JP4869765B2 - Upload / download system, information processing device, program, recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program are recorded, and an information processing apparatus and a server apparatus each configured to be capable of data communication via a network, Are related to an upload / download system, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a recording medium.

Conventionally, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) system has been widely used as a file transfer system using a required network such as the Internet.
In this FTP system, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer installed with dedicated software as an FTP client uploads a required data file to a predetermined server apparatus called an FTP server on the network. In this way, the information processing apparatus can download the data file uploaded to the server apparatus side.

At this time, a user ID and a password are registered in advance between the information processing apparatus and the server apparatus. On the server device side, upload files are managed for each information processing device (that is, for each user) by setting a directory associated with the registered user ID.
Further, the server device side performs authentication processing to determine whether or not the user is a legitimate user by performing a process of determining whether or not the user ID and password transmitted from the information processing device side match those registered in advance. Thus, the use of the file transfer service by the FTP system other than the authorized user can be disabled.

Further, even if the information processing apparatus other than the registered information processing apparatus is used, for example, if a user ID and a password are input using an information processing apparatus having a function as an FTP client, the server apparatus side is an authorized user. By being authenticated and thereby obtaining a list of uploaded file information, a file can be selected from the list information and downloaded.
Alternatively, the server device generates URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers) describing file paths indicating the storage locations of the uploaded data files and links the uploaded files, and then processes the URIs. There is also known a system in which the information is acquired by the apparatus, and the information processing apparatus downloads the uploaded file from the server apparatus based on this URI. For example, the acquired URI is transmitted to another information processing apparatus by e-mail or the like. The user who has acquired this e-mail can cause the information processing apparatus to download the upload file on the server apparatus side directly by clicking on the URI.

  These FTP systems are known to be capable of transferring files at a higher speed and with a larger capacity than when using, for example, the attachment function of e-mail.

In addition, about the related prior art, the following patent documents can be mentioned.
JP 2004-94461 A

However, in the conventional FTP service, in order to divide the directory for each user as described above, input of a user ID is forced. At the same time, the user is forced to input a password for authenticating whether or not the user is an authorized user.
In some cases, personal information of the user may be input as a registered item for using the file transfer service by the FTP system. These input operations are complicated, and the service by FTP can be easily performed. Is a hindrance to using.

Although it is effective to impose user IDs and passwords as described above in order to prevent external leakage of files and spoofing of legitimate users, the service can be used more easily without complicated input work. It is also important to do.
For these reasons, the FTP system is required to realize a safe and simple system while eliminating complicated input work.

In view of the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows as an upload / download system.
That is, a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program are recorded, and an information processing apparatus and a server apparatus each configured to be capable of data communication via a network are included. In the upload / download system, first, the information processing apparatus includes reading means for reading the identification information based on the program recorded on the recording medium.
Also, identification information transmission means for transmitting the identification information read out by the reading means to the server device via the network based on the program recorded in the recording medium and also provided in the information processing apparatus. Is provided.
The server apparatus includes an authentication unit that performs an authentication process on the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmission unit.
In addition, based on the program recorded in the recording medium and provided in the information processing apparatus, a data file designated from the data files recorded in the information processing apparatus-side recording medium is transmitted via the network. Upload means for uploading to the server device is provided.
Further, a path generation unit that generates unique file path information for specifying the data file uploaded by the upload unit is provided.
The server device includes a recording unit that records the data file uploaded by the upload unit and the file path information generated by the path generation unit in association with each other on a server-side recording medium.
Furthermore, a data file specified by the file path information in response to a download request specifying the file path information for a data file that is also provided in the server device and recorded on the server-side recording medium. Is provided with transfer means for transferring the request to the requester who has made the download request via the network.

In the present invention, the information processing apparatus is configured as follows.
That is, a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device via a network is provided.
Further, a reading means for reading information recorded on the recording medium, and a calculation means are further provided.
And the said calculating means is the process based on the said program recorded on the recording medium on which the identification information for identifying each recording medium uniquely, and the predetermined program were recorded,
A reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from the recording medium;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
An upload control process for controlling the data file designated as the upload target and the file path information generated by the path generation process to be transmitted to the server device by the communication means; It is what.

Further, according to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus including a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device via a network, a reading unit that reads information recorded on a recording medium, and an arithmetic unit. The program to be executed is configured as follows.
That is, a reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program is recorded;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
Causing the computing means to execute an upload control process for controlling the data file designated as the upload target and the file path information generated by the path generating process to be transmitted to the server device by the communication means. It is what I did.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the recording medium is configured as follows.
That is, the recording medium of the present invention is identification information and flop recording medium which programs and recorded thereon for uniquely identifying each recording medium,
The above-mentioned information to be executed in the above information processing apparatus comprising a communication means for performing data communication with an external device via a network, a reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium, and an arithmetic means As a program,
A reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from the recording medium;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
Causing the computing means to execute an upload control process for controlling the data file designated as the upload target and the file path information generated by the path generating process to be transmitted to the server device by the communication means. The program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, the unique identification information recorded on the recording medium is transmitted to the server device, and the server device performs an authentication process on the identification information. Thus, in this case, the authentication process for determining whether or not the user is an authorized user is based on the identification information automatically read from the recording medium without the user inputting an ID or password as in the prior art. This can be done automatically on the server device side. As a result, it is possible to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user without a complicated input operation as in the prior art. Moreover, directory division for each user can be performed based on such identification information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform authentication processing using unique identification information recorded on a recording medium, ensuring safety, and further simplifying the uploading of files that eliminates complicated input operations. / A download system can be provided.

Further, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of realizing such an upload / download system of the present invention.
Further, according to the program of the present invention, the operation as the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be realized by a general-purpose information processing apparatus.
Moreover, according to the recording medium of the present invention, it is possible to realize a recording medium necessary for using the service by the upload / download system of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described.
For confirmation, the correspondence between each component of the upload / download system of the present invention and one embodiment thereof is described below.

<Reading means for reading identification information>
→ Implemented by the read operation of the drive control unit 28 and the media drive 29 based on the control of the CPU 21 of the personal computer 2.
<Identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information to server device via network>
→ Implemented by communication operations of the communication processing unit 31 and the network interface 32 based on the control of the CPU 21 of the personal computer 2.
<Authentication means for performing authentication processing on transmitted identification information>
→ Implemented by the processing operation of the CPU 41 of the server device 3.
<Upload means to upload specified data file>
→ Implemented by communication operations of the communication processing unit 31 and the network interface 32 based on the control of the CPU 21.
<Path generation means for generating file path information>
→ Realized by the processing of the CPU 21.
<Recording means for associating the uploaded data file with the file path information and recording it on the server-side recording medium>
→ Realized by the recording operation of the HDD 48 based on the control of the CPU 41.
<Transfer means for transferring the data file specified by the file path information to the download request source>
→ Realized by the reading operation of the HDD 48 based on the control of the CPU 41 and the communication operation of the communication control unit 49 and the network interface 50 based on the control of the CPU 41.

-System overview-

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) system 1 as an embodiment of an upload / download system of the present invention.
The FTP system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a personal computer 2 and a server device 3 each capable of data communication via a network 4 that is the Internet, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory). And at least an optical disc D.

  In this case, the personal computer 5 in the figure exemplifies a terminal other than the personal computer 2 that downloads a data file uploaded to the server device 3 as described later.

  In FIG. 1, a personal computer 2 is an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, and a server apparatus 3 is an embodiment of the server apparatus of the present invention. The optical disk D is an embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention.

The optical disc D is recorded with a program (FTP service program 80 described later) for causing the personal computer 2 to execute processing operations necessary for realizing a file transfer service as an embodiment described later.
In this case, the optical disk D is a so-called ROM disk, and this program is recorded by a pit / land combination formed on the disk substrate.

Further, for the optical disc D, a disc ID (disc ID 82 to be described later) that can uniquely identify each optical disc D is recorded.
In the case of the present embodiment, this disk ID is a so-called postscribed ID (registered trademark). That is, this disk ID is additionally recorded with a mark formed by laser beam irradiation on a reflective film formed on the disk substrate of the optical disk D. Arbitrary information can be additionally written to the ROM disk by the post scribe ID.

  As a specific manufacturing process of the optical disk D, a ROM disk in which information such as the program is recorded in advance by a combination of pits / lands by stamping or the like is manufactured, and then the ROM disk is irradiated with a laser beam. The disc ID is additionally written.

