WO2007037011A1

WO2007037011A1 - Information processing device, state storage and restoration program, and computer-readable information recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2007037011A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/017992
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tatsuya Shimura
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2005-09-29
Publication date: 2007-04-05

Abstract

An information processing device includes storage means for storing information on an application, a file, or a web site which are activated or open and restoration means for activating or opening the application, the file, or the web site according to the information stored.

Description

Information processing apparatus, state storage and restoration program, and computer-readable information recording medium

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a state storage and restoration program, and a computer-readable information recording medium, and in particular, stores the state of an application, a file, a homepage, etc. that are running on an information processing device such as a personal computer. The present invention also relates to a state storage and restoration program for restoring this, a computer-readable information recording medium, and an information processing apparatus having such a function.

Background art

[0002] An operating system (OS) in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer in recent years has a so-called multitask function, and works on one of them while a plurality of applications, files, or home pages are activated or opened. It is possible to do this.

[0003] On the other hand, OS update (for example, Windows (registered trademark) Update etc.) function, restart request by automatic update function of virus processing software, etc., sudden restart request due to unexpected system down, etc. May occur.

[0004] Also, in recent years there has been a movement to actively use system power saving as part of energy saving, and it is recommended that system power saving be performed with all applications, files, home pages, etc. closed or closed. Has been.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-222180

Patent Document 2: JP-A-11-203111

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] Generally, when a restart function of a personal computer is executed in a state where a plurality of applications are started, the system is restarted in a state where all the applications are closed. Therefore, to return to the state before restarting, It was necessary to manually start up Chillon etc. one by one. However, it is troublesome for personal computer users to manually restart all applications one by one in this way, which may lead to a reduction in work efficiency.

In view of such problems, the present invention wants to restore the current state again after terminating the current state in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer for some reason, such as execution of the restart function as described above. The purpose is to provide a configuration that can effectively improve work efficiency in some cases.

[0007] Note that the case where it is desired to restore the current state after finishing the current state in the information processing apparatus such as a personal computer for some reason as described above is as follows.

[0008] When a restart request occurs due to an OS update, virus definition update, or the like.

[0009] When leaving the workplace during work and continuing to work again at the workplace.

[0010] During a sudden system hang-up.

Means for solving the problem

[0011] In the present invention, storage means for storing information related to an application, file, or homepage that is being activated or opened in the information processing apparatus, and the application, file, or homepage is started or opened based on the stored information. And restoring means to be included.

[0012] Here, "running" refers to a state from the start of the application to the termination thereof.

The invention's effect

[0013] According to the present invention, the storage means for storing information relating to the application, file or homepage that is being activated or opened as described above, and the application, file, or file based on the stored information. Since the restoration means for starting or opening the home page is provided, the user can automatically store information related to the application, file, or home page that is being activated or opened by using these means. Based on the stored information, the application, file or home page is automatically activated or opened. Therefore, even when the user of the information processing apparatus suspends the work such as when the system is restarted, the state force work immediately before the middle stage can be resumed, and the work efficiency can be effectively improved.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a state storage and restoration program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of operation by a state storage and restoration program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a first example of a shortcut execution stage in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of a second example of the shortcut execution stage.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of a third example of the shortcut execution stage.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a fourth example of the shortcut execution stage.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a fifth example of the shortcut execution stage.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of a sixth example of the shortcut execution stage.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of shortcuts created in the shortcut creation stage in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a computer that can operate as an information processing apparatus that can realize the state storage and restoration method according to an embodiment of the present invention by executing the state storage and restoration program according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

[0016] 10 starter

20 Status memory

30 State restoration part

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] According to the embodiment of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, all applications, files, homepages (addresses), etc. that are currently activated by the user are stored, and the state of V is always indicated. An application program that can be restored can be provided, and application of this application program can cause a sudden system restart. Even when requested, it is possible to quickly return to the original state.

Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the same state storage and restoration program is an activation unit that is executed when the program is activated, and a state storage unit for storing the current state of the information processing apparatus installed with the program power. 20 and a state restoration unit 30 for restoring the state based on the information stored by the execution of the state storage unit 20.

