JPH10134117A - Information processing method and information processor for network system, and program storage medium readable by the same information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the flexibility by storing connection information on an information server in the master file of a center server, sending a retrieval code to the center server from a requester which requires information, and sending information from a corresponding information server by the center server to the requester. SOLUTION: Requesters 110 and 111 send retrieval codes to corresponding center servers 101 to 103. The center servers 101 to 103 retrieve unique codes matching the received retrieval codes from their master files to specify master records, obtain connection information on the information servers 104 to 106 from the specified master records, and sends the file names of the specified master records to the information servers 104 to 106 that the connection information indicates. The information servers 104 to 106 sends the information that the file names indicate to the corresponding center servers 101 to 103, which send the information to the requesters 110 and 111.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides merchandise information which is connected to a center server or sub-center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data on a network and also having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing apparatus of a network system in which an information server and a requester requiring product information are connected on a network, and a program storage medium readable by the information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The use of barcode symbols has been generalized in settlement by a POS (point of sale information) system, online ordering of goods, and the like. For example, as a method of inputting and transmitting a bar code using a bar code reader, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.
390, JP-A-1-313164, JP-A-4-207660, JP-A-4-313156 and the like are known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-7776 discloses a system for ordering goods via a telephone line, in which information read by a bar code reader is converted into a frequency signal and then transmitted to the supplier via the telephone line. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-103390 discloses a method of storing a code read by a bar code reader in a storage device and transmitting the code to a center via a tone encoder and a handset to order products. JP-A-1-313164, JP-A-4-207660, and JP-A-4-313156 disclose that a barcode corresponding to a product to be ordered is read by a barcode reader and sent to a center via a telephone line. By transmitting, it is possible to place an order for a product ordered from a general household.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-78084 discloses that
A bar code including a telephone number and a billing number is provided near an advertisement or a product introduction article, and the bar code is read by a bar code reader, and the telephone number and the billing number are output in a tone. And the FAX automatic transmission computer transmits the return FAX data to the FAX device. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-114598 discloses that a customer inputs a customer number and a product number described in a product catalog from a computer installed at an agent, and the order data is transmitted to a host computer on the seller side. It is stated that it will be sent.

[0004]

However, these conventional devices merely transmit order data from a terminal to a specific host. For example, in a general household, various information on various products can be easily obtained. And the versatility was insufficient, for example, receiving services from manufacturers for various products easily. Also, for example, in addition to products, it was not possible to easily receive information of various documents, various services of local governments, and various services from various service industries.

Therefore, according to the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from an information server for providing information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. In addition, by transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server, the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and transmits the information to the requester. The present invention provides an information processing method for a network system that can easily obtain various information on various items, can reduce the load on a center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from an information server for providing information, and connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. By transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server, the center server receives information from the corresponding information server and provides the information to the requester.
The requester provides an information processing apparatus of a network system that can easily obtain various information on various items such as products and various services, can reduce the load on a center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a center server having a master file storing connection information of the information server is provided separately from the information server that provides the information, and a search code is received from the requester. Information on a network system that stores a program to be executed by the center server so that the center server can obtain various information on various items such as products and various services from the corresponding information server and send it to the requester. A program storage medium readable by a processing device is provided.

According to the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from an information server for providing information, and a master file of the center server and the sub-center server is provided. Stores information server connection information in
By transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server or sub-center server, the center server or sub-center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and transmits the information to the requester. The present invention provides an information processing method for a network system that can easily obtain various information on various items such as the above service, can reduce the load on the center server and the sub-center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from an information server for providing information, and the master server and the sub-center server have information in the master file. By storing the server connection information and transmitting the search code from the requester requiring the information to the center server or the sub-center server, the center server or the sub-center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and transmits it to the requester. In this way, the requester can easily obtain a variety of information on various items such as products and various services, reduce the load on the center server and the sub-center server, and sufficiently improve the versatility. An information processing apparatus is provided.

According to the invention, a center server and a sub-center server each having a master file storing connection information of the information server are provided separately from the information server for providing information, and a search code is received from a requester. The center server and the sub-center server execute such that the center server and the sub-center server can obtain various information on various items such as products and various services from the corresponding information server and transmit the obtained information to the requester. Storage medium readable by an information processing device of a network system storing a program for storing the program.

The invention according to claims 13 and 15 is:
A center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from the information server that provides the product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server and the sub-center server,
By transmitting a search code from a requester requiring product information to the center server or sub-center server, the center server or sub-center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server and transmits it to the requester. Abstract: Provided is an information processing method for a network system which can easily obtain various information on various products, can reduce the load on a center server and a sub-center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from an information server for providing product information, and a master server of the center server and the sub-center server is provided. The connection information of the information server is stored in the file, and the center server or the sub center server receives the information from the corresponding information server by transmitting the search code from the requester requiring the product information to the center server or the sub center server. And send it to the requester,
As a result, the requester can easily obtain various information on various products, can reduce the load on the center server and the sub-center server, and provide an information processing apparatus of a network system that can sufficiently improve versatility.

In the invention according to claim 18, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing the product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. By transmitting the two-dimensional image data including the search barcode symbol from the requester requiring information to the center server, the requester receives the connection information of the information server from the center server. To provide information on various products, easily obtain various information on various products, reduce the load on the center server, and improve the versatility of the network system. provide.

In the invention according to claim 19, a center server having a master file is provided separately from an information server for providing product information, and connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. By transmitting the two-dimensional image data including the search barcode symbol from the requester requiring information to the center server, the requester receives the connection information of the information server from the center server. From a network system that can easily obtain various information about various products, reduce the load on the center server, and sufficiently improve versatility. provide.

Further, the invention according to claims 20 and 22 provides:
A center server with a master file is provided separately from the information server that provides product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server, and a search barcode symbol is displayed from a requester that needs the product information. The center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server and sends it to the requester by transmitting the two-dimensional image data including the information to the center server, so that the requester can easily obtain various information on various products. In addition, the present invention provides an information processing method for a network system capable of reducing the load on the center server and sufficiently improving versatility.

Further, according to the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from an information server for providing product information, and connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. In advance, by transmitting two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol from the requester requiring the product information to the center server, the center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server and transmits it to the requester. The requester provides an information processing apparatus of a network system that can easily obtain various information on various products, can reduce the load on the center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server holds information indicated by the unique code. , The center server has a master file storing a plurality of master records each having a unique code, connection information necessary for connection such as an address of the information server and a telephone number, and a file name, and the requester transmits a search code to the corresponding center server. Upon receiving the search code, the center server searches the master file for a unique code that matches the search code to identify the master record, obtains the connection information of the information server from the identified master record, and Information service indicated by connection information The information server that has received the file name of the specified master record transmits the information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server, and the center server receives the information from the information server. The information is transmitted to a corresponding requester, and the requester is in an information processing method for receiving the information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. The server holds the information indicated by the unique code, and the center server includes a master file storing a plurality of master records each having the unique code, connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and a telephone number, and a file name. In the configuration, a step of receiving a search code from a requester to the center server, a step of searching a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file to specify a master record, and an information server from the specified master record Connection information Acquiring and transmitting the file name of the specified master record to the information server indicated by the connection information, receiving the information indicated by the transmitted file name from the information server, and transmitting the received information to the corresponding requester And a computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server to sequentially perform the steps.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. The server holds the information indicated by the unique code, and the center server holds the master file storing a plurality of master records each having the unique code, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and the telephone number of the information server, and the file name. File holding means, receiving means for receiving a search code from the requester, master record searching means for searching the own master file for a unique code that matches the search code received by the receiving means and specifying a master record; Master record search method Information acquisition means for acquiring the connection information of the information server from the identified master record, transmitting the file name of the identified master record to the information server indicated by the connection information, and receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server And an information payment unit for transmitting the information received by the information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester. The requester includes a search code transmitting unit for transmitting a search code to a corresponding center server, and information from the corresponding center server. An information processing apparatus comprising: an information receiving unit that receives the information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. The server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server is a master record group consisting of the unique code, information type, connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and a file name. , A reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a center server address group. To the relevant center server, and The center server that has received the search type and the search type specifies a master record group by searching for a unique code that matches the search code from its own master file, and from the specified master record group, information that matches the search type information code. Search for the type, obtain the master record to which this matching information type belongs, and if the received selection code of the search type is connection information selection, send the connection information to the corresponding requester and change the information type of the unique code. The requester receives the connection information by incrementing the reference counter of the corresponding reference memory, and, when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, sends the information to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. The file name of the master record is sent, and the information The server transmits the information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server. When the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server, the server transmits the information to the corresponding requester and also corresponds to the information type of the unique code. Increment the reference counter of the reference memory, the requester receives information from this center server, and the center server, when there is no data in its own master file, has another center address indicated by its own domain file. The search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the server, and the information received first from the other center server that transmitted the search code and the search type is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, Other search codes and search types sent In the information processing method for discarding information received from the center server.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. The server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server is a master record group consisting of the unique code, information type, connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and a file name. , A reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. When the search type is received, The master record group is specified by searching for a unique code that matches the code in its own master file, an information type that matches the search type information code is searched from the specified master record group, and the matched information type belongs. When the master record is acquired and the received selection code of the search type is the connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received. This information is then sent to the corresponding requester and Increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type code, also when there is no data in its master file,
The search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the other center servers at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the information received first from the other center server that transmitted the search code and the search type is transmitted to the corresponding requester. After sending and receiving this earliest information,
There is an information processing method for discarding information received from another center server that has transmitted other search codes and search types.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. The server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server is a master record group consisting of the unique code, information type, connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and a file name. , A reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of center server addresses. In this configuration, the center server Receive search code and search type from requester That step, identifying a master record group to search from its own master file a unique code that match the search code this receiving step,
Searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and acquiring the master record to which the matched information type belongs.If the received search type selection code is connection information selection, The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the connection of the acquired master record is performed. Sends the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the information, receives the information indicated by the file name sent from the information server, sends the received information to the corresponding requester, and supports the information type of the unique code To increment the reference counter of the reference memory Transmitting the search code and the search type to the other center servers of the address indicated by the own domain file sequentially or simultaneously when there is no data in the own master file; Transmitting the information received from the server earliest to the corresponding requester and, after receiving the earliest information, discarding the information received from the other center servers that have transmitted other search codes and search types. A computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server for causing the computer to execute the program.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information, which are provided with communication means and which can transmit and receive data, are connected to the network. In the system, the information server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server connect the unique code, the information type, the address of the information server, the telephone number, and other necessary connection information. A master file storing a master record group consisting of a file and a file name, a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of an address group of a center server. The requester has a search code and a search type The center server or sub-center server that has transmitted the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server or sub-center server, searches the master file for a unique code that matches the search code, and identifies the master record group Then, from the identified master record group, search for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, obtain a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. The requester receives the connection information, and the selection code of the received search type is information. When selecting, connect the acquired master record The master server transmits the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the information, and the information server that has received the file name transmits the information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center server. Upon receiving the information from the corresponding information server, the server transmits the information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and the requester transmits the information from the center server or the sub-center server. Receiving the information of
When there is no data in its own master file, the center server or sub-center server transmits the search code and the search type to the other center servers at the address indicated by its own domain file sequentially or simultaneously. The information received the earliest from the other center server that sent the type is sent to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, the information received from the other center server that sent the other search code and search type is returned. In addition, the center server and the sub-center server provide a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings for each master record of the master file. When the address of a specific sub-center server is input, the center server and the sub-center server store the address and store the predetermined synchronization bit. Clear the master file and domain The file is transmitted to a specific sub-center server, and the specific sub-center server receives and holds the master file and the domain file. In this state, when the search code and the search type are received from the requester, the search code and the search type are used. A matching unique code is searched from its own master file to identify a master record group, an information type matching the search type information code is searched from the identified master record group, and a master record to which the matching information type belongs When the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester. When the received search type selection code is information selection, the acquired master record is obtained. Send the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the connection information Upon receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, the information server transmits this information to the corresponding requester, and further, the center server and the sub-center server update a predetermined synchronization bit of the master record at the time of updating the content of the master file. ON, inspects the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular intervals, sends the ON master record to a specific sub-center server to clear the synchronization bit,
The specific subcenter server is an information processing method for receiving a master record and updating the contents of its own master file.

[0024] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information, which are provided with communication means and which can transmit and receive data, are connected to the network. In the system, the information server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server connect the unique code, the information type, the address of the information server, the telephone number, and other necessary connection information. And a master file storing a master record group consisting of a file and a file name, a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. , Each cell in the master file -A predetermined number of synchronization bit strings are provided for each record, and when the center server receives the search code and the search type from the requester, the center server searches its own master file for a unique code that matches the search code and specifies the master record group Then, from the identified master record group, search for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, obtain a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the acquired master record This master record file is stored in the information server indicated by the connection information. When the file name is transmitted and the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, this information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. When there is no data in the master file, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the other center servers at the address indicated by the own domain file. Sends the information received earlier to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, discards the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types. Enter the address of the sub center server of this and remember this address Clear the predetermined synchronization bit, send the master file and the domain file to a specific sub-center server, and turn on the predetermined synchronization bit of the master record when updating the contents of its own master file,
This is an information processing method in which a corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records is checked at regular time intervals, and an ON master record is transmitted to a specific sub-center server to clear synchronization bits.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester that requires information are provided on a network, each of which has communication means and is capable of transmitting and receiving data. In the system, the information server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server connect the unique code, the information type, the address of the information server, the telephone number, and other necessary connection information. And a master file storing means for storing a master file group including a master file group and a file name and storing a master file storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and information type and reference for one unique code A reference consisting of a reference record group Reference memory holding means for holding a memory; domain file holding means for holding a domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server; receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from the requester; Searches for a unique code that matches the search code received from its own master file, identifies the master record group, searches the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, A master record search unit for acquiring a master record to which the information type belongs; a connection information payment unit for transmitting the connection information to the corresponding requester when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection; If the selection code is information selection, Information acquisition means for transmitting the file name of the master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record, and receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; Means for sending information to the requester, means for creating reference results for incrementing the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and means for self-recording when there is no data in the master file during the search by the master record search means. Transmission means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another center server or sub-center server at the address indicated by the domain file, and the other center server or sub-type transmitting the search code and the search type by this transmission means. Information received earliest from the center server Means for transmitting information to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information by the transmitting means, discards information received from another center server or sub-center server which transmitted other search codes and search types. Discarding means, sub-center server setting means for storing the input address of the specific sub-center server, clearing predetermined synchronization bits, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server; Store the master record in the master file,
Master file updating means for turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, synchronization processing means for checking the synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, transmitting the on master record to a specific sub-center server, and clearing the synchronization bit An information processing apparatus comprising:

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing method for a network system according to the seventh aspect, the center server and the sub-center server store an instruction program and data executable by the sub-center server in the corresponding sub-center server. Upon transmitting and receiving the instruction program and the data, the corresponding sub-center server sets the information in a readable main storage medium and then executes the instruction program.