In the post-scribe ID technology, information is added by marks in an area that cannot be accessed by ordinary driver software. Reading of the additionally recorded information can be performed only by a dedicated program recorded on the optical disc D.
The postscribe ID is also described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-94461 and “http://www.postscribedid.com” presented earlier.

The personal computer 2 is configured so as to be able to read information recorded on the loaded optical disc D.
As a function of the operation system, there is also a function of automatically reading information recorded on the loaded optical disk D.

  The server device 3 functions as an FTP server that stores and manages data files uploaded from the personal computer 2 via the network 4.

Further, the personal computer 5 is configured to be able to perform data communication with an external device (particularly in this case, the personal computer 2 and the server device 3) via the network 4.

-Configuration of information processing device-

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the personal computer 2 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, first, the CPU 21 performs overall control and arithmetic processing of the personal computer 2 based on the activated program. For example, an operation corresponding to an input to the illustrated input unit 25, storage of a data file in an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 30, creation / update of management information, and the like are performed. The CPU 21 also exchanges control signals and data with each unit via the bus 23 shown in the figure.
The operation of the present embodiment realized by the processing of the CPU 21 will be described later.

The memory unit 22 comprehensively shows a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and the like used by the CPU 21 for processing. The ROM of the memory unit 23 stores an operation program for the CPU 21, a program loader, and the like.
The flash memory stores various calculation coefficients, parameters used in the program, and the like, and the RAM temporarily reserves a data area and a task area for executing the program.

In the HDD 30, data files are stored and management information is created / updated based on the control of the CPU 21.
In particular, the HDD 30 in this case stores an operation system (OS) 30a as illustrated.
The HDD 30 stores various data files as various files 30b.
In this case, an e-mail program 30c for exchanging e-mail is also stored.

The input unit 25 is a keyboard, mouse, remote commander, or other input device (not shown). It is assumed that the user performs various operation inputs and data inputs for the input unit 25.
The information input by the input unit 25 is subjected to predetermined processing by the input processing unit 24 and is transmitted to the CPU 21 as an operation or data input. The CPU 21 performs necessary calculations and control corresponding to the input information.

  The display 27 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various information to the user. For example, when the CPU 21 supplies display information to the display processing unit 26 according to various operation states, input states, and communication states, the display processing unit 26 drives and displays the display 27 based on the supplied display data. Display output about information is performed.

  The media drive 29 is, for example, an optical disc such as CD, MD (Mini Disc: magneto-optical disc), CD-R (Recordable), CD-RW (ReWritable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), DVD-R, DVD-RW, Or it is a drive function part corresponding to recording media, such as a memory card (semiconductor memory device as removable media), and it is comprised so that recording / reproducing operation | movement about these media can be performed. For example, when the medium corresponds to a CD type disk medium such as the optical disk D of the present embodiment, the medium drive 29 is provided with, for example, an optical head, a spindle motor, a reproduction signal processing unit, a servo circuit, and the like. It becomes.

  The drive control unit 28 controls a recording / reproducing operation, an access operation, and the like for the media loaded in the media drive 29. For example, when the user performs a reproduction operation (read operation) on the loaded media via the input unit 25, the CPU 21 instructs the drive control unit 28 to reproduce (read) the medium. Then, the drive control unit 28 performs control for causing the media drive 29 to perform an access operation and a reproduction operation (read operation). The media drive 29 sends the read reproduction data to the bus 23 via the drive control unit 28.

The communication processing unit 31 performs transmission data encoding processing and reception data decoding processing based on the control of the CPU 21.
The network interface 32 transmits the transmission data encoded by the communication processing unit 31 to a predetermined external device such as the server device 3 via the network 4 shown in FIG. In addition, a signal transmitted from an external device such as the server device 3 via the network 4 is transferred to the communication processing unit 31.
The communication processing unit 31 transfers the received information to the CPU 21.

Although the configuration of the personal computer 2 has been described with reference to FIG. 2, the personal computer 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 has the same configuration as that illustrated in FIG. Particularly, the personal computer 5 assumed in the embodiment accesses a server device on the network based on at least an e-mail program 30c for sending and receiving e-mails and URI (Uniform Resource Identifiers) as link information described later. The file download request may be made based on the file path information included in the URI.

-Server device configuration-

Next, the block diagram of FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the server device 3 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 3, first, the CPU 41 performs overall control and arithmetic processing of the server device 3 based on the activated program. For example, an operation corresponding to an input to the illustrated input unit 45, storage of a data file in the HDD 48, creation / update of management information, and the like are performed. The CPU 41 also exchanges control signals and data with each unit via the bus 42 shown in the figure.

  The memory unit 43 comprehensively shows ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like used by the CPU 41 for processing. The ROM of the memory unit 43 stores an operation program for the CPU 41, a program loader, and the like. The flash memory stores various calculation coefficients, parameters used in the program, and the like, and the RAM temporarily reserves a data area and a task area for executing the program.

In the HDD 48, data files are stored and management information is created and updated under the control of the CPU 41.
In particular, user management information 48a is stored in the HDD 48 in this case as shown in the figure. The user management information 48a is information for managing various information about the file transfer service provided by the FTP system 1 for each disk ID (for each user) as described later.
The HDD 48 stores a data file uploaded from the personal computer 2 side as will be described later. Here, the stored data files are shown as an upload file group 48b as shown in the figure.
Further, file management information 48c is stored in the HDD 48. The file management information 48c is information for managing the data file uploaded from the personal computer 2. As the file management information 48c, as will be described later, the file ID assigned so as to be unique to each data file is associated with the disk ID transmitted by the personal computer 2 that uploaded the file. Thus, the file uploaded for each user can be managed.

The input unit 45 is a keyboard, mouse, remote commander, or other input device (not shown). It is assumed that the operator operating the service performs various operation inputs and data inputs on the input unit 45.
The information input by the input unit 45 is subjected to predetermined processing by the input processing unit 44 and is transmitted to the CPU 41 as an operation or data input. The CPU 41 performs necessary calculations and controls in accordance with the input information.

  The display 47 is a display such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various information to an operator or the like. For example, when the CPU 41 supplies display information to the display processing unit 46 according to various operation states, input states, and communication states, the display processing unit 46 drives the display 47 based on the supplied display data, thereby Display output about information is performed.

The communication processing unit 49 performs transmission data encoding processing and reception data decoding processing based on the control of the CPU 41.
The network interface 50 transmits the transmission data encoded by the communication processing unit 49 to a predetermined external device (particularly the personal computer 2 and the personal computer 5) via the network 4. In addition, a signal transmitted from an external device such as the personal computer 2 via the network 4 is transferred to the communication processing unit 49.
The communication processing unit 49 transfers the received information to the CPU 41.

-File transfer service by FTP system of embodiment-

Next, a file transfer service realized by the FTP system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation to be performed on the personal computer 2 side in order to make a data file uploadable to the server device 3 side will be described. FIG. 4 schematically shows an operation performed by the personal computer 2 based on information recorded on the optical disc D and an operation performed by the server device 3. In FIG. 4, the network 4 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  In FIG. 4, when the user first enjoys the file transfer service of the present embodiment, the optical disk D is inserted into the personal computer 2 as shown in <1> in the figure.

  Here, the optical disc D can be distributed to the user, for example, for a fee, and the service management side can provide a service corresponding to the fee to the user. Alternatively, the optical disk D can be distributed free of charge, for example, providing a service only for a predetermined period.

On the optical disc D, a program for causing the personal computer 2 to execute processing operations necessary for realizing the file transfer service as an embodiment is recorded as the FTP service program 80 described above. As described above, the FTP service program 80 is recorded by a pit / land combination.
The program recorded as the FTP service program 80 also includes a program for reading a disk ID (also referred to as post-scribe ID: PID) 82 added to the optical disk D as a ROM disk.
Further, the server URI 81 is also recorded on the optical disc D. This server URI 81 represents the location of the server device 3 on the network 4 and is recorded together with a program by a pit / land combination.

In response to the insertion of the optical disc D, the personal computer 2 first reads out the FTP service program 80 recorded on the optical disc D as indicated by <2> in the figure. In the case of the embodiment, such reading of the FTP service program 80 is performed by an automatic reading function by the operation system 30a.
Then, as an operation according to the FTP service program 80 read in this way, the disk ID 82 added to the optical disk D is read as shown in <3> below.

When the disk ID 82 is read, necessary information such as the disk ID 82 is transmitted to the server device 3 as shown in <4>.
In the case of the embodiment, the information to be transmitted to the server apparatus 3 side together with the disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D can include a machine unique ID. The machine unique ID is information for identifying the personal computer 2, and the personal computer 2 generates the machine unique ID information by performing an operation according to the read FTP service program 80. .
By transmitting the machine unique ID unique to the personal computer 2 to the server device 3 in this way, the user specified by the disk ID 82 uses the same terminal every time on the server device 3 side (that is, the service management side). Information such as whether or not the service is used.

