WO1998049624A1 - Information receiving and distributing systems and program recording media therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An information receiving and distributing system so constituted that it holds channel information generated by each server itself and, at the same time, is provided with an emergency channel distributing means to forcibly distribute emergency information which occurs in the servers to clients; another information receiving and distributing system so constituted that it holds channel information generated by each server itself and, at the same time, provides a directory on channel information which can be opened to the public to other servers and that a designated server suitably totalizes the looking and listening data on the channel information perused by clients; and still another information receiving and distributing system so constituted that the servers are made to have reception keys in the form of information and to describe transmission keys in the information transmitted from the servers and that slave servers and clients fetch down-loaded information after collating the transmission keys in the down-loaded information with the reception keys given to them.

Description

 Description Information receiving / delivery system and its program storage medium

 The present invention relates to an information receiving / distributing system, and in particular, has a forced distribution function for uniformly receiving and distributing information based on the content of information and forcibly distributing information. The present invention relates to an information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data for uniformly receiving and distributing information and capable of appropriately controlling reception and distribution of information based on the content of the information, and a program storage medium therefor. Background art

 With the recent development of computer networks, various types of publicly available information have been received and distributed via computer networks between users and individual barriers of companies and individuals. For example, newspaper articles distributed by newspaper companies via computer networks can be read by information terminals from ordinary individuals. In addition, some companies publish their information as information that others can freely refer to via the Internet.

 On the other hand, companies, for example, are constructing intra-company networks that connect their own branches, sales offices, factories, research laboratories, etc. via a computer network. In a company, in general, it is necessary to manage information within the company and the number of terminals is large. Can be For example, employees must access the head office host computer (upper server) from the terminal they use via the host computer at the office (lower server) to distribute and receive the necessary information. Can be.

By the way, in a conventional system of this type, a server prepares a directory list, and the server transmits the directory list in response to a directory list request from a client. Then, the client receives the desired channel information from the server. FIG. 23 shows a conventional processing flow concerning information distribution. Servers shown in the upper part of the figure are representative of servers that generally exist in multiple layers in a row. O

 The server holds the article information that can be distributed by itself (“Article A information”, “Article B information”,… “Article A 'information”, “Article B' information” ...). The article information is stored in the form of a list of channel articles together with “Article A”, “Article B”,… “Article A '”, “Article B'”… in the title diagram.

 In addition, the server holds a directory listing that summarizes a list of multiple channel articles. The list of “Channel A article list” and “Channel B article list” in the figure is the relevant directory list. The contents of the directory list include, for example, the title “Channel A” representing “Channel A article list”.

 (1) The client requests the server to send a directory list at startup.

 (2) The server sends the directory list. The client updates the “directory list” held by the client first, referring to the directory list.

 3) The client requests, for example, “Channel A article list” based on the updated directory list.

 ④ The server sends the channel A article list.

 ⑤ The client looks at the channel A article list and compares it with the “channel A article list” that it holds first. If there is a new article, request the article information.

 ⑥ The server sends article information, and the client gets the latest article information.

⑦ The client also requests the new article; 8 if there is an article / 8 information.

 ⑧ The server sends the article / S information, and the client gets the latest article ^ information.

ク ラ イ ア ン ト If necessary, the client requests a “channel article list”. As described above, the server sends new article information in response to a request from the client. The request from the client may be made by an individual user operating the client, but more generally, a time management table is prepared on the client side, and the client sends a request to the server at a predetermined cycle timing. Directory list ", and the same processing as described above is repeated. By the way, when constructing a corporate network (own network or private network), the corporate network and an external network such as the Internet (global network) are interconnected. It is common to connect. This is considered indispensable for reasons such as investment efficiency, business and management, and such a configuration is actually adopted. Therefore, for example, various information can be received by accessing the Internet from a terminal in a company, and various information can be distributed from a terminal in a company via the Internet.

 As described above, at present, if necessary passwords and the like are prepared, various terminals can receive and distribute various information almost freely from each terminal by connection between networks. In addition, because of the high convenience, it is possible that the amount of information received and distributed on the corporate network is too large, and the essential important information is buried. In other words, information that must be distributed to each terminal, information that must not be distributed to each terminal, and information that does not need to be distributed to each terminal cannot be distinguished from the content of the information. This is the case when information is not reliably transmitted to employees who use the terminal.

 Therefore, in a corporate network, it is necessary to pay attention to the contents of information received and distributed and manage them. Also received only on the corporate network

It is necessary to treat information to be distributed (for example, in-house information) and information from external networks in a unified way.

 Furthermore, as in the conventional case, simply distributing information according to a temporary request from the client side or a request under a relatively long cycle may not be able to deliver so-called urgent information. .

In the above-described conventional information receiving / distributing system, the client connected to the lower-level server or the lower-level server collects viewing data such as what kind of information the user is interested in or how much he / she has watched. If you try, Therefore, a configuration as shown in FIG. 24 and a configuration as shown in FIG. 25 are known. In Fig. 24, 500 is a server, 500-1-1, 500-1-2, ... are clients, 502 is total information, 5003-1, 5003--2, ... Represents a log. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 24 corresponding to the former embodiment, log information when each client 501-i connects to the server 500 is analyzed by the server 500. I do. That is, the server 500 collects the log information and extracts (i) the name of the field referred to, (ii) the address of the user (client), and (iii) the date and time.

 In FIG. 25, 600 is a server, 60 1—1, 60 1—2... Are clients, 60 2 is total information, 60 3—1, 60 3—2,. The transmission information, 604—1, 604−2,..., Represents reply information. In the form shown in FIG. 25 corresponding to the latter form, the server 600 transmits the information to each of the clients 60 1 -i and, when transmitting the information as the information 63 -i, keeps a record of the transmission. In addition, information on the viewing status from each client 600 1-i is received as reply information 604-i, and the reply record is left. The transmission record and the reply record are collected together, and the viewing data is received. And

 In other words, the server 6001 transmits information to each of the clients 6101-i. On the other hand, the client 6001-i determines who has watched what information and for how long. Is returned to the server 600 as the return information 604-i. The server 600 collects the transmission record sent by itself and the received reply record as viewing data.

 By the way, as described above, at present, if necessary passwords and the like are prepared, various kinds of information can be received through a connection between networks, such as a connection between a corporate network and the Internet. There is a situation where distribution can be performed almost freely from each terminal. However, this causes various problems on the contrary.

For example, it is conceivable to access an external network from a terminal in a company and receive information completely unrelated to the business of the company based on the content of the information. That is, this is a case where the employee receives personally interesting information, for example, gambling information and uses it personally. In addition, because of the high convenience, it is possible that the amount of information received and distributed on the corporate network is too large, and the essential important information is buried. In other words, information that must be distributed to each terminal, information that must not be distributed to each terminal, and information that does not need to be distributed to each terminal cannot be distinguished from the content of the information. This is the case when information is not reliably transmitted to employees who use the terminal.

 Therefore, in a corporate network, it is necessary to pay attention to the contents of information received and distributed and manage them. In addition, it is necessary to handle information that should be received / distributed only on the corporate network (for example, corporate information) and information from external networks in a unified manner.

 Furthermore, while managing the information by paying attention to the contents of the received Z-distributed information, the viewing data such as what kind of information each lower-level server or client is interested in or how much the user has watched. It is necessary to collect information and determine, for example, the type of information to be purchased from the global network.

 In collecting the viewing data, even in the case of the form (I) shown in FIG. 24 or the form (Π) shown in FIG. It is necessary to perform the process of distributing the desired information in response to a request from 0 1-i or 6 0 1-i and the process of collecting the viewing data described above, and the processing load is extremely large. Could be.

 The present invention performs uniform reception and distribution of information based on the content of information while distinguishing between information on the own network and information from an external network, and efficiently receives and distributes emergency information. The purpose is to:

 In addition, the present invention distinguishes between information on its own network and information from an external network, uniformly receives and distributes information based on the content of the information, and efficiently receives and receives information. The purpose is to distribute and efficiently collect viewing data.

In addition, the present invention distinguishes between information on its own network and information from an external network, performs uniform reception and distribution of information based on the content of information, and so to speak, Information that can be viewed by individual users can be limited without being noticed, and users who can view individual information can be appropriately grouped. The purpose is to.