[0027] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are provided on a network, each of which is provided with communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data. In the system, the information server holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server connect the unique code, the information type, the address of the information server, the telephone number, and other necessary connection information. And a master file storing a master record group consisting of a file and a file name, a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. , Each file in the master file In this configuration, a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings are provided for each record, and in this configuration, the center server receives the search code and the search type from the requester, and searches for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file. Identifying the master record group, searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and acquiring the master record to which the matched information type belongs. When the selection code is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and the selection code of the received search type is used to select the information. In the case of the acquired master record The file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information, the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, the received information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the information type of the unique code is transmitted. Incrementing a reference counter in a corresponding reference memory;
When there is no data in its own master file, the step of sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another center server at the address indicated by its own domain file, from the other center server that has transmitted the search code and the search type Transmitting the information received earliest to the corresponding requester and, after receiving the earliest information, discarding the information received from other center servers that transmitted the other search codes and search types, In addition, when the address of the specific sub-center server is input, the address is stored, and the predetermined synchronization bit is cleared to transmit the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server. Predetermined synchronization bit of master record Turning on, inspecting the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, transmitting the on master record to a specific sub-center server to clear the synchronization bit, an instruction program executable by the sub-center server And transmitting the data to the corresponding sub-center server in a computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server for selectively performing the steps.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus of the network system according to the ninth aspect, the center server and the sub-center server further include an instruction program and data executable by the sub-center server. It has a program transmitting means for transmitting to the server.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information, which are provided with communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, are connected to a network. In the network system described above, the information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server store the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number. A master file storing a master record group consisting of a file name and a file name; a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code; Consists of the address group of the center server or sub-center server Business file and a domain file comprising a group of addresses of the center server or the sub-center server, the requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server or the sub-center server, and receives the search code and the search type. The server or the sub-center server searches for a product code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record group, and searches the specified master record group for an information type that matches the search type information code. Then, the master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired, and when the selection code of the received search type is the connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference corresponding to the information type of the product code is transmitted. Increments the memory reference counter, The requester receives the connection information, and, when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, transmits the file name of the master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and Receives the product information indicated by this file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center server, and when the center server or sub-center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server, the information server The requester transmits the information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code. The requester receives the product information from the center server or the sub-center server. The server has its own master file If there is no data, search the company file using the company code in the search code as a key, send the search code and search type to the server of the matching address group sequentially or simultaneously, and apply the product information received at the fastest speed After receiving the fastest product information, it discards the results received from other servers.Furthermore, when there is no data in its master file and company file, the center server or sub-center server The search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the other servers at the address indicated by the domain file, and the product information received first from the other server that transmitted the search code and the search type is transmitted to the corresponding requester. After receiving the earliest product information, sent other search codes and search types Some of the product information received from the server to destroy an information processing method.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, a sub-center server, an information server for providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network. In the network system described above, the information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server store the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number. File holding means for holding a master file storing a master record group consisting of a file and a file name, and reference memory holding means for holding a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code And the company code which is a component of the product code Company file holding means for holding a company file composed of a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server; domain file holding means for holding a domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server; A receiving means for receiving the type, a product code matching the search code is searched from the master file to identify the master record group, and an information type matching the search type information code is searched from the corresponding master record group. Master record search means for acquiring the master record to which the matched information type belongs, and when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information of the master record acquired by the master record search means is transmitted to the corresponding requester Connection information payment means If the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record acquired by the master record search means, and the file name is Information obtaining means for receiving the product information shown, information payment means for transmitting the product information received by the information obtaining means to the corresponding requester, and reference record for incrementing the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code When there is no data in its own master file and its own master file, it searches its own company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and transmits the search code and search type to the server of the matched address group sequentially or simultaneously. The first transmission means and the data in its own master file and company file When there is none, a second transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another server at the address indicated by the own domain file, and transmitting the product information received by each transmitting means at the highest speed to the corresponding requester The information processing apparatus includes a consignment information payment unit that performs the transfer, and a discarding unit that discards a result received from another server after receiving the fastest product information in each transmitting unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information, which are provided with communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, are connected to a network. In the network system described above, the information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server store the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number. A master file storing a master record group consisting of a file name and a file name; a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code; Consists of the address group of the center server or sub-center server Business file and a domain file comprising a group of addresses of the center server or the sub-center server, the requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server or the sub-center server, and receives the search code and the search type. The server or the sub-center server searches for a product code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record group, and searches the specified master record group for an information type that matches the search type information code. Then, the master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired, and when the selection code of the received search type is the connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference corresponding to the information type of the product code is transmitted. Increments the memory reference counter, The requester receives the connection information, and, when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, transmits the file name of the master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and Receives the product information indicated by this file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center server, and when the center server or sub-center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server, the information server The requester transmits the information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code. The requester receives the product information from the center server or the sub-center server. The server has its own master file If there is no data, search the company file using the company code in the search code as a key, send the search code and search type to the server of the matching address group sequentially or simultaneously, and apply the product information received at the fastest speed After receiving the fastest product information, it discards the results received from other servers.Furthermore, when there is no data in its master file and company file, the center server or sub-center server The search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the other servers at the address indicated by the domain file, and the product information received first from the other server that transmitted the search code and the search type is transmitted to the corresponding requester. After receiving the earliest product information, sent other search codes and search types The center server or the sub-center server provides a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings for each master record of the master file and inputs the address of the specific sub-center server. And clear a predetermined synchronization bit, send the master file, the company file, and the domain file to a specific sub-center server, and the specific sub-center server receives the master file, the company file, and the domain file, and When the search code and the search type are received from the requester in this state, the product code that matches the search code is searched from its own master file to identify the master record group, and from the identified master record group Matches search type information code And retrieves the master record to which the matching information type belongs.If the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester and received. When the selection code of the search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the product information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received. The merchandise information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the center server and the sub-center server turn on a predetermined synchronization bit of the master record at the time of updating the content of their own master file, and apply the corresponding synchronization information of all the master records at regular time intervals. Inspect the synchronization bit sequence,
An information processing method for transmitting an ON master record to a specific sub-center server address to clear the synchronization bit, and for receiving the master record and updating the contents of its own master file.

According to the present invention, a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information, which are provided with communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, are connected to a network. In the network system described above, the information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server store the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number. And a master file holding means for storing a master record group consisting of a file name and a master file storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and information type and reference for one product code A reference memory consisting of a reference record group having a counter Reference memory holding means, company file holding means for holding a company code which is a component of a product code and an address group of another center server or a sub center server, and a center server or a sub center server. Domain file holding means for holding a domain file consisting of a group of addresses, receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from a requester, and searching for a product code matching the search code received by the receiving means from its own master file. A master record group that identifies the master record group, searches the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and obtains a master record to which the matched information type belongs. Selection code of search type is connection information selection When the connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information to the corresponding requester, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file of this master record is stored in the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. A product information acquisition unit for transmitting a product name indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, a product information payment unit for transmitting the product information received by the product information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester, A reference result creating means for incrementing a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the code, and when there is no data in its own master file,
First transmission means for searching the company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to the server of the matched address group; and its own master file and company file When there is no data, the second transmission means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to the server at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the product information received by each transmission means at the highest speed corresponds to the second transmission means. Means for paying consignment information to the requester, means for discarding the result received from another server after receiving the fastest product information in each means for transmitting, and storing the address of the specific sub-center server inputted and Clear certain synchronization bits to transfer master, company and domain files to a specific service. A sub-center server setting means for transmitting to the center server, a master file updating means for storing an input master record in a master file and turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, and checking a synchronization bit string of all master records at regular intervals. , A synchronization processing unit for transmitting an ON master record to a specific sub-center server address to clear a synchronization bit.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus of the network system according to the sixteenth aspect, the sub-center server further receives a master file and a domain file transmitted by another center server or a sub-center server. And a master file updating unit that receives a master record transmitted from another center server or a sub-center server and updates the contents of the held master file.

The invention according to claim 18 is a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server stores the master record having the information type and the connection information necessary for the connection such as the address and the telephone number of the information server. The requester includes the file, the requester transmits the two-dimensional image data including the search barcode symbol to the center server, and the center server receiving the two-dimensional image data recognizes the two-dimensional image data and searches for the search barcode symbol. Code, and automatically search for the product code that matches this search code. The master file is searched for the master record, the connection information is obtained from the specified master record and transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the requester transmits the product information from the corresponding information server based on the received connection information. Information processing method to be provided.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to the network. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server stores the master record having the information type and the connection information necessary for the connection such as the address and the telephone number of the information server. Master file holding means for holding a file; receiving means for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol from a requester; and receiving means for recognizing the two-dimensional image data received by the receiving means and searching for a search barcode symbol by a search code. Decoding means for decoding to A master record search unit that searches the own master file for a product code that matches the search code that has been specified to specify the master record, and obtains connection information from the master record specified by the master record search unit and sends it to the corresponding requester. Requesting means for transmitting two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol to a corresponding center server; connecting information receiving means for receiving connection information from the corresponding center server; The information processing apparatus includes

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network. The information server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record including the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and a telephone number, and a file name. With the stored master file, the requester
The two-dimensional image data including the search barcode symbol is transmitted to the center server, and the center server receiving the two-dimensional image data recognizes the two-dimensional image data and decodes the search barcode symbol into a search code. Searches for the product code that matches the code from its own master file, specifies the master record, acquires the connection information of the information server from the specified master record, and specifies the master record file specified by the information server indicated by this connection information The information server that has transmitted the file name and received the file name transmits the product information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server. When the center server receives the product information from the information server, the information server corresponds to the product information. To the requester, and the requester receives the information In the processing method.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network. The information server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record including the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and a telephone number, and a file name. Master file holding means for holding a stored master file; receiving means for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol from a requester; and search barcode symbol by recognizing the two-dimensional image data received by the receiving means. Decoding means for decoding the A master record search unit for searching a product code that matches the search code decoded by the unit from its own master file to specify a master record, and an information server indicated by connection information of the master record specified by the master record search unit Information acquisition means for transmitting the file name of the master record obtained and receiving the product information indicated by the file name from the information server, and information payment means for transmitting the product information acquired by the information acquisition means to the corresponding requester. Information processing device provided.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server stores the information type and the master record including the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and the telephone number of the information server and the file name. A master file storing a group, a reference memory consisting of a reference record group consisting of an information type and a reference counter for one product code, a company code which is a component of the product code, and an address group of another center server Domain consisting of a corporate file consisting of With a file, the requester,
When the two-dimensional image data including the search code or the search barcode symbol and the search type are transmitted to the corresponding center server, and the center server receives the two-dimensional image data including the search code or the search barcode symbol and the search type, Recognizing the two-dimensional image data, decoding the search barcode symbol into a search code, searching for a product code that matches the decoded search code from its own master file, specifying a master record group, and further specifying this Searches for the information type that matches the information type of the search type from the master record group that was searched, and acquires the master record to which the matched information type belongs. If the selection code of the search type is connection information selection, the connection of the acquired master record is performed. Send the information to the appropriate requester and the product Increment the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the code, and when the selection code of the search type is information selection, transmit the file name of the master record corresponding to the information server indicated by this connection information, When the information server receives the file name,
The product information indicated by the file name is transmitted to the corresponding center server, and the center server transmits the received product information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code, Also, when there is no data in its own master file, the center server searches its own company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and sequentially or simultaneously searches the server of the matched address group for the search code and search type. Send, send the fastest received product information to the corresponding requester, after receiving the fastest product information, discard the results received from other servers, and furthermore, the center server stores its own master file and company file in its own file. When there is no data, another server at the address indicated by the own domain file The search code and the search type are transmitted sequentially or simultaneously to the requester. An information processing method for discarding the product information received from another server that has transmitted the search code and the search type.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server stores the information type and the master record including the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and the telephone number of the information server and the file name. Master file holding means for holding a master file storing a group; reference memory holding means for holding a reference memory consisting of a reference record group composed of an information type and a reference counter for one product code; Consists of the corporate code that is a component and the address group of other center servers File holding means for holding a company file to be stored, domain file holding means for holding a domain file including a group of addresses of a center server, and reception for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search code or a search barcode symbol and a search type. Means, decoding means for recognizing the two-dimensional image data received by the receiving means and decoding a search barcode symbol into a search code, and a product code which matches the search code decoded by the decoding means in its own master file. Search to identify the master record group,
A master record search unit that searches the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information type of the search type and obtains a master record to which the matched information type belongs; When the connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information of the master record obtained by the master record search means to the corresponding requester, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the master record search means obtains the master information obtained by the master record search means. An information acquisition unit that transmits the file name of the master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the record and receives the product information indicated by the file name from the information server; and the product information received by the information acquisition unit corresponds to the information acquisition unit. Information payment means to be sent to requester and information type of product code Reference result creation means for incrementing the reference counter of the corresponding reference memory, and when there is no data in the own master file, the own company file is searched using the company code in the search code as a key, and the server of the matched address group is searched. A first transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting a search code and a search type; and when there is no data in its own master file and company file, the search code is sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to another server indicated by its domain file. Second transmission means for transmitting the search information and the search type; consignment information payment means for transmitting the product information received by each transmission means at the highest speed to the corresponding requester; And a discarding unit for discarding the result received from the server.