Further, information transmitted to the server apparatus 3 side together with the disk ID 82 can further include a local initial registration time. The local initial registration time information is timed on the personal computer 2 side when the optical disk D is inserted into the personal computer 2 for the first time and necessary information such as the disk ID 82 is registered in the server device 3. The information is expressed in time. That is, as information on the local initial registration time, the personal computer 2 uses the time information (including date) acquired at the timing of transmitting the disk ID 82 and the machine unique ID to the server device 3 side. It is intended to transmit to.
For confirmation, the local initial registration time information is transmitted to the server device 3 only when the optical disk D is inserted for the first time (that is, only when the server device 3 is accessed for the first time). It becomes information that should be done.

The personal computer 2 transmits the disk ID 82, the machine unique ID, and the local initial registration time information as necessary to the server apparatus 3 side as the necessary information.
At this time, connection processing to the server apparatus 3 is performed. This connection processing is performed based on the server URI 81 recorded on the optical disc D.

On the server apparatus 3 side, when necessary information such as the disk ID 82 is transmitted from the personal computer 2 side, the authentication process for the disk ID 82 is first performed as shown in <5>.
In this case, as the authentication process for the disk ID 82, specifically, the data configuration of the disk ID 82 is checked. That is, in this case, the disk ID 82 has a predetermined data structure determined in advance, and the server apparatus 3 side determines whether or not the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2 side has the predetermined data structure. By discriminating, an authentication process is performed to determine whether the disk ID 82 is legitimate.

In addition, as an authentication process, it can also perform by collating with the list | wrist of the disk ID added with respect to each optical disk D as another method. That is, the list information of the disk IDs 82 added to all the optical disks D distributed to the server apparatus 3 side is stored, and the ID that matches the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2 side is stored in this list information. By discriminating whether or not there is, authentication is performed as to whether or not the transmitted disk ID 82 is a regular ID.
However, when authentication processing using such list information is performed, the processing load on the server device 3 side tends to increase, such as requiring search processing from the list. On the other hand, if the authentication process is based on the data configuration check as described above, only a relatively simple calculation process can be performed, and therefore an increase in the processing load on the server device 3 can be effectively prevented.

If the authentication process determines that the disc ID is not a regular disc ID, the server device 3 gives an error notification, but the personal computer 2 notifies the user that the service cannot be used such as displaying an error message. A process for notification is executed.
That is, if the disk ID 82 is not a regular ID in the authentication process as described above, status information (to be described later) is not transmitted to the personal computer 2 side, so that the menu screen cannot be displayed. The file cannot be uploaded to the server device 3.

  If the authentication process determines that the disc ID is a regular disc ID, it is registered in the user management information (the user management information 48a described above) as indicated by <6> in the figure. The

Here, FIG. 5 conceptually shows the data structure of the user management information 48 a stored in the HDD 48 in the server device 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, the user management information 48a includes, for the disk ID, machine unique ID 1, machine unique ID 2, local initial registration time, server initial registration time, effective days, maximum registration capacity, current use capacity. Each piece of information is associated with each other.

  The machine unique ID 1 and the machine unique ID 2 are machine unique IDs transmitted by the personal computer 2 as described above. Here, a case where two machine unique IDs can be stored for one disk ID (that is, for each user) as the machine unique ID 1 and the machine unique ID 2 is shown.

  The local initial registration time is information on the local initial registration time transmitted by the personal computer 2 described above.

  The server initial registration time is the time (including date) when the registration to the user management information 48a was performed in response to transmission of necessary information such as the disk ID 82 from the personal computer 2. It is expressed by the time counted on the side. That is, the server initial registration time is obtained by acquiring time information that the server device 3 measures at the timing when the server device 3 registers in the user management information 48a.

The information on the effective days is information indicating a period during which the service can be used.
The information on the maximum registered capacity is information indicating the maximum data capacity of the upload area on the server device 3 allocated for each user.

Here, with regard to the effective days and the maximum registered capacity, for example, when performing a service, it is conceivable that different prices are set for the optical disc D to be distributed, and the effective days and the maximum registered capacity are set according to the price. . In this case, the service management side must know the relationship between the disk ID 82 added to each optical disk D in advance and the service contents (effective days and maximum registered capacity) according to the price set for each optical disk D. it can. Therefore, for each disk ID of the distributed optical disk D, information in which the valid days and maximum registered capacity information are associated is stored in advance on the server apparatus 3 side, and the server apparatus 3 transmits the information from the personal computer 2 side. By referring to the correspondence information stored in this way based on the disk ID 82, it is possible to obtain information on the effective days and the maximum registered capacity corresponding to the disk ID 82.
Alternatively, when the service contents are unified, such as when the optical disk D is distributed free of charge or when it is distributed at a flat fee, information on the predetermined effective days and information on the maximum registered capacity are acquired. .

Further, the information on the currently used capacity is information indicating the total data capacity of the data file that has already been uploaded and stored in the server device 3.
As for the information on the currently used capacity, “0” is registered at the first registration.

Returning to FIG.
As the registration to the user management information shown as <6> above, the server device 3 has the same machine unique ID and local initial registration time information transmitted to the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2, and itself. Is associated with the server initial registration time, the number of valid days, the maximum registered capacity, and the currently used capacity information acquired by the user, and recorded in the HDD 48 as user management information 48a.
As a result, information for managing information related to services such as the number of effective days, the maximum registered capacity, and the current usage capacity is registered for each disk ID 82 (that is, for each user).

For confirmation, such registration in the user management information is performed only at the first access. That is, when the same disk ID is accessed for the second time or later, the disk ID is already registered in the user management information 48a.
Although description by illustration is omitted, at the second and subsequent accesses (that is, when the disk ID 82 already registered in the user management information 48a is transmitted), the disk ID 82 is already stored in the user management information 48a. Based on the registered information, the validity period described below is checked.

When the registration to the user management information as described above is performed, the server device 3 confirms the validity period as indicated by <7>. As the confirmation of the valid period, is the value of the valid days registered in the user management information 48a (the valid days information associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2) “0”? Confirm whether or not.
When the valid days are not “0” but within the valid period, status information shown as <8> below is generated.

Although not illustrated, the server apparatus 3 instructs the personal computer 2 to display an error screen when the valid days value is “0” and the valid period is not reached. By displaying this error screen by the personal computer 2, the user can know that the valid period has expired.
In addition, a URI for linking to the contract update page is displayed on the error screen, and the contract update procedure can be performed by the user performing a click operation on the URI.
Note that the information on all the valid days registered in the user management information 48a is updated (decremented) by the server device 3 every day.

Subsequently, in the generation of status information <8>, information necessary for the personal computer 2 to display a menu screen described later is generated as the status information. Specifically, in this case, status information is generated based on information on the number of valid days, maximum registered capacity, and current usage capacity registered in the user management information 48a.
That is, the server device 3 acquires information on the effective days, the maximum registered capacity, and the current usage capacity associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2 in the user management information 48a, and obtains status information from these information. To be generated.

  Then, the server device 3 is configured to transmit the generated status information to the personal computer 2 side as shown in <9> below.

The personal computer 2 displays a menu screen as indicated by <10> based on the status information transmitted from the server device 3.
This menu screen functions as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for performing various inputs and outputs when the user uses the file transfer service.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the menu screen displayed on the personal computer 2 side in this way.
In FIG. 6, on this menu screen, a reference button SB (SB1 to SB6) for selecting / designating an upload file as shown and a location (directory + file) where the selected / designated data file is stored. File location display box AF (AF1 to AF6) for displaying information of name) and an upload button APB (instruction for uploading files stored in the directory displayed in the file location display box AF) APB1 to APB6) and a download link display box AL (AL1 to AL6) for displaying link information for downloading the uploaded file are displayed.
Further, as the currently used capacity information A1, information indicating the total capacity of the data file currently uploaded to the server apparatus 3 side and information indicating the maximum registered capacity and the effective days as the maximum capacity / effective days information A2 are provided. Further, as the inquiry information A3, information of an e-mail address for making an inquiry to the service management side is displayed.
In addition, an extension application button B1 for applying for an extension of the service period, an end button SHB for instructing the end of the application realized by the FTP service program 80, and the menu screen are displayed on the menu screen. Various buttons B to be displayed and a cursor CR for selecting the e-mail address information are also displayed.

