JP2002150000A - Server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server system capable of efficiently utilizing resources while preventing the degradation of service quality. SOLUTION: A server system 1A has a service receiving computer 10 and at least one (for example, three) server 20. The service receiving computer 10 has a service request receiving part 11 for receiving service request from a client, an allocating part 13 having an allocation table for defining services to be presented in time zones, and a service request distributing part 14 for distributing the service request by delivering the service request to a service presenting module corresponding to the service request received by the service request receiving part 11. The allocation table defines the allocation of the services to be presented in time zones by combining the plural services existing in the time zones where the number of the services to be requested differently peaks.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a server system for providing a corresponding service in response to a service request from a client.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art WWW (World
In a Wide Web) server (hereinafter also referred to as a web server) or the like, there are application services that provide various types of information.

A web server stores a service providing module for providing services related to various contents from a content provider. By using the service providing module, the web server responds to a service request from each client. , A service corresponding to the service request is provided.

[0004]

However, a service request from a client has the following problem depending on a large time variation (change over time). That is, when the service requests are concentrated, the response performance of the server system is reduced and the service quality is reduced. On the other hand, when the service requests are small, the CPU utilization is significantly reduced (for example, close to zero). There is a problem that it is not available for use.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a server system capable of efficiently using resources while preventing a decrease in service quality.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server system for providing a service corresponding to a plurality of types of service requests in response to the plurality of types of service requests. And at least one server; an allocating unit that determines an allocation state of a service to be provided for each time zone in the at least one server; a receiving unit that receives a service request from a client; When it is determined that the service request received by the receiving unit is for a service to be provided in a time zone to which a current time belongs, a service providing module that performs a service providing process for the service request is provided. Delivery means for delivering a service request, wherein the allocating means comprises: Depending on the time of day, and changes the allocation status for the at least one server for each service.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to the first aspect, the allocating means sets, for each of the services, a time zone in which the service is provided and a time zone in which the service is not provided. Features.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to the first aspect, the at least one server has a plurality of servers, and the allocating means provides the server in each time zone. A service to be assigned is determined to which of the plurality of servers is to be allocated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to the third aspect, the allocating means sets, for each of the services, a time zone in which a relatively large number of servers are allocated to the service. It is characterized in that a time zone for allocating a small number of servers is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the allocation state includes a plurality of services having a peak number of service requests in different time zones. It is characterized by being determined by combining.

A server system according to a sixth aspect is the server system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a single content provider that provides the content of each service differs in a plurality of services. It is provided during the time zone.

A server system according to a seventh aspect is the server system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the server usage fee is changed according to the time zone.

The server system according to claim 8 is the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one of the at least It is characterized in that the allocation state of a service providing module that provides the service of the content provider to one server is changed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the allocation state is changed according to the number of service requests for each time period. Features.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server system for providing a corresponding service in response to a plurality of types of service requests.
Receiving means for receiving a service request from a client, and allocating means for determining an allocation state as to which of the plurality of servers the respective service is to be allocated according to the number of requests for each service per unit time And a delivery unit that delivers the service request to a service providing module that performs a service providing process for the service request based on the allocation state.

The server system according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the server system according to the tenth aspect, the server usage fee is changed according to the number of requests per unit time.

A server system according to a twelfth aspect is the server system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the server usage fee is changed according to a time zone.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the server system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the service being provided when the allocation state changes, the service ends. The service is provided continuously.

A server system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the server system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein: means for obtaining billing information on the server usage fee of each service; Means for requesting a content provider that provides each of the services.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <A. First Embodiment><Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a server system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The server system 1A is a server system that provides a service in response to a service request from a client computer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “client”) CL. In addition, the server system 1A responds to a plurality of types of service requests and provides services corresponding to the service requests. The services provided include a weather forecast information transmission service (also referred to as a weather forecast service), a newspaper information transmission service (also referred to as a newspaper information service), a stock price information transmission service (also referred to as a stock price information service), and software download. Services, auction services, etc. exist.

As will be described later, according to the server system 1A of the present embodiment, in providing such various services, it is possible to efficiently use the resources of the server system 1A while preventing a decrease in service quality. Becomes possible.