 Furthermore, the present invention distinguishes between information on its own network and information from an external network, uniformly receives and distributes information based on the content of the information, and efficiently receives urgent information. To provide a program storage medium storing a program for realizing a process for distributing, efficiently collecting viewing data, and limiting information that can be viewed by individual users and appropriately grouping users who can view. With the goal. Disclosure of the invention

 An information receiving / distributing system according to the present invention includes a server and a client configured to receive and distribute private information, which is information in the own network, and global information, which is information in an external network connected to the own network. An emergency channel information distribution unit is provided on the server side, and an emergency channel information distribution reception port is provided on the client side. When information that requires emergency distribution occurs on the server side, the server It is distributed to the emergency channel information distribution port on the client side via the emergency channel information distribution unit.

 According to this information receiving / distributing system, information that needs to be urgently distributed can be substantially and urgently and forcibly distributed from the server side, so that each user can be efficiently and thoroughly informed. Becomes possible.

 Also, the information receiving / distributing system of the present invention receives and distributes private information, which is information in the own network, and global information, which is information in an external network connected to the own network. When one of the clients browses the channel information composed of one of the global information and / or the private information, the client views the viewing data browsed with respect to the channel information. , And the server receiving the transmission tallies the viewing data.

According to this information receiving / distributing system, it is possible to select an arbitrary server other than the server that generates and holds the article as the viewing data total data, and performs a process of collecting and totaling the viewing data overnight. Even in this case, equalize the processing load of each server. It becomes possible. In addition, since the equalization can be achieved, detailed information such as information on browsing state, information on browsing operation, and information on down-channeling of channel information is taken in and analyzed as viewing data. I can do that.

 Further, the information receiving / distributing system of the present invention receives and distributes private information, which is information in the own network, and global information, which is information in an external network connected to the own network. A directory comprising a source of information and reception information as information for receiving the information to a predetermined upper-level server in the own network. A private directory list, which is a directory consisting of a global directory list to be held, a provider of information, and reception information for receiving the information, and a private directory list to hold private information. The predetermined upper-level server uses the global directory list and the private directory list to execute other services in its own network. The server is configured to manage the reception and distribution of information about the server, and to provide the server with a reception key in the form of information and a transmission key in the form of information, and to inform the client of the reception key. The transmission key description section that describes the transmission key given to the server in the transmission information and the transmission key described in the information that has been downloaded are given to the server. The client has a key collating unit for collating with the receiving key, and the client has a key collating unit for collating the transmitting key described in the downloaded information with the receiving key given to the client.

According to this information receiving / distributing system, it is possible to manage information that can be browsed by lower-level servers and clients. In particular, general users who operate servers and clients are completely unaware of the existence of the transmission key and the reception key, so that, for example, when a user accesses to view predetermined information, it cannot be viewed. No unpleasant things like getting lost. In addition, the system administrator can set the transmission key and the reception key as appropriate to group the servers and clients, distribute the information to be viewed to a predetermined group, and view the information. Otherwise, it is advisable not to distribute information that does not need to be viewed to predetermined groups. Becomes easier. Further, by setting the transmission key and the reception key differently in an arbitrary server, for example, predetermined information is distributed to users up to a predetermined layer of a server connected in a slick manner, and It is easy to take a management system that does not allow distribution to users below the hierarchy.

 Further, according to the present invention, each of the information receiving / distributing systems as described above can be realized by using a program for operating a computer as described above, and these programs each store these. The program can be stored in various suitable program storage media. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the information receiving / distributing system.

 FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the information receiving / distributing system.

 FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the information receiving / distributing system.

 FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the information receiving / distributing system.

 FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of directory management.

 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of directory management.

 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process of forcibly distributing data from the server.

 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process of making an inquiry at short time intervals.

 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the principle of the second embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram illustrating viewing data collection.

 FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram corresponding to a partially detailed diagram of FIG.

 FIG. 15 is a system configuration diagram corresponding to a partially detailed diagram of FIG.

 FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for transmitting viewing data.

 FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for transmitting viewing data.

 FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a display form of a screen.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the principle of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining control by a key between a server and a client. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a server.

 FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a client.

 FIG. 23 shows a conventional processing flow relating to information distribution.

 FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a conventional embodiment.

 FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a conventional embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 (First Embodiment)

 FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a configuration of an information receiving / distributing system (or a network operating system) according to the present invention. This information receiving / distributing system receives and distributes private information, which is information in the own network 100, and global information, which is information in an external network 200 connected to the own network 100. I do. This information receiving / distributing system includes a global directory list 2 and a private directory list 3 in a predetermined host server 110 in its own network 100. The global directory list 2 is a directory including an information provider (server) and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and holds the global information. The private directory list 3 is a directory including a provider of information and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and holds the private information. Using the specified upper-level server, the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3, receiving and transmitting information about other servers 120 in the own network 100, etc. Manage delivery.

According to the information receiving / distributing system of the first embodiment of the present invention, the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3 are used to determine global information and private information in advance for each information. Reception information can be held. As a result, global information and private information are managed in a unified manner while being distinguished, and the reception and distribution of the information itself (text) is managed by the received information for each information. be able to.

 Therefore, according to the present invention, even when a private network such as a corporate network and a public external network (global network) are connected to each other, the reception Z These can be managed by focusing on the content (content) of the information to be distributed. As a result, information received and distributed on the network can be handled in a unified manner while distinguishing information to be received and distributed only on the corporate network and information from the external network.

 Further, in the case of the present invention, the server 110 (not shown, but also the server 120) further includes a directory list 4 relating to the urgent information when urgent information to be distributed occurs. Prepared to have a function to urgently and forcibly distribute the directory list 4 to the lower side.

 In the conventional information distribution shown in Fig. 23, a two-stage "list" of a directory list and a list of channel articles is used. A “list” of three or more levels may be used accordingly. However, in the following explanation, the “directory list” may be used to represent a multi-stage “list”.

 FIGS. 2 to 5 show the configuration of the information receiving / distributing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the network connection, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the external (or shared) network (global network) 200, and FIG. 4 shows the own network (private network or Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the terminal (client) 140 of the own network 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the own network 100 such as a corporate network is connected to an external network 200 via a line 300 such as a public line or a dedicated line. 0 Connected to 1 to receive and distribute information. A global network 202, which is another external network 200, is connected to the Internet 201, and receives and distributes information. Therefore, the own network 100 is also connected to the global network 202 via the internet 210 and receives and distributes information. The global network 202 is the Internet 2 The network can be connected from the local network 100 via the network 101, but the local network 100 can be connected to the external network 200 via the line 300. May be directly connected to and receive and distribute information. These pieces of information are public information such as newspaper articles.

 Therefore, in the own network 100, information from the internet 201, information from the global network 202, and information from the global network 203 are received and distributed. Since these are information created and provided outside the own network 100, they are global information for the own network 100. In the own network 100, information created and provided in the own network 100 is received and distributed. Therefore, these are private information for the own network 100.

 As shown in FIG. 3, an external network 200 such as the Internet 201 and the global network 220.203 is a global directory server 210 which is an upper server. And a global server 220 which is a lower (or intermediate) server. The global directory server 210 is a first-level (top-level) server for directory management in the external network 200. Global Server 220 is the second tier server for directory management. Although not shown, lower-level servers and clients are connected under the global server 220.

 Information (global information) consisting of articles (archives) and the contents of one of the global servers 222, the global server 220A (similarly for 220B and 220C) Create and store the content information or attribute information (content). This article is referred to as “Archive #a” and the title is referred to as “content (or global content) a”. Therefore, the global server A and the like are, for example, news servers on the Internet 201.

For example, as archive #a, "newspaper A article itself (article content)" created and published by a newspaper company can be mentioned. Also, as the content a, an expression such as “article of newspaper A” that briefly displays the content of the key word #a can be considered. In this case, the global server A is the global server that the newspaper company has 2 2 0.

 If the system administrator of the global server A considers that the archive #a can be made public, the global server A responds to the input by instructing the directory of the archive #a (the content directory). Create “#A” and upload it with its contents a to the global directory server 210. Directories are always uploaded and sent with their content. This is the same in the following. Archive #a still exists on global server A.

 The directory consists of archive #a, information on global server A, which is the provider of the archive #a, and received information, which is information for receiving archive #a. Specifically, it is the address of the global server A (including the network address or the IP address) or the ID. This directory is referred to as "#A". This directory is a directory (global directory) for global information as viewed from the own network 100.

