JP5540951B2 - Apparatus, system, method, and program for collecting information - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information collecting apparatus for collecting information.

  There are various methods for installing updated software (for example, a device driver) on a computer. For example, a method of installing software from a recording medium by connecting a recording medium reading device such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (for example, a CD drive or a DVD drive) to a computer (hereinafter referred to as the first method). Also known as). Alternatively, a method of installing software via a network from a server (hereinafter also referred to as a software providing server) that provides software by connecting a computer to a network is known (hereinafter also referred to as a second method). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-193237 A

  However, in the first method, for example, every time software is updated, it is necessary to procure a new recording medium, insert it into the reading device, and read work, which makes the software update work complicated. There was a possibility. In the second method, for example, the computer may not be able to connect to the software providing server due to various circumstances such as maintenance of the software providing server. As a result, even if the user desires, the software cannot be installed, and there is a possibility that the software cannot be updated at a timing desired by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for facilitating software update work in a computer and enabling software update at a timing desired by a user.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.
[Form]
An information collecting device connectable with a computer and an information providing device,
A storage device for storing computer software;
An updated computer software that is an updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device is obtained from the information providing device connected to the information collecting device, and the obtained updated computer software is An acquisition unit for storing in the storage device;
A supply unit configured to supply the updated computer software stored in the storage device by the acquisition unit to the computer connected to the information collection device;
With
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, the acquisition unit is software different from the updated computer software, and cooperates with the function of the updated computer software. Obtaining and storing the obtained collaborative software in the storage device;
The information collection device includes an application unit that applies the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer. ,
Information collection device.

[Application Example 1]
An information collecting device connectable with a computer and an information providing device,
A storage device for storing computer software;
An updated computer software that is an updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device is obtained from the information providing device connected to the information collecting device, and the obtained updated computer software is An acquisition unit for storing in the storage device;
A supply unit configured to supply the updated computer software stored in the storage device by the acquisition unit to the computer connected to the information collection device;
An information collecting apparatus comprising:

  According to the information collecting apparatus having the above configuration, the information collecting apparatus acquires updated computer software, which is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, from the information providing apparatus, and for the updated computer Supply software to the computer. As a result, the user can install the updated computer software on the computer without using a recording medium reading device, so that the computer software can be easily updated. Further, according to the information collecting apparatus configured as described above, the updated computer software acquired from the information providing apparatus is stored in the storage device, and the updated computer software stored in the storage device is supplied to the computer. As a result, even when the computer cannot communicate with the information providing apparatus, the computer can update the software for the computer at a timing desired by the user.

[Application Example 2]
An information collection device described in Application Example 1,
The acquisition unit
Determining whether the computer software provided by the information providing device is the updated computer software;
When it is determined that the computer software is the updated computer software, the updated computer software is obtained from the information providing device,
If the computer software is determined not to be the updated computer software, the computer software is not acquired from the information providing device.
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, when the acquisition unit determines that the computer software is not the updated computer software, the acquisition unit does not acquire the computer software from the information collection device. As a result, since the acquisition unit does not acquire computer software unnecessarily, network traffic can be suppressed.

Note that the information collection device described in Application Example 2 can be realized as the following modes.
An information collection device described in Application Example 2,
The computer software includes update information indicating an update state of the computer software,
The acquisition unit determines whether the computer software is the updated computer software using the update information.
Information collection device.
In this case, the update information included in the computer software may be, for example, date / time information indicating the date / time when the computer software was created, and version information indicating progress of revision of the computer software It may be.

[Application Example 3]
An information collection device according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2,
The information collection device is a relay device that relays communication between a plurality of networks,
The supply unit
Supplying the updated computer software to the computer via a network;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, the supply unit can easily supply the updated computer software to the computer.

[Application Example 4]
An information collection device described in Application Example 3,
Can be set to the default gateway of the computer;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, the computer can easily communicate with the information collection device by accessing the default gateway without requiring the user to perform complicated settings for network communication.

[Application Example 5]
The information collection device according to Application Example 4, further comprising:
A DHCP processing unit for providing setting information indicating that a default gateway is the information collection device to the computer based on a dynamic host configuration protocol;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, since the computer can automatically set the information collection device as the default gateway, the computer can easily operate as the information collection device without requiring complicated settings for network communication from the user. It is possible to communicate with.

[Application Example 6]
The information collection device according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 5,
The information collecting device includes:
Connected to the information providing apparatus via a network;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, the acquisition unit of the information providing apparatus can acquire computer software via the network. Therefore, for example, even when the information providing apparatus is located far away, the acquisition unit can easily acquire updated computer software.

[Application Example 7]
The information collection device according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 6,
The acquisition unit
When acquiring the updated computer software, the acquired software is different from the updated computer software and functions in cooperation with the function of the updated computer software. Storing the collaborative software in the storage device;
The information collecting device includes:
An application unit that applies the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, according to the installation of the updated computer software in the computer, the information collection device can apply the collaborative software that functions in cooperation with the computer software to the information collection device. Therefore, when the computer performs specific processing in cooperation with the information collection device using the updated computer software, the computer and the information collection device can smoothly execute the specific processing.

[Application Example 8]
The information collection device according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 7,
The acquisition unit
When acquiring the updated computer software, the related computer software acquires data related to the updated computer software that is different from the updated computer software, and stores the acquired related data in the storage device. Stored in
The supply unit
Supplying the updated computer software stored in the storage device and the related data to the computer;
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, when the computer performs specific processing using the updated computer software, the computer can use related data related to the updated computer software.

[Application Example 9]
The information collection device according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 8,
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, the computer includes a notification unit that notifies the computer that the updated computer software has been acquired.
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, the computer can recognize that the computer software has been updated, and can easily implement the update of the computer software.

[Application Example 10]
The information collection device according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 9,
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, a notification unit that notifies the user that the updated computer software has been acquired is provided.
Information collection device.

  According to this configuration, since the user can easily recognize that the computer software has been updated, the computer software update in the computer can be realized at an early stage.

[Application Example 11]
A system that handles information,
A computer,
An information collecting device connected to the computer;
An information providing device connected to the information collecting device;
With
The information collecting device includes:
A storage device for storing computer software;
An acquisition unit that acquires updated computer software that is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device from the information providing device, and stores the acquired updated computer software in the storage device When,
A supply unit that supplies the updated computer software stored in the storage device by the acquisition unit to the computer;
Comprising
system.

