Resource distribution device, resource distribution method, and resource distribution program

Abstract

To enable preferential distribution to a distribution object device, while saving time and labor required for grasping the distribution object device in need of preferential distribution, in urgently distributing resources.SOLUTION: A resource distribution device comprises: a collection part for collecting utilization performance of each function of each device that can become an object of resource distribution; a utilization performance storage part for storing utilization performance collected by the collection part; a distribution resource storage part for storing a distribution resource and function identification information of a function related to the distribution resource; a determination part for determining distribution priorities for each device having a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage part, on the basis of the utilization performance stored in the utilization performance storage part, and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage part; and a resource distribution part for distributing the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage part, to a device having the function related to the distribution resource, in accordance with the distribution priorities for each device determined by the determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a resource distribution device, a resource distribution method, and a resource distribution program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a resource distribution system that distributes resources such as programs and data to a plurality of devices is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] A conventional resource distribution system includes, for example, a resource distribution terminal, a resource distribution server, and a plurality of devices to which resources can be distributed, and distributes resources in the following procedure.

[0004] (1) The resource distribution terminal registers, in the resource distribution server, multiple devices that can be the target of resource distribution in response to a user's input operation. (2) The resource distribution terminal registers the distribution resource in the resource distribution server in response to the user's input operation. (3) In response to the user's input operation, the resource distribution terminal designates a target device for distribution from among the multiple devices registered in the resource distribution server in (1), and instructs the resource distribution server in (2) to distribute the distribution resources registered in the resource distribution server. (4) The resource distribution server distributes the distribution resources to the designated target devices in accordance with the instructions from the resource distribution terminal in (3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-322310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In such a conventional resource distribution system, when urgent resource distribution is required to correct a failure, etc., the resource is first distributed to the distribution-target devices that require distribution with priority (e.g., devices where functions related to the distributed resource are frequently used) in order to reduce the impact of the failure on business operations using the devices. In this case, the user must specify the distribution-target devices that require distribution with priority and instruct the resource distribution server to distribute the resource by inputting information into the resource distribution terminal in (3) above. Therefore, before instructing the resource distribution, the user must identify the distribution-target devices that require distribution with priority, which requires a lot of time and effort in advance preparation for resource distribution. To avoid this time and effort, one approach is to distribute the resource simultaneously to all distribution-target devices (e.g., all devices where functions related to the distributed resource are used). However, this approach may result in delays in distribution to the distribution-target devices that require distribution with priority due to system resource limitations such as the communication network, and may not reduce the impact of the failure on business operations.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention aims to provide a resource distribution device, a resource distribution method, and a resource distribution program that enable priority distribution to such target devices, while eliminating the effort required to identify target devices that require priority distribution when distributing resources that are urgently needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the device is a resource distribution device comprising: a collection unit that collects usage history of each function of each device that can be the target of resource distribution; a usage history memory unit that stores the usage history collected by the collection unit; a distribution resource memory unit that stores distribution resources and function identification information of functions related to the distribution resources; a determination unit that determines a distribution priority for each device that has a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource memory unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history memory unit and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource memory unit; and a resource distribution unit that distributes the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource memory unit to devices that have a function related to the distribution resource in accordance with the distribution priority for each device determined by the determination unit.

[0009] One aspect of the method is a resource distribution method characterized in that a computer executes the following processing: collects usage history of each function of each device that can be the target of resource distribution, stores the collected usage history in a usage history storage unit, stores the distribution resources and function identification information of functions related to the distribution resources in a distribution resource storage unit, determines a distribution priority for each device that has a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit, and distributes the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit to devices that have a function related to the distribution resource in accordance with the determined distribution priority for each device.

[0010] One aspect of the program is a resource distribution program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: collect usage history of each function of each device that can be the target of resource distribution; store the collected usage history in a usage history storage unit; store the distribution resources and function identification information of functions related to the distribution resources in a distribution resource storage unit; determine a distribution priority for each device that has a function related to the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit; and distribute the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit to devices that have a function related to the distribution resources in accordance with the determined distribution priority for each device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when distributing resources that are urgently needed, it is possible to prioritize distribution to such target devices while eliminating the effort required to identify the target devices that require priority distribution. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a resource distribution system. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a resource distribution server. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a resource distribution process performed by a resource distribution server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a resource distribution system.

