JP3828137B2 - Host computer applied to remote installation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a host computer applied to a remote installation system for automatically installing software on a user terminal device via a communication line.

  With the recent development of personal computer communication and the like, there is a user's desire to obtain software via a communication line, but a full-scale system for automatically delivering such software has not been realized. In order to perform automatic software distribution, first, the software desired by the user is notified from the terminal device at home to the distribution center, and the distribution center that receives the notification from the user sends the requested software to the user terminal device via the communication line. A form of transmission is conceivable. Then, the user who receives the software designates and stores a directory on the terminal device at home, and sets a corresponding icon as necessary.

However, there are the following problems in realizing the software distribution as described above.
If the directory that serves as the window for receiving software delivery is not unified on the user's terminal device, the user himself / herself must rearrange the files by moving them from one directory to another directory. Software maintainability deteriorates. In addition, there is a problem that it is troublesome for the user to specify a subdirectory.

In addition, a method for selecting a desired software from a vast number of software on a terminal device at home has not been established, and a system that can accurately select this is required.
In general, there are a plurality of conditions imposed as the operating environment of the software, and it is complicated for the user to check each of them. Furthermore, if the operating environment is checked incorrectly, the software that has been obtained may not work in the home environment.

Also, there are generally a plurality of methods for installing the delivered software, and it is necessary to consider the user's wishes.
Furthermore, since the software is delivered and installed using a communication line, it is desirable not to reduce the communication line utilization efficiency.

The present invention provides a host computer that is applied to a remote installation system that allows a user to obtain software via a communication line without performing complicated work and can be automatically installed on a user terminal device. With the goal.

The present invention is a host computer that transmits target software to a terminal device of a user connected through a communication line, from the terminal device, at least first information indicating a storage area dedicated to delivery of the terminal device ; and second information indicating the storage areas of the operating system of the terminal device, the target specified means for receiving a third information designating the target software to be transmitted, by the third information received from the check script for checking the software operating environment, a command to investigate whether there is the necessary files to the target software operations in the storage area of the operating system indicated by the second information to the terminal device Means for extracting, means for transmitting the extracted command to the terminal device, and the frame The investigation by the terminal device in accordance with the de, means for receiving from said terminal device, when the investigation of the received indicates that there is no necessary files the in the storage area of the operating system Means for transmitting to the terminal device an instruction for inquiring to the user whether the necessary file may be downloaded; means for receiving an answer to the inquiry from the terminal device; and If it is a content to permit file download, the terminal device is instructed to generate a recommended directory of the target software to be transmitted as a sub-directory in the storage area dedicated to delivery indicated by the first information. means and the answers that need the full received to generate a sub-directory designation information If the contents to accept a download of yl and is characterized by comprising the generated subdirectory specified information, the subject software, and, means for transmitting the required files to the terminal device.
Here, as a series of work procedures performed by the terminal device to install the target software transmitted to the terminal device, the communication line with the host computer is cut off, the target software is decompressed, and the decompressed file rename and move the storage area, means for generating a configuration file describing the procedure for registering the target software icon, means for transmitting a configuration file that said generated to the terminal device, further comprise a Also good.

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a remote installation system including a host computer of the present invention .
The remote installation system of FIG. 1 includes an installation unit 1, a subdirectory designation unit 2, a keyword storage unit 3, and an environment check unit 4 on the host computer side provided in the software distribution center , while the user terminal device On the side , automatic installation means 11, content storage means 12, icon display means 13, installation menu display means 14, selection means 15, keyword display means 16, and environment information notification means 17 are provided.

The content storage unit 12 is in the user terminal device and has a dedicated storage area to be a software delivery destination.
After the target software to be delivered is determined, the subdirectory specifying means 2 automatically specifies the subdirectory in the dedicated storage area corresponding to the target software.

The installation unit 1 delivers the target software to the subdirectory automatically generated in the dedicated storage area.
The icon display means 13 displays an icon corresponding to the target software in a dedicated window corresponding to the dedicated storage area.

The keyword storage means 3 holds a plurality of keywords in association with a plurality of software.
The keyword display means 16 displays a plurality of keywords held by the keyword storage means in two or more layers while allowing duplication.

  The selection unit 15 causes the user to select one or more keywords corresponding to the target software from the plurality of keywords displayed by the keyword display unit 16 and notifies the installation unit 1 of the one or more keywords. The installation unit 1 searches for target software from a plurality of software using the one or more keywords.

The environmental information notification means 17 acquires environmental information regarding the operating environment of the software in the terminal device and notifies the distribution center.
The environment check unit 4 compares the environment information received from the environment information notification unit 17 with the operation environment of the target software, checks the compatibility of the operation environment, and notifies the installation unit 1 of the check result. The installation unit 1 determines whether or not to deliver the target software according to the check result.

