JP2002132560A - Backup system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a backup system to back up programs stored in terminal devices of personal computers and the like by using a backup apparatus. SOLUTION: In the system, terminal devices 1a, 1b transmit the programs stored in a storage means to a backup apparatus 2 via a line 3, the apparatus 2 receives the program from the devices 1a, 1b to store (to back up) into a storage means. The apparatus 2 transmits the program stored in the storage means stored (back upped) to the devices 1a, 1b via the lime 3, so that the devices 1a, 1b receive the program from the apparatus 2 to store into the storage means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of computer networks, for example, in which electronic data from a user's terminal device is stored by a backup device through an Internet line, and the stored electronic data is transferred from the backup device to the user when necessary. The present invention relates to a backup system for transmitting (transferring) to a terminal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers have exploded and many people have their own computers. Also, personal computers have become lighter and smaller, and owners carry their computers everywhere and use them for various purposes.

In such a personal computer,
Various customizations are made depending on the usage of the owner. The owner makes individual settings, such as connection settings for the Internet and printers, depending on the usage environment of the owner. Owners can also email, create documents,
Install and use the necessary application programs such as graphic tools on the computer according to the application.

[0004] Further, today, there is a widespread mechanism in which various application programs are prepared in a WWW (World Wide Web) server and users of the applications call and use the applications from a WWW browser. However, in this case, the user needs to install a WWW browser and a plug-in program that can operate the application on the computer,
Basically, there is not much difference from installing the application program itself on a computer.

[0005] In a company, SOHO (Small Office) is used.
Home Office) and various business systems running on the company intranet are being prepared to support business activities from anywhere. A client computer, a WWW browser, various plug-in programs, and the like for using various business systems are installed in a personal computer distributed to employees.

As described above, various customizations have been made to personal computers depending on how the owner uses them. However, personal computers, especially storage devices, have become more reliable today and have a much lower probability, but the potential for failure could result in loss of valuable data and owner-specific computer use environment. I have. Therefore, it is necessary to take a software backup to protect important data and a computer use environment peculiar to the owner so that even if there is a trouble, recovery can be made immediately. In order to make a software backup of a personal computer, a large-capacity recording medium such as a DDS3 tape or a DVD-RAM, and a drive device, a drive software program, and a program for executing the backup are required.

In some cases, a dedicated server computer is prepared in a company, and the software backup function can be shared on an intranet. In addition, there is a case where a center for providing a backup service is prepared without being limited to the intranet. For example, JP-A-2000-
No. 78070 discloses an address book input to a mobile phone,
A technique relating to a service for transferring backup data such as a schedule to a dedicated center for depositing and transferring the backup data to a mobile phone as needed is described. Also, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) site “http://www.backup.com”
There is a description of a service for automatically backing up a user's file and making the file accessible to a user online.

[0008]

As described in the above-mentioned conventional example, personal computers are variously customized according to the use of the owner. In order to protect important data and a computer use environment unique to the owner, and to enable quick recovery even in the event of a trouble, it is necessary to take a software backup. In order to make a software backup of a personal computer, special equipment is required.

However, at present, not all functions necessary for software backup are provided as standard equipment in a personal computer, so it is difficult for anyone to prepare equipment for software backup. In a company, a dedicated server computer may be prepared to share software backup functions.However, backup work and media management are at your own risk. Not reached.

[0010] For this reason, the owner of the personal computer is required to provide a floppy (registered trademark) disk device,
Using network functions and storage devices of other computers, important data is copied in file units and used as a backup. In many cases, backup of a computer usage environment including application programs has not been realized.

If the storage device of the personal computer breaks down and the personal computer does not operate at all, at the worst, it is possible to return to a new factory shipping condition by requesting repair from a manufacturer. If you copy important data to other media, you will not lose it. However, in this case, it is necessary to re-install the application program in order to re-establish the environment for using the computer, which wastes valuable time.

As described above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-78
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 070 describes a technology relating to a service for depositing backup data such as an address book and a schedule of a mobile phone at a center. However, although the mobile phone is rapidly evolving at present, there is no need to install an application program to add a function, so the backup data may be only contents such as an address book entry. It is unlikely that the data will be as large as tens of MB.

On the other hand, in the case of a personal computer, for example, the backup data including an application program can exceed tens of MB and have a huge size of several GB. In this case, it is necessary to devise a method for handling data that can be huge.

As described above, conventionally, backup of a computer usage environment including, for example, application programs of a computer has not been sufficiently realized, and it is difficult for a user to perform such backup. There was a problem that convenience was poor.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional circumstances. For example, application programs and the like stored in a terminal device such as a personal computer can be stored by a backup device via an Internet line or the like. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a backup system that can simplify the backup of application programs and the like for a user.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, in a backup system according to the present invention, in a configuration in which a terminal device and a backup device are connected via a line, the terminal device is connected as follows. The stored program is stored (backed up) by a backup device. That is, in the terminal device, the storage unit stores a program executed by the terminal device itself, and the communication unit transmits the program stored in the storage unit to the backup device via the line. In the backup device, the communication unit receives the program transmitted from the terminal device via the line, and the storage unit stores the program received by the communication unit.

