JP2000020367A - Information storing method, information storage device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to restore data even when data are lost due to user's misoperation or the like by detecting the operation state of a stored information file and storing the information file of which operation state is detected in a storage means in a time sequence based on the detected operation state. SOLUTION: In a 1st storage part 3, a directory A is prepared following a directory α and files B, C are stored in the directory α. In a 2nd storage part 4, a directory tree similar to that of the 1st storage part 3 is prepared. When a change in the contents of a data file stored in the 1st storage part 3, a change in the attribute information of the file, the deletion of the file, the preparation of a new file or the like is executed, a backup system 10 basically copies changed data of the 1st storage part 3 into the 2nd storage part 4, stores the newest state of the 1st storage part 3 and stores also its preceding state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to, for example, a computer backup system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers have been used in many places and have been connected via networks. Along with this, data loss due to partial damage of the disk, data loss / destruction due to viruses, and the like have been occurring frequently. In response to this, it was not possible to frequently perform the backup because a personal backup was required or a large-scale storage capacity was required. In addition, although a system for preparing backup data by performing mirroring or the like is prepared, there are disadvantages in that double cost is required for a hard disk and the like, and the portability is not excellent. In addition, various systems have been developed and widely used for virus detection and removal, but in cooperation with backup data,
No effort has been made to improve safety.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention always makes a backup copy of data stored in a computer used by an individual, and enables data recovery even if data is lost due to a user's operation error or the like. An object is to provide an information storage method.

Further, the present invention provides an information storage device which constantly makes a backup copy of data stored in a computer used by an individual and enables data recovery even if data is lost due to a user's operation error or the like. The purpose is to:

[0005]

According to the information storage method of the present invention, an operation state (new creation, update, deletion) of a stored information file is detected, and based on the detected operation state, the operation state is stored. By storing the detected information files in the storage means in chronological order (by linking the backup file of the file to the storage means (second storage unit 4) in accordance with the creation time of the file, the history of the backup file is stored). This makes it possible to restore the data even if the data is lost due to a user operation error or the like.

[0006] The storage means is a portable recording medium, and the stored information file is updated based on the information file stored in the storage means, so that, for example, the environment of an office computer can be maintained as it is. It is possible to unify multiple computer environments, such as being able to be reproduced on a home computer, and to be safe (for example, when storing an information file in a storage means, check for data corruption such as virus check) and efficiency. It can provide a basic computer use environment.

[0007] The information storage device of the present invention is a storage means for storing a stored information file based on the operation state thereof, and a detection means for detecting the operation state (new creation, update, deletion) of the stored information file. Means and an information file whose operation state is detected by the detection means is stored in the storage means in chronological order (the storage means (second storage unit 4) stores the information file in accordance with the creation time of the file). By linking files and creating a history of backup files), data can be restored even if data is lost due to a user's operation error or the like.

Further, the storage means is a portable recording medium, and further comprises an update means for updating the stored information file based on the information file stored in the storage means. The computer environment can be reproduced as it is on a home computer, so that multiple computer environments can be unified and secure (for example, when storing information files in storage means,
Data corruption such as virus check is checked), and an efficient computer use environment can be provided.

[0009]

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

FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an information storage device according to the present embodiment. A display unit 1 for presenting information to a user on a display device such as a display, and a user using a keyboard, a pen, and the like are provided. An input unit 2 for inputting desired data, a first storage unit 3 for storing an operation system, a user data file, and the like, and a first storage unit 3
And a second storage unit 4 for storing backup data of the data file stored in the first storage unit 3. The second storage unit 4 stores the backup data of the data file. , Deletion), and a control unit 5 that performs backup processing such as writing backup data to the second storage unit 4 based on the detected operation state.

The information storage device shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, output means such as a speaker and a display (display device), input means such as a touch panel, a microphone, a mouse, and a keyboard, a floppy disk, a CD-RAM, and a DVD-RA.
It is realized by using a personal computer (computer) including a drive device for accessing a recording medium such as M to write and read information, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device, a main memory, and a CPU.