The installation menu display means 14 displays a plurality of installation methods for the target software.
The selection unit 15 causes the user to select a specific installation method from the plurality of installation methods displayed by the installation menu display unit 14 and notifies the installation unit 1 of the specific installation method. The installation unit 1 installs the target software in the content storage unit 12 by the specific installation method.

  The automatic installation unit 11 automatically installs the target software in the content storage unit 12 according to the installation procedure described in the setting file received from the installation unit 1. The installation unit 1 individually prepares the setting file for each user, rewrites the contents of the setting file as necessary, and sends the rewritten content to the automatic installation unit 11.

  The installation means 1, subdirectory designation means 2, keyword storage means 3, and environment check means 4 in FIG. 1 correspond to the host computer 21 in the configuration diagram of the embodiment in FIG. In addition, the automatic installation unit 11, content storage unit 12, icon display unit 13, installation menu display unit 14, selection unit 15, keyword display unit 16, and environment information notification unit 17 in FIG. Corresponds to the terminal 23. In particular, the content storage unit 12 corresponds to the hard disk 25, and the icon display unit 13, the installation menu display unit 14, and the keyword display unit 16 correspond to the display device 24.

  The dedicated storage area corresponds to, for example, a warehouse directory in the hard disk 25, and the dedicated window corresponds to a warehouse window 36 displayed on the screen of the display device 24.

In the above-described remote installation system, the subdirectory designation unit 2 automatically designates a subdirectory in a dedicated storage area of the content storage unit 12 when the target software is delivered. Then, the subdirectory is automatically generated in the dedicated storage area, and the installation means 1 delivers the target software there. Since a storage area dedicated to software distribution is provided, the subsequent maintainability is good, and the subdirectory is automatically specified and generated, so that the user's work is reduced.

  The icon display means 13 displays a dedicated window corresponding to the dedicated storage area and automatically displays an icon corresponding to the target software. As a result, the user can recognize that the target software has been delivered, and can immediately start the target software using the displayed icon.

Further, the keyword display means 16 displays a plurality of keywords held by the keyword storage means in two or more layers allowing duplication, and the user uses the selection means 15 to select some of the plurality of keywords. Select. The selected keyword is notified to the installation means 1, and the corresponding target software is searched.
Since the same keyword is displayed repeatedly between the keyword display layers, a flexible and effective selection can be made for the user.

  The environment check means 4 compares the operating environment of the software in the terminal device received from the environment information notifying means 17 with the operating environment of the target software, and checks whether they match. For example, if they match, the installation means 1 delivers the target software, and if not, asks the user whether to deliver. Since the operating environment is automatically checked before delivery of the target software, the user's check work is reduced.

  Further, the installation menu display means 14 displays a plurality of installation methods of the target software in a menu format, and the user can select a specific installation method desired. The installation unit 1 installs the target software in the dedicated storage area of the content storage unit 12 by the selected installation method. As a result, the user can try out variations in the installation method prepared in advance.

  Further, the automatic installation unit 11 automatically installs the target software in the content storage unit 12 according to the installation procedure described in the setting file prepared for each user by the installation unit 1. After receiving the setting file, there is no need to communicate with the distribution center, and the communication line utilization efficiency is improved. The contents of the setting file can be rewritten using the name of the subdirectory and the environment information.

  According to the present invention, software desired by a user can be automatically installed on a terminal device from a distribution center via a communication line. Using this, it becomes possible to sell the software to the user via the communication line.

At this time, since the delivered software is stored in a dedicated directory, the maintainability is good, and the user does not need to input a character string specifying a delivery destination directory or the like.
The user can efficiently select the desired software on the screen of the terminal device, and can also select the installation method. Further, it is not necessary for the user to check the operating environment of the software, and the environment is automatically checked.

  Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the use of communication lines when installing software.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the remote installation system according to the embodiment of this invention. The remote installation system of FIG. 2 includes a host computer 21 in a software distribution center, a user terminal 23, and a communication line 22 connecting them. The terminal 23 is, for example, a personal computer at the user's home far away from the distribution center, and the communication line 22 is, for example, a network line for personal computer communication.

  The host computer 21 includes a software group 35 including a plurality of software that can be distributed in a storage area (not shown), a first key table 32 that holds a list of keywords used when selecting specific software from the software group 35, and A second key table 33 is stored.

  When the user requests a list of keywords from the terminal 23 to the host computer 21, the host computer 21 sequentially transmits the first key table 32 and the second key table 33, and the keywords contained therein are displayed on the display device 24 of the terminal 23. Display on the screen. The user selects one corresponding to the desired software from the displayed keywords, and notifies the host computer 21 of it.

  The host computer 21 displays a menu including names of some software corresponding to the notified keyword on the screen of the display device 24, and the user selects desired software from the menu and notifies the host computer 21 of the selected software. Then, the host computer 21 extracts the content (file) of the software selected by the user from the software group 35 and stores it in the delivery (home delivery or distribution) directory D: ¥ SOUKO set in the hard disk 25 of the terminal 23. .