Therefore, the program stored in the terminal device can be stored (backed up) by the backup device via the line, thereby simplifying the backup of such a program for the user. . In addition, since the data of the program can be backed up (not only data such as a document created by executing the program, for example), for example, when the program stored in the terminal device is lost due to a failure or the like. However, the program storage state of the terminal device can be returned to the original state, and the convenience for the user is improved.

The program stored by the backup device may be returned to the terminal device via a recording medium such as a floppy disk. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such a program is transmitted via a line. To the terminal device. That is, in the backup system according to the present invention, the communication unit of the backup device transmits the program stored in the storage unit of the backup device to the terminal device via the line, and the communication unit of the terminal device transmits the program from the backup device to the line device. And the storage unit of the terminal device stores the program received by the communication unit.

Here, as the terminal device, for example, various devices that execute a program stored in its own memory may be used. Specifically, a personal computer such as a notebook personal computer may be used. it can.
Note that, as the terminal device, for example, a mobile phone having a function of communicating a program stored in its own memory can be used.

Further, as the storage means of the terminal device and the storage means of the backup device, for example, a memory for storing a program can be used. In this case, various memories may be used. Also, as the line, for example, an Internet line is preferably used, but various lines such as a dedicated line may be used, or, for example, a wired line may be used, or a wireless line may be used. Good.

The program according to the present invention includes:
Various programs may be used. Specifically, for example, an operating system (OS: Operating System) as a basic software, a compiler or a library may be used, and for example, a program of application software may be used.

Note that an OS generally means a CPU (Centra
l Software that manages a processing unit, memory, peripheral devices, etc., and is an essential group of programs for operating the device (computer, etc.). In general, a compiler is a program that converts a program described in a high-level language into a program consisting of a machine language. In addition, a library is generally a collection of a plurality of programs.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, data of a document (other than a program) stored in the terminal device together with data of a program stored in the terminal device and data (environment setting (customization)) of an OS or the like (registry) are stored.
Data, etc.) is transmitted from the terminal device to the backup device via the line, and the data is stored by the backup device.

Here, in the present invention, for example, all the data stored in the terminal device may be transmitted to the backup device for backup, and for example, a part of the data stored in the terminal device may be transmitted. (Note that the part includes a program) may be transmitted to a backup device to perform backup. In a preferred embodiment, for example, all data stored in the terminal device (for example, data of basic software, data of application software, data relating to environment settings, and other data) are transmitted to the backup device. By performing the backup, even when these data are lost in the terminal device, the terminal device can be returned to the original state using the backed up data.

In the backup system according to the present invention, the authentication means of the backup device authenticates the user of the terminal device, the certifying device of the backup device certifies itself (the backup device) to the terminal device, The communication unit of the terminal device and the communication unit of the backup device encrypt and communicate the program.

Therefore, for example, authentication of the user of the terminal device accessing the backup device, certification of the backup device with respect to the terminal device, and encryption communication between the terminal device and the backup device are performed. , The security of the program (such as data) to be backed up can be enhanced.

Here, various methods may be used as a method of authenticating the user of the terminal device. For example, a method of confirming (authenticating) a pair of a user name and a password, and a method of, for example, public key infrastructure Structure (PK
A method of performing authentication using a digital certificate based on I) can be used. Further, as a method of proving itself to the terminal device, for example, a similar method or the like can be used.

Various methods may be used as an encryption method used for communication. Normally, a transmitting apparatus encrypts data (such as a program) to be transmitted and then transmits the data. On the other hand, after the receiving-side apparatus receives the encrypted data, the receiving-side apparatus decrypts the encrypted data using a decryption method corresponding to the encryption method on the transmission side to obtain the original data (that is, the data before encryption). Data).

Further, in the backup system according to the present invention, the storage means of the backup device controls a process of storing a program from the terminal device based on information on the terminal device. Therefore, the backup device can control the process of receiving and storing a program (such as data) from the terminal device based on, for example, information about the terminal device.

Here, the information on the terminal device includes:
Various types of information may be used, for example, information on the contents of a contract made between a user of the terminal device and a provider (for example, a provider) of a backup service provided by the backup device, and a charge by the user of the terminal device, for example. And information on the payment (charging) of the user.

Various modes may be used to control the processing of storing the program from the terminal device. For example, a mode in which the period and the number of times that the terminal device can access the backup device is limited. Alternatively, for example, a mode in which the total amount of data (such as programs) that can be backed up by being transmitted from the terminal device to the backup device is limited.

In the backup system according to the present invention, the storage means of the backup device stores a program from the terminal device according to a backup method selected from a plurality of backup methods. Therefore, for example, the program (such as data) can be backed up by a backup method suitable for the program (such as data) to be backed up.

