JP2012123619A - Application management device, server device, application management system, application management method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an application management device capable of reducing hardware resource consumption by an unneeded function included in application without a burden on a user.SOLUTION: The application management device includes: a function list storage part 11 storing a valid function list constituting the application; a function use history information storage part 12 storing function use history information indicating the execution history of respective functions; an unneeded function determination condition storage part 13 storing an unneeded function determination condition for determining whether or not each function is unneeded on the basis of the function use history information; a function use history information updating part 15 for updating the function use history information corresponding to the execution of each function; a function configuration updating part 16 for determining whether or not each function satisfies the unneeded function determination condition on the basis of the function use history information, deleting the function determined as satisfying the unneeded function determination condition from the application and invalidating it; and a function list updating part 14 for updating the function list in response to the updating of a valid function configuration.

Description

  The present invention relates to an application management apparatus that manages application software (hereinafter simply referred to as an application) installed in an information processing apparatus.

  As an application management apparatus that manages applications, there is known an apparatus that selects and deletes unnecessary applications when the free space of the information storage unit falls below a threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The application management apparatus described in Patent Document 1 stores the total capacity of the configuration file and the last use date and time for each application. In addition, when detecting that the free space of the information storage unit in which the application is stored has fallen below the threshold, the application management apparatus sequentially selects the application having the longest elapsed time since the last use date. Then, this application management apparatus deletes the selected application until the free space exceeds the threshold value.

JP-A-10-260873

  By the way, the application installed in the information processing apparatus is generally configured by a plurality of functions. In such an application, not all functions may be necessary for the user.

  In an information processing apparatus in which such an application is installed, a file including a computer program module constituting an unnecessary function consumes a storage area. Further, when the application is activated, a computer program module constituting an unnecessary function consumes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. If these hardware resources are scarce, there may be a problem in the stability of the operation of the information processing apparatus.

  However, the application management apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is not selected as a deletion target even if an application includes functions unnecessary for the user if some functions are used frequently.

  Therefore, in the application management apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress the consumption of hardware resources due to unnecessary functions, the user's work of reviewing the functional configuration of the application after installing the application and deleting the unnecessary function Was needed. Such unnecessary function deletion work is not only complicated, but also requires sufficient knowledge about the application, which has been a burden on the user.

  As described above, the application management apparatus described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the problem of increasing the consumption of hardware resources due to unnecessary functions included in the application without a burden on the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an application management apparatus that can reduce hardware resource consumption due to unnecessary functions included in an application without burden on the user. To do.

  An application management apparatus according to the present invention includes a function list storage unit that stores a function list that represents a list of valid functions that constitute application software installed in an information processing apparatus, and a function use that represents a history of execution of the functions. A function use history information storage unit storing history information, an unnecessary function determination condition storage unit storing unnecessary function determination conditions for determining whether or not each function is unnecessary based on the function use history information, A function usage history information update unit that updates the function usage history information according to the execution of each function, and whether or not the unnecessary function determination condition is satisfied based on the function usage history information for each function included in the function list And the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition is deleted from the application software and is deleted. By the comprises a functional configuration update unit for updating the effective functional configuration of the application software, and a function list updating unit that updates the function list according to the update of the effective functional configuration of the application software.

In addition, the application management method of the present invention provides a history of execution of each function according to execution of each function included in a function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus. A function use history information update step for updating function use history information representing the function, and it is unnecessary to determine whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information A function determination step;
A function configuration updating step for updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition from the application software; and a valid function of the application software A function list updating step of updating the function list in accordance with the update of the configuration.

Further, the computer program of the present invention provides a history of execution of each function according to execution of each function included in a function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus. A function use history information update step for updating function use history information representing the function, and it is unnecessary to determine whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information A function determination step;
A function configuration updating step for updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition from the application software; and a valid function of the application software And a function list updating step of updating the function list according to the configuration update.

  The present invention can provide an application management apparatus that can reduce hardware resource consumption due to unnecessary functions included in an application without any burden on the user.

It is a functional block diagram of the application management apparatus as a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the function list | wrist in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the function use history information in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the unnecessary function determination conditions in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the application management apparatus as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the application management apparatus as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the application management apparatus as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the application management system as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of each apparatus which comprises the application management system as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the application management system as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
The configuration of the application management apparatus 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the application management apparatus 1 includes a function list storage unit 11, a function use history information storage unit 12, an unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13, a function list update unit 14, and a function use history information update unit 15. And a functional configuration updating unit 16.

  Here, the application management apparatus 1 is configured by a computer device including a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage device such as a hard disk, an input device, and a display device. ing. The function list storage unit 11, the function use history information storage unit 12, and the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 are configured by a storage device. The function list update unit 14, the function use history information update unit 15, and the function configuration update unit 16 are configured by a CPU that reads a computer program stored in a ROM or a storage device into the RAM and executes it. . Note that the hardware configuration configuring each functional block of the application management apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration described above.

  In addition, an application is installed in the computer device constituting the application management apparatus 1. That is, a file group constituting a computer program corresponding to an application is stored in the storage device. When an execution file for starting up the application is called out of these file groups, a computer program corresponding to the application is read into the RAM and executed by the CPU.

