therefore, the files stored in the plurality of HDDs 2 can be managed centrally, and when the user accesses the files, it is possible to grasp which HDD 2 stores each file. it can.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the recording medium and the recording device are not limited to hard disks and hard disk drives, but are optical disks such as DVD-RAM and CD-RW, magneto-optical disks (MO), FD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disks). ) Etc., or a memory card such as a PC card.
In addition, a program (for example, the recording destination selection program 143c, the second storage program 143e, etc.) for realizing the file management system 100 of the present invention may be provided on the HDD 2 side instead of the PC 1.
Further, the created virtual directory tree does not necessarily have to be stored in the master HDD 21, and may be stored in the PC 1 or another HDD 2. Further, the storage location may be selected by the user.
Further, the method for storing the virtual directory tree is not limited to the method exemplified in the above embodiment.
In addition, the detection of the free space of the HDD 2 performed after the data is stored in the HDD 2 is not limited to the case of performing only the HDD 2 storing the data, and may be performed for all the HDDs 2 connected to the PC 1.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the file management system in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the principal part structure of the file management system in this embodiment. It is an example of a connection information management table. It is an example of a region management list. 7 is an example of a window displayed on a display unit in execution of a recording destination selection program. It is another example of the window displayed on a display part in execution of a recording destination selection program. It is an illustration of the file information window displayed on the display unit in the execution of the presentation program in response to a file information display request by the user. It is a flowchart which shows a recording destination selection process. It is a flowchart which shows drive designation | designated preservation | save processing. It is a flowchart which shows a data automatic preservation | save process.

Explanation of symbols

100 File management system 1 PC (electronic equipment)
2 Hard disk drive (recording device, recording medium)
21 Master hard disk drive (recording device, recording medium)
212 Virtual directory tree information (stored information)
22 External hard disk drive (recording device, recording medium)
23 External hard disk drive (recording device, recording medium)
11 Key operation section 12 Display section (display means)
141 CPU (detection means, list creation means, selection means, first storage means, second storage means, creation means, presentation means)
1422b Area management list (list)
143a Detection program (detection means)
143b List creation program (list creation means)
143c Recording destination selection program (selection means)
143d first storage program (first storage means)
143e second storage program (second storage means)
143f creation program (creation means)
143g Presentation program (presentation means)

Claims (4)

In a file management system capable of connecting a plurality of recording devices to an electronic device,
A key operation unit that accepts user key operations;
When the user selects whether or not to specify a recording device for storing a file by a key operation in the key operation unit and selects to specify the recording device for storing a file, the key operation in the key operation unit is selected. And a selection unit that allows a user to select one of the plurality of recording devices,
First storage means for storing the file in the one recording device when the one recording device is selected by the selection means;
Detecting means for detecting free space in each of the plurality of recording devices connected to the electronic device;
Based on the free capacity in each of the plurality of recording devices detected by the detection means, list creating means for creating a list for storing the plurality of recording devices in order of increasing free capacity;
When the selection unit selects that the recording device for storing the file is not designated, the file is stored in the recording device with the largest free space based on the list created by the list creation unit. Second storage means;
Creation of creating a virtual directory tree having storage information indicating on which recording device each of the files recorded on the plurality of recording devices is based on a directory tree provided on each of the plurality of recording devices. Means,
Based on the virtual directory tree created by the creation means, when a user accesses a file recorded in the recording device, a presentation means for presenting the storage information about the file on a display means;
A file management system comprising: In a file management system that can connect multiple recording media to an electronic device,
A key operation unit that accepts user key operations;
When the user selects whether or not to specify a recording medium for storing a file by a key operation in the key operation unit and selects to specify the recording medium for storing a file, the key operation in the key operation unit is selected. Based on the selection means for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of recording media,
First storage means for storing the file in the one recording medium when the one recording medium is selected by the selection means;
Detecting means for detecting free space in each of the plurality of recording media connected to the electronic device;
When the selection unit selects that the recording medium for storing the file is not designated, the free space is the largest based on the free space in each of the plurality of recording media detected by the detection unit. Second storage means for storing the file in a recording medium;
A file management system comprising: Based on the free capacity in each of the plurality of recording media detected by the detection means, comprising a list creation means for creating a list for storing the plurality of recording media in order of increasing free capacity,
3. The file management system according to claim 2, wherein the second storage unit stores the file in a recording medium having the largest free space based on the list created by the list creation unit. . Creating means for creating a virtual directory tree based on a directory tree provided in each of a plurality of recording media;
4. The file management according to claim 2, wherein the virtual directory tree includes storage information indicating on which recording medium each of the files recorded on the plurality of recording media is recorded. system.

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