[0040]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire network system. Center servers 101, 102, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108, 109, 113 comprising computer devices, for example, information servers 104, 105, 106 for providing product information. Are interconnected by the Internet 116. Although the figure only discloses a part of the Internet network 116, the Internet network is actually constructed so that the servers can directly access each other. These servers mutually provide information. Each of the servers has a unique address for device identification.
Is server1.co.jp and the center server 102 is server2.c
o.jp, center server 103 is server3.co.jp, subcenter server 107 is sub-server1.co.jp, subcenter server 108 is sub-server2.co.jp, and subcenter server 109 is sub-server3.co. .jp, sub-center server 113 is user.co.jp, information server 104 is b.co.jp,
The information server 105 is a.co.jp and the information server 106 is cc
o.jp.

The information servers 104, 105, 106
The information provided by is not limited to product information. For example, it introduces the contents of literature,
Service information may be provided such as introducing accommodation facilities.

Then, the sub-center server 107
For example, a PC (personal computer) 110 of the home 117 and a television 111 having an Internet connection function are connected as requesters, and the sub-center server 113 installed in a store 118 as a requester is connected to the sub-center server 109. Connected. The television 111 can be operated by a remote controller 112. The sub center server 113 has P
OS (point of sale information) terminal 114 and information terminal 11
5 are connected.

The PC 110 is a sub-center server 1
07 to provide the product information of each of the information servers 104 to 106 from the sub-center server 107,
The address of each of the information servers 104 to 106 is acquired, and the information server can be directly accessed by this address to receive an interactive service. The television 111 can also receive the provision of product information from the sub-center server 107 by operating the remote controller 112.

FIG. 2 shows the center servers 101 to 103.
Is a block diagram showing the configuration of a CPU (central processing unit) 2.
01, ROM (read only memory) 202, display device 203, communication I / F (interface) 20
4. A storage medium reading device 209 for reading information from a RAM (random access memory) 205, a printing device 206, a keyboard 207, an external storage device 208 such as a hard disk device, and a storage medium 210 also serving as a program storage medium such as a floppy disk. Prepare these and connect them to bus line 2.
11 are connected to each other.

The CPU 201 inputs data from the communication I / F 204 and the keyboard 207, uses the RAM 205 as a work area, and receives a file stored in the external storage device 208 or from another server via the communication I / F 204. Input data is processed using the obtained information and the like, and the result is output to the communication I / F 204 or output to the display device 203 or the printing device 206. An instruction program executable by the CPU 201 for controlling these operations is stored in a ROM.
202, read from the storage medium 210 using the storage medium reading device 209, and stored in the RAM 205, received via the communication I / F 204, and stored in the RAM 20.
5 is stored.

FIG. 3 shows the sub-center servers 107-1.
9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CPU 09, the ROM 302, and the display device 30 as in the center server.
3. Communication I / F 304, RAM 305, printing device 30
6, a keyboard 307, an external storage device 308, and a storage medium reading device 309 for reading information from a storage medium 310 also serving as a program storage medium.
Connected by one.

The CPU 301 inputs data from the communication I / F 304 and the keyboard 307, uses the RAM 305 as a work area, and receives files from the external storage device 308 and other servers via the communication I / F 304. Input data is processed using the obtained information and the like, and the result is output to the communication I / F 304 or output to the display device 303 or the printing device 306. An instruction program executable by the CPU 301 for controlling these is stored in a ROM.
302, read from the storage medium 310 using the storage medium reading device 309 and stored in the RAM 305, received via the communication I / F 304, and stored in the RAM 30.
5 is stored.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the information servers 104 to 106.
CPU 401, ROM 402, display device 403, communication I
/ F 404, a RAM 405, a printing device 406, a keyboard 407, an external storage device 408, and a storage medium reading device 409 for reading information from a storage medium 410 also serving as a program storage medium. These are connected by a bus line 411.

The CPU 401 inputs data from the communication I / F 404 and the keyboard 407, uses the RAM 405 as a work area, and receives a file stored in the external storage device 408 from another server via the communication I / F 404. Input data is processed using the obtained information and the like, and the result is output to the communication I / F 404 or to the display device 403 or the printing device 406. An instruction program executable by the CPU 401 that controls these operations is stored in a ROM.
402, read from the storage medium 410 using the storage medium reading device 409, and stored in the RAM 405, received via the communication I / F 404, and
5 is stored.

FIG. 5 shows the P
C110 is a block diagram of the CPU 501, the ROM 50
2, a display device 503, a communication I / F 504, a barcode scanner 505, a RAM 506, a printing device 507, a keyboard 508, a CCD camera 509, and a storage medium reading device 510 for reading information from a storage medium 511 also serving as a program storage medium. Are connected by a bus line 512.

The CPU 501 receives an input of a product code of a product from a keyboard 508 or a barcode scanner 505, and inputs two-dimensional image data including a barcode symbol as shown in FIG. If there is, via the communication I / F 504, the center servers 101 to 103 and the sub center servers 107 to 103
109 to obtain product information, display the obtained product information on the display device 503,
7 for printing. Also, the information servers 104 to 106
You can directly access and receive interactive services. An instruction program executable by the CPU 501 that controls these controls is stored in the ROM 502, read from the storage medium 511 using the storage medium reading device 510, stored in the RAM 506, received via the communication I / F 504, The data is stored in the RAM 506.

FIG. 6 shows the center servers 101 to 10.
3 and the sub-center server 1
7 shows a configuration of a master file 600 provided in the external storage devices 308 of 07 to 109 and 113. The master file 600 includes a product code storage unit 601, a record number storage unit 602, an information type storage unit 603, a type and an address. Connection information storage unit 604, file name storage unit 60
5, a synchronization bit string storage section 606, the information type storage section 603, the connection information storage section 604, the file name storage section 605, and the synchronization bit string storage section 606 constitute one master record. Master records for the number of records stored in the record number storage unit 602 are stored. In the figure, the product code "00001000
For “01”, the number of records is “5”, and thus five master records are stored.

FIG. 7 also shows the external storage devices 208 and 30
8 shows a configuration of a company file 610, which is composed of a company code storage unit 611 and a server address storage unit 612, and stores one or a plurality of server addresses for one company code. FIG.
Shows the configuration of a domain file 620 similarly provided in the external storage devices 208 and 308. This domain file 620 stores a plurality of server addresses.

FIG. 9 shows the external storage devices 208 and 30
8 shows a configuration of a reference memory 630 provided in the product memory 8. The reference memory 630 includes a product code storage unit 631, a record number storage unit 632, an information type storage unit 633, and a reference counter 6.
The information type storage unit 633 and the reference counter 634 form one record, and the number of records stored in the record number storage unit 632 for one product code is stored. In the figure, the product code "00
00100001 "has the number of records" 5 ",
5 records are stored.

The information type storage section 603 of the master file 600 and the information type storage section 6 of the reference memory 630
The information type stored in 33 is, for example, 6 of “1” to “6”.
"1" defines the advertising data, "2"
Defines the product manual, “3” defines the repair request method, “4” defines the ordering method, “5” defines the recycling instructions, and “6” defines the disposal instructions. ing.

FIG. 10 shows the center servers 101-1.
03 and the sub-center server 107
10 shows the configuration of a sub-center server storage unit 640 provided in the RAM 305 of each of FIGS. Is stored, the status becomes "1", and when the server address is not stored, the status becomes "0".

FIG. 11 shows an example of a bar code symbol, and FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of a product code. This product code is a common product code, and includes a 5-digit product maker identification code, a so-called company code, and a 5-digit product item identification code. FIG. 13 shows the requester P
From the C110 or the television 111 to the sub center server 1
07 shows a configuration of a search code used when inquiring product information with a product code, an input type 651 in which a numeral “1” is fixedly set, a byte number 652 indicating the number of bytes of a code part, And a code 653 indicating the following.

FIG. 14 shows the PC 110 and the television 11
1 shows the configuration of a two-dimensional image used when querying the sub center server 107 for product information with image data. Specifically, when two-dimensional image data is read from a CCD camera 509 or the like, the configuration shown in FIG. Query as data. That is, this data includes an input type 661 in which the number “2” is fixedly set, a byte number 662 indicating the number of bytes in the image portion, whether or not the image is compressed 663, a gradation number 664 of the image, The width 665 of the image in numbers and the height 666 of the image in pixels
, A resolution 667 indicating the resolution of the image in DPI (dots / inch), and the read image information 668.

FIG. 16 shows the PC 110 and the television 11
1 shows the structure of search type data used when inquiring the sub center server 107 for product information from
A selection code 671 indicating whether product information or connection information is required, and a type flag 672 indicating whether to specify the content of the information type defined above.
And an information code 673 that is valid when the presence of an information code is designated by the type flag 672.
The selection code 671 indicates “1” for information selection, and “2” for connection information selection. When the type flag 672 is “0”, it indicates that there is an information code,
"1" indicates no information code.

FIG. 17 shows the PC 110 and the television 11
1. Commission used when the center servers 101, 102, 103 and the sub-center servers 107, 108, 109, 113 inquire of the center servers 101, 102, 103 and the sub-center servers 107, 108, 109, 113 for product information. This message format indicates a message type 681 to which a number "1" indicating the message is fixedly set, the number of bytes of the message 682, a commission number 683, and whether or not a search type is specified. It is composed of a search flag 684, a search code or a search image 685, and a search type 686. When the search flag 684 is “0”, it indicates that there is no search type, and when it is “1”, it indicates that there is a search type.

FIG. 18 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109, 113 are the information servers 104, 105, 10
6 shows a file name message format to be used when obtaining product information from the file number 6. The file name message format includes a message type 691 in which a numeral “2” indicating the file name message is fixedly set, a message byte number 692, ,
It consists of a commission number 693 and a file name 694.

FIG. 19 shows the information servers 104, 10
5 and 106, a commodity information message format used when transmitting commodity information to the PC 110, the television 111, the center servers 101, 102, 103 and the sub-center servers 107, 108, 109, 113. , A message type 701 in which a number “3” indicating a product information message is fixedly set, the number of bytes of the message 702, a consignment number 703, and the product information 70
4.

FIG. 20 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109, 113 indicate connection information message formats used when transmitting connection information to the PC 110, the television 111, the center servers 101, 102, 103 and the sub-center servers 107, 108, 109, 113. , A message type 711 in which a number “4” indicating the connection information message is fixedly set, the number of bytes 712 of the message, a commission number 713, and the connection information 7
14.

FIG. 21 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109, 113 are the sub-center servers 107, 10
8, 109, and 113 indicate file transmission message formats used when transmitting various files. The file transmission message format includes a message type 721 in which a numeral “5” indicating a file transmission message is fixedly set, and a master file type. A master file byte number 722 indicating the number of bytes of the file, a company file byte number 723 indicating the number of bytes of the company file, a domain file byte number 724 indicating the number of bytes of the domain file, a master file 725, and a company file 726. , And a domain file 727.

FIG. 22 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109, 113 are the sub-center servers 107, 10
8, 109, and 113 show a master record transmission message format used when transmitting a master record. This master record transmission message format is a message type 731 in which a numeral "6" indicating the master record transmission message is fixedly set. And the number of bytes of the message 732
, Product code 733, number of records 734, information type 735, and connection information 736 including type and address
And a file name 737.

FIG. 23 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109, 113 are the sub-center servers 107, 10
The sub-center server program message format used when transmitting the sub-center server program to 8, 109, and 113 is shown. In this sub-center server program message format, the number “7” indicating the sub-center server program message is fixedly set. It comprises a message type 741 to be executed, a byte number 742 of the program, and a sub-center server program 743 including an instruction program and data.

FIG. 24 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
Reference numerals 109 and 113 denote requester program message formats used when transmitting a requester program to the PC 110 and the television 111. The requester program message format is a message type in which a numeral “8” indicating the requester program message is fixedly set. 7
51, a program byte count 752, and a requester program 753 comprising an instruction program and data.

FIG. 25 shows the center servers 101, 1
02 and 103 are flowcharts showing the operation of a program for updating the master file 600 provided in the external storage device 208. First, in S1, when a product code is input from the keyboard 207 of the center server, the product code is stored in a memory. Set to CODE. Then, in S2, the product code set in the memory CODE is searched from the master file 600.

If there is no input product code, it is determined that a new record has been input, and in S3, the information type, connection information, and file name of the master file are input as new data. The information type, the connection information, and the file name input to the information type storage unit 603, the connection information storage unit 604, and the file name storage unit 605 are respectively stored and a new record is created and added. Also,
If there is an input product code, the content of the existing data is displayed on the display device 203 in S5, and the changed content is input in S6.

Then, in S7, the input contents are judged, and when the record is to be deleted, "0" is set to the information type of the designated record in S8. If the record is not deleted, it is determined in S9 whether the updated content is the addition of a new information type. If the new information type is added, the new information type is added in S10. A new record is created by inputting the connection information and the file name, and the new record is added to the master file 600. If a new information type is not added, it is determined that the input is to change the existing information type, connection information, and file name, and the input content is overwritten on the existing record in S11.

