JPH09179806A - File transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the communication cost of a file transfer system which includes a communication network by automatically selecting a communication path or grouping plural files. SOLUTION: A distributed information registration part 31 stores distributed information from an input device 41 in a distributed information data base 37 in a file storage device 36. A distribution scheduler 32 searches the distributed information data base 37 to take out distributed information reaching execution time and actuates a communication path decision part 34. The communication path storage part 34 takes communication path information out of a communication path storage part 38 according to the distributed information and actuates a file transfer processing part 33 as it is when the communication path is fixedly specified, thereby performing file transfer. In the case of automatic specification, the communication cost is calculated from a file size, a communication distance, and a communication mode to determine an inexpensive communication path (mode), and the file transfer processing part 33 is actuated to perform file transfer. Further, a distribution grouping process part 35 groups distributed information and controls the order of files to be distributed according to priority.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a file transfer system for realizing a communication cost reduction by automatically selecting a communication path at the time of file transfer or grouping a plurality of distribution files.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a file transfer performed between a conventional server and a partner computer. In the figure, 1 is a partner computer that transfers files with the server 3, and 2
Is a telephone network or I that is interposed between the partner computer 1 and the server 3.
Communication network such as NS-C (circuit switching), 4 is server 3 and LA
It is a client under the server 3 connected via N.

Next, the configuration of the server 3 will be described.
Reference numeral 31 is a distribution information registration unit that registers a distribution method related to file transfer such as a file name of a file to be distributed or a transfer destination name in the file storage device as distribution information, 32 is a distribution scheduler that performs distribution based on the registered distribution information, Three
Reference numeral 6 is a file storage device that stores files to be transferred and distribution information, and 37 is a distribution information database that uses the distribution information stored in the file storage device 36 as a database.

Next, the structure of the client 4 will be described. Reference numeral 41 is an input device for externally inputting distribution information and a start command, and 42 is a file storage device for storing files to be distributed.

Next, the operation of the conventional file transfer system shown in FIG. 15 will be described. Automatic file distribution in a client / server environment generally operates on the server 3, and files to be distributed are prepared in advance in the file storage device 42 provided in each client 4 or the file storage device 36 provided in the server 3. The distribution information of each client, which describes the distribution method, is registered in the file storage device 36 of the server 3 as a distribution information database 37. The main contents of the distribution information to be registered are the name of the destination computer that is the transfer destination, the name of the file to be distributed (specified including the client name and directory path), and the distribution start time. The distribution scheduler 32 on the server 3 periodically (for example, every minute) checks the distribution information database, and if there is distribution information that has reached the start time, starts distribution according to the description content.

Further, a communication path used at the time of distribution is fixedly determined in advance (for example, when the system is introduced), and a table is provided in which the name of the partner computer and the communication path (specifically, the communication form and the line number) are associated Keep it. By doing this, the communication path can be known by referring to this table at the time of distribution.

FIG. 16 shows, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-310.
It is a block diagram of the conventional communication line and communication line service selection device shown in Japanese Patent No. 756. In FIG. 16, 1 is a keyboard for inputting the area code of the user, communication volume, communication time, or parameter information of the table update information, 2 is a parameter control unit for analyzing the parameter information input from the keyboard 1, and 3 is Storage device that is a distance table that stores location information corresponding to area code information, 4 is a storage device that is a line charge table, 5 is a distance calculation processing unit, 6
Is a charge calculation processing unit that calculates a communication service charge based on the distance from the distance calculation processing unit 5, 7 is a charge storage device that stores charge information for various communication services of each telecommunications carrier, and 8 is a parameter control unit 2 A communication speed calculation unit for calculating the communication speed based on the parameter information from 9; a communication speed storage device 9 for storing the calculated communication speed; 10 for a communication line determination processing unit; and 11 for displaying the determined communication line. The output unit CRT, 12 is a printer, and 13 is a table update processing unit that updates the storage device 3 (distance table) and the storage device 4 (line charge table) based on the table update information from the parameter control unit 2.

