JP2006268412A - File distribution system, file server, file distribution method and file distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more properly manage a distributed file, in a system distributing the file to a distribution destination through a prescribed server equipped on a network such as the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: This file distribution system has: a file server connected to an in-company network, storing a file group; and the distribution server connected to the Internet, distributing the file transmitted from the file server to an external terminal of the designated distribution destination in response to requirement from the external terminal. The file server in the file distribution system has: a selection module receiving selection of the file to be distributed from an internal terminal of a distribution instruction source; a distribution destination information input module receiving input of distribution destination information of the selected file; a transfer module associating the inputted distribution destination information and the selected file, and transferring them to the distribution server; and a distribution history inquiry module acquiring distribution history information of the file group from the distribution server. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for distributing a file from a distribution instruction source to a distribution destination via a predetermined server provided on a network such as the Internet.

  A file such as an electronic document exchanged in a company may be stored and managed in a database installed on an in-house network. By managing the files collectively in the database in this way, safety measures such as information leakage to the files are collectively performed.

  On the other hand, a system is known in which an electronic document is delivered from an internal terminal installed in the company to an external terminal outside the company via a predetermined server on the Internet. Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which when a transmission side terminal transfers an electronic document to a server, the server sends a notification of the electronic document to the reception side device, and the reception side device downloads the transferred electronic document from the server. ing.

  When a file stored in the above database is transferred from an in-house terminal to a server on the Internet using a system as described in Patent Document 1, the in-house terminal sends the file to itself. Need to be temporarily stored in the memory. In other words, the in-house terminal handles files that are not under the management of the database. For this reason, the file cannot be sufficiently managed by the database, and file information leakage may occur.

JP-A-10-154110

  An object of the present invention is to more appropriately manage files to be distributed in a system that distributes files from a distribution instruction source to a distribution destination via a predetermined server provided on a network such as the Internet. .

  A file delivery system according to the present invention is connected to an internal network, stores a file group, and is connected to an external network connected to the internal network. A file transmitted from the file server is transmitted from a designated delivery destination. A distribution server that distributes to a distribution destination in response to a request from the distribution server, the distribution server including a distribution history management module that manages a distribution history of the distribution file group, and the file server distributes a selection of files to be distributed. A selection module that receives from the instruction source, a distribution destination information input module that receives input of distribution destination information of the selected file, and a transfer module that associates the input distribution destination information with the selected file and transfers them to the distribution server And the distribution history information of the file group obtained from the distribution server Characterized in that it comprises a gravel inquiry module, a.

  According to the present invention, the file server that accumulates the file group receives the selection of the file to be distributed and the distribution destination information from the distribution instruction source, associates the distribution destination information with the selected file, and transfers it to the distribution server. To do. At this time, the file server stores the transferred file. The distribution server manages the distribution history of the file group and records information such as the date and time downloaded from the transfer destination. The file server refers to the distribution history of the distribution server, for example, to which user, which file to be distributed has been transferred to the distribution server, based on an instruction from which user, It is possible to easily confirm information such as when and how many times it has been downloaded from the distribution destination.

  Embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a file delivery system in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, an in-house network 100 is an internal network that can be accessed by a specific user, and an Internet 300 is an external network that can be accessed by an unspecified user. The corporate network 100 and the Internet 300 are connected via a firewall 200. Further, the in-house network 100 is provided with a file server 110 that stores a plurality of files, and a plurality of internal terminals 120 i that browse and edit the files stored in the file server 110. The file server 110 stores an operation history for each file and manages access rights for each file.

  In the Internet 300, a distribution server 310 that temporarily holds a file transmitted from the file server 110 and a plurality of external terminals 320i that are distribution destinations of the file held in the distribution server 310 are installed. The distribution server 310 manages the distribution history of the file group, and records and manages information such as the date and time downloaded from the transfer destination. The file server 110 inquires a distribution history to the distribution server 310 based on an instruction from the internal terminal 120 i and acquires a distribution history managed by the distribution server 310. By referring to the distribution history via the internal terminal 120i, the user can transfer which file to be distributed to the distribution server 310 for which user, for example, based on an instruction from which user. Also, information such as when and how many times it has been downloaded from the distribution destination is confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, a file managed by the file server 110 selected by the internal terminal 120i is distributed via the distribution server 310 to the external terminal 320i specified by the internal terminal 120i.