 The global directory server 210 has a directory list (table) 1 in a predetermined format. The global directory server 210 stores the directory “#A” of the content a uploaded from the global server A in the directory list 1. The directory “#A” is registered with the content name “content a”. That is, directory list information (directory #A named content a) to be stored in the directory list is created and stored. Similarly, directory #B uploaded from global server B, and directory #C uploaded from global server C are also stored in directory list 1. The archive created by the global directory server 210 itself may be stored in the directory list 1.

The global directory server 210 distributes the created directory list 1 to the global servers A to C each time the directory list 1 is created or updated (or at a predetermined time interval). Since the information in directory list 1 is for published information, there is no problem in distributing it. Therefore, the directory list 1 distributed global — Balservers A to C distribute this directory list 1 to lower-level servers or servers on other networks.

 As shown in Fig. 4, the local network 100, such as a corporate network, has a clear (hierarchical) configuration. In other words, a private directory server 110 as an upper server, a private server (or intranet server) 120 as an intermediate server, a private server 130 as a lower server, and further, Includes clients 140 connected below it. The private directory server 110 is a first-level (top-level) server or terminal (or host) for managing a directory in the own network 100. The private servers 120 and 130 are servers or terminals of the second and third tiers for directory management, respectively. The client 140 is a terminal of the fourth layer (for example, the lowest level) for directory management.

 The private directory server 110 at the highest level of the own network 100 is a directory list to be distributed by the external network 200 via the line 300 as described above. Receives 1 and sends it to Global Directory List (GD) 2 (down-dial). In other words, it obtains as its own global directory list 2. For this purpose, the private directory server 110 has a global directory list 2 in a predetermined format. Global directory list 2 has the same format as directory list 1.

The other party to whom the private directory server 110 receives the directory list 1 may be any server on the external network 200. For example, it may be received directly from the global directory server 210 or from the global server B (in the case shown in FIG. 3). Therefore, the private directory server 110 is also a WWW browser for the Internet 201. On the other hand, in the own network 100, a private server X (also the same as Y and Z), which is one of the private servers 120, has an article and content information of “archive #x”. Content) (private information) is created and stored. This content is expressed as “content (or private content) x”. The system administrator of the private server X (or the own network 100) If it is acceptable to publish X (hence archive #x) as well, in response to the instruction, private server X creates directory "#X" for archive #X. Then, this is uploaded to the private directory server 110 together with the content X.

 It should be noted that the directory includes, for the content X, information about the private server X that is the provider of the content X, and reception information that is information for receiving the archive #X. Specifically, it is the address or ID of the global server X. This directory is denoted as “#X”. This directory is a directory for private information (private directory) when viewed from the own network 100.

 The private directory server 110 has a private directory list (PD) 3 in a predetermined format. The private directory list 3 has the same format as the global directory list 2 or directory list 1. Therefore, directory "#X" is stored in private directory list 3 in the same manner as directory "#A". That is, directory list information for this storage is created and stored. Similarly, the directory #Y uploaded from the private server Y is also stored in the private directory list 3. Note that the private server 130 or the archive created by the private directory server 110 itself may be stored in the private directory list 3.

The private directory server 110 sends the received global directory list 2 and the created private directory list 3 to the private server each time it is created, updated, or received (or at a predetermined time interval). Distribute to X to Ζ. Since the information in the global directory list 2 is for publicly available information, there is no problem in distributing it. The information in the private directory list 3 basically has no problem as long as it is distributed within the same company. Therefore, the private servers X to た that have received the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3 distribute them to the lower-order private servers 130 and clients 140. Deliver to. As shown in FIG. 5, the client 140 views the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3 to which the user has been distributed. As a result, if the user of the client 140 wants to view the information itself (archive), the user can view the global directory list 2 and the global directory in the Z or private directory list 3. Specify a directory and a Z or private directory to instruct archive acquisition. With this instruction input, the downloader 10 of the client 140 refers to the specified global directory and Z or private directory, and the relevant global server 210, 220 and And / or transmits the archive #a or the like from the private server 110, 120, 130 to the storage device 11 of the terminal 140.

 In the client 140, the display program 12 displays the archive #a transmitted (downloaded) to the storage device 11 on the display device 13 of its own terminal. This allows the user of client 140 to see archive #a and so on.

 Here, in the information receiving / distributing system of the present invention, the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3 distributed from the private directory server 110 as described above. Distribution, that is, directory distribution, is managed in more detail. Also, through the detailed management of this directory, the reception of archives is also managed in detail.

 Figures 6 and 7 show the directory management. In particular, FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a server of the own network 100, for example, a private server (or intranet server) 120 which is an intermediate server, and FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the intranet server 120. Shows the structure of the directory management table.

 The following description is about the configuration of the intranet server 120. The private directory server 110 and the private server 130 have the same configuration. This enables information management according to each layer of the own network 100. In other servers, such a configuration may be omitted as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 6, the intranet server 120 has a directory management system. It has a directory 21, a directory management program 22, a directory downloader 23, a directory update program 24, and a directory uploader 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the directory management table 21 stores a distribution permission flag and an upload permission flag for each content name (for each of the channel information). The distribution permission flag indicates whether or not the directory can be distributed from a higher-level server (private directory server 110) to a lower-level server (private server 130). The upload permission flag indicates whether or not the directory from the lower order server (private server 130) can be uploaded to the upper order server (private directory server 110). Therefore, the directory management table 21 collectively manages directories of contents that can be distributed to other servers in the intranet server 120 (or the own network 100).

 The directory management program 22 refers to the directory management table 21 so that the private directory server 110 and the private server can be used.

Manages the reception and distribution of directories for 130. In other words, using the directory management program 22 \ directory management table 21, the directory from the upper server is delivered to the lower server, and the directory from the lower server is sent to the upper server in the directory. Upload and manage. In addition, by managing the private directory server 110, as a result, with respect to the directory, the other private server 120 in the same hierarchy is also managed.

 Therefore, prior to the reception and distribution, the directory management program 22 sets a distribution permission flag and an approver permission flag in the directory management table 21. This setting is performed by the system administrator of the intranet server 120 (or the administrator of the own network 100) in an interactive manner with the directory management program 22.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the content “a” is “article of newspaper A” distributed from the Internet 201. Since the content a is likely to be useful for employees, the distribution permission flag is set to “permitted”, and on the other hand, the upload permission flag is set to “upload not allowed” because it is distributed from the upper server. The content b is “gambling B news” distributed from the Internet 201. And Since the content b is irrelevant to the business of the company, the distribution permission flag is set to “impossible”. On the other hand, since the content b is distributed from an upper server, the upload permission flag is set to “upload impossible”.

 It is also assumed that the content X is “HR notification X” uploaded from a lower-level server (client 140). The distribution permission flag of the content X is set to “permitted” to inform employees, and the upload permission flag is set to “uploadable” for the same reason. It is also assumed that the content y is “general affairs news Y” uploaded from a lower-level server (client 140). This content is likely to be unrelated to employees other than the general affairs, so the distribution permission flag is set to "disabled" and for the same reason the upload permission flag is set to "upload disabled" .o

 The directory downloader 23 transmits the global directory and the private directory delivered to the higher-level server, that is, the private directory server 110, to the corresponding intranet server 120 (downloads it). Based on this, the contents of the directory management table 21 are updated. If the directory is for new content, it is added to the directory management table 21; if the directory is changed, the existing directory is changed accordingly. For example, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the directories of the contents a to c are entered into the directory management table 21 by the directory downloader 23.

 Note that transmissions (down ports) to a server (private server 130) below the directory for which the distribution permission flag is “OK” in the directory management table 21 are sent to the private server. The same is performed by the directory downloader 23 of the server 130. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the directory power of the contents a, c and X is transmitted (downloaded) by the directory downloader 23 of the lower order server.

The directory update program 24 holds the private directory uploaded by the directory uploader 25 from the subordinate server, that is, the private server 130, on the intranet server 120, and Then, the contents of the directory management table 21 are updated in the same manner as described above. For example, see Figure 6 In FIG. 7 and FIG. 7, the directories of the contents X and y are entered into the directory management table 21 by the directory update program 24.

 The directory uploader 25 extracts contents whose upload permission flag is “uploadable” from the contents entered in the directory management table 21, and transfers the directory to the upper-level server as a higher-level server. Applies to the beta directory server 110. For example, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the directory of the content X is uploaded from the directory management table 21 to the host server by the directory uploader 25.