[0015] The resource distribution system 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a resource distribution terminal 10, a resource distribution server 20 which is an example of a resource distribution device, and multiple devices 30 which can be the targets of resource distribution. Note that in Fig. 1, the multiple devices 30 are also shown as a "device group."

[0016] The resource delivery terminal 10 and the resource delivery server 20 are connected to a first communication network 40 by wire or wirelessly, and are capable of communication via the first communication network 40. The resource delivery server 20 and each of the multiple devices 30 are connected to a second communication network 50 by wire or wirelessly, and are capable of communication via the second communication network 50. The first communication network 40 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The second communication network 50 is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0017] The resource delivery terminal 10 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) etc. For example, in response to a user's input operation, the resource delivery terminal 10 registers distribution resources etc. and issues distribution instructions (resource delivery instructions) for the registered distribution resources to the resource delivery server 20. The distribution resources are, for example, programs, data etc.

[0018] For example, when a resource delivery instruction is issued by the resource delivery terminal 10, the resource delivery server 20 delivers the delivery resources registered by the resource delivery terminal 10 to the target devices 30. Details of resource delivery by the resource delivery server 20 will be described later.

[0019] The device 30 is, for example, a business PC, a business server, or an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). The multiple devices 30 may be the same type of device (for example, multiple business PCs) or different types of devices (for example, one or more business PCs and one or more business servers). Each of the multiple devices 30 has one or more functions. For example, one or more devices 30 have three business functions, such as function A, function B, and function C. The functions possessed by devices 30 of the same type may be the same or different.

[0020] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a resource distribution server, which shows only the main functional configuration related to resource distribution.

[0021] The resource delivery server 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a collection unit 21, a usage history storage unit 22, a delivery resource storage unit 23, a determination unit 24, and a resource delivery unit 25.

[0022] The collection unit 21 collects the usage history of each function of each device 30 that may be a target for resource distribution. Such collection is performed, for example, by the collection unit 21 inquiring of each device 30 about the usage history of each function. Alternatively, for example, collection may be performed by the collection unit 21 acquiring the usage history of each function transmitted from each device 30 at a predetermined timing. Note that each device 30 collects the usage history of each function possessed by that device 30. The usage history of each function includes the number of times each function has been used and / or the date and time of its last use. The number of times of use is, for example, the number of times each function has been used within the most recent predetermined period.

[0023] The usage history storage unit 22 stores the usage history collected by the collection unit 21 (the usage history of each function of each device 30).

[0024] The distribution resource storage unit 23 stores distribution resources and function identification information of functions related to the distribution resources. The distribution resources and function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit 23 are registered by the resource distribution terminal 10 in response to input operations by the user.

[0025] The determination unit 24 determines the delivery priority of each device 30 having a function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 22 and the function identification information stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23. For example, the determination unit 24 determines the delivery priority of each device 30 such that the more frequently a device 30 uses a function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23, the higher the delivery priority. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 24 determines the delivery priority of each device 30 such that the closer the date and time of last use of a function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 is to the current date and time, the higher the delivery priority. Note that such a determination by the determination unit 24 is made when a resource delivery instruction is issued by the resource delivery terminal 10 in response to a user's input operation.

[0026] The resource distribution unit 25 distributes the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit 23 to the devices 30 having functions related to the distribution resources in accordance with the distribution priority of each device 30 determined by the determination unit 24. According to such distribution by the resource distribution unit 25, when distributing the distribution resources to the devices 30 having functions related to the distribution resources, the distribution is performed preferentially from the device 30 with the highest distribution priority (for example, in descending order of distribution priority).

[0027] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a resource delivery process performed by the resource delivery server.

[0028] 3, in S11, the collection unit 21 of the resource delivery server 20 collects the usage history (including the number of times each function has been used and / or the last usage date and time) of each function of each device 30 that may be the target of resource delivery. The specific method for collecting such usage history is as described above.

[0029] Next, in S12, the resource delivery server 20 stores in the usage record storage unit 22 the usage records (usage records of each function of each device 30) collected in S11.

[0030] Next, when the resource delivery terminal 10 registers the distribution resource and the function identification information of the function related to the distribution resource in response to the user's input operation, in S13 the resource delivery server 20 stores the distribution resource and the function identification information in the distribution resource storage unit 23. Here, it is assumed that a distribution resource that requires urgent distribution for fault correction or the like is registered as the distribution resource and stored in the distribution resource storage unit 23.