The server system 1A includes a service reception computer 10 and at least one (here, three) server computers (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "servers") 20. Hereinafter, each of the three servers is also described as servers S1, S2, and S3.

The server system 1A is connected to a client CL via a network N.
It is possible to exchange data with each other.

Here, the "network" is a communication line network for performing data transmission, and is specifically constituted by an electric communication line (including an optical communication line) such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, or a CATV. Communication networks. The connection form to the network may be a permanent connection using a dedicated line or the like, or a temporary connection such as a dial-up connection using a telephone line such as an analog line or a digital line (ISDN). Good. Further, the transmission method may be any of a wireless method and a wired method.

In the following, a server system 1A connected to the client CL via the Internet and functioning as a "web server (system)" will be exemplified.

FIG. 2 shows a computer 10 for service reception.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the service receiving computer 10 includes a CPU 2,
A storage unit 3 including a semiconductor memory and a hard disk, a media drive 4 for reading information from various recording media, a display unit 5 including a monitor, an input unit 6 including a keyboard and a mouse, and communication for communicating with other devices. It is configured by a computer system including the unit 7 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “computer”). CP
U2 is connected to the storage unit 3, the media drive 4, the display unit 5, the input unit 6, the communication unit 7, and the like via the bus line BL and the input / output interface IF. Also,
The media drive 4 includes a CD-ROM, a DVD (Digita
l Reads information recorded in the portable recording medium 9 such as a Versatile Disk or a flexible disk.

This computer reads a software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “program”) recorded on a recording medium 9 and executes the program.
2 and the like, it functions as the service receiving computer 10 that realizes various operations described below. Note that a program having each function (more strictly, a “program file” which is a file in which a program having each function is recorded) is not limited to being supplied (or distributed) via the recording medium 9. LA
The information may be supplied (or distributed) to this computer via a network (communication line) such as N or the Internet and the communication unit 7.

FIG. 3 shows a computer 10 for service reception.
3 is a functional block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the service receiving computer 10 includes a service request receiving unit 1
1, a service request analysis unit 12, an allocation unit 13, and a service request distribution unit 14. Each of these parts
As described above, the functions are realized by executing the program on the computer.

The service request receiving section 11 has a function of receiving various service requests from the client CL via the network N.

The service request analysis unit 12 has a function of analyzing the contents of the service request received by the service request reception unit 11 and specifying a service that is the target of the service request. That is, it is specified whether the service is a weather forecast service or a newspaper information service.

Further, the allocating unit 13 has a function of determining an allocation state of a service to be provided for each time zone in at least one server, more specifically, at least one server for each service according to each time zone. It has a function to change the assignment status to the server. Specifically, the allocation unit 13 can describe the allocation state as an allocation table TL. In other words, this allocation table TL determines which service of a plurality of types of services is provided according to the time zone.

Further, the allocating unit 13 performs the allocation table T
According to L, the server 20 further has a function of activating a service providing module (described below) for providing each service in the server 20. Here, the “service providing module” is a software module that provides each of a plurality of types of services, and is provided for each type of service. Here, any server S
In S1, S2, and S3, service providing modules for all (here, three) services B1, B2, and B3 are installed in advance, and service provision corresponding to each time zone is performed based on the allocation table TL. The module is activated.

The service request distribution unit 14 has a function of responding to a plurality of types of service requests to the service receiving computer 10 and identifying the server 20 corresponding to the service request and distributing the service request. Specifically, it has a function of transferring a service request received by the service request receiving unit 11 to a service providing module corresponding to the service request. In other words, the service request distribution unit 14
If the service request received by the service request receiving unit 11 is determined to be a service to be provided in the time zone to which the current time belongs based on the allocation table TL, a service providing process for the service request Has the function of delivering a service request to a service providing module that performs

Further, the server 20 also has the same hardware configuration as that of FIG. 2 and stores service providing modules for providing a plurality of types of services, respectively. The service providing module is activated based on the result, and the service receiving computer 10 performs an operation related to providing a service corresponding to the service request received.

The client CL is composed of a generally used personal computer or mobile phone, and transmits various service requests to the service receiving computer 10. The operator of the client CL uses HTML
(HyperText Markup Language) or the like, the contents of various web pages (home pages) are displayed on the screen of the client CL using a web browser, and a desired service is selected while referring to the displayed contents. By this selecting operation, a service request is issued from the client CL to the server system 1A, and the server system 1A responds to the request to perform various service providing processing as described below. This allows the operator of the client CL to enjoy various services such as providing information.