Here, the number of the plurality of backup methods is not particularly limited, and various numbers may be used.
Various methods may be used as the plurality of backup methods, and specifically, for example, a full backup method, a copy backup method, a differential backup method, an incremental backup method, or the like can be used. .

Further, as a selection of the backup method,
For example, an arbitrary backup method may be selected by a user of the terminal device, or a backup method suitable for a program (such as data) to be backed up may be (automatically) selected by the terminal device or the backup device.
It may be selected.

In the backup system according to the present invention, the communication means of the terminal device and the communication means of the backup device divide data including the program to be transmitted into a plurality of pieces of data and perform communication. Therefore, for example, even when the amount of data (including the data of the program to be transmitted) to be communicated between the terminal device and the backup device is large or the communication speed is low, the data is Since the data is divided and communicated, the reliability of the communication can be improved as compared with the case where the data is collectively communicated, thereby preventing the communication failure and the like and improving the communication efficiency. it can.

Here, the data including the program to be transmitted may be, for example, data of the program alone, or may be, for example, data including the data of the program and other data (that is, other than the program). There may be. In addition, various modes may be used as a mode in which data to be communicated is divided into a plurality of pieces and communication is performed.

In a preferred embodiment of the backup system according to the present invention, the communication means of the terminal device encodes data generated by copying data including the program to be transmitted (ie, the copied data). Encoding), the encoded data is decomposed into a plurality of packet data, and the decomposed
While transmitting to a backup device via an Internet line (corresponding to the line in the present invention) by TP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), a plurality of packet data transmitted from the backup device via the Internet line is transmitted by HTTP. Receive and assemble and decode (decode) multiple received packet data
Then, the storage unit of the terminal device stores a program included in the data decoded by the communication unit.

Therefore, for example, the versatility of the backup system can be improved by using an Internet line as a line, and the security of data to be communicated can be improved by performing communication by encoding and decoding, for example. Further, for example, by performing packet communication, efficiency of data communication can be improved.

Here, various methods may be used for the encoding method and the decoding method.
A decoding method corresponding to the encoding method on the transmitting side is used on the receiving side. As a mode for storing the program included in the decoded data, for example, a mode in which a program included in the data is extracted and only the program is stored may be used, or, for example, the data may be stored as it is. A mode may be used in which a program included in the data is stored by storing.

Further, in the backup system according to the present invention, the backup device deleting means stores the self (the backup device) in response to an instruction transmitted from the terminal device to the self (the backup device) via a line. A part of the data including the program from the terminal device stored in the means is deleted. Therefore, unnecessary data can be deleted from the storage unit of the backup device in accordance with an instruction input to the terminal device from, for example, a user of the terminal device, thereby organizing the backed up data. Can be.

In the backup system according to the present invention, for example, a relay station device for relaying communication between the terminal device and the backup device is provided, and the communication is relayed by the relay station device. That is, in the terminal device, the storage unit stores the program executed by the terminal device itself, and the communication unit transmits the program stored in the storage unit to the relay station device. In the relay station device, the communication unit receives the program transmitted from the terminal device, and transmits the received program to the backup device via the dedicated line. In the backup device, the communication unit receives the program transmitted from the relay station device via the dedicated line, and the storage unit stores the program received by the communication unit.

The communication means of the backup device transmits the program stored in the storage means of the backup device to the relay station device via the dedicated line, and the communication means of the relay station device transmits the program from the backup device to the dedicated line. Receiving the program transmitted via the terminal device, transmitting the received program to the terminal device, the communication means of the terminal device receiving the program transmitted from the relay station device, and the storage device of the terminal device by the communication means. Stores the received program.

Therefore, by providing a relay station device that communicates with the backup device via a dedicated line having a higher communication speed than an Internet line, for example, the relay station device can be used by a user of the terminal device. The transfer of programs (such as data) (via a relay station device) between the terminal device and the backup device can be made more efficient.

Here, various devices may be used as the relay station device. For example, a device that performs relay communication by satellite communication may be used. In addition, for example, when the relay station device is installed in a city or the like, it is preferable that a mobile tool (a notebook personal computer or the like) that can be carried and carried by a user is used as the terminal device.

Further, the relay station device receives a program (such as data) from one device (terminal device or backup device) and transmits the received program (such as data) to the other device (backup device or terminal device).
As a mode of transmitting the program (e.g., data) from one device, the program (e.g., data) is transmitted to the other device at the same time (or almost simultaneously) as receiving the program (e.g., data). Or a program (eg, data) received from one device, for example.
May be used in which the program (such as data) is stored in the memory and then transmitted to the other device.