  The personal computer 2 uses the menu screen to display the current use capacity information A1 and the maximum capacity / valid days information A2 for the valid days, the maximum registered capacity, and the current use capacity in the status information transmitted from the server device 3 side. It is made to display based on.

  On this menu screen, the user can move the cursor CR by operating, for example, the mouse of the input unit 25 shown in FIG. Then, by moving the cursor CR onto the reference button SB, the reference button SB can be selected. With the reference button SB selected, a predetermined determination operation such as a mouse click operation is performed. By performing the above, a file selection screen for selecting an upload file can be displayed.

  Although not shown, the file selection screen is assumed to be a screen that displays a list of data files stored as various files 30b in the HDD 30 for each directory. In this file selection screen, the user can select and specify a desired directory from the displayed directory list to display a list of data files stored under the directory. File can be selected and specified.

When the data file to be uploaded is selected / designated from the file selection screen in this way, information on the storage location of the selected / designated file is displayed in the file location display box AF (see FIG. 7).
At this time, for example, when the upload file is selected / designated by selecting / deciding the reference button SB1, information on the storage location of the selected / designated file is displayed in the file storage location display box AF1. The storage location information of the selected / designated file is stored in the display box AF (in this case, the display box AF on the same line) associated with the reference button SB selected / decided when the file is selected / designated. To be displayed in).

  Then, in a state where the storage location information of the selected / designated file is displayed in the display box AF, the cursor CR is associated with the display box AF displaying the file storage location information ( That is, by moving (selecting) the upload button APB (in the same row) and performing a determination operation, the selected / designated file can be uploaded to the server device 3 side. Specifically, in this case, a file upload instruction can be performed by selecting and determining the upload button APB1.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a menu screen displayed after the file selected and designated in this way is uploaded.
In FIG. 7, the reference button SB1 is selected / decided on the menu screen of FIG. 6 to select / designate an upload file, and the file storage location display box AF1 associated with the reference button SB1 is displayed. When the storage location information of the selected / designated file is displayed, and the upload button APB1 associated with the display box AF1 is selected / decided, and the selected / designated file is uploaded An example of the menu screen is shown.

In the menu screen when the data file selected / designated in this way is uploaded, the display of the selected / decided reference button SB (in this case, SB1) is inactive, and thereafter the reference button SB is displayed. The upload file cannot be selected or specified by.
Further, the upload button APB (APB1 in this case) selected / decided is changed to a delete button DB as shown (DB1 in the figure). The delete button DB is a button for instructing deletion of a file already displayed on the server apparatus 3 side displayed in the storage location box AF of the corresponding file.
By displaying the delete button DB in this way, after the upload button APB is selected and determined and the file is uploaded, only the upload file can be deleted.

  In addition, in response to the uploading of the file in this way, the content of the current usage capacity information A1 is updated according to the data capacity of the uploaded file as shown in the figure. This will be described later.

Next, FIG. 8 illustrates a file upload operation performed in response to an operation on the menu screen and an operation to be performed accordingly.
FIG. 8 also schematically shows the operation performed by the personal computer 2 and the operation performed by the server device 3 as in FIG. In FIG. 8, the network 4 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  In FIG. 8, on the menu screen, a file to be uploaded is selected and designated, and the storage location information of the file is displayed in the display box AF in a state where the storage location information of the file is displayed. This shows the operation after the upload button APB associated with the box AF is selected / determined and an instruction to upload the selected / designated file to the server device 3 is given.

In FIG. 8, when a file upload instruction is made by the upload button APB as described above, the personal computer 2 first checks the capacity as indicated by <1> in the figure.
This capacity check is performed by determining whether or not the total capacity of the currently used capacity and the data capacity of the file selected / designated to be uploaded is within the maximum registered capacity.

  Although illustration is omitted, if the total capacity is not less than the maximum registered capacity, an error process is performed, for example, an operation for notifying the user that a file selected / designated due to capacity over cannot be uploaded. To be done.

If the total capacity is within the maximum registered capacity, the personal computer 2 generates link and file name information as shown in <2> below.
Here, the file name information is information to be attached as file name information of the uploaded file on the server device 3 side when the selected / designated file is uploaded to the server device 3. In other words, in this case, the server device 3 manages each uploaded file with information on the file name generated on the personal computer 2 side in this way.
The personal computer 2 attaches a predetermined extension (for example, “.fdp”) to the original file name of the selected / designated file as such file name information. ing. For example, if the original file name is “A”, the generated file name is “A.fpd”.

The link information generates URI information for specifying a storage location on the network 4 for the selected / designated file to be uploaded.
That is, in this embodiment, link information for acquiring (downloading) an upload file stored in the server device 3 is generated in advance on the personal computer 2 side.

As the link information, information including an information portion for specifying the server device 3 on the network 4 and an information portion (file path) for specifying the storage location of the upload file on the server device 3 is generated. . For example, “http://www.ftppassportdisc.com/57edf4a22be3c955.A.fpd”
The link information having the configuration as described above is generated.
In this case, “http://www.ftppassportdisc.com” is an information part for specifying the server device 3 on the network 4. Further, “/57edf4a22be3c955.A.fpd” below is an information part of a file path indicating an upload file stored in the server device 3.

In the case of this example, the file path information is generated by combining the disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D and the file name information generated as described above.
Specifically, a hash value (encrypted value) of the disk ID 82 is generated, and a file path obtained by adding “. (Dot)” and the generated file name information to the hash value is generated. To be done.
In this case, “57edf4a22be3c955” is the hash value of the disk ID 82, and “A.fpd” is information on the file name generated.

  In this manner, the file path information is configured by adding the file name to the disk ID 82 (in this case, its hash value), so that unique information can be generated as the file path information. . In addition, as a result, unique information can be generated as the link information including the file path information.

  When the personal computer 2 generates the link and file name information in this way, the personal computer 2 encrypts the designated file using the disk ID as a key as shown in <3> below. In other words, the data file selected / designated to be uploaded is subjected to an encryption process using the disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D as an encryption key.

  Then, as shown in the next <4>, the encrypted file, link (file path), and file name information are transmitted to the server apparatus 3.

When the server apparatus 3 receives the encrypted file, link, and file name information from the personal computer 2 side, the file is first recorded as shown in <5>. That is, the encrypted file is recorded on the HDD 48.
After that, registration to the file management information is performed as shown in <6> below. This file management information is the file management information 48c in the HDD 48 shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 9 conceptually shows the data structure of the file management information 48c.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the file management information 48c, each file ID is associated with each information of path (link), file name, file size, file registration time, and disk ID. It has a configuration.
First, as described in the operation <5> in FIG. 8, the file ID is recorded in the HDD 48 by the file uploaded from the personal computer 2. ID information generated so that can be identified. In the server device 3, the upload file stored in the HDD 48 can be uniquely identified by this file ID.

  The path information stores file path information included in the link information received from the personal computer 2. As will be described later, when a file download request is made, the file is transferred to the request source based on the file path information in the file management information 48c.

  The file name information is received from the personal computer 2 by the operation <4> in FIG.

The file size information is information indicating the size of the uploaded file. In this case, the server device 3 generates the file size information.
Further, the file registration time information is information indicating the time when the upload file is stored in the server device 3, and is the time information acquired by the server device 3 itself when registering in the file management information 48c. Good.

  The disc ID is the disc ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 in response to the insertion of the optical disc D. In the file management information 48c, the disk ID is stored in association with the information for each file as described above, so that the uploaded file can be managed for each disk ID (that is, for each user). Has been.

Returning to FIG.
In FIG. 8, the server device 3 registers the file management information as described above with respect to the file ID generated in response to the file recording operation <5> and the file path information and file transmitted from the personal computer 2 side. Name information, file size, file registration time, and disk ID 82 information are associated with each other and recorded as file management information 48 c in the HDD 48.
As a result, the uploaded file is registered on the server device 3 side.

When registration to the file management information is performed in this way, the server device 3 is configured to update the user management information (currently used capacity) as indicated by <7>. That is, the information content of the current usage capacity in the user management information 48a is updated in response to a new file upload.
Specifically, in the file management information 48c, information on all file sizes associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 that is the file upload source is acquired, and is associated with the disk ID 82. To calculate the total data capacity of all files recorded. Then, the current usage capacity information associated with the disk ID 82 in the user management information 48a is updated based on the calculated total data capacity information.