<Operation> Next, the operation of the server system 1A will be described.

FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram for explaining the allocation state of various services based on the allocation table TL.
In this embodiment, one day (24 hours) is divided into three time zones TA, TB, and TC, and each time zone TA, TB,
A description will be given of a case where the allocation state of various services is changed according to the TC. FIG. 5 shows each time zone TA,
An allocation table TL that determines which of a plurality of types of services is provided according to TB and TC
FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in a time zone TA in which the current time is 0:00 to 8:00 (24-hour system, the time is similarly expressed in a 24-hour system). It is assumed that service B1 is assigned to server S1, service B2 is assigned to server S2, and service B3 is assigned to server S3. In this state, the allocating unit 13 activates the service providing module corresponding to the service B1 in the server S1, activates the service providing module corresponding to the service B2 in the server S2,
The service providing module corresponding to the service B3 is activated in the server S3.

In a time zone TB in which the current time is 8:00 to 16:00, service B1 is assigned to server S1 and server S2, and service B3 is assigned to server S3. In this state, the allocation unit 13
Activates the service providing module corresponding to the service B1 in the servers S1 and S2, and activates the service providing module corresponding to the service B3 in the server S3. The service providing module corresponding to the service B2 is disabled in any of the servers S1, S2, and S3.

Further, if the current time is 16:00 to 24: 0
In the time zone TC of 0, the servers S1, S2, S
It is assumed that the service B1 is assigned to all of the three services.
In this state, the allocating unit 13 stores the service providing module corresponding to the service B1 in the servers S1, S2, S
Activate at 3 Note that the service providing modules corresponding to the services B2 and B3
Disables are also made at 1, S2, and S3.

As described above, according to each time zone TA, TB, TC, each service B in each server S1, S2, S3
The allocation state of 1, B2, and B3 is changed. More specifically, in each of the time zones TA, TB, and TC, an allocation table TL is used to determine which of the servers S1, S2, and S3 is to be assigned each of the services B1, B2, and B3. Determine the assignment state.

Here, for each of the services B1, B2, and B3, a time period in which a relatively large number of servers are allocated to the service and a time period in which a relatively small number of servers are allocated are provided. For example, for the service B1, one server is allocated in the time zone TA, whereas three servers are allocated in the time zone TC.

For each of the services B1, B2, and B3, a time zone for providing the service and a time zone for not providing the service are provided. For example, for the service B3, one or two servers are allocated in the time zones TA and TB, but none of the servers are allocated in the time zone TC.

Here, each service often has a characteristic that access is concentrated in different time zones according to the contents of the service. For example, the newspaper information service has a peak in the number of requests in the time slot TA, the stock quote service has a peak in the number of requests in the time slot TB, and the software download service has a peak in the time slot TC.
Has the characteristic of having a peak in the number of requests.

As described above, the allocating unit 13 determines the allocation state of the provided service in each time zone by combining a plurality of (here, three) services having the peak number of requests in different time zones. In addition, the allocating unit 13 allocates a service providing module that provides each service to at least one server (here, a plurality of servers) 20 based on the allocation table TL that defines the allocation state.
Activated in And the service request distribution unit 1
4 distributes (distributes) each service request based on the allocation table TL. Therefore, the combination of a plurality of services (three in this case) in which the peak of the number of service requests exists in different time zones determines the allocation of the services to be provided in each time zone, so that the load can be distributed. is there.

In a similar newspaper information service, there may be a difference in peak time based on a difference in language. For example, it is assumed that the information service in Japanese has a peak in the time zone TA, while the information service in English has a peak in the time zone TC. In this case, it is possible to distribute the load by providing the service in Japanese and the service in English in different time zones.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation in the server system 1A. An operation when a service request is transmitted to the server system 1A will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step SP10, the service request receiving unit 11 receives various service requests from the client CL via the network N.

Next, in step SP20, the service request analysis unit 12 analyzes the contents of the service request received by the service request reception unit 11, and specifies a service to be the target of the service request. Here, it is assumed that the service B1 (for example, a software download service) is specified as a service request target.