In particular, the functions of the display unit 1, the input unit 2, and the control unit 5 in FIG. 1 include a storage medium, such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, on which a program for executing the functions by the personal computer is recorded. Use
The recording medium is mounted on a floppy disk device or CD-ROM drive device in the personal computer, and the floppy disk or CD-RO
The program is realized by reading and executing the program recorded in M by the personal computer (CPU therein). The first storage unit 3 is configured on a hard disk of the personal computer, and the second storage unit 4 is configured on a portable recording medium such as a DVD-RAM or a CD-RAM. Can be accessed from the control unit 5 via a drive device connected to the personal computer.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the information storage device of the present embodiment is realized using a personal computer system, the functions of the display unit 1, the input unit 2, and the control unit 5 are collectively called a backup system 10. I will.

The personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer) includes a backup system 10.
In addition, various operation systems and a plurality of systems (for example, the document creation systems 11 and 12) are operated to access the first storage unit 3 configured on a hard disk, for example, as needed.

Assuming that the file system applied to the operation system currently running on the personal computer is composed of a directory tree, a directory A is created in the first storage unit 3 under the directory α. It is assumed that files B and C are stored in the directory α.

The backup system 10 creates backup data of a data file stored in the first storage unit 3 in the second storage unit 4.

Hereinafter, a case where the information storage device of the present embodiment is realized using a personal computer (computer) will be described as an example.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the backup data stored in the second storage unit 4. In FIG. 3, a directory tree similar to the first storage unit 3) is created in the second storage unit 4.

The contents of the data file stored in the first storage unit 3 are changed, file attribute information such as a file name is changed, a file is deleted, or a new file is created. However, in response to such a change in the data file in the first storage unit 3, the backup system 10 basically copies the changed data to the second storage unit 4 and Save the latest state of, and also save the previous state.

More specifically, a backup file of the data file whose operation status has been changed, which is stored in the first storage unit 1, is created in the second storage unit 4, and the latest backup file and the previous backup file are created. The update history is created by linking to the backup file.

For example, in the file having the file name "file B" in the second storage unit 4, the most recently created backup file 101, the most recently created backup file 102, and the most recently created backup file 102 103 are linked and stored in chronological order.

When a new backup file is created in the second storage unit 4, backup file information corresponding to each backup file is created.

The backup file information includes, for example,
The location of the backup file in the file system (e.g., corresponding to a path name and a file name in a currently commonly used hierarchical file system), the type and operation status of the file, and the creation time;
The backup time, the pre-version file (the location of the backup file created immediately before the backup file, for example, path name and file name) and the post-version file (location of the backup file created next to the backup file) For example, pathname and file name)
And flag information (“compression”) indicating whether or not the backup file is compressed, and flag information (“primitive file”) indicating whether the file is a primitive file.

The file type is "user" if the document file is a document file created by a user using a predetermined document creation system, and execution of another system such as a document creation system installed on the personal computer by the user. If it is a file or the like, it is an "application", and if it is a file related to the operation system of the personal computer and the personal computer is started and required for operation, it is a "system".

The operation state is the operation state detected for the file in the first storage unit 3 and is "new creation".
There are three types of states, "update" and "delete". When the item of the operation state is “create new”, since there is no backup file before and after the backup file of the file is created, the pre-version file and the post-version file are indicated as “NULL”. When the operation state is “delete”, there is no subsequent backup file, and the post-version file is “NULL”. The backup file for each file name is linked in chronological order by the pre-version file and the post-version file.

The creation time is the time when the file is newly created, updated, or deleted in the first storage unit 3.

The backup time is the time when the backup file information was created in the second storage unit 4.

The primitive file is a file in which the entire file content stored in the first storage unit 3 at the time of newly creating a backup file or at the time pointed by the user is stored in the second storage unit 4 as a backup file. is there. When a primitive file is used, the backup file other than the primitive file may be only a difference from the primitive file. In this case, the second storage capacity can be reduced.

In the present invention, the compression method of the backup file is not particularly limited.

The backup file information has a list structure linked by a pointer in time series for each file. That is, if the latest backup file information is created, it is connected to the head of the list structure corresponding to the file name by a pointer, and the list structure of each file name always has the latest backup file information at the head.

The second storage unit 4 further stores the last backup time and backup control information.

The last backup time is the time at which the backup process was executed.