After performing the above series of processing, finally, S
At 12, the sub-center server storage unit 6 stores the synchronization bit string of the added or newly created or deleted record.
The synchronization bit corresponding to the server stored in 40 is turned on, and this master file update processing is completed.

FIG. 26 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109 and 113 are communication I / F 204 and communication I / F 30
4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program for processing the message received in step S4. First, in step S21, the message is received.
At 22, the process is classified by message type. Message type is "1"
At S23, it is determined in S23 that the message is a consignment message (FIG. 17).
In S24, the input type of the search code (FIG. 13) or the search image (FIG. 15) is determined from the message, and if the input type is "2" meaning an image, it is recognized as a search image.
The bar code symbol part is extracted and decoded into a code to be searched.

Subsequently, in S26, the product code in the master file 600 is searched using the code 653 for the search code and the decoded search code in the case of the search image, and the corresponding product code is found in S27. Determine whether a master record group exists. If it exists, in S28, the search type 686 of the entrusted message (FIG. 17)
The master record group is searched for by the information type (information code) 673 of, and in S29, it is determined whether the information type (information code) 673 exists in the master record group.

When the master record group exists, S
At 30, the selection code 671 of the search type 686 of the entrusted message
Is checked, and if the selection code is "2", a connection information message (FIG. 20) is created in S31, and the created connection information message is transmitted to the requester in S32. Then, in S33, the reference memory 6 corresponding to the information type of the product code
The reference counter 634 in the counter 30 is incremented, and the received message processing ends. If the selection code is "1", in S34, the file name 605 of the corresponding master record is extracted to create a file name message (FIG. 18), and in S35, the connection information 60 of this master record is created.
4 is sent to the information server shown in FIG.
9) is received, and in S37, the received product information telegram is transmitted to the corresponding requester. Then, in S33, the reference counter 634 in the reference memory 630 corresponding to the information type of the product code is incremented, and the received message processing ends.

At S27, if there is no master record group with the corresponding product code, or
If the information type (information code) 673 does not exist in the master record group, the code 653 (for the search code) or the decoded search code (for the search image) is compared with the product code in S38. The company code (product maker identification code) in the product code is extracted, and S39
Then, the company file 610 is searched with the extracted company code, and in S40, it is determined whether or not the same company exists.

If the same company exists, the process goes to S41.
At S42, the received entrusted message is transmitted to the server at the server address 612 of the company file 610, and at S42, the response message is received to determine whether the message type is "3" or "4". If the received message type is “3” or “4”, S
At 43, the received message is transmitted to the requester as it is, and the received message processing ends. When the same company does not exist, or when the received message type is neither “3” nor “4”, the received entrusted message is transmitted to the server of the domain file 620 in S44, and the response message is transmitted in S45. Upon receiving the message, it is determined whether the message type is “3” or “4”. If the received message type is "3" or "4", the received message is transmitted to the requester as it is in S43, and the received message processing ends. If the message type is neither "3" nor "4", an error is notified to the requester in S46, and the received message processing is terminated.

In the processing classification of the message type in S22, the message type of the entrusted message (FIG. 17) is "3" or "4".
In the case of, in S47, the message is discarded as it is, and the process ends.
Also, in the processing classification of the message type in S22, if the message type of the entrusted message (FIG. 17) is "8", a requester program message (FIG. 24) is created in S48, and the requester is sent to the requester in S49. The created requester program message is transmitted.

FIG. 27 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
109 and 113 are flowcharts showing the operation of a program for performing a task process for causing the sub center server to perform maintenance.
7 and the keyboard 307, the sub-center server setting process is called up.
The user inputs the sub-center server address using 7,307. Thereby, in S53, the master file 600,
The company file 610 and the domain file 620 are read from the external storage devices 208 and 308, the synchronization bit is cleared, a file transmission message (FIG. 21) is created, and the created file transmission message is input in S54. The sub center server address is sent to the sub center server, and the maintenance processing of this sub center server is completed.

When the sub-center server program transmission process is called by the keyboard 207 and the keyboard 307 in S55, a sub-center server program message (FIG. 23) is created in S56, and in S57,
The created sub-center server program message is transmitted to the specified sub-center server address, and the maintenance processing of this sub-center server ends.

When the synchronous processing is called periodically by time monitoring or the like in S58, the counter C is cleared to 0 in S59, the counter C is incremented and the counter R is set to 0 in S60. Cleared, and the counter R is incremented in S61. Then, in S62, the C-th master record indicated by the value of the counter C is read, and in S63, it is determined whether the R-th synchronization bit indicated by the value of the counter R is on. When the R-th synchronization bit is on, a master record transmission message (FIG. 22) is created in S64, and the created master record transmission message is sent to a predetermined sub-center server corresponding to the synchronization bit in S65. Subaddress server storage unit 6
40, and transmits it to the sub-center server address. At S66, the synchronization bit is cleared. And S
At 67, it is determined whether or not all synchronization bits have been inspected. If the R-th synchronization bit is not on, it is determined in S67 whether all the synchronization bits have been checked.

If all the synchronization bits have not been checked, the counter R is incremented again at S61 and the same processing is repeated. When all the synchronization bits have been checked, it is determined in S68 whether all the records have been checked. If all records have not been inspected, the counter C is incremented and the counter R is cleared to 0 again at S60, and the same processing is repeated. When the inspection of all records is completed, the maintenance processing of the sub-center server is completed. That is, in this synchronization processing, all the synchronization bits of all the records in the master file 600 are checked, a master record transmission message is created for the ON master record, and a predetermined sub-center server address corresponding to the synchronization bit is set. The process of acquiring from the sub-center server storage unit 640, transmitting a master record transmission message to the sub-center server address, and clearing the synchronization bit is repeated.

FIG. 28 shows the sub center server 10.
7, 108, 109, and 113 are flowcharts showing the operation of a program for performing a task process for performing maintenance. Here, a reception process of a file transmission message of message type 5 (FIG. 21) and a sub-center of message type 7 are shown. The reception processing of the server program transmission message (FIG. 23) and the reception processing of the master record transmission message of the message type 6 (FIG. 22) are performed.

In the reception processing of the file transmission message of the message type 5, first, in step S71, the file transmission message is received.
In step S73, the master file unit 725 of the received file transmission message is stored as a master file in the external storage device 308. In step S73, the company file unit 726 is stored in the external storage device 308 as a company file. The domain file unit 727 is stored in the external storage device 308 as a domain file, and in S75, the received file transmission message is transmitted to the server address of the sub-center server storage unit 640, and the reception process of this file transmission message is performed. finish.

In the reception processing of the sub-center server program transmission message of the message type 7, first, in S76, the sub-center server program transmission message is received, and in S77, the sub-center server program transmission message has already been executed. If the center server program exists, the service of this program is stopped. In S78, the program of the received sub center server program transmission message is set in a predetermined program storage area of the RAM 305. In S79, the set program is set. Is started to end the reception processing of the transmission message of the sub-center server program.

In the reception processing of the master record transmission message of the message type 6, first, in S80, the master record transmission message is received, and in S81, the master record stored in the external storage device 308 as the master record is received. The file is updated, and in S82, all the synchronization bits corresponding to the server in the sub-center server storage section 640 are turned on with respect to the synchronization bit of the stored master record, and the reception processing of the master record transmission message is completed.

FIG. 29 shows the center servers 101, 1
02, 103 and sub-center servers 107, 108,
Reference numerals 109 and 113 are flow charts showing the operation of a program for executing the output process of the reference counter 634 of the reference memory 630. First, the counter C is cleared to 0 in S91, and the counter C is incremented and the counter R is cleared to 0 in S92. And S93
The output designated company code table 760 shown in FIG.
For the C-th company code indicated by the value of the counter C, the master memory group corresponding to the corresponding product code is searched from the reference memory 630, and in S94, the number of times of reference of each record of the information record group is summed up. In S95, this total value is added to the counter R. Then, in S96, it is checked whether or not all the product codes have been inspected, and if not, the processes of S93 to S95 are repeated again. If the inspection is completed for all the product codes, S97
In step S98, the printers 206 and 306 print the company code, the reference count R, and the billing amount obtained by multiplying the reference count R by a predetermined unit price. That is, an output report as shown in FIG. 31 is issued, and the reference count output process ends.

FIG. 32 shows the information servers 104, 10
5 and 106 are flowcharts showing the operation of the program of the product information transmission process to be executed. First, in S101, a file name message of message type 2 (FIG. 18) is received, and a file name 694 is acquired from the message. Then, in S102, it is checked whether or not this file name 694 exists in the external storage device 408 of the information server. . If it exists, a product information message (FIG. 19) is created in S104, and the product information message is transmitted in S105, and the product information transmission process ends.

FIG. 33 shows the PC 11 as a requester.
0 is a flowchart showing the operation of a program to be executed. First, in S111, a connection is made to a predetermined center server or sub-center server, and in S112, a requester program message (FIG. 24) is received and the corresponding program is called. . Then, the PC 110 executes processing based on this program. This program first displays a menu having contents as shown in FIG. 34 on the display device 503 in S113. That is, a message text 503a, 503b, 503c, a product code input method selection menu 503d, 503e, 503f, a code input area 503g from the keyboard 508, a reading process start button 503h from the bar code scanner 505, and an input. A code confirmation area 503i for displaying the read code, an image reading process start button 503j for reading the image from the CCD camera 509, an image confirmation area 503k for displaying the read image, an information type selection menu 5031, 503m, 503n, 503o. This is displayed as a window screen including a service start button 503p for transmitting a consignment message.

When the keyboard 503d of the product code input method selection menu is selected on this menu screen, keyboard input is enabled in S114 and S115
, Enter a code in the code input area 503g, and specify the scanner designation 5 in the product code input method selection menu.
When 03e is selected, the scanner input is enabled in S116, the reading process start button 503h from the scanner is waited for to be pressed in S117, and when the start button 503h is pressed in S118, the bar The bar code symbol is scanned from the code scanner 505 and the decoded code is read, and the read code is displayed in the code confirmation area 503i. When the code is input by keyboard or by the barcode scanner 505, a consignment message is created in S119 in the search code data format shown in FIG. 14 and the consignment message format shown in FIG. Further, when the image input 503f of the product code input method selection menu is selected on the menu screen, the image input from the CCD camera 509 is enabled in S120, and the reading process start button 503j is waited for in S121. At S122, the C
An image is read from the CD camera 509 and displayed in the image confirmation area 503k. At S123, a consignment message is created in the two-dimensional image data format shown in FIG. 15 and the consignment message format shown in FIG.

When the entrusted message is created in this way, S12
At 4, the created consignment message is transmitted to the connected center server or sub-center server, and at S125, the response message is received. In S126, the message type of the received message is determined. If the message type is "3", the product information is acquired from this message in S127 as a product information message (FIG. 19). In S128, the program is output to the display device 503 or the printing device 507 by the main program, and the process is terminated. When the message type is "4", the connection information is acquired from the message in S129 and passed to the main program as a connection information message (FIG. 20). It connects to the indicated information server and ends this processing. If the message type is neither "3" nor "4", an error is notified to the main program and S13
At step 1, an error is displayed by the main program and this process ends.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of the television 111 constituting a requester.
2, display device 773, communication I / F 774, RAM 77
5, UHF / VHF receiver 776, infrared communication I / F7
77, which are connected by a bus line 778.

The television 111 uses the UHF / VHF
The broadcast wave received by the receiving unit 776 is displayed on the display device 773. Further, the CPU 771 controls the infrared communication I / O.
The product code of the product and the operation command are input from F777, connected to the center server and the sub-center server via the communication I / F 774 to obtain the product information, and the obtained product information is displayed on the display device 773. . Alternatively, it connects to an information server and receives an interactive service. An instruction program that can be executed by the CPU 771 that controls these operations is stored in the ROM 772 or received via the communication I / F 774 and stored in the RAM 775.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the remote controller 112 for transmitting codes and operation commands to the television 111. The remote controller 112 includes a CPU 781, a ROM 782, a buzzer 783, an infrared communication I / F 784, a RAM 785, a light emitting diode 786, and a keyboard 787. And these are connected by a bus line 788. As shown in FIG. 37, the remote control 112 has the keyboard 787 and the light emitting diode 786 provided on the surface of a housing 789,
A light emitting section 784a of the infrared communication I / F 784 is provided on the tip end surface.
And a light receiving section 784b. The keyboard 787
Are numeric key 787a of 0-12, bar code center call key 787b, scan key 787c, code input key 787d, commercial call key 787
e, a code transmission key 787f is provided.

The CPU 781 includes the keyboard 78
7 or the product code of the product is input from the infrared communication I / F 784, the buzzer 783 sounds, the light emitting diode 786 is turned on, and the product code is transmitted to the television 111 via the infrared communication I / F 784. In addition, C
When an operation command is input from the keyboard 787, the PU 781 transmits the operation command to the television 111 via the infrared communication I / F 784. An instruction program that can be executed by the CPU 781 which controls these controls is a ROM.
782.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the program executed by the television 111. When an instruction to call a bar code center is received from the remote controller 112, a connection is made to a predetermined center server or sub-center server in S141. At S142, the requester program message (FIG. 24) is received from this center server or sub-center server, and the corresponding program is called. Then, in S143, a connection completion message is displayed, and an input from remote controller 112 is awaited. In this state, when a code input command is received from the remote controller 112 in S144, the remote controller 11 is received in S145.
2 receives the search code. When a commercial call command is received from the remote controller 112 in S146, a code is received from the teletext area of the broadcast wave being received in S147.