[0046]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A backup system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG.
An example of a backup system according to the present example is shown,
The backup system is connected to personal computers (for example, notebook personal computers as mobile tools) 1a and 1b owned by each user, a data center 2 managed by a provider that provides a data backup service, and the like. An Internet line 3 is provided. In this example, each of the personal computers 1a and 1b corresponds to the terminal device according to the present invention, the data center 2 corresponds to the backup device according to the present invention, and the Internet line 3 corresponds to the line according to the present invention. The data center 2 and the personal computers 1a and 1b have a network connection function and are connected to the Internet line 3.

FIG. 2 shows a personal computer 1a.
(The same applies to the personal computer 1b). The personal computer 1a of this example,
1b, like a general personal computer, a network communication unit 11 having a communication function with a network, a data storage unit 12 in which all data of the computer are stored, and a computer A program unit 13 in which a program is stored, an arithmetic control unit 14 that controls the entire computer from execution of the program to operation of each unit, a display unit 15 that draws and displays a program execution result and a user interface,
The operation unit 16 is configured to receive a user input from a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the data center 2. In this example, the data center 2 is a server, and the personal computers 1a and 1b are its clients. As shown in the figure, the data center 2 has a network communication unit 21 having a communication function with a network.
And a contract management unit 22 that manages the contract status of a user (user), a user authentication encryption unit 23 that authenticates a user, and performs encryption of a transmission path, and receives a request from a user. A backup data management unit 24 receives and processes backup data, and a data storage unit 25 stores backup data received from a user.

FIG. 4 conceptually shows a storage area of the data storage unit 25 provided in the data center 2. The data storage unit 25 provides a dedicated storage area (user-only area) 31 for each user specified by the contract management unit 22 and the user authentication encryption unit 23. In addition, the user,
You cannot view or edit any data stored outside your storage area.

The user-dedicated area 31 includes areas (backup storage areas) 32a to 32c for recording information relating to backup processing executed by the user, and areas (backup data storage areas) 33 for storing backup data.
a to 33c. Backup recording area 3
2a to 32c include information on when the backup process was executed, how the process progressed (normally completed, failed, interrupted, etc.), and the personal computers 1a and 1b.
The backup data storage area 33 indicates which data (for example, OS, application programs, and files such as documents) was backed up when the backup was performed.
Information on which of the areas a to 33c is backed up is recorded. Some backup data are stored in the backup data storage areas 33a to 33c. Backup data storage areas 33a to 33
The capacity of c is set by the contract management unit 22 for each individual.

Here, the personal computers 1a, 1a
In this example, as the backup data b, data obtained by copying all the software (necessary for operating the computer) stored in the data storage unit 12 provided in the personal computers 1a and 1b is used.

In the configuration of this example, a client program for transmitting and receiving data to and from the data center 2 as a server operates on the program section 13 of each of the personal computers 1a and 1b. As a method of operating the client program, for example, a client application program is downloaded to the personal computers 1a and 1b, installed in the data storage unit 12, and operated by the program unit 13. Has a WWW server and an application program, and has a personal computer 1
It is conceivable that a and 1b use the function of the application program operating in the data center 2 from the WWW browser.

In this example, as described above, the case where the client application program is downloaded, installed, and executed will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the flow of processing when accessing the data center 2 by the client programs of the personal computers 1a and 1b will be described sequentially with reference to flowcharts.

First, the personal computers 1a and 1b
When the user specifies and accesses the data center 2 by using the predetermined URL by the network communication unit 11, the user authentication encryption unit 23 of the data center 2 starts the process. FIG. 5 shows that in this case, the user authentication encryption unit 23
The example of the procedure of the process performed by (1) is shown.

That is, the user authentication encryption unit 23
A digital certificate for certifying the server site is set, and the personal computers 1a and 1b on which the client application programs operate are requested to present a digital certificate for certifying the owner (user) (step S1). . Here, the digital certificate may be issued by a certification body such as VeriSign Japan, or a certification body that independently issues a certificate may be provided.

Next, when the user authentication encryption unit 23 receives the presentation of the digital certificate, it checks with the certification organization whether the certificate is valid based on the contents (step S).
2). As a result, if the certificate is invalid due to expiration or the like, the authentication fails, and the fact is notified to the access source personal computers 1a and 1b (step S).
5). On the other hand, if the certificate is determined to be appropriate, attributes for identifying the owner of the digital certificate, such as the name, address, and telephone number, are obtained from the certificate authority (step S3). Complete. Thereafter, the network communication units 11 of the personal computers 1a and 1b and the network communication unit 21 of the data center 2 execute encrypted communication by PKI using the encryption key of the digital certificate (step S4).

Here, when transmitting (transferring) the backup data of the personal computers 1a and 1b through the Internet line 3, the backup data includes data related to the privacy of the owner and data having high confidentiality. Do not leak data to anyone other than its owner. For this reason, strict user authentication and encryption on the transmission path are important functions.