  According to the system configured as described above, the information collection device acquires updated computer software, which is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, from the information providing device, and the updated computer software is acquired. Supply to computer. As a result, the user can install the updated computer software on the computer without using a recording medium reading device, so that the computer software can be easily updated. Further, according to the system configured as described above, the information collection device stores the computer software acquired from the information providing device in the storage device, and supplies the updated computer software stored in the storage device to the computer. As a result, even when the computer cannot communicate with the information providing apparatus, the computer can update the software for the computer at a timing desired by the user.

[Application Example 12]
An information collecting method for collecting information from an information providing device,
Store computer software in a storage device,
Obtaining updated computer software, which is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, from the information providing device;
Storing the acquired updated computer software in the storage device;
Providing the stored updated computer software to the computer;
Information collection method.

  According to the information collection method, updated computer software, which is updated software for computer software stored in the storage device, is acquired from the information providing device, and the acquired updated computer software is stored in the storage device. The updated computer software stored in the storage is supplied to the computer. As a result, the user can install the updated computer software on the computer without using a recording medium reading device, so that the computer software can be easily updated. According to the information collecting method, the updated computer software acquired from the information providing device is stored in the storage device, and the updated computer software stored in the storage device is supplied to the computer. As a result, even when the computer cannot communicate with the information providing apparatus, the computer can update the software for the computer at a timing desired by the user.

[Application Example 13]
A computer program used in an information collecting device connectable with a computer and an information providing device,
A function of storing computer software in a storage device of the information collecting device;
A function of acquiring updated computer software, which is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, from the information providing device connected to the information collecting device;
A function of storing the acquired updated computer software in a storage device of the information collection device;
A function of supplying the stored updated computer software to the computer;
A computer program for causing the information collecting apparatus to realize the above.

  According to the computer program, an updated computer software, which is an updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, is obtained from the information providing device, stored in the storage device, and the updated computer software is stored in the storage device. It has a function to supply to a computer. As a result, the user can install the computer software on the computer without using a recording medium reading device, and therefore the computer software can be easily updated. Further, the computer program has a function of storing the updated computer software acquired from the information providing device in the storage device and supplying the stored updated computer software to the computer. As a result, even when the computer cannot communicate with the information providing apparatus, the computer can update the software for the computer at a timing desired by the user.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a recording medium on which a computer program for realizing the function of an apparatus for collecting information is recorded. It is. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a relay device that relays communication, a network system including the relay device, a computer program for realizing the functions of those methods or devices, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the network system 1000 as one Example of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a relay device 100. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process in the network system 1000. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a registration screen in the client device 710. It is a figure which shows the example of the HTML file by the information provision server 810, and the example of a website screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of data collection setting information. It is a figure for demonstrating the guidance example that there exists new object data in the display screen 710a of a client apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating data collection processing performed by the relay device 100. 10 is a flowchart showing collaborative software update processing performed by the relay device 100. It is a figure which shows the modification of a data collection setting information file.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on examples and modifications.

A. Example:
A1. System configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network system 1000 as an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 1000 includes a relay device 100, a network 800, an information providing server 810 connected to the network 800, and client devices 710 and 720 connected to the relay device 100 through wireless communication. Each of the relay device 100 and the client devices 710 and 720 is a wireless local area network (LAN) communication device that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

  The client devices 710 and 720 of the present embodiment are personal computers. The client devices 710 and 720 are not limited to personal computers, and any communication device capable of wireless communication can be adopted. For example, home appliances (television, video camera, video recorder, etc.) having a wireless communication function. In addition, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like can be used.

  The information providing server 810 is a server for providing data including at least software used in the client device. Hereinafter, software used in the client device is also referred to as client software. In addition, since the data provided by the information providing server 810 and including the client software is data to be acquired (target) for the user (client device), hereinafter, it is also referred to as target data. .

  The client software is software that can be updated, and includes, for example, device drivers, application tools, or software corresponding to a new OS. The target data includes, in addition to client software, software that functions in cooperation with the client software in the relay apparatus 100 (hereinafter also referred to as collaborative software) and data related to the client software (hereinafter referred to as related software). Data)). The configuration of the target data includes, for example, a configuration including only client software (also referred to as pattern 1), a configuration including client software and cooperative software (also referred to as pattern 2), and client software and related data. There is a configuration (also referred to as pattern 3), or a configuration (also referred to as pattern 4) composed of client software, collaborative software, and related data.

  Here, an example in which the configuration of the target data is the pattern 2 will be described. When encryption is performed by communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication interface driver of each communication device may use the same encryption method. In this case, if the communication interface driver of one communication device is updated to a different encryption method driver, the communication interface driver of the other communication device needs to be changed to a corresponding encryption method driver. Therefore, as the case where the configuration of the target data is the pattern 2, for example, there are the following cases. The updated client software is a communication interface driver in which the encryption method is changed to a different method. Further, the collaborative software is firmware used in the relay device 100. The firmware incorporates a communication interface driver for using an encryption method in accordance with the change of the communication interface driver of the client device 710. Note that, as an example of updating the encryption method between communication devices, a case of changing from TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) can be considered.

  In addition, as an example in which the configuration of the target data is the pattern 3, the client software is updated software and the related data is the electronic manual, or the client software is software compatible with a new OS. The related data may be software corresponding to a new OS as well.

  In the following, among the target data, the client software is also referred to as main target data, and the collaborative software or related data is also referred to as sub target data.

  The information providing server 810 includes a data storage unit 810a, a data updating unit 810b, and a data providing unit 810c.

  The data storage unit 810a stores an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file that forms a website screen on a computer such as a client device and target data (client software). In the HTML file, various information on the target data, a hyperlink to the target data, and the like are described. Therefore, when the user takes the HTML file into the client device and displays it on the display screen 710a, a specific website screen is displayed and a link to the target data is also displayed. In this case, when the target data includes a plurality of elements, links to these elements are displayed in parallel on the website screen as data to be acquired simultaneously. An example of this website screen will be described later. The various pieces of information on the target data include, for example, client software version information, content information representing the content of the target data, and the like. The version information represents the progress of the revision or improvement of the client software.