  In addition, the application installed in the computer device constituting the application management apparatus 1 is configured by one or more effective functions. Here, the effective function is a function that is installed in a computer device and can be called when the application is started, among the functions of the application. That is, a file group constituting a computer program module corresponding to an effective function is stored in the storage device of the computer device. Then, the application operates so that an effective function can be called while the application is activated. For example, the application includes a valid function in a menu and displays it on the screen. Further, the application loads a computer program module necessary for calling an effective function into the RAM in advance.

  Further, even after the application is installed, it has a function of adding and deleting each function of itself. Each function becomes effective when added. That is, the application acquires a file group constituting a computer program module corresponding to the added function from an external device, and stores the file group in a storage device of the computer device. Then, the application changes settings such as menu display and a program module read when the application is activated so that the function can be called during the activation of the application.

  Each function is invalidated by being deleted. That is, the application deletes a file group constituting the computer program module corresponding to the function from the storage device of the computer device. Then, the application changes settings such as menu display and a program module read when the application is activated so that the function cannot be called during the application activation.

  Next, each functional block constituting the application management apparatus 1 will be described.

  The function list storage unit 11 stores a function list representing a list of effective functions that constitute an application installed in the computer apparatus.

  An example of the function list is shown in FIG. The function list in FIG. 2 includes information indicating whether each function of the application is valid or invalid. Note that the function list is not limited to the example of FIG. 2, and any function list that includes information representing a list of effective functions may be used.

  The function use history information storage unit 12 stores function use history information representing a history of execution of each function.

  Here, an example of the function usage history information is shown in FIG. The function usage history information in FIG. 3 includes information indicating the function addition date, the last operation date, and the past operation count of each function. In the case of a function installed at the time of application installation, the function addition date is the date when the application is installed. Or, in the case of a function added after installation, it is the date of addition. The last operation date is the date when the corresponding function was last called and executed. The past operation count is the number of times the corresponding function has been called and executed since the addition of the function. In addition, the function use history information may include a function deletion date.

  Note that the function usage history information is not limited to the example in FIG. 3, and may be in a format in which a function name, an operation content, and a date are additionally recorded in association with each function being added, executed, or deleted. Good.

  The unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 stores an unnecessary function determination condition for determining whether or not each function is unnecessary based on the function use history information.

  Here, an example of the unnecessary function determination condition is shown in FIG. The unnecessary function determination condition shown in FIG. 4 is that the number of days elapsed from the function addition date is equal to or greater than the threshold d1, the number of days elapsed from the last operation date is equal to or greater than the threshold d2, and the number of past operations is equal to or less than the threshold n. It represents the condition of being. FIG. 4 is merely an example, and other conditions may be conditions relating to each item recorded in the function usage history information, conditions relating to information that can be aggregated from the function usage history information, or a combination of these.

  The function list update unit 14 updates the function list storage unit 11 in accordance with function addition or function deletion for the application.

  That is, the function list update unit 14 updates the function list with respect to functions that are added or deleted by the function configuration update unit 16 described later.

  The function list update unit 14 also updates the function list for functions that have been added or deleted in response to user operations. For example, the function list updating unit 14 may update the function list for the corresponding function by acquiring information for instructing function addition or function deletion from the input device. In this case, the function list updating unit 14 notifies the application of information instructing the acquired function addition or function deletion. Or the function list update part 14 may update a function list regarding the applicable function by receiving notification from the application which performed the function addition or function deletion according to user operation.

  The function usage history information update unit 15 updates the function usage history information stored in the function usage history information storage unit 12 in accordance with the execution of each function. For example, the function usage history information update unit 15 may update the function usage history information by notifying the application that the function has been called and executed.

  The functional configuration update unit 16 determines whether or not an unnecessary function determination condition is satisfied for each valid function included in the function list storage unit 11 based on the function usage history information. Then, the function configuration updating unit 16 deletes the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition from the application software and invalidates it. For example, the function configuration updating unit 16 may notify the application to delete a file group constituting a computer program module corresponding to the corresponding function from the storage device and change various settings.

  The operation of the application management apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the application management apparatus 1 starts the following operation when an application is started.

  First, the function configuration updating unit 16 creates unnecessary functions for each valid function included in the function list stored in the function list storage unit 11 based on the function use history information stored in the function use history information storage unit 12. It is determined whether or not an unnecessary function determination condition stored in the determination condition storage unit 13 is satisfied (step S1).

  If it is determined that there is no function that satisfies the unnecessary function determination condition, the operation of the application management apparatus 1 proceeds to step S3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a function that satisfies the unnecessary function determination condition, the function configuration updating unit 16 deletes the corresponding function from the application and invalidates it. Then, the function list update unit 14 deletes the deleted function from the function list (step S2).

  Here, the application executes processing at the time of activation, and is in a state where it is possible to call each effective function.

  Next, the function usage history information update unit 15 determines whether or not the application has been notified that the function has been executed (step S3).

  If it is determined that the function has not been notified, the operation of the application management device 1 proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the function has been notified, the function usage history information update unit 15 updates the function usage history information in the function usage history information storage unit 12 for the corresponding function (step S4).

  Next, the function list update unit 14 determines whether or not a function addition or function deletion according to a user operation has been performed (step S5).

  Here, when it is determined that the function addition or the function deletion according to the user operation is not performed, the operation of the application management apparatus 1 proceeds to step S7.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the function addition or the function deletion has been performed, the function list update unit 14 updates the function list in the function list storage unit 11 (step S6).

  Next, when the application has not ended (No in step S7), the operation of the application management apparatus 1 returns to step S3. On the other hand, when the application ends (Yes in step S7), the application management apparatus 1 ends the operation.