Next, the operation of the file transfer system shown in FIG. 16 will be described. First, when the user inputs parameter information such as the area code, communication volume, communication time, or table update information of the user from the keyboard 1, the parameter control unit 2 analyzes this parameter information and sets the above parameter information to the distance. To the calculation processing unit 5 and the communication speed calculation unit 8,
If it is table update information, it is sent to the table update processing unit 13. The distance calculation processing unit 5 calculates the distance between the own computer and the destination computer as the distribution destination based on the area code from the parameter control unit 2 and the distance table from the storage device 3, and the calculated distance is calculated. The information is sent to the charge calculation processing unit 6. The charge calculation processing unit 6 calculates all charges of various communication lines based on the distance information received from the distance calculation processing unit 5 and the charge information read from the storage device 4, and sends the charges to the charge storage device 7.

On the other hand, the communication speed calculation unit 8 calculates an optimum communication speed based on the parameter information input from the parameter control unit 2 and sends it to the communication speed storage device 9. The communication line determination processing unit 10 selects the cheapest communication line service from the charge storage device 7 based on the communication speed stored in the communication speed storage device 9, and the CRT 11 and the printer 12 are selected.
Output to The CRT 11 and the printer 12 perform output processing based on the signal received from the communication line determination processing unit 10. Further, the table update processing unit 13 performs a change process based on the table update information from the parameter control unit 2 when the information stored in the storage device 3 or the storage device 4, which is a distance table, is changed and stored. Device 3 and storage device 4
Update information.

Thus, the optimum communication speed is calculated by the communication line and communication line service selection device, and the cheapest communication line service is selected.

[0011]

As described above, in general, when transferring a file, a file to be distributed to each client side disk is prepared in advance, and distribution information describing a distribution method is provided to the server side. Register
After that, the distribution scheduler on the server side analyzes the distribution information registered in advance, and as a result, each file is automatically distributed to the partner computer (host, other server). Since file transfer is easy to use, it is used as a data transfer means between computers in many systems and is suitable for the purpose of transferring a large amount of data in a short time. However, in a public network (for example, INS-C), if it is desired to frequently transfer a small amount of files, communication cost will be incurred for each transfer, resulting in poor cost efficiency. That is, in the conventional method, since the distribution starts according to the distribution start time described in each distribution information, it is often necessary to start the connection (dialing) each time. Therefore, since the number of connections / disconnections increases, a basic charge is incurred each time, and communication costs increase.

Further, in the communication line and communication line service selecting device disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-310756, the communication path used at the time of transfer is selected by the area code, communication volume and communication time. There was a problem that the area code, communication volume, and communication time had to be manually entered every time data was transferred. In particular, the communication volume and communication time will not show accurate values unless you actually transfer them, so you will have to enter appropriate values, and you will not be able to accurately calculate the speed and you will not be able to automate the system. was there.

Further, when selecting an inexpensive communication line, it is necessary to apply various conditions such as communication speed, communication distance, communication service, etc. However, since only the communication speed is applied, a sufficiently inexpensive communication line can be selected. There was a problem that I could not select.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and communication costs (running costs) are obtained by automatically selecting a sufficiently economical communication path and grouping distribution files. The purpose is to reduce.

[0015]

A file transfer system according to a first invention is a computer connected to a communication network such as a telephone network or INS-C (circuit switching), and distribution to the computer via the communication network. A distribution information registration means for registering a distribution method related to file transfer such as a file name and a transfer destination name of a file to be stored in a file storage device as distribution information, a distribution scheduler for activating distribution based on the registered distribution information, and this distribution. File transfer between a communication path determination unit that determines the most economical communication path based on the distribution information when activated from the scheduler, and a file transfer between the computer based on the distribution information when activated from the communication path determination unit File transfer processing means for performing the above processing, distribution grouping processing means for grouping the distribution information to create new distribution information, and A file storage device that stores files and the distribution information, a server that includes a distribution information database that stores the distribution information in the file storage device, and an input device that externally inputs the distribution information and the start command. A file storage device for storing files to be distributed, and a client under the server connected to the server via a LAN.

In the file transfer system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication path determination means is provided with means for externally selecting either fixed designation or automatic designation of the communication path.

