WO2002065295A1

WO2002065295A1 - Data file management method, data file management program, recording medium on which data file management program is recorded, and electronic terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2002065295A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/001209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasufumi Takasugi; Takashi Namioka; Nobuyuki Kobayashi; Ken Fujii
Original assignee: Tdk Corporation
Priority date: 2001-02-16
Filing date: 2002-02-13
Publication date: 2002-08-22
Also published as: JP2002244902A; TW576991B

Abstract

A data file management method, in which when a data file is recorded or read by a file operation (step 31), the file operation history (Dh) of the data file is additionally recorded in a management file (Th) in order independent of the data file (steps 33, 34). Unlike conventional file management methods for managing a file only about various kinds of information on the current state of the data file, the method of the invention enables file search on the basis of information on the past state of a data file. Therefore, even when the current state of a data file is unknown, a desired data file can be reliably and readily sought if only some information of when a file operation is conducted previously is remembered.

Description

Itoda »

Data file management method, data file management program, recording medium storing data file management program, and electronic terminal

The present invention relates to a data file management method for managing a desired data file from a plurality of data files in a searchable manner, a data file management program for causing an electronic terminal to execute the data file management method, and a data file management program therefor. The present invention relates to a recording medium on which a plurality of data files are managed according to a data file management method thereof. Background art

Today, with the increasing capacity of recording media and the establishment of various methods of using data files, it has become common for users to manipulate large amounts of data files. In this case, each data file has a file name appropriately assigned by a user or a third party, an extension capable of specifying a data type of the data file (information of an application corresponding to the data file), and recording on a recording medium. File management information such as date and time information specifying the date and time of

It is recorded in the FAT data and file management is performed. Therefore, for example, when specifying a desired data file from a large number of data files and displaying the data content, first, file management information (for example, a file name) on the target data file is used as a search condition. Search for. At this time, file management information that matches the search conditions is specified by the file search program, the data file corresponding to the specified file management information, and the recording location (recording medium) where the data file is recorded Information and directory information). Thereafter, the user can display the data contents by selecting and opening a desired data file from the data files displayed in the list. In recent years, operating systems have a file management function that records the file name and storage location of a predetermined number of recently used data files, and a file that compresses and saves data files attached to e-mails with the e-mail itself. Has a management function. Therefore, recently used data files and data files attached to electronic mail can be found relatively easily without executing a file search. Disclosure of the invention

The inventor has found the following problems as a result of studying the above-described conventional technology. In other words, the conventional data file management method records file management information such as file name, extension, date and time information, and file size information, records information on the most recently used data file, and compresses it along with the email itself. By managing the data files by saving them, etc., it is possible to search for the desired data file in a shorter time compared to the method of sequentially checking and searching all data files. . However, the conventional data file management method manages files only for various information related to the current state of the data file. Therefore, it is not possible to search for a file based on information about the past state of the data file.For example, `` The current file name is unknown but the file name '', `` Data file copied to floppy disk one month ago '', `` Data file opened with specific word processing software one year ago '', etc., results, use of file search, selfishness However, there is a problem that it is very bad.

In addition, conventional file management methods include “identifying a printer that has printed based on this data file”, “destination of an e-mail sent with this data file attached”, and “quoting this data file”. Information on file operations on data files, such as There is also a problem that there is no.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and enables a file search based on information on a past state of a data file, and stores information on a file operation for a data file. The main object is to provide an available data file management method, a data file management program, a recording medium storing the data file management program, and an electronic terminal.

The data file management method according to the present invention is characterized in that when a data file is recorded or read in accordance with a file operation, a file operation history of the data file is sequentially stored in a management file independent of the data file. Make additional records.

According to this data file management method, when a data file is recorded or read in accordance with the file operation, the file operation history of the data file is sequentially and additionally recorded in a management file independent of the data file. By accumulating, unlike the conventional file management method that manages only the various information related to the current status of the data file, it is possible to execute the file search based on the information related to the past status of the data file. it can. Therefore, even if the current state of the data file is unknown, it is possible to search for the desired data file as long as the user remembers some information from the previous operation of the file. It can be found reliably and easily. In addition, by using a given data file as a search condition, it is possible to obtain information on how the data file was operated by searching all the file operation histories related to the data file. it can.