  When a new version of the client software is input by the administrator who manages the information providing server 810, the data update unit 810b updates the main target data (client software) stored in the data storage unit 810a to the new version. Yes (version upgrade). Therefore, the data storage unit 810a of the information providing server 810 always stores the latest version of main target data. Further, when updating the target data to a new version, the data update unit 810b also updates version information of an HTML file in which a link to the target data is described. Further, if there is sub target data (cooperative software or related data) associated with the updated main target data, the data update unit 810b may update it at the same time. Furthermore, when the main target data is updated to a new version, the data update unit 810b may add new sub target data accordingly.

  When there is a request from an external device via the network 800, the data providing unit 810c provides an HTML file and main target data (client software) according to the request.

  The relay device 100 is a so-called wireless LAN router. The relay device 100 performs wireless communication with the client devices 710 and 720 using a wireless network 700 that conforms to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

  The relay device 100 connects a communication device (for example, the client device 710) to the network 800. As a result, the client device 710 can communicate with various communication devices (for example, the information providing server 810, a Web server (not shown), a mail server, or a personal computer) via the network 800.

  Normally, when the client device acquires target data from the information providing server 810, it is common for the client device to connect to the information providing server 810 and acquire (download) the target data directly from the information providing server 810. It is. However, in this embodiment, the relay device 100 acquires the above-described target data from the information providing server 810, and then executes data collection processing to be supplied to the client device when the specific condition is satisfied. That is, the relay device 100 according to the present embodiment has a function of holding the target data instead of the information providing server 810 and supplying the target data according to the convenience of the client device. Details of the data collection process will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the relay apparatus 100. The relay device 100 includes a wireless interface 500 for performing wireless communication, a communication interface 510 for performing wired communication, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 400, a control unit 200 that controls the relay device 100, and various types of information. And a non-volatile memory 300 for storing.

  The LED 400 notifies the user when the relay device 100 acquires the target data in an initial setting process described later or a data collection process described later.

  The nonvolatile memory 300 is a writable memory, and stores a data collection setting information file 310, target data 320, firmware 330, and the like. The data collection setting information file 310 is a file including data collection setting information for collecting the target data 320 from the information providing server 810 (that is, simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information, user designation information, acquisition destination information, and version information). is there. Details of these pieces of information will be described later. The firmware 330 is a basic program that controls basic control of the relay apparatus 100 and is executed by the control unit 200. As the nonvolatile memory 300, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory is employed.

  The wireless interface 500 performs communication using a wireless network 700 compliant with IEEE802.11. The standard of the wireless network 700 may be any of IEEE802.11a, b, g, and n. Further, standards other than IEEE 802.11 may be adopted.

  The communication interface 510 is an interface for connection with a communication line compliant with IEEE802.3. Further, any standard other than IEEE 802.3 may be adopted as the standard of the communication interface. For example, power line communication (PLC) may be employed. Further, an interface for performing wireless communication may be employed instead of the interface for performing wired communication.

  The control unit 200 is a computer having a CPU 202 and a memory 204 (for example, DRAM), and controls each unit of the relay device 100. The CPU 202 executes the firmware 330 stored in the non-volatile memory 300, whereby the relay execution unit 210, the wireless network control unit 220, the data acquisition unit 230, the data supply unit 240, the DHCP processing unit 250, The functions of various processing units including the application unit 260 are realized.

  The wireless network control unit 220 forms a wireless network 700 using wireless communication by controlling the wireless interface 500. For example, the wireless network control unit 220 sets a so-called SSID (Service Set Identifier), and communicates with a communication device in which the SSID is set to the same value. Here, it can be said that the wireless network 700 is identified by the SSID.

  The relay execution unit 210 relays communication between a plurality of communication devices (for example, client devices 710 and 720 and other relay devices not shown) connected to communication interfaces (the wireless interface 500 and the communication interface 510). I do. The relay execution unit 210 relays communication by realizing a so-called routing function (a function of a router or a layer 3 switch). Information necessary for the routing function (for example, route information (also called a routing table)) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 300 (not shown). Note that the relay execution unit 210 may realize another function for relaying communication (for example, a so-called bridging function (layer 2 switch function)) instead of the routing function. Further, the relay execution unit 210 may operate as a simple repeater. Layer 3 corresponds to the third layer (network layer) of the OSI reference model. The entirety of the wireless interface 500 and the communication interface 510 corresponds to a communication path interface for connection to a plurality of communication paths. For example, a communication path to the client device 710 is connected to the wireless interface 500, and a communication path to the network 800 is connected to the communication interface 510.

  The data acquisition unit 230 executes processing such as acquiring target data from the information providing server 810 based on the data collection setting information in the data collection setting information file 310 in the initial setting processing and data collection processing described later.

  The data supply unit 240 notifies the client device 710 that the target data has been acquired in initial setting processing and data collection processing described later, and supplies the target data to the client device 710 in accordance with a request from the client device 710. .

  The DHCP processing unit 250 is based on DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration protocol), and various types for connecting to a network such as an IP address of a default gateway, an IP address of a DNS (Domain Name System) server, and a subnet mask to a client device. Supply configuration information. The client device 710 automatically sets the relay device 100 as a default gateway according to the setting information.

  The application unit 260 can apply the firmware 330 to the relay device 100 (that is, the application unit 260 can update the firmware 330 of the relay device 100).

A2. Initial setting process:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process in the network system 1000. This initial setting process is a process for the relay apparatus 100 to collect data collection setting information used in a data collection process described later. Hereinafter, the initial setting process and the data collection process will be described with the client apparatus 710 among the client apparatuses as a processing target.