Further, even if the identity of the owner can be specified, the digital certificate is not only for using the data center 2, so that the contract management unit 22 executes the procedure shown in FIG. Execute the process. That is, first, it is confirmed whether or not the person whose identity has been confirmed by the digital certificate has made a contract for using the data center 2 or until the contract period (step S11). As a result,
If a contract has not been made or the usage fee has not been paid and the contract has expired, it is determined that the data center 2 cannot be used (step S12), and access to the data center 2 is rejected (step S14). .

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that a contract has been made, it is determined that the data center 2 can be used (step S12). The attribute in the use of is used (step S13). These attributes are reflected in the user dedicated area 31 of the data storage unit 25.

Only when the processing by the contract management unit 22 is cleared, access to the backup data management unit 24 and the data storage unit 25 becomes possible. The owners of the personal computers 1a and 1b can generate backup data from the client application program and transmit (transfer) the data to the data center 2 for deposit.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a procedure of processing performed when such backup data is deposited. The user authentication (step S21) and the contract confirmation (step S22) are performed first as described above. That is, first, the type (method) of the backup is set (step S23). The types of backup include full backup and copy backup for taking all data necessary for operating the computers stored in the data storage unit 12 of the personal computers 1a and 1b, and data added and updated after full backup. Differential backups and incremental backups are provided.

Here, in the full backup and the incremental backup, for example, the archive bit of data to be backed up (for example, an OS, an application program, a file such as a document) is turned off, and the data to be backed up is backed up. Set to processed, but
In the copy backup and the differential backup, for example, the archive bit of the data to be backed up is kept on, and the non-backed up state is maintained.

Next, a timing (time) for making a backup is set (step S24). For example, execution immediately or execution at a designated time can be selected. And
A backup process is executed based on these settings (step S25), and it is confirmed whether or not the process has been completed normally (step S26). If the process has not been completed normally, a process of canceling the process is performed. (Step S27).
The data to be backed up is all data stored in the data storage unit 12 of the personal computers 1a and 1b.

Specifically, the personal computer 1
After the data copied from the data storage unit 12a, 1b is encoded, the data is divided into packets and the network communication unit 1 of the personal computers 1a, 1b is encoded.
1 is transmitted (transferred) to the data center 2 via the Internet line 3 by HTTP. Note that a compression process may be added before the encoding process. The backup data management unit 24 of the data center 2 receives the packets from the personal computers 1a and 1b by the network communication unit 21, performs a decoding process, and stores the backup data archive in the data storage unit 25. By transmitting the data by HTTP in this manner, the backup service can be used even from the intranet protected by the firewall.

In many cases, a current notebook personal computer or the like is provided with a recovery CD-ROM that can be returned to the factory shipping state. Therefore, since a backup in the initial state already exists, for example, once in the initial state, the archive bits of all data (for example, OS and application programs) are turned off, and preprocessing is performed to determine that backup has been performed. If only the differential backup or the incremental backup is taken regularly (that is, only the data portion related to the difference or the incremental is periodically transmitted), the size of the backup data can be reduced, and the efficiency of the backup process can be improved. good.

However, the personal computer 1
When the owners a and 1b generate backup data by a client application program and transmit (transfer) them to the data center 2 for deposit, it is necessary to transmit (transfer) very large data. May be. For example, the full backup data of the personal computers 1a and 1b can be several GB in size. Data of such a size is transferred to a communication line (for example, 64K
If transmission (transfer) is attempted using a line with a communication speed of about bps), not only will communication take a long time, but data transfer may fail due to problems such as timeout.

Therefore, a function is provided for performing a process of transmitting (transferring) by dividing the data to be transmitted to reduce the size of the data to be transmitted (transferred) at one time. FIG. 8 shows an example of a procedure of processing performed by such a function. Note that user authentication (step S
31) and contract confirmation (step S32) are first performed as described above.

That is, first, the type of backup is set (step S33), the timing (time) for backing up is set (step S34), and the size of the backup data to be divided is determined from the communication speed and the like (step S35). . Here, as a method of setting the size to be divided, for example, a setting table is prepared for setting the data size to be equal to or larger than a specified data size if the communication speed exceeds a specific communication speed, and automatic setting is performed.

Next, a backup job is generated based on these settings, and processing is started (step S36).
If a job has already been generated, the remaining processing is continued. Specifically, the backup data is transmitted (transferred) under the specified size restriction (step S37). Here, if there is a stop command in the middle of the transmission (step S38), the process is stopped and a cancellation process is performed (step S42). If the process has not been completed normally (step S39), a cancellation process is performed (step S42). On the other hand, if the processing has been completed normally (step S39), the area where the backup processing has been completed is recorded (step S40). When there is no unprocessed data (step S41),
The backup process is completed.

The personal computers 1a and 1b
Of the personal computer 1a, 1b can retrieve the backup data previously deposited in the data center 2 by the client application program and return it to the data storage unit 12 of the personal computer 1a, 1b.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a processing procedure for extracting such backup data. Note that user authentication (step S51) and contract confirmation (step S52)
Is performed first, as described above.

