WO2007122689A1

WO2007122689A1 - Client server system, client apparatus, cache server apparatus, and data processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2007122689A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/307946
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yousuke Nakamura; Toru Kamiwada
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2006-04-14
Filing date: 2006-04-14
Publication date: 2007-11-01
Also published as: JPWO2007122689A1

Abstract

A client server system comprises an original server apparatus that stores data and index information of the data; a cache server apparatus that stores the index information received from the original server apparatus, cache indicative information indicating that the source of transmitting the index information is the cache server apparatus, and original server identifying information that identifies the original server apparatus having the data indicated in the index information; and a client apparatus that identifies, based on the cache indicative information received from the cache server apparatus, the source of transmitting the index information and that further determines, based on the cache indicative information and original server identifying information received from the cache server apparatus, an activation of the original server apparatus having the data indicated in the index information. When determining that the original server apparatus has been activated, the client apparatus selects the index information received from the original server apparatus.

Description

Specification

Client server system, client device, cache server device, and data processing method

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a client server system, a client device, a cache server device, and a data processing method, and in particular, a client server system, a client device, a cache server device, and a data processing method for transmitting and receiving video and audio information services. Regarding the law.

Background art

[0002] Normally, when a client uses data and services on a server in a server-client type system, the data and services on the server can be used (the server is turned on) , Etc.) is a condition. For example, when considering use in a home network, unlike a general 24-hour server, the server PC and home appliances are normally turned off and are turned on only when they are used. Is a general usage. Therefore, normally the server data and services are not available, and the user relies on the memory to start each server that seems to provide the desired data and services and search for them. I have to.

[0003] Further, as the number of data and services increases, these operations increase the burden on the user and troublesome work. Therefore, even if the data and services on the server are not available, realizing a mechanism that makes it easy to use the data and services with a single operation from the client will increase the convenience for the user. Is possible.

[0004] There is WOL (Wakeup On LAN) as a method for remotely starting a server in an off state. This makes it possible to start a server at a remote location from the client. However, since it is not possible to know the data and services provided by the server before starting it, the operation of starting each server and finding the server that provides the target data or service is performed. There must be.

In order to solve this problem, the following technique has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In other words, the index information of the data and services owned by the original server (information that is helpful when the user searches for data and services. For example, EPG data and music data stored together with the video recorded on the TV Meta data, thumbnails of photo data, etc.) and a device (cachesano) having means for providing index information stored in response to a request from a client.

[0006] When the original server data or service entity (data itself, for example, a moving image file) cannot be used, the cache server behaves as if it were the original server and provides index information. When a request to use the data or service entity is received, the cache server makes the data and service of the original server available, detects activation, and informs the client of access destination information.

[0007] However, when both the original server and the cache server are activated, two pieces of the same information, that is, the data and service entity information of the original server and the index information of the original server of the cache server are disclosed. Will be. When this information is displayed on the client, the same information is displayed twice.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a collaboration diagram of a client, an original server, and a cache server based on the prior art when the original server and the cache server are activated. Arrows 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 1 indicate a continuous communication and processing flow of the client, the original server, and the cache server.

[0009] As indicated by arrow 1, the original server replicates the index information of the original server, which has also generated the data entity of the original server, into the index information of the cache server. Next, as shown by arrow 2, the client makes an information acquisition request to the original server and the cache server. This information acquisition request is realized by multicast or the like for computers connected to the network. Next, as indicated by arrow 3, the original server transmits index information to the client, and similarly, as indicated by arrow 4, the cache server transmits index information to the client. Finally, as shown by arrow 5, the client displays the received index information on the screen.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, when both the original server and the cache server are activated Two identical index information, eg "Music 1" is sent to the client.

FIG. 2 shows a client screen that displays the index information received by the client in FIG. In this display screen, the original server and cache server information are displayed in duplicate. For example, two “Music 1” are displayed. This screen searches the client for the desired data that has many unnecessary displays.

[0012] As described above, in the conventional technique, when both the original server and the cache server are activated, the client screen unnecessarily increases the display amount, making it difficult for the user to search for the target data. Problems such as increasing the amount of client operations for searching occur.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-244408

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] In view of the problems of the above-described conventional server, the present invention causes the cache server to output cache explicit information indicating that it is a cache server and original server specifying information, and allows the client to determine the original server. The purpose is to enable the client to access the original server. Means for solving the problem

[0015] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and includes at least one original server device including storage means for storing data and index information of the data, and the received power of the original server device. Storage means for storing information, cache explicit information specifying that the transmission source of the index information is a cache server device, and original server specifying information specifying the original server device having data indicated in the index information And at least one cache server device provided, server determination means for determining the transmission source of the index information based on the received cache explicit information, based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device and the original server specifying information Thank you The original server activation determining means for determining the activation of the original server apparatus having the data indicated in the index information and the original server activation determining means If it is determined, the client server system including at least one client device provided with index information selection means for selecting the received index information is provided.