Further, in step SP30, the allocating unit 13 provides a service for providing each service according to an allocation table TL which determines which of a plurality of types of services is to be provided according to the time zone. Activate the module in server 20. The allocating unit 13 activates and / or disables the service providing module only at the time of switching between time zones, and otherwise keeps the allocating state at that time. Here, the current time is 6:
00 and the current time belongs to the time zone TA. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the servers S1, S2, and S3, the services B1,
The service providing modules corresponding to B2 and B3 are continuously maintained in the activated state.

In step SP40, the service request distribution unit 14 is for the service to be provided in the time zone to which the current time belongs in the service request received by the service request receiving unit 11, based on the allocation table TL. Then, the service request received by the service request receiving unit 11 is delivered to the activated service providing module corresponding to the service request. Here, since the provision of the service B1 is requested, the service request distribution unit 14 delivers the service request for the service B1 to the service providing module activated in the server S1. In other words, the service request distribution unit 14 performs a process of transferring a service request for the service B1 to the server S1.

Then, the server S1 proceeds to step SP50
In step SP60, a service request from the service reception computer 10 is received, and in step SP60, processing corresponding to the service request for the service B1, that is, processing for providing the service B1 is performed. This provision process,
This is performed using a service providing module. Thereafter, the process of providing the service B1 is continued until the termination is determined in step SP70.

At step SP80, a process of determining the end of the service reception process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the current time is during business hours. If the current time is outside business hours, the process ends. If the current time is within business hours, the service reception process is continued. And return. For example, in the case of continuous business for 24 hours, the operation of temporarily stopping only when the business is suspended for maintenance and the like is performed.

Thereafter, the process returns to step SP10, and after receiving the next service request, the same operation is repeated to perform a service providing process for each service request.

In the service request receiving section 11,
When the service request outside the service providing time is received, it is determined in step SP40 that the service request is related to the service outside the providing time, and the fact is notified to the client CL in step SP45. Perform reply processing.

If there is a service being provided when the allocation state by the allocation unit 13 changes at the time of switching the time zone, the provision of the service is terminated without terminating the provision of the service. It is preferable to provide services continuously. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when switching between the time zone TA and the time zone TB,
If the service B2 provided in the time zone TA but not provided in the time zone TB is provided immediately before the end of the time zone TA, even if the current time reaches a time belonging to the time zone TB, the service B2 is provided. Without discontinuing the provision of the service B2, the service is continuously provided until a series of processes regarding the service B2 is completed. As a result, the service being provided is not interrupted.
Can be used for users who enjoy various services.

Further, in the above description, the case where the service providing module for providing the service to be provided at the current time is activated and the other service providing modules are disabled is exemplified. Instead, all the service providing modules may always be activated, and the delivery operation (service distribution operation) may be performed based on the allocation table TL.

Further, in the above, the case where the time zone is divided into three time zones has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a more detailed allocation operation may be performed by dividing into more time zones (for example, 24 time zones per hour).

The invention exemplified in this embodiment can obtain the effect regardless of whether various services are provided for a fee or free of charge. By using the method described below, a greater effect can be obtained.

<Provision of Paid Service> With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow of processing and the flow of billing information for various paid service providing operations using the server system will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the server system described above, an infrastructure (so-called “infrastructure”), which is hardware of the server system, is provided by an infrastructure provider, and application software such as a service providing module is provided by the application provider. The content is provided by the provider and the content regarding the service content is provided by the content provider. From the viewpoint of service users, it can be considered that there is an "application service provider" in which these providers are united. Further, the service user requests the “application service provider” to provide a desired service through a service window such as the service reception computer 10. Then, the “application service provider” provides the desired service (here, pay) to the user in response to the service request by using the server system 1A.

Next, the flow of the usage fee payment and the like will be described with reference to FIG. The service user shown at the bottom of FIG. 8 pays a service usage fee to the content provider according to the content of the requested service and the like. The content provider pays an infrastructure usage fee (in other words, a server usage fee) to an infrastructure provider (in other words, a server usage fee) and also pays an application usage fee to an application provider. Further, the application provider pays an infrastructure usage fee to the infrastructure provider. With such a mechanism, each usage fee is paid, and each provider can obtain income.