That is, first, the backup data to be extracted is specified (step S53). For example, if a plurality of backup data archives are stored in the data center 2, one of them is selected. Next, a process of extracting the specified backup data and returning it to the data storage unit 12 of the personal computer 1a, 1b is executed (step S54), and it is confirmed whether or not the process has been completed normally (step S55). If the processing has not been completed normally, the processing is canceled (step S5).
6).

Specifically, the personal computer 1
In a and 1b, the backup data packet previously transmitted (transferred) to and stored in the data center 2 is stored in the HTT.
The data is received by P, decoded, and the decoded data is overwritten in the data storage unit 12. If compression processing has been performed, decompression processing is added after decoding processing. Also, as described above, when an error occurs,
A cancellation process is executed (step S56).

Here, the above-described process of extracting backup data can be completed without any problem unless a problem occurs in communication, but is canceled when an error or timeout occurs in communication. Therefore, a function is provided for performing processing of transmitting (transferring) the data to be transmitted (transferred) at a reduced size by dividing the data to be transmitted. FIG. 10 shows an example of a procedure of processing performed by such a function. Note that user authentication (step S61) and contract confirmation (step S61)
62) is performed first as described above.

That is, first, the backup data to be extracted is specified (step S63), and the size of the backup data to be divided is determined from the communication speed and the like (step S64). Here, as a method of setting the size to be divided, for example, a setting table is prepared for setting the data size to be equal to or larger than a specified data size if the communication speed exceeds a specific communication speed, and automatic setting is performed.

Next, a backup job is generated based on these settings, and transmission (transfer) processing is started (step S65). If a job has already been generated, the remaining transmission (transfer) processing is continuously performed. Specifically, transmission (transfer) of backup data is executed under the specified size restriction (step S66). Here, if there is a stop command in the middle of transmission (step S6)
7), the processing is stopped, and a cancellation processing is performed (step S72). If the process has not been completed normally (step S68), a cancellation process is performed (step S68).
72).

On the other hand, if the processing is completed normally (step S68), the area where the transmission (transfer) of the backup data is completed is recorded (step S69). And
If there is no unprocessed data, the transmission (transfer) is completed (step S70), and the personal computers 1a, 1a
The backup data is returned to the data storage unit 12b (step S71). In this example, the process of completely extracting the backup data archive and then returning the data to the data storage unit 12 is executed. Therefore, the data storage unit 12
Must have enough free space to receive the backup archive.

The personal computers 1a and 1b
The client program running on the server can not only transmit and receive the backup data but also organize the data deposited in the data center 2. FIG. 11 shows an example of a processing procedure for performing such data reduction. Note that user authentication (step S81) and contract confirmation (step S82) are performed first as described above.

That is, first, unnecessary backup data is selected from the backup data deposited by the owner (step S83). Then, the selected data is deleted (step S84). By adjusting the total amount of backup data deposited in the data center 2 by such a deletion process, for example, it is possible to prevent the data amount from exceeding the data capacity determined by the contract (which can be backed up).

Next, a backup system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG.
An example of a backup system according to the present example is shown,
The backup system includes personal computers 41a to 41c owned by each user, a data center 42 managed by a provider that provides a data backup service, for example, and an Internet line 43 connecting these. A plurality of relay station devices 44a to 44c and these relay station devices 44
a to 44c and a dedicated line 4 connecting the data center 42
5 are provided.

In this example, each of the personal computers 41a to 41c corresponds to the terminal device according to the present invention, the data center 42 corresponds to the backup device according to the present invention, and the Internet line 43 corresponds to the line according to the present invention. Each of the relay station devices 44a to 44c corresponds to the relay station device according to the present invention, and the dedicated line 45 corresponds to the dedicated line according to the present invention.

In this example, transmitting (transferring) large-sized backup data through the normal Internet line 43 requires a long time for communication.
A plurality of relay station devices 44a to 44c connected to the data center 42 by a high-speed dedicated line 45 are prepared, and the transmission (transfer) time of backup data is shortened. In addition,
For example, the data center 42 and each of the relay station devices 44a-44
c, a high-speed dedicated line 45 exceeding 100 Mbps
Connected by

The owners of the personal computers 44a to 44c go to a store provided with the relay station devices 44a to 44c, and connect to the personal computers 44a to 44c and the dedicated line 4 via the relay station devices 44a to 44c.
5 to perform backup processing and backup data extraction processing. Thereby, for example, the backup processing as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the first embodiment can be executed at high speed, and the backup data as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the first embodiment, for example. The retrieval processing can be executed at high speed.

As described above, in the backup system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the backup data including the use environment of the personal computer, the application programs, and the like is recorded by the data center without preparing any dedicated equipment. As a result, it is possible to provide a wide range of services that can take out the backup data from the data center and return it to the storage device of the personal computer as needed. Further, for example, when handling data having a large size, a mechanism for reducing unnecessary processing (for example, processing for dealing with transfer failure) is provided.