  In the initial setting process, first, initial setting software is activated in the client device 710 (step S10). For example, when the relay device 100 is purchased, the initial setting software is recorded on a bundled recording medium and is installed in the client device 710 by the user. The present embodiment is not limited to this, and the initial setting software may be installed in the client device 710 by downloading from a specific site.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a registration screen in the client device 710. When the user activates the initial setting software on the client device 710, a registration screen appears on the display screen 710a as shown in FIG. This registration screen is a display for registering (specifying) the acquisition destination (acquisition location) of the main target data (client software) that the user desires. In the example of FIG. 4, the user can select a case where the acquisition target of the main target data is set to another personal computer on the LAN and a case where it is set to the download site. When the user sets the acquisition destination of the main target data to the personal computer on the LAN, the corresponding check box CB is checked, the reference tab TB1 is designated, and the folder (file) on the personal computer on the desired LAN is specified. ) Is specified. When the user sets the acquisition destination of the main target data in the download site, the corresponding check box CB is checked, and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) input area AR indicates the location of the main target data in the download site. Enter the URL.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an HTML file provided by the information providing server 810 and an example of a website screen. FIG. 5A shows an example of an HTML file provided by the information providing server 810. Specifically, the HTML file shown in FIG. 5A includes link information (URL) RKK1 to main target data and link information (URL) RKK2 to sub target data. FIG. 5B shows an example of a wave site screen of an HTML file provided by the information providing server 810. For example, the user recognizes the acquisition source of the main target data (client software) as follows. That is, the user searches the website with the main target data desired by using a specific search engine or the like using the client device 710, and acquires the HTML file as shown in FIG. 5A from the information providing server 810. To do. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user displays a website screen linked to the main target data provided by the information providing server 810 on the display screen 710a. This website screen is displayed based on the HTML file provided from the information providing server 810. As shown in FIG. 5B, the user displays the URL of the website screen from the URL display area BR (that is, the HTML file forming the website screen in the information providing server 810) on the displayed website screen. Information indicating the storage destination of the data) is acquired as the acquisition destination of the main target data. In the example of the website screen shown in FIG. 5B, in addition to the link RK1 for guiding to the main target data, there is a link RK2 to the collaborative software (sub target data) that functions in cooperation with the main target data. Indicated. The link RK1 in FIG. 5B corresponds to the link information RKK1 in FIG. 5A, and the link RK2 in FIG. 5B corresponds to the link information RKK2 in FIG. 5A. In this example of the website screen, when the user clicks on the link RK1 or the link RK2, a program for downloading software corresponding to each link is activated and can be downloaded. Note that the website screen example shown in FIG. 5B assumes the case where the target data is the pattern 2 described above.

  In the following initial setting process, it is assumed that the user has registered the URL corresponding to the information providing server 810 as the acquisition destination of the main target data (client software).

  The client device 710 acquires the acquisition destination (URL) of the main target data registered (designated) by the user as user designation information (FIG. 3: step S20).

  Next, the client device 710 transmits user designation information to the relay device 100 (step S30).

  On the other hand, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 acquires user designation information (URL) transmitted from the client device 710 (step S40).

  Next, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 requests the information providing server 810 for an HTML file corresponding to the user designation information (step S50).

  The information providing server 810 transmits the HTML file requested from the relay device 100 to the relay device 100 (step S60).

  The data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 acquires the HTML file transmitted from the information providing server 810 (step S70).

  Subsequently, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 analyzes the acquired HTML file to acquire the version information of the main target data, and the link information of the main target data is used as the true acquisition destination information of the main target data. Get as. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 230 analyzes the HTML file to determine whether there is target data other than the main target data (whether there is sub target data). The acquisition destination information (link information) is acquired (step S80). For example, the data acquisition unit 230 may employ the first link information in the HTML file as link information to the main target data. When the HTML file includes a plurality of link information, the data acquisition unit 230 may employ each of the second and subsequent link information as link information to the sub target data. Here, the data acquisition unit 230 may search for link information from the beginning to the end (also referred to as EOF (End Of File)) of the HTML file (FIG. 5A). However, the data acquisition unit 230 may specify the link information of the main target data and the sub target data according to other rules. For example, the data acquisition unit 230 may specify each link information of the main target data and the sub target data in accordance with a user instruction.

  Next, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 creates a data collection setting information file 310 by associating each acquired information and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 300 (step S90).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the data collection setting information. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 230 first turns ON the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information as shown in FIG. 6A when it is determined in step S80 that there is sub target data. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the data acquisition unit 230, for the main target data, the user designation information acquired in the process of step S40, the acquisition destination information acquired in the process of step S80, the version information, Are entered in the data collection setting information file 310 in association with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the data acquisition unit 230 enters the acquisition destination information acquired in the process of step S80 in the data collection setting information file 310 for the sub target data. The data acquisition unit 230 stores the data collection setting information file 310 in the nonvolatile memory 300. On the other hand, if the data acquisition unit 230 determines in step S80 that there is no sub target data, the data acquisition unit 230 turns OFF the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the data acquisition unit 230, for the main target data (client software), the user designation information acquired in the process of step S40 and the acquisition destination information acquired in the process of step S80. And the version information are entered in the data collection setting information file 310 in association with each other. The data acquisition unit 230 stores the data collection setting information file 310 in the nonvolatile memory 300. Note that the example in FIG. 6A shows a case where there are a plurality of sub target data to be acquired in the data collection setting information.

  Next, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 requests the target data from the information providing server 810 based on the data collection setting information entered in the data collection setting information file 310 (step S100). Specifically, when the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information in the data collection setting information is ON, the data acquisition unit 230 sends information to the information providing server 810 based on the acquisition destination information corresponding to the main target data and the sub target data. Request the target data corresponding to the acquisition destination information. When the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information in the data collection setting information is OFF, the data acquisition unit 230 requests target data from the information providing server 810 based on the acquisition destination information corresponding to the main target data.

  On the other hand, the information providing server 810 transmits the requested target data to the relay device 100 (step S110).

  The data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 acquires the target data from the information providing server 810 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 300 (step S120).

  Subsequently, the data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 notifies the client device 710 that the target data has been acquired (step S130). At this time, the data supply unit 240 blinks the LED 400 to notify the user that the target data has been acquired.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of guidance indicating that there is new target data on the display screen 710a of the client device. Upon receiving notification that the target data has been acquired from the relay device 100, the client device 710 displays a pop-up PUP on the display screen 710a as shown in FIG. 7 to indicate that there is new target data for the user. Guidance is performed (step S140). In this case, when there is a specific instruction from the user, such as when the user clicks on the pop-up PUP, the client device 710 requests the corresponding target data from the relay device 100 and acquires the target data. The client device 710 installs target data (client software) acquired in accordance with a user instruction. When the installation of the target data is completed, the client device 710 transmits an update completion notification to the relay device 100. On the other hand, the data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 supplies the target data to the client device 710 in response to the request for the target data. Further, the relay device 100 analyzes the HTML file in the process of step S80 in the initial setting process, but content information indicating the contents of the target data described in the HTML file (for example, as shown in FIG. 5). Tool information etc.) may be acquired and the acquired content information may be displayed on the pop-up PUP.