  Next, effects of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The application management apparatus as the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention can reduce hardware resource consumption due to unnecessary functions included in an application without burden on the user.

  The reason is that the valid functions that make up the application are stored as a function list, the function usage history information update unit records the function usage history information for each valid function, and the function configuration update unit records the function usage history. This is because the function whose information satisfies the unnecessary function determination condition is deleted from the application.

  Thereby, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the storage device by the file group constituting the computer program module corresponding to the function unnecessary for the user. Further, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the CPU and RAM by the computer program module corresponding to functions unnecessary for the user. As a result, the user need not review the function configuration and delete unnecessary functions. Further, the user does not need to perform an operation of increasing hardware resources.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each drawing referred to in the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configuration and steps that operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the detailed description in the present embodiment. Description is omitted.

  An application management apparatus 2 as a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the application management apparatus 2 is different from the application management apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in that a function list update unit 24 and a function use history information update unit are provided instead of the function list update unit 14. 15 includes a function usage history information update unit 25, a function configuration update unit 26 instead of the function configuration update unit 16, a function management information storage destination storage unit 27, a function management information transmission / reception unit 28, The difference is that an unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 is provided. The function management information storage destination storage unit 27 and the function management information transmission / reception unit 28 constitute an embodiment of the function management information transmission / reception unit of the present invention.

  Here, the function management information storage destination storage unit 27 is configured by a storage device. The function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 includes a CPU and a peripheral device connection interface that read a computer program stored in the storage device or ROM into the RAM and execute it. The unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 includes a CPU that reads a computer program stored in a storage device or ROM into a RAM, executes it, an input device, and a display device. Note that the hardware configuration configuring each functional block of the application management apparatus 2 is not limited to the above configuration.

  The computer device constituting the application management apparatus 2 includes a peripheral device connection interface in addition to the same configuration as that of the computer apparatus constituting the application management device 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The application management device 2 is connected to the function management information storage device 9 via a peripheral device connection interface.

  Here, it is desirable that the function management information storage device 9 is constituted by a portable storage device that can be connected to a computer device constituting the application management device 2. For example, the function management information storage device 9 may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD memory card, or the like.

  The function management information storage device 9 is a device that stores a function management information master. The function management information master is information synchronized with the function management information received from the application management apparatus 2. The function management information master is information shared by one or more application management apparatuses 2.

  The function management information master includes at least a function list master. The function list master is information synchronized with the function list included in the function management information received from the application management apparatus 2.

  The function management information master may further include a used function history information master. The function usage history information master is information synchronized with the function usage history information included in the function management information received from the application management apparatus 2.

  The function management information master may further include an unnecessary function determination condition master. The unnecessary function determination condition master is information that is synchronized with the unnecessary function determination condition included in the function management information received from the application management apparatus 2.

  The function management information storage destination storage unit 27 stores information representing the function management information storage device 9. For example, the function management information storage destination storage unit 27 includes, as information representing the function management information storage device 9, a function list master, a function use history information master, and an unnecessary function determination condition master stored in the function management information storage device 9. Each file path may be stored.

  The function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 receives the function management information master from the function management information storage device 9 stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 27. Here, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 performs reception of the function management information master at a predetermined timing when the application is activated or during application activation.

  Further, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 transmits function management information including at least the function list stored in the function list storage unit 11 to the function management information storage device 9.

  Further, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 further includes the function use history information stored in the function use history information storage unit 12 and the unnecessary function determination condition stored in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 in the function management information. May be transmitted to the function management information storage device 9.

  At this time, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 synchronizes the function management information with the function management information master stored in the function management information storage device 9 by transmitting the function management information to the function management information storage device 9. .

  For example, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 may perform synchronization by overwriting the function management information master on the function management information master stored in the function management information storage device 9.

  The function configuration update unit 26 includes the function list master included in the function list master by comparing the function list master included in the function management information received by the function management information transmission / reception unit 28 with the function enabled in the current application. Identify disabled functions. Then, the function configuration updating unit 26 adds the identified function to the application and validates it.

  In addition, the function configuration update unit 26 compares the function list master with the functions that are enabled in the current application, thereby specifying the functions that are enabled without being included in the function list master. Then, the function configuration updating unit 26 deletes the specified function from the application and invalidates it.

  For example, the function configuration updating unit 26 is notified of the enabled function from the application, thereby being disabled in the function list master and enabled without being included in the function list master. A function may be specified. Alternatively, the function configuration updating unit 26 may specify the function to be added and the function to be deleted by comparing the function list stored in the function list storage unit 11 with the function list master.

  The function list update unit 24 synchronizes the function list in the function list storage unit 11 with the function list master received by the function management information transmission / reception unit 28. For example, the function list update unit 24 may perform synchronization by overwriting the function list master 11 with the function list in the function list storage unit 11.

  The function usage history information update unit 25 synchronizes the function usage history information in the function usage history information storage unit 12 with the function management information master received by the function management information transmission / reception unit 28. For example, the function usage history information update unit 25 may perform synchronization by overwriting the function usage history information master in the function usage history information storage unit 12 with the content of the function usage history information master.

  The unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 synchronizes the unnecessary function determination condition in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 with the unnecessary function determination condition master included in the function management information master received by the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28. For example, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 may perform synchronization by overwriting the unnecessary function determination condition master with the unnecessary function determination condition in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13.