Here, in the above system, the utilization efficiency can be improved while preventing the response speed of the server 20, which is the infrastructure, from lowering. Therefore,
The infrastructure provider can reduce the hourly infrastructure usage fee or the content usage fee of each content provider or application provider.

Then, with a decrease in the infrastructure usage fee,
The content provider can enjoy the advantage that the cost burden is reduced. By reducing the cost burden, the content provider can provide more content. Alternatively, it is assumed that different content providers enter. Therefore, it is expected that more contents will be provided. In other words, it is possible to stimulate demand for providing the content with a decrease in the infrastructure usage fee.

In addition, since the infrastructure usage fee per hour for the application provider is reduced, the cost burden for the application provider is also reduced. Therefore, the application provider can obtain a high profit margin. Alternatively, a method of stimulating demand by reducing the usage fee may be envisaged. When the usage fee is reduced, the cost burden on the content provider is further reduced, and it is expected that the number of provided contents will further increase.

Further, the service user can enjoy providing services related to various contents at a low price. In addition, if a lot of contents corresponding to various needs come to be provided along with the reduction of the infrastructure usage fee and the like, the number of service users increases, and the infrastructure users can use the server 20 more efficiently. This will allow infrastructure providers to secure more revenue.

Here, the infrastructure usage fee (specifically, the server usage fee) is preferably changed according to each time zone. For example, it is possible to set a higher fee in a time zone where access is likely to be concentrated, while setting a lower fee in a time zone where access is infrequent. According to this, it is possible to prevent the provision of services from being concentrated in a specific time zone, and to promote the provision of a plurality of services equally in each time zone.

It is preferable that a single content provider provides a plurality of services at different time zones. As a result, it is possible to prevent the service provision from being concentrated in a specific time zone, and to improve the use efficiency of the infrastructure. For example, promoting a single content provider to provide multiple services at different times by setting a lower fee for the service provided by a single content provider over a longer period of time can do.

In the above description, the assignment table TL
Has described the case where it functions as a fixed reference table, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the allocation table TL may be changed according to the number of service requests for each time zone TA, TB, TC. Thereby, the allocation state can be changed. Specifically, when the number of service requests in the allocated time zone is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the time zone to be allocated can be increased (for example, it can be allocated to the preceding and following time zones). As for billing, it is possible to charge the content provider or the like according to the actually allocated time. Here, the service reception computer 10 can manage the number of service requests for each content for each time zone, and can create the billing information.

Alternatively, conversely, it is also possible to change the allocation state of each service to each server according to the payment amount from the content provider providing each service. More specifically, if the amount of payment is large, allocation for permitting the service providing process is performed for a relatively long time (in other words, the allocation time is increased), and if the amount of payment is small, the allocation is relatively short. It is possible to perform the assignment for permitting the service providing process over time (in other words, to reduce the assignment time).

Note that the billing information of each service is managed by the billing information management unit 15 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the infrastructure usage fee (server usage fee), application usage fee, and content usage fee are calculated for each user, such as for each content user, for each application user, for each infrastructure user, and for each service. Will be managed. Further, the billing information management unit 15 requests the content provider for an infrastructure usage fee determined by each of the above-described methods, and urges a deposit to a designated account or the like. It is possible to perform automatic deduction of fees. For example, it is possible to notify the charging information to a predetermined mail address of the content provider by e-mail, and to automatically debit the account specified in advance. Similarly, it is possible to charge the application provider for the same infrastructure usage fee.

<B. Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the case has been described where the allocation of each service is determined by using the allocation table TL in which the services to be provided are allocated for each time zone. In the following, a case will be described in which which of a plurality of servers is to dynamically allocate each service according to the number of requests for each service per unit time.

The server system 1 B of the second embodiment
Has the same configuration as the server system 1A of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), and the following description focuses on the differences.

The allocating unit 13 (see FIG. 3) of the second embodiment performs a so-called dynamic allocation regarding the allocation of each service. Specifically, an allocation state regarding which of the plurality of servers each service is allocated to is dynamically determined in accordance with the number of service requests for each service per unit time.