  At this time, an icon 37 for starting the delivered software is automatically registered and displayed on the screen of the display device 24 in the warehouse window 36 provided corresponding to the directory D: \ SOUKO. For example, when the terminal 23 is equipped with WINDOWS, the delivered software is registered in the WINDOWS program manager. Thereafter, the user can use the delivered software by simply clicking the icon 37 using an input device such as a mouse.

  An environment file 31 describing the operating environment such as hardware and software tools installed in the terminal 23 is generated in the terminal 23 and sent to the host computer 21 when the host computer 21 is accessed. The host computer 21 holds the received environment file 31 for each user and uses it to check whether the software selected by the user is operable.

  The host computer 21 prepares an individual setting file 34 for each user, and describes a set of files necessary for the operation of the software selected by the user and a storage location thereof. Then, the setting file 34 can be sent to the terminal 23 together with the set of files so that the terminal 23 can automatically install the software.

Next, an operation flow of home delivery of software by the remote installation system of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 3, the terminal 23 of the user A acquires operating environment information when installing the terminal software for communication, and creates an environment file 38 in which the acquired information is set (step S1). At this time, information that takes time to acquire the model of the user's terminal and the storage location SOUKO used for home delivery, or information that must be inquired to the user in some cases is acquired.

  In determining the storage location SOUKO, the terminal 23 checks whether there is a free area of a predetermined capacity or more in the hard disk 25, and if there is a free area, creates a directory for home delivery in the route. At this time, the directory name and the like are automatically generated by the terminal 23, and the user A performs only the operation of confirming it. Therefore, user A does not need to input a directory name or the like.

  Here, it is written in the environment file 38 that the model of the user A is TOWNS and the directory of SOUKO is D: ¥ SOUKO (directory SOUKO of drive D). User A can change D: ¥ SOUKO to another directory if necessary.

  If there is no free space of a predetermined capacity in the already set partition, a place where the free space of another partition is the largest is searched and a home delivery directory is created there. Specifically, if the directory D: \ SOUKO is full, the terminal 23 displays a message such as “D: \ SOUKO is full. Are you sure you want to change the warehouse to F: \ SOUKO? It is displayed on the screen of the device 24. If the user A approves this, F: ¥ SOUKO becomes a new SOUKO directory. If there is no free space of the specified capacity on any hard disk, a message such as "Unfortunately there is not enough disk space. Please add a disk."

Next, when the terminal software is activated (when accessing the host computer 21), information that may have changed after installation, such as the status of the hard disk or memory, is acquired (step S2). Here, it is written in the environment file 38 that the hard disk of the user A is in the drive D and the free capacity is 300 Mbytes. The contents of the environment file 38 created in this way are stored in the command RIS when the user A accesses (connects) the host computer 21. It is transmitted to the host computer 21 by SENDENV (step S3).

  The host computer 21 holds the received information as a user A environment file 39. In addition to the model, hard disk information HD, and storage location SOUKO, the user A environment file 39 describes the OS (operating system) being used and its storage location. Here, it can be seen that the OS of the terminal 23 of the user A is WINDOWS, and the storage location WINDIR is D: ¥ WINDOWS.

Command RIS from host computer 21 RIS as a response to SENDENV Upon receiving SENDENV * RESP OK, the terminal 23 sends the command RIS. A first key list is requested by KEYLIST (step S4). In response to this, the host computer 21 changes the contents of the first key table 32 to RIS. Send back with KEYLIST * RESP. Here, the first key table 32 stores OS / basic software, development support, a game,... As keywords corresponding to the key numbers 1, 2, 3,.

When these keywords are displayed on the screen of the display device 24 as the first key list (step S5), the user A selects the first keyword from them and inputs it to the terminal 23 (step S6). Then, the terminal 23 sends a command RIS requesting the second key list together with the key number of the first keyword selected by the user A. KEYLIST is sent to the host computer 21 (step S7). Here, the user A selects a game as the first keyword, and the corresponding key number 3 is sent to the host computer 21.

The host computer 21 requested for the second key list obtains the corresponding second key table 33 using the pointer stored in the first key table 32 corresponding to the received key number, and stores the contents thereof. RIS Send back with KEYLIST * RESP. Here, RPG, action, puzzle / quiz,... Are stored in the second key table 33 as keywords corresponding to the key numbers 51, 52, 53,.

  A plurality of second key tables are generally provided corresponding to the keywords in the first key table 32, and the number thereof is the same as or less than the number of keywords in the first key table 32. In the latter case, two or more keywords in the first key table 32 indicate the same second key table.

When the keywords in the second key table are displayed on the screen of the display device 24 as the second key list (step S8), the user A selects the second keyword from them and inputs it to the terminal 23 (FIG. 4, step). S9). Then, the terminal 23 issues a command RIS requesting a list of software corresponding to both the first and second keywords together with the key numbers of the first and second keywords selected by the user A. The LIST is sent to the host computer 21 (step S10). Here, the user A selects an action as the second keyword, and the corresponding key number 52 is sent to the host computer 21.