  When the notification from the relay device 100 (notification that the target data has been acquired) indicates that the target data includes sub target data in addition to the main target data, the client device 710 adds to the main target data. The sub target data is requested to the relay device 100. When the notification from the relay device 100 indicates that the target data includes a plurality of sub target data in addition to the main target data, the client device 710 adds a plurality of sub target data in addition to the main target data. Request to relay device 100. Then, the client device 710 may install the acquired target data (which may include sub target data) in the client device 710.

  In response to the notification that the target data has been acquired from the relay device 100, the client device 710 requests the target data from the relay device 100 and acquires the target data without waiting for an instruction from the user. Also good. In this case, the data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 supplies the target data to the client device 710 in response to the request for the target data. The client apparatus 710 may install the acquired target data (client software) without waiting for an instruction from the user. The above is the outline of the initial setting process.

  The processing unit that executes various processes in the client device 710 may be realized by software similar to the above-described initial setting software. Various processes include, for example, acceptance of notification from the relay device 100, notification (guidance) to the user, request for target data to the relay device 100, and installation of target data in the client device 710. .

  In this embodiment, when the user inputs user designation information from the client device 710, the network system 1000 executes an initial setting process (FIG. 3) as needed. Therefore, a plurality of data collection setting information files 310 can be created.

A3. Data collection process:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating data collection processing performed by the relay device 100. A data collection process in which the relay apparatus 100 acquires target data from the information providing server 810 and supplies the target data to the client apparatus 710 will be described with reference to FIG. This data collection process is a process executed by the relay apparatus 100 at a specific interval (for example, once a day).

  In this data collection process, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 first reads the data collection setting information file 310 (data collection setting information) (see FIG. 6) (step S300).

  Subsequently, the data acquisition unit 230 determines whether the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information in the data collection setting information is ON (step S310).

  When the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information is ON (when there is sub target data) (step S310: Yes), the data acquisition unit 230 first acquires an HTML file from the information providing server 810 based on the user designation information. (Step S320).

  Next, the data acquisition unit 230 compares the version information of the main target data described in the acquired HTML file with the version information corresponding to the main target data (client software) in the data collection setting information. If the result of the comparison does not indicate a match, the data acquisition unit 230 determines that the version of the main target data is new (the version has been updated). If the comparison results in a match, the data acquisition unit 230 determines that there is no change in the version of the main target data (step S330).

  When the data acquisition unit 230 determines that there is no change in the version of the main target data (step S330: No), the data acquisition process is terminated.

  If the data acquisition unit 230 determines that the version of the main target data has become new (step S330: Yes), first, based on the acquisition destination information in the data collection setting information, the data acquisition unit 230 receives the main target data from the information providing server 810. The sub target data is acquired and stored in the nonvolatile memory 300 (step S340). In this case, when there are a plurality of pieces of sub target data, that is, when there are a plurality of pieces of acquisition destination information in addition to the acquisition destination information corresponding to the main target data, the data acquisition unit 230 stores each acquisition destination information. Based on each, the sub target data is acquired and stored in the nonvolatile memory 300.

  Then, the data supply unit 240 notifies the client device 710 that the main target data and the sub target data have been acquired (step S350). At this time, the data supply unit 240 blinks the LED 400 to notify the user that the target data has been acquired.

  On the other hand, when the simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information is OFF (when there is no sub target data) (step S310: No), the data acquisition unit 230 first sends an HTML file from the information providing server 810 based on the user designation information. Is acquired (step S360).

  Next, the data acquisition unit 230 compares the version information of the main target data described in the acquired HTML file with the version information corresponding to the main target data in the data collection setting information. If the result of the comparison does not indicate a match, the data acquisition unit 230 determines that the version of the main target data is new (the version has been updated). If the comparison results in a match, the data acquisition unit 230 determines that there is no change in the version of the main target data (step S370).

  If the data acquisition unit 230 determines that there is no change in the version of the main target data (step S370: No), the data acquisition process ends.

  If the data acquisition unit 230 determines that the version of the main target data is new (step S370: Yes), the data acquisition unit 230 acquires the main target data from the information providing server 810 based on the acquisition destination information in the data collection setting information. And stored in the non-volatile memory 300 (step S380).

  Then, the data supply unit 240 notifies the client device 710 that the main target data has been acquired (step S390). At this time, the data supply unit 240 blinks the LED 400 to notify the user that the target data has been acquired.

  The above is the outline of the data collection process. This data collection process is performed for each data collection setting information file 310. Therefore, when there are a plurality of data collection setting information files 310, the relay apparatus 100 performs data collection processing on each data collection setting information file 310.

  The client device 710 performs the following process when the data supply unit 240 notifies that the target data has been acquired in the process of step S350 or the process of step S390. That is, the client device 710 receives a pop-up PUP (see FIG. 5) on the display screen 710a in the same manner as when the notification that the target data has been acquired from the relay device 100 in the process of step S130 (FIG. 3) of the initial setting process. 7) is displayed to guide the user that there is new target data. In this case, when the sub target data is included in the target data and the sub target data is used by the client device 710, the client device 710 also provides guidance that the sub target data exists. It may be. Then, when there is a specific instruction from the user, such as when the user clicks on the pop-up PUP, the client device 710 requests the corresponding target data from the relay device 100 and acquires the target data. The client device 710 installs target data (client software) acquired in accordance with a user instruction. When the installation of the target data (client software) is completed, the client device 710 transmits an update completion notification to the relay device 100. On the other hand, the data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 supplies the target data to the client device 710 in response to the request for the target data. In addition, the relay device 100 acquires the HTML file in the process of step S320 in the data collection process. However, content information (for example, as shown in FIG. 5) representing the content of the target data described in the HTML file. Tool information etc.) may be acquired and the acquired content information may be displayed on the pop-up PUP.