  Here, the file server 110 and the distribution server 310 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the file server 110. The file server 110 includes a control device 112 that controls the entire file server, such as file management, and a storage device 116 that stores a file group to be distributed. The control device 112 includes a CPU 113 that performs actual processing, a RAM 114 that functions as a work memory of the CPU 113, and a ROM 115 that stores various modules used when the CPU 113 performs processing.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of the distribution server 310. The distribution server 310 includes a control device 312 that controls the entire distribution server, such as holding a file, and a storage device 316 that temporarily holds a file transmitted from the file server 110. The control device 312 includes a CPU 313 that performs actual processing, a RAM 314 that functions as a work memory of the CPU 313, and a ROM 315 that stores various modules used when the CPU 313 performs processing. The CPU 313 manages the distribution history of the file group, and also manages information such as the date and time downloaded from the transfer destination together with the distribution history.

  Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the file distribution system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the internal terminal 120i requests a file list from the file server 110 (S101). The file server 110 transmits file list screen data to the internal terminal 120i in response to the list request (S102). Here, the screen data to be transmitted may be a list of all files stored in the file server 110, or a list of files that satisfy the conditions specified by the internal terminal 120i when requesting the list based on the file attributes. . The file attributes include file name, access right, file creator and owner, update date and time, data size, and the like. For example, the file server 110 searches for a file having a file attribute of “A” updated after the date of Y, Z, 200X based on an instruction from the internal terminal 120i. Based on the search result, the file list screen data Is generated and transmitted to the internal terminal 120i.

  The internal terminal 120i displays the received file list screen data on a display or the like. An example of the displayed screen is shown in FIG. From the list displayed on the display in this way, the user operates the mouse or the like to select a file to be distributed to the external terminal 320i. Then, the file ID of the selected file is transmitted to the file server 110 (S103).

  Subsequently, the file server 110 transmits file attribute information corresponding to the selected file to the internal terminal 120i (S104). FIG. 6 is an example of a file attribute information screen. By checking the file attribute information, the user determines whether the information is to be distributed. When the user determines that the file is to be distributed, the user instructs the internal terminal 120i to transmit the file. In response to the transmission instruction, the internal terminal 120i transmits a file transmission request to the file server 110 by, for example, pressing the file transmission button 150 shown in FIG. 6 (S105). In response to the transmission request, the file server 110 transmits the parameter item screen data of the selected file to the internal terminal 120i (S106).

  Here, the parameter item is a parameter required when the file server 110 transmits a distribution target file to the distribution server 310. As an indispensable item of a parameter, an e-mail address indicating file distribution destination information is an indispensable item. The optional items include password information necessary when the external terminal 320i that is the distribution destination downloads a file from the distribution server 310, and the number of times that the external terminal 320i can download the file. Further, an expiration date temporarily stored in the distribution server 310, that is, an expiration date when the external terminal 320i can download the file from the distribution server 310, whether the file to be stored is encrypted, and the like are also optional items. In addition, the access right to the encrypted file may be set as a parameter item. The access rights to be set include file editing permission, annotation editing permission, printing permission, transcription permission, and the like. FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen showing parameter items to be determined by the user. The user sets each parameter item using a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and then issues a transmission confirmation instruction to the internal terminal 120i. In response to the transmission confirmation instruction, the internal terminal 120i transmits the set parameter information and transmission confirmation information to the file server 110 (S107).

  When the file server 110 receives the parameter information and the transmission confirmation information, the file server 110 generates a copy of the file corresponding to the parameter information, and transmits the copy file and the parameter information to the distribution server 310 via the firewall 200. (S108). In addition to the items specified by the internal terminal 120i, the parameter information includes the server ID of the file server 110 that is the transmission source, the file ID of the file to be distributed, and the like.

  When the transmission is completed, the distribution server 310 associates the received file with the parameter information and registers them in the storage device 316 (S109). When the registration is completed, the distribution server 310 notifies the internal terminal 120i of the completion of transmission via the file server 110 (S110). Upon receiving the notification of transmission completion, the internal terminal 120i displays transmission completion information on a display or the like to notify the user. FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen showing transmission completion information. In this example, the setting contents of each parameter item are shown in addition to the transmission completion notification.

  Thereafter, the distribution server 310 refers to the mail address of the distribution destination indicated in the parameter information and notifies the distribution destination external terminal 320i by e-mail that there is data to be downloaded (S111). ). This notification includes a one-time URL to be accessed when the external terminal 320i as a distribution destination downloads a file. The one-time URL is address information generated for each distribution destination user, that is, for each mail address of the distribution destination user, in order to download a file to be distributed.