 Although the information receiving / distributing system is configured as described above, the following description focuses on urgently delivering information.

 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 110 denotes a server, 140 denotes a client, 71 denotes a channel information distribution unit, 72 denotes an emergency channel information distribution unit, 73 denotes an emergency channel information distribution reception port (receiving unit), and 74 denotes The downloader 75 indicates a time management table.

 Conventionally, the client 140 has a time management table 75 and a downloader 74, and issues a request to the downloader 74 at predetermined intervals according to the time management table 75. It has a configuration to request the channel information distribution unit 71 to transmit a directory list (including a channel list and channel information).

 In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the conventional configuration, an emergency channel information distribution unit 72 is provided in server 110 to distribute an emergency channel information list and emergency information when emergency information occurs. To do. The client 140 is provided with an emergency channel information distribution receiving port 73 to receive an emergency channel information list and emergency channel information transmitted from the server.

 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing processing for forcibly distributing data from the server. This is described in relation to the configuration in Fig. 8.

 (S1): Requests transmission of a directory list based on the time up from the time management table 75 and the client 140.

(S2): The server 110 sends a directory list. (S3): The client 140 updates the directory list.

 (S 4): When the client 140 knows that the emergency channel information may be sent, the client 140 sets up an emergency channel information distribution receiving port 73 for receiving the emergency channel information.

 (S5): On the other hand, when the emergency article (emergency channel information) is registered in the server 110, the emergency channel article list is updated. Then, the server 110 transmits an emergency channel article list to the emergency channel information distribution receiving port 73 of the client 140 via the emergency channel information distribution section 72.

 (S6): The client 140 compares the emergency channel information list held by itself with the sent emergency channel article list (emergency channel information list).

 (S7): If the client 140 finds that there is emergency channel information that it does not hold as a result of the comparison, the client 140 automatically issues a corresponding emergency channel information acquisition request. Emit.

 (S8): The server 110 transmits the requested emergency channel information.

 (S9): The client 140 updates the emergency channel information.

 (510): The client 140 pops up and displays on the display screen to notify the user of the arrival of the emergency channel information.

 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals 1 1 0, 1 4 0, 7 1, 7 2, 7 3, 7 4 and 7 5 in the figure correspond to those in Fig. 8, 76 is a down loader, and 77 is a time management table. Is represented.

 In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the time management table 75 having a relatively long cycle (for example, a 6-hour cycle) and the time management table having a relatively short cycle (for example, a 5-minute cycle) exist in the conventional case. 7 is made to have 7. Then, the request from the illustrated down-loader 74 is transmitted to the illustrated channel information distribution unit 71, but the request from the illustrated downloader 76 is transmitted to the emergency channel information distribution unit 72.

 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process of making an inquiry at short time intervals. A description will be given corresponding to the configuration of FIG.

(5 1 1): Client 1 4 0 power \ Time management table 75 Requests a directory listing based on the URL.

 (5 1 2): Server 110 sends directory listing.

 (5 13): Client 140 updates directory list.

 (5 14): When the client 140 knows that there is a possibility that emergency channel information will be sent, it installs an emergency channel information distribution port 73, and the time management table 7 that times up in a short period. Start 7

 (5 15): On the other hand, when the emergency article (emergency channel information) is registered in the server 110, the emergency channel article list is updated.

 (5 1 6): Under this condition, when the time management table 7 7 (short period) in the client 140 times up, the emergency channel information distribution unit 72 is activated and the server 110 Send a list of channel articles.

 (5 17): The client 140 compares the emergency channel information list held by itself with the sent emergency channel article list (emergency channel information list).

 (5 18): If the client 140 finds that there is emergency channel information not held by the client 140 as a result of the comparison, the client 140 automatically issues a corresponding emergency channel information acquisition request. Emit.

 (5 19): The server 110 sends the requested emergency channel information.

 (S2 0): Client 140 updates emergency channel information.

 (S21): Then, the client 140 pops up and displays it on the display screen to notify the user of the arrival of the emergency channel information.

 In Fig. 9 and Fig. 11, the user who popped up and displayed on the display screen was notified of the arrival of the emergency channel information, respectively.

(a) Display the arrival by popping up on the screen.

 (b) Sound announce arrival

 (c) Pop up and display the arrival contents (emergency channel information itself).

 (d) Immediately display the arrival information on a specific “information display client”.

 (e) Display the summary of the arrival contents in the form of a telop.

(f) Display the summary of arrival contents in the form of a telop, giving priority to other telops I do.

 (g) Even if the display screen is in the state of the screen saver, the arrival and / or the contents of the arrival are displayed over the display of the relevant screen saver.

 Notification means such as this can be employed.

 (Second embodiment)

 FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the principle of the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows the configuration of an information receiving / distributing system (or network operating system) according to the present invention. This information receiving / distributing system is composed of private information, which is information in the own network 100, and global information, which is information in an external network 200 connected to the own network 100. Receive and distribute information. This information receiving / distributing system includes a global directory list 2 and a private directory list 3 in a predetermined host server 110 in its own network 100. The global directory list 2 is a directory composed of an information provider (server) and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and holds the global information. The private directory list 3 is a directory including a provider of information and reception information which is information for receiving the information, and holds the private information. Using the specified upper-level server 110, global directory list 2 and private directory list 3, information on other servers 120 in the own network 100, etc. Manage the reception and distribution of

 According to the information receiving and distributing system of the second embodiment of the present invention, the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3 are used to pre-register global information and private information for each information. Can hold the received information. This makes it possible to manage global information and private information in a unified manner while distinguishing them, and to manage the reception and distribution of the information itself (text) by the received information for each information.

Therefore, according to the present invention, even when a private network such as a corporate network and a public external network (global network) are connected to each other, reception Z distribution is performed. These can be managed by focusing on the contents of the information (contents). As a result, it is received and distributed by the network. Information can be received and received only on the corporate network, and can be handled in a unified manner while distinguishing information to be distributed from information from external networks.

 Subordinate servers (not shown) intervene below the server 120 as necessary, and the client 140 is connected. As one of the existing servers, a viewing data totaling server 180 is provided. For example, information on the viewing status of the channel information viewed by the client 140 is provided in the form of reply information, and the viewing data is provided. The aggregation server 180 is notified.

 The viewing data totaling server 180 generates the totaling information that has received the reply information from each client, and notifies the upper-level server 110 shown in the drawing as needed o

 A plurality of viewing data aggregation servers 180 may exist in the own network 100, and transmission of the reply information when the client 140 views the channel information in the channel information viewed by the client 140. The destination is described.

 Needless to say, by providing the viewing data totaling server 180 according to the present invention, for example, the processing load on the host server 110 is reduced.

 FIGS. 13 to 18 show the configuration of the information receiving / distributing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the information receiving / distributing system of the second embodiment of the present invention has the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 similarly to the information receiving / distributing system of the first embodiment, the description of this configuration is omitted. I do. The following description focuses on collecting viewing data of the information receiving / distributing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 13 shows a system configuration diagram for explaining viewing data collection. Fig. 13 shows a system configuration in which the own network is connected to the external network, and each server has a function to aggregate viewing data. However, FIG. 13 is a system configuration illustrated for ease of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to this.

In FIG. 13, reference numerals 100, 110, 120, 140, 210 correspond to FIG. 83 and FIG. 84, etc., and 1 is a global directory list, 14 is a directory list table, 15 is a channel information storage unit, and 16 is a total data storage unit. In each server and client, the channel information generated by itself is held in the channel information storage unit 15-i. In addition, each server has a directory list table 14-i, and holds a global directory list GD and a private directory list PD. In addition, each server has an aggregate data storage unit 16-i that collects the viewing data of the channel information generated by itself as needed. In FIG. 13, the server (C 2) 1 20 0-2 collects the viewing data in the server (C 2 ′) 1 20 13 without having the total data storage section 16-i. I try to have the function substituted. Needless to say, one of the features of the present invention is that this delegation execution is enabled. Hereinafter, FIG. 13 will be described. The contents of the directory list table 14—i and the channel information storage unit In order to specifically explain the contents of 15-i, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 instead of FIG.

 FIGS. 14 and 15 are combined to form one figure and are a rewrite of FIG. 13 in more detail. Therefore, the reference numerals in FIGS. 14 and 15 correspond to those in FIG.

 The information held by each server and client is described individually below.

