JP2001282729A - User environment setting system, method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To perform an environment setting suitable for an individual who performs work when performing work at a terminal other than his / her own terminal. When a user operating a client (11) accesses a host center (10), the host center (10) is accessed.
Receives the user authentication information sent from the client 11 and authenticates the user by comparing it with the user authentication information stored in the user information database 12.
If the user authentication is successful, the client 11 refers to each database of the database group 13 using the user ID included in the user authentication information as a key, and sets the necessary user environment to
To load the user environment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for providing a use environment similar to that of a user's terminal when the user uses a terminal other than his / her own terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, with the spread of personal computers, personal computers have been actively used in places such as business. In this way, for a business person who uses a personal computer in business, a personal computer used in his office or a personal computer belonging to his / her own personalized personal environment (environment setting) is used. Therefore, the setting can be made very easy to use.

[0003] On the other hand, some businessmen want to process the result of a survey or the like outside their own office using a computer on the spot and use the processing result later in their own office. For example, go to a library to get business-related information, and when you have the information you need, create a report in the library and later work from your office based on the report. In some cases, information obtained at the business office and business results are compiled in a report on the go, and later used at one's own office.

[0004] In such a case, it is convenient if a personal computer capable of performing work is arranged in a library or a convenience store near the destination. However, a personal computer placed in such a public place cannot be customized so as to be easily used by one businessman because of the possibility of being used by various people.

[0005]

As described above, when a businessman tries to perform his / her work using a personal computer placed in a public place, the business person is not customized so as to be easy to use. Therefore, the efficiency of work may be reduced, and if the software necessary for one's work is not installed in a personal computer placed in a public place, the personal computer is placed In some cases, it is impossible to perform work.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to set an environment suitable for an individual who works when working on a terminal other than his / her own terminal.

[0007]

A user environment setting system according to the present invention is a user environment setting system connected to a terminal used by a user via a network. The user environment of the terminal requested by the authenticated user when using the terminal,
User environment setting means for setting the terminal via the network.

A user environment setting method according to the present invention is a user environment setting method connected to a terminal used by a user via a network, wherein (a) a step of authenticating a user; and (b) a step of authenticating the user. Setting the user environment of the terminal requested by the user when using the terminal to the terminal via the network.

A second user environment setting system according to the present invention comprises a terminal used by a user, a user authentication means for authenticating the user, and a user of the terminal which is requested when the authenticated user uses the terminal. A server is provided with user environment setting means for setting an environment to the terminal via a network, and the network connects the server and the terminal.

According to the present invention, when a user works with a terminal that is not his / her own office or outside his / her home, the terminal is easily set to the same user environment as his / her own. Therefore, it is very easy for the user to use a terminal that is not his / her own, and the user can perform work with high work efficiency.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, in the user environment setting system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminals are connected to a server via a network, and the server sets a user environment in the terminal in response to a request from the terminal device. The terminal performs user authentication by fingerprint authentication, signature authentication, password authentication, or the like. Then, the personal authentication information by the user authentication is transmitted to the server, and when the user is authenticated, the user operates software or the like that realizes the user environment based on the user environment information and the business information from the server via the network. Download and set to your device. The terminal operated by the user is
It operates based on the user environment set in this way. The server includes an environment information database that stores user environment information corresponding to personal authentication information and business information, reads a user environment corresponding to personal authentication information transmitted from the terminal from the environment information database, and reads the terminal environment via the network. Send to

As described above, the server (host center) has an environment information database for storing user environment information and business information corresponding to personal authentication information, and performs user authentication such as fingerprint authentication, signature authentication, and password authentication. The personal authentication information transmitted from the terminal via the network is received, and the user environment information and business information corresponding to the received personal authentication information are read out and read from the environment information database. Then, a task of transmitting software for realizing the user environment to the terminal via the network based on the read user environment information and business information is performed.

Here, at the time of the initial connection between the terminal and the server, the OS, the driver, the environment setting parameters, the tools, etc. for realizing the user environment are not downloaded all at once.
When necessary, such as when logging in to a server from a terminal, when using a tool, or when using an application, necessary items may be downloaded when necessary. Here, the tools include word processor software and spreadsheet software, which are generally called applications. On the other hand, in the following, applications are called business package software, accounting software, etc.
It refers to an application with a large amount of processing and data, and relatively complicated work to be performed, such as performing calculation processing and processing documents that handle a certain amount of data or more, and creating documents necessary for business. I do.

Further, the OS, tools, applications, etc. are recorded in a cache memory (hard disk or other recording medium having a relatively large capacity and a high operating speed) adjacent to the terminal on which the user has worked even after the use is completed. In advance,
When the next user uses the same OS, tool, and application, the cached OS, tool, and application are used without being downloaded from the host center (server).