  When the user receives the notification mail via the external terminal 320i and attempts to access the URL indicated in the mail, the access request is transmitted to the distribution server 310 (S112). In response to the request, the distribution server 310 transmits download screen data to the external terminal 320i (S113). FIG. 9 shows an example of a download screen. Next, when a download request is transmitted from the external terminal 320i to the distribution server 310 (S114), the distribution server 310 transmits a file corresponding to the URL accessed by the external terminal 320i to the external terminal 320i (S115). After confirming that the file has been successfully downloaded, the external terminal 320i transmits a download completion notification to the distribution server 310 (S116).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a file managed by the file server 110 can be distributed to the external terminal 320i as a distribution destination via the Internet based on an instruction from the internal terminal 120i. Further, the distribution server 310 manages, for each file, which file is distributed to which user, based on an instruction from which user, and stores it as a distribution history. Therefore, for example, the administrator can check the file distribution status by referring to the distribution history managed by the distribution server 310 via the file server 110. FIG. 10 shows an example of data provided as a distribution history. In FIG. 10, as a distribution history, a distributed file name, a user name instructing distribution (distribution instruction source information), a distribution destination user name (distribution destination information), a distribution date and time, the number of downloads, and a download expiration date are shown. ing.

  In addition, if the file server 110 manages access rights such as referability and editability in units of users and user groups for each file, the files that can be distributed are restricted according to the user who instructs the distribution destination. In addition, editing of files to be distributed can be restricted.

  Furthermore, when the expiration date of download is set as the parameter information, the distribution server 310, based on the time information held by itself when an access request is received from the external terminal 320i in S112, Referring to the date and time, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is within the download expiration date indicated in the parameter information. If it is within the expiration date, the download screen data is transmitted to the external terminal 320i. The error information indicating that the expiration date has passed is transmitted.

  Further, the distribution server 310 sequentially deletes the files whose expiration date has passed from the storage device 316 at a predetermined timing. The timing of deletion may be, for example, a predetermined interval, for example, every hour or every day. Then, the distribution server 310 refers to each expiration date indicated in the registered parameter information at a predetermined interval, determines whether or not the expiration date has passed, and associates it with the parameter information that has passed the expiration date. Delete the specified file.

  Further, when the number of downloads is set as the parameter information, the distribution server 310 determines whether or not the number of downloads is within the specified number of times. Send download screen data. In order to make this determination, the distribution server 310 counts the number of times each time the external terminal 320i downloads in association with the one-time URL accessed by the external terminal 320i and stores it in the RAM or the like. When the external terminal 320i makes an access request in S112, the number of downloads corresponding to the one-time URL accessed by the external terminal 320i is read from the memory, and the number of times read is determined from the specified number indicated in the parameter information. It is determined whether or not it is small. If the determination result is small, the download screen data is transmitted to the external terminal 320i. If the specified number of times has been reached, error information indicating that the number of downloads has reached the specified number is transmitted.

  Further, the distribution server 310 may delete the file temporarily stored in the storage device 316 when the number of downloads reaches the specified number. In this case, the distribution server 310 receives the file download completion notification from the external terminal 320i, counts the number of downloads stored in the memory, and then determines whether or not the number of downloads reaches the specified number indicated in the parameter information. Determine. As a result of the determination, if the specified number has been reached, the distribution server 310 deletes the corresponding file from the storage device 316.

  In addition, when a password is set as parameter information, when the external terminal 320i makes a download request in S114, password input screen data as shown in FIG. 11 is transmitted to the external terminal 320i. To enter the password. Then, the password transmitted from the external terminal 320i and the password indicated in the parameter information are collated, and if they match, the designated file is transmitted to the external terminal 320i. Here, the password to be input by the user via the external terminal 320i is notified in advance to the user of the distribution destination. The notification may be described in a mail transmitted when notifying the one-time URL in S111, or may be separately performed by mail, mail, FAX, telephone, or the like.

  If the parameter information is set to encrypt the file, the distribution server 310 encrypts the file before transmitting the file to the external terminal 320i in S115. As the encryption method to be used, a generally used method may be used. For example, a public key encryption method may be used. In this way, not only the file is encrypted on the communication path such as SSL, but also the file itself before being transmitted is encrypted, so that security such as information leakage prevention can be enhanced.