[0031] Next, when a resource delivery instruction is given by the resource delivery terminal 10 in response to a user's input operation, in S14 the determination unit 24 of the resource delivery server 20 determines a delivery priority for each device 30 having a function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 in S13, based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit 22 in S12 and the function identification information stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 in S13. For example, as described above, the determination unit 24 determines the delivery priority for each device 30 so that the more frequently a device 30 uses the function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 in S13, the higher the delivery priority, or so that the closer the last usage date and time of the function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit 23 in S13 is to the current date and time, the higher the delivery priority.

[0032] Next, in S15, the resource distribution unit 25 of the resource distribution server 20 distributes the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit 23 in S13 to the devices 30 having functions related to the distribution resources, according to the distribution priority for each device 30 determined by the determination unit 24 in S14. This allows resource distribution to be performed preferentially from the device 30 with the highest distribution priority (for example, in descending order of distribution priority).

[0033] According to this resource distribution process, for example, if a function related to a distribution resource that requires urgent distribution for fault correction or the like is function A, and five devices 30 have function A: A, B, C, D, and E, the distribution priority of each of the five devices 30 is determined based on the usage history of function A for each of the five devices 30. For example, if the usage frequency of function A is greatest for device E, followed by device D, C, B, and A, in that order, the distribution priority is determined to be highest for device E, followed by device C, B, and A, in that order. Alternatively, if the last usage date and time of function A was closest to the current date and time for device E, followed by device D, C, B, and A, in that order, the distribution priority is determined to be highest for device E, followed by device D, C, B, and A, in that order. In such a case, for example, the distribution resource is distributed to the device 30 with the highest distribution priority, i.e., device E, device D, device C, device B, and device A.

[0034] As described above, according to this embodiment, the resource distribution server 20 determines the distribution priority for each device 30 having a function related to the distribution resource, and the resource is distributed according to the distribution priority for each device 30. Therefore, when urgent resource distribution is required to correct a fault or the like, it is possible to prioritize distribution to such devices 30 while saving the user the trouble of identifying the devices 30 that require resource distribution on a priority basis. As a result, it is also possible to reduce the impact of a fault or the like on work performed using functions related to the distribution resource (which is also work performed using devices 30 having functions related to the distribution resource).

[0035] In this embodiment, communication between the resource delivery terminal 10 and the resource delivery server 20, and communication between the resource delivery server 20 and each of the multiple devices 30, are performed via separate communication networks, but these communications may also be performed via the same communication network. In this case, the resource delivery terminal 10, the resource delivery server 20, and each of the multiple devices 30 are connected to the same communication network by wire or wirelessly, and communication is performed via the same communication network. In this case, the same communication network is, for example, a WAN or the Internet.

[0036] In this embodiment, the distribution resources and function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit 23 are registered by the resource distribution terminal 10 in response to user input operations, but they may also be registered directly to the resource distribution server 20 in response to user input operations on the resource distribution server 20, without going through the resource distribution terminal 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, the resource distribution instruction is issued by the resource distribution terminal 10 in response to a user's input operation, but the resource distribution instruction may also be issued directly to the resource distribution server 20 in response to a user's input operation to the resource distribution server 20, without going through the resource distribution terminal 10.

[0038] In this embodiment, each of the resource delivery terminal 10, the resource delivery server 20, and the device 30 may be realized by, for example, a computer as shown in FIG.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer.

[0040] The computer 60 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a processor 61, a memory 62, an input device 63, an output device 64, a storage device 65, a portable storage medium drive device 66, and a communication interface 67, which are interconnected by a bus 68.

[0041] The processor 61 may be, for example, a single processor, or a multi-processor or multi-core processor. The processor 61 performs various processes by executing various programs such as an OS (Operating System) program and application programs. When the resource delivery server 20 is realized by the computer 60, the processor 61 performs the resource delivery process by executing a program that describes the procedure for the resource delivery process, for example, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] The memory 62 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM temporarily stores a portion of the program executed by the processor 61. The RAM is also used as a working storage area for the processor 61. The ROM stores the program executed by the processor 61 and various data required for executing the program.

[0043] The input device 63 is a device that accepts input operations, and is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. When the resource distribution terminal 10 is realized by the computer 60, the input device 63 accepts input operations from the user. The output device 64 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc.

[0044] The storage device 65 is a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The portable storage medium drive 66 drives a portable storage medium 66a and accesses its stored contents. The portable storage medium 66a is a memory device, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc., and also includes a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, etc.