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. The system of this embodiment has a configuration in which a host center 10 as a server and a client 11 as a terminal operated by a user are connected by a network 24. The host center 10 is provided with a user information database 12 and a database group 13 for setting a user environment for the client 11 operated by the user.

The user information database 12 stores a user who has accessed the host center 10 in the host center 1.
0 is a database that stores information for performing authentication as to whether or not the user is a user who can receive the service provided by user 0, and associates a user name with a user ID, a password, fingerprint information, signature information, and the like. Is stored. The service authentication unit 15 instructs the user operating the client 11 to input the personal authentication information when accessed by the client 11, and when the personal authentication information is received, the user information database 12
The authentication processing of the user is performed by collating with the information in.

When the user authentication is successful, the host center 10 sends the user I sent from the client 11
The user is identified by D, and the user environment desired by the user is acquired from the user environment database. Then, from the user platform database, the setting parameters of the user's desired OS, driver, OS, etc. are acquired, and from the user tool database,
Obtain the tool software that the user wants to use,
An application desired by the user is acquired from the user application database and input to the information sending unit 14. When the user is using a tool or the like, and there is a request to edit existing user data, the user data database is searched according to the request from the client 11, and the obtained user data is transmitted as information. Client 1 via unit 14
Send to 1.

The information transmitting unit 14 transmits user environment setting software such as the above software and parameters to the network 2.
4 to the client 11. When the client 11 is authenticated by the host center 10, the client 11 waits for user environment setting software to be transmitted from the host center 10. When the client / server access control unit 21 of the client 11 receives the user environment setting software, it temporarily stores it in the cache disk 23. Then, the CPU 16 sets the IPL / BIOS 17
After the user environment setting software is copied to the hard disk 22 under the control of the user, the user environment setting software is expanded in the memory 19 and executed, whereby the client 11
, A user environment desired by the user is realized. Before the user environment desired by the user is set, IPL / B
Under the IOS, a predetermined OS is activated, and the user inputs personal authentication information from the keyboard 20 to display the authentication status, the user environment setting status, and the like on the display 18. After the user environment is realized, the user inputs necessary information from the keyboard 20 and checks the input result and the processing result via the display 18 as if operating a normal personal computer.

When the user finishes the work using the client 11, the user environment is released, and each software for realizing the user environment is stored in the cache disk 23. Therefore, when the user realizes a user environment suitable for himself / herself, if the user of the previous client 11 has already used the software he / she wants to use, the software should be read from the cache disk 23. Thereby, a user environment is realized on the client 11. Therefore, the client 11 presents the software stored in the cache disk 23 to the user, and reads the software stored in the cache disk 23 so as to determine whether or not the user environment can be realized. It is possible to

As will be described later, the charging database of the database group 13 stores, for each user, a usage fee generated when the user uses the system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing processing from the activation of the client machine to the login to the host center. First, on the client side, the user turns on the power of the client terminal (Step S).
10). Then, the IPL /
The BIOS starts (step S11), and step S12
Requires input of information for user authentication. Information input methods for user authentication include input of a fingerprint, input of a user name and password, insertion of an IC card, and the like.

When the client terminal receives the input of the personal authentication information for user authentication, the client terminal transmits the personal authentication information to the host center and makes an inquiry for the user authentication (step S13). Upon receiving the personal authentication information transmitted from the client terminal (step S15), the host center accesses the user information database in step S16 and stores the transmitted personal authentication information and the user information database in the user information database. User authentication information (fingerprint information, user name, password, user I
D, etc.) to determine whether the authentication was successful (step S17). If the authentication has failed, a message indicating that the authentication has failed is transmitted to the client in step S18.

If it is determined in step S17 that the authentication has been successful, the process proceeds to step S19.
A result of the successful authentication is transmitted, and information on the platform is transmitted.

In step S14, the client that has received the authentication result determines in step S20 whether the authentication result indicates that the authentication was successful. In this case, since the authentication has failed, the process proceeds to step S21 to display an authentication error, and in step S22, the power of the client terminal is turned off, and the process ends. If it is determined in step S20 that the authentication has not failed, in step S23, the classification of the platform to be installed in the client terminal (a single platform (OS, driver and its setting parameter, etc.) Is registered, or whether a plurality of platforms are registered). If the user selects a plurality of platforms in step S23, the process proceeds to step S23.
At 24, the user is prompted to select which platform to use.