In addition, electronic terminal information that can specify the electronic terminal that has performed the file operation, recording medium information that can specify the recording medium on which the data file is recorded, and transmission of an e-mail with the data file attached E-mail with one or more of original information, reception date and time information and reception path information, and the data file attached At least one of destination information, transmission date and time information, and transmission route information; printing device information capable of identifying a printing device that has printed based on the data file; and data newly generated based on the data file. It is preferable that one or more pieces of information of a file or file generation information capable of specifying the data file on which the newly generated data file is based be recorded as the file operation history. By recording, as a file operation history, electronic terminal information that can identify the electronic terminal that has performed the file operation and recording medium information that can identify the recording medium on which the data file is recorded, the information can be recorded. As a result of being able to search for a desired data file as a search condition, a desired data file can be more reliably found.

Further, a file operation history that matches the input search condition is searched and specified from the file operation history in the management file, and the data file corresponding to the specified file operation history is notified as a search result. preferable. In this way, by specifying the file operation history that matches the search condition and notifying the corresponding data file as the search result, the existing search means (for example, word processing software / text editor) can be used to search for the predetermined search condition. Unlike the search method that only specifies the file operation history that matches the data history, the data file corresponding to the file operation history is notified, so that the desired data file can be easily found.

Preferably, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the file operation history in one of the management files is merged with the other management file to update the other management file. As described above, by combining the file operation history in one management file with the other management file and updating the other management file, the file operation history generated by another electronic terminal or the like with respect to the data file is updated. File management can be performed more finely, including.

A data file management program according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described data files. According to a file management method, the electronic terminal sequentially records the data file in the management file.

Further, the recording medium according to the present invention includes a data file management program for causing an electronic terminal to additionally record the data file in the management file according to any of the data file management methods described above. Have recorded.

In the data file management program and the recording medium, for example, the data file management method according to the present invention does not have a file management function, and the electronic terminal can store the data file management program and the data file management recorded in the recording medium. By installing the program, when a data file on the electronic terminal is file-operated, the file operation history related to the file operation is recorded and accumulated, and the desired data is stored based on the file operation history. Files can be found reliably and easily.

An electronic terminal according to the present invention is an electronic terminal comprising: a control unit that controls recording and reading of a data file accompanying a file operation; and an internal memory unit configured to record the data file. When the data file is recorded or read, the control unit sequentially stores a file operation history for the data file in a management file constructed in the internal memory unit independently of the data file. Make additional records.

In this electronic terminal, when a data file is recorded or read in accordance with the file operation, the control unit sequentially records additional file operation histories of the data file in a management file independent of the data file. Unlike the conventional file management method that manages only the various information related to the current state of the data file, the file search is performed based on the information related to the past state of the data file. be able to. Therefore, even if the current state of the data file is unknown, it is possible to search for the desired data file as long as it remembers some information from the previous file operation. The desired data file can be found reliably and easily. In addition, by using a given data file as a search criterion, it is possible to obtain information on how the data file was operated by searching all the file operation histories related to the data file. it can. -The control unit transmits electronic terminal information that can identify the electronic terminal, recording medium information that can identify a recording medium on which the data file is recorded, and transmission of an e-mail attached with the data file. One or more of original information, reception date and time information and reception path information, and one or more of transmission destination information, transmission date and time information and transmission path information of the e-mail attached with the data file, and the data file Printing device information that can specify a printing device that has printed based on the data file, and a newly generated data file based on the data file or the data file that is the basis of the newly generated data file can be specified File generation information

Preferably, one or more pieces of information are recorded as the file operation history. With this configuration, a desired data file can be searched using these pieces of information as search conditions, and as a result, a desired data file can be more reliably found.

Further, the control unit searches for and identifies a file operation history that matches the input search condition from the file operation history in the management file, and identifies the data file corresponding to the identified file operation history. It is preferable to notify as a search result. With this configuration, the file operation history is different from the search method that simply uses existing search means (for example, word processing software and text editor) to specify the file operation history that matches the predetermined search conditions. Since the data file corresponding to the electronic terminal is notified, the desired data file can be easily searched.When the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit transmits the data file to another electronic terminal other than the electronic terminal. It is preferable to read and merge the recorded file operation histories in the management file to update the management file. With this configuration For example, file management can be performed more finely for data files, including file operation histories generated by other electronic terminals.