In the file transfer system according to the third aspect of the invention, when the communication path determination means is automatically designated, communication is performed based on the file size, communication distance, and communication mode such as INS-C or INS-P (packet). The cost is calculated and a cheaper communication path is determined.

In the file transfer system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication path determination means calculates the communication cost based on the night discount coefficient.

In the file transfer system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the file transfer processing means includes means for completing the transfer at the transfer completion time based on the distribution information.

The file transfer system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention calculates the transfer time from the number of transfer schedules, and judges if it is within the range of the target completion time. The file transfer processing means is provided with a warning message displaying means for displaying a warning message on the input / output device which has registered the above, and allowing the operator to decide whether or not to continue.

In the file transfer system according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the communication path determining means can change the communication cost calculation formula.

In the file transfer system according to the eighth invention, the distribution grouping processing means groups a plurality of pieces of distribution information.

In the file transfer system according to the ninth aspect of the invention, the distribution grouping processing means processes the order of file transfer according to the priority.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a file transfer system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a partner computer that transfers files with a server 3, 2 is a communication network such as a telephone network or INS-C (line switching) interposed between the partner computer 1 and the server 3, and 4 is a server 3. It is a client under the server 3 connected via the LAN.

Next, the configuration of the server 3 will be described.
Reference numeral 31 is a distribution information registration unit that registers various attributes describing a distribution method related to file transfer such as a file name of a file to be distributed and a transfer destination name in a file storage device as distribution information, and 32 is distributed based on the registered distribution information. Is a distribution scheduler for activating a file transfer processor, 33 is a file transfer processing unit that is started by the distribution scheduler 32 and performs file transfer processing with the partner computer 1 based on the distribution information, and 34 is the most economical communication channel based on the distribution information. A communication channel determination unit that determines whether or not to perform a distribution, a distribution grouping processing unit 35 that groups similar distribution information when performing distribution to simplify file transfer, and a reference numeral 36 stores a file to be transferred and distribution information. The file storage device 37 is a distribution information database that is a collection of distribution information stored in the file storage device 36. , 38 is a channel storage unit for storing communication mode (INS-P / INS-C, etc.) when you select fixed or selection information to automatic or a fixed communication path of the distribution files.

Next, the configuration of the client 4 will be described. Reference numeral 41 is an input device for inputting various input information and activation commands from the outside, and 42 is a file storage device for storing files to be distributed. The client computer 4 including the input device 41 and the file storage device 42 is a standard client / server system in which the server computer 3 is LAN-connected, and the server computer 3 sends the file to the partner computer 1 that actually delivers the file. However, the lines are connected via the communication network 2.

Next, the operation of the file transfer system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The distribution information registration unit 31 is activated by the input device 41 of each client 4, processes the distribution information input from the input device 41, and registers it as the distribution information database 37 in the file storage device 36 on the server computer 3. The delivery scheduler 32 periodically checks the delivery information database 37, analyzes the content of delivery information that has reached the time, and activates the communication path determination unit 34. The communication path determination unit 34 analyzes the distribution information and determines the most economical communication path.

Further, the file transfer processing unit, when activated by the distribution scheduler, retrieves the file to be distributed based on the distribution information from the file storage device 42 of the client 4 and transfers the file to the partner computer 1. The distribution grouping processing unit 35 is called every time distribution information is registered, and updates the distribution information database associated with grouping.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a concrete operation of automatic selection of the communication path shown in FIG. Next, the operation of automatically selecting a communication path will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, as a preliminary preparation, the communication path is previously defined from the input unit 41 of the client 4 or the input unit (not shown) of the server 3 and stored in the communication path storage unit 38 by defining the communication path information. As the definition content, it is possible to select whether the communication path is fixed or automatic. When fixed is selected, the communication mode (INS-P / INS-C, etc.) is designated. Note that these pieces of information are set in the communication path information when the system is installed (step S211).