[0021] In the following, as an example, the OS of the information processing apparatus is Microsoft's Windows

The explanation is based on the assumption that (registered trademark) is applied.

[0022] For example, when a restart of a system of an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer currently in use is requested for some reason, the user starts the state storage and restoration program. Then, the CPU of the information processing apparatus causes the activation unit 10 in the program to execute the state storage unit 20. As a result, by the function of the status storage unit 20, all applications, files, home pages, etc. that are currently activated or opened on the same information processing device, that is, each currently open on the screen of the information processing device. All information related to windows, applications, files, home pages, etc. is automatically stored and saved.

[0023] As described above, in general, when a system is restarted, all applications, files, home pages, and the like that are currently active or open at that time are terminated. Then, after restarting the system, the user activates the state storage and restoration program again. In this case, the CPU of the information processing apparatus causes the activation unit 10 to execute the state restoration unit 30 continuously.

[0024] As a result, the function of the state restoring unit 30 stores, as described above, the application, file, homepage, etc. that has been activated or opened immediately before the restart, which is stored and saved by the function of the state storage unit 20. All, that is, all the applications, files, home pages, etc. related to the windows that were open on the screen of the information processing apparatus at that time are automatically started or opened. [0025] As a result, the information processing apparatus returns to the state immediately before the restart, and the user can start the work that was once interrupted by the execution of the restart as it is before the interrupt. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the impact of work interruption due to restart.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart showing a flow of operation of the CPU when the state storage and restoration program is executed by the CPU of the information processing apparatus.

In FIG. 2, steps S1 to S4 show the operation of the CPU when the activation unit 10 is executed by the CPU, and steps S5 to S7 show the CPU operation when the state storage unit 20 is executed by the CPU. Steps S8 to S12 show the operation of the CPU when the state restoring unit 30 is executed by the CPU.

[0028] When this status storage and restoration program is activated, it obtains a user name that is logged on to an information processing apparatus such as the personal computer at that time, and stores this as a user who activated the program. As stored.

[0029] When the status storage and restoration program is activated, the user name that is logged on at the time of activation is compared with the user name in the list (steps SI, S2).

[0030] As a result, when it is determined that the user who has started this time is the user who started this program for the first time, a directory unique to the user is created as a storage location of information stored by the execution of the state storage unit 20. (Step S3). The files used to restore the state are all stored in this directory for each user. Each user can store multiple states. Unique to the executable file created during state storage. Enable to specify the file name. The contents of this directory can be deleted at any time by the user, but once deleted, it cannot be restored to the stored state. The directory is created in the folder where this program is installed.

Next, in step S 4, a dialog for causing the user to select “store state” or “restore state” is displayed on the display screen of the information processing apparatus as subsequent processing.

[0032] The user who sees this performs an operation of selecting “V” or “shift” of “store state” or “restore state” for the information processing apparatus.

[0033] As a result, when "store state" is selected, the state storage unit 20 is executed. Become.

[0034] That is, in step S5, information on all currently open or open applications, files, home pages, etc., ie, all windows currently open on the screen is acquired.

[0035] As a method for acquiring information on applications, files, home pages, etc. that are currently activated or open! /, For example, a Windows (registered trademark) API (application 'programming' interface) Etc. are conceivable.

[0036] In this case, for example, task information (application name, file name, homepage address, etc.) registered in the "Application" item of "Windows Task Manager" that is activated by pressing "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Delete" key. ), It is possible to obtain information on applications, files, websites, etc. that are currently running or open.

[0037] In this task manager, the "Process" item is actually started! /, And the Γ.exej file name is cast, and the name of the logged-on user is added. Shows the application that the user started after logging on. Here, it is only necessary to obtain information on applications that the user has started after logging on.

[0038] In addition, tools for storing and restoring the position and size of an activated application window are already known (free software, etc.), and it is possible to obtain information on the activated application by using these tools. it is conceivable that. Specifically, for example, it is considered to be defined by Microsoft Foundation Class.