  The host computer 21 requested for the software list searches the software group 35 for software having two key numbers of the first and second keywords. At this time, the search is performed flat without distinguishing the first keyword and the second keyword as the search condition. Also, the model and OS type are handled as default keys, and these are taken into account for the search. Thereby, for example, software dedicated to a model other than TOWNS is prevented from being searched.

Then, a list of corresponding software names and numbers is displayed in RIS. It is sent to the terminal 23 together with LIST * RESP. Here, software such as Tetris and Pachinko having key numbers 3 and 52 corresponds to the software, and the names thereof are sent to the terminal 23 together with the software numbers 5 and 30.

When a list of software is displayed on the screen of the display device 24 (step S11), the user A selects desired software from them and inputs it to the terminal 23 (step S12). Then, the terminal 23, together with the number of the software selected by the user A, a command RIS that requests checking whether the environment of the user A is suitable for the operation of the software. CHKENV is sent to the host computer 21 (step S13). Here, the user A selects Tetris and the corresponding software number 5 is sent to the host computer 21.

  Upon receiving the software number selected by the user A, the host computer 21 prepares a check script 40 for checking the consistency between the operating environment of the software corresponding to the number and the environment of the terminal 23 of the user A. I do. Since this check is automatically performed by the exchange between the execution program of the check script 40 and the terminal software of the terminal 23, the user A does not necessarily need to be aware that the environment check is being performed (step S14). . The host computer 21 makes an inquiry only when it is necessary to make an inquiry to the user A.

  Here, as the operating environment of the Tetris selected by the user A, the OS is WINDOWS, the model is TOWNS, the PC 98, and the like, and the recommended directory (DIR) name is TET. On the other hand, in the user A environment file 39, the model is described as TOWNS and the OS is WINDOWS, and it can be seen that the model and the OS are compatible by comparing the two.

Next, when the Tetris check script 40 is viewed, VBRJP 200. Since there is a command “ST4 @ WINDIR @ VBRJP200.DLL” for investigating whether there is a file called DLL (MQ1), the host computer 21 recognizes this as RIS. It is sent to the terminal 23 together with CHKENV * RESP. At this time, the host computer 21 refers to the user A environment file 39 and sends @ WINDIR @ to D: ¥ WINDOWS. Here, @ represents a wild card. Also, the file VBRJP200. DLL is one of the files necessary for Tetris operation.

  Receiving this command, the terminal 23 stores the file VBRJP200.V in the directory WINDOWS of the drive D. It is checked whether there is a DLL, and the result is sent back to the host computer 21 as an ANS. Here, since there is no corresponding file, ANS = OFF is sent back.

  The file VBRJP200. The host computer 21 that knows that there is no DLL sends an inquiry “Can I copy the VBRJP 200?” To the terminal 23 according to the check script 40 (MQ2), and this inquiry is displayed on the screen of the display device 24. . User A inputs an answer to the displayed inquiry, and terminal 23 sends the answer back to host computer 21. Here, ANS = Yes is sent back, and the host computer 21 accepts the remote installation according to the check script 40 (RIS = OK), and VBRJP200. The flag F2 for instructing the DLL copy is turned ON (MA2).

If the file VBRJP200. If the DLL is in the designated directory of the terminal 23, ANS = ON is sent back, so that RIS = OK at that time (MA1).
By automatically performing the environment check in this way, it is possible to prevent software that does not match the environment of user A from being delivered. For example, after purchasing some package software via the communication line 22, an accident such as knowing that it does not operate without a specific driver is prevented.

  When RIS = OK, the host computer 21 finishes the environment check, and sends the delivery destination directory SOUKODIR together with the determination result (JUDGE = OK) to the terminal 23. This SOUKODIR is specified in a format in which TET, which is a recommended Tetris directory, is added as a subdirectory under D: \ SOUKO, which is a SOUKO directory stored in the user A environment file.

  At the same time, whether or not installation is possible (RIS), whether or not an icon of the installation program (installer) is registered (ICON), and whether or not download is possible (DLOAD) is sent to the terminal 23. Based on these flags RIS, ICON, and DLOAD, the host computer 21 notifies the terminal 23 which of installation, installer icon registration, and download is possible.

  The installation means that the software selected by the user A is registered in the system of the terminal 23, for example, WINDOWS, and can be used on the terminal 23. Therefore, in this case, the process includes the operation of registering the execution file of the software on WINDOWS. On the other hand, the icon registration of the installer means that the program for executing the installation is registered on the terminal 23 as an icon.