Further, the server device 3 generates status information (<8> in the figure) and transmits the status information to the personal computer 2 (<9> in the figure).
In other words, in the user management information 48a, at least information on the currently used capacity associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 that is the file upload source is transmitted to the personal computer 2 as status information in this case. To be done.
Note that the information on the maximum registered capacity and the effective date / time has already been transmitted to the personal computer 2 side (<8> in FIG. 4 above), and there is no need to update the information. .

In the personal computer 2, the menu screen is updated as shown in <10> based on the status information transmitted from the server device 3 side in this way.
By the update operation of <10>, the menu screen after the upload instruction as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.
That is, as the update operation of <10>, the personal computer 2 receives the status of the data information to be displayed as the currently used capacity information A1 from the server device 3 side for the screen data to be displayed as the menu screen. The update is performed based on the information on the current usage capacity as information, and the reference button SB selected / determined when the upload file is designated is inactive, and the upload button APB selected / determined when the file is uploaded The screen data content is updated so as to be changed to the delete button DB.
Further, the screen data is updated so that the link information generated in FIG. 8 <2> is displayed in the download link display box AL associated with the upload button APB selected / decided at the time of upload. .
In addition, the screen data updated in this way is displayed on the display 27.

  By displaying the menu screen with such updated contents on the display 27, the user can know that the file for which the upload instruction has been issued has been uploaded successfully.

  In this way, after the file upload is completed, link information is displayed in the download link display box AL in the menu screen. As will be described below, in the case of the present embodiment, the user can download the uploaded file using the link information displayed in the download link display box AL.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows operations performed in response to downloading an upload file based on link information displayed in the download link display box AL in the menu screen. 10 schematically shows operations performed in the personal computer 2, the personal computer 5 shown in FIG. 1, and the server device 3, respectively. Also in FIG. 10, the network 4 is omitted.

  First, in the personal computer 2 that has uploaded the file, the link information is transmitted by e-mail to the external personal computer 5 as shown in <1>. At this time, the user copies the link information displayed in the download link display box AF using, for example, a copy and paste function provided in the operation system 30a, and pastes the link information in an e-mail. The electronic mail can be transmitted to the personal computer 5 by setting a predetermined electronic mail address as a destination and issuing a transmission instruction.

The personal computer 5 that has received the e-mail with the link information pasted makes a file transfer request based on the link information as shown in <2>. That is, the user of the personal computer 5 performs a click operation on the URI as link information recorded in the received e-mail.
In response to this, the personal computer 5 performs a connection process to the server apparatus 3 based on the link information and makes a download request designating a file to be downloaded based on the file path information in the link information.

Upon receiving the download request, the server device 3 decrypts the requested file and transmits it as indicated by <3>.
In this case, as described above, the server apparatus 3 stores a file encrypted based on the disk ID 82 on the personal computer 2 side. That is, in this case, in the server device 3, the CPU 41 decrypts the requested file based on the disk ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 that uploaded the file. Specifically, in the file management information 48c, the disk ID associated with the file path specified by the request is acquired, and the requested file is decrypted based on this disk ID.
Then, the CPU 41 controls the communication processing unit 49 so that the decrypted file is transmitted to the personal computer 5 that is the download request source.

  In this case, the service operating side that is the creation source of the FTP service program 80 knows the algorithm of encryption performed on the personal computer 2 side based on the FTP service program 80 recorded on the optical disc D, and the server device 3 can set the algorithm. Therefore, the server device 3 can appropriately decrypt the requested file based on the disk ID 82 as described above.

Here, in the description so far, the operation after the upload button APB is operated on the menu screen has been mainly described. However, on the menu screen (FIG. 7) displayed after the file is uploaded in this way. When the delete button DB is operated, the following operation is performed.
That is, in the menu screen shown in FIG. 7, when the delete button DB is selected by the cursor CR and the determination operation is performed, the personal computer 2 displays the download link associated with the delete button DB (that is, on the same line). The server apparatus 3 is requested to delete a file specifying a file path included in the link information displayed in the box AL.

On the server device 3 side, based on the file management information 48c, the file ID specified by the file path specified by the deletion request is acquired, and processing for deleting the file specified by the file ID from the HDD 48 is performed. .
As this deletion process, the data file itself can be deleted from the HDD 48, or the file path designated from the file management information 48c and the information associated therewith are deleted. It is also possible to update only the information 48c.

Even when such a file is deleted, the menu screen needs to be updated on the personal computer 2 side. For this purpose, first, the server device 3 makes all file sizes associated with the disk IDs 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 of the deletion request source based on the file management information 48c updated as described above. Is obtained and the total file size is calculated. Then, based on the calculated file size information, the information on the currently used capacity associated with the same disk ID 82 in the user management information 48a is updated.
Then, the updated information on the currently used capacity is transmitted to the personal computer 2 as status information.

On the personal computer 2 side, the screen data to be displayed as the menu screen is updated so that the display content of the current usage capacity information A1 is updated based on the transmitted information on the current usage capacity.
At this time, the link information displayed in the download link display box AL associated with the delete button DB selected / decided at the time of the deletion instruction is deleted, and also selected at the time of the deletion instruction. The upload button APB is displayed instead of the determined delete button DB, and the screen data is updated so that the reference button SB that has been made inactive in association with the delete button DB is actively displayed. To be done. The screen data updated in this way is displayed on the display 27.
Thus, the user can know that the file instructed to be deleted has been deleted normally.

On the menu screen, an extension application button B1 for applying for extension of the service period is also provided. When the determination operation is performed in a state where the extension application button B1 is selected by the cursor CR, the personal computer 2 executes an access process to the FTP service page. That is, the extension application button B1 is associated with a URI as link information for accessing the WEB page for performing the period extension procedure as the FTP service page. In response to selection / determination of the button B1, processing for accessing a WEB page based on the URI is performed.
Thus, the user can perform the period extension procedure by operating the extension application button B1.

In the FTP service page, it is also possible to apply for a change in the maximum capacity as well as a period extension application.
At this time, as for any application, the server device 3 determines the validity in the user management information 48a associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted by the connected personal computer 2 based on the application content in the FTP service page. By updating the information content of the number of days and the maximum registered capacity, the registered content can be easily changed.

  As described above, in the FTP system 1 according to the present embodiment, the unique disk ID added to the optical disk D on which the FTP service program 80 is recorded is transmitted to the server apparatus 3. An authentication process for the disk ID is performed. Thus, in this case, the authentication process for determining whether or not the user is a regular user can be automatically performed without the user inputting an ID or password as in the prior art. As a result, it is possible to authenticate whether the user is a legitimate user without a complicated input operation as in the prior art. In addition, based on such a disk ID, the server apparatus 3 can also perform directory management for each user.

  According to the FTP system 1 of the present embodiment as described above, the unique disc ID recorded on the optical disc D is used to enable authentication processing, ensuring safety and eliminating more complicated input work. A simpler file transfer service can be provided.

For confirmation, if the disk ID 82 is determined to be a regular ID by the authentication process, the server apparatus 3 side changes to the personal computer 2 side as described above with reference to FIG. On the other hand, the status information is transmitted, whereby the personal computer 2 can display the menu screen, and the designated file can be uploaded to the server device 3 according to the operation on the menu screen. .
That is, in this case, the status information transmitted from the server apparatus 3 to the personal computer 2 is information (predetermined information) for permitting file upload in response to the disc ID 82 being a regular ID. It is meant to be functional.
Note that the predetermined information for permitting the uploading of the file in response to the disc ID 82 being a regular ID is not limited to the status information as in the embodiment, but other permissions. Information can also be sent separately.

  In the embodiment, the link information (file path information) necessary for downloading a file uploaded to the server device 3 is generated on the personal computer 2 side. The processing load on the server device 3 side can be reduced as compared with the case where the server device 3 is generated.

  However, at this time, if the link information is simply generated on the personal computer 2 side, there is a possibility that the link information sent from the personal computer 2 to the server device 3 side is duplicated. When the link information is duplicated as described above, a situation may occur in which a plurality of upload files on the server device 3 are pointed to by a certain piece of link information.

However, in this embodiment, as described above, the link information (file path) is generated by each personal computer 2 based on the unique disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D. This effectively prevents the same link information from being generated in each personal computer 2.
That is, even if link information is generated on the individual personal computer 2 side by this, each link information can be made to function properly as information indicating one upload file. 2 can realize a system that generates link information and reduces the processing load on the server device 3 side.

In the embodiment, the disk ID portion is encrypted for the link information (file path) generated based on the disk ID.
In this case, the file path information in the link information is constituted by the disk ID + file name as described above. Therefore, there is a possibility that the disk ID part of the path is changed as it is, and another person's directory is illegally accessed.
Therefore, if an encrypted value such as a hash value is used as the disk ID information constituting the file path information as in the embodiment, unauthorized access can be prevented more safely. A system can be provided.