[0016] Further, the storage means of the cache server device in the client server system further stores original server start information necessary for starting the original server device, and the client device in the client server system further stores the original server information. When the original server device is provided with server activation means for activating the final server device, and the original server activation determination device determines that the original server device is not activated, the data indicated by the index information selected by the index information selection device is selected. Using the original server identification information and the original server activation information received from the cache sano, it is possible to activate the original server device having the selection data by the server activation means.

[0017] Further, the cache server device in the client system further includes server activation means for activating the original server, and original server activation determining means for determining activation of the original server device having data indicated by the index information. The storage means of the cache server device further stores original server start information necessary for starting the original server device, and the original server start determination means of the cache server device has the selection data received by the client device. When it is determined that the original server has been started, the data indicated by the index information selected by the index information selection means is selected by the client device, and the original server specific information and the original server start are started. information Can be used to start the original server having the selection data by the server starting means.

The invention's effect

[0018] In view of the problems of the conventional server described above, the present invention causes the cache server to output cache explicit information indicating that it is a cache server and original server specifying information, and allows the client to determine the original server. In this way, the client can access the original server.

[0019] Furthermore, when the original server to be accessed is in an off state, the client The original server can be accessed by starting the original server from the client.

[0020] In addition, when the original server to be accessed is in an off state, the client can cause the cache server to start the original server and access the original server.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] FIG. 1 is a collaboration diagram of a client, an original server, and a cache server based on a conventional technology when the original server and the cache server are activated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a client screen displaying index information received by the client in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the client server system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a collaboration diagram of the client server system according to the present invention when the original server and the cache server are activated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of index information in the client according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of client index information use determination processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a collaboration diagram based on the present invention when the client 11 performs the process of starting the original server 12.

FIG. 8 is a collaboration diagram based on the present invention when the cache server 13 performs the process of starting the original server 12.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of communication processing between a client and a server using UPnP-AV based on the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0022] 10 Client-server system

11 clients

l ib server identification method

11c Server startup discrimination means l id Index selection means

l ie Server startup means

12 Original server

13 Cache server

13a storage device

13c Server startup discrimination means

13e Server startup method

301 Data entity

302-1 Index information

302-2 Index information

303 Cache Explicit † Blueprint

304 Original server specific information

305 Original server startup information

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of a client server system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The client server system 10 includes a client 11, an original server 12, and a cache server 13, which are connected to a wired or wireless network 14 with each other. In FIG. 3, the client 11, the original server 12, and the cache server 13 are shown one by one for illustration. The client server system 10 may actually include two or more of each.

The original server 12 has a data entity 301 that is an entity of data and services, and index information 302 of the data entity 301.

[0026] The cache server 13 stores the index information 302-2 composed of a plurality of pieces of index information 302-1 received from the original server 12 in the storage device 13a and the index information 302-2. The original server having the data entity 301 shown in the cache explicit information 303 and the index information 302-2 indicating that it has been transmitted from Original server identification information 304 for identifying the server, and information necessary for remote activation of the original server 12, for example, the original server activation information 305 corresponding to the MAC address of the target server when remotely activated by WOL. I can do it. It also has a server activation determination means 13c for determining whether or not the server on the network 14 is activated, and a server activation means 13e that is a means for remotely activating a specific original server 12. I can do it.

[0027] The client 11 can include a server determination unit l lb, a server activation determination unit l lc, an index selection unit l ld, and a server activation unit l ie. The server discriminating means l ib is means for discriminating whether the index information transmission source is the original server 12 or the cache server 13 based on the cache explicit information 303.

[0028] Server activation determining means 1 lc is a means for determining whether or not a server on the network 14 has been started! /. For example, the client 11 can make a server activation determination based on whether or not there is a response to the index information acquisition request. Further, the cache server 13 makes a request for obtaining index information to a server on the network, and the cache server 13 sends the presence / absence of the response to the client 11 together with the index information 302-2, and based on the response result information. The client 11 may determine whether to start the server. In this case, there is a specific effect that the client 11 does not need to cache the response result to the index information acquisition request in the client 11.

[0029] The index selection means l id causes either the received index information 302-1 from the original server 12 or the index information 302-2 from the cache server 13 to reside in a memory (not shown), or It is a means for performing processing of storing in the hard disk and further selecting for display on a display means (not shown). The server activation means lie is means for remotely starting a specific server by, for example, WOL.