  Here, a condition is presented that installation and download are permitted (RIS = OK, DLOAD = OK), and installer icon registration is not performed (ICON = NG). In the case of software having a complicated installation program, it is indicated that the icon registration of the installer is necessary instead of permitting the installation. Also, when an application for TOS (TOWNS OS) is requested from a terminal equipped with WINDOWS, only downloading is permitted.

  Next, the terminal software of the terminal 23 assigns priorities in the order of installation, icon registration of the installer, and download, sets a higher priority as a default, and displays it on the screen of the display device 24. Here, of the installation and download permitted by the host computer 21, the installation with the higher priority is set as a default and displayed in the installation method selection window.

FIG. 6 shows a display example of the installation method selection window. In FIG. 6, “system registration” corresponds to installation, which is selected by default.
User A confirms the displayed installation method and inputs the confirmation (step S15). User A can also change the settings displayed here. For example, if it is desired to register an installer icon, “installer icon registration” in the installation method selection window of FIG. 6 is selected and input.

  Basically, user A selects “system registration” if he / she wants to perform a clean installation without any hassle, and selects “installer icon registration” if he / she wants to make detailed installation settings himself. Select "Download" if you want to change the location later (you want to install it on another model of device). If “Download” is selected, it is possible to obtain software for a model different from the model of the terminal 23 and test whether it operates.

  Next, the terminal 23 automatically generates a home delivery subdirectory D: \ SOUKO \ TET instructed by the host computer 21 in the hard disk 25 (step S16). Here, if the subdirectory D: \ SOUKO \ TET already exists in the terminal 23, for example, a subdirectory D: \ SOUKO \ TET 001 is created, and if this already exists, D: \ Create a subdirectory called SOUKO \ TET 002.

  The Tetris file body 41 is a file TET1. LZH (F1) and VBRJP200. DLL (F2) and TET1. LZH has four files TETRIS. EXE, TOWNS. DRV, PC98. DRV, and MAC. It is made by compressing DRC. TET1. When LZH is expanded (decompressed) to the state before compression, it is divided into these four files. LZH decompression is performed after delivery from the host computer 21 to the terminal 23.

The terminal 23 that has generated the sub-directory for delivery uses a command RIS that requests the start of remote installation. INSTALL is sent to the host computer 21 together with the number of the selected software (FIG. 5, step S17). In response to this, the host computer 21 starts remote installation of software corresponding to the sent number. The remote installation is automatically performed by the exchange between the host computer 21 and the terminal 23 in accordance with the Tetris installation script 42 created by the host computer 21 (step S18).

  The installation script 42 first includes files TET1. There is a description instructing to download LZH to the storage location @ SOUKO @ on the user A side. Therefore, the host computer 21 replaces @ SOUKO @ with SOUKODIR = D: \ SOUKO \ TET, and replaces TET1. Download LZH.

  When the download completion (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 then replaces @ WINDIR @ with D: \ WINDOWS, and changes the VBRJP200.com to the directory D: \ WINDOWS of the hard disk 25. Download the DLL.

  When the completion of downloading (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 next downloads the TET1..TET downloaded to the storage location @ SOUKO @ (D: \ SOUKO \ TET). Instruction to decompress LZH, LHA X D: ¥ SOUKO ¥ TET ¥ TET1. Send LZH. In response to this, the terminal 23 receives TET1. The four files TETRIS. EXE, TOWNS. DRV, PC98. DRV, and MAC. Thaw to DRC. These four files are TET1. It is held in the same subdirectory D: \ SOUKO \ TET as LZH.

  When the completion of decompression (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 next sends the model @. Move the file named DRV to the storage location @ WINDIR @ (D: ¥ WINDOWS) and rename the file to FONT. Instruction to change to DRV, MOVE D: ¥ SOUKO ¥ TET ¥ TOWNS. DRV D: ¥ WINDOWS ¥ FONT. Send DRV. At this time, the host computer 21 refers to the user A environment file 39 and sends the model @ replaced with TOWNS. In response, the terminal 23 receives the file TOWNS. DRV is moved to directory D: \ WINDOWS (file move), and FONT. Change the file name to DRV (Rename).

  When notified of the completion of file movement and renaming (OK) from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 next sends the file TETRIS. Instruction to register EXE icon, ICON TETRIS. Send EXE. In response, the terminal 23 receives the file TETRIS. In the subdirectory D: \ SOUKO \ TET. EXE is converted into an icon and registered in the terminal 23. As a result, in the warehouse window 36 displayed on the screen of the display device 24, for example, TETRIS. An icon 37 for starting EXE is displayed. When the icon 37 is clicked, Tetris starts its operation.

  When the completion of icon registration (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 sends back RETURN to notify the terminal 23 of the end of the remote installation, and ends a series of installation operations. The terminal 23 notified of the end of the remote installation performs the selection of the next software and the remote installation according to the instruction of the user A, or ends the process (step S19).

  At the time of installation in step S18, if the software to be installed is larger than the free space in the download destination storage location, the storage location is changed and downloaded.