In the embodiment, the file uploaded to the server device 3 is encrypted based on the disk ID and transmitted.
As a result, even if the uploaded file leaks to the outside, it is difficult for a third party to reproduce the file, and the file can be prevented from leaking to the outside.
At this time, if each file is encrypted using the disk ID as a key as in the embodiment, the encryption for the file can be different for each user's file. According to this, even if a file is leaked from the server device 3, it is difficult for a third party to decrypt the encryption key of each file, and the security is increased accordingly. be able to.

In the embodiment, link information (file path) is generated for each upload file, and each upload file and file path are managed in association with each other on the server device 3 side. It is possible to realize a simple file transfer service in which an uploaded file can be downloaded by simply clicking.

-Processing operation-

Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 15 below, processing operations to be performed to realize the operations as the embodiment described above will be described.
In these drawings, the processing operation on the personal computer side is executed by the CPU 21 shown in FIG. 2 based on the FTP service program 80 (see FIG. 4) recorded on the loaded optical disk D. The processing operation on the apparatus side is executed by the CPU 41 shown in FIG.

First, FIG. 11 shows processing operations to be executed in the FTP system 1 from when the optical disc D is loaded until the menu screen is displayed as described in FIG.
In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the FTP service program 80 has already been read from the loaded optical disk D in the personal computer 2.

First, the personal computer 2 reads the disk ID in step S101.
As described above, in this embodiment, the disk ID 82 is additionally recorded by irradiating a laser beam on the reflective film of the optical disk D, which is a ROM disk, and the additional recording position is normal driver software. In this case, the position cannot be read. Therefore, in step S101, an instruction is given to the drive control unit 28 in accordance with the FTP service program 80 read from the optical disc D, so that the disc ID 82 added to the optical disc D is read by the media drive 29.

In a succeeding step S102, a determination process as to whether or not the disk ID is valid is performed. If a negative result is obtained that the disk ID 82 read in step S101 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S109 to execute error processing.
As this error processing, for example, an error message such as “Could not verify the FTP passport disc at this computer” or the like is displayed on the display 27, for example, processing for notifying the user that the disc ID is not valid. To be executed.

  If a positive result is obtained in step S102 that the disk ID 82 is valid, in step S103, it is determined whether or not network connection is possible. If a negative result is obtained that the network connection is not possible, the process proceeds to step S110 and error processing is performed. That is, as the error processing in step S110, for example, an error message such as “Please establish network” is displayed on the display 27, and processing for performing notification for prompting the user to connect to the network is executed. To be done.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step S103 that the network connection is possible, the server URI is read out in step S104. That is, the drive controller 28 is instructed to cause the media drive 29 to read the server URI 81 recorded on the optical disc D.

  In step S105, connection processing is executed. That is, the server URI 81 is supplied to the communication processing unit 31 and an instruction is given so that data communication with the server device 3 via the network interface 32 is possible.

In the subsequent step S106, necessary information such as a disk ID is transmitted. As described above, the information to be transmitted from the personal computer 2 side to the server device 3 side includes the machine ID and the local initial registration time (only at the first access) together with the disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D. . Although not shown, the personal computer 2 generates the machine unique ID and local initial registration time information by performing an operation according to the read FTP service program 80.
In step S105, a process for transmitting the disk ID 82, machine unique ID, and information on the local initial registration time as necessary to the server apparatus 3 side as the necessary information is executed. Specifically, the information of the disk ID 82, machine unique ID, and local initial registration time (only at the time of the first access) is supplied and transmitted to the server device 3 side via the network 4 by the network interface 32. An instruction is given to the communication processing unit 31.

On the server device 3 side, waiting for reception of necessary information such as the disk ID 82 from the personal computer 2 side in step S201 in the figure. If such necessary information is received, first, in step S202, authentication processing for the disk ID 82 is performed.
In this case, the authentication process for the disk ID 82 is performed by checking the data configuration as described above. That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the received disk ID 82 has a predetermined data structure, thereby performing authentication processing to determine whether or not the disk ID 82 is legitimate. Is done.

In a succeeding step S203, a determination process is performed as to whether authentication is OK or not. If a negative result is obtained because the disk ID 82 does not have the predetermined data structure (that is, it is not a regular disk ID), the process proceeds to step S209 as shown in the figure to execute error processing. .
As error processing in step S209, error notification to the personal computer 2 is performed. Although illustration is omitted, on the personal computer 2 side, processing for notifying the user that the service cannot be used, such as displaying a predetermined error message, is executed in response to the error communication.

If a positive result is obtained in step S203 that the disk ID 82 has the predetermined data configuration (that is, the regular disk ID), it is determined in step S204 whether or not it is a new disk ID. Perform discrimination processing.
In step S204, it is determined whether or not the same disk ID as the disk ID 82 received from the personal computer 2 side is already stored in the user management information 48a.
If the same disk ID is already stored and a negative result is obtained that the received disk ID 82 is not a new disk ID, the process proceeds to step S206.

On the other hand, if there is no same disk ID and a positive result is obtained that the received disk ID 82 is a new disk ID, the process proceeds to step S206 after performing registration processing in the user management information in step S205. Is done.
As the registration process to the user management information in step S205, a process of controlling each piece of information as shown in FIG. 5 to be recorded in the HDD 48 as the user management information 48a in association with the disk ID 82 is executed. .
Specifically, the CPU 41 first obtains time information measured by itself at the timing of performing the registration process to the user management information as information on the server initial registration time. As for the information on the valid days and the maximum registered capacity, the valid days and the maximum corresponding to the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2 side based on the correspondence information between the preset disk ID and the valid days / maximum registered capacity. Acquire registered capacity information. In addition, “0 (MB)” is acquired for the information of the currently used capacity.
Then, for the disk ID 82 transmitted from the personal computer 2, the same machine unique ID and local initial registration time information transmitted as well as the server initial registration time, the effective number of days, the maximum registration capacity acquired by itself as described above, The HDD 48 is controlled so as to be recorded as the user management information 48a in association with the information on the currently used capacity.

In step S206, it is determined whether or not it is within the valid period.
In this step S206, it is determined whether or not the value of the information on the effective days associated with the disk ID 82 received from the personal computer 2 side is “0” in the user management information 48a.

If the value of the effective number of days is “0” and the effective period is not set, the process proceeds to the next step S301 shown in FIG.
In step S301 in FIG. 12, the service period end notification is sent to the personal computer 2. That is, the communication processing unit 49 is controlled so that a notification that the expiration date has expired is transmitted to the personal computer 2 side via the network 4 by the network interface 50.

In the personal computer 2 that has received this service period end notification, an error screen display showing a message indicating that the service period has been exceeded is displayed on the display 27 as the error message display process in step S401 in the figure. An instruction is given to the display processing unit 26.
As described above, a URI for linking to the contract renewal page is displayed on this error screen so that the user can perform the contract renewal procedure by clicking this URI. You can also.

  On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step S206 shown in FIG. 11 that the value of the effective number of days is not “0” but within the effective period, status information generation processing is performed in step S207. That is, information on the effective days, maximum registered capacity, and current usage capacity associated with the disk ID 82 received from the personal computer 2 side in the user management information 48a is obtained, and status information is generated from these information. Is done.

  In step S208, status information transmission processing is executed. That is, the communication processing unit 49 is controlled so that information on the valid days, the maximum registered capacity, and the currently used capacity as status information is transmitted to the personal computer 2 side via the network 4 by the network interface 50.

On the personal computer 2 side, it waits in step S107 for the status information transmitted from the server device 3 to be received. When the status information is received, in step S108, processing for displaying the menu screen is executed based on the status information.
That is, the display processing unit 26 is controlled so that the menu screen described with reference to FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 27. At this time, the CPU 21 uses the current usage capacity information A1 and the maximum capacity / effective day information A2 on the menu screen as information on the effective days, the maximum registered capacity, and the current usage capacity in the status information received from the server device 3 side. The screen data as the menu screen is generated (updated) so that the information content is based on.
If the file has already been uploaded in the past, the screen data at the time of the previous upload has been saved (particularly the file storage location, link, display of the delete button DB, etc.), and the screen data The current usage capacity information A1 and the maximum capacity / effective days information A2 are updated based on the received status information.