FIG. 4 is a collaboration diagram of the client server system according to the present invention when the original server and the cache server are activated. In FIG. 4, since the original server is activated, the client 11 and the cache server 13 do not use the server activation means ie shown in FIG. 3, and the cache server 13 is activated by the original server. Information 305 is also not used. Arrows 21-26 indicate client 11, original server 12, and And a continuous communication flow of the cache server 13 is shown.

[0031] As indicated by the arrow 21, the index information 302-1 generated from the data entity 301 is transmitted to the cache server 13, and stored as constituting the index information 302-2 or a part thereof. As indicated by an arrow 22, the cache server 13 associates the cache explicit information 303 and the original server specifying information 304 with the index information 302-2. For example, a flag “1” is set as index information “music 1” as cache explicit information. Therefore, if there is a flag, the index information 302-1 from the cache server 13 is obtained, and if there is no flag, the index information 302-1 from the original server 12 can be discriminated. Further, as the original server specifying information 304, the identification information (IP address or the like) of the original server 12 is related to the index information 302-2.

[0032] The cache explicit information 303 and the original server specifying information 304 are transmitted separately from the index information 302-2 and embedded in the index information 302-2, and are indexed by the client 11 based on the identification information and the like. Information 302-3, cache explicit information 303, and original server identification information 304 are related.

[0033] As indicated by an arrow 23, the client 11 multicasts an index information acquisition request to the original server 12 and the cache server 13 connected on the network. Next, as indicated by the arrow 24, the original server 12 returns the index information 302-1 to the client 11. At almost the same time, as indicated by the arrow 25, the cache server 13 returns the index information 302-2, the cache explicit information 303, and the original server specifying information 304 to the client 11.

Next, the client 11 acquires the index information 302-2 from the original server 12, the index information 302-1 from the cache server 13, the cache explicit information 303, and the original server specifying information 304. At this time, the client 11 receives the index information 302-1 and the index information 302-2. The index information 302-2 received from the cache server 13 is related to the cache explicit information 303. Therefore, the client 11 can determine whether the transmission source of the index information 302-1 and the index information 302-2 is the cache server 13 or the original server 12. As a result, the client 11 can select one of the index information 302-1 or the index information. By displaying the information 302-2 on the screen of the client 11, the duplicate display of the same index information 302 described above can be eliminated.

FIG. 5 shows a display screen of index information in the client according to the present invention. On this display screen, for example, only one “Music 1” is displayed. As described above, the client 11 identifies the index information 302-2 from the cache server 13 by the cache explicit information 303 that is also provided with the cache server 13 power. Therefore, only the index information 302-1 from the original server 12 can be selected and displayed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the client index information use determination process based on the present invention. Upon receipt of the index information 302-1 or the index information 302-2, the client 11 stores the index information 302-1 or the index information 302-1 in order to store it in a storage device such as a memory or to display it on a display device such as a display (not shown). Judgment processing is performed to determine whether or not to use the index information 302-2. In step S101, the server discriminating means l ib discriminates from the cache explicit information 303 whether the received index information 302-1 or the index information 302-2 is the transmission source power original server 12 or the cache server 13. In the case of the transmission source power cache server 13 of the indentus information 302, the process proceeds to step S102, and in the case of the original server 12, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0037] In step S102, the server activation determination unit 11c determines whether or not the original server 12 is activated. If it is activated, the process proceeds to step S103. If not activated, the process proceeds to step S104. .

[0038] In step S103, processing is performed in which the received index information 302 is not used for screen display. When the transmission source of the index information 302-2 is the cache server 13 and the original server 12 is active, the client 11 is assumed to immediately receive the index information 302-1 from the original server 12. Therefore, processing that does not use the index information 302 is performed.

[0039] In step S104, the received index information 302 is stored in a memory and a process used for displaying on the screen is performed.

FIG. 7 shows a collaboration diagram based on the present invention when the client 11 performs the process of starting the original server 12. In Figure 7, client 11 is the original server. In order to start up, the client 11 uses the server starting means l ie shown in FIG. 3, but the cache server 13 does not use the server starting means 13e. Arrows 31 to 37 indicate a continuous communication flow of the client 11, the original server 12, and the cache server 13.

[0041] The original server activation information 305 is information necessary to activate the original server 12. For example, when the original server 12 is remotely activated by WOL, the MAC address of the original server 12 is required. The original server activation information 30 5 includes a MAC address. In this case, the cache server 13 can acquire the MAC address and IP address of the original server 12 by periodically multicasting ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) on the network.