Next, the distribution information is registered. The distribution information is registered by inputting distribution information for file transfer from the input device 41 of the client 4 or the input device (not shown) of the server 3, and the distribution information registration unit of the server 3 stores this distribution information in the file storage device 36. It is done by registering with.
As the items to be registered, the partner computer name, the transfer file name, and the schedule (delivery) start time are the information necessary for executing the delivery. Further, it is necessary to set the information in which the partner computer name and the telephone number are associated with each other when the system is installed or in advance before the file transfer (step S221).

When the registration of the distribution information is completed, the distribution scheduler 32 is given control. The distribution scheduler 32 searches the distribution information database 37, extracts the distribution information that has reached the execution time, if any, and activates the communication path determination unit 34. The communication path determination unit 34 extracts the communication path information from the communication path storage unit 38 based on the distribution information. Here, when the communication path is designated as fixed, the file transfer processing unit 3 is used as it is.
3 is started and file transfer is executed. On the other hand, in the case of automatic designation, the file size (transfer file name to OS
File and get its size) and communication distance,
And communication mode (for example, INS-C or INS-
The communication cost is calculated from P or the like (step S23).
1). Then, determine the cheaper communication path (form),
The file transfer processing unit 33 is activated to execute the file transfer (steps S232 to S234).

According to this embodiment, since the communication network can be automatically selected, the system can be automated and the communication cost can be improved.

Embodiment 2 FIG. Since the system configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, an inexpensive communication line is calculated from the file size and the communication distance as the automatic allocation method, but more accurate calculation can be performed by considering the night discount. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a concrete operation of automatic selection of a communication path in another embodiment of the cost calculation including the night discount coefficient according to the present invention.

Next, the operation of automatically selecting a communication path by the cost calculation including the nighttime discount coefficient will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operations of advance preparation (step S311) and registration (step S321) are the same as those in the first embodiment. The operation of automatically determining the communication path in step S331 is the same as in step S231 of the first embodiment except for the cost calculation.
Is the same as In executing the cost calculation, the communication path determination unit 34 calculates the communication cost by multiplying the estimated cost of INS-C or INS-P by the night discount coefficient (step S331). Then, a cheaper communication path (form) is determined and file transfer is executed (step S3).
32-S334).

According to this embodiment, in the file transfer in which a large amount of data is transferred at one time, the communication cost is lower if transferred at night, and a more economical automation system can be constructed.

Embodiment 3. Since the system configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, only the file transfer start time is specified.
In this embodiment, a more appropriate communication network can be selected by designating the completion time. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of automatic selection of a communication path in another embodiment including the target completion time of the present invention. Next, the operation of automatically selecting a communication path including the target completion time will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Advance preparation (step S
411) and registration (step S421) are the same as in the first embodiment.

When the registration of the distribution information is completed, the control is passed to the communication path judging section 34. The communication path determination unit 34 checks whether the target completion time is set (step S42).
2) Then, if set, it is determined whether transfer is possible within the time. The determination method calculates the transfer time from the number of transfer schedules, and determines whether it is within the range of the target completion time (steps S423 and S424).

If the target completion time has been exceeded, a warning message is displayed on the input / output device that registered the distribution information (step S425), and the operator is made to determine whether or not to continue (steps S426 and S427).

Next, the distribution scheduler 32 searches the distribution information database 37, retrieves the distribution information that has reached the execution time, and activates the communication path determination unit 34. When the communication path is designated as fixed, the communication path determination unit 34 directly activates the file transfer processing unit 33 to execute the file transfer. On the other hand, in the case of automatic designation, the communication cost is calculated from the communication mode (INS-C / INS-P, etc.) from the file size, communication distance, and night discount (step S431). Then, a cheaper communication path (form) is determined, the file transfer processing unit 33 is activated, and file transfer is executed (steps S432 to S434). The calculation formulas and coefficients required for each calculation can be changed. For example, a method of cumulative addition in stages according to the file size can be considered. Further, the multiplying rate of night costs may be set in stages.

According to this embodiment, by setting the target completion time by which the user wants to complete the file transfer, it is possible to flexibly deal with various file transfer systems of users.

Further, since the communication cost calculation formula can be changed, a transfer system with a high degree of freedom can be constructed.