  Further, when the download completion notification is received from the external terminal 320i, the distribution server 310 may notify the internal terminal 120i that has made the file distribution request that the external terminal 320i has downloaded by e-mail or the like. Good.

  In addition, the file status information held in the distribution server 310 may be provided to the internal terminal 120 i via the file server 110. As the status information, for example, the disclosure status of the file held in the distribution server 310 (publishing, publishing termination, publishing cancellation), that is, download screen data from the distribution server 310 when accessing the one-time URL from the external terminal 320i. This is information about whether it is sent and can be downloaded. The release cancellation indicates a state in which the file held in the distribution server 310 is deleted based on an instruction from the internal terminal 120i within the download expiration date set in S107. As other information of the status information, there are a one-time URL of the stored file, a prescribed download count, an access count (number of downloads), and the like. FIG. 12 shows an example of screen data indicating the status information of the file provided to the internal terminal 120i. In FIG. 12, when the release cancel button 330 is pressed, a file deletion command is transmitted to the distribution server 310 via the file server 110, and the distribution server 310 receives the command and deletes the corresponding file. . FIG. 13 is an example of screen data indicating state information when a file is canceled.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the file delivery system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the file server in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the delivery server in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process sequence of the file delivery system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the file list screen provided to an internal terminal from a file server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the file attribute information of the file selected from the file list. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of each parameter item about the selected file. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed when transmission of the selected file is completed. It is a figure which shows an example of the download request screen displayed when an external terminal requests | requires download of a file. It is a figure which shows an example of the delivery log | history managed by a file server. It is a figure which shows an example of the password input screen displayed when a password is requested | required when an external terminal downloads a file. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the status information of the file hold | maintained at the delivery server. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the status information of the file hold | maintained at the delivery server.

Explanation of symbols

  100 internal network, 110 file server, 120i internal terminal, 200 firewall, 300 Internet, 310 distribution server, 320i external terminal.

Claims (8)

A file server connected to the internal network and storing files,
A distribution server connected to an external network connected to the internal network and distributing a file transmitted from the file server to the distribution destination in response to a request from the specified distribution destination;
With
The distribution server includes a distribution history management module that manages a distribution history of the distribution file group,
The file server
A selection module that accepts selection of a file to be distributed from a distribution instruction source;
A delivery destination information input module that accepts input of delivery destination information of the selected file;
A transfer module for associating the input distribution destination information with the selected file and transferring it to the distribution server;
A distribution history inquiry module for acquiring distribution history information of the file group from a distribution server;
A file distribution system comprising: The file distribution system according to claim 1,
The distribution history management module manages distribution instruction source information, distribution destination information, and a distribution target file name as a history in association with each other. The file distribution system according to claim 1,
The file transfer system, wherein the transfer module encrypts and transfers a selected file. In a file server that is connected to an internal network connected to an external network and stores files to be distributed,
A selection module that accepts selection of a file to be distributed from a distribution instruction source;
A delivery destination information input module that accepts input of delivery destination information of the selected file;
A transfer module for associating and transferring the input destination information and the selected file to a distribution server connected to an external network that distributes the file to the destination according to a request from the destination;
A distribution history inquiry module for acquiring distribution history information of the file group managed by the distribution server from the distribution server;
A file server comprising: The file server according to claim 4,
A file server characterized in that the distribution history information includes distribution instruction source information, distribution destination information, and a distribution target file name associated with each other. The file server according to claim 4,
The file module, wherein the transfer module encrypts and transfers the selected file. A selection step in which a selection module receives a selection of a file to be distributed from among a file group stored in a file server connected to an internal network connected to an external network;
A delivery destination information input module for accepting an input of delivery destination information of the selected file;
A transfer step in which a transfer module associates and transfers the input distribution destination information and the selected file to a distribution server connected to an external network that distributes the file to the distribution destination in response to a request from the distribution destination;
A distribution history inquiry module for acquiring distribution history information of the file group managed by the distribution server from the distribution server;
File delivery method including: A selection step for accepting selection of a file to be distributed from among a group of files stored in a file server connected to an internal network connected to an external network;
A delivery destination information input step for accepting input of delivery destination information of the selected file;
A transfer step of associating and transferring the input distribution destination information and the selected file to a distribution server connected to an external network that distributes the file to the distribution destination in response to a request from the distribution destination;
A distribution history inquiry step of acquiring distribution history information of the file group managed by the distribution server from the distribution server;
Is a file delivery program for causing the file server to execute.

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