[0039] Next, in step S6, a shortcut for the activated application, file, homepage, etc. is created from the information acquired in step S5, and this is saved in the user-specific directory.

[0040] Specifically, the corresponding shortcut is created using information such as the full path of the “.exe” file of the application that the user is running or the open file (see FIG. 9).

[0041] Here, shortcuts are created only for applications, files, home pages, etc. that are currently activated or open by the user. [0042] In addition, it is desirable that the order of creating shortcuts is the same as the order in which the user initially started or opened applications, files, home pages, etc. The order in which the user initially started or opened the application, file, homepage, etc. can be obtained by, for example, obtaining the startup order information of the toolbar.

[0043] Each time a shortcut is created, a time stamp indicating the creation time is attached to the shortcut (see FIG. 9).

[0044] Create shortcuts for all applications, files, homepages, etc. that are currently running or open, and terminate execution of the state storage and restoration program when creation of an executable file to be started at the next state restoration is completed (step S7) . This restoration execution file is for associating each storage state with a shortcut associated therewith, and assists state restoration.

In addition, the user performs “restoration of state” in response to the dialog for selecting “store state” or “restoration of state” displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus in step S4. Therefore, when an instruction is given to the information processing apparatus, the state restoration unit 30 is executed.

[0046] Here, it is also possible to set so that the state restoration unit 30 is automatically executed without waiting for an instruction from the user after the system is restarted by a setting operation or the like performed in advance by the user. S 8).

[0047] When the state restoration unit 30 is executed, an application, a file, a homepage, or the like that has been started or opened by the user when the state storage and restoration program is started in step S9 is searched. .

[0048] In step S10, the shortcut created in step S6 of the state storage unit 20 is executed in the order of the time stamps based on the execution file at the time of restoration.

[0049] However, before executing the actual shortcut, the application name, file name, homepage address, etc. obtained by the search in step S9 and the application name, file name, homepage address, etc. related to the shortcut, etc. And compare. As a result of the comparison If it is found that the application, file, homepage, etc. related to the shortcut to be executed has already been started or opened by the user, the execution of the shortcut is canceled and the next shortcut is executed. . This is the same app This is to prevent double activation or double opening with the case, Huai Nore, and the homepage.

[0050] When the processing for all the shortcuts created in step S6 of the state storage unit 20 is completed in this way, the present state storage and restoration program is terminated (step S12). As a result, the corresponding application, file, homepage, etc. is started or opened, and thus the application, file, homepage, etc. that was being started or opened when the state storage unit 20 was executed is displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus. Everything starts or is opened. That is, on the screen of the information processing apparatus, all windows related to applications, files, home pages, etc. that are opened when the state storage unit 20 is executed are opened.

[0051] However, applications, files, homepages, etc. that have been instructed by the user as “start-up Z open unnecessary” as a result of the inquiry to the user and the matching (step S25) shown in FIG. 3 etc. described later are excluded. The

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of the first example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S 10 and 11) of the state restoration unit 30 in FIG.

[0053] When the shortcut execution stage is started, in step S21, among the shortcuts created in step S6 of the state storage unit 20 and stored in the user-specific directory, the shortcut with the earliest time stamp attached. Is selected.

Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the application, file, homepage, etc. relating to the shortcut selected as described above has already been started or opened by the user.

[0055] As a result of the determination, if the corresponding application, file, homepage or the like has already been started or opened, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0056] In step S25, a dialog is displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus for inquiring whether the user has the power to actually start or open the application, file, homepage, etc. related to the currently selected shortcut. . If the instruction from the user is “Startup Z Open unnecessary”, the process proceeds to Step S22. If “Dynamic Z Open Required”, go to Step S27.

[0057] In step S27, the corresponding shortcut is executed, and the corresponding application, file, home page, etc. is started or opened. Then, go to step s22.

[0058] In step S22, it is next determined whether or not there is a shortcut with a time stamp attached.