The backup control information is control information in a backup process designated by a user, and is identification information of a parent computer using the backup system (second storage unit 4) (or an OS of the parent computer). Identification information), backup-unnecessary file information for designating a file name that does not need to create a backup file, and the child storage when the second storage unit 4 is used in the backup system of the child computer instead of the parent computer. It is composed of restoration designation file information necessary for restoring a file environment similar to that of the first storage unit 3 of the parent computer in the computer.

For example, it is assumed that a user reproduces the environment of a computer used in an office on a home computer. In this case, a computer used in an office is called a parent computer, and a computer used in a home is called a child computer. In some cases, the user wants to reproduce the entire environment of the parent computer (specifically, the contents stored in the first storage unit 3) in (the first storage unit 3 of) the child computer, or only a part of the files. You may want to recreate it. The restoration designation file information is for reproducing all or a part of the environment of the parent computer on the child computer. For example, when the entire environment of the parent computer is reproduced, "specify all" is specified, and when a part of the environment is reproduced, a desired path name and file name are specified. The child computer needs to include the backup system 10 and the first storage unit 3. (Creation of Backup Data) FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the backup system 10 (the display unit 1, the input unit 2, and the control unit 5 in FIG. 1), and shows the processing operation on the parent computer. Things.

When the backup system 10 is started, a setting process for the second storage unit 4 is performed (step S).
1).

The second setting operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 5 stores the DVD-R as the second storage unit 4 in the drive device.
It is checked whether or not a portable recording medium such as an AM is mounted (step S11). If not, a message to that effect is displayed on the display via the display unit 1 (step S12). If the recording medium is mounted, it is checked whether or not the recording medium has been subjected to processing (format, etc.) that can be used by the computer currently used (step S13). If the computer cannot be used, the process proceeds to step S12, and a message to that effect is displayed on the display via the display unit 1. When you can use the computer,
Reading the backup control information from the recording medium,
The computer identification information contained therein is compared with the identification information of the parent computer (step S14). If they match, the setting process of the second storage unit is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

By checking this step S14, it is possible to back up an incorrect computer (for example, a computer that is not the parent computer) and prevent errors such as loss of data.

If the computer identification information and the identification information of the parent computer do not match in step S14,
The display unit 1 displays a message inquiring as to whether or not to start up the computer currently being used, based on the file stored in the recording medium, in step S15.
Display on the display via. In response to this inquiry, if the user has designated restarting the computer using a file stored in the recording medium, the process proceeds to step S16, where the OS stored in the recording medium is
To restart the computer, and terminate the setting process of the second storage unit.

Returning to the description of FIG. 4, in step S2, the backup system 10 checks whether backup processing can be executed. For example, backup processing can be performed when the user has not input anything to the computer for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, in step S2, the last time at which the user input is made is compared with the current time, and it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has passed. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the free storage capacity of the second storage unit 4 is checked (step S
3).

There are two methods for determining whether the free storage capacity is sufficient or insufficient. That is, a free storage capacity that can be determined to be sufficient is predetermined in absolute amount, and when the current free storage capacity of the second storage unit 4 is smaller than this value, it is determined that the storage capacity is insufficient. Further, when the ratio of the free storage capacity to the original storage capacity of the second storage unit 4 falls below the coincidence value, it may be determined that the free storage capacity is insufficient. The threshold for such determination may be specified by the user or may be predetermined. Whichever method is adopted, the second
If the free storage capacity of the storage unit 4 is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S4, and the free storage capacity expansion processing (area expansion processing) of the second storage unit 4 is executed. This area enlargement processing will be described later.

If a user input is made during the execution of the backup processing as shown in FIG. 4, the backup processing up to that point is interrupted, the flow returns to step S2, and the processing can be executed next. Wait until. In addition, the startup timing when determining whether or not to execute the backup process in step S2 is based on a case where a user uses a system such as a screen saver that starts up when the user does not input instructions to the computer for a predetermined time. In such a case, activation timing information may be received from the program.

When it is determined that the free storage capacity of the second storage unit 4 is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S5, and the main processing of the backup processing as shown in FIG. 6 is executed. Note that the main process of FIG. 6 is a process performed for one file, and is performed for all the files stored in the first storage unit 3 (step S6). The last backup time is written to the unit 4 and the process ends (step S7).