  Further, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 updates the unnecessary function determination condition in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 based on information acquired from the outside via the input device. That is, the unnecessary function determination condition can be changed by user input.

  The operation of the application management apparatus 2 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the application management apparatus 2 starts the following operation when the application is activated.

  First, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 determines whether or not connection to the function management information storage device 9 is possible (step S10).

  For example, if information representing the function management information storage device 9 is not stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 27, the function management information transmission / reception unit 28 determines that connection to the function management information storage device 9 is not possible. If information representing the function management information storage device 9 is stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 27, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 accesses the stored file path of the function management information storage device 9. Determine whether it is possible.

  If it is determined in step S10 that connection to the function management information storage device 9 is impossible, the operation of the application management device 2 proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that connection to the function management information storage device 9 is possible, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 receives the function management information master from the function management information storage device 9 (step S11).

  This function management information master includes a function list master, a function usage history information master, and an unnecessary function determination condition master.

  Next, the function configuration updating unit 26 compares the received function list master with the functions that are currently enabled in the application, so that the functions included in the function list master but are disabled (that is, It is determined whether or not there is a function that is included in the function list master and has not been installed (step S12).

  If it is determined that there is no invalid function included in the function list master, the operation of the application management apparatus 2 proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an invalid function included in the function list master, the functional configuration update unit 26 adds the corresponding function to the application and validates it (step S13).

  Next, the function configuration updating unit 26 determines whether there is a function that is not included in the received function list master but is valid (that is, a function that has been installed but is not included in the function list master) ( Step S14).

  If it is determined that there is no function that is not included in the function list master and is valid, the operation of the application management apparatus 2 proceeds to step S16.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a function that is not included in the function list master and is enabled, the function configuration updating unit 26 deletes the corresponding function from the application and disables it (step S15).

  Next, the application management apparatus 2 synchronizes the function management information with the received function management information master (step S16).

  That is, the function list update unit 24 synchronizes the function list in the function list storage unit 11 with the received function list master. Further, the function usage history information update unit 25 synchronizes the function usage history information stored in the function usage history information storage unit 12 with the received function usage history information master. Further, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 synchronizes the unnecessary function determination condition in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 with the received unnecessary function determination condition master.

  Next, the function configuration updating unit 26, for each valid function included in the function list synchronized with the function list master, based on the function usage history information synchronized with the function usage history information master, It is determined whether or not an unnecessary function determination condition that has been synchronized is satisfied (step S17).

  If it is determined that there is no function that satisfies the unnecessary function determination condition, the operation of the application management apparatus 2 proceeds to step S3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a function that satisfies the unnecessary function determination condition, the function configuration updating unit 26 deletes the corresponding function from the application and invalidates it. Then, the function list update unit 24 deletes the deleted function from the function list (step S18).

  Here, the application executes processing at the time of activation, and is in a state where it is possible to call each effective function.

  Thereafter, the application management apparatus 2 operates in the same manner as the application management apparatus 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention from step S3 to S6. That is, the application management apparatus 2 updates the function usage history information according to function execution, and updates the function list according to function addition or function deletion by a user operation.

  Next, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 determines whether or not an input operation for updating the unnecessary function determination condition has been performed (step S19).

  If it is determined that an input operation for updating the unnecessary function determination condition has not been performed, the operation of the application management apparatus 2 proceeds to step S21.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that an input operation for updating the unnecessary function determination condition has been performed, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 updates the unnecessary function determination condition in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 based on the input information (Step S1). S20).

  And the application management apparatus 2 repeatedly performs the process of step S3-S6, S19-S20 until an application is complete | finished.

  Next, when the application ends (Yes in step S21), the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 determines whether or not connection to the function management information storage device 9 is possible as in step S10 (step S22).

  Here, when connection to the function management information storage device 9 is impossible, the application management device 2 ends the operation.

  On the other hand, when connection to the function management information storage device 9 is possible, the function management information transmission / reception unit 28 stores the function list and function usage history information stored in the function list storage unit 11 with respect to the function management information storage device 9. The function management information including the function usage history information stored in the unit 12 and the unnecessary function determination condition stored in the unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 13 is transmitted (step S23).

  For example, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 28 may overwrite the function management information master stored in the function management information storage device 9 with the function management information.

  Thus, the application management device 2 ends the operation.

  Next, the effect of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The application management apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention reduces the hardware resource consumption due to unnecessary functions included in the corresponding application without burden on the user, even in a computer apparatus with a small history of application usage. be able to.

  The reason is that the function management information transmitting / receiving unit receives the function management information master including the function list master, the function usage history information master, and the unnecessary function determination condition master from the function management information storage device, and sends the function management information master to the received function management information master. This is because the function management information including the function list, the function use history information, and the unnecessary function determination condition is synchronized. This is because the function configuration updating unit adds and deletes the function of the application based on the function management information synchronized with the function management information master. Furthermore, the function management information updated based on the usage history of each function of the application in this computer device is synchronized with the function management information master of the function management information storage device.

  That is, an application management apparatus as a second embodiment of the present invention that manages an application installed in a computer apparatus having a large use history of applications through a function management information master stored in the function management information storage apparatus This is because the function management information generated in step 2 can be used by the application management apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention that manages an application installed in a computer apparatus having a small application history. .