As a result, if it is determined that such a shortcut no longer exists (No in step S22), the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 2 and the state storage and restoration program is terminated.

[0060] On the other hand, if such a shortcut still exists (Yes in step S22), step S

Proceeding to 23, the corresponding shortcut is selected, and the above-described processing from step S24 onward is executed according to the selected shortcut.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the second example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S10, 11) in FIG.

[0062] The shortcut execution stage according to the second example is obtained by adding steps S28 and S29 to the first example described above with reference to FIG. Since the other parts are the same as in the first example, the description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

[0063] In the case of the second example shown in Fig. 4, when the shortcut is executed in step S27, the start timer is started simultaneously in step S28. Then, at the stage when the activation timer has expired (Yes in step S29), the process proceeds to step S22. The start timer setting time can be set arbitrarily.

[0064] By inserting the time delay due to the activation timer in this way, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of an unstable state of the system that may occur when a plurality of shortcuts are executed within a short time.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the third example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S 10 and 11) in FIG.

[0066] The shortcut execution stage according to the third example is obtained by adding step S30 to the first example described above with reference to FIG. Since the other parts are the same as in the first example, the explanation of the overlapping parts is omitted.

[0067] In the case of the third example shown in FIG. 5, when executing a shortcut in step S27, In S30, the start or open completion of the application, file, homepage, etc. that is started or opened as a result of execution of the shortcut is detected. Then, after detecting the start or open completion of the application, file, homepage, etc., the process proceeds to step S22.

[0068] As described above, the application, file, homepage, etc. is started or! Or the processing for the next shortcut is executed after the completion of the open is detected. It is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of system instability that may occur when multiple shortcuts are executed in time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the fourth example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S10, 11) in FIG.

The shortcut execution stage according to the fourth example is obtained by deleting steps S25 and S26 from the second example described above with reference to FIG. Since the other parts are the same as in the second example, the explanation of the overlapping parts is omitted.

[0071] In the fourth example, the process of asking the user whether or not to actually start or open the corresponding application, file, homepage, etc. in steps S25 and S26 is omitted. Therefore, applications, files, homepages, etc. related to all shortcuts created in step S6 in Fig. 2, except for applications, files, homepages, etc. that have already been started or opened by the user, are automatically Activated or opened.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the fifth example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S 10 and 11) in FIG.

The shortcut execution stage according to the fifth example is obtained by deleting steps S25 and S26 from the third example described above with reference to FIG. The other parts are the same as in the third example, so the explanation of the overlapping parts is omitted.

In this fifth example, the process of asking the user whether or not to actually start or open the corresponding application, file, homepage, etc. in steps S25 and S26 is omitted. Therefore, as in the fourth example above, except for applications, files, home pages, etc. that have already been started or opened by the user, step S6 in FIG. Applications, files, homepages, etc. related to all shortcuts created in are automatically started or opened without waiting for user instructions.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the sixth example of the shortcut execution stage (steps S 10 and 11) in FIG.

In this sixth example, in contrast to the first example described above with reference to FIG. 3, the user is asked whether or not to actually start or open the corresponding application, file, homepage, etc. in steps S25 and S26. ! Omit the process of matching.

[0077] Therefore, as in the fourth example, applications, files, homepages, etc. related to all shortcuts created in step S6 in FIG. 2, except for applications, files, homepages, etc. that have already been started or opened by the user. Is automatically activated or opened without waiting for user instructions.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer that can be realized as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the computer has a CPU 1, which controls execution of the computer 1, various instruction operations by the user, an operation unit for data input 2, a display unit 3, a CPU 1 for displaying various information (including a user interface) for the user Memory that can be used as a work area, etc. when executing control operations 4. Hard disk device that can store various programs, etc. and user-specific directories 5. CD-ROM 6a as a portable information recording medium External programs and data CD-ROM drive 6 for loading, etc., and modem 7 that can download programs, data, etc. from an external sano via communication network 8 such as the Internet. These units can exchange information with each other via a bus 9.

Note that the operation unit 2 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and the display unit 3 includes a display, a printer, and the like.