[0042] When the original server 12 is in the OFF state, first, as indicated by an arrow 31, the client 11 transmits an index information acquisition request to the sano on the network by multicast or the like. Next, as indicated by an arrow 32, the cache server 13 transmits index information 302-2, cache explicit information 303, original server identification information 304, and original server activation information 305 stored in the storage device 13a to the client 11. To do. At this time, since the original server 12 is in the off state, the index information 302-1 cannot be returned to the client 11.

[0043] The server discriminating means l ib of the client 11 discriminates the server type of the index information transmission source from the acquired cache explicit information 303 of the index information 302-2. Next, the server start determination unit 11c of the client 11 performs the determination process of the original server 12 based on whether or not the original server 12 related to the index information 302-2 responds to the index information acquisition request. Do.

Next, the index selection means 1 Id performs the index information use determination process shown in FIG. 6, and displays the cache server index information 302-2 on the screen of the client 11. The client 11 receives data and service selection information to be accessed by the user from an input device (not shown) of the client 11. Next, the server activation means l ie performs a process of activating the original server 12 having the selected data or service. This startup process uses the MAC address etc. as the original server startup information 305. Can be done with WOL etc. Note that the original server activation information 305 may inquire the cache server 13 at the start of the process of activation by the server activation means ie, in order to obtain the latest server activation information 305. In that case, the original server activation information 305 does not have to be included in the index information response indicated by the arrow 32.

[0045] Next, as indicated by an arrow 33, the server start means l ie of the client 11 transmits a start instruction to the original server 12 using WOL, for example.

Next, the original server 12 is turned on upon remote activation of the client 11. As indicated by an arrow 34, the client 11 confirms the activation of the original server 12 after the original server remote activation. After confirming the startup, the client 11 makes an index information acquisition request to the original server 12 as indicated by an arrow 35.

Next, the original server 12 creates the latest index information 302-1 from the owned data entity 301, and returns the index information 302-1 to the client 11 as indicated by an arrow 36. The client 11 having acquired the index information 302-1 accesses the data entity 301 of the original server 12 as indicated by an arrow 37.

FIG. 8 shows a collaboration diagram of the client server system 10 according to the present invention when the cache server 13 performs the process of starting the original server 12. In FIG. 8, the cache server 13 uses the server activation means 13e to activate the original server 12, but the client 11 does not use the server activation means l ie. Arrows 41 to 49 shown in FIG. 8 indicate a continuous communication flow of the client 11 and the like. In FIG. 8, for illustration purposes, the client 11, the original server 12, and the cache server 13 are shown one by one! In reality, there may be two or more of them.

[0049] As indicated by an arrow 41, the client 11 transmits an index information acquisition request to a server on the network. Next, as indicated by the arrow 42, the cache server 13 transmits the index information 302-2, the cache explicit information 303, and the original server specifying information 304 to the client 11. At this time, since the original server 12 is in an off state, the index information 302-1 cannot be returned to the client 11.

[0050] The server discrimination means l ib of the client 11 uses the acquired cache explicit information 303 to It is determined whether the server type that sent the ndetta information 302-2 is the cache server or the original server. Next, the server start determination unit 11c of the client 11 obtains the index information 302-1 from the original server 12, and the original server 12 is started! / ヽ! Judge that.

Next, according to the index information selection process shown in FIG. 5, the index selection means l id stores the index information 302-2 received by the cache server 13 in the memory, and displays it on the screen of the client 11 (not shown). To do. Then, the client 11 receives from the index information screen the index information of the entity data selected by the user input by an input device (not shown).

Next, as indicated by an arrow 43, the client 11 makes an entity data access request to the cache server 13. Since the client 11 has received the original server identification information 304, the client 11 waits for the activation report of the original server 12 that is activated by the activation process of the cache server 11 after transmitting the entity data access request to the cache server 13.

[0053] Next, as indicated by an arrow 44, the server activation determination unit 13c of the cache server 13 confirms the activation state of the original server 12 having the entity data 301 corresponding to the entity data access request, and is not activated. In this case, the server activation means 13e activates the activation process of the original server 12 using WOL or the like.

Next, the original server 12 is turned on upon remote activation of the cache server 13. Then, as indicated by an arrow 45, the client 11 confirms the start of the original server 12. After confirming startup, the client 11 makes an index information acquisition request as indicated by an arrow 46. Then, as indicated by an arrow 47, the original server 12 sends an index information response to the client 11.

Next, as indicated by an arrow 48, the client 11 accesses the actual data of the original server 12 according to the received index information 302-1. Next, as indicated by an arrow 63, since the client 11 recognizes that the index information 302-1 of the original server 12 is the latest, it makes a request for updating the index information 302 to the cache server 13. May be. This process also includes index information 302-2 from the cache server 11 in the client 11 and index information from the original server 12. This may be performed when there is a difference in the index information corresponding to 302-1. At the same time, the index information 302-2 in the client 11 may be updated to the index information 302-1 from the original server 12.