Therefore, even if a personal computer breaks down, for example, if the personal computer is returned to the factory default state and restored to a state where it can be connected to the Internet line, the backup data is restored from the data center to restore the personal computer. The personal computer can be returned to the latest use environment. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the work of re-installing various applications, etc., and to avoid losing mail archives, various electronic documents, etc., which are indispensable for users to carry out their work. There is no need to prepare backup devices and media.

Specifically, in the backup system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a data center connected to the Internet line is provided, and the backup data of the personal computer software used daily by the owner is transferred to the Internet line. Can be transmitted (transferred) to a data center for depositing, and the deposited backup data can be taken out by a personal computer via an Internet line as necessary and returned to a storage device of the personal computer.

The data center has a function of specifying who the user is and a function of proving to the user that the user (the data center) is an appropriate data center. By encrypting the communication between the user's personal computer and the data center, it is possible to prevent data leakage to a third party. Specifically, in addition to user authentication using a set of a user name and a password, user authentication using a digital certificate based on a public key infrastructure (PKI) and encrypted communication are used. Accordingly, leakage of backup data of software of the personal computer can be prevented.

Further, the use of the service can be controlled in accordance with the contents of the contract or the charging status of the user. That is,
By providing the data center with a function to check whether the user has gone through the procedure for using the data center, what kind of usage contract the user has signed, etc.
Based on the result of the confirmation, the user can control the available form of the user (the data center). Specifically, depending on the contents of the user's contract, the period during which the user (data center) can be accessed, the total size of software backup data that can be transmitted (transferred) to the user (data center), and the number of software backup archives Change etc.

The data center provides a dedicated program for transmitting (transferring) software backup data to the data center to the user's personal computer. As a preferred embodiment of the process of transmitting the backup data of the software stored in the personal computer to the data center, the software of the personal computer is duplicated to generate backup data, the backup data is encoded, and The packet is decomposed into packets, and the packets are transmitted to the data center via the Internet line by HTTP.

In the generation of software backup data as described above, a backup type such as a full backup, a copy backup, a differential backup, and an incremental backup can be selected. Then, ON / OFF of an archive bit indicating whether backup has been performed is controlled.

Incidentally, for example, by setting the data of the personal computer to be already backed up without actually transmitting the backup data of the software stored in the personal computer to the data center, it is possible to perform the subsequent differential backup or the incremental backup. It is also possible to reduce the size of the backup data.

As described above, the data center provides a dedicated program for transmitting (transferring) software backup data to the data center of the user's personal computer. In order to prevent the transmission from failing, the software backup data is divided and transmitted to the data center through the Internet line in a plurality of times. By suppressing the size of data transmitted at one time in this manner, for example, in a network with a low transmission (transfer) speed, transmission (transfer) failure due to timeout can be prevented, and data transmission processing with reduced size is repeatedly executed. By doing so, it is possible to reliably transmit large-size data.

The data center transmits (transfers) software backup data received and stored in advance from the user's personal computer to the personal computer via the Internet line,
A dedicated program for returning the backup data to a storage device of the personal computer is provided. The personal computer receives the backup data of the software which has been transmitted (transferred) to the data center in advance, for example, as packet data by HTTP via the Internet line, decodes the data, and decodes the decoded data. And restore the original state.

A dedicated program for extracting backup data of such software by a personal computer and restoring the backup data in a storage device of the personal computer is, for example, transmission (transfer) of large-size data.
In order not to fail, the software backup data is divided and transmitted (transferred) from the data center to the personal computer via the Internet line in a plurality of times.

The dedicated program provided by the data center can delete unnecessary data among backup data of software transmitted (transferred) to the data center and deposited.

Further, for example, a plurality of relay station devices provided with a dedicated line for communicating a large amount of data with the data center at a high speed are provided, and the relay station device provides a user with a service for relay processing with the data center. Is provided, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the user regarding the backup operation and the like. Specifically, the user can send (transfer) the software backup data directly to the data center by the relay station device at high speed by bringing the personal computer to the installation location of the relay station device.
Also, the backup data of the software can be directly transmitted (transferred) from the data center to the personal computer at high speed via the relay station device, and the backup data can be restored in the storage area of the personal computer.

Here, the configurations of the terminal device and the backup device used in the backup system according to the present invention are not necessarily limited to those described above, and various configurations may be used. In addition, the application field of the backup system according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described one, and the present invention can be applied to various fields.

In the above-described embodiment, the backup processing and the backup data extraction processing performed in the backup system according to the present invention are performed by the processor stored in the ROM in the hardware resources including the processor and the memory. Although the configuration is controlled by executing the executed control program, each functional unit for executing the processing may be configured as an independent hardware circuit. Further, the present invention provides a floppy disk or a C
It can also be grasped as a computer-readable recording medium such as a D-ROM or the program (itself). By inputting the control program from the recording medium to the computer and causing the processor to execute the processing, the processing according to the present invention is performed. Can be accomplished.