In order for the computer to operate as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the state storage and restoration program according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIGS. Or loaded into the computer via the communication network 8. The state storage and restoration program loaded in this way is first loaded into the node disk device. Stored in device 5, then loaded into memory 4.

Thereafter, the CPU 1 sequentially executes the instructions constituting the program, thereby executing the operation according to the state storage and restoration program described with reference to FIGS. As a result, the computer is realized as an embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0083] The effects obtained by the examples of the present invention will be described below.

[0084] That is, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of applications, files, home pages, etc. can be activated or opened to restore such a state at any time. It is done.

1) It becomes possible to cope with sudden system restart.

2) The user can save time and return to the current status and resume operations with a single click.

3) The application of system power saving, which is part of energy saving, is easily activated and the environment can be realized.

4) Since it is possible to promote the action of closing applications, files, etc. when leaving, the possibility of inadvertent leakage of file contents when leaving the seat can be minimized, and information leakage can be effectively prevented.

The embodiment of the present invention is particularly effective as a preinstallation application for a personal computer for corporations.

[0086] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, all the applications, files, home pages (addresses) and the like that are currently activated by the user can be stored and restored at any time. For this reason, it is possible to easily return to the current state even if a sudden restart or system failure occurs. Furthermore, the application of more active and safe system power saving is promoted. Therefore, it greatly contributes to providing a more comfortable environment for using personal computers, promoting energy-saving activities, and preventing information leakage.

In FIG. 10, CPU 1, memory 4, operation unit 2, display unit 3, and node disk device 5 operate as activation unit 10 shown in FIG. 1, and CPU 1, memory 4 and hard disk device 5 are state storage unit 2. The CPU 1, the memory 4, the operation unit 2, the display unit 3, and the hard disk device 5 operate as the state restoration unit 30 or the restoration unit.

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and technical ideas described in the claims below are included. It goes without saying that various applications are possible within the scope.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Storage means for storing information about an application, file, or homepage that is running or open in the information processing device;

An information processing apparatus including restoration means for activating or opening the application, file, or home page based on the stored information.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restoration unit is configured to be activated or opened in the order of initial activation or opening of the application, file, or homepage.

[3] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restoration unit includes a step of inquiring a user about necessity of the application, file, or homepage when starting or opening the application, file, or homepage.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restoration unit is configured to be able to set a time interval for starting or opening when the application, file or home page is sequentially started or opened.

[5] When the application, file, or homepage is sequentially activated or opened, the restoration means detects the completion of the previous activation or opening operation and then starts the activation or opening operation of the next application, file, homepage, etc. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, configured as described above.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restoration unit is configured to start activation or opening of the application, file, or home page according to a user instruction.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restoration unit is configured to automatically start or open the application, file, or homepage after starting an operating system.

[8] A storage stage for storing information relating to an application, file, or homepage that is running or open in the information processing device;

Based on the stored information, a command for causing the computer to execute a restoration step of starting or opening the application, file or home page. A state storage and restoration program.

9. The state storage and restoration program according to claim 8, wherein, in the restoration step, the application, file or homepage is activated or opened in the order of initial activation or opening.

[10] The state storage and restoration program according to claim 8, wherein the restoration step includes a step of inquiring the user of necessity when starting or opening the application, file or homepage. .

[11] The state storage and storage device according to claim 8, wherein in the restoration step, the application, file or homepage is sequentially activated or set to be able to set an activation or opening time interval for opening. Restore program.

[12] In the restoration step, when starting or opening the application, file or home page sequentially, after detecting the completion of the previous start or open operation, the next application, file or! 9. The state storage and restoration program according to claim 8, wherein the state storage and restoration program is configured to start opening.

13. The state storage and restoration program according to claim 8, wherein the restoration step is configured to be executed according to a user instruction.

14. The state storage and restoration program according to claim 8, wherein the restoration step is automatically executed after the operating system is started.

[15] A computer-readable information storage medium storing the state storage and restoration program according to any one of claims 8 to 14.