  Therefore, the application management apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a computer apparatus that manages the functional configuration of an application from which unnecessary functions have been deleted in another computer apparatus that has a long history of application use. This is because it can be applied to the corresponding installed application.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each drawing referred to in the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configuration and steps that operate in the same manner as in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the detailed description in the present embodiment. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the application management system 3 as the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the application management system 3 includes an application management device 4 and a server device 5. Further, the application management apparatus 4 and the server apparatus 5 are connected via a network constituted by the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a public line network, a wireless communication network, or a combination thereof, and can communicate with each other. It has become. Although FIG. 8 shows two application management devices 4, the number of application management devices provided in the application management system of the present invention is not limited.

  FIG. 9 shows a functional block configuration of each device constituting the application management system 3.

  First, the functional block configuration of the application management apparatus 4 will be described.

  The application management apparatus 4 transmits / receives function management information to / from the function management information storage destination storage unit 47 instead of the function management information storage destination storage unit 27 with respect to the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference is that a function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 is provided instead of the unit 28.

  Further, the computer apparatus constituting the application management apparatus 4 is further provided with a network interface in addition to the same configuration as the computer apparatus constituting the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the function management information storage destination storage unit 47 is configured by a storage device. The function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 includes a CPU that reads a computer program stored in a ROM or a storage device into a RAM and executes it, and a network interface. Note that the hardware configuration configuring each functional block of the application management apparatus 4 is not limited to the above configuration.

  The function management information storage destination storage unit 47 stores user identification information for identifying the user of the application and information representing the server device 5 in which the function management information master of the user is stored.

  For example, the user identification information may include a user ID and a password. Further, the information representing the server device 5 may be represented by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the like.

  The function management information transmission / reception unit 48 connects to the server device 5 by referring to the information stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 47. Then, the function management information transmission / reception unit 48 receives the function management information master of the user identified by the user identification information stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 47 from the server device 5.

  For example, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 may make an authentication request to the server device 5 using a user ID and a password as user identification information after connecting to the server device 5. In this case, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 may receive the function management information master of the user transmitted by the server device 5 when authentication is successful.

  Further, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 transmits the function management information including the function list, the function use history information, and the unnecessary function determination condition updated during the activation of the application to the server device 5 together with the user identification information.

  Next, the functional block configuration of the server device 5 will be described.

  The server device 5 includes a function list master storage unit 51, a function use history information master storage unit 52, an unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53, a function management information master transmission unit 54, and a function management information master update unit 55. It has. The function list master storage unit 51, the function usage history information master storage unit 52, and the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 constitute an embodiment of the function management information master storage unit of the present invention.

  Here, the server device 5 is configured by a computer device including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a storage device such as a hard disk, and a network interface. Further, the function list master storage unit 51, the function use history information master storage unit 52, and the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 are configured by a storage device. The function management information master transmission unit 54 and the function management information master update unit 55 are configured by a CPU and a network interface that read a computer program stored in a ROM or a storage device into the RAM and execute it. Note that the hardware configuration configuring each functional block of the server device 5 is not limited to the configuration described above.

  The function list master storage unit 51 stores a function list master for each user. For example, the function list master storage unit 51 may store a function list master file for each user. In this case, the function list master storage unit 51 may store a table in which the user ID is associated with the file path of the user's function list master. Alternatively, the function list master storage unit 51 may include the user ID in the file path of the function list master for each user.

  The function usage history information master storage unit 52 stores a function usage history information master for each user. For example, the function usage history information master storage unit 52 may store a function usage history information master file for each user. In this case, the function usage history information master storage unit 52 may store a table in which the user ID is associated with the file path of the user's function usage history information master. Alternatively, the function usage history information master storage unit 52 may include the user ID in the file path of the function usage history information master for each user.

  The unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 stores unnecessary function determination conditions for each user. For example, the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 may store a file of unnecessary function determination condition masters for each user. In this case, the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 may store a table in which the user ID is associated with the file path of the unnecessary function determination condition master of the user. Alternatively, the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 may include the user ID in the file path of the unnecessary function determination condition master for each user.

  In response to a request from the application management apparatus 4, the function management information master transmission unit 54 transmits the user's function management information master included in the request to the application management apparatus 4.

  For example, the function management information master transmission unit 54 may authenticate the user ID and password transmitted from the application management apparatus 4 after connection with the application management apparatus 4. In this case, the function management information master transmission unit 54 may transmit the function management information master of the user with the user ID when authentication is successful.

  The function management information master update unit 55 receives the function management information including the function list, the function use history information, and the unnecessary function determination condition, and the user identification information from the application management apparatus 4.

  Then, the function management information master update unit 55 synchronizes the function management information master of the user identified by the received user identification information with the received function management information.

  For example, the function management information master update unit 55 may overwrite the function list master of the corresponding user stored in the function list master storage unit 51 using the function list included in the received function management information. Further, the function management information master update unit 55 overwrites the function use history information master of the corresponding user stored in the function use history information master storage unit 52 using the function use history information included in the received function management information. May be. The function management information master update unit 55 overwrites the unnecessary function determination condition master of the corresponding user stored in the unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 53 using the unnecessary function determination condition included in the received function management information. May be.

  The function management information master transmission unit 54 and the function management information master update unit 55 transmit the function management information master to the application management apparatus 4 and then receive the function management information from the destination application management apparatus 4 until the function management information is received. Exclusive control such as not transmitting the management information master to other application management apparatuses 4 may be performed.

  The operation of the application management system 3 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the application management system 3 starts the following operation when the application managed by the application management apparatus 4 is activated.

  First, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 determines whether or not connection to the server device 5 is possible (step S31).