[0045] The communication interface 67 is connected to a communication network by wire or wirelessly and communicates with external devices via the communication network. When the resource delivery terminal 10 is realized by the computer 60, the communication interface 67 is connected to a first communication network 40 by wire or wirelessly, for example, and communicates with the resource delivery server 20 via the first communication network 40. When the resource delivery server 20 is realized by the computer 60, the communication interface 67 is connected to each of the first communication network 40 and the second communication network 50 by wire or wirelessly, for example, and communicates with the resource delivery terminal 10 via the first communication network 40 and with each of the multiple devices 30 via the second communication network 50. When the device 30 is realized by the computer 60, the communication interface 67 is connected to the second communication network 50 by wire or wirelessly, for example, and communicates with the resource delivery server 20 via the second communication network 50.

[0046] In the computer 60, the programs executed by the processor 61 and various data required for the execution of the programs may be stored in the storage device 65 or the portable storage medium 66a, or in two or more of the ROM of the memory 62, the storage device 65, and the portable storage medium 66a, without being limited to the ROM of the memory 62. Furthermore, the programs executed by the processor 61 and various data required for the execution of the programs may be stored in one or both of the storage device 65 and the portable storage medium 66a from an external device via a communication network or a communication interface 67.

[0047] The computer 60 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4, and may be configured to include a plurality of some of the components shown in FIG. 4, or may be configured without some of the components.

[0048] Furthermore, the computer 60 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. For example, the processor 61 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0049] When the resource distribution server 20 is realized by a computer 60, the functions of the collection unit 21 are realized, for example, by a processor 61 and a communication interface 67. The functions of the usage history storage unit 22 and the distribution resource storage unit 23 are realized, for example, by one or more of a memory 62, a storage device 65, and a portable storage medium 66a. The functions of the determination unit 24 are realized, for example, by the processor 61. The functions of the resource distribution unit 25 are realized, for example, by the processor 61 and a communication interface 67.

[0050] When the device 30 is realized by the computer 60, the functions of the device 30 are realized by, for example, the processor 61.

[0051] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Resource distribution system 10 Resource distribution terminal 20 Resource distribution server 21 Collection Department 22 Usage record memory section 23 Distribution Resource Storage Unit 24 Decision Section 25 Resource Distribution Department 30 equipment 40 First Communication Network 50 Second Communication Network 60 Computer 61 processors 62 memory 63 Input Device 64 Output Devices 65 Storage device 66 Portable storage media drive 66a Portable storage media 67 Communication Interface 68 Bus

Claims

1. a collection unit that collects usage records of each function of each device that may be the target of resource distribution; a usage history storage unit that stores the usage history collected by the collection unit; a distribution resource storage unit for storing distribution resources and function identification information of functions related to the distribution resources; a determination unit that determines a delivery priority for each device having a function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit and the function identification information stored in the delivery resource storage unit; a resource distribution unit that distributes the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit to devices having functions related to the distribution resources in accordance with the distribution priorities for each device determined by the determination unit; A resource distribution device comprising:

2. the determination unit determines the distribution priority for each device such that a device having a higher number of uses of a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage unit has a higher distribution priority.

2. The resource distribution device according to claim 1.

3. the determination unit determines the delivery priority for each device such that the closer to the current date and time is the device's last use date and time of the function related to the delivery resource stored in the delivery resource storage unit, the higher the delivery priority is.

2. The resource distribution device according to claim 1.

4. Collect usage records of each function of each device that may be the target of resource distribution, storing the collected usage history in a usage history storage unit; storing the distribution resource and function identification information of the function related to the distribution resource in a distribution resource storage unit; determining a distribution priority for each device having a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit; Distributing the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit to devices having functions related to the distribution resources in accordance with the determined distribution priorities for each device. A resource distribution method characterized in that the processing is executed by a computer.

5. Collect usage records of each function of each device that may be the target of resource distribution, storing the collected usage history in a usage history storage unit; storing the distribution resource and function identification information of the function related to the distribution resource in a distribution resource storage unit; determining a distribution priority for each device having a function related to the distribution resource stored in the distribution resource storage unit based on the usage history stored in the usage history storage unit and the function identification information stored in the distribution resource storage unit; Distributing the distribution resources stored in the distribution resource storage unit to devices having functions related to the distribution resources in accordance with the determined distribution priorities for each device. A resource distribution program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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