  When the notification indicating that the target data transmitted from the data supply unit 240 is acquired includes information indicating that the secondary target data has been acquired, the client device 710 includes the secondary target data together with the primary target data. Data may be requested from the relay device 100, and the sub target data may be acquired together with the main target data. Then, the client device 710 may install the acquired sub target data in the client device 710. In addition, when the notification indicating that the target data transmitted from the data supply unit 240 is acquired includes information indicating that a plurality of sub target data has been acquired, the client device 710 includes the main target data. At the same time, each sub target data may be requested to the relay apparatus 100 and each sub target data may be acquired together with the main target data. Then, the client device 710 may install the acquired plurality of sub target data in the client device 710, respectively.

  Further, the client device 710 requests the target data corresponding to the relay device 100 and acquires the target data without waiting for an instruction from the user in response to the notification from the relay device 100 that the target data has been acquired. It may be. In this case, the data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 supplies the target data to the client device 710 in response to the request for the target data. The client apparatus 710 may install the acquired target data (client software) without waiting for an instruction from the user.

  In the relay device 100, when the target data is the pattern 2 described above, the main target data is client software, and the sub target data is collaborative software (firmware or the like) used in the relay device 100. In the case of the above, after the process of step S350 in the data collection process, the following update process is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing collaborative software update processing performed by the relay apparatus 100. The data supply unit 240 of the relay device 100 supplies main target data (client software) to the client device 710 based on the request of the client device 710 after the processing of step S350 of the data collection processing (step S500).

  When the application unit 260 receives an update completion notification of the main target data (client software) from the client device 710 (step S510: Yes), the application unit 260 applies the cooperative software to the relay device 100 (step S520). In this case, the application unit 260 applies each collaborative software to the relay device 100 when a plurality of collaborative software exists. The application unit 260 waits without applying the new collaborative software until receiving an update completion notification of the main target data (client software) from the client device 710 (step S510: NO). The above is the outline of the update process.

  As described above, in the network system 1000 of the present embodiment, the relay device 100 acquires the main target data (client software) from the information providing server 810 and stores it in the nonvolatile memory 300, and the main target data is stored in the client. It supplies to the apparatus 710. Therefore, since the user can install the main target data in the client device 710 without using a reading device that can read the recording medium, the main target data can be easily updated. In addition, the relay device 100 acquires a new version of main target data from the information providing server 810 and supplies it to the client device 710. Therefore, even if the client device 710 cannot connect to the information providing server 810, the main target data can be updated as the user desires. That is, the update of the main target data can be realized at a timing desired by the user.

  In the network system 1000 of the present embodiment, the relay device 100 is a device for relaying communication between a plurality of networks, and is connected to the client device 710 via the network 700. Therefore, the client device 710 can be easily connected to the relay device 100, and the main target data (client software) can be updated at a timing desired by the user.

  In the network system 1000 of this embodiment, the relay device 100 is set as the default gateway of the client device 710. Therefore, the client device 710 can easily acquire the client software by accessing the default gateway without performing complicated settings for network communication.

  In the network system 1000 according to this embodiment, the relay device 100 includes a DHCP processing unit that provides setting information to the client device 710 based on DHCP. Therefore, since the client device 710 can automatically set the relay device 100 as a default gateway, the client device 710 can easily connect to the relay device 100 without complicated settings for network communication. It becomes possible.

  In the network system 1000 of the present embodiment, the relay device 100 is connected to the information providing server 810 via the network 800. Therefore, since the relay apparatus 100 can acquire the main target data (client software) from the information providing server 810 via the network 800, for example, even when the information providing server 810 is located far away. The data acquisition unit 230 can easily acquire a new version of main target data.

  The relay apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the following process if the configuration of the target data is a pattern including the cooperative software in addition to the client software (the above patterns 2 and 4). That is, when the relay device 100 acquires the updated client software as the main target data in the initial setting process (FIG. 3) or the data collection process (FIG. 8), the relay device 100 simultaneously uses the collaborative software as the sub target data. It is acquired and stored in the nonvolatile memory 300 (see FIG. 3: step S120, FIG. 8: step S340). Then, the relay device 100 relays the cooperative software stored in the non-volatile memory 300 in response to receiving an update completion notification of the updated client software from the client device 710 in the update process (FIG. 9). Applies to apparatus 100. Therefore, the relay device 100 can apply the collaborative software that functions in cooperation with the client software in accordance with the update of the client software in the client device 710. As a result, when the client device 710 performs specific processing (for example, encrypted communication) on the relay device 100 using the client software, the client device 710 and the relay device 100 smoothly perform the specific processing. Processing can be performed.

  The relay apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the following processing if the configuration of the target data is a pattern that includes related data in addition to the client software (the above-described patterns 3 and 4). That is, when the relay apparatus 100 acquires the client software updated as the main target data in the initial setting process (FIG. 3) or the data collection process (FIG. 8), the relay apparatus 100 uses related data (for example, client Get electronic manuals for software. Next, the relay device 100 stores the acquired related data in the nonvolatile memory 300 (see FIG. 3: Step S120, FIG. 8: Step S340). Then, the relay device 100 supplies the client software and related data stored in the nonvolatile memory 300 to the client device 710. Therefore, the client device 710 can utilize related data related to the client software when the client software is updated and specific processing is performed using the client software.

  In the network system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the relay device 100 receives the updated main target data (client software) in the initial setting process (FIG. 3) or the data collection process (FIG. 8). 710 is notified that the main target data has been acquired (FIG. 3: step S130, FIG. 8: step S350). Therefore, the client device 710 can recognize that the main target data has been updated. As a result, for example, the client device 710 can easily realize the update of the main target data such as automatically acquiring (downloading) and updating (installing) the main target data in accordance with the user's desire.

  In the network system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the relay apparatus 100 receives the main target data (client software) in the initial setting process (FIG. 3) or the data collection process (FIG. 8). The fact that the data has been acquired is notified. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the main target data has been updated, and can update the main target data in the client device 710 at an early stage.