  For example, if information representing the server device 5 is not stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 47, the function management information transmission / reception unit 48 determines that connection to the server device 5 is not possible. If information representing the server device 5 is stored in the function management information storage location storage unit 47, the function management information transmission / reception unit 48 determines whether or not communication with the stored server device 5 is possible. .

  If it is determined in step S31 that connection to the server apparatus 5 is impossible, the operation of the application management apparatus 4 proceeds to step S17.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the connection to the server device 5 is possible, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 transmits the user identification information stored in the function management information storage destination storage unit 47 to the server device 5. Send. Thereby, the function management information transmission / reception part 48 requests | requires the user's function management information master with respect to the server apparatus 5 (step S32).

  Next, the function management information master transmission unit 54 of the server device 5 that has received the request performs a request reception process (step S33).

  For example, the function management information master transmission unit 54 performs authentication processing of the user ID and password included in the request, exclusive control processing, and the like as the reception processing.

  Next, the function management information master transmission unit 54 transmits a function management information master including a function list master, a function use history information master, and an unnecessary function determination condition master of the corresponding user to the application management apparatus 4 (step S34).

  Next, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 of the application management apparatus 4 receives the function management information master from the server apparatus 5 (step S35).

  Next, the application management apparatus 4 operates in the same manner as the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention from step S12 to S15. In other words, the function configuration update unit 26 adds or deletes functions that are not consistent with the application entity based on the function list master included in the function management information master.

  Next, the application management apparatus 4 performs step S16 similarly to the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the function list update unit 24, the function use history information update unit 25, and the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 store the function list, function use history information, and unnecessary function determination condition in the function list master and the function use history information master. And synchronize with the unnecessary function determination condition master.

  Next, the application management apparatus 4 operates in the same manner as the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention from step S17 to S18. That is, the function configuration updating unit 26 deletes the function determined to be unnecessary based on the synchronized function list, the synchronized function use history information, and the synchronized unnecessary function determination condition. Then, the function list update unit 24 further updates the function list.

  Thereafter, the application executes various activation processes and is in a state where each effective function can be executed.

  Next, the application management apparatus 4 operates in the same manner as the application management apparatus 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention up to steps S3 to S6 and S19 to S20. That is, the function usage history information update unit 25 updates the function usage history information in accordance with the execution of the function. Then, the function list update unit 24 updates the function list in accordance with execution of function addition or function deletion by the user. Then, the unnecessary function determination condition update unit 29 updates the unnecessary function determination condition in response to an operation of changing the unnecessary function determination condition by the user.

  And the application management apparatus 4 repeatedly performs the process of step S3-S6, S19-S20 until an application is complete | finished.

  Next, when the application ends (Yes in step S21), the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 determines whether or not connection to the server device 5 is possible as in step S31 (step S36).

  If the connection to the server device 5 is not possible, the application management system 3 ends the operation.

  On the other hand, when connection to the server device 5 is possible, the function management information transmitting / receiving unit 48 sends the server device 5 the function list in the function list storage unit 11, the function use history information in the function use history information storage unit 12, and unnecessary. The function management information including the unnecessary function determination condition in the function determination condition storage unit 13 is transmitted together with the user identification information (step S37).

  Next, the function management information master update unit 55 of the server device 5 receives the function management information and the user identification information from the application management device 4 (step S38).

  Next, the function management information master update unit 55 updates the function list master, the function use history information master, and the unnecessary function determination condition master of the user identified by the received user identification information, using the received function management information. (Step S39).

  At this time, the function management information master update unit 55 ends the exclusive control process if the exclusive control process for the user's function management information master has been started in step S33.

  Thus, the application management system 3 finishes the operation.

  Next, effects of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The application management system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a user who deletes a function unnecessary for each user of the application in one or more information processing apparatuses in which the same type of application is installed. A unique application function configuration can be provided.

  The reason is that the server apparatus manages the function management information master synchronized with the function management information for reducing the hardware resource consumption by the unnecessary functions for each user. Then, the application management device downloads a function management information master of a predetermined user from the server device when the application is started, etc., synchronizes the function management information, and an effective function configuration based on the synchronized function management information It is because it updates. This is because, when the application is terminated, the application management device uploads the function management information updated based on the active usage history to the server device and synchronizes the function management information master of a predetermined user.

  As a result, a user who uses a plurality of terminals can not only use an application having a configuration in which functions unnecessary for the user are deleted without burden on the user based on the use history of application functions in the terminal to be used. Even in other terminals with a low usage history, the same application can be used with the same configuration as the terminal that is mainly used. Furthermore, hardware resource consumption due to unnecessary functions can be reduced also in other terminals.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the application management apparatus has been described as starting the operation when the application is activated. However, the operation may be started at other timings. For example, the application management apparatus may execute the above-described operation according to an operation by the user or may be executed at a predetermined timing after the application is activated.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the application management apparatus has been described as managing an application installed in a computer apparatus that constitutes the own apparatus. However, the application management apparatus of the present invention may be connected to the outside. It may manage an application installed in the computer apparatus.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the description has been given on the assumption that there is one application to be managed by the application management apparatus. However, the number of applications to be managed by the application management apparatus of the present invention is limited. is not. When managing a plurality of applications, the application management apparatus according to each embodiment may include a function list storage unit, a function use history information storage unit, and an unnecessary function determination condition storage unit for each application.