FIG. 9 shows the assignment unit 13 of the server system 1B.
FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing a transition of an allocation state in FIG.
The transition of the allocation state regarding 1) is shown. The state ST1 is a state where the service B1 is assigned to only one server S1, the state ST2 is a state where the service B1 is assigned to the two servers S1 and S2, and the state ST3 is a state where the service B1 is assigned to the server S1. B1 is in a state where it is allocated to three servers S1, S2, and S3.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the first state ST1 after the start of the processing, the service B1 is allocated to only one server S1. Then, the allocation state is changed according to the number of service requests per unit time (for example, one second) of each service (hereinafter, also referred to as “hit rate”) h (unit: number of hits / second). Note that the hit rate h (= the number of service requests (the number of hits) / unit time) does not always need to be continuously measured, but may be measured at predetermined intervals (for example, one minute).

For example, in state ST1, 100 ≦
When the hit rate h increases to a state where h <200, the allocation state of the service B1 changes from the state ST1 to the state ST2. Further, in the case of transition to the state ST2, if the hit rate h further increases to a state satisfying h ≧ 200, the allocation state of the service B1 transitions from the state ST2 to the state ST3. By allocating more hardware resources (specifically, more servers) to the service request of the service B1, it is possible to respond to more service requests without lowering the response speed for each service request. Response processing can be performed. Note that, in the state ST1, when the hit rate h sharply increases to a state where h ≧ 200 is satisfied, the allocation state of the service B1 changes from the state ST1 to the state ST3.

On the other hand, in state ST3, 50 ≦ h <1
When the hit rate h decreases to a state that satisfies 50,
The allocation state of the service B1 changes from the state ST3 to the state ST2.
It changes to. Further, in the case of transition to the state ST2, if the hit rate h further decreases to a state satisfying h <50, the allocation state of the service B1 is changed to the state S.
The state transitions from T2 to state ST1. In the state ST3, when the hit rate h sharply decreases to a state satisfying h <50, the allocation state of the service B1 becomes:
It is assumed that the state changes from the state ST3 to the state ST1.

Then, the allocating unit 13 dynamically changes the allocation state of each service as described above, and thereafter,
The service request distribution unit 14 performs a process of delivering each service request to one of the servers to which the service is allocated, based on the latest allocation state.

Further, such a transition of the allocation state is performed for each of a plurality of services. This allows
The plurality of types of services received by the service request receiving unit 11 are distributed to each server. In addition, by changing the server usage fee (infrastructure usage fee) according to the hit rate (the number of requests per unit time) h for each service, an appropriate fee is collected and the burden on capital investment is equalized. be able to. Also,
It is preferable to combine the services B1, B2, and B3 such that the peaks of the number of requests exist at different times. Therefore, as described above, the server usage fee may be changed according to each time zone,
For example, the server usage fee for the number of requests per unit time may be changed for each time zone.

<C. Others> In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of services are allocated to a plurality of servers 20, but a plurality of services may be allocated to one server 20.

Specifically, in the server system 1C shown in FIG. 10, one server 20 provides the service B1 in the time zone TA, provides the service B2 in the time zone TB, and provides the service B2 in the time zone TC. Service B3
May be provided. Note that the service provided in each time zone is not limited to one, and a plurality of services may be provided in combination. For example, the allocation may be such that the services B1 and B2 are provided in the time zone TA, the services B2 and B3 are provided in the time zone TB, and the services B1 and B3 are provided in the time zone TC.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the service receiving computer 10 having the function of the service request receiving unit 11 is provided separately from the server 20 has been exemplified. It is not limited to. For example, as shown in FIG.
May be configured such that one server 20 (the server S1 in this case) also has each function of the service receiving computer 10 (each function of the service request receiving unit 11 and the like).

[0084]

As described above, claims 1 to 9 are as described above.
According to the server system described in (1), the allocation unit changes the allocation state of at least one server for each service for each time zone, so that appropriate load distribution is performed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use resources while preventing a decrease in service quality.

According to the server system of the tenth to twelfth aspects, which one of a plurality of servers is assigned with each service in accordance with the number of requests for each service per unit time. Is determined, and the service request is delivered to a service providing module that performs a service providing process for the service request, so that appropriate load distribution is performed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use resources while preventing a decrease in service quality.