When the study code or the code from the teletext area is received, subsequently, in S148, FIG.
In the search code data format shown in FIG. 17 and the code for temporarily storing the entrusted telegram in the entrusted telegram format shown in FIG. Then, a response message is received from this center server or sub-center server, and in S151, the received message type is determined. When the received message type is "3", the product information is acquired from this message in S152 as a product information message (FIG. 19) and passed to the main program in S152. The data is output to the device 773, and the process ends. When the message type is "4", the connection information is acquired from the message in S154 and passed to the main program as a connection information message (FIG. 20). It connects to the indicated information server and ends this processing. If the message type is neither "3" nor "4", an error is notified to the main program, an error is displayed by the main program in S156, and this processing is terminated.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the operation of the program executed by the remote controller 112.
At step 1, a normal key is pressed from the keyboard 787, and when a key is input, the key type is determined at step S 162. Then, the bar code center call key 7
When the button 87b is pressed, a barcode center calling command is transmitted to the television 111 using the infrared communication I / F 784 in S163. In addition, the scan key 7
When the button 87c is pressed, the light receiving unit 78
4b, the light emitting unit 784a emits a scan light for one second in S165, and the light receiving unit 78 in S166.
4b, the reflected wave received is read and digitized, and S
At 167, decoding processing is performed. Then, in S168, the check digit is checked, and if the code is normal, S
At 169, a short tone is emitted from the buzzer 783, and the light emitting diode 786 is turned on as a data holding lamp.
Remember the code. If the code is error, S17
At 0, an error sound is transmitted from the buzzer 783.

The code input key 787d allows only the numeric key 787a and the code input key 787d to be input.
In S171, the input numeric key 787a is stored as one digit of the code, the light emitting diode 786 is turned on, and when the code input key 787d is pressed, the code is temporarily stored. In this state, when the commercial call key 787e is pressed, a commercial call command is transmitted to the television 11 using the infrared communication I / F 784 in S172.
1 and, in this state, a code transmission key 787
When f is pressed, in S173, the stored code transmission command and code are transmitted to the television 111 using the infrared communication I / F 784, and the light emitting diode 786 is turned off.

In such a configuration, for example, the PC 110 as a requester is connected to a predetermined center server 101-101.
103 or sub-center servers 107 to 109, 113
And wait for reception of the requester program from this server. In this state, the predetermined center server or sub-center server creates a requester program message and transmits it to the corresponding PC 110. Upon receiving the requester program message, the PC 110 calls up the corresponding program and displays a menu on the display device 503 as shown in FIG.

In this state, the PC 110 operates the keyboard 50
8 to selectively input a code in the code input area 503g, input a barcode symbol from the barcode scanner 505, or input an image using the CCD camera 509. In response to a code input from the keyboard 508 and the barcode scanner 505, a consigned telegram in the form of a code is created and transmitted to the connected center server or sub-center server.
In response to the image input from 09, an entrusted electronic message in an image format is created and transmitted to the corresponding center server or sub-center server connected thereto.

The center server or the sub-center server obtains a search code from the received entrusted message, and searches the master file 600 using the search code.
If there is a master record corresponding to the master file 600 and the selection code of the search type of the entrusted message from the PC 110 is “2”, a connection information message is created and
C110 is transmitted as a response. Upon receiving the connection information message, the PC 110 acquires the connection information from the message, directly connects to the information server indicated by the connection information to acquire the product information, displays the product information on the display device 503, or displays the product information on the printing device 507. Print out.

When the selection code of the search type of the entrusted message from the PC 110 is “1”, the center server or the sub-center server determines information selection, creates a file name message, and sends the file name message to the corresponding information server. Send. The information server acquires the file name from the received file name message, and if the file name exists in the external storage device 408, creates a product information message and transmits it to the corresponding center server or sub-center server. As a result, the center server or the sub-center server receives the product information message from the information server, and transmits the product information message to the corresponding PC1.
Send to 10. In this way, the PC 110 acquires the product information from the information server via the center server or the sub-center server, displays the product information on the display device 503,
The printout is performed by the printing device 507.

In this series of operations, when the center server or the sub-center server transmits a connection information message or a product information message to PC 110, it increments reference counter 634 of the corresponding product code and information type in reference memory 630. . Further, in this series of operations, the center server or the sub-center server extracts a company code from the search code when no corresponding master record exists in the search of the master file 600 by the search code. The company file 610 is searched. And
If the corresponding company code exists, the received entrusted message is transmitted to another server specified by the server address corresponding to the company code. The other designated server performs the same processing as the center server or the sub-center server that transmitted the entrusted message, such as searching its own master file 600, and transmits the response message to the center server or the sub-center server. . Then, a response message to the entrusted message is received from the corresponding server, and if the type of the response message is “3” or “4”, the received message is transmitted to the corresponding PC 110 as it is.

If the company code does not exist in the company file 610, or if the type of the response message is not “3” or “4” even if it exists, the domain file 62
The received consignment message is transmitted to another server specified by the server address 0. Also in this case, the designated other server performs the same processing as the center server or the sub-center server that transmitted the entrusted message, such as searching its own master file 600, and transmits the response message to the center server or the sub-center server. Will be. Then, a response message to the entrusted message is received from the corresponding server, and if the type of the response message is “3” or “4”, the received message is transmitted to the corresponding PC 110 as it is. However, if the type of the response message is not “3” or “4”, the PC 11
0 is notified of an error notifying that information is absent. Also, the center server or the sub-center server discards the message when the type of the entrusted message from the PC 110 is “3” or “4”.

The center servers 101 to 103 and the sub-center servers 107 to 109 and 113 execute maintenance for the other sub-center servers by calling the sub-center server setting process. That is, in the sub-center server setting process, when the address of the sub-center server to be subjected to the maintenance process is input from the keyboards 207 and 307, the master file 600, the company file 610, and the domain file 620 are read from the external storage devices 208 and 308 and synchronized. Clear the bit. Then, a file transmission message shown in FIG. 21 is created and transmitted to the corresponding sub-center server.

The sub-center server having received the file transmission message stores the master file portion of the file transmission message in the master file 600 of the external storage device 308,
The company file portion is also stored in the company file 610 of the external storage device 308, and the domain file portion is similarly stored in the domain file 620 of the external storage device 308.
Then, the file transmission message is transmitted to the sub-center server specified by the server address whose status in the sub-center server storage unit 640 is “1”.

The center servers 101 to 103 and the sub-center servers 107 to 109 and 113 execute the program transmission to the other sub-center servers by calling the sub-center server program transmission processing. That is, in the subcenter server program transmission process, when the address of the subcenter server to be subjected to the maintenance process is input from the keyboards 207 and 307, a subcenter server program message is created and transmitted to the corresponding subcenter server.

The sub-center server that has received the sub-center server program message sets the received program in a predetermined program storage area, and then activates and executes this program.

The center servers 101 to 103 and the sub-center servers 107 to 109 and 113 periodically call a synchronization process to check all the synchronization bits of all the master records in the master file 600, and check that the synchronization bits are For the master record that is turned on, a master record transmission message is created, the subcenter server address corresponding to the synchronization bit that is turned on is acquired from the subcenter server storage unit 640, and the subcenter server specified by the address is obtained. And clear the corresponding synchronization bit. Thereby, even if there is a change or addition of the master record, the sub-center server storage unit 640
The maintenance for the sub-center server stored in the server can be surely performed.

Each of the center servers 101 to 103 and the sub-center servers 107 to 109 and 113 is provided with a reference memory 630 in the external storage devices 208 and 308, and uses the reference counter 634 of the reference memory 630 to store each master record of the master file 600. Is counted, and for each company code set in the output designation company table 760, all corresponding product codes are searched from the reference memory 630, and the count value of the reference counter 634 is summed up. How many references were made for each company,
Then, it is possible to output as a report how much the billing amount is.

The center servers 101 to 103
If a product code is input from the keyboard 207, and if no corresponding product code exists in the master file 600, it is determined that a new record is to be input, and further, an information type, connection information, and a file name are input, and the master record is input to the master file 600. to add. Then, the synchronization bit corresponding to the sub-center server stored in the sub-center server storage unit 640 is turned on for the synchronization bit string. When the information type, connection information, and file name of the master record are changed, the input contents are overwritten in the corresponding storage unit of the existing master record. When a master record is to be deleted, "0" is set to the information type of the master record designated to be deleted.

Further, a television 111 having an Internet connection function is used as a requester separately from the PC 110, and this television 111 is connected to a predetermined center server 101-101.
103 or sub-center servers 107 to 109, 113
Waits for the reception of the requester program from this server. In this state, the predetermined center server or sub-center server creates a requester program message and transmits it to the corresponding television 111. Upon receiving the requester program message, the television 111 calls the corresponding program, displays a connection completion message on the display device 773, and waits for input from the remote controller 112.

In this state, when a code transmission command is transmitted to the television 111 by operating the keys of the remote controller 112, the television 111 receives the search code, creates a code-format entrusted message, and transmits it to the center server or sub-center server. As with the PC 110, product information and connection information can be received from the corresponding center server or sub-center server. Therefore, the product information received from the center server or the sub-center server can be displayed on the display device 773, or the product information can be obtained from the corresponding information server based on the received connection information and displayed on the display device 773.

When a commercial call command is transmitted to the television 111 by operating the keys of the remote controller 112, the television 111 receives a code from the character broadcast area of the broadcast radio wave being received, creates a code-type entrusted telegram, and sends it to the center server or the center server. By transmitting the information to the sub-center server, the product information and the connection information can be similarly received. In this way, by adding an Internet connection function to a television used in a general home, it is possible to easily obtain product information.

As described above, in this network system, the center servers 101 to 101 each having the master file 600 separately from the information servers 104 to 106 for providing the product information.
103, the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server, and a search code is transmitted from the PC 110 or the television 111 that requires the product information to the center server, so that the PC 110 or the television 111 Product information can be obtained from the corresponding information server by receiving the connection information of the information server from the server. Also, product information can be obtained from the information server via the center server, and various product information can be easily obtained. In addition, the center server does not need to have product information directly, so that the burden can be reduced and the versatility can be sufficiently improved.

Also, sub-center servers 107 to 109 and 113 are provided in addition to the center servers 101 to 103,
This sub-center server is connected to the center servers 101 to 10
3 and the PC 110 or the television 1
Numeral 11 can receive the connection information of the information server from the sub-center server, and can obtain the product information from the corresponding information server, and can also obtain the product information from the information server via the sub-center server. Various merchandise information can be easily obtained, and various merchandise information can be obtained more easily. Further, the sub-center server does not need to directly hold the merchandise information, thereby reducing the burden and sufficiently improving versatility.

In the above-described embodiment, the PC 11
0 and the information obtained by the television 111 is product information, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide various types of document information and provide various service information such as leisure facilities and accommodation facilities. Applicable.

The above-described embodiment also includes a network system information processing method and information processing apparatus described below, and a program storage medium. In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are respectively connected to a network, the center server includes a unique code and an address of the information server. A master file storing a plurality of master records having connection information necessary for connection such as a telephone number is provided. The requester transmits a search code to a corresponding center server, and the center server receiving the search code matches the search code. The master record is identified by searching for the unique code to be performed from its own master file, the connection information is acquired from the identified master record and transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the requester receives the corresponding information based on the received connection information. Information from the server Information processing method to receive today.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the center server includes a unique code and a unique code. Master file holding means for holding a master file storing a plurality of master records having connection information necessary for connection such as an address of an information server and a telephone number; receiving means for receiving a search code from a requester; A master record search unit that searches the own master file for a unique code that matches the search code to specify a master record, and obtains connection information from the master record specified by the master record search unit and transmits the connection information to the corresponding requester. And a connection information payment means, the requester, the information processing apparatus having a search code transmission means for transmitting the search code in the appropriate center server, and a connection information receiving means for receiving the connection information from the corresponding center server.

Further, in a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server has a unique code. The center server has a master file that stores a plurality of master records having connection information and file names necessary for connection, such as a unique code, an address of the information server, a telephone number, and the like.
Upon receiving the search code from the requester, the center server searches the master file for a unique code that matches the search code, specifies the master record, and obtains the connection information of the information server from the specified master record. An information processing method of transmitting a file name of a specified master record to an information server indicated by the connection information, and receiving information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server in this state, transmitting the information to a corresponding requester.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds a master file that stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. The requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server, and the center server having received the search code and the search type searches the master file for a unique code that matches the search code and searches the master record. Identify the group and A search is made for the information type that matches the information type of the search type from the code group, and the master record to which the matched information type belongs is obtained. The connection request is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the requester receives this connection information, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file of this master record is stored in the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record The information server that has transmitted the file name and received the file name transmits the information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server. When the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server, it transmits this information to the corresponding requester. An information processing method that transmits and the requester receives this information.