  In each embodiment of the present invention described above, the operation of the application management apparatus described with reference to each flowchart is stored in a storage device (storage medium) of the application management apparatus as a computer program of the present invention. The CPU may read and execute the computer program. In such a case, the present invention is constituted by the code of the computer program or a storage medium. Such a computer program of the present invention may be incorporated in an application.

  The computer program of the present invention may be incorporated in an application to be managed.

  Moreover, each embodiment mentioned above can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes.

Moreover, although a part or all of said embodiment can be described also as the following additional remarks, it is not restricted to the following.
(Appendix 1)
A function list storage unit that stores a function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus;
A function use history information storage unit storing function use history information representing a history of execution of each function;
An unnecessary function determination condition storage unit that stores an unnecessary function determination condition for determining whether or not each function is unnecessary based on the function use history information;
A function usage history information update unit that updates the function usage history information according to the execution of each function;
For each function included in the function list, it is determined whether or not the unnecessary function determination condition is satisfied based on the function use history information, and the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition is deleted from the application software. A functional configuration update unit that updates the effective functional configuration of the application software,
A function list update unit that updates the function list according to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
An application management device comprising:
(Appendix 2)
The application management device is connected to a function management information storage device that stores a function management information master synchronized with the function management information by receiving function management information including the function list from the application management device,
A function management information transmitting / receiving unit for receiving the function management information master from the function management information storage device;
The function configuration updating unit compares the function list master, which is a function list included in the function management information master received by the function management information transmitting / receiving unit, with an effective function of the application software, thereby comparing the function list. A function that is included in the master and invalidated in the application software is identified, and the identified function is added to the application software to enable it. In addition, the function that is not included in the function list master is enabled in the application software. The active function configuration of the application software is further updated by identifying the function being identified and deleting the identified function from the application software and disabling the function.
The function list update unit performs the update on the function list synchronized with the function list master,
The application management apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the function management information transmitting / receiving unit transmits function management information including the function list updated by the function list updating unit to the function management information storage device.
(Appendix 3)
The function management information further includes the function usage history information,
The function usage history information update unit is configured to perform the function usage history information synchronized with the function usage history information master that is the function usage history information included in the function management information master received from the function management information storage device. Update
The application according to claim 2, wherein the function management information transmitting / receiving unit transmits the function management information including the function usage history information updated by the function usage history information update unit to the function management information storage device. Management device.
(Appendix 4)
The function management information further includes an unnecessary function determination condition,
An unnecessary function determination condition update unit that updates the unnecessary function determination condition based on input information acquired from the outside;
The unnecessary function determination condition update unit performs the unnecessary function determination condition synchronized with the unnecessary function determination condition master that is an unnecessary function determination condition included in the function management information master received from the function management information storage device. Update
The function management information transmitting / receiving unit transmits the function management information including the unnecessary function determination condition updated by the unnecessary function determination condition update unit to the function management information storage device. Application management apparatus of description.
(Appendix 5)
When the function management information storage device stores the function management information master for each user of the application software,
The function management information transmitting / receiving unit receives the function management information master of a predetermined user from the function management information storage device and transmits the function management information of the predetermined user to the function management information storage device. The application management apparatus according to any one of appendix 2 to appendix 4, characterized by:
(Appendix 6)
Connected to the application management device described in Appendix 5,
A function management information master storage unit storing the function management information master for each user;
A function management information master transmission unit that transmits a function management information master of a predetermined user requested by the application management apparatus to the application management apparatus;
User-specific function management that synchronizes the function management information master of the user stored in the function management information master storage unit with the received function management information by receiving the function management information of the user from the application management device An information master update unit;
A server device as the function management information storage device.
(Appendix 7)
The application management device according to appendix 5,
The server device according to attachment 6;
Application management system with
(Appendix 8)
A function of updating function usage history information representing a history of execution of each function in accordance with execution of each function included in the function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus Usage history information update step;
An unnecessary function determination step for determining whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information;
A function configuration update step of updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition;
A function list update step of updating the function list in response to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
Application management method with
(Appendix 9)
A function management information receiving step of receiving the function management information master from a function management information storage device that stores the function management information master synchronized with the function management information by receiving the function management information including the function list; Prepared,
The function configuration updating step compares the function list master, which is a function list included in the function management information master received in the function management information receiving step, with an effective function of the application software. The function that is included in the application software and invalidated by the application software is identified, and the identified function is added to the application software to enable it, and is not included in the function list master and is enabled by the application software By identifying the function and deleting the identified function from the application software and disabling it, the effective function configuration of the application software is further updated,
The function list update step performs the update on the function list synchronized with the function list master,
The application management method according to appendix 8, further comprising a function management information transmission step of transmitting the function management information including the function list updated in the function list update step to the function management information storage device. .
(Appendix 10)
A function of updating function usage history information representing a history of execution of each function in accordance with execution of each function included in the function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus Usage history information update step;
An unnecessary function determination step for determining whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information;
A function configuration update step of updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition;
A function list update step of updating the function list in response to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
Is a computer program that causes a computer device to execute.
(Appendix 11)
A function management information receiving step of receiving the function management information master from a function management information storage device that stores the function management information master synchronized with the function management information by receiving the function management information including the function list; Causing the computer device to execute,
The function configuration updating step compares the function list master, which is a function list included in the function management information master received in the function management information receiving step, with an effective function of the application software. The function that is included in the application software and invalidated by the application software is identified, and the identified function is added to the application software to enable it, and is not included in the function list master and is enabled by the application software By identifying the function and deleting the identified function from the application software and disabling it, the effective function configuration of the application software is further updated,
The function list update step performs the update on the function list synchronized with the function list master,
Item 11. The supplementary note 10, further causing the computer device to execute a function management information transmitting step of transmitting the function management information including the function list updated in the function list updating step to the function management information storage device. Computer program.