Next, an example of the remote installation protocol and display examples of the first and second keywords will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a protocol by which the terminal 23 sends environment information when the terminal 23 accesses the host computer 21 in step S3. In the protocol of FIG. 7, machine information (Machine :) related to the terminal 23 is described following the request ID (RID), the machine ID (MID) for specifying the terminal, and the date and time (TIME).

  The drive information (DRV :) in MACHINE: describes information related to the hard disk 25 such as capacity and drive name. For example, CAPACITY in PARTINF: indicates the capacity of the partition, VACANT indicates the free capacity of the partition, and DRVNAME indicates the drive name corresponding to the partition.

  Subsequent to DRV :, a warehouse directory SOUKODIR, which is a storage location for home delivery, and a directory WINDIR, which is a storage location of the OS (WINDOWS), are described. Here, SOUKODIR = D: ¥ RIS ¥ SOUKO and WINDIR = D: ¥ WINDOWS. Next, there is information about memory (MEM :). By designating this SOUKODIR, the terminal 23 notifies the host computer 21 of the delivery destination.

Subsequently to MACHINE :, a machine password (MPSWD) of the terminal 23 is described.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a protocol in which the host computer 21 adds a subdirectory to SOUKODIR and sends it back at the end of the environment check in step S14. In the protocol of FIG. 8, information (STRPLACE :) related to the delivery destination is described following the RID and environmental check determination result (JUDGE).

  “SOFT” in STRPLACE: represents the number of the software selected by the user in step S12, “WORKDIR” represents the work area, and “SOUKODIR” represents the delivery destination designated by the host computer 21. Here, WORKDIR is the same as SOUKODIR in FIG. 7, and SOUKODIR has a form in which subdirectory name FM is added to SOUKODIR in FIG.

Subsequent to STRPLACE :, the work area size WORKSIZ and the delivery destination size SOUKOSIZ are described.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a protocol in which the host computer 21 sends the first and second key lists to the terminal 23 and the terminal 23 sends back the key number of the keyword selected by the user A in steps S4 to S9. In the protocol of FIG. 9, the terminal 23 sends a command RIS. When the first key list is requested by KEYLIST, the host computer 21 returns RIS as a response. The contents KEYLIST: of the first key table are sent back together with KEYLIST * RESP. In this KEYLIST :, keywords NAME = “OS / basic software”, “development support”, “game”,... Are described corresponding to the key numbers KEY = 1, 2, 3,. Yes.

Next, the terminal 23 receives the command RIS. When the key number 3 of the first keyword “game” selected by the user A is sent together with KEYLIST, the host computer 21 responds as RIS. Along with KEYLIST * RESP, the contents KEYLIST: of the second key table corresponding to key number 3 are sent back. In this KEYLIST: the keywords NAME = “RPG”, “action”, “puzzle / quiz”, “simulate”, corresponding to the key numbers KEY = 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,. "Joke", ... is described.

The terminal 23 then sends a command RIS Along with the LIST, the key numbers 52 and 55 of the second keyword “action” and “joke” selected by the user A are sent to the host computer 21 to request a list of software having three key numbers 3, 52 and 55. Here, since the host computer 21 stores the key number 3 of the first keyword that has already been sent, only the key numbers 52 and 55 of the second keyword are sent.

  FIG. 10 shows a display example of the first and second keywords. The first and second keywords in FIG. 10 are different from those in FIG. For example, a first keyword such as an image or a game is displayed on the screen of the display device 24 viewed by the user A. When the user A selects the first keyword, a tool, text, DOS, WIN, image, sound, and the like are next displayed. A second keyword such as a game is displayed. Some of the second keywords overlap with the first keyword, such as images and games.

  User A can select any of the displayed keywords. For example, an image is selected as the first keyword, and a tool, DOS, game, or the like is selected as the second keyword, or a game is selected as the first keyword, and DOS, WIN, image, audio, or the like is selected as the second keyword. In addition, the user A can simultaneously select two or more keywords as the second keyword.

  In general, since there are many keywords for selecting desired software from the software group 35, it is difficult to view all of them at once, and those that are not necessary at all are also displayed. Therefore, if this is displayed as a simple tree-structured menu, the keyword to be selected first plays an important role, and if the selection is made incorrectly, the desired software cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, by allowing the duplication and displaying the keywords in two layers as shown in FIG. 10, the user can more flexibly select a necessary one from a large number of keywords. Note that the keyword hierarchy is not limited to two, and may be displayed in more hierarchy.