Next, the backup processing in step S5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 5 first detects the operation status (whether “new creation”, “update”, or “deletion”) of all the files stored in the first storage unit 3 (“new”, “update” or “delete”). Step S21). That is, the file name and creation time of each file stored in the first storage unit 3 and the creation time included in the latest backup file information for each file name stored in the second storage unit 4 And if there is a file stored in the first storage unit 3 after the creation time in the backup file information, the operation state of the file is determined to be “update”. When there is a file name that exists in the first storage unit 3 but does not exist in the second storage unit 4, the operation state of the file is determined to be “new creation”. When there is a file name that exists in the second storage unit 4 but does not exist in the first storage unit 3, the operation state of the file is determined to be “delete”.

It is to be noted that the data stored in the first
If the file name does not exist in the storage unit 4 and the file name is specified in the backup unnecessary file information, the file is not subjected to backup processing (step S34).

When the operation state of the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is “delete” (step S 22), backup file information of the file is created and the backup file information is stored in the second storage unit 4. The file name is linked to the head of the backup file information list structure (step S2
3). In the backup file information at this time, “delete” is displayed in the item “status”, and “backup time”
Field contains the current time, and the "previous version file" field contains the path name and file name of the latest backup file among the backup files created so far. "In the item" NUL
L ”is entered.

When the operation state of the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is "update" (step S24), the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is stored in a predetermined format. (Step S25), and if it is detected that the file is not infected with a virus and the data is not damaged, backup file information of the file is created and the backup file is copied. Created and stored in the second storage unit 4 (step S26 to step S2
7).

Here, a specific example will be described to explain the contents of the updating process. Now, in the second storage unit 4, the latest backup file “C:
\ Test \ txt, the immediately preceding backup file "C: \ test \ txt1", and the latest backup file "C: \ test"
\ Txt2 "is stored. At this time, when a new backup file is created, first, the name of the latest backup file “C: \ test \ txt” is changed to “C: \ test
\ Txt4 ". Next, this "C: @test
The backup file information of the backup file changed to “txt4” is updated. That is, "C: \ test \ txt4" is written in the item "location" in the backup file information, and "C: \ test \ tx4" is written in the item "post-version file".
"t" is written (step S26).

Next, the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is stored in the second storage unit 4 as “C: \ test \ tx”.
"t" to create a backup file, and further create the backup file information and add it to the head of the list structure (step S27). That is, the item “location” of the backup file information is “C: \ test \ txt”, the item “type” is the same “type” as the previous backup file information, and the item “status”. To "update"
The item “creation time” indicates the creation time of the original file in the first storage unit 3, the item “backup time” indicates the current time, the item “previous file” indicates “NULL”, The item "post-version file" contains "C: \ test \ txt4", and the item "compression" contains the same value as the backup file information up to that time.

When the operation state of the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is "new creation" (step S3
0), a predetermined virus check / data corruption check is performed on the file stored in the first storage unit 3 (step S31), and the file is not infected with a virus.
When it is detected that the data is not damaged, backup file information of the file is created, and a backup file is created and stored in the second storage unit 4 (steps S32 to S33).

In step S25, the first storage unit 3
If the file is infected with a virus or data corruption is detected, the process proceeds to step S28, where the remaining target files existing in the first storage unit 3 are checked for viruses and the like. Present the results,
Activate a predetermined countermeasure program (Step S
28). With the above, the description of the operation of the backup system is finished.
It is configured to operate when the user does not use the computer. This can be realized by a technique realized by a screen saver or the like. With this configuration, when users use computers, they do not use computer resources,
This has the effect of stopping the deterioration of the response time.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the area enlarging process in step S4 in FIG. 4 will be described. This process is triggered, as described above,
In the case where the free space of the second storage unit 4 becomes smaller than the amount of storage area available for backup, there are several options as to how much storage area to expand. For example, there is a method of opening as many areas as possible, and a method of opening a predetermined amount. Further, in FIG. 7, the available storage areas are sequentially expanded by a plurality of methods. However, the order is not necessarily fixed, and a configuration in which the user can specify the order is also possible. In the present embodiment, a case where there is a predetermined target amount for area reservation is described. First, the control unit 5 searches for backup file information for each file name in the second storage unit 4,
The information other than the latest back file information (backup file information at the head of each list structure) is extracted. Each backup file corresponding to this backup file information is a deletion target for area expansion. Among the obtained backup files, for example, (1) preferentially give priority to the file with the oldest creation time, and (2) if there are a plurality of backup files in the same file, delete the file with the oldest creation time. , The data is sequentially deleted on the basis of the following criteria to expand the storable area.