  In the network system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the relay apparatus 100 executes the data collection process (FIG. 8) at a specific interval, that is, regardless of whether there is a request from the client apparatus 710 or not. In addition, the target data is acquired from the information providing server 810. Therefore, even when the information providing server 810 cannot connect to the network due to some trouble, the relay apparatus 100 can acquire the target data before the trouble. As a result, the user can update the main target data (client software) as desired, that is, it can be realized at a timing when the main target data is desired to be updated.

  In this embodiment, the relay device 100 corresponds to the information collection device or the relay device in the claims, the information provision server 810 corresponds to the information provision device in the claims, and the client device 710 corresponds to the claims. The nonvolatile memory 300 corresponds to the storage device in the claims, the data acquisition unit 230 corresponds to the acquisition unit in the claims, and the data supply unit 240 corresponds to the claims. The LED 400 corresponds to the notification unit in the claims.

B. Variations:
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

B1. Modification 1:
In the network system 1000 of the above embodiment, the relay device 100 may rewrite the data collection setting information file 310 by performing the processing from step S50 to step S90 in the initial setting processing at specific intervals. Therefore, when the data update unit 810b updates the client software to a new version, the relay device 100 stores the sub target data in the collection setting information file data 310 even if the sub target data is newly added accordingly. It can be reflected.

B2. Modification 2:
In the network system according to the above-described embodiment or the above-described modification, the relay apparatus 100 checks the presence / absence of sub target data based on the data collection setting information in the data collection process (FIG. 8). Is not limited to this. For example, the data acquisition unit 230 of the relay device 100 may check the presence / absence of sub target data every time the data collection process (FIG. 8) is executed. The data acquisition unit 230 may execute the process from step S50 to step S80 of the initial setting process (FIG. 3) instead of the process of step 300 of FIG. And when object data contains sub object data in addition to main object data, data acquisition part 230 may perform processing of Step S320-Step S350. When the target data does not include the sub target data, the data acquisition unit 230 may execute the processes of step S360 to step S390. For example, when the total number of link information included in the HTML file is 2 or more, the data acquisition unit 230 may determine that the target data includes sub target data in addition to the main target data. When the total number of link information is 1, the data acquisition unit 230 may determine that the target data does not include sub target data.

B3. Modification 3:
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the data collection setting information file.
In the network system according to the above-described embodiment or the above-described modification, the relay apparatus 100 performs data collection processing (FIG. 8) based on a data collection setting information file including simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information as illustrated in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the relay device 100 may acquire target data based on a data collection setting information file that does not include simultaneous acquisition presence / absence information. That is, the relay device 100 checks the data collection setting information file shown in FIG. 10 from the beginning to the end ([EOF]), and when there is acquisition target information of the sub target data in addition to the acquisition target information of the main target data. In addition, the sub target data may be acquired based on the acquisition destination information. The relay device 100 checks from the beginning to the end ([EOF]) of the data collection setting information file shown in FIG. 10, and if there is no sub target data, only the main target data is assumed as having no sub target data. Get it.

B4. Modification 4:
In the network system of the above embodiment or the above modification, the relay device 100 creates a data collection setting information file (see FIG. 6) by the initial setting process (FIG. 3), and the data collection process (FIG. 8) Although the target data is collected based on the data collection setting information file, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information providing server 810 may provide a data collection setting information file as shown in FIG. Further, the information providing server 810 may provide a data collection setting information file as shown in FIG. In this case, the relay apparatus 100 (data acquisition unit 230) acquires the data collection setting information file from the information providing server 810 in the data collection process, and collects target data based on the data collection setting information file. May be. The data acquisition unit 230 may specify the acquisition destination (for example, URL) of the data collection setting information file according to the user's instruction, for example, in the same manner as the process of step S20 of FIG. Note that the data collection setting information file provided by the information providing server 810 may be text data, for example. As in this configuration, the relay apparatus 100 may collect the target data based on data in another specific file format such as text data instead of the HTML file in the data collection process. The information providing server 810 may generate a data collection setting information file in accordance with an instruction from the administrator of the information providing server 810.

B5. Modification 5:
In the network system of the above embodiment or the above modification, in the initial setting process (FIG. 3), the relay apparatus 100 uses the URL corresponding to the information providing server 810 input by the user as the user designation information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the information providing server 810 operates as a file server, the relay apparatus 100 may use the file position (also referred to as a bus or directory) on the file server as user-specified information.

B6. Modification 6:
In the network system according to the above-described embodiment or the above-described modification, the relay apparatus 100 receives user designation information from the client apparatus 710 in the initial setting process (FIG. 3), but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the user designation information may be registered in the nonvolatile memory 300 in advance at the time of shipment. Therefore, the user can omit the input of the user designation information in the initial setting process, that is, it can save time and effort.

B7. Modification 7:
In the network system of the above embodiment or the above modification, the relay device 100 and the information providing server 810 are connected by the network 800, and the relay device 100 and the client device 710 are connected by the wireless network 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the following various forms can be applied.

Form 1:
In the above network system, the relay apparatus 100 and the information providing server 810 are not connected via a network, but are connected via a device connection interface (for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus)), and exchange of target data. May be performed using the interface for device connection.

Form 2:
In the network system, the relay device 100 and the client device 710 are not connected via a network, but are connected via a device connection interface (for example, USB), and exchange of target data is performed for this device connection. You may make it carry out using an interface.

Form 3:
In the network system, the relay device 100 and the client device 710 may be connected not by a wireless network but by a wired network. In this case, as the interface standard of the relay apparatus 100, a standard based on IEEE 802.3 may be adopted. Further, any standard other than IEEE 802.3 may be adopted as the interface standard of the relay device 100. For example, power line communication (PLC) may be employed.

Form 4:
In the network system, the relay device 100 and the information providing server 810 may be connected not by a wired network but by a wireless network. In this case, as the interface standard of the relay apparatus 100, a standard based on IEEE 802.11 may be adopted, or a standard other than IEEE 802.11 may be adopted.