This disclosure is related to the subject matter included in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-393905 filed on February 16, 2001, and All are expressly incorporated herein by reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer 1 and its peripheral devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a history recording process executed by the personal computer 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the history management table Th recorded by the personal computer 1 (data file management program) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the merging process executed by the personal computer 1. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a data file management program described in accordance with a data file management method according to the present invention, a recording medium storing the data file management program, and a description content of the data file management program will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A preferred embodiment of an electronic terminal (personal computer) for managing data files will be described.

First, the configuration of the personal computer 1 and its peripheral devices will be described with reference to FIG.

A personal computer 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a C A PU (not shown), a built-in hard disk 1a corresponding to a built-in memory (a recording medium fixedly connected to the CPU) in the present invention, and a data file read / write from / to a 3.5-inch floppy disk FD, for example. It has a possible floppy disk drive lb and a monitor 1c. The personal computer 1 is connected to an external hard disk 2 (hereinafter, the internal hard disk la, floppy disk FD, and hard disk 2 are also collectively referred to as a “recording medium”) and a printer 3. The personal computer 1 is configured to be connectable to the mail server 7 via the communication modem 4, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive e-mail to and from a personal computer 8 owned by a third party. Further, the personal computer 1 is connected to a personal computer 9 via a communication cable (LAN cable), and is configured to be able to transmit and receive electronic mail and various data files to and from the personal computer 9. . In this case, the data file management program of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as “management program”) is installed in advance in the built-in hard disk 1a.

As will be described later, this management program records history data (file operation history) Dh concerning various file operations performed on the personal computer 1 in a history management table (management file) Th in the internal hard disk 1a. By comparing a predetermined search condition (search key) with the history data D h, D h-in the history management table T h, the history data D h matching the search condition is specified. It is described and configured as possible. As shown in FIG. 3, the history management table Th is configured to accumulate history data D h, D h... Recorded according to the management program each time a file operation is performed. In the history management table T h, history data D h recorded as a result of one final operation is additionally recorded as one record. In this case, one history data Dh includes, for example, a record number sequentially assigned to each of the history data Dh, a device number for specifying a device that has performed a file operation, and a classification to which the history data Dh belongs ( History for new data files Data Dh, the type of addition of history data Dh related to the existing data file) and the related record number of the previous history data Dh related to the target data file (additional record of history data Dh) Only), the current file name of the target data file, the file name of the target data file, the file name of the 5th female name (recorded only when the file name is changed), and the target data. The file data capacity, the date of the file operation, the operation of the file operation (including information about the application used), the output destination of the target data file, and an electronic file attached to the target data file. The e-mail address of the destination or sender of the e-mail is recorded.

Next, among the file management methods by the personal computer 1, the history data

The general procedure for recording Dh will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the personal computer 1, when the power is turned on, the operating system starts. At this time, the operating system reads the management program from the internal hard disk 1a and starts it at a level that is transparent to the user (for example, the OS level). Next, the CPU automatically and potentially executes, for example, the history recording process shown in FIG. 2 according to the description of the management program. In this process, the CPU constantly monitors the execution of various file operations on the personal computer 1. In this case, file operations include, for example, renaming of a data file recorded on a recording medium, creation of a new data file (writing to the recording medium), printing based on the data file, and e-mail attached to the data file. Sending and receiving data, copying, deleting and moving data files, and reading data files. In addition, when these files are operated, writing or reading of FAΤ data related to the data file or the data file itself to the recording medium is always executed. Therefore, the CPU constantly monitors the execution of the file operation by monitoring the execution of the writing or reading (step 31). When writing to or reading from the recording medium, the CPU Determines whether or not the history data Dh relating to the data operation target file is present in the history management table Th (step 32). At this time, when it is determined that the history data Dh exists, the history data Dh relating to the file operation is recorded as an additional record in the history management table Th (step 33). On the other hand, when it is determined that the history data Dh relating to the data file to be operated on does not exist in the history management table Th, the history data Dh relating to the file operation is recorded as a new record in the history management table Th (step 34). . Next, a specific procedure of the history recording process at the time of various file operations will be described in more detail.

For example, when the file name of a data file recorded on a recording medium is changed, FAT data relating to the data file after the name of the file is written to the recording medium. Therefore, the CPU determines that writing to the recording medium has been performed (step 31), and then determines whether or not the history data Dh for the target data file exists in the history management table Th (step 31). 32). In this case, the history data Dh until the target data file is renamed is already recorded in the history management table Th. For this reason, the CPU determines that the history data Dh for the target data file exists in the history management table Th, and records the history data Dh relating to the rename as an additional record in the history management table Th (step 33). At this time, as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3, the CPU records the record number of the history data Dh recorded at the time of the previous file operation for the target data file as a related record, and renames the file. Record the file name, file operation date, operation details (in this case, “file name change”) and output destination (for example, “c: \ document \ j”). Recorded in the history management table Th.