For example, when deleting a backup file, first, new backup file information next to the backup file is obtained from the item “late file” in the backup file information of the backup file to be deleted. Then, the item “previous version file” in the backup file information is rewritten to “NULL”. Then, the backup file to be deleted and the backup file information corresponding to the backup file are deleted.
By sequentially performing this deletion process on the deletion target, the free area of the second storage unit 4 increases (step S41).

Next, it is determined whether or not the increased free space reaches a predetermined amount (step S42), and if it has been reached, the process is terminated. If not,
Proceeding to step S43, the backup file is compressed.

In step S43, the backup file information for each file name in the second storage unit 4 is searched,
The item “compression” is extracted for “none”. Here, this backup file is a compression target for area expansion. Of the backup files obtained,
The data is sequentially compressed based on the criteria that the data with the oldest creation date is compressed first, and the item “compression” in the backup file information of the compressed backup file is changed to “present”. By sequentially performing this deletion process on the compression target, the free area of the second storage area 4 increases (step S43).

Next, it is determined whether the increased free space has reached a predetermined amount (step S44), and if so, the process is terminated. If not,
Proceeding to step S45, a file whose predetermined date has passed is deleted in order to expand the free space in the second storage unit 4. At this time, although not shown, for the user,
By presenting a file to be deleted and making an inquiry as to whether or not the file is to be deleted, unexpected deletion of the file can be prevented. In the present embodiment, since the configuration is such that neither the deletion nor the compression of the primitive file is performed, the first storage unit 3 of the file (primitive file) specified at the time of initial creation of the backup file or by the user. Is guaranteed to be preserved. Since the process of deleting the backup file in step S45 is the same as the process of deleting the backup file in step S41, the description is omitted here. By sequentially performing this deletion process on the deletion target, the free area of the second storage unit 4 increases (step S4).
5).

It is determined whether or not the increased free space has reached a predetermined amount (step S46), and if so, the process is terminated. If not, the process proceeds to step S47.

When proceeding to step S47, it corresponds to a case where it is difficult to secure the free space in the second storage unit 4, and the user is notified of the fact. In this embodiment, the user:
By creating a new recording medium as the second storage unit 3, a further backup process can be performed. Hereinafter, that portion will be described.

In step S47, for example, a plurality of media (for example, two DVD-RAMs) are replaced and used in the second storage unit 4. One of them is a main backup medium, and the other is a sub backup medium. At least, the primary backup medium stores a primitive file, backup file information, and backup control information, and the other backup files themselves are stored in the secondary backup medium. In step S707 in FIG. 7, a process is performed in which the backup time in the backup file information that is old is moved to the secondary backup medium.
For the moved backup file, a description to that effect is made, for example, in the item “location” of the corresponding backup file information. Then, for example, a new item "medium identification information" is provided, the identification information of the secondary backup medium is written therein, and the identification information is also stored in the secondary backup medium so that the location of the backup file can be determined. You may comprise. (Update of First Storage Unit with Backup Data) Next, the backup system 10 causes the parent computer to reflect the backup data created in the second storage unit 4 on the child computer, or vice versa. The case where the backup data created in the second storage unit 4 is reflected on the parent computer will be described. This makes it possible to make adjustments so that the file contents do not conflict between the parent computer and the child computer.

In step S1 of FIG. 4, when the recording medium as the second storage unit 4 is mounted on the child computer and the backup system 10 of the child computer is started,
The setting processing of the second storage unit as shown in FIG. 5 is executed. In step S14 of FIG. 5, since the computer identification information stored in the recording medium serving as the second storage unit 4 does not match the identification information of the child computer, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. Storage unit 4
Is displayed on the display via the display unit 1 inquiring whether or not to start up the computer currently being used. In response to this inquiry, if the user specifies restart of the child computer by using the file stored in the recording medium, the process proceeds to step S16, and the child computer is operated using the OS stored in the recording medium. Can be restarted.

After starting the child computer, basically,
Normal second storage unit 4 by backup system 10
It is possible to update or delete a file by using the recording medium.