Embodiment 4 Since the system configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of the distribution request grouping process in another embodiment of the present invention. Also,
FIG. 6 is a distribution request table diagram before the distribution request grouping process shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the grouping process of the distribution requests shown in FIG. 5 is not performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 5 is grouped. Also,
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution requests shown in FIG. 5 are grouped.

Next, the operation of the distribution grouping process is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, distribution information for file transfer is input from the input device 41 of the client 4 or the input device (not shown) of the server 3. The distribution information registration unit 31 stores the input distribution information in the file storage device 36 (step S511). Items to be registered are a partner computer name, a transfer file name, a schedule (delivery) start time, and a class. Here, the definition of the class is whether or not the target data may be subjected to the same distribution schedule. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, schedules in which files to be collectively transferred are set in the same class (class C in this example) are registered.

When the registration of the distribution information is completed, the control is passed to the distribution grouping processing unit 35 shown in FIG. The distribution grouping processing unit 35 searches the distribution information database 37 for the same class (class C) and collects requests for the same partner computer. That is, a plurality of individually independent request schedules are grouped (step S52).
1). As a result, the requested schedules registered as shown in FIG. 6 are grouped as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the number of schedules is considerably reduced. Then, the distribution scheduler unit 32 executes the schedules grouped together (step S531).

In the conventional file transfer system which does not perform the distribution request grouping process, one file is executed one by one according to the schedule shown in FIG. 7. According to this embodiment, a plurality of files are grouped. Since it can be realized, it is not necessary to disconnect / connect again for each file transfer, which leads to a reduction in communication cost.

Embodiment 5 FIG. Since the system configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the specific operation of the distribution grouping process according to another embodiment of the present invention. Also,
FIG. 11 is a registration table diagram showing a concrete registration table of distribution requests before the distribution grouping process shown in FIG. 10 is performed. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution request grouping process shown in FIG. 10 is not performed. 13 is a registration table diagram after the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 10 is grouped. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 13 is executed.

Next, the operation of the distribution grouping process is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. First, distribution information for file transfer is input from the input device 41 of the client 4 or the input device (not shown) of the server 3. The distribution information registration unit 31 registers this input distribution information (step S1011). However, items to be registered are the partner computer name, the transfer file name, the schedule (delivery) start time, and the priority. Here, the definition of the priority is how important the execution start time of the target delivery schedule is. For example, the priority is low if the importance is such that the transfer can be completed by the night of the specified start time.

For example, "priority A" means that the execution is always performed at the designated start time, and "priority C" means that the execution is performed within 6 hours from the designated start time. In addition, these definitions are
It is a parameter that must be determined in advance and can be changed. Here, as a schedule example, registration is performed as shown in the registration table of FIG. In the conventional method that does not perform the grouping process, the process is executed according to the schedule shown in FIG.

When the registration of the distribution information is completed, the control is passed to the distribution grouping processing unit 35. At this time, the distribution information database 37 is searched for a low priority one (priority C), and the requests to the same partner computer are put together. That is, the independent request schedules are individually grouped (step S1021).

As a result, the requested schedules registered as shown in FIG. 11 are grouped as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and the number of schedules is considerably reduced.

Then, the distribution scheduler 32 executes the schedules grouped together (step S).
1031).

By further adding the priority, even if the registration is delayed, the files that need to be transferred are always preferentially transferred within the time, so that it is possible to construct a system suitable for the user's system.

[0053]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the communication path determining means determines the most effective communication path based on the distribution information, the system can be automated and the communication cost can be improved. .