On the other hand, when a new data file (text file) is created using a text editor or the like, writing to the recording medium when saving the data file Is done. Accordingly, the CPU determines that writing to the recording medium has been performed (step 31), and then determines whether or not the history data Dh for the target data file exists in the history management table Th (step 32). . In this case, since the target data file is newly created, there is no history data Dh related to the data file in the history management table Th. For this reason, the CPU determines that the history data D h for the target data file does not exist in the history management table T h and uses the history data D h relating to the new creation of the data file as a new record. It is recorded in the history management table Th (step 34). At this time, as shown by the arrow B in FIG. 3, the CPU determines the file name at the time of saving, the file operation date, the operation content (in this case, “create new”), the name of the application used (in this case, “ Data) and the output destination. As a result, the history data Dh relating to the new creation of the data file is recorded in the history management table Th.

Further, when the data content is printed based on the data file recorded on the recording medium, the target data file is read from the recording medium when the print data is generated. Accordingly, the CPU determines that the data has been read from the recording medium (step 31), and then determines whether or not the history data Dh for the target data file exists in the history management table Th (step 32). ). In this case, history data Dh before the target data file is read is already recorded in the history management table Th. For this reason, the CPU determines that the history data Dh relating to the target data file exists, and records the history data Dh relating to printing as an additional record (step 33). In this case, as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3, the CPU records the printer name of the printer used for printing, the printer driver management number, the USB serial number of the printer, and the like as the output destination. As a result, the history data Dh relating to the printing of the data file is recorded in the history management table Th.

Furthermore, an e-mail with the data file recorded on the recording medium attached is sent. When the electronic mail is transmitted, the target data file is read from the recording medium before the electronic mail is transmitted to the mail server 7 via the communication modem 4 (at the time of attaching the data file). Therefore, the CPU determines that the data has been read from the recording medium (step 31), and then determines whether or not the history data Dh for the target data file exists (step 32). At this time, the CPU determines that the history data Dh related to the target data file exists in the history management table Th, and records the history data Dh related to the transmission of the e-mail as an additional record (step 33). In this case, as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 3, the CPU records the destination address of the e-mail as the e-mail address. As a result, the history data Dh relating to the transmission of the e-mail attached with the data file is recorded in the history management table Th.

Further, for example, when the data file recorded on the internal hard disk 1a is copied to the floppy disk FD, the CPU determines that writing and reading to the recording medium have been performed (step 31). Next, the CPU determines that the history data Dh for the target data file exists (step 32), and records the history data Dh relating to copying as an additional record (step 33). In this case, as shown by the arrow E in FIG. 3, the CPU determines the drive name where the data file was written (in this case, the drive number of the floppy disk drive 1b) and the floppy disk FD where the data file was written. Record the volume label (eg, “DATA-1”) as the output destination. As a result, the history data Dh relating to the duplication of the data file is recorded in the history management table Th.

Further, when the data file recorded on the recording medium is deleted, the CPU determines that the writing to the recording medium was performed when the FAT data relating to the data file was deleted (step 31). Next, the CPU determines that the history data Dh for the target data file exists (step 32), and records the history data Dh regarding the deletion as an additional record (step 33). At this time, as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 3, the CPU records that the data file has been deleted as the operation content. As a result, the history data Dh relating to the deletion of the data file is recorded in the history management table Th.

Next, in the file management method by the personal computer 1, the history data Dh relating to the data file operated on another electronic terminal is merged with the history data Dh, Dh- 'in the history management table Th. The merging process will be described with reference to FIGS.

When an electronic terminal other than the personal computer 1, for example, a data file operated on the personal computer 9 is copied or moved to the recording medium of the personal computer 1, the history data Dh accompanying the file operation is added to the history management table Th. Be recorded. At this time, if a data file management program is also installed on the personal computer 9, when a file is operated on the personal computer 9, the history data Dh, Dh ... relating to the file operation is stored in the history management table in the personal computer 9. Recorded in Th. Therefore, the history data in the personal computer 9 (the file operation history in one management file) Dh and Dh-relating to the data file copied or moved from the personal computer 9 are stored in the history management table of the personal computer 1 (in the other management file). By merging with Th, the history data Dh, Dh... Can be managed as data file information on the personal computer 1.