At this time, the creation time of the file stored in the first storage unit 1 of the slave computer is an important criterion for changing the file, so that the time T1 of the clock of the slave computer and the storage medium The stored backup time is compared with the last backup time T2, and if T2 is advanced, this fact is presented to urge the child computer to adjust the time. Thereafter, by performing various processes, the latest file stored in the storage medium is updated (see FIG. 8).

Next, when this storage medium is used again for backup processing as the second storage unit 4 of the parent computer, in step S14 of FIG. 5, the computer identification information stored in the storage medium and the parent storage unit are used. When the information is matched with the computer identification information, the file in the first storage unit 3 of the parent computer is updated with the latest backup file stored in the recording medium.

FIG. 8 shows an operation of updating a file in the first storage unit 3 in the parent computer and the child computer with the backup data created on the recording medium as the second storage unit 4 by the backup system 10. FIG. Here, for example, a case will be described as an example where the backup data created on the recording medium as the second storage unit 4 by the parent computer is reflected on the child computer.

First, in the child computer on which the recording medium is mounted, the control unit 5 of the backup system 10 controls the file name and creation time of each file stored in the first storage unit 3 and the recording medium. Is compared with the creation time included in the latest backup file information for each file name stored in the storage medium, and the file creation time of the file stored in the first storage unit 3 is calculated from the file stored in the recording medium. Thereafter, a backup file (a file updated by (the backup system of) the parent computer) recorded on the recording medium, and a file (a parent computer (the parent computer) that exists in the recording medium but does not exist in the first storage unit 3) File newly created by the backup system), the first recording medium does not exist on the recording medium. Files (files deleted by the child computer) are collected as files to be updated, presented on the display via the display unit 1, and whether or not to reflect these files in the first storage unit 3 of the child computer is determined. A message asking the user is displayed (steps S51 to S52).

At this time, of the collected files to be updated, only the files whose file names are designated as restoration designated file information in the backup control information may be presented to the user as files to be updated.

In response to this inquiry, when the user inputs an instruction to “do not reflect”, the updating process is terminated. On the other hand, if the user inputs an instruction to “reflect”, the process proceeds to step S53, and the update target file collected from the recording medium as the second storage unit 4 is stored in the first storage unit of the child computer. 3 (Step S5)
3). (Display Interface) FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen display by the backup system 10, in which the control unit 5
4 is a display window of the backup data stored in the second storage unit 4 displayed on the display under the control of the display unit 1 based on the backup file information and the like read from the storage unit 4.

As shown in FIG. 9, a menu bar 1001 is provided at the upper end of the display window. For example, a list of display functions of the display window is displayed here.

For example, when the menu button 1003 “History” is clicked and selected with the mouse from the menu bar 1001, the history of the backup file as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

In the display area 1010, the second recording medium 4
The directory structure (directory tree) of the backup directory stored in is stored as a directory icon. At this time, if there are a plurality of backup directories, all the icons are displayed in chronological order. Note that the directory icon 1014 is indicated by a dotted line, and is distinguished from icons of other directories. This indicates that the directory has been deleted in the first storage unit 3 and exists only as a backup directory in the second storage unit 4.

The display area 1004 includes a display area 1010
Directory icons (1011 to 10
In 14), a list of backup files under a specific directory selected by the user is displayed. For example, when the icon 1012 is selected, the display area 10
04, three files, File A, File B, and File C, are displayed by icons representing the files. As the icon display of the file, for example, a specific icon may be displayed according to the file type, as is often seen in the current system.

For file A, there is no other backup file linked in chronological order.
Only the icon 1005 of the latest backup file is displayed. For file B, there are three backup files linked in chronological order. Therefore, a total of three backup file icons 1006 starting with the latest backup file 1006a
a to 1006c are displayed in chronological order. The icon 1007 of the backup file of the file C is displayed by a dotted line, and is displayed separately from the icons of the other backup files. This is the first storage unit 3
Indicates that file C has been deleted and exists only in the second storage unit 4 as a backup file. The display area 1008 displays the number of backup files of the file displayed in the display area 1004.

For example, when a menu button 1002 “Display” is selected from the menu bar 1001,
The directory tree and the files stored in the second storage unit 4 are displayed without including the history of the backup file (in a conventional display format) as shown in FIG. That is, in the display area 1010, even if there are a plurality of backup directories, they are displayed with one icon. In the display area 1004, even if a plurality of backup files exist, they are displayed with one icon. Further, icons of directories and files deleted from the first storage unit 3 are not displayed.