Next, the cache server 13 updates its own index information 302-2 according to the latest index information 302-1 of the original server 12 according to the request of the client 11.

It should be noted that the activation of the original server 12 indicated by the arrow 45 is confirmed, and if the activation of the original server 12 cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing may be interrupted. In this case, an error message such as “The original server cannot be started remotely. Make sure that the outlet of the original server is connected to the power source” is displayed on the screen of the client 11 (not shown). You can let it go.

[0058] The original server startup process from the conventional cache server is performed in such a way that the client 11 does not have the original server identification information 304! / The destination server was changed to the cache server, and the original data access destination was changed to the original server 12 again. However, according to the present embodiment, the client 11 waits for the starting process of the original server 12 by the server starting means 13d of the cache server 13 and confirms the starting of the original server 12, whereby the client 11 Redirect response to HTTP request becomes unnecessary. As a result, the communication procedure between the client 11 and the cache server 13 can be simplified.

[0059] Further, when there are a plurality of cache servers 11, in order to avoid a plurality of cached index information 302-2, a certain cache server 11 uses the cache indication information 303 and others. It is also possible not to cache the index information 302-2 cached by the cache server.

Further, the cache explicit information 303 may indicate whether the cache is present or not for the entire index information. However, the cache explicit information 303 can be used together with the original server specifying information to cache the index information 302 of the specific original server. It is also possible to display what is being done. In such a case, a certain cache server 13 has the original server identification information 304 and key. Using the cache explicit information 303, the index information of the original server specified by the original server specifying information 304 cached by another cache server may not be cached.

[0061] Hereinafter, as specific examples, implementation of the cache explicit information 303, the original server specific information 304, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention based on the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) AV communication specification will be described. . UPnP-AV is a mechanism for sharing content such as video and music that can be connected to a network regardless of whether it is a PC (Personal Computer) or CE (Consumer Electronics). PC manufacturers and home appliance manufacturers are also launching compatible products, especially in home networks, realizing coexistence of PCs and CEs is very important in terms of expanding the use of PCs and CEs.

[0062] In UPnP, PCs and CEs are roughly divided into two functions: devices and control points (Contro 1 Point). Device UPnPl.0 Recommendation specifies that a device is a collection of services. For example, assuming that a radio is a single device, a service is a clock processing that displays a clock, and a control that adjusts the band, volume, etc. Control for realizing one function such as control is called a service. These services are gathered and classified as a single audio deck device. A control point is a function that controls other devices. For example, network remote controls using UPnP and PCs that can control devices are applicable. Theoretically, a PC can function as both a device and a control point.

[0063] The cache explicit information 303 can be specified in UPnP as follows (A) to (F). Note that the cache explicit information 303 has the same meaning as the flag. Therefore, if it is identified as a value, any value such as “1” can be used. Any unique value UDN (Unique Device Name) can also be used. UDN is expressed as a 32-digit hexadecimal number. For example, “12345678-90ab-cdef-1234-567890abcdef”.

[0064] (A) Existing tag use: For example, the <dc: description> tag can be used because information can be described in a free format. In the Device Description, Service Description, and Browse responses, in the case of the cache server 13, "(k: description> l, 12345678- 90ab-cdef-1234- 567890abcdef <// (k: description>) can be added.The original server 12 can be identified with no (k: description>, empty content, etc. .

[0065] (B) New tag definition: For example, it is defined as a vendor extension in UPnP, and <X-CacheInformation> is defined using the X-****> tag. In the case of the cache server 13, it is possible to add a tag such as “<X—CacheInformation> l, 12345678—90ab—cdef—1234—567890abcdef <X-CacheInformation> J to Device Description. Is possible without <X-CacheInformation> and with blank content.

[0066] (C) Define new! /, Action: For example, by defining a new ヽ Action such as “X-GetCachelnformationJ” in ContentDirectory that is an existing service and executing this Action, cache information In an existing service such as ContentDirectoryService (CDS), define an action such as “X-GetCachelnformationJ. Execute the above action in the same way as Browse, which is one of the actions. The cache server information can be acquired when the original server 12 can be identified when there is no action in the existing service, and the cache server 13 can be identified when there is an action within the existing service.