 [I] Server (A) 210 generates itself “news contents” and “weather forecast contents” and stores them in channel information storage section 15-0. It should be noted here

An information unit including information described as “contents” such as “news content” and “weather forecast content” will be referred to as channel information (the same applies hereinafter). The server (A) 210 has a directory list 1 (here, a global directory list) for managing the respective channel information. In the contents of the global directory list,

 (i) “Y (Y): News (adrs: A)” means that the channel information “News content” with the title “News” is generated by itself and released for YES. And the server identified by address A (in this case, the server

(A) 210) is stored, (ii) “Auto (Y): weather forecast (adrs: A)” means that the channel information with the title “weather forecast content” indicated as “weather forecast J” is generated by the user and is published. It belongs to YES and indicates that the server specified by address A stores it.

 [II] Server (B) 110 receives channel information “news content” from server (A) 210 in external network 200, as if it generated the channel information itself. In order to be able to act as if (this is called a “mirror”), the “news content” is stored in the channel information storage unit 15-1. Then, in the contents of the directory list table 14—1,

(iii) The “mirror: news (adrs: B)” means that the channel information of “news contents”, whose title is shown as “news”, is mirrored (it is the channel information storage unit 1). 5—1), indicating that the server identified by address B (in this case, server (B) 110) is stored,

 (iv) “Pass: weather forecast (adrs: A)” means that the channel information with the title “weather forecast content” indicated as “weather forecast” is not held by itself (“ Pass)), indicating that the server identified by address A holds it,

 (v) “Passing: companies (adrs: C2)” means that the channel information of “company contents” indicated by the title “company” is not held by itself, but is advertised. Less than the server identified by C2,

 (vi) “Pass: Product News (adrs: C 1)” means that the channel information of “Product News Content” whose title is shown as “Product News” is not owned by itself. This indicates that the server specified by address C1 holds the server.

 [111] Server (C 1) 120-1-1 generates “product news content” and “development information content” by itself and holds them in channel information storage section 15-2. Then, in the contents of the directory list table 141-2,

(vii) “Passing: news (adrs: B)” means that the channel information of “news content”, whose title is shown as “news”, is not owned by itself. And that the server identified by address B holds it,

(vi ii) “Pass: weather forecast (adrs: A)” means that the channel information with the title “weather forecast content” indicated as “weather forecast” is not held by itself. , Indicates that the server identified by address A holds it,

 (ix) “Transit: companies (adrs: C 2)” means that the channel information of “company contents” indicated by the title “company” is not held by itself, but is Indicates that the server identified by C2 holds

 (X) “(Y): Product news (adrs: C1)” means that the channel information of “Product news content” with the title “Product news” is held and released by the user. Is YES, indicating that the server identified by address C1 contains

 (xi) Own (N): Development information (adrs: C 1) ”means that the channel information with the title“ Development information content ”indicated as“ Development information ”is held by its own and released to the public. It indicates that the server identified by the address C1 stores the information.

 [IV] The server (C 2) 12 0-2 itself generates “company contents” and “section information contents” and holds them in the channel information storage unit 15-3. Then, in the contents of the directory list table 14-4-3,

 (xi i) "Pass: news (adrs: B)" means that the channel information of "news contents", whose title is shown as "news", is not held by itself but is in address B Indicates that the server identified by

 (xi ii) "Passing: weather forecast (adrs: A)" means that the channel information with the title "weather forecast content" indicated as "weather forecast" is not held by itself. , Indicates that the server identified by address A holds it,

 (xiv) "Pass: Product News (adrs: Cl)" means that the channel information "Product News Content" with the title "Product News" is not held by itself. Indicates that the server identified by address C1 holds

(XV) The title "Self (Y): Company (adrs: C2)" means that the title is "Company" The indicated channel information "company contents" indicates that the information is held by itself and is released, and that the server identified by address C2 holds the information.

 (xvi) “Self (N): Section information (adrs: C2)” means that the channel information with the title “section information” indicated as “section information” is held and released by the user. Is NO, indicating that the server identified by address C2 stores the information.

 [V] The client 1404-1 downloads the directory for the channel information whose disclosure is YES, and generates it on the server located above itself and creates The directory has been downloaded for channel information. Therefore, the channel information that can be browsed by client 140-1 is titled “News”, “Weather Forecast”, “Company”, “Product News”, and “Development Information”. It is. In the figure,

 (a) "News: (adrs: B): Reply-To B: A" means that the channel information given by the title "News j" is held by the server specified by address B, and the channel information , Indicating that a reply should be sent to the server specified by address B, and that the mirror source server is the server at address A,

 (b) “Weather forecast: (adrs: A): Reply destination A” means that the channel information given by the title “Weather forecast” is held by the server specified by address A, and the channel Indicates that the viewing data regarding the status of browsing the information should be returned to the server specified by address A,

 (c) "Company: (adrs: C2): Return destination C2 '" means that the channel information given by the title "Company" is held by the server specified by the address C2. This indicates that the viewing data regarding the status of browsing the channel information should be returned to the server specified by address C 2 ′,

(d) “Product news: (adrs: C l): Reply-to address (unnecessary)” means that the channel information given by the title “Product news” is held by the server specified by the address C1. , Reply to the viewing date about the situation of browsing the channel information Indicates that there is no need to

 (e) "Development information: (adrs: Cl): Reply destination C1" means that the channel information given in the title "Development information J is held by the server specified by the address C1. However, it indicates that the viewing data regarding the situation of browsing the channel information should be returned to the server specified by the address C1.

 [VI] Client 140-2 downloads the directory for the channel information for which disclosure is YES, and generates it on the server located above itself and only for the lower level. A directory about channel information that has been made public (others have made it public) has been downloaded. Therefore, the channel information that can be browsed by Client 1 40-2 is titled “Two Use”, “Weather Forecast”, “Product News”, “Company”, “Information”. It is. In the figure,

 (f) “News: (adrs: B): reply-to B: A” means that the channel information given by the title “news” is held by the server specified by the address B, and the channel information Indicates that the server should reply to the server specified by address B, and that the mirror source server is the server at address A.

 (g) “Weather forecast: (adrs: A): Reply destination A” means that the channel information given by the title “Weather forecast” is held by the server specified by address A, and that channel Indicates that the viewing data regarding the status of browsing the information should be returned to the server specified by address A,

 (h) “Product news: (adrs: C l): Reply destination (unnecessary)” means that the channel information given by the title “Product news” is held by the server specified by address C1. , Indicating that there is no need to reply to the viewing date regarding the status of viewing the channel information,

(i) "Company: (adrs: C2): Reply destination C2 '" means that the channel information given by the title "Company" is held by the server specified by the address C2. Indicates that the viewing data regarding the situation in which the channel information was browsed should be returned to the server specified by address C2 ', (j) "Intra-section information: (adrs: C2): Return address C2 '" means that the channel information given by the title "Intrasection information" is held by the server specified by the address C2. This indicates that the viewing data regarding the status of browsing the channel information should be returned to the server specified by address C 2 ′.

 In the case shown in the figure, the server 210, the server 110, and the server 120_1 each receive a reply of the viewing data on how the channel information prepared by the user has been viewed, and receive the The data is tabulated and stored in the corresponding tabulated data storage unit 16-i. However, the server (C 2) 12 0-2 has the server (C 2 ′) 12 0-3 perform the collection processing of the viewing data on the channel information prepared by itself. . Of course, the server (C 2) 120-2 receives a notification as needed about the result stored by the server (C 2) 12 20-3 in the total data storage unit 16-3, and the result Is analyzed.

 One of the features of the present invention is to enable the proxy processing of the collection of the viewing data to be performed. In order to perform the proxy processing, the viewing data is transmitted in the individual channel information. The reply destination is described. The list of "viewable channel information" is described in the clients 140-1 and 140-2 shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, and the "reply-to" is described in the list. This is equivalent to this. Regarding the “reply destination”, in the channel information described as “reply destination C 2 ′”, although the server C 2 holds the channel information, the return destination is the server C 2. '. As a result, each client receives the channel information, for example, the channel information given by the title “company” from the server C 2, but transmits the viewing data regarding the browsing status of the channel information to the server C 2. ', And the server C 2' can collect the viewing data originally performed by the server C 2.

 FIGS. 16 and 17 show flowcharts for transmitting viewing data.o

(S1): When browsing channel information on the client, the viewer information in the device is cleared, and information about the viewer, such as age and gender, is input. (S2): Clear the viewing information in the device.