For example, when a file B having a plurality of backup files displayed in the display area 1004 of the display window in FIG. 9 is selected by clicking or the like with a mouse, a display screen as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

In FIG. 11, a display area 1010 includes
An icon 1201 in a format that the backup file of the file B is open is displayed. In the display area 1004, icons 1202 to 1204 of a plurality of backup files of the file B are displayed. The icon 1202 is the icon of the latest backup file, and the icon 1203 is
The previous backup file, and the icon 1204
Is the previous backup file.

The display area 1205 includes a display area 1004
The backup time of each backup file displayed in is displayed.

The menu bar on the display window shown in FIG. 11 may display a menu button for selecting functions such as various commands (delete, copy) in a normal file management system.

The display form of the backup data stored in the first storage unit 4 is not limited to the form shown in FIGS. It goes without saying that various display forms are possible based on the backup data (backup file information, backup control information, etc.) shown in FIG. (System for Restricting Access to Second Storage Unit) In addition to the backup system 10, various operation systems and a plurality of systems (for example, document creation systems 11 and 12) are operated on the personal computer. The first storage unit 3 configured above is accessed. Therefore, by providing a specific authentication means between the backup system 10 and the second storage unit 4, access to the second storage unit 4 from a system (process) other than the backup system 10 or a virus is restricted. , The data in the second storage unit 4 is prevented from being destroyed.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining such a mechanism. In FIG. 12, an identification key 902 for identifying itself from another backup system is stored in the backup system 901 according to the present embodiment in advance. Recording medium 905 as second storage unit 4
Is mounted on a device 904 such as a drive device and connected so as to be readable and writable from a personal computer via a device control unit 903. The recording medium 90
For example, when a certain backup system 901 is initialized, the identification key 902 of the backup system 901 is written to the recording medium. Thereafter, when at least some writing is performed on the recording medium 905, access control is performed based on the identification key 906 recorded on the recording medium 905. That is, when the storage medium 905 is mounted on the device 904, the device control unit 903 reads the identification key, recognizes that this storage medium is to perform access control for a predetermined process, and performs subsequent processing. A predetermined check is performed for a request from the process to the device 904.

For example, a process P is executed by the device 904
, The device control unit 903 requests an identification key from the process P, and the process P sends predetermined data to the device control unit 903.
The device control unit 903 performs matching between the data and the identification key 906, and writes data to the recording medium 905 only when the matching is successful. Is possible.

Note that if the identification key written from the backup system 901 to the recording medium 905 is encrypted, the security of the storage medium protection is further improved. In this case, to decrypt the encryption, an encryption key is exchanged between the device control unit 903 and a processing system that communicates with the device control unit 903. For this part, for example, an existing method such as an encryption key management method adopted in a DVD player or the like may be applied.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration in which the device control unit 903 is placed inside the device 904. However, a configuration in which the device control unit 903 is placed outside the device 904, for example, as a software driver, instead of inside the device 904. It is possible.

FIG. 13 conceptually shows another example of a system for restricting access to the second storage unit 4.

In FIG. 13, a device 1304 such as a drive device on which a recording medium 1305 serving as the second storage unit 4 is mounted has an identification key 1303 for identifying the device 1304 from other devices in advance. Stored. The recording medium 1305 is mounted on the device 1304, and connected so as to be readable and writable from a personal computer via the device control unit 1302.

When the recording medium 1305 is initialized by, for example, a certain backup system 1301, the device control unit 1302 stores the identification key 1303 in the recording medium 105.
Write to.

When the storage medium 1305 is attached to another device, the device control unit of the device reads the identification key 1305 from the recording medium 1305 and compares it with its own identification key, so that the device control unit at the device level can read it. It is possible to restrict to a specific device.

In this configuration, the identification key 1303 is unique to the device 1304. However, it is also possible to construct a configuration in which a key can be obtained from software such as an OS and executed only under a specific OS. It is. In this case, a configuration is also conceivable in which a plurality of OSs can be set, but a plurality of identification keys can be set so that the OS can be executed only by a limited number of OSs. In this case, for example, data can be used only by three computers, office, home, and mobile, and the data can not be used by other computers. Improvement is achieved.