Further, in a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds an information type and information for the code, and the center server stores a master file storing a master record group including a unique code, the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. When the center server receives the search code and the search type from the requester, the center server searches its own master file for a unique code that matches the search code, specifies the master record group, and specifies the search type from the specified master record group. Information type that matches the information code of Search and acquire the master record to which the matching information type belongs, and when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection, transmit the connection information to the corresponding requester, and select the received search type. When the code is information selection, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and when the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, the information is transmitted to the corresponding requester. Information processing method to be sent to.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to the network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds an information type and information for the code, and the center server stores a master file storing a master record group including a unique code, the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. In this configuration, the center server receives a search code and a search type from a requester, searches a unique code corresponding to the received search code from its own master file to specify a master record group, Master record group specified Searching for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs. If the received selection code of the search type is connection information selection, the connection information is applicable. If the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the file transmitted from the information server is transmitted. Receiving the information indicated by the name and transmitting the received information to the corresponding requester. The computer readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server to sequentially perform the steps.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the center server includes a unique code and a unique code. Master file holding means for holding a master file storing a master record group including information types, connection information necessary for connection such as an address of an information server and a telephone number and a file name, and reception for receiving a search code and a search type from a requester Means, and a unique code that matches the search code received by the receiving means is searched from its own master file to identify a master record group, and from the identified master record group, an information type that matches the information code of the search type is identified. Search and find this matched information type Means for acquiring the master record to which the user belongs, connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information of the master record acquired when the selection code of the received search type is the connection information selection to the corresponding requester, and received search type Send the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record acquired when the selection code of the information is selected,
An information processing apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit that receives information indicated by a file name transmitted from the information server; and an information payment unit that transmits the information received by the information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds an information type and information for the code, and the master server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A reference memory comprising a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, the requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server, and receives the search code and the search type; The center server identifies the unit that matches this search code. A code is searched from its own master file to identify a master record group, an information type matching the information code of the search type is searched from the identified master record group, and a master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired. When the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. When the received selection code of the search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the information server that has received the file name , Sends the information indicated by this file name to the corresponding center server, Upon receiving the information from the information server, the center server transmits the information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and the requester receives the information from the center server. An information processing method for receiving information.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to the network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds an information type and information for the code, and the master server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. The center server includes a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code. When the center server receives the search code and the search type from the requester, the center server stores the unique code matching the search code. Search from the master file of A record group is specified, an information type matching the search type information code is searched from the specified master record group, a master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired, and the selection code of the received search type is the connection information. At the time of selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. The file name of this master record is sent to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record, and when the information indicated by the file name sent from the information server is received, this information is sent to the corresponding requester and the information type of the unique code Increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to Information processing method.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds an information type and information for the code, and the master server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A reference memory comprising a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code; in this configuration, the center server receives a search code and a search type from a requester; A unique code that matches Searching for a master record group by searching the master file group, searching for an information type that matches the information code of the search type from the specified master record group, and obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs, receiving When the selected code of the search type is the connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and the received search type is selected. When the code is information selection, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, and the received information is Send it to the requester and send the unique code Readable program storage medium by a computer which stores executable computer program by the center server to sequentially performed steps, to increment the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the type.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to the network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds a master file that stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. Master file holding means for holding, reference memory holding means for holding a reference memory comprising a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from a requester And the search code received by this receiving means A matching unique code is searched from its own master file to identify a master record group, an information type matching the search type information code is searched from the identified master record group, and a master record to which the matching information type belongs Master information retrieval means for obtaining the connection information, when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information to the corresponding requester, and the received search type selection code is information selection. In the case of, the information acquisition means for transmitting the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, An information payment means for transmitting the received information to the The information processing apparatus provided with the reference record creation means for incrementing a reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the de of the information type.

In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to the network, the information server is one unique server. The center server holds a master file that stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A master file holding unit for holding, a reference memory holding unit for holding a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file including a center server address group. Domain file holding means, Receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from the quester; and a unique code that matches the search code received by the receiving means is searched from its own master file to identify a master record group, and from the identified master record group A master record search unit that searches for an information type that matches the information type of the search type and obtains a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and, if the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and Information acquisition means for receiving information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; An information payment unit that transmits the information received by the information acquisition unit to the corresponding requester, a reference record creation unit that increments a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and a search operation performed by the master record search unit. When there is no data in the own master file, a transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another center server at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the search code and the search type are transmitted by the transmitting means. The commissioned information payment means for transmitting the information received earliest from the other center server to the corresponding requester, and from the other center server which transmitted other search codes and search types after receiving the earliest information by the transmitting means. Information processing provided with discarding means for discarding received information apparatus.

Further, in a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, the information server is The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file storing a group of records, a reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. For each record When a fixed number of synchronization bit strings are provided, and the sub-center server receives the search code and the search type from the requester, the sub-center server searches its own master file for a unique code that matches the search code and specifies a master record group. Searches the specified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, acquires the master record to which the matched information type belongs, and, when the received selection code of the search type is connection information selection, The information is transmitted to the corresponding requester and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented.If the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the connection information of the acquired master record is Send the file name of this master record to the indicated information server. When the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, the information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and the data is stored in its own master file. When there is not, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to the other center servers at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the information received earliest from the other center server which transmitted the search code and the search type is applicable. Request, and after receiving the earliest information, discards the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types, and When you enter the address, it will be remembered Clear predetermined synchronization bit, send master file and domain file to specific sub center server,
Also, when updating the contents of its own master file, it turns on a predetermined synchronization bit of the master record, checks the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, and transmits the ON master record to a specific sub-center server. Clears the synchronization bit, receives and holds the master file and domain file transmitted by another center server or sub-center server, and receives the master record transmitted by another center server or sub-center server. An information processing method for updating the contents of a master file that is held.

Further, in a network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server that provides information, and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, each having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file storing a group of records, a reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. For each record In this configuration, a fixed number of synchronization bit strings are provided, and in this configuration, a step of receiving a search code and a search type from a requester in a center server, searching for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file and executing a master record Identifying the group, searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, obtaining the master record to which the matched information type belongs, and connecting to the received search type selection code. At the time of information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented.If the received selection code of the search type is information selection, Information indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record The file name of the master record is transmitted to the server, the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, the received information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is transmitted. Incrementing the reference counter of the step, transmitting the search code and the search type to the other center servers sequentially or simultaneously with the address indicated by the own domain file when there is no data in the own master file, the search code and the search type Sends the information received from the other center server that sent the earliest information to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, discards the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types. To perform the steps sequentially, and Inputting the address of the sub-center server, storing the address, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to a specific sub-center server. Selectively turning on the synchronization bit, and checking the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, transmitting the ON master record to a specific sub-center server, and clearing the synchronization bit. A computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by a center server for causing the computer to execute the program.

Further, in a network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, each having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file storing a group of records, a reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. For each record A fixed number of synchronization bit strings are provided, and in this configuration, the sub-center server receives a search code and a search type from the requester, searches for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file, and A step of specifying a record group, a step of searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and a step of obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs. When the connection information is selected, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. , Indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record The information server transmits the file name of this master record to the information server, receives the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, transmits the received information to the corresponding requester, and stores the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code. Incrementing the reference counter of the step, transmitting the search code and the search type to the other center servers sequentially or simultaneously with the address indicated by the own domain file when there is no data in the own master file, the search code and the search type Sends the information received from the other center server that sent the earliest information to the corresponding requester, and after receiving this earliest information, discards the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types. Performing the steps sequentially, and specifying Inputting the address of the sub-center server, storing the address, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server. Turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, checking corresponding synchronization bit strings of all master records at regular time intervals, transmitting the ON master record to a specific sub-center server, and clearing the synchronization bit, other center servers Or receiving and holding the master file and the domain file transmitted by the sub-center server, receiving the master record transmitted by another center server or the sub-center server, and updating the content of the master file held by the To Readable program storage medium by a computer which stores executable computer program by the sub-center server in order to perform the 択的.

Further, in a network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, each having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file holding means for storing a record group and holding a master file storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code Holds a reference memory consisting of A reference memory holding means, and domain file holding means for holding the domain file consisting of the address group of the center server or the sub-center server,
Receiving means for receiving the search code and the search type from the requester, and searching for a unique code that matches the search code received by the receiving means from its own master file to identify the master record group, and from the identified master record group A master record search unit that searches for an information type that matches the information type of the search type and obtains a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and, if the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and Information acquisition means for receiving information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; An information payment unit that transmits the information received by the information acquisition unit to the corresponding requester, a reference record creation unit that increments a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and a search operation performed by the master record search unit. When there is no data in its own master file, transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting a search code and a search type to another center server or sub-center server at the address indicated by its own domain file; and Consignment information payment means for transmitting the information received earliest from the other center server or sub-center server to which the search type has been transmitted to the corresponding requester, and other search codes and search types after receiving the earliest information by the transmission means Other center server or server that sent the A discarding unit for discarding information received from the center server, and a sub-unit for storing the input address of the specific sub-center server, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server. Center server setting means, a master file updating means for storing an input master record in a master file, and turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, and checking a synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, and checking the master record which is on. Synchronization processing means for transmitting to a specific sub-center server to clear a synchronization bit; file receiving means for receiving and holding a master file and a domain file transmitted by another center server or a sub-center server; and another center server Or the sub center server sends An information processing apparatus comprising: a master file updating unit that receives the master record and updates the contents of the held master file.

Further, in a network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, each of which has communication means and can transmit and receive data, The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique information, the information type, the connection information such as the address and the telephone number of the information server and the file name required for connection. A master file storing a group of records, a reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. For each record A fixed number of synchronization bit strings are provided, and in this configuration, the sub-center server receives a search code and a search type from the requester, searches for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file, and A step of specifying a record group, a step of searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and a step of obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs. When the connection information is selected, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. , Indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record The information server transmits the file name of this master record to the information server, receives the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, transmits the received information to the corresponding requester, and stores the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code. Incrementing the reference counter of the step, transmitting the search code and the search type to the other center servers sequentially or simultaneously with the address indicated by the own domain file when there is no data in the own master file, the search code and the search type Sends the information received from the other center server that sent the earliest information to the corresponding requester, and after receiving this earliest information, discards the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types. Performing the steps sequentially, and specifying Inputting the address of the sub-center server, storing the address, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server. Turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, checking a corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, transmitting the ON master record to a specific sub-center server, and clearing the synchronization bit, other center servers Or receiving and holding the master file and the domain file transmitted by the sub-center server, and updating the contents of the master file held by receiving the master record transmitted by another center server or the sub-center server, Sa A step of transmitting the instruction program and data executable by the center server to the corresponding sub-center server; and a step of, upon receiving the instruction program and data, setting the instruction program and data in a readable main storage medium and executing the instruction program. A computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by a sub-center server to execute the program.

[0135] In a network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, and an information server that provide information and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, the information server is provided with communication means and can transmit and receive data. The center server and the sub-center server hold the information type and the information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server have a master including the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file holding means for storing a record group and holding a master file storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code Holds a reference memory consisting of A reference memory holding means, and domain file holding means for holding the domain file consisting of the address group of the center server or the sub-center server,
Receiving means for receiving the search code and the search type from the requester, and searching for a unique code that matches the search code received by the receiving means from its own master file to identify the master record group, and from the identified master record group A master record search unit that searches for an information type that matches the information type of the search type and obtains a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and, if the received search type selection code is connection information selection, the connection information When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and Information acquisition means for receiving information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; An information payment unit that transmits the information received by the information acquisition unit to the corresponding requester, a reference record creation unit that increments a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and a search operation performed by the master record search unit. When there is no data in its own master file, transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting a search code and a search type to another center server or sub-center server at the address indicated by its own domain file; and Consignment information payment means for transmitting the information received earliest from the other center server or sub-center server to which the search type has been transmitted to the corresponding requester, and other search codes and search types after receiving the earliest information by the transmission means Other center server or server that sent the A discarding unit for discarding information received from the center server, and a sub-unit for storing the input address of the specific sub-center server, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server. Center server setting means, a master file updating means for storing an input master record in a master file, and turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, and checking a synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals, and checking the master record which is on. Synchronization processing means for transmitting to a specific sub-center server to clear the synchronization bit, and program transmission means for transmitting an instruction program and data executable by the sub-center server to the corresponding sub-center server, the sub-center server comprising: And even a viable life An information processing apparatus comprising a program receiving means for receiving an instruction program and data, setting the received instruction program and data in a readable main storage medium, and executing the program.

[0136]

As described above, according to the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing information, and the information file of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. The connection information is stored, the search code is transmitted from the requester requiring the information to the center server, and the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and transmits the information to the requester. You can easily obtain various information on various matters such as services of
In addition, it is possible to provide an information processing method for a network system that can reduce the load on the center server and sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. By sending a search code from the requester who needs the information to the center server, the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and provides the information to the requester. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus of a network system capable of easily obtaining various information about the network system, reducing the load on the center server, and sufficiently improving versatility.

According to the second and sixth aspects of the present invention, a center server having a master file storing connection information of an information server is provided separately from an information server for providing information, and a search code is received from a requester. Network system that stores a program to be executed by the center server so that the center server can obtain various information on various items, such as products and various services, from the corresponding information server and send it to the requester. And a program storage medium readable by the information processing apparatus.

According to the invention of claims 7, 8 and 10, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from the information server for providing information, and the center server and the sub-center server are provided. The connection information of the information server is stored in the master file, and the center server or the sub center server receives the information from the corresponding information server by transmitting the search code from the requester requiring the information to the center server or the sub center server. To the requester, so that the requester can easily obtain various information on various items such as products and various services, and also reduce the burden on the center server and sub-center server,
An information processing method for a network system which can sufficiently improve versatility can be provided.

According to the ninth and twelfth aspects of the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from the information server for providing information, and the master file of the center server and the sub-center server are provided. Stores information server connection information in
By transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server or sub-center server, the center server or sub-center server receives the information from the corresponding information server and transmits the information to the requester. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus of a network system that can easily obtain various information on various items such as the above service, can reduce the load on the center server and the sub-center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file storing connection information of the information server are provided separately from the information server for providing the information, and the search code is transmitted from the requester. When the center server and the sub-center server receive the request, the center server and the sub-center server can obtain various information on various items such as products and various services from the corresponding information server and transmit it to the requester. A program storage medium readable by an information processing device of a network system storing a program to be executed can be provided.