Selection of platform division, or
When the platform selection is completed, step S25
To start loading the platform. First, in step S26, it is determined whether or not the selected platform exists in the cache disk. If the platform selected in the cache disk exists, the process proceeds to step S29. If the selected platform does not exist in the cache disk, a user ID is added in step S27,
The host center is notified of a request for a platform.

In step S30, the host center receiving the platform request from the client sends the user ID
Using the as a key, search the user platform database and send the platform to the client.
In step S28, the client downloads the platform transmitted from the host center to the cache disk. In step S29, the client copies the platform from the cache disk to the hard disk, and then loads the platform.

Next, in step S31, the client loads the user environment. First, step S
At 32, a user environment is requested from the host center along with the user ID. The host center that has received the user environment request from the client (step S34) uses the user ID as a key from the user environment database to arrange icons, arrange taskbars, desktop information and directory information such as wallpaper, available tool types, and the like. Is acquired, and data for realizing the user environment is transmitted.

The client that has received the user environment from the host center (step S33) stores it in the hard disk, and executes the loading of the user environment in step S35. In step S36, the desktop is constructed with the contents of the user environment based on the data sent from the host center. In step S37, the directory is constructed with the contents of the user environment. Build with the content of At this time, tools and applications are also installed. After the above processing, step S
At 39, the login to the user environment setting service provided by the host center is completed.

FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing processing from the start to the end of the tool on the client side.
First, in step S50, an operation of starting a tool is performed on the client side. Then, loading of the tool is started (step S51). In loading a tool, first, in step S52, it is determined whether or not there is a tool to be activated in the cache disk. If there is the tool on the cache disk, step S56
Proceed to. If it is determined in step S52 that the tool is not in the cache disk, the process proceeds to step S52.
At 53, a request for a tool is issued to the host center. At this time, the request for the tool is made by attaching a user ID.

In step S55, the host center receiving the user's tool request from the client searches the user tool database, acquires the tool, and transmits the tool to the client. The client receiving the tool from the host center (step S54) temporarily stores the received tool in the cache disk.

In step S56, the tool stored in the cache disk is copied to the hard disk and activated. When the user starts using the tool in step S57, it is determined in step S58 whether the database to be processed is an existing database or a new database. If it is new data, step S6
Proceed to 3. If the data to be processed is existing data, the process proceeds to step S59, where the processing data name (for example,
In the case of a word processor, specify the document name, etc.)
In step S60, the host center is requested to read tool data. The host center that has received the tool data read request from the client refers to the user data database, acquires the tool type, processing data name, data, and the like from the user ID, and transmits the acquired data to the client (step S62).

At step S61, the client receives the tool data and reads it into the tool. Then, in step S63, the tool is executed. When the user finishes using the tool (step S64), the user is asked in step S65 whether to save the data. When the user responds not to save the data, the process proceeds to step S72.

In step S65, when the user responds that data is to be saved, in step S66,
In step S6, the user specifies the storage name of the processing data.
At 7, the host center is instructed to write tool data, and the tool data is transmitted. The host center that has received the tool data write instruction writes the tool data into the user data database together with the user ID, tool type, processing data name, and the like, and transmits the result to the client (step S68).

When the client receives the writing result of the tool data from the host center (step S69),
It is determined whether a write error has occurred in step S70. If the writing has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step S72. If the write result is an error in step S70, the user is notified of the write error in step S71, and the process returns to step S65.

In step S72, the user performs tool termination processing, and terminates the tool in step S73. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from the start of the application on the client side to the end thereof.

First, in step S80, a user starts an application on the client side. Then, in step S81, loading of the application is started. In loading the application,
First, in step S82, it is determined whether there is an application to be loaded on the hard disk. If it is determined in step S82 that the application exists on the hard disk, the process proceeds to step S88. If it is determined in step S82 that the application does not exist on the hard disk, it is determined in step S83 whether the application exists on the cache disk. If it is determined in step S83 that the application exists in the cache disk, the process proceeds to step S87.

If it is determined in step S83 that the application does not exist in the cache disk, an application is requested to the host center in step S84. The host center receiving the application request from the client refers to the user application database, acquires the application, and transmits the application to the client (step S86).

The client receiving the application from the host center (step S85) stores the application in the cache disk. In step S87, the application is copied from the cache disk to the hard disk, and in step S88,
Start the application from the hard disk.

Next, in step S89, when it becomes necessary for the user to operate the application and handle the application data, in step S89,
It is determined whether there is application data on the hard disk. If there is application data on the hard disk, the process proceeds to step S93. Step S
If it is determined in 89 that there is no application data on the hard disk, a read request for application data is issued to the host center in step S90.

The host center that has received the application data read request from the client searches the user data database using the user ID and the application type as keys, obtains the application data, and transmits it to the client (step S91).