Further, a password is set from the backup system, and the relevant information is stored in a storage medium.
Without this password, a configuration is possible in which the computer cannot be started or data cannot be referenced, and data protection can be enhanced. (Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, the case where the identification information for limiting the parent computer is applied as the computer identification information in the backup control information has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. It is also possible to set a limited use environment between the designated parent and child computers by further adding the identification information of one or more child computers. That is, by using such backup control information, for example, a message inquiring as to whether or not to start the currently used computer is displayed based on the file stored in the recording medium in step S15 in FIG. What is done can be limited to only the designated child computer.

In the above embodiment, the case where the file environment stored in the first storage unit 1 of the parent computer is directly backed up has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. File information may be added and a file to be backed up may be specified. Further, based on the backup designation file information, a file to be backed up may be designated not only for the parent computer but also for a child computer. The determination as to whether or not to take a backup is made, for example, when detecting the operation state of the file stored in the first storage unit 3 in step S21 in FIG.
Only the file specified by the backup specification file information needs to be processed.

The embodiment of the backup system according to the present invention has been described above. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention, a backup copy of data stored in a computer used by an individual is always performed, and data can be restored even if data is lost due to a user's operation error or the like. I do.

Further, a plurality of computer environments can be unified, for example, the environment of an office computer can be reproduced on a home computer as it is, and a safe and efficient computer use environment can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view for explaining an outline of the operation of the backup system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of backup data stored in a second storage unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the backup system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a setting processing operation of a second storage unit in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the backup processing operation of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an area enlargement processing operation of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an update processing operation of the first storage unit by the second storage unit;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a screen display by the backup system, and showing an example of a display window in a form for displaying a history of backup files.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display by the backup system, and showing an example of a display window in which the history of the backup file is not displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display by the backup system, showing an example of a display window in which a certain file is designated and the backup file is displayed in more detail.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of restricting access to a recording medium serving as a second storage unit.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another access restriction method for a recording medium serving as a second storage unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 display unit 2 input unit 3 first storage unit 4 second storage unit 5 control unit 10 backup system

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Omori 1st address, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Toshiba R & D Center (72) Inventor Shuichi Tsujimoto Komukai, Saiyuki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture No. 1 Toshiba Town F-term in Toshiba R & D Center (reference) 5B018 GA04 HA04 MA12 QA01 5B082 CA14 CA17 DE07 EA01 EA07 FA11 GA01 GA14 GA18 GC05 JA12

Claims (11)

[Claims] 2. An information processing method comprising: detecting an operation state of a stored information file; and storing the information file in which the operation state is detected in a storage unit in a time-series manner based on the detected operation state. Memory method. 2. The information storage method according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a portable storage medium, and the stored information file is updated based on the information file stored in the storage unit. . 3. When storing the information file in the storage means, if the storage capacity is insufficient, the information file stored in the storage means is based on the creation time of the information file stored in the storage means. 2. The information storage method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the information is selected and deleted. 4. When storing the information file in the storage means, if the storage capacity is insufficient, the information file stored in the storage means is based on the creation time of the information file stored in the storage means. 2. The information storage method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the information is selected and compressed. 5. The information storage method according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores control information for limiting an information file stored in the storage means. 6. A storage unit for storing a stored information file based on an operation state thereof, a detection unit for detecting an operation state of the stored information file, and information for which an operation state is detected by the detection unit. An information storage device, wherein files are stored in the storage unit in time series. 7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is a portable storage medium, and further includes an update device that updates the stored information file based on the information file stored in the storage device. 6. The information storage device according to item 6. 8. When storing the information file in the storage means, if the storage capacity is insufficient, the information file stored in the storage means is based on the creation time of the information file stored in the storage means. 7. The information storage device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the information storage devices is selected and deleted. 9. When the storage capacity of the information file is insufficient when storing the information file in the storage means, the information file stored in the storage means is based on the creation time of the information file stored in the storage means. 7. The information storage device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said information is selected and compressed. 10. The information storage device according to claim 6, wherein said storage means stores control information for limiting an information file to be stored in said storage means. 11. A detecting means for detecting an operation state of a stored information file; a storage means for storing, in a time series, an information file in which the operation state is detected based on the operation state detected by the detection means; A machine-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the program is recorded.