[0098]

As described above, according to the backup system of the present invention, the terminal device transmits the program stored in its own storage means to the backup device via the line, and the backup device executes the program. Was received and stored in its own storage means,
The program stored in the terminal device can be stored (backed up) by a backup device via a line, thereby making it easy for the user to back up such a program.

Further, in such a backup system according to the present invention, the backup device transmits the program stored in its own storage means to the terminal device via the line, and the terminal device receives the program and receives the program. Since the program is stored in its own storage means, the program deposited (backed up) in the backup device can be taken out by the terminal device, thereby making it easy for the user to take out such a backed up program. it can.

Further, according to the backup system of the present invention, the terminal device transmits the program stored in its own storage means to the relay station device, and the relay station device receives the program and transmits the program via the dedicated line. To the backup device, and the backup device receives the program and stores it in its own storage means.
The work of transferring the program from the terminal device to the backup device (via the relay station device) can be made more efficient.

Further, in such a backup system according to the present invention, the backup device transmits the program stored in its own storage means to the relay station device via the dedicated line, and the relay device transmits the program. Since the program is received and transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the program and stores the program in its own storage means, the terminal device has to take out the program from the backup device (via the relay station device). Efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a backup system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a data center.

FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a storage area of a data storage unit provided in a data center.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of a process performed by a user authentication encryption unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a procedure of a process performed by a contract management unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when software backup data is deposited in a data center.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when software backup data is divided and stored in a data center.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when software backup data is extracted from a data center.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure when dividing and extracting software backup data from a data center.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for deleting a part of software backup data stored in the data center.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a backup system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 41a-41c personal computer, 2, 42 data center, 3, 43 internet line, 11, 21 network communication unit
12, 25 data storage unit, 13 program unit,
14. calculation control unit, 15 display unit, 16 operation unit, 22 contract management unit, 23 user authentication encryption unit, 24 backup data management unit, 31
· User dedicated area, 32a to 32c · · · Backup storage area, 33a to 33c · · · Backup data storage area, 44a to 44c · · · Relay station device, 45 · · · dedicated line,

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B017 AA03 BA06 BA07 BB09 CA15 5B018 GA04 HA02 KA03 KA22 MA01 QA05 5B082 DA02 DE07 EA11 GA11 HA05 HA08 5B085 AA01 AC16 5B089 GA11 GA21 GB02 HA10 JA32 JB07 KA12 ME09

Claims (10)

[Claims] A terminal device having storage means for storing a program to be executed by itself and communication means for transmitting the program stored in the storage means to a backup device via a line, A backup system comprising: communication means for receiving a program transmitted via the communication means; and a storage device having storage means for storing the program received by the communication means. 2. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the backup device transmits the program stored in the storage unit of the backup device to the terminal device via a line, and the communication unit of the terminal device. A backup system receives a program transmitted from a backup device via a line, and a storage unit of the terminal device stores the program received by the communication unit. 3. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the backup device has an authentication unit for authenticating a user of the terminal device and a certification unit for certifying itself to the terminal device. And a communication means of the backup device for encrypting and communicating a program. 4. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device of the backup device controls a process of storing a program from the terminal device based on information on the terminal device. Features a backup system. 5. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit of the backup device stores a program from the terminal device according to a backup method selected from a plurality of backup methods. A backup system characterized by: 6. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit of the terminal device and the communication unit of the backup device divide data including a program to be transmitted into a plurality of pieces. A backup system characterized by communicating. 7. The backup system according to claim 6, wherein the communication means of the terminal device encodes data generated by copying data including the program to be transmitted,
The encoded data is decomposed into a plurality of packet data, and the decomposed plurality of packet data is transmitted to the backup device via the Internet line by HTTP, and the plurality of packet data transmitted from the backup device via the Internet line A plurality of received packet data are assembled and decoded, and a storage unit of the terminal device stores a program included in the data decoded by the communication unit. 8. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein the backup device is stored in its own storage means in response to an instruction transmitted from the terminal device to itself via a line. A backup system comprising a deletion unit for deleting a part of data including a program from a terminal device. 9. A terminal device having storage means for storing a program to be executed by itself and communication means for transmitting the program stored in the storage means to the relay station device;
A relay station device having communication means for receiving a program transmitted from the terminal device and transmitting the received program to the backup device via a dedicated line, and a program transmitted from the relay station device via the dedicated line A backup system comprising: a backup device having a communication unit for receiving a program and a storage unit for storing a program received by the communication unit. 10. The backup system according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit of the backup device transmits the program stored in the storage unit of the backup device to the relay station device via a dedicated line. The communication means receives the program transmitted from the backup device via the dedicated line and transmits the received program to the terminal device, the communication device of the terminal device receives the program transmitted from the relay station device, A backup system, wherein the storage unit of the terminal device stores a program received by the communication unit.