[0067] (D) New! /, Service definition: Vendor extended service is used. For example, it is defined as “urn: Extension: service: X-Cache”. Information can be acquired by describing in this ServiceDescription or defining Action for acquisition. Define new services in parallel with existing services such as CDS, such as “urn: fojitsu.com: service: X-Cache”. In the Service Description as described above, it is possible to define both existing tags and new tags and pass information, and define Action and execute Action to pass information. In this case, there is no new service for the determination of the original server 12. The cache server 13 can be identified as a new service exists.

(E) New! /, Device definition: Vendor extension device is used (defined as “urn: Extension: device: X-Cache”). Information can be acquired by describing in this DeviceDescription or by defining an action for acquisition. "Urn: fojitsu.com: device: X-Cache" In the same way, new devices are defined in parallel with existing devices such as MediaServer. Both the above-mentioned format that defines existing tags and new tags in Device Description and passes information, and the format that defines new services and actions in Device and passes information via Action Is possible. In this case, it can be determined that the original server 12 does not have a new device and the cache server 13 has a new device.

[0069] (F) Definition of another Device: Prepare another Device in parallel with MediaServer. Add a device such as “Cac heServer” as a UPnP device. Original server half (J additional U is DeviceType “urn: schemas— UPnP—org: aevice: Media¾erver: l” — Org: device: then acne¾er ver: l ”etc.

[0070] Further, the cache server explicit information 303 can be implemented other than the UPnP specification. For example, when accessing by HTTP using a specific port, it is assumed that the cache information is acquired and the information is returned (proxy It works like this). For example, the cache server 13 is defined to use port 60000 and returns information only when it is accessed at 60000 (for example, “http: 〃192.168.1.100: 60000 /”) ). As a result, it is possible to determine that the information from the URL having the 60000 port number is the information of the cache server 13.

[0071] Further, the original server identification information 304 is obtained by adding, for example, an arbitrary UDN "12345678-90ab — cdef— 1234 — 567890abcdef” to the Service Description and the content URL list described later, thereby enabling each entity data and service Each original server 12 can be identified.

Further, as a method for updating the index information 302-2 of the cache server 13 from the client 11, there are the following methods.

'Cause the cache server to have an extended action for updating the cache server, and let the client 11 perform that action.

'Install cache device index information 302 update device.

'Updated when accessing the specific HTTP port mentioned above.

[0073] A method for remotely starting a server via a network is possible using UPnP-AV in addition to WOL. For example, the cache server starts the original server U It has a PnP extension Action, and the client can do this by executing this Action. For example, a startup method other than UPnP is to start the original server when accessing a specific port with HTTP to the cache server.

FIG. 9 shows a communication processing sequence between a client and a server using UPnP-AV based on the present invention. Further, as described above, there are various methods for mounting the cache explicit information 303 and the like by UPnP-AV. In FIG. 9, the communication processing sequence is shown by using any of the mounting methods described above.

[0075] On the same network, UPnP—AV-compatible “UPnP Control Point” client 11 (hereinafter referred to as “CP (Control Point)”) and “Media Server device” original server 12 ( Hereinafter, there is a cache server 13 (hereinafter referred to as “cache”) for the original server 12. At this time, the original is powered off and the cache is available.

[0076] In step S201, the CP transmits an M-Search and confirms all Media Servers activated on the network. After receiving M-Search, UPnP has a rule that the running MediaServer responds to M-Search within a certain period of time, so CP uses the MediaServer that responded to M-Search within a certain period as the starting server. Can be recognized.

Accordingly, in step S202, the cache responds to the M-Search from the CP, but does not respond because the original is not activated. This response allows the CP to recognize the running server. The cache returns the URL specified in Device Description as the response of the M-Search. Device Description is a document showing device information and is defined in XML format. In this step, the cache returns the device URL, which is one item in the Device Description, as an M-Search response. 〖こ、 Step S 203 〖こ itmu.

In step S203, the CP transmits an HTTP GET to the URL of Device Description, and proceeds to step S204.

[0079] In step S204, the cache returns Device Description. In the Device Description, the URL information of the service that the device that is the cache has is shown. H Step S205 〖こ itmu. [0080] In step S205, the CP transmits an HTTP GET to the service URL related to the display of the index information 302. Next, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0081] In step S206, Service Description is returned. Service Description is a list of service actions. As described above, an action for obtaining the original MAC address may be described in this action. When this action is executed by the CP, the cache power and original server startup information can be acquired. Next, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0082] In step S207, the CP executes Browse, which is one of the actions described in the Service Description, in order to obtain a content URL list corresponding to the index information 302. Next, proceed to step S208. Further, the processing from step S201 to step S207 described above corresponds to the index information acquisition request shown in FIGS.