  When the display process of the menu screen in step S108 is executed, the process proceeds to step S501 shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 mainly shows processing operations to be performed in response to receiving various button operations displayed on the menu screen. For confirmation, the CPU 21 executes the processing operation shown in FIG. 13 based on the FTP service program 80 as well.
In FIG. 13, a loop for waiting for any one of a reference button operation, a delete button operation, a period extension operation, and an end operation is formed by steps S501, S502, S503, and S504.

  In step S501, when a determination operation (for example, a mouse click operation) is performed with the reference button SB selected by the cursor CR as a reference button operation, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. Is done.

  In step S502, when the determination operation is performed with the delete button DB selected by the cursor CR as the delete button operation, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

In step S503, when the determination operation is performed with the extension application button B1 selected by the cursor CR as the period extension operation, the process proceeds to step S507 as shown, and the FTP service page is accessed. To be executed.
As described above, the extension application button B1 is associated with link information (URI) to the WEB page for performing the period extension procedure as the FTP service page. In response to the selection / determination of the extension application button B1, processing for accessing the WEB page based on the link information is performed.

In step S504, when the determination operation is performed in a state where the end button SHB is selected by the cursor CR as the end operation, the process proceeds to step S505, and a process for closing the menu screen is executed.
In the subsequent step S506, a process for ending the application by the FTP service program 80 is executed as the ending process. In this end process, the contents (screen data) of the menu screen displayed on the display 27 are saved. That is, for example, screen data is recorded in a non-volatile memory such as the HDD 30.

FIG. 14 shows the processing operation to be executed in the FTP system 1 in response to the file upload.
14, first, on the personal computer 2 side, in response to the positive result obtained in step S501 in FIG. 13, the file selection process is executed in step S601 in the figure.
In this file selection process, a screen for listing data files stored as various files 30b in the HDD 30 for each directory is displayed on the display 27 as the file selection screen described above. By displaying a list of data files stored under the directory selected / designated on this file selection screen, the user can select / designate a desired file from the list of files. . When the required file is selected / designated, the storage location information of the file is displayed in the storage location display box AF of the file associated with the operated reference button SB on the menu screen. To control.

In a succeeding step S602, it is determined whether or not an upload operation has been performed. That is, as an upload operation, a determination process is performed as to whether or not a determination operation has been performed in a state where the upload button APB associated with the operated reference button SB is selected by the cursor CR.
If a negative result is obtained that the upload operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S601 to continue the file selection process. This allows the user to respecify the file to be uploaded.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step S602 that an upload operation has been performed, the size check process for the selected file is performed in step S603. That is, the capacity check described with reference to FIG. 8 is performed.
As the process in step S603, a comparison process is performed between the total capacity of the currently used capacity and the data capacity of the file selected / designated to be uploaded in step S601 and the maximum registered capacity.

  In a succeeding step S604, it is determined whether or not the file size is OK. That is, as a result of the comparison process in step S603, a determination process is performed as to whether or not the total capacity is within the maximum registered capacity. If a negative result is obtained that the total capacity is not within the maximum registered capacity, the process proceeds to step S611 as shown and error processing is executed. That is, for example, a process for notifying the user that the file selected / designated due to the capacity over cannot be uploaded is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that the total capacity is within the maximum registered capacity, file name information is first generated in step S605.
As described above, in the case of the embodiment, the file name information includes a predetermined extension (for example, “.fdp”) for the original file name of the selected / designated file. To be generated.

In subsequent step S606, a file path (link) is generated using the disk ID as a key.
In this case, as described above, the hash value (encrypted value) of the disk ID 82 is generated as described above, and “. (Dot)” is added to the hash value, and the generated file name information is also generated. Will be generated.
For confirmation, the file path information plus information for identifying the server device 3 (server URI 81) is the link information required when downloading the upload file. Become. In step S606, up to this link information is generated.

  Further, in the next step S607, the file designated with the disk ID as a key is encrypted. In other words, the data file selected / designated to be uploaded is subjected to an encryption process using the disk ID 82 read from the optical disk D as an encryption key.

  In step S608, a process for transmitting the encrypted file, file path, and file name to the server apparatus is executed. In other words, the communication processing unit 31 is controlled so that the encrypted file, file path, and file name information is transmitted to the server apparatus 3 side via the network 4 by the network interface 32.

On the server device 3 side, the encrypted file, file path, and file name information transmitted from the personal computer 2 side is received in step S701 in the figure.
For confirmation, the processing operation on the server device 3 side shown in this figure is performed after the process of step S208 in FIG. 11 is executed, as can be seen with reference to FIG. It becomes processing operation which should be done.

When these pieces of information are received, a file recording process is first performed in the next step S702. That is, control is performed so that the received encrypted file is recorded on the HDD 48.
In addition, by performing such recording processing on the HDD 48, in the subsequent step S703, a file ID for uniquely identifying the recorded file is generated as processing by the file system.

Then, in the subsequent step S704, a registration process for file management information is executed. As the registration process to the file management information in step S704, a process is executed to control each piece of information as shown in FIG. To do.
Specifically, the CPU 41 first obtains time information measured by itself at the timing of performing the registration process to the file management information as file registration time information. Further, file size information of the file received from the personal computer 2 is acquired. Then, for the file ID generated in step S703, the file registration time, file size, file path and file name information received from the personal computer 2, and further received in step S201 of FIG. Control is performed so that the recorded disk ID 82 is associated and recorded in the HDD 48 as file management information 48c.

  In step S705, the current usage capacity is calculated. That is, in the file management information 48c, the file size information associated with the disk ID 82 received from the personal computer 2 is acquired, and the total of these is calculated as the current usage capacity.

  In subsequent step S706, update processing of user management information is performed. That is, in the user management information 48a, the information on the currently used capacity that is associated with the disk ID 82 received from the personal computer 2 is updated based on the information on the currently used capacity calculated in step S705.

In subsequent step S707, status information is generated. In other words, in the user management information 48a, at least information on the currently used capacity associated with the disk ID 82 transmitted by the personal computer 2 is acquired (generated) as status information in this case.
In step S708, status information transmission processing is executed. In other words, the communication processing unit 49 is controlled so that information on the currently used capacity as status information in this case is transmitted to the personal computer 2 via the network 4 by the network interface 50.

In the personal computer 2 side, the status information transmitted from the server device 3 side in this way is received in step S609 in the figure.
When the status information is received, in step S610, processing for updating the menu screen based on the status information and the generated file path (link) information is performed.
That is, as the update processing of the menu screen, the current data information status to be displayed as the current usage capacity information A1 as the status information transmitted from the server device 3 side for the screen data to be displayed as the menu screen. The update is performed based on the information on the used capacity, and the reference button SB selected / decided when the upload file is specified is inactive, and the delete button DB is selected for the upload button APB selected / decided when the file is uploaded The contents of the screen data are updated so as to be changed.
In addition, the screen data is updated so that the link information generated in the previous step S606 is displayed in the download link display box AL associated with the upload button APB selected and determined at the time of upload.
Then, the display processing unit 26 is controlled so that the screen data updated in this way is displayed on the display 27.

  When the menu screen update process in step S610 is executed, the process returns to step S501 shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 15 illustrates processing operations that should be performed in the FTP system 1 in response to a delete button operation being performed.
For confirmation, as shown in FIG. 15, the processing in step S <b> 208 in FIG. 11 has been executed as can be seen with reference to FIG. 11. This is a processing operation to be performed later.

First, on the personal computer 2 side, in step S801 in the figure, the corresponding file path is designated in response to a positive result that the delete button operation has been performed in step S502 of FIG. Request to delete a file.
As processing of this step S801, first, information on the file path included in the link information displayed in the download link display box AL associated with the delete button DB on which the determination operation has been performed is obtained, and this file The communication processing unit 31 is controlled so that a file deletion request specifying a path is made to the server device 3.

On the server device 3 side, in response to such a deletion request from the personal computer 2 side, in step S901 in the figure, the deletion process of the file specified by the designated file path is executed.
That is, based on the file management information 48c, a file ID specified by the file path specified by the deletion request is acquired, and a process for deleting the file specified by the file ID from the HDD 48 is performed.
As described above, as the deletion process, the data file itself can be deleted from the HDD 48, or only the file management information update process described below can be performed.

  In step S902, the file management information is updated. That is, the file management information 48c is updated so that the file path specified by the deletion request and each piece of information associated therewith are deleted from the file management information 48c.

  In subsequent steps S903 to S906, the same processing operations as those in steps S705 to S708 of FIG. 14 are executed in response to such a file deletion process being performed and the current usage capacity being changed. Thus, a process of transmitting status information indicating the currently used capacity to the personal computer 2 side is executed. Specifically, the current used capacity calculation process (S903), the user management information update process (S904), the status information generation process (S905), and the status information transmission process (S906) are executed.

