Management device, management system, management method, and management program

Abstract

To manage all image files stored in each of storage units of a plurality of processors.SOLUTION: A management apparatus acquires a master image stored in a startup region of a storage unit of one processor, out of a plurality of processors each including a storage unit including a startup region for which data structure and data of the startup region stored in a master image when the master image is written, the master image being an image file that stores data and data structure of a startup region of a storage unit of a processor at a predetermined point of time, from the one processor, and writes the acquired master image to startup regions of the storage units of other