According to the invention of claims 13 and 15, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from the information server for providing product information, and the master server of the center server and the sub-center server is provided. The connection information of the information server is stored in a file, and the search code is transmitted from the requester requiring the product information to the center server or the sub-center server, so that the center server or the sub-center server can obtain the product information from the corresponding information server. The requester then transmits the information to the requester, which enables the requester to easily obtain various information on various products, reduce the load on the center server and sub-center server, and improve the versatility sufficiently. An information processing method can be provided.

According to the fourteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth aspects of the present invention, a center server and a sub-center server having a master file are provided separately from an information server for providing product information. The connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the server, and the center server or the sub-center server sends the search code from the requester requiring the product information to the center server or the sub-center server. Network system that can easily obtain a variety of information on a variety of products, reduce the load on the center server and sub-center server, and sufficiently improve versatility. Can be provided.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from an information server for providing product information, and connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. In addition, by transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server, the requester receives connection information of the information server from the center server, whereby the requester can provide the product information from the corresponding information server. This makes it possible to provide an information processing method for a network system that can easily obtain various information on various commodities, can reduce the load on the center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. In addition, by transmitting a search code from the requester requiring information to the center server, the requester receives connection information of the information server from the center server, whereby the requester can provide the product information from the corresponding information server. Thus, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus of a network system that can easily obtain various information on various commodities, can reduce the load on a center server, and can sufficiently improve versatility.

According to the invention of claims 20 and 22, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. The two-dimensional image data is transmitted from the requester that needs the product information to the center server, and the center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server and transmits the two-dimensional image data to the requester. It is possible to provide an information processing method for a network system that can easily obtain various information about a product, reduce the load on a center server, and sufficiently improve versatility.

Further, according to the invention of claims 21 and 23, a center server having a master file is provided separately from the information server for providing the product information, and the connection information of the information server is stored in the master file of the center server. Stored from requester who needs product information 2
By transmitting the three-dimensional image data to the center server, the center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server and transmits it to the requester, whereby the requester can easily obtain various information on various products, and It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus of a network system capable of reducing the load on the center server and sufficiently improving versatility.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an entire network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a center server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sub-center server in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the information server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a personal computer in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a master file according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view showing a configuration of a company file according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a configuration of a domain file in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reference memory according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sub-center server storage unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a barcode symbol used in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a product code used in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a search code used in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a two-dimensional image used in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of two-dimensional image data used in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of search type data used in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary view showing a commission message format used in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a file name message format used in the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a product information message format used in the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary view showing a connection information message format used in the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a view showing a file transmission message format used in the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a master record transmission message format used in the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary view showing a message format of a sub-center server program used in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a requester program message format used in the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a master file update process by the center server of the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing received message processing by the center server and the sub-center server of the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing task processing for the center server and the sub-center server of the embodiment to cause the sub-center server to perform maintenance.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing task processing for the sub-center server of the embodiment to execute maintenance.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing output processing of a reference counter of a reference memory by the center server and the sub-center server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration of an output designation company code table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a view showing an example of an output report of the number of times of reference and the amount charged for a designated company in the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a product information transmission process by the information server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 33 is an exemplary flowchart showing the program operation executed by the personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 34 is an exemplary view showing menu display contents of the personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a structure of the television of the embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the remote controller of the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is an exemplary perspective view showing the appearance of the remote controller of the embodiment;

FIG. 38 is an exemplary flowchart showing the processing performed by the television of the embodiment for a barcode center call command from the remote controller.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing processing of the remote controller of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 to 103 Center server 104 to 106 Information server 107 to 109, 113 Subcenter server 110 Personal computer (requester) 111 Television (requester) 201, 301, 401, 501 CPU 202, 302, 402, 502 ... ROMs 208, 308, 408 ... external storage devices 210, 310, 410 ... storage media