On the personal computer 2 side, reception of status information (currently used capacity information) from the server device 3 side is waited in step S802. If the status information is received, a process for updating the menu screen based on the status information is executed in step S803.
In other words, the menu screen update process in this case includes screen data to be displayed as a menu screen so that the display content of the current usage capacity information A1 is updated based on the current usage capacity information as the received status information. Update.
At this time, the link information displayed in the download link display box AL associated with the delete button DB operated in step S502 of FIG. 13 is erased. The upload button APB is displayed instead of the delete button DB, and the screen data is updated so that the inactive reference button SB associated with the delete button DB is actively displayed. .
Then, the display processor 26 is controlled so that the screen data updated in this way is displayed on the display 27.
When the update process in step S803 is executed, the process returns to step S501 shown in FIG.

-Modification-

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described so far.
For example, in the embodiment, the link information (file path) for downloading the upload file is generated on the personal computer 2 side. It may be generated. In that case, the processing burden on the personal computer 2 side can be reduced.

  In the embodiment, when downloading an uploaded file, the link information generated corresponding to the uploaded file is clicked. In addition, for example, the server device 3 loads the optical disc D. Then, the upload file list information is transmitted as status information to the personal computer (2 or 5) that has transmitted the disk ID, and the personal computer side displays the list information and downloads the file to the user. It can also be configured to specify. In this case, the file name information displayed in a list is associated with the file path information, and the personal computer designates the file path associated with the designated file name on the server device 3 side. Make a file download request. As a result, the server device 3 can transfer the corresponding file to the personal computer that made the download request based on the designated file path.

  Further, in the embodiment, the case where the information processing apparatus of the present invention is the personal computer 2 is exemplified, but as the information processing apparatus of the present invention, for example, other computer equipment such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), Other information processing apparatuses such as home game machines and information home appliances may be used.

  In the embodiment, the server-side recording medium in which the upload file from the personal computer 2 is to be stored is the HDD 48 provided in the server device 3, but the server-side recording medium is a server device. 3 and a recording medium in an external server device capable of data communication via the network 4.

  In the embodiment, the information processing apparatus side recording medium in which the file to be uploaded on the server apparatus 3 side is stored is the HDD 30 included in the personal computer 2. For example, a recording medium external to the personal computer 2 such as a removable medium or an external HDD loaded in the personal computer 2 can be used.

  In the embodiments, the case where the recording medium of the present invention is a CD-ROM has been illustrated, but other recording media may be used.

  Further, although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, the server apparatus 3 automatically selects a file associated with a disk ID that has expired based on the information on the effective days stored in the user management information 48a. It can also be configured to be deleted. Thereby, the limited server storage capacity can be used effectively.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the upload / download system of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the information processing apparatus of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the server apparatus of embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the operation | movement which should be performed as the operation | movement of the upload / download system of embodiment, in order to make a data file uploadable state in the server apparatus side in the information processing apparatus side. It is the figure which showed notionally the data structure of the user management information stored in the server apparatus of embodiment. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the menu screen. It is the figure which showed the example of the menu screen displayed after the upload of a file. It is the figure which showed typically the upload operation of the file performed according to operation on a menu screen, and the operation which should be performed according to it as operation | movement of the upload / download system of embodiment. It is the figure which showed notionally the data structure of the file management information stored in the server apparatus of embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the operation | movement performed corresponding to the case where an upload file is downloaded based on link information. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations to be executed from loading of a recording medium until a menu screen is displayed as processing operations to be performed in the upload / download system of the embodiment. It is the flowchart shown about the processing operation which should be performed as the processing operation which should be performed in the upload / download system of embodiment, when it is outside a valid service period. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations to be performed in response to accepting various button operations mainly displayed on a menu screen as processing operations to be performed in the upload / download system of the embodiment. It is the flowchart shown about the processing operation which should be performed corresponding to the time of the upload of a file as a processing operation which should be performed in the upload / download system of embodiment. It is the flowchart shown about the processing operation which should be performed corresponding to the case where deletion button operation is performed as a processing operation which should be performed in the upload / download system of embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1 FTP system, 2, 5 personal computer, 3 server device, 4 network, 21, 41 CPU, 22, 43 memory unit, 23, 42 bus, 24, 44 input processing unit, 25, 45 input unit, 26, 46 display Processing unit, 27, 47 Display, 28 Drive control unit, 29 Media drive, 30, 48 HDD, 30a Operation system, 30b Various files, 30c E-mail program, 31, 49 Communication processing unit, 32, 50 Network interface, 48a User Management information, 48b upload file group, 48c file management information, D optical disk, 80 FTP service program, 81 server URI, 82 disk ID

Claims (10)

A configuration including a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program are recorded, and an information processing apparatus and a server apparatus each configured to be capable of data communication via a network Upload / download system,
Read means provided in the information processing apparatus and for reading the identification information based on the program recorded on the recording medium;
Identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information read by the reading means to the server device via the network based on the program that is also provided in the information processing apparatus and recorded on the recording medium;
An authentication unit provided in the server device for performing an authentication process on the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmission unit;
Based on the program recorded in the recording medium and provided in the information processing apparatus, a data file designated from the data files recorded in the information processing apparatus-side recording medium is transferred to the server apparatus via the network. Upload means to upload to,
Path generation means for generating unique file path information for specifying the data file uploaded by the upload means;
A recording unit provided in the server device, which records the data file uploaded by the upload unit in association with the file path information generated by the path generation unit on a server-side recording medium;
Similarly, when a download request specifying the file path information is made for a data file recorded in the server-side recording medium, the data file specified by the file path information is stored in the server device. Transfer means for transferring the request to the requester who has made the download request via the network ;
Rua upload / download system with a. The path generation means is provided on the information processing apparatus side,
Based on the above program recorded on the recording medium, that generates a file path information that is specific to the data file that is the upload based on the identification information recorded on said recording medium
Upload / download system according to 請 Motomeko 1. It said path generating means, that generates the file path information based on a result obtained by encrypting the identification information
Upload / download system according to 請 Motomeko 2. The server device is
As a result of authentication processing by the authentication means, when the identification information is authenticated as regular identification information, the information processing apparatus further includes predetermined information transmission means for transmitting predetermined information to the information processing apparatus,
The above upload means
If the predetermined information is received, uploaded to the server apparatus the specified data file via the network over the workpiece
Upload / download system according to 請 Motomeko 1. The above upload means
It uploaded to the server device by encrypting the specified data file on the basis of the identification information
Upload / download system according to 請 Motomeko 1. A communication means for performing data communication with an external device via a network;
Reading means for reading information recorded on the recording medium;
And a computing means,
The calculation means is a process based on the program recorded in a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program are recorded.
A reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from the recording medium;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
To run the data file specified as the upload target, and the upload control process for controlling so as to be transmitted to the server apparatus by the file path information and the above communication means generated by the path generating process, the
Information processing apparatus. In the above upload control process,
When the predetermined information transmitted when the identification information is legitimate identification information as a result of performing authentication processing on the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmission control processing by the server device is received, that controls so specified data file is uploaded to the server device
The information processing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 6. In the above upload control process,
Said specified data file on encrypted on the basis of the identification information, that controls so be uploaded to the server device
The information processing apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 6. Communication means for performing data communication with an external device via a network, a reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium, a program to be executed by the information processing apparatus and an arithmetic means There,
A reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from a recording medium in which identification information for uniquely identifying each recording medium and a predetermined program is recorded;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
Causing the computing means to execute an upload control process for controlling the data file designated as the upload target and the file path information generated by the path generating process to be transmitted to the server device by the communication means. Ru
Program. Each recording medium be identification information and recording medium and program recorded thereon for uniquely identifying,
Communication means for performing data communication with an external device via a network, a reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium, to be executed in the information processing apparatus and an arithmetic means described above As a program,
A reading control process for causing the reading means to read the identification information from the recording medium;
An identification information transmission control process for controlling the identification information read by the reading control process to be transmitted to a predetermined server device by the communication means;
Specific file path information for specifying a data file that is designated as an upload target from among the data files recorded on the information processing apparatus-side recording medium and is uploaded to the server apparatus is read by the read control process. A path generation process for generating the identification information based on the encrypted result;
Causing the computing means to execute an upload control process for controlling the data file designated as the upload target and the file path information generated by the path generating process to be transmitted to the server device by the communication means. a program is recorded
Record media.

Images