  The contents of each software in the software group 35 are stored in association with some keywords in advance. For example, in FIG. 10, software A has three keywords of game, image, and DOS, and software B has four keywords of image, tool, WIN, and game. Therefore, when the user A selects two keywords of image and game, a list including these two softwares is sent from the host computer 21 and displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 11 shows another example of a transmission protocol for environment information sent from the terminal 23 to the host computer 21 during host access in step S3. In the protocol of FIG. 11, MODEL in the machine information MACHINE: is information acquired at the time of installation of the terminal software in step S1, and represents the model TOWNS of the terminal 23. VACANT in PARTINF: is information acquired before the access to the host computer 21 in step S3 (step S2), and represents the free capacity of the corresponding partition.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an environment check in step S14 and an installation start protocol in step S17 thereafter. In the protocol of FIG. 12, the terminal 23 first sends a command RIS. Along with CHKENV, the software number (soft code) SOFT = 5 selected by the user A is sent to the host computer 21 to request an environment check.

First, the host computer 21 executes VBRJP200. An instruction CHKEXE: for examining whether a file called DLL exists in the system directory of the terminal 23, a response RIS It is sent to the terminal 23 together with CHKENV * RESP. In CHKEXE: TAG = "VBRJP200.DLL", command CMD = "ST4 D: \ WINDOWS \ SYSTEM \ VBRJP200.DLL", work directory specification WORKDIR = "D: \ RIS \ KOBUTA", home delivery directory SOUKODIR = "D: \ RIS \ KOBUTA" etc. are described.

  The terminal 23 stores the file VBRJP200.V in the directory WINDOWS \ SYSTEM of the drive D. Whether there is a DLL is checked, and the result is sent back to the host computer 21 as RESULT :. In RESULT :, the investigation result VAL = “OFF” is described together with the corresponding TAG = “VBRJP200.DLL”. This is the file VBRJP200. This means that the DLL was not in the system directory.

Therefore, the host computer 21 sends an instruction ASKCHK: for inquiring the user whether or not the selected software can be installed, and the response RIS. It is sent to the terminal 23 together with CHKENV * RESP. ASKCHK: describes TAG = “Q1”, a question sentence to be displayed QUERY = “Are you sure you want to install this software?”, And an answer format ANS :.

The terminal 23 sets the response input by the user A as RESULT: and uses the command RIS. It is sent back to the host computer 21 together with CHKENV. In RESULT :, the response result VAL = “OK” is described together with the corresponding TAG = “Q1”. This means that software may be installed.

Therefore, if there is no other failure in the operating environment, the host computer 21 returns the response RIS. The environment check result JUDGE = “OK” is sent to the terminal 23 together with CHKENV * RESP. This is the file VBRJP200. Except that there is no DLL, it means that the operating environment of software No. 5 is prepared and can be installed.

Since the result of the environmental check is “OK”, the terminal 23 executes the command RIS. Along with INSTALL, the type of installation method TYPE = “RIS”, delivery destination designation STRPLACE: etc. are sent to the host computer 21 to request installation. STRPLACE: describes a working directory WORKDIR and a home delivery destination directory SOUKODIR, along with a software code SOFT of software to be installed.

  Thereafter, the host computer 21 installs software by a designated method. At the time of installation, for example, as described in step S18 of FIG. 5, the terminal 23 performs a sequential operation of decompressing the file, copying it, and registering it in the system by a command sent from the host computer 21. Since the terminal 23 sequentially sends back whether or not these operations are completed, the host computer 21 can monitor the progress of the installation operation to the end.

  However, in this method, since the terminal 23 must frequently communicate with the host computer 21, the communication efficiency is deteriorated. Therefore, a method is conceivable in which the host computer 21 prepares a setting file in which an installation work command is described, and passes this to the terminal 23 to perform automatic installation.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of automatic installation using a setting file. The installation work of FIG. 13 is performed after the generation of the subdirectory in step S16 of FIG.

The terminal 23 first sends a command RIS INSTALL is sent to the host computer 21 together with the software number (step S21). In response to this, the host computer 21 starts remote installation of software corresponding to the sent number. The remote installation is automatically performed by the exchange between the host computer 21 and the terminal 23 in accordance with the Tetris installation script 43 created by the host computer 21 (step S22).

  First, the host computer 21 replaces @ SOUKO @ with SOUKODIR = D: \ SOUKO \ TET, and subtracts the file TET1. Download LZH.

  When the download completion (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 then replaces @ WINDIR @ with D: \ WINDOWS, and changes the VBRJP200.com to the directory D: \ WINDOWS of the hard disk 25. Download the DLL.

  When the completion of download (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 next replaces @ SOUKO @ with SOUKO = D: ¥ SOUKO and describes the command of work to be performed by the terminal 23 for user A Download the setting file 44 (SETUP.INF) to the directory D: \ SOUKO on the hard disk 25. At this time, the host computer 21 refers to the user A environment file 39 in the same manner as in step S18 and sets the setting file SETUP. Information such as the model, SOUKO, WINDIR, etc. included in the INF is rewritten to information for the user A and sent. Setting file SETUP. INF contains files TET1. Unzip LZH, file TOWNS. Move and rename the DRV, file TETRIS. A series of operations for registering EXE in the system is described.