In this merging process, first, the history data Dh, Dh- 'in the personal computer 9 relating to the target data file is copied to, for example, a floppy disk FD, and the floppy disk FD is inserted into the floppy disk drive 1b. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the user instructs the CPU to merge the history data Dh, Dh-in the floppy disk FD into the history management table Th, a predetermined condition in the present invention is satisfied. Is satisfied (Step 4 1) Read history data Dh, Dh- 'from floppy disk FD (step 42). Next, the CPU determines whether the read history data Dh is the history data Dh relating to the new data file (step 43). In this case, when a data file corresponding to the history data Dh is copied to the personal computer 1 after being generated on the personal computer 9, for example, the history data Dh relating to the copy recorded as a new record at the time of copying is copied to the personal computer. Although it exists in the history management table Th of computer 1, the history data Dh of the data file in the stage before copying does not exist. For this reason, the CPU of the personal computer 1 determines in step 43 that the history data Dh relating to copying is the history data Dh relating to the new data file, and stores the read history data Dh in the history management table T h , And change the category of the history data Dh related to copying to “add” (step 44). As a result, all the history data Dh, Dh ♦ ′ including the history data Dh of the target data file at the stage before copying are recorded in the history management table Th.

On the other hand, if the data file corresponding to the history data Dh is generated on the personal computer 1 and copied to the personal computer 9, for example, and then copied to the personal computer 1 again, the data file is copied first. When the file is generated on the personal computer 1, the history data D h corresponding to the file operation is already recorded in the history management table Th of the personal computer 1. Accordingly, in this case, in step 43, the CPU determines that the data is not new data, and then the data file (original data) generated first by the personal computer 1 is connected to the personal computer 1. It is determined whether or not it exists in the recording medium (step 45). In this case, for example, when the data file on the personal computer 1 is deleted after the data file is copied to the personal computer 9, the original data file of the data file copied from the personal computer 9 does not exist on the personal computer 1. Will be. Therefore, since the history data Dh after the deletion of the original data is not generated, the CPU replaces the history data Dh, Dh of the target data file with the history data Dh, Dh of the deleted data file. 'Is recorded in the history management table Th as an additional record (step 46).

Conversely, if the data file is copied to the personal computer 9 and then kept on the personal computer 1, the original data of the data file copied from the personal computer 9 is stored in the recording medium connected to the personal computer 1. Will exist. Therefore, since the history data Dh regarding the original data continues to be generated independently and independently, the CPU replaces the history data Dh, Dh, regarding the target data file with the history data Dli, Dh, regarding the original data file. The history data Dh, Dh relating to the data file read from the personal computer 9 are separately recorded in the history management table Th as new records (step 47). In this way, the history data Dh, Dh,... Recorded on the personal computer 9 are merged with the history data Dh, Dh,. With respect to the data file, a history management table Th capable of performing more detailed file management including the history data Dh generated on the personal computer 9 is completed.

Next, of the file management methods by the personal computer 1, a search method for searching for a desired data file using the history data Dh, Dh in the history management table Th will be described with reference to the drawings.

When searching for a desired data file from a large number of data files on the personal computer 1, first, a predetermined search program is started. Next, input search conditions (search key) for specifying the data file. Specifically, for example, the current file name is unknown, but when searching for a text file (data file) saved under the file name “abcd-1”, the search condition Enter "Renamed file name = abcd-1" and "Extension = txt" as the subject. Next, search execution is instructed. In this case, since the history data Dh (record number 00001234) indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3 corresponds to this, the CPU generates a data file (in this case, “abcd-2.txt”) corresponding to the history data Dh. With its recording location (c: \ document \). At this time, when there is a plurality of history data Dh corresponding to the search condition, the data files corresponding to each of the history data Dh, Dh. Thus, the user can select a desired data file based on the information displayed as a search result, and open or edit or print the data file using, for example, a text editor.