 (S3): The viewing information is counted up.

 (S4): When the conditions for transmitting the viewing data are not satisfied, the flow returns to step (S3) every time browsing is performed, and the number of times of browsing and the time of browsing are counted up.

 (S5): When the time point at which the viewing data is transmitted is reached, the browsed channel information is referred to. Since the reply destination for transmitting the viewing data is described in the channel information as described above, the reply destination is extracted (assuming that the address C2 'is described).

 (S6): Read viewer information and viewing information and combine them into viewing data to be returned o

 (S7): A connection is made to the server specified by the reply destination address C2 '.

 (S8): Wait until connection is completed.

 (S9): When connection is completed, write to server (C2 ') 120-3.

 (5 1 0): Standby until writing is completed.

 (5 1 1): When writing is completed, the connection to the server (C 2 ') 120 3 is cut off. Then, the process returns to step (S2).

 FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a display form of a screen on a client.

 Hereinafter, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display form of the screen. The newsreader form displaying means 7001 is a means for displaying external information provided by various servers or internal information, that is, business information on a client terminal, and a specific information from a plurality of received / distributed articles. Articles can be selected and displayed. A list of article headlines is displayed in the lower layer, and the text of the article selected from the headline list can be displayed on the browsing screen. The article headline means the title or summary of the article contained in the content, or a combination thereof.

Display in such a hierarchical structure can be performed by dividing one screen into screens or by switching screens. In addition, display using the entire screen can be performed while leaving a part of the screen. It can also be displayed in a state where it is displayed. Thus, on the screen If a part of the screen is displayed, normal tasks such as a word processor running at the same time can be recognized, so when switching to the normal task display, simply click on the back screen where the part of the task is viewed. Can be made to do.

 When displaying a normal business screen such as a word processor, the scroll form display means 720 uses a part of the screen, for example, one line below the screen to draw a headline, for example, in a horizontal direction. It is displayed repeatedly in the telop state while scrolling. Further, the character height of the scrolled head line or the horizontal width of the display area can be arbitrarily changed, and the scroll speed can be changed.

 In this scroll-type display, it is possible to know what kind of business information is being received and distributed from the server while performing normal business. By double-clicking on the scrolled headline, the user immediately switches the text of the double-clicked special article to the news reader form display screen, and selects a specific article on the display screen. , Can be configured to browse o

 The headline list form display means 703 displays a list of headlines on the entire screen. This display is displayed so that it is automatically updated on the display screen. That is, the headline list is automatically switched and displayed partly after a certain period of time, or displayed while scrolling the screen. In this way, by using the entire screen and changing its display over time, it is possible to function as a screen saver for preventing burn-in of the display display. The update switching of the headline can also be performed by the user pressing a key or operating the mouse.

The display mode switching control means 704 controls these three display means, that is, the newsreader mode display means 701, the scroll mode display means 702, and the headline list mode display means 703. In other words, the display form of the business information is switched and displayed. The switching of the display mode by the display mode switching control means is performed by monitoring the occurrence of an event such as a key press or a mouse operation and detecting this event. Is monitored by a timer This is performed by detecting As described above, the representation form of the business information is unique according to the switching of the display form switching control means, such as a one-line headline display or a headline list display.

 As described above, the display form of the screen on the client can be selectively switched as appropriate. The information extracted as the viewing data in the present invention is as follows. Of course, it is not limited to these.

 [A] Information on browsing status

 (1) The number of display times and z or display time under the scroll mode display.

 Check the time that the telop was displayed while doing other work.

 (2) Number of display and Z or display time under the headline list type display. Find out how long your viewers were away from their seats.

 (3) Display time under the newsreader format display.

 Find out how long you were trying to read an article.

 (4) Time and Z or number of times of no operation for 3 minutes or more.

 Check the number of times the so-called screen saver is activated.

 [B] Information on browsing operation

 (1) Number of article clicks under scrolling mode display.

 Identify articles of interest.

 (2) Number of article clicks under the headline list form display.

 Identify the article that was displayed when the viewer returned to their seat.

 (3) Number of channel selections under the newsreader format display.

 Look up channel information that interests you.

 (4) Number of articles displayed under the newsreader format display.

 Find articles that interest you.

 [C] Information on channel information being downloaded

 (1) Manual download count.

 Find out which channels you are interested in.

 (2) Information update count.

Investigate the possibility of updating the setting value in the information. Needless to say, even if viewers are collecting viewing data in the past, for example, the viewer's gender, age, local code (postal code, area code, etc.), and his / her department are included. And it was just enough to retrieve who saw what channel information and for what seconds from the logs connected to the server.

 In the case of the present invention, in addition to the conventional case, it is possible to extract more detailed information such as which articles are read up to what extent and how.

 (Third embodiment)

 FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the principle of the third embodiment of the present invention, and shows the configuration of an information receiving / distributing system (or a network operating system) according to the present invention. This information receiving / distributing system is composed of private information, which is information in the own network 100, and global information, which is information in an external network 200 connected to the own network 100. Receive and distribute information. This information receiving / distributing system includes a global directory list 2 and a private directory list 3 in a predetermined host server 110 in its own network 100. The global directory list 2 is a directory composed of an information provider (server) and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and holds the global information. The private directory list 3 is a directory including a provider of information and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and holds the private information. Using the specified upper-level server 1 1 0 force \ global directory list 2 and private directory list 3, other servers 1 2 0 — 1 and 1 2 in own network 100 Manage the reception and distribution of information about 0 — 2 etc.

 According to the information receiving and distributing system of the third embodiment of the present invention, the global directory and the private directory list 3 are used to obtain information about the global information and the private information in advance by using the global directory list 2 and the private directory list 3. The received information can be held every time. As a result, global information and private information can be managed in a unified manner while being distinguished, and the reception and distribution of the information itself (text) can be managed by the received information for each information.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a private network such as a corporate network and a public external network (global network) are interconnected. Even when the connection is continued, the information can be managed by paying attention to the contents (contents) of the information distributed and received. As a result, information received / distributed on the network can be handled in a unified manner while distinguishing information to be received / distributed only on the corporate network from information from the external network.

 Subordinate servers (not shown) exist as needed below the server 120 0 -i, and clients 140 0-1, 140 0-2,... Are connected. Actually, the client 140-1 is not directly connected to the server 120-2, but in order to make it easier to understand the status of information reception and distribution, in FIG. It is displayed that 4 0-1 and server 1 2 0-2 are directly connected.

 In the case of the present invention, when a higher-level server transmits to a lower-level server, the higher-level server writes a specific transmission key in the transmission information, and The lower side that receives information from the server is configured to have a specific reception key in advance in a built-in manner.

 When sending and receiving, the lower side checks with the built-in reception key, and if it does not correspond to the transmission key sent from the upper server, it will not accept the transmission information. ing. Conversely, in a situation where the respective users at each client 140-i cannot know at all, each client 140-i can determine its own reception key and corresponding transmission key. It can receive only the transmission information it has.

 Key SKA, key SKB, and key SKC shown in Fig. 19 indicate the transmission keys described in the individual transmission information, and key RKA, key RKB, and key RKC are given to the respective subordinate servers and clients. Shows the receiving key.

In the case of FIG. 19, since the servers 1 2 0-1 and 1 2 0-2 have been given the reception key RK A, the transmission information issued by the upper server 110, that is, the transmission key SKA, The described transmission information can be received. Similarly, since the client 1401 has been given the reception key RKB and the reception key RKC, the server 1 2 0-1 has described the transmission information generated by describing the transmission key SKB and the server 1. 2 0-2 can receive the transmission information generated by describing the transmission key SKC. However, that the client 14 0—2 is only given the receiving key RKC Therefore, the server 12 0-2 can receive the transmission information issued by describing the transmission key SKC, but the server 12 0-1 can receive the transmission information issued by describing the transmission key SKB. Cannot receive.

 In each lower-level device, what kind of receiving key is given to itself depends on the fact that each user involved in each client 140 0-i has the existence of the receiving key itself and how I don't know if it is built into the client 140 0-i in any way. Also, at the higher-level server, the transmission key itself exists for each user involved in the higher-level server, and in what form the transmission key is described in the individual transmission information I have no idea. The management of the key can be performed only by a person who is given a predetermined authority in the own network 100.