  When the completion of download (OK) is notified from the terminal 23, the host computer 21 next sends the setting file SETUP. Instructions for performing automatic installation according to the description of INF INSTALL D: ¥ SOUKO ¥ SETUP. INF is sent to the terminal 23.

  In response to this, the terminal 23 receives the setting file SETUP. Automatic installation is performed according to the description of INF. The terminal 23 first disconnects the line with the host computer 21 by the command LOG OFF. Thereafter, the communication line 22 is not used, so no communication fee is charged. Next, the command LHA X D: \ SOUKO \ TET \ TET1. With LZH, files TET1. The four files TETRIS. EXE, TOWNS. DRV, PC98. DRV, and MAC. Thaw to DRC.

  Next, the terminal 23 sends the command MOVE D: \ SOUKO \ TET \ TOWNS. DRV D: ¥ WINDOWS ¥ FONT. With DRV, the file TOWNS. DRV is moved from the directory D: \ SOUKO \ TET to D: \ WINDOWS, and the file name is changed to FONT. Change to DRV. Next, the command ICON TETRIS. By EXE, the file TETRIS. EXE is converted into an icon and registered in the terminal 23. Then, the power is turned off by the command POFF, and the installation work is finished.

  In the automatic installation using the setting file, the host computer 21 cannot make a final confirmation of the end of the work, but the use efficiency of the communication line 22 can be increased by reducing the number of communications. In addition, the installation conditions such as the model are solved before purchasing the software, and then the installation is automatically performed.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a setting file of another format. In the setting file of FIG. 14, [DstDirs] is a list of file storage destinations, and [Files] is a list of files to be stored. Here, the software execution file Soft2 .. Exe is stored in the directory D: \ RIS \ KOBUTA, and TOWNS. The name of DRV is FONT. It is described that it is changed to DRV and stored in the directory D: \ WINDOWS \ SYSTEM.

  At the time of generating the setting file, [DstDirs] is described as 1 = SOUKODIR, 2 = WINDIR, but when the host computer 21 obtains actual information of SOUKODIR and WINDIR, 1 = D: ¥ RIS ¥ KOBUTA, 2 = D: Rewritten as \ WINDOWS \ SYSTEM. Thus, the setting conditions in the setting file can be changed dynamically or selectively.

It is a principle diagram of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart (the 1) of remote installation. It is a flowchart (the 2) of remote installation. It is a flowchart (the 3) of remote installation. It is a figure which shows the example of an installation method selection window. It is a figure (the 1) which shows a remote installation protocol. It is a figure (the 2) which shows a remote installation protocol. It is a figure which shows the protocol of keyword selection. It is a figure which shows the example of a keyword display. It is a figure which shows the transmission protocol of environmental information. It is a figure which shows the protocol of an environment check. It is a flowchart of automatic installation. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting file.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Installation means 2 Subdirectory designation means 3 Keyword storage means 4 Environment check means 11 Automatic installation means 12 Content storage means 13 Icon display means 14 Installation menu display means 15 Selection means 16 Keyword display means 17 Environment information notification means 21 Host computer 22 Communication Line 23 Terminal 24 Display device 25 Hard disk 31, 38, 39 Environment file 32 First key table 33 Second key table 34, 44 Setting file 35 Software group 36 Warehouse window 37 Icon 40 Check script 41 File body 42, 43 Installation script

Claims (2)

A host computer that transmits target software to a user terminal device connected by a communication line,
The terminal device specifies at least first information indicating a storage area dedicated to delivery of the terminal device, second information indicating a storage area of the operating system of the terminal device, and target software to be transmitted . 3 information and means for receiving,
From the check script for checking the operating environment of the designated the target software by the received third information, necessary for the target software operations in the storage area of the operating system indicated by the second information Means for retrieving a command for causing the terminal device to check whether a file exists;
Means for transmitting the retrieved command to the terminal device;
Means for receiving the result of the investigation by the terminal device according to the command from the terminal device;
When the received result of the investigation indicates that the necessary file is not present in the storage area of the operating system, an instruction to inquire the user whether the necessary file can be downloaded is transmitted to the terminal device. Means to
Means for receiving an answer to the inquiry from the terminal device;
If the received answer is a content that consents to the download of the necessary file, the recommended directory of the target software to be transmitted is generated as a subdirectory in the storage area dedicated for delivery indicated by the first information Means for generating subdirectory designation information for instructing the terminal device to
And means for transmitting the generated subdirectory designation information, the target software, and the necessary file to the terminal device when the received answer is a content that consents to download the necessary file. A host computer. As a series of work procedures performed by the terminal device to install the target software transmitted to the terminal device, the communication line with the host computer is disconnected, the target software is decompressed, and the decompressed file storage area A means for generating a setting file describing a procedure for registering the icon of the target software;
The host computer according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the generated setting file to the terminal device.

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