On the other hand, when searching for a text file (data file) printed on printer 3 on January 2, 2001, the search conditions were "file operation date = January 2, 2001" and "output destination = printer 3". Enter Next, the search execution is instructed. In this case, since the history data Dh (record number = 00001236) indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 3 corresponds to this, the CPU displays the data file corresponding to the history data Dh together with the recording location. Also, when searching for a text file attached to an electronic file sent to an e-mail address of “123@456.co.jp”, enter “E-mail address=123@456.co.jp” as a search condition. Instruct search execution. At this time, since the history data Dh (record number = 00001237) indicated by the arrow D corresponds to this, the CPU displays the data file corresponding to the history data Dh together with its recording location.

As described above, according to the personal computer 1 (data file management program), when writing and reading a data file to and from a recording medium in accordance with the file operation, the file operation history (history data Dh, Dh-.) Is recorded. By accumulating the information in the history management table Th, a desired data file can be searched and specified using past information on the data file as a search condition. The output destination of the data file (printer name, electronic mail, etc.) is recorded as the history data Dh. Records, etc.), it is easy to obtain information on how the data file was manipulated. Further, according to the personal computer 1 (data file management program), since only the history data Dh relating to the file operation of the data file to be searched is managed, for example, the data file itself is copied and later. The valuable recordable area of the recording medium can be used more effectively than the file management method that saves the data for easy retrieval. In addition, according to the personal computer 1 (data file management program), the history data Dh is automatically recorded at the time of file operation, so that, for example, when a person other than an authorized user illegally copies a data file. Then, the history data Dh related to the file operation is recorded in the history management table Th. Therefore, the data file in the recording medium can be managed while effectively protecting the security.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the invention, but can be appropriately modified. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, for example, as the output destination information, the drive name where the data file was recorded and the volume label of the floppy disk FD, the printer name of the printer used for printing, the printer driver management number or the printer Although an example of recording a USB serial number and the like has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and serial numbers or SCSI numbers of the IEEE1394 standard (FireWire = serial SCSI extension standard) and various interface units are provided. The management number of the control program that controls the data and the dedicated ID number assigned individually to each recording device can be recorded as the output destination. Also, removable media such as a floppy disk FD are not limited to volume labels, but may be given a special ID for identifying each medium and recorded in place of this special ID instead of a volume label. it can.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which history data D h, D h-· are recorded for all file operations related to all recording media and peripheral devices. Although the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, recording or reading a data file on or from a recording medium (such as a hard disk 2 and a floppy disk FD) other than the internal hard disk 1a fixedly connected to the personal computer 1 It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the history data D h, D h. In this case, for the data files that can be searched by the conventional file management method, the existing file search method is searched, and recording media (hard disk 2 and floppy disk 2) that are difficult to search by this file search method are searched. The data file recorded in the FD or the like can be searched for by using the data file management program according to the present invention. As a result, the history data D h, D h ··· recorded in the history management table Th can be minimized, and the recordable capacity occupied by the history management table Th can be kept to a minimum. As a result, the recordable capacity of the recording medium can be used effectively.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a file search is performed using a data file management program has been described, but the history management table Th is stored in a text file such as a CSV (Comma Separated Value form at) format. If this configuration is adopted, it is possible to search for the desired history data D h using existing word processing software or a text editor, and easily find a data file based on the specified history data D h. it can. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, a search method for searching for a desired data file from a large amount of data files has been described. However, the purpose of use of the search in the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to execute a batch search for all data files printed or all data files attached to e-mail sent to the e-mail address @.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the history data D h, D h · ′ are merged, the predetermined condition is determined when it is determined that the execution of the merge processing is selected in '41. Although an example in which the specific merging process of step 42 and subsequent steps is executed has been described as being satisfied, the predetermined condition in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when copying a data file Df from another personal computer 9 or the like via a recording medium such as a floppy disk FD or a LAN cable, the history data Dh and Dh of the data file Df are copied. If it is determined that-is attached to the data file Df, it is possible to automatically execute the merging process from step 42 onward, assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, by simply copying the data file D f, the history data D h, D h-... Of the data file D f before copying can be automatically recorded in the history management table Th. . Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the data file management program is stored in the internal hard disk 1a of the personal computer 1 in advance has been described. Can be performed via a recording medium (a floppy disk, a magnetic optical disk, an optical disk, an IC card, etc.) on which a data file management program is recorded, or via a communication line or a communication network. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as a product (program product) using the data file management program, a recording medium on which the data file management program is recorded, and the data file management program are installed (incorporated). Although an electronic terminal as a computer has been described as an example, the program product includes a computer storing the data file management program for transmission to another computer, and a data file including such a computer. An Internet system for delivering management programs is also included.

Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the data file management method and the electronic terminal of the present invention, when a data file is recorded or read in accordance with a file operation, the data file is recorded or read. A conventional file that manages only the various information related to the current state of the data file by sequentially adding and recording the file operation history of the data file in a separate management file separate from the data file. Unlike the management method, the file search can be executed based on the information on the past state of the data file. Therefore, even if the current state of the data file is unknown, the user can search for the desired data file if he or she has memorized some information from the previous file operation. You can easily find them. In addition, by using a given data file as a search condition and searching all the file operation histories related to the data file, it is also possible to obtain information on how the data file was operated. it can.

According to the data file management program and the recording medium of the present invention, for example, an electronic terminal having no file management function by the data file management method of the present invention can store the data file management program in the recording medium. By installing the recorded data file management program, when a file operation is performed on a data file on the electronic terminal, the file operation history related to the file operation is recorded and accumulated. ! / ヽ It is possible to reliably and easily find a desired data file.

Claims

Scope of word blue

1. A data file management method in which, when a data file is recorded or read in accordance with the file operation, a file operation history for the data file is sequentially added and recorded in a management file independent of the data file.

2. Electronic terminal information that can identify the electronic terminal that has performed the file operation, recording medium information that can identify the recording medium on which the data file is recorded, and transmission of an e-mail with the data file attached One or more of original information, reception date and time information, and reception path information; one or more of transmission destination information, transmission date and time information, and transmission path information of an e-mail attached with the data file; and the data file Printer information that can specify a printing device that has printed based on the data file, and a newly generated data file based on the data file or the data file that is the basis of the newly generated data file. 2. The data file pipe according to claim 1, wherein one or more pieces of information of possible file generation information are recorded as the file operation history. Method.

3. A file operation history that matches the input search condition is searched and specified from the file operation history in the management file, and the data file corresponding to the specified file operation history is reported as a search result. Data file management method described in 1.

4. A file operation history matching the input search condition is searched and specified from the file operation history in the management file, and the data file corresponding to the specified file operation history is notified as a search result. Data file management method described in 2.

5. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, according to claim 1 mosquitoes merges the Huai Le operation history of one of the management file to the other of said management Fairu Update ¹ RifuRyo I le of the otherゝ4. The data file management method according to any one of 4.

6. According to the data file management method described in any one of claims 1 to 4, A data file management program for sequentially recording additional data files in the management file for child terminals.

7. A data file management program for causing an electronic terminal to sequentially record the data file in the management file in accordance with the data file management method according to claim 5.

8. A recording medium storing a data file management program for causing an electronic terminal to sequentially record the data file in the management file in accordance with the data file management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. A recording medium in which a data file management program for causing an electronic terminal to sequentially record the data file in the management file in accordance with the data file management method according to claim 5 is recorded.

10. An electronic terminal comprising: a control unit that controls recording and reading of a data file accompanying a file operation; and a built-in memory unit configured to record the data file.

When the data file is recorded or read, the control unit sequentially adds and records a file operation history for the data file to a management file constructed in the internal memory unit independently of the data file. Electronic terminal.

11. The control unit transmits electronic terminal information capable of identifying the electronic terminal, recording medium information capable of identifying a recording medium on which the data file is recorded, and transmission of an e-mail attached with the data file. One or more of original information, reception date and time information, and reception route information; and one or more of destination information, transmission date and time information, and transmission route information of the e-mail attached with the data file;

Printing device information capable of specifying a printing device that has printed based on the data file, and a data file newly generated based on the data file or the data file serving as a base of the newly generated data file. 10. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the file generation information that can be specified is recorded as the file operation history. Child terminal.

12. The control unit searches the file operation history in the management file for a file operation history that matches the input search condition, specifies the file operation history, and specifies the data file corresponding to the specified file operation history. 10. The electronic terminal according to claim 10, wherein the terminal notifies the search result as a search result.

13. The control unit searches the file operation history in the management file for a file operation history that matches the input search condition, specifies the file operation history, and specifies the data file corresponding to the specified file operation history. 11. The electronic terminal according to claim 11, wherein the terminal is notified as a search result.

14. When the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit reads and merges the file operation history in the management file recorded in an electronic terminal other than the electronic terminal, and merges the file with the management file. The electronic terminal according to claim 10, wherein the electronic terminal is updated.