1, 2, 4 Application management device 3 Application management system 5 Server device 9 Function management information storage device 11 Function list storage unit 12 Function use history information storage unit 13 Unnecessary function determination condition storage unit 14, 24 Function list update unit 15, 25 Function use history information update unit 16, 26 Function configuration update unit 27, 47 Function management information storage destination storage unit 28, 48 Function management information transmission / reception unit 29 Unnecessary function determination condition update unit 51 Function list master storage unit 52 Function use history information master Storage unit 53 Unnecessary function determination condition master storage unit 54 Function management information master transmission unit 55 Function management information master update unit

Claims (10)

A function list storage unit that stores a function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus;
A function use history information storage unit storing function use history information representing a history of execution of each function;
An unnecessary function determination condition storage unit that stores an unnecessary function determination condition for determining whether or not each function is unnecessary based on the function use history information;
A function usage history information update unit that updates the function usage history information according to the execution of each function;
For each function included in the function list, it is determined whether or not the unnecessary function determination condition is satisfied based on the function use history information, and the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition is deleted from the application software. A functional configuration update unit that updates the effective functional configuration of the application software,
A function list update unit that updates the function list according to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
An application management device comprising: Connected to a function management information storage device that stores a function management information master synchronized with the function management information by receiving function management information including the function list from the application management device;
A function management information transmitting / receiving unit for receiving the function management information master from the function management information storage device;
The function configuration updating unit compares the function list master, which is a function list included in the function management information master received by the function management information transmitting / receiving unit, with an effective function of the application software, thereby comparing the function list. A function that is included in the master and invalidated in the application software is identified, and the identified function is added to the application software to enable it. In addition, the function that is not included in the function list master is enabled in the application software. The active function configuration of the application software is further updated by identifying the function being identified and deleting the identified function from the application software and disabling the function.
The function list update unit performs the update on the function list synchronized with the function list master,
The application management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function management information transmitting / receiving unit transmits function management information including the function list updated by the function list update unit to the function management information storage device. The function management information further includes the function usage history information,
The function usage history information update unit is configured to perform the function usage history information synchronized with the function usage history information master that is the function usage history information included in the function management information master received from the function management information storage device. Update
The function management information transmission / reception unit transmits the function management information including the function usage history information updated by the function usage history information update unit to the function management information storage device. Application management device. The function management information further includes an unnecessary function determination condition,
An unnecessary function determination condition update unit that updates the unnecessary function determination condition based on input information acquired from the outside;
The unnecessary function determination condition update unit performs the unnecessary function determination condition synchronized with the unnecessary function determination condition master that is an unnecessary function determination condition included in the function management information master received from the function management information storage device. Update
3. The function management information transmitting / receiving unit transmits the function management information including the unnecessary function determination condition updated by the unnecessary function determination condition updating unit to the function management information storage device. 4. The application management apparatus according to 3. When the function management information storage device stores the function management information master for each user of the application software,
The function management information transmitting / receiving unit receives the function management information master of a predetermined user from the function management information storage device and transmits the function management information of the predetermined user to the function management information storage device. The application management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: Connected to the application management device according to claim 5;
A function management information master storage unit storing the function management information master for each user;
A function management information master transmission unit that transmits a function management information master of a predetermined user requested by the application management apparatus to the application management apparatus;
User-specific function management that synchronizes the function management information master of the user stored in the function management information master storage unit with the received function management information by receiving the function management information of the user from the application management device An information master update unit;
A server device as the function management information storage device. An application management device according to claim 5;
A server device according to claim 6;
Application management system with A function of updating function usage history information representing a history of execution of each function in accordance with execution of each function included in the function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus Usage history information update step;
An unnecessary function determination step for determining whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information;
A function configuration update step of updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition;
A function list update step of updating the function list in response to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
Application management method with A function management information receiving step of receiving the function management information master from a function management information storage device that stores the function management information master synchronized with the function management information by receiving the function management information including the function list; Prepared,
The function configuration updating step compares the function list master, which is a function list included in the function management information master received in the function management information receiving step, with an effective function of the application software. The function that is included in the application software and invalidated by the application software is identified, and the identified function is added to the application software to enable it, and is not included in the function list master and is enabled by the application software By identifying the function and deleting the identified function from the application software and disabling it, the effective function configuration of the application software is further updated,
The function list update step performs the update on the function list synchronized with the function list master,
9. The application management according to claim 8, further comprising a function management information transmitting step of transmitting the function management information including the function list updated in the function list updating step to the function management information storage device. Method. A function of updating function usage history information representing a history of execution of each function in accordance with execution of each function included in the function list representing a list of valid functions constituting application software installed in the information processing apparatus Usage history information update step;
An unnecessary function determination step for determining whether each function included in the function list satisfies a predetermined unnecessary function determination condition based on the function use history information;
A function configuration update step of updating a valid function configuration of the application software by deleting and invalidating the function determined to satisfy the unnecessary function determination condition;
A function list update step of updating the function list in response to an update of an effective function configuration of the application software;
Is a computer program that causes a computer device to execute.

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