The client that has received the application data from the host center (step S92) stores the application data on the hard disk. In step S93, the user executes the application while reading the application data from the hard disk.
At 94, application termination processing is performed. Then, in step S95, the application ends.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the processing from logoff from the host center to end of use of the client terminal. First, in step S100, the user issues a logoff instruction from the client terminal. Then, in step S101, it is determined whether or not there is application data on the hard disk. If there is no application data on the hard disk, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S101 that application data is present on the hard disk, in step S102,
The application data is transmitted to the host center to instruct the host center to write the application data.

The host center that has received the application data write instruction from the user stores the user ID, the application type, and the received application data in the user data database, and transmits the result to the client (step S103). The client that has received the write result of the application data (step S104) determines in step S105 whether or not the write has been performed normally. Step S
If it is determined in 105 that the writing has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S105 that the writing result is an error, in step S106, the user is notified of the writing error, and the process returns to step S100.

In step S107, log-off from the host center is performed. In step S108, the contents of the hard disk are cleared. In step S109, the power of the client terminal is turned off.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the entry format of the user information database. The user information database includes, for each user, user authentication information, a user ID, the number of platforms, a platform type, and a platform classification. Here, the user authentication information is
This includes fingerprint information, signature information, password information, and the like. The user authentication information is for authenticating the user by checking the authentication information input by the user from the client terminal.

The platform category is a field for registering either a single platform or a multi-platform according to whether only one type of platform such as an OS used by the user is registered or a plurality of platforms are registered. The platform type is a field for registering the type of platform used by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, Windows 95 (registered trademark) or Windows NT 4.0 is used.
(Registered trademark), Linux, and the like are registered. In particular, in the case of a single platform, only one platform is registered, but in the case of a multi-platform, a plurality of platforms are registered, and the user selects which platform to use. I do. The number of platforms is "1" for a single platform, and the number of registered platforms is set for a multi-platform. The user ID is used as a key for searching a database of the host center other than the user information database.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a billing process and a billing database. FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the billing process. First, in step S110, the user ID, usage time, usage count, and download data amount are acquired from the charging database. Here, these pieces of information are added for processing performed from the time the user logs on to the service of the host center until the user logs off, and it is assumed that these pieces of information are written to the charging database when the user logs off. Next, in step S111, the system usage fee is calculated, and in step S112, the calculated system usage fee is registered in the charging database.

Then, the user later checks the charge imposed on the user by referring to the charging database, and pays the charge in an appropriate manner. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of an entry configuration of a charging database.

The entry in the charging database is user I
D, usage time, usage count, download data amount, system usage fee, etc. These entries are updated when the user logs off from the host center service. When the usage fee is transferred, the usage fee, the amount of the download database, the number of times of use, the usage time, and the like are updated by the amount of the transfer.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a general configuration example of a hardware configuration required for the host center to execute a program for realizing the embodiment of the present invention. First, the CPU 31 connects the ROM 3 with the bus 30.
2, RAM 33, communication interface 34, storage device 37, recording medium reading device 38, and input / output device 40
Consists of

The storage device 37 is composed of a hard disk or the like, has a user information database and each database of a database group, and stores a program for realizing the processing of this embodiment. The CPU 31 causes the RAM 33 to read the program from the storage device 37 and executes the program.

Alternatively, the program is stored in the ROM 32
May be stored. A basic program such as a BIOS is incorporated in the ROM 32. When the server of the host center is used exclusively for providing services, the RO 32
The program may be stored in M32 and executed. The recording medium reading device 38 reads the program stored in the portable recording medium 39 and data of various databases, and copies the data to the storage device 37 such as a hard disk, for example, so that the processing of the present embodiment can be realized. . Here, the portable recording medium 39 is a CD-ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a DVD, or the like.

The input / output device 40 includes a display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and is used when a host center administrator performs system maintenance or the like. In the early stage of the operation of the system, necessary initial settings are made.

The communication interface 34 is capable of not only communicating with the client terminal but also downloading and executing necessary data and programs from the information provider 35 via the network 36. Further, when the server of the host center is not constituted by a single terminal, but a plurality of terminals are connected by a LAN or the like and used as a server of the host center as a whole, the processing of the present embodiment is realized. The program can be executed in a network environment.