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server has a unique code The center server has a master file storing a plurality of master records each having a unique code, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name, and the requester performs a search. The center server that sends the code to the corresponding center server and receives the search code,
The master record is specified by searching for a unique code that matches this search code from its own master file,
The connection information of the information server is obtained from the specified master record, the file name of the specified master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information, and the information server receiving the file name transmits the information indicated by the file name. To a corresponding center server, and upon receiving the information from the information server, the center server transmits the information to a corresponding requester, and the requester receives the information. . 2. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises a unique code The center server has a master file that stores a plurality of master records having connection information and file names necessary for connection such as a unique code, an address of the information server, a telephone number, and the like. A step of receiving a search code from the requester in the center server; a step of searching for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file to specify a master record; connecting the information server from the specified master record information Acquiring and transmitting the file name of the specified master record to the information server indicated by the connection information; receiving the information indicated by the transmitted file name from the information server; transmitting the received information to the corresponding requester A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server to sequentially perform the following steps. 3. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises a unique code Master file holding means for holding a master file storing a plurality of master records having connection information and a file name necessary for connection, such as a unique code, an address of the information server, a telephone number, etc. Receiving means for receiving a search code from the requester; master record searching means for searching a unique code corresponding to the search code received by the receiving means from its own master file to identify a master record; Means specified Information acquisition means for acquiring the connection information of the information server from the master record, transmitting the file name of the identified master record to the information server indicated by the connection information, and receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; An information payment unit that transmits the information received by the information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester, wherein the requester transmits a search code to a corresponding center server, and receives information from the corresponding center server. An information processing apparatus for a network system, comprising: 4. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises one The center server holds an information type and information for a unique code, and the center server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A file, a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file including a center server address group, wherein the requester corresponds to a search code and a search type. Send to the center server, search code and search The center server that has received the type searches the master file for a unique code that matches the search code, specifies the master record group, and determines the information type that matches the search type information code from the specified master record group. Search and acquire the master record to which the matching information type belongs, and when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection, transmit the connection information to the corresponding requester and correspond to the information type of the unique code. The reference counter of the reference memory is incremented, the requester receives the connection information, and, when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. Server that sent the file name of the file and received the file name The information indicated by the file name is transmitted to the corresponding center server. When the center server receives the information from the corresponding information server, the center server transmits the information to the corresponding requester and also stores the information in the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code. Increments the reference counter of
The requester receives the information from the center server, and when there is no data in its own master file, the requester sends the search code to the other center servers of the address indicated by its domain file sequentially or simultaneously. The search type is transmitted, and the information received earlier from the other center server that transmitted the search code and the search type is transmitted to the corresponding requester. After receiving the earliest information, the other search codes and search types are transmitted. An information processing method for a network system, wherein information transmitted from another center server is discarded. 5. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises one The center server holds an information type and information for a unique code, and the center server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A file, a reference memory consisting of a group of reference records having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a group of addresses of a center server. The center server retrieves a search code and a search code from the requester. When the type is received, this search code The master record group is specified by searching for a unique code that matches with the master file, and an information type that matches the information code of the search type is searched from the specified master record group. When the record is acquired and the received selection code of the search type is the connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received. Send this information to the appropriate requester and Increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the domain, and when there is no data in the own master file, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to another center server at the address indicated by the own domain file. And transmits the information received earlier from the other center server that sent the search code and search type to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, transmits other search codes and search types. An information processing method for a network system, wherein information received from another center server is discarded. 6. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises one The center server holds an information type and information for a unique code, and the center server stores a master record group including a unique code, an information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A file, a reference memory comprising a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file comprising an address group of a center server. In this configuration, the center server Receive search code and search type Step: searching for a unique code that matches the received search code from its own master file to specify a master record group; searching for an information type that matches the search type information code from the specified master record group; Acquiring the master record to which the matched information type belongs. If the received selection code of the search type is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is transmitted. Is incremented, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record and transmitted from the information server. Received the information indicated by the file name Transmitting the received information to the corresponding requester and incrementing the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code; if there is no data in the own master file, another center of the address indicated by the own domain file Transmitting the search code and the search type to the server sequentially or simultaneously, transmitting the information received earlier from the other center server that transmitted the search code and the search type to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, Discarding information received from another center server that has transmitted the other search code and search type, in order to sequentially perform the steps, and a computer-readable program storage medium storing a computer program executable by the center server. . 7. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. Holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and the file name. A master file storing a master record group, a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file including a center server address group. Applicable search code and search type The center server or sub-center server that has transmitted the search code and the search type to the center server or sub-center server that has received the search code and the search type, searches for a unique code that matches the search code from its own master file and specifies the master record group. Searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information type of the search type, obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. The requester receives the connection information, and the selection code of the received search type selects the information. Indicates connection information of the acquired master record. The file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server, and the information server that has received the file name transmits the information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center server. Upon receiving the information from the corresponding information server, the information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and the requester receives the information from the center server or the sub center server. Receiving, and, when there is no data in its own master file, the center server or the sub-center server sequentially or simultaneously transmits the search code and the search type to another center server at the address indicated by its own domain file, This search code The information received earlier from the other center server that sent the search type is sent to the corresponding requester, and after the earliest information is received, the information received from other center servers that sent other search codes and search types And the center server and the sub-center server are:
A predetermined number of synchronization bit strings are provided for each master record of the master file, and when the address of a specific sub-center server is input, this address is stored and the predetermined synchronization bit is cleared. Send to the center server, the specific sub-center server receives and holds the master file and the domain file, and receives a search code and a search type from the requester in this state, and receives a unique code that matches the search code. From its own master file to identify the master record group, search the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and obtain the master record to which the matched information type belongs, The selection code of the received search type is connected When the information is selected, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester. When the selection code of the received search type is the information selection, the file of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. When the center server and the sub-center server update the content of their master file, the center server and the sub-center server transmit the information to the corresponding requester upon receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server. The predetermined synchronization bit is turned on, the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records is inspected at regular time intervals, the ON master record is transmitted to a specific sub-center server to clear the synchronization bit, and the specific sub-center is cleared. The server receives the master record and reads the contents of its master file. An information processing method of the network system characterized by new to. 8. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network. Holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and the file name. A master file that stores a master record group, a reference memory that includes a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file that includes a center server address group. Each master record Provided a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings, the center server, upon receiving the search code and the search type from the requester, searches for a unique code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record group. Searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information type of the search type, obtaining a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the connection of the acquired master record is performed. The file name of this master record in the information server indicated by the information When receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, this information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented. When there is no data, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to other center servers at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the search code and the search type are received first from the other center server that transmitted the search code and the search type. The information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and after receiving the earliest information, the information received from the other center servers that transmitted the other search codes and search types is discarded. Enter the address of the center server and remember this address Clears the specified synchronization bit, sends the master file and domain file to the specified sub-center server, and turns on the specified synchronization bit of the master record when updating the contents of its own master file. An information processing method for a network system, comprising checking a corresponding synchronization bit string of a master record, transmitting an ON master record to a specific sub-center server, and clearing a synchronization bit. 9. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing information, and a requester requiring information are connected to a network, respectively. Holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and the file name. Master file holding means for storing a master record group for storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and a reference having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code Stores reference memory consisting of records Reference memory holding means, a domain file holding means for holding a domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server, a receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from the requester, The master record group is specified by searching for a unique code that matches the search code from its own master file, and an information type that matches the search type information code is searched from the specified master record group. A master record search means for acquiring a master record to which the connection information belongs, a connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information to the corresponding requester when the received search type selection code is connection information selection, and a received search type selection code Is the information selection, the acquired master record The information acquisition means for transmitting the file name of this master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the information acquisition means for receiving the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; and transmitting the information received by the information acquisition means to the corresponding requester. Means for transmitting information, means for creating reference results for incrementing a reference counter in a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code, and means for determining whether or not the master file has no data in its master file at the time of searching by the master record searching means. Transmission means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another center server or sub-center server at the address indicated by the domain file, and another center server or sub-center transmitting the search code and the search type by the transmission means Applies the earliest information received from the server Request information transmitting means for transmitting to the requester, and discard means for discarding information received from another center server or a sub-center server which transmitted other search codes and search types after receiving the earliest information by the transmitting means. Sub-center server setting means for storing the input address of the specific sub-center server, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server; Is stored in a master file, a master file updating means for turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, a synchronization bit string of all master records is checked at regular time intervals, and a master bit is transmitted to a specific sub-center server to transmit the synchronization bit. And synchronous processing means for clearing The information processing apparatus of the network system that. 10. The center server and the sub-center server transmit an instruction program and data executable by the sub-center server to the corresponding sub-center server,
8. The information processing method for a network system according to claim 7, wherein when the sub-center server receives the instruction program and the data, the sub-center server executes the instruction program after setting the instruction program and the data in a readable main storage medium. 11. A network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing information, and a requester that needs information are connected to a network, each of which includes communication means and is capable of transmitting and receiving data. Holds the information type and information for one unique code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the unique code, the information type, the connection information necessary for connection such as the address and telephone number of the information server, and the file name. A master file storing a master record group, a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one unique code, and a domain file consisting of a center server address group. Each master record A predetermined number of synchronization bit strings are provided for each, and in this configuration, the center server receives a search code and a search type from the requester, and searches the master file for a unique code that matches the received search code. Identifying the master record group by searching for the information type that matches the information code of the search type from the identified master record group, and acquiring the master record to which the matched information type belongs. When the selection code is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the unique code is incremented, and the selection code of the received search type is used to select the information. Is the connection of the acquired master record. The file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information, the information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server is received, the received information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the information type of the unique code is transmitted. Incrementing the reference counter of the corresponding reference memory. When there is no data in the own master file, transmitting the search code and the search type to the other center servers at the address indicated by the own domain file sequentially or simultaneously. The information received the earliest from the other center server that sent the code and search type is sent to the corresponding requester, and after receiving this earliest information, it is received from the other center server that sent the other search code and search type. Sequentially discarding the information Inputting the address of the specific sub-center server, storing the address, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, and transmitting the master file and the domain file to the specific sub-center server; Turning on a predetermined synchronization bit of a master record at the time of updating; inspecting a corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals; transmitting an on master record to a specific sub-center server to clear the synchronization bit Transmitting a command program and data executable by the sub-center server to a corresponding sub-center server, and selectively readable by a computer storing a computer program executable by the center server. Program storage medium. 12. The center server and the sub-center server, further comprising a program transmitting means for transmitting an instruction program and data executable by the sub-center server to the corresponding sub-center server. Information processing device of network system. 13. A network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, each including a communication unit and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file storing a master record group, a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code, a company code which is a component of the product code, and another center server or sub server. Company file consisting of the address group of the center server A domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server, wherein the requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server or the sub-center server, and receives the search code and the search type. The sub-center server searches for a product code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record group, and searches the specified master record group for an information type that matches the search type information code, The master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired, and when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection,
The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code is incremented. The requester receives the connection information, and the selection code of the received search type selects the information. In the case of, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the information server receiving the file name transmits the product information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center. When the center server or the sub-center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server, the center server or the sub-center server transmits the product information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code. And the requester has Receiving the product information from over server or the sub center server, Moreover, the center server or the sub center server,
When there is no data in the master file, search the company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and send the search code and search type to the server of the matching address group sequentially or simultaneously, and receive at the fastest speed. After sending the product information to the corresponding requester, receiving the fastest product information and discarding the results received from other servers, the center server or sub-center server further stores the data in its own master file and company file. When there is no, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to other servers at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the product information received first from the other server which transmitted the search code and the search type corresponds to Request, and after receiving the earliest product information, An information processing method for a network system, comprising: discarding merchandise information received from another server that has transmitted a code and a search type. 14. A network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, each including a communication unit and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. Master file holding means for holding a master file storing a set of master records, reference memory holding means for holding a reference memory consisting of a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code, and a product code Company code, which is a component of File holding means for holding a company file composed of a group of addresses of a server or a sub-center server, domain file holding means for holding a domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server, a search code and a search type Receiving means for receiving a search code, a product code matching the search code is searched from the master file to identify the master record group, and an information type matching the search type information code is searched from the corresponding master record group. Means for acquiring a master record to which the retrieved information type belongs, and, when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection, transmitting the connection information of the master record acquired by the master record retrieval means to the corresponding requester Connection information payment means to receive and receive When the selection code of the search type is information selection, the file name of this master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record acquired by the master record search means, and the file name indicated by the file name is transmitted from the information server. An information acquisition unit that receives product information, an information payment unit that transmits the product information received by the information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester, and a reference record creation that increments a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to an information type of a product code. Means for searching the own company file using the company code in the search code as a key when there is no data in the own master file, and transmitting the search code and the search type to the server of the matched address group sequentially or simultaneously. No transmission means, and no data in its own master file and company file A second transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to another server at the address indicated by the own domain file; and transmitting the merchandise information received at the highest speed by each of the transmitting means to the corresponding requester. An information processing apparatus for a network system, comprising: a consignment information paying means for receiving the information; and a discarding means for discarding a result received from another server after receiving the fastest product information in each of the transmitting means. 15. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. A master file storing a master record group, a reference memory including a reference record group having an information type and a reference counter for one product code, a company code which is a component of the product code, and another center server or sub server. Company file consisting of the address group of the center server A domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server or a sub-center server, wherein the requester transmits the search code and the search type to the corresponding center server or the sub-center server, and receives the search code and the search type. The sub-center server searches for a product code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record group, and searches the specified master record group for an information type that matches the search type information code, The master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired, and when the selection code of the received search type is connection information selection,
The connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code is incremented. The requester receives the connection information, and the selection code of the received search type selects the information. In the case of, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record, and the information server receiving the file name transmits the product information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server or sub-center. When the center server or the sub-center server receives the product information from the corresponding information server, the center server or the sub-center server transmits the product information to the corresponding requester and increments the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code. And the requester has Receiving the product information from over server or the sub center server, Moreover, the center server or the sub center server,
When there is no data in the master file, search the company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and send the search code and search type to the server of the matching address group sequentially or simultaneously, and receive at the fastest speed. After sending the product information to the corresponding requester, receiving the fastest product information and discarding the results received from other servers, the center server or sub-center server further stores the data in its own master file and company file. When there is no, the search code and the search type are sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to other servers at the address indicated by the own domain file, and the product information received first from the other server which transmitted the search code and the search type corresponds to Request, and after receiving the earliest product information, Discard the product information received from the other server that has transmitted the search mode and the search type, and the center server or the sub-center server
A predetermined number of synchronization bit strings are provided for each master record of the master file, and when a specific sub-center server address is input, this address is stored and the predetermined synchronization bit is cleared, and the master file, company file, and domain file are stored. A specific sub-center server transmits and receives the master file, the company file, and the domain file, and receives and holds the search code and the search type from the requester in this state. Searches for the product code that matches the code from its own master file to identify the master record group, searches the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and belongs to the matched information type Acquire the master record and When the selection code of the type is connection information selection, the connection information is transmitted to the corresponding requester. When the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. The master server transmits the file name of the master record to the server, and upon receiving the product information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server, transmits the product information to the corresponding requester.
When updating the contents of its own master file, it turns on a predetermined synchronization bit of the master record, checks the corresponding synchronization bit string of all master records at regular intervals, and sends the ON master record to a specific sub-center server address. An information processing method for a network system, wherein a synchronization bit is cleared, and the specific sub-center server receives a master record and updates the content of its own master file. 16. A network system in which a center server, a sub-center server, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, each including a communication unit and capable of transmitting and receiving data. The information server holds the information type and the product information for one product code, and the center server and the sub-center server use the information type and the connection information necessary for connection such as the address of the information server and the telephone number, and the file name. Means for storing a master record group and a master file storing a predetermined number of synchronization bit strings provided for each master record, and a reference having an information type and a reference counter for one product code. A reference that holds a reference memory consisting of records Memory holding means, company file holding means for holding a company file, which is a component of the product code and an address group of another center server or sub-center server, and address group of the center server or sub-center server Domain file holding means for holding a domain file consisting of: a receiving means for receiving a search code and a search type from the requester; and searching for a product code that matches the search code received by the receiving means from its own master file. A master record search means for identifying a master record group, searching the identified master record group for an information type that matches the information code of the search type, and acquiring a master record to which the matched information type belongs, and a received search type When the selection code for is Connection information selection The connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information to the corresponding requester, and when the selection code of the received search type is information selection, the file name of the master record is transmitted to the information server indicated by the connection information of the acquired master record. And
A product information acquisition unit that receives the product information indicated by the file name transmitted from the information server; a product information payment unit that transmits the product information received by the product information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester; Reference record creation means for incrementing the reference counter of the corresponding reference memory, and when there is no data in the own master file, search the own company file using the company code in the search code as a key, and send it to the server of the matched address group First transmission means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting a search code and a search type; and when there is no data in its own master file and company file, the search code is sequentially or simultaneously transmitted to a server at an address indicated by its own domain file. Second transmitting means for transmitting the search type and the search type; Consignment information payment means for transmitting the received product information to the corresponding requester; destruction means for discarding the result received from another server after receiving the fastest product information in each of the transmission means; Subcenter server setting means for storing the address of the center server, clearing a predetermined synchronization bit, transmitting the master file, company file and domain file to a specific subcenter server, and storing the input master record in the master file A master file updating means for turning on a predetermined synchronization bit, and a synchronization for clearing the synchronization bit by checking the synchronization bit string of all master records at regular time intervals and transmitting the ON master record to a specific sub-center server address. And a processing means. The information processing apparatus of the system. 17. The sub-center server may further receive a master file and a domain file transmitted by another center server or a sub-center server and receive and hold the master file and a domain file. 17. A master file updating means for receiving a master record and updating the contents of a held master file.
An information processing apparatus for the network system according to the above. 18. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises: The center server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server includes a master file storing a master record having information type and connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, The requester transmits two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol to the center server, and the center server receiving the two-dimensional image data recognizes the two-dimensional image data and decodes the search barcode symbol into a search code. The product code that matches this search code is The master record is specified by searching from the master file, connection information is acquired from the specified master record and transmitted to the corresponding requester, and the requester provides product information from the corresponding information server based on the received connection information. An information processing method for a network system, comprising: 19. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises: The center server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the master server stores a master file storing a master record having information type and connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server. Master file holding means; receiving means for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol from the requester; and receiving means for recognizing the received two-dimensional image data and decoding the search barcode symbol into a search code. Decoding means and the decoding means A master record search unit that searches for a product code that matches the search code from its own master file to specify a master record, and obtains connection information from the master record specified by the master record search unit and transmits it to the corresponding requester A connection information payment unit, wherein the requester includes: a transmission unit that transmits two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol to a corresponding center server; and a connection information reception unit that receives connection information from the corresponding center server. An information processing apparatus for a network system, comprising: 20. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises: The center server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record including a connection record and a file name necessary for connection, such as an information type, an address of the information server, and a telephone number. The requester transmits two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol to a center server, and the center server receiving the two-dimensional image data recognizes the two-dimensional image data and searches for a search barcode symbol. Product code that decodes to a code and matches this search code From the own master file to specify the master record, obtain the connection information of the information server from the specified master record, transmit the file name of the specified master record to the information server indicated by the connection information, The information server that has received the file name transmits the product information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server. When the center server receives the product information from the information server, the center server transmits the product information to the corresponding requester. The requester receives the product information, and the information processing method of the network system. 21. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises: The center server holds an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record including a connection record and a file name necessary for connection, such as an information type, an address of the information server, and a telephone number. Means for holding master file holding means, receiving means for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search barcode symbol from the requester, and recognizing the two-dimensional image data received by the receiving means to search for the search barcode symbol by the search code. Decoding means for decoding to A master record search means for searching for a product code that matches the coded search code from its own master file to specify a master record, and a master specified to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record specified by the master record search means An information acquisition unit for transmitting the file name of the record and receiving the product information indicated by the file name from the information server; and an information payment unit for transmitting the product information acquired by the information acquisition unit to a corresponding requester. An information processing apparatus for a network system. 22. In a network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server providing product information, and a requester requiring product information are connected to a network, the information server comprises: The center server stores an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record group including the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A master file, a reference memory including a reference record group including an information type and a reference counter for one product code,
The requester includes a search code or a search barcode symbol; a company file including a company code which is a component of a product code and an address group of another center server; and a domain file including a center server address group. When the two-dimensional image data and the search type are transmitted to the corresponding center server, and the center server receives the two-dimensional image data including the search code or the search barcode symbol and the search type, the center server recognizes the two-dimensional image data. A search barcode symbol is decoded into a search code, a product code that matches the decoded search code is searched from its own master file to specify a master record group, and further information on a search type is obtained from the specified master record group. Search for the information type that matches the code If the master record to which the matched information type belongs is acquired and the selection code of the search type is connection information selection, the connection information of the acquired master record is transmitted to the corresponding requester and the reference corresponding to the information type of the product code When the reference code of the memory is incremented and the selection code of the search type is information selection,
When the file name of the master record corresponding to the information server indicated by the connection information is transmitted, and the information server receives the file name, the information server transmits the product information indicated by the file name to the corresponding center server. The center server transmits the received product information to the corresponding requester and increments a reference counter of a reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code. Searches its own company file using the company code of the company as a key, transmits the search code and search type to the server of the matched address group sequentially or simultaneously, transmits the product information received at the fastest to the corresponding requester, After receiving the product information, discard the results received from other servers, When there is no data in the master file and the company file of the center server, the center server sequentially or simultaneously transmits the search code and the search type to other servers at the address indicated by the domain file of the center server. Send the product information received earlier from the other server to the requester, and after receiving this earliest product information, discard the product information received from other servers that sent other search codes and search types. An information processing method for a network system, comprising: 23. A network system in which a center server having communication means and capable of transmitting and receiving data, an information server for providing merchandise information, and a requester requiring merchandise information are connected to a network, wherein the information server comprises: The center server stores an information type and product information for one product code, and the center server stores a master record group including the information type, connection information necessary for connection such as an address and a telephone number of the information server, and a file name. A master file holding unit for holding a master file; a reference memory holding unit for holding a reference memory including a reference record group including an information type and a reference counter for one product code; and a component of the product code. The company code consisting of the company code and the address group of other center servers File holding means for holding a domain file comprising a group of addresses of a center server, receiving means for receiving two-dimensional image data including a search code or a search barcode symbol and a search type. Decoding means for recognizing the two-dimensional image data received by the receiving means and decoding a search barcode symbol into a search code; and searching for a product code matching the search code decoded by the decoding means from its own master file. A master record search means for searching for an information type that matches the information code of the search type from the specified master record group to obtain a master record to which the matched information type belongs; The selection code of the searched type is the connection information Connection information payment means for transmitting the connection information of the master record obtained by the master record search means to the corresponding requester, and when the received search type selection code is information selection, the master record search means An information acquisition means for transmitting the file name of the master record to the information server indicated by the connection information of the master record acquired and receiving the product information indicated by the file name from the information server; and a product received by the information acquisition means. Information payment means for transmitting information to the corresponding requester, reference result creation means for incrementing the reference counter of the reference memory corresponding to the information type of the product code, and a company in the search code when there is no data in its own master file. Searches your company file using the code as a key, First transmission means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type to the servers in the group of hosts, and when there is no data in the master file and the company file of the own server, to the other server of the address indicated by the own domain file. A second transmitting means for sequentially or simultaneously transmitting the search code and the search type; a consignment information payment means for transmitting the product information received by the respective transmitting means to the corresponding requester; and a fastest product in each of the transmitting means. An information processing apparatus for a network system, comprising: a discarding unit that discards a result received from another server after receiving information.