 Note that in FIG. 19, the communication between the client 140-1 and the server 120-2 is displayed as if it were directly performed, but in reality, the communication is performed by the server 140-2. 2 through the upper server 110 and through the server 120-1 to the client 1401-1 (of course, depending on the system configuration, the server 120-2 and the client 1 Although a direct physical circuit may be provided between 140 and 1 ...).

 FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 show the configuration of the information receiving / distributing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the information receiving / distributing system of the third embodiment of the present invention has the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 similarly to the information receiving / distributing system of the first embodiment, the description of this configuration is omitted. I do. Hereinafter, the description will be continued focusing on distribution control using the transmission key SK and the reception key RK of the information receiving / distributing system of the third embodiment of the present invention.o

 FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining control by a key between a server and a client. In the figure, reference numerals 1 1 0—i, 1 2 0—i, 1 3 0—i denote a server and 1 4 0—i, respectively, a client. Also, SKA and SKB.-SKF indicate the transmission key, RKA, RKB, and RKF respectively indicate the reception key.

Assuming that a transmission key and a reception key are given as shown in FIG. 20, for example, since the server 120-3 has only the reception key RKA, the transmission key SK When the transmission information with A is issued from the server 110-1, the transmission information can be received. The server 120-3 cannot receive the transmission information even if the transmission information with the transmission key SKB is transmitted from the server 110-2. Similarly, the server 12 0-5 cannot receive the transmission information issued by the server 110-1. On the other hand, since the server 1 2 0-4 has the reception keys RKA and RK B, it receives both the transmission information from the server 1 1 0-1 and the transmission information from the server 1 1 0-2. be able to.

 Each server, e.g., server 1 2 0-3, receives information from the upper-level server 1 1 0-1 through the receive key RKA with an "A", but transmits information with an "E" to the lower-level server. It is possible to send a new key so that information is transmitted using the key SKE, that is, "A" and "E" are different. Of course, the same "B" may be used, as in the server 120-5, such that the receiving key is RKB and the transmitting key is SKB.

 Needless to say, each server can download the information transmitted from the higher-level server through the processing of the upper-level server as it is or appropriately, and then download the information to the lower-level server. It can also be downloaded to.

 Each user in the clients 140-3 and 140-4 shown in FIG. 20 has information from a group of servers consisting of servers 120-3, 130-3, and 130_2. You can receive. Therefore, the administrator who manages the entire system needs a server consisting of server 120-3, server 130-3, server 130-3, client 140-3, and client 140-4. They can be managed as if they constitute one group.

 Similarly, the administrator determines that server 1 1 0—2, server 1 2 0—4, server 1 2 0—5, server 1 3 0—3, server 1 3 0—4, and client 1 4 0-6 can be regarded as a group and managed.

The transmission information described above is a directory in which a content name such as (newspaper A article) or (weather forecast C) shown in FIG. 97 is described, and is also specified by the content name. Archive information (channel information). As shown in the example of Fig. 20, the system administrator writes the transmission key SKC in the transmission information sent by the server 120-4, for example. Have a function. On the other hand, the system administrator sets up the receiving key RKC in the server 13 0-2, the server 13 0-3, and the server 13 0-4.

 Each server has at least one transmit key in the form of information and at least one receive key in the form of information. The server has a transmission key automatic description section for automatically describing the transmission key given in the form of information in the transmission information transmitted by the server, and the transmission key automatically described in the transmission information downloaded from the upper side. A key automatic matching unit that reads the transmission key of the key and automatically matches the received key given in the form of information by itself, and is downloaded from the upper side based on the matching result from the key automatic matching unit. It has a storage management unit that determines whether to store incoming transmission information in its own storage device.

 Figure 21 shows the configuration of the server with emphasis on key processing. In the figure, symbols 1 2 0-j are servers, 40 is a reception key storage unit, 41 is an additional reception key storage unit, 42 is a download information buffer, 43 is a key automatic verification unit, and 44 is storage management. Unit, 45 is a storage device, 46 is a transmission key storage unit, 47 is an additional transmission key storage unit, 48 is a transmission key automatic description unit, 49 is transmission information, 50 is a transmission key, and 51 is an archive. Represents information.

 The server must have a transmission key and a reception key that are fixedly rewritable, as well as an additional transmission key and an additional reception key that can be set to be rewritable from outside the device as necessary. Can be.

In FIG. 21, information downloaded from a higher order is temporarily buffered in a download information buffer 42. The key automatic collation unit 43 extracts the transmission key described in the information sent down and compares it with the reception key stored in the reception key storage unit 40 or 41. The storage management unit 44 manages whether to store the contents of the download information buffer 42 in the storage device 45 or discard it based on the result of the comparison by the key automatic comparison unit 43. Of course, it is difficult for ordinary users to understand that such a configuration is provided in the server. You can think.

 In FIG. 21, when the transmission information 49 is prepared, the transmission key automatic description unit 48 extracts the transmission key given to itself and describes it in the transmission information 49. To do. Of course, the fact that such a configuration is provided in the server may be considered to be invisible to ordinary users.

 In the case where information that has been downloaded from the upper side or information that is to be downloaded to the lower side is displayed on the display screen on the server 120-j, the information is described in the information. Keys that are in use are generally prevented from appearing on the display screen.

 Figure 22 shows the configuration of the client with emphasis on key processing. 14 0—j in the figure is the client, 60 is the receiving key storage unit, 61 is the additional receiving key storage unit, 62 is the download information buffer, 63 is the key automatic matching unit, and 64 is the storage. The management unit 65 represents a storage device.

 The client must also have an additional transmission key and additional reception key that can be set to be rewritable from outside the device as necessary, in addition to the transmission key and reception key that are fixedly rewritable. Can be.

 In FIG. 22, information downloaded from a higher order is temporarily buffered in a download information buffer 62. The key automatic matching unit 63 extracts the transmission key described in the downloaded information and compares it with the reception keys stored in the reception key storage units 60 and 61. The storage management unit 64 manages whether to store the contents of the down-link information buffer 62 in the storage device 65 or discard it based on the collation result by the key automatic collation unit 63. Of course, the fact that such a configuration is provided in the server can be considered to be invisible to ordinary users.

Also, when the downloaded information is displayed on the display screen in the client 140-j, keys described in the information are generally not displayed on the display screen. Industrial applicability As described above, according to the present invention, in an information receiving / distributing system, information that needs to be urgently distributed can be substantially and urgently and forcibly distributed from the server side, so that each user It is possible to efficiently and thoroughly disseminate information to the public.

 Further, according to the present invention, in the information receiving / distributing system, it is possible to select any server other than the server that generates and holds the article as the viewing data aggregation data. Even when processing is performed, the processing load of each server can be equalized. In addition, since it is possible to perform the equalization, it is possible to capture and analyze detailed information such as information on browsing state, information on browsing operation, and information on downloading channel information as viewing data. It becomes possible.

 Further, according to the present invention, in the information receiving / distributing system, it is possible to manage information that can be browsed by lower-level servers and clients. In particular, general users who operate servers and clients are completely unaware of the existence of the transmission key and the reception key. There is no unpleasant thing to do. In addition, the system administrator can set the transmission key and reception key as appropriate, group servers and clients, distribute the information to be viewed to a predetermined group, and check whether it should be viewed. This makes it easier not to distribute information that does not need to be viewed to a predetermined group. Further, in any server, the transmission key and the reception key are set to be different, for example, “A” of RKA and “E” of SKE. For this purpose, for example, a management system that distributes predetermined information to users up to a predetermined layer of servers connected in a tree shape and does not distribute it to users below that layer is adopted. Becomes easier.

 Further, according to the present invention, each of the information receiving / distributing systems as described above can be realized by using a program for operating a computer as described above, and these programs each store these. The program can be stored in various suitable program storage media.

Claims

The scope of the claims

 1. An information receiving apparatus having a server and a client configured to receive and distribute private information as information in the own network and global information as information in an external network connected to the own network. A distribution system,

 An emergency channel information distribution unit is provided on the server side, and an emergency channel information distribution receiving port is provided on the client side.

 When information requiring emergency distribution occurs on the server side, the server distributes the information to the emergency channel information distribution reception port on the client side via the emergency channel information distribution unit.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function.