[0055]

According to the present invention, even when a terminal other than one's own terminal is used, the environment of the terminal can be set for oneself, so that one's own terminal can be used anywhere. Work can be performed efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing from client machine startup to login to a host center (part 1).
It is.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part 2) showing processing from client machine activation to login to a host center;
It is.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 3) showing processing from client machine startup to login to the host center;
It is.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) showing processing from the start of the tool to the end on the client side.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) showing processing from the start to the end of a tool on the client side.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 3) showing processing from the start to the end of the tool on the client side.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a flow of processing from activation of an application on the client side to termination.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a flow of processing from activation of the application on the client side to termination.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating a process from logoff from the host center to end of use of the client terminal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating a process from logoff from the host center to end of use of the client terminal.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an entry format of a user information database.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing process and a billing database.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a general configuration example of a hardware configuration required for a host center to execute a program for implementing an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Host center 11 Client 12 User information database 13 Database group 14 Information sending part 15 Service authentication part 16 CPU 17 IPL / BIOS 18 Display 19 Memory 20 Keyboard 21 Client / server access control part 22 Hard disk 23 Cache disk 24 Network

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A user environment setting system connected to a terminal used by a user via a network, comprising: a user authentication unit for authenticating a user; and a request issued when the authenticated user uses the terminal. User environment setting means for setting the user environment of the terminal to be set to the terminal via the network. 2. The user environment setting means includes:
The user environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein data for setting a platform such as an OS used by the user is transmitted. 3. The user environment setting means includes:
The user environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein data for loading a tool used by a user is transmitted. 4. The user environment setting means includes:
The user environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein data for loading an application used by a user is transmitted. 5. The data which the user operates using the tool or the application is transmitted to the terminal,
5. The user environment setting system according to claim 3, further comprising means for transmitting the data via the network. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising storage means for storing, for each user, data processed by said user using said tool or said application.
Or the user environment setting system according to 4. 7. The data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data processed by the user using the application is stored in the storage unit when the user logs off from the user environment setting system. User environment setting system. 8. A cache means for storing software and data for setting the user environment, wherein software or data necessary for setting a user environment required by the user is present in the cache means. 2. The user environment setting system according to claim 1, wherein the software loads necessary software or data from the cache unit to the terminal without passing through the network. 9. A user environment setting method connected via a network to a terminal used by a user, the method comprising: (a) authenticating a user; and (b) using the terminal by the authenticated user. Setting a user environment of the terminal requested at the time of the communication via the network to the terminal. 10. In the step (b), the terminal includes:
10. The user environment setting method according to claim 9, wherein data for setting a platform such as an OS used by the user is transmitted. 11. In the step (b), the terminal includes:
10. The user environment setting method according to claim 9, wherein data for loading a tool used by a user is transmitted. 12. In the step (b), the terminal includes:
10. The user environment setting method according to claim 9, wherein data for loading an application used by the user is transmitted. 13. The user according to claim 11, further comprising a step of transmitting data operated by the user using the tool or the application to the terminal via the network. Environment setting method. 14. The user environment setting method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: (c) storing, for each user, data processed by said user using said tool or said application. . 15. The user environment according to claim 14, wherein the data processed by said user using said application is stored and retained when said user logs off from said user environment setting system. Setting method. (D) storing software and data for setting the user environment, wherein software or data necessary for setting the user environment required by the user is stored in step (d). 10. The user according to claim 9, wherein, if necessary, the software or data required for the terminal is loaded from the software or data stored in step (d) without going through the network. Environment setting method. 17. A recording medium for storing a program for causing a computer to execute a user environment setting process for setting a user environment on a terminal used by a user via a network, the user environment setting process comprising: (a) Authenticating the user; and (b) setting the user environment of the terminal requested by the authenticated user when using the terminal to the terminal via the network. Computer-readable recording medium. 18. In the step (b), the terminal
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein data for setting a platform such as an OS used by the user is transmitted.
A recording medium according to claim 1. 19. In the step (b), the terminal includes:
The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein data for loading a tool used by a user is transmitted. 20. In the step (b), the terminal includes:
The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein data for loading an application used by a user is transmitted. 21. The recording according to claim 19, further comprising transmitting data operated by the user using the tool or the application to the terminal via the network. Medium. 22. The recording medium according to claim 19, further comprising: (c) storing data processed by said user using said tool or said application for each user. 23. The recording medium according to claim 22, wherein data processed by said user using said application is stored and retained when said user logs off from said user environment setting system. . 24. (d) storing software and data for setting the user environment, wherein software or data necessary for setting a user environment required by the user is stored in step (d). 18. The recording according to claim 17, wherein, if necessary, the software or data required for the terminal is loaded from the software or data stored in step (d) without going through the network. Medium. 25. A terminal used by a user, a user authentication means for authenticating the user, and a user environment of the terminal requested by the authenticated user when using the terminal, to the terminal via a network. A user environment setting system, comprising: a server having user environment setting means for setting; and the network connecting the server and the terminal.