[0083] In step S208, the cache sends the content URL list to the CP. In the content URL list, there is a URL that is location information having the content. Therefore, the CP can acquire the original server specifying information 304 in addition to the index information 302 by using the content URL list. In addition, the CP acquires the cache indication information 303 based on the tag information described above. Furthermore, the MAC address of the original server may be described in this content URL list. Then, the process proceeds to step S209. Note that the processing in step S208 corresponds to the index information response shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, and the content URL list corresponds to the index information 302-2.

[0084] In step S209, the client 11 receives the display processing of the index information 302 described above and the service information to be accessed by the user, and proceeds to step S210.

[0085] In step S210, the original, which is a serviced device, is activated by WOL, and the process proceeds to step S211. Also, here, the Action information in the Service Descriptor of the power cache described in WOL has a UPnP vendor extension Action for starting the original, and this allows the client to execute the Action that causes the original server. The original can be activated. The process of step S210 corresponds to the activation process of the original server 12 shown in FIGS.

[0086] In step S211, the original is started in accordance with an instruction from WOL. Then step S Proceed to 212.

[0087] In step S212, the original multicasts ssdp: alive on the network. UPnP devices are supposed to issue ssdp: alive when booted. Therefore, CP and cache can confirm the original startup.

[0088] It is also conceivable that the original activation fails for some reason. At that time, in order to prevent the CP process from falling into the server startup waiting state, the server startup confirmation process can be terminated and access can be interrupted after a certain period of time. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the activation of the original is confirmed when the CP receives ssdp: alive issued by the original at the time of activation. In addition, when the UPnP device is terminated, it is also decided to issue ssdp: byebye, so by monitoring ssdp: byebye, the client and cache server update the startup information of the original server. It becomes possible. Next, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0089] In step S213, the CP receives ssdp: alive and confirms the original activation.

Next, the process proceeds to step S214. Note that the processing in step S212 and step S213 corresponds to the activation confirmation of the original server 12 shown in FIGS.

[0090] In step S214, the CP obtains target data and content from the original by HTTP GET. In the content URL list, a URL indicating the content location information is also described, so content can be obtained by accessing this URL via HTTP or RTP. Note that the processing in step S214 corresponds to the actual data access of the client 11 shown in FIGS.

[0091] In this way, when the activation of the original is confirmed, the latest content URL list is obtained again from the original, and it is confirmed whether the information of the original and the cache are different. In this case, if both information is different, it updates its own information and updates the cache server information, so that the index information 302 such as the access URL is always correct, and the target content It is possible to eliminate the case where it is not possible to access. In this way, it is possible to access the content entity.

[0092] The processing from step S201 to step S207 corresponds to the index information acquisition request shown in Figs. [0093] As described above, even when the original server 12 is powered off and the content cannot be used, the user can use the content on the original server 12 simply by selecting the content that the user wants to access. It becomes possible to. In addition, in this method, either the client 11 or the cache server 13 can start the original server 12.

Although not shown, the client 11, the original server 12, and the cache server 13 described above each have means such as a processor such as a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, and a NIC (Network Interface Card). The server determination means, server activation determination means, index selection means, server activation means, etc. described above can be implemented by a CPU or the like. Furthermore, data generated by transmission / reception processing, etc. is received by the NICs of those devices via the network and stored in a memory node disk by the CPU as necessary, or the data is calculated by the CPU. After processing, etc., it is transmitted to the NIC, and the NIC power is also transmitted to other devices connected to the network via the network.

[0095] In this specification, the use of AV content in a home network is taken as an example. 1S For example, a PC to which an automatic power off function is applied is placed on an Internet VPN (Virtual Private Network) or an intranet, and a browser is used. It can also be applied when accessing. In addition, the terms client computer, original server, and cache server were used, but in the home network in particular, the functions described using these terms can be realized as various CEs.

[0096] The embodiments described above are merely given as typical examples, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art to combine the constituent elements of the embodiments, and variations and variations thereof. Obviously, various modifications of the embodiments described above may be made without departing from the principles of the invention and the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] at least one original server device comprising storage means for storing data and index information of the data;

The index information received from the original server device, the cache explicit information specifying that the source of the index information is the cache server device, and the original server device having the data indicated in the index information At least one cache server device comprising storage means for storing original server identification information

Server discrimination means for discriminating a transmission source of the index information based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device;

Based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device and the original server specifying information, original server activation determining means for determining activation of the original server device having data indicated by the index information; and At least one client device comprising index information selection means for selecting the received index information when the original server activation determining means determines that the original server apparatus has been activated; and

A client-server system comprising:

[2] The storage means of the cache server device further stores original server start information necessary for starting the original server device,

The client device further includes server activation means for activating the original server device. When the original server activation determination unit determines that the original server device is activated and is a bad habit, the index information selection unit When the data indicated by the selected index information is selected, the original server having the selection data is selected by the server starting means using the original server specifying information and the original server starting information received from the cache server. The client server system according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is activated.