B8. Modification 8:
In the network system according to the embodiment or the modified example, the relay device 100 has a function of performing the initial setting process, the data collection process, or the update process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the network system may include other relay devices such as an access point and a switching hub in addition to the relay device 100 that functions as a wireless LAN relay device. In this case, the other relay device includes the function of performing the initial setting process, the data collection process, or the update process, that is, the data acquisition unit 230, the data supply unit 240, and the application unit 260 included in the relay device 100. You may do it. Also with this configuration, the effects of the above-described embodiment or modification can be achieved.
The network system may include a computer connected to the network 800 or the wireless network 700. In this case, the computer performs a function of performing the initial setting process, data collection process, or update process, that is, The data acquisition unit 230, the data supply unit 240, and the application unit 260 included in the relay device 100 may be provided. Also with this configuration, the effects of the above-described embodiment or modification can be achieved.

B9. Modification 9:
In the network system of the above embodiment or the above modification, the relay apparatus 100 determines whether or not the main target data held by the information providing server 810 is new in the data collection process (FIG. 8) based on the version information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the main target data held in the information providing server 810 is associated with the date / time information indicating the created date / time, the relay apparatus 100 determines whether the main target data held in the information providing server 810 is new. The determination as to whether or not may be made based on this date / time information. Also with this configuration, the effects of the above-described embodiment or modification can be achieved.

B10. Modification 10:
In the network system of the above embodiment or the above modification, the client software held by the information providing server 810 is associated with the version information by the HTML file, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the client software held by the information providing server 810 may have version information in itself.

B11. Modification 11:
In the network system of the above-described embodiment or modification, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software. Conversely, part or all of the configuration realized by software is replaced with hardware. You may make it replace with. For example, the function of the data acquisition unit 230 in FIG. 2 may be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit.

  In addition, when part or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the “computer-readable recording medium” is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs and ROMs, a hard disk, etc. It also includes an external storage device fixed to the computer.

100 ... Relay device 200 ... Control unit 202 ... CPU
204 ... Memory 210 ... Relay execution unit 220 ... Wireless network control unit 230 ... Data acquisition unit 240 ... Data supply unit 250 ... DHCP processing unit 260 ... Application unit 300 .. Non-volatile memory 310 ... Data collection setting information file 320 ... Target data 330 ... Firmware 500 ... Wireless interface 510 ... Communication interface 700 ... Wireless network 710 ... Client device 710a. Display screen 800 ... Network 810 ... Information providing server 810a ... Data storage unit 810b ... Data update unit 810c ... Data providing unit 1000 ... Network system 218934 gazette ... Patent 4th
LAN communication device ... Wireless LAN router ... Wireless CB ... Check box AR ... Input area TB1 ... Reference tab TB3 ... Tab TB4 ... Tab PUP ... Popup

Claims (12)

An information collecting device connectable with a computer and an information providing device,
A storage device for storing computer software;
An updated computer software that is an updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device is obtained from the information providing device connected to the information collecting device, and the obtained updated computer software is An acquisition unit for storing in the storage device;
A supply unit configured to supply the updated computer software stored in the storage device by the acquisition unit to the computer connected to the information collection device;
Equipped with a,
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, the acquisition unit is software different from the updated computer software, and cooperates with the function of the updated computer software. Obtaining and storing the obtained collaborative software in the storage device;
The information collection device includes an application unit that applies the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer. ,
Information collection device. The information collection device according to claim 1,
The acquisition unit
Determining whether the computer software provided by the information providing device is the updated computer software;
When it is determined that the computer software is the updated computer software, the updated computer software is obtained from the information providing device,
If the computer software is determined not to be the updated computer software, the computer software is not acquired from the information providing device.
Information collection device. The information collection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The information collection device is a relay device that relays communication between a plurality of networks,
The supply unit
Supplying the updated computer software to the computer via a network;
Information collection device. The information collection device according to claim 3,
Can be set to the default gateway of the computer;
Information collection device. The information collection device according to claim 4, further comprising:
A DHCP processing unit for providing setting information indicating that a default gateway is the information collection device to the computer based on a dynamic host configuration protocol;
Information collection device. An information collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The information collecting device includes:
Connected to the information providing apparatus via a network;
Information collection device. The information collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The acquisition unit
When acquiring the updated computer software, the related computer software acquires data related to the updated computer software that is different from the updated computer software, and stores the acquired related data in the storage device. Stored in
The supply unit
Supplying the updated computer software stored in the storage device and the related data to the computer;
Information collection device. The information collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, the computer includes a notification unit that notifies the computer that the updated computer software has been acquired.
Information collection device. The information collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, a notification unit that notifies the user that the updated computer software has been acquired is provided.
Information collection device. A system that handles information,
A computer,
An information collecting device connected to the computer;
An information providing device connected to the information collecting device;
With
The information collecting device includes:
A storage device for storing computer software;
An acquisition unit that acquires updated computer software that is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device from the information providing device, and stores the acquired updated computer software in the storage device When,
A supply unit that supplies the updated computer software stored in the storage device by the acquisition unit to the computer;
With
When the acquisition unit acquires the updated computer software, the acquisition unit is software different from the updated computer software, and cooperates with the function of the updated computer software. Obtaining and storing the obtained collaborative software in the storage device;
The information collection device includes an application unit that applies the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer. ,
system. An information collecting method for collecting information from an information providing device,
The information collection device stores the computer software in a storage device,
The information collection device acquires updated computer software that is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device from the information providing device;
The information collection device stores the acquired updated computer software in the storage device;
The information collection apparatus, the software the stored updated computer, supplied to the computer,
When the information collecting device acquires the updated computer software, the software is different from the updated computer software and functions in cooperation with the function of the updated computer software. And storing the acquired collaborative software in the storage device,
Applying the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to the information collection device receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer;
Information collection method. A computer program used in an information collecting device connectable with a computer and an information providing device,
A function of storing computer software in a storage device of the information collecting device;
A function of acquiring updated computer software, which is updated software of the computer software stored in the storage device, from the information providing device connected to the information collecting device;
A function of storing the acquired updated computer software in a storage device of the information collection device;
A function of supplying the stored updated computer software to the computer;
When acquiring the updated computer software, the acquired software is different from the updated computer software and functions in cooperation with the function of the updated computer software. A function of storing the collaborative software in the storage device;
A function of applying the cooperative software stored in the storage device to the information collection device in response to receiving an installation completion notification of the updated computer software from the computer;
A computer program for causing the information collecting apparatus to realize the above.

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