According to the second aspect of the invention, the communication path determining means includes means for externally selecting either fixed specification or automatic specification of the communication path, so that the user can freely select. Produce an effect.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the communication path determining means is automatically designated, the file size and the communication distance,
Also, since the communication cost is calculated based on the communication mode such as INS-C or INS-P (packet) and a cheaper communication path is determined, the system can be automated and the communication cost can be made efficient.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the communication path determining means calculates the communication cost based on the nighttime discount coefficient, the communication cost becomes cheaper if it is transferred at night, and a more economical automation system is provided. It has the effect of being able to build.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the means for adding the transfer completion time is provided in the file transfer processing means, so that various target user systems can be set by arbitrarily setting the target completion time for completing the file transfer. The effect that can be flexibly dealt with.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the file transfer processing means calculates the transfer time from the number of transfer schedules, and the judgment means for judging whether it is within the range of the target completion time and the target completion time are exceeded. In this case, since the warning message display means for displaying a warning message on the input / output device that has registered the distribution information and prompting the operator to decide whether or not to continue is provided, the operator can correct the error in the target completion time. It has the effect of being able to.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the communication path determining means can change the communication cost calculation formula, it is possible to construct a file transfer system having a high degree of freedom.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the distribution grouping processing means groups a plurality of pieces of distribution information, so that the communication cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the ninth invention, the distribution grouping processing means processes the order of file transfer according to the priority, so that even if the registration is delayed, the files necessary for transfer are always transferred preferentially within the time. Therefore, it is possible to construct a system suitable for the user's system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a file transfer system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of automatic selection of a communication path shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of automatic communication channel selection in another embodiment of cost calculation including a nighttime discount coefficient according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of automatic communication channel selection in another embodiment including the target completion time of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific operation of a distribution request grouping process in another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a distribution request table before the distribution request grouping process shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution request grouping process shown in FIG. 5 is not performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 5 is grouped.

9 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution requests shown in FIG. 5 are grouped.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific operation of distribution grouping processing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a registration table diagram showing a concrete registration table of distribution requests before performing the distribution grouping process shown in FIG.

12 is a diagram showing a schedule execution situation when the distribution request grouping process shown in FIG. 10 is not performed.

FIG. 13 is a registration table diagram after the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 10 is grouped.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schedule execution state when the distribution request registration table shown in FIG. 13 is executed.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing file transfer performed between a conventional server and a partner computer.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a conventional communication line and communication line service selection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 partner computer 2 communication network 3 server 4 client 31 distribution information registration unit 32 communication scheduler 33 file transfer processing unit 34 communication path determination unit 35 distribution grouping processing unit 36 file storage device 37 distribution information database 38 communication path storage unit 41 input device 42 file storage device

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A computer connected to a communication network such as a telephone network or INS-C (circuit switching) and file transfer such as a file name and a transfer destination name of a file to be distributed to the computer via the communication network. Distribution information registration means for registering the distribution method as distribution information in the file storage device, a distribution scheduler for activating distribution based on the registered distribution information, and the most economical method based on the distribution information by activation from this distribution scheduler. Communication path determining means for determining a different communication path, file transfer processing means for performing file transfer processing between the computer based on the distribution information by activation from the communication path determining means, and the distribution information. Distribution grouping processing means for grouping and creating new distribution information, file to be distributed and file storage device for storing the distribution information , A server consisting of a distribution information database in which the distribution information is stored in the file storage device, an input device for inputting the distribution information and the start command from the outside, and a file storage device for storing a file to be distributed. And a client under the server connected to the server via a LAN. 2. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the communication path determination means includes means for externally selecting either fixed specification or automatic specification of the communication path. 3. The communication path determining means, in the case of automatic designation, calculates the communication cost based on the file size, the communication distance, and the communication mode such as INS-C or INS-P (packet), which is cheaper. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein a different communication path is determined. 4. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the communication path determining means calculates the communication cost based on the night discount coefficient. 5. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the file transfer processing means comprises means for completing the transfer at the transfer completion time based on the distribution information. 6. The file transfer processing means calculates a transfer time from the number of transfer schedules, and a judgment means for judging whether or not the transfer time is within a target completion time range, and when the target completion time is exceeded, the distribution information is registered. 6. The file transfer system according to claim 5, further comprising: a warning message display means for displaying a warning message on the input / output device to let the operator decide whether or not to continue. 7. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the communication path determination means is capable of changing the communication cost calculation formula. 8. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution grouping processing unit groups a plurality of pieces of distribution information. 9. The file transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution grouping processing means processes the order of file transfer according to the priority.