[3] The cache server device further starts a server that starts the original server. And an original server activation determining unit that determines activation of the original server device having data indicated by the index information,

The storage means of the cache server device further stores original server start information necessary for starting the original server device,

When the original server activation determining means of the cache server apparatus determines that the original server having the selection data received by the client apparatus power is not activated, the index information selection is made through the client apparatus. When the data indicated by the index information selected by the means is selected, the original server having the selection data is activated by the server activation means using the original server specifying information and the original server activation information. The client server system according to claim 1.

[4] The cache server device includes an original server activation determining unit that determines activation of the original server device,

The original server activation determining unit of the client device receives the determination result of the original server activation determining unit of the cache server and determines server activation based on the determination result. The client-server system described in any one of the items.

[5] at least one original server device comprising storage means for storing data and index information of the data;

A client device in a client-server system having at least one client device that uses the data,

Server discrimination means for discriminating a transmission source of the index information based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device; Based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device and the original server specifying information, an original server activation determining means for determining activation of the original server device having data indicated by the index information;

When the original server activation determining means determines that the original server apparatus has been activated, the original server apparatus power index information selection means for selecting the received index information;

A client device comprising:

[6] The storage means of the cache server device further stores original server start information necessary for starting the original server device,

The client device further includes server activation means for activating the original server, and when the original server activation determination means determines that the original server apparatus is activated! /, The index information selection means When the data indicated by the index information selected by the above is selected, the server activation means uses the original server specifying information and the original server activation information received from the cache server, and the server activation means has the selection data. 6. The client device according to claim 5, wherein the original server device is activated.

[7] The client device further includes display means,

7. The client device according to claim 5, wherein the index information stored by the index information selection unit is displayed on the display unit.

[8] The client device according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein the data is accessed after confirming the activation of the original server device after the original server device is activated via a network. .

[9] The client device according to any one of [5] to [8], wherein the original server activation determining means determines based on the presence or absence of the received index information.

[10] The access to the data of the original server is interrupted if the original server device does not start within a predetermined time after the server start instruction is transmitted to the original server by the server start means. The client device according to any one of ˜9.

[11] After the original server is started by the server starting means, if the index information of the original server device and the index information of the cache server device are different! /, The client computer stores them. The client device according to claim 6, wherein the index information is updated.

[12] After starting the original server by the server starting means, if the index information of the original server device and the index information of the cache server device are different from each other! The client device according to claim 6, wherein the index information to be updated is updated.

[13] at least one original server device comprising storage means for storing data and index information of the data;

At least one cache server device;

A cache server device in a client server system having at least one client device that uses the data,

The index information received from the original server device, the cache explicit information specifying that the source of the index information is the cache server device, and the original server device having the data indicated in the index information Storage means for storing original server identification information

In accordance with a request from the client apparatus, the cache server apparatus provides the cache explicit information and the original server specifying information together with the index information.

[14] Server start means for starting the original server, and original server start determination means for determining start of the original server device having data indicated by the index information,

When the original server activation determining means of the cache server device determines that the original server having the selection data received by the client device is not activated, the index information is sent to the client device. Indicated 7. The cache server device according to claim 6, wherein when the data is selected, the original server having the selection data is activated by the server activation means using the original server specifying information and the original server activation information.

15. The cache server device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the index information cached by another cache server is not cached using the cache explicit information.

[16] The index information of a specific original server cached by another cache server is not cached using the cache explicit information and the original server specific information according to any one of claims 13 to 15. Cache server device.

[17] at least one original server device comprising storage means for storing data and index information of the data;

The index information received from the original server device, the cache explicit information specifying that the transmission source of the index information is the cache server device, and the original server device specifying the original server device having the data indicated by the index information At least one cache server device comprising storage means for storing server specifying information and original server activation information necessary to activate the original server device;

A data processing method in a client device for a client server system having at least one client device using the data, comprising:

Determining the transmission source of the index information based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device;

Determining activation of the original server device having data indicated by the index information based on the cache explicit information received from the cache server device and the original server specifying information;

If the original server activation determining means determines that the original server device is activated, the original server device power selecting the received index information;

A data processing method characterized by comprising:

[18] The original server device is activated by the original server activation determination step. If it is determined that the original server specifying information and the original server activation information received from the cache server are selected by selecting the data indicated by the index information selected by the index information selecting means. The data processing method according to claim 7, further comprising: activating the original server device having the selection data using.