 2. The emergency channel information distribution unit is activated in response to the occurrence of emergency information from within its own server.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

 3. The client is configured to have at least two types of time management tables, a first time management table that manages a longer cycle and a second time management table that manages a shorter cycle,

 The emergency channel information distribution unit transmits information that requires emergency distribution in response to a transmission request based on the second time management table.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a compulsory distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

 4. When the client receives the information that requires the emergency delivery, the client is notified of the arrival of the information itself in an emergency.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

 5. When the client receives the information requiring the emergency distribution, the client is notified of the content of the information urgently.

An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

6. When the client receives the information requiring the emergency distribution, the client is notified of the outline of the information urgently.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

 7. When the client receives the information that requires the emergency distribution, the information related to the emergency distribution is displayed on the screen saver display even if the display screen of the client is in a screen saver display state. Added notification

 An information receiving / distributing system having a forced distribution function according to claim 1, characterized in that:

 8. It has a server and a client that receive and distribute private information that is information in the own network and global information that is information in an external network connected to the own network. An information receiving / distributing system,

 A predetermined higher-level server in the own network,

 A directory comprising a source of information and reception information that is information for receiving the information, a list of global directories holding the global information, a source of information and a source for receiving the information. A directory comprising received information as information, and a private directory list for holding the private information.

 The predetermined upper-level server is configured to manage reception and distribution of information on other servers in the own network using the global directory list and the private directory list. Become

 An emergency channel information distribution unit is provided on the server side, and an emergency channel information distribution receiving port is provided on the client side.

 When information requiring emergency distribution occurs on the server side, the server distributes the information to the emergency channel information distribution reception port on the client side via the emergency channel information distribution unit.

Information receiving and distribution with forced distribution function

9. It has a server and a client that receive and distribute private information that is information in the own network and global information that is information in an external network connected to the own network. A program used in a server in an information receiving and delivering system,

 A process of receiving and delivering the global information and / or the private information;

 When information that requires urgent distribution occurs, the process of distributing this to the client is described.

 Storing a program to be executed by the computer as the server

 A program storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned.

 10. It has a server and a client that receive and distribute private information that is information in the own network and global information that is information in an external network connected to the own network. A program used in a client in an information receiving / distributing system,

 A process of receiving and delivering the global information and / or the private information;

 An emergency channel information distribution unit is provided on the server side, and an emergency channel information distribution receiving port is provided on the client side.

 A process of receiving the information that requires urgent distribution, which is distributed by the server to the client, when information that requires urgent distribution occurs on the server side.

 A program storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer as the client.

1 1. It has a server and a client that receive and distribute private information that is information in the own network and global information that is information in an external network connected to the own network. An information receiving / distributing system, wherein when one of the clients browses the channel information including one of the global information and / or the private information, the viewer browses the channel information. Sending data to the server, An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data, wherein the server receiving the transmission collects the viewing data.

 1 2. The channel information is held by the server that provided the channel information.

 11. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 13. The server that receives the viewing data is a server other than the server that holds the corresponding channel information.

 13. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 12 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 14. The server that receives the viewing data is instructed with information specifying the server in the corresponding channel information.

 14. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 15. The client, when browsing the channel information, reads information specifying the server specified in the channel information and transmits the viewing data to the specified server. Do

 15. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 14 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 16. When the viewing data is not required to be transmitted, information for specifying the server specified in the channel information is described with a predetermined value or invalid data.

 15. An information receiving and distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data as described in claim 14 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 17. The viewing data includes information on the state when browsing channel information.

 11. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.

1 8. The viewing data is related to the viewer's actions when browsing the channel information. Include information

 11. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 1 9. The viewing data includes information related to downloading channel information.

 11. An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data according to claim 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.

 20. A server and a client that receive and distribute private information, which is information in the own network, and global information, which is information in an external network connected to the own network. An information receiving / distributing system comprising: a predetermined upper-level server in the own network;

 A directory comprising a source of information and reception information that is information for receiving the information, a list of global directories holding the global information, a source of information and a source for receiving the information. A directory comprising received information as information, and a private directory list for holding the private information.

 The predetermined upper-level server is configured to manage reception and distribution of information on other servers in the own network using the global directory list and the private directory list,

 And, when one of the clients browses the channel information including the global information and one of the Z or one of the private information, the client transmits the viewing data browsed with respect to the channel information to the server,

 The server that received the transmission added the viewing data.

 An information receiving / distributing system having a function of collecting viewing data.

21. A server and a client that receive and distribute private information, which is information within the own network, and global information, which is information within an external network connected to the own network. A program used in a server in an information receiving / distributing system having A process of receiving and delivering the global information and / or the private information;

 When one of the clients browses the channel information including the global information and / or one of the private information, a process of receiving viewing data browsed with respect to the channel information;

 And the process of totaling the viewing data

 Storing a program to be executed by the computer as the server

 A program storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned.

 22. It has a server and a client that receive and distribute private information that is information in the own network and global information that is information in an external network connected to the own network. A program used by a client in an information receiving / delivery system,

 A process of receiving and delivering the global information and Z or the private information;

 Transmitting the viewing data viewed with respect to the channel information to the server when browsing the channel information including one of the global information and / or the private information.

 A program storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer as the client.

 23. Information reception / delivery with a server and a client configured to receive and distribute private information, which is information within the own network, and global information, which is information within an external network connected to the own network. A predetermined higher-level server in the own network,

A directory consisting of a source of information and received information that is information for receiving the information, a list of global directories holding the global information, a source of information and a source for receiving the information. A private directory list for holding the private information, comprising: The predetermined higher-level server is configured to manage reception and distribution of information on other servers in the own network using the global directory list and the private directory list,

 In addition, the receiving key is provided to the server in the form of information and the transmitting key is provided in the form of information, and the receiving key is provided to the client in the form of information.

 The server collates a transmission key description part describing the transmission key given to itself in transmission information with a transmission key described in downloaded information and a reception key given to itself. A key collating unit,

 It has a key matching unit that checks the transmission key described in the information received from the client client and the reception key given to itself.

 An information receiving / distributing system capable of controlling distribution characterized by the following.

 24. The transmission key and the Z or the reception key are rewritably given to each server and each Z or each client in the form of information. Information receiving and distribution system that can control the distribution described in Section 23.

 25. The transmission key described in the individual transmission information is configured not to be displayed on the display screen when a general user displays the transmission information on the display screen.

 An information receiving / distributing system capable of controlling distribution according to claim 23, characterized in that:

 26. The server is configured to describe the same key described in the received information as the transmission key in the transmission information sent by itself.

 An information receiving / distributing system capable of controlling distribution according to claim 23, characterized in that:

 27. The server is configured to describe a key different from the key described in the received information as a transmission key in the transmission information sent by itself.

An information receiving / distributing system capable of controlling the distribution described in claim 23. Stem.

 28. In the system management, a combination of the transmission key and the reception key is set so as to form a predetermined group for each server and each client.

 An information receiving / distributing system capable of controlling distribution according to claim 23, characterized in that:

 29. A server and client that receive and distribute private information, which is information within the own network, and global information, which is information within an external network connected to the own network. A directory comprising a source of information to a predetermined upper-level server in the own network and reception information as information for receiving the information, and a directory holding the global information. A private directory list comprising a list of valley directories, a provider of information and reception information that is information for receiving the information, and a private directory list holding the private information; The predetermined upper-level server uses the global directory list and the private directory list to identify other servers in the own network. The server is configured to manage the reception and distribution of the information of the server. The reception key is provided to the server in the form of information and the transmission key is provided in the form of information. A program used in a server in an information receiving / distributing system configured to be provided by:

 A process of describing the transmission key given to itself in transmission information;

 The process of collating the transmission key described in the downloaded information with the reception key given to itself is performed.

 Stores programs to be executed by the computer that is the server

 A program storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned.

30. A server and a client that receive and distribute private information, which is information within the own network, and global information, which is information within an external network connected to the own network. A directory comprising a source of information to a predetermined upper-level server in the own network and reception information as information for receiving the information, and a directory holding the global information. Bardi Rectory A directory comprising a list, a provider of the information, and reception information that is information for receiving the information, comprising a private directory list holding the private information, A predetermined upper-level server is configured to manage reception and distribution of information about other servers in the own network using the global directory list and the private directory list, and receive the information from the server. A program used in a client in an information receiving / distributing system configured to provide a key in the form of information, a transmission key in the form of information, and a reception key to the client in the form of information. hand,

 The transmission key described in the information downloaded from the server that performs the process of describing the transmission key given to the user in the transmission information is compared with the reception key given to the user. Processing

 A program storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer as a client.