Further, according to the server system of the present invention, the service being provided when the allocation status changes is provided continuously until the service is completed. Is not interrupted, and a user's convenience can be achieved.

According to the server system of the present invention, there are provided means for obtaining billing information relating to the server usage fee of each service, and means for requesting the billing information from the content provider providing each service. , It is possible to easily charge the usage fee.

In particular, according to the server system of the fifth aspect, the allocation state is determined by combining a plurality of services having a peak number of service requests in different time zones, so that more appropriate load distribution can be achieved. Will be possible.

According to the server system of the present invention, since a single content provider providing the content of each service provides a plurality of services in different time zones, the service in the same time zone can be provided. Is prevented from being concentrated, and more appropriate load distribution becomes possible.

Further, according to the server system according to the seventh and twelfth aspects, the server usage fee is changed according to the time zone, so that the load distribution can be further promoted.

Further, according to the server system of the ninth aspect, the allocation table is changed according to the number of service requests for each time zone, so that a more appropriate allocation state is realized, so that a more appropriate load can be achieved. It is possible to perform dispersion.

Further, according to the server system of the present invention, since the server usage fee is changed in accordance with the number of requests per unit time, it is possible to equalize the cost burden in accordance with the usage rate. It is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a server system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a service reception computer 10.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server system 1A.

FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram relating to an allocation state of each service B1, B2, B3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an allocation table TL in which services to be provided in respective time zones TA, TB, and TC are defined.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in the server system 1A.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing for various paid service providing services.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of billing information and the like for various paid service providing services.

FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram illustrating a change in an allocation state of a service B1 in a server system 1B according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a server system 1C according to a modification.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a server system 1D according to a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D server system 10 service receiving computer 20 server B1, B2, B3 service CL client N network S1, S2, S3 server TA, TB, TC time zone TL allocation table h hit rate (per unit time) Service requests)

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. In response to a plurality of types of service requests,
A server system for providing a service corresponding to the service request, comprising: at least one server; an allocation unit that determines an allocation state of a service to be provided for each time zone in the at least one server; and a service from a client. Receiving means for receiving a request, based on the allocation state, when it is determined that the service request received by the receiving means is for a service to be provided in a time zone to which a current time belongs, And a delivery unit for delivering the service request to a service providing module that performs the service providing process of (a), wherein the allocating unit determines an allocation state of the at least one server for each service according to each of the time zones. Server system characterized by changing . 2. The server system according to claim 1, wherein said allocating means provides, for each service, a time zone in which the service is provided and a time zone in which the service is not provided. 3. The server system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one server has a plurality of servers, and said allocating means assigns a service to be provided in each time slot to said plurality of servers. A server system that determines which of the servers is to be allocated. 4. The server system according to claim 3, wherein the allocating unit sets, for each service, a time period in which a relatively large number of servers are allocated to the service and a time period in which a relatively small number of servers are allocated. A server system characterized by being provided. 5. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the allocation state is determined by combining a plurality of services having a peak number of service requests in different time zones. A server system characterized by the following. 6. The server system according to claim 1, wherein a single content provider providing the content of each service provides a plurality of services in different time zones. Server system. 7. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the server usage fee is changed according to the time period. 8. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the content is provided to the at least one server in accordance with a payment amount from a content provider that provides content of each service. A server system for changing an allocation state of a service providing module for providing a service of a user. 9. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the allocation state is changed according to the number of service requests for each time period. 10. A server system for providing a corresponding service in response to a plurality of types of service requests, comprising: a plurality of servers; a receiving unit for receiving a service request from a client; Allocating means for deciding which of the plurality of servers the respective services are to be allocated to according to the number of requests, and a service providing process for the service request based on the allocated status. And a delivery means for delivering the service request to a service providing module that performs the service request. 11. The server system according to claim 10, wherein the server usage fee is changed according to the number of requests per unit time. 12. The server system according to claim 11, wherein the server usage fee is changed according to a time zone. 13. The server system according to claim 1, wherein the service being provided when the allocation state changes is provided continuously until the service ends. A server system, characterized in that: 14. The server system according to claim 1, wherein: means for obtaining billing information relating to the server usage fee of each service; and providing the billing information to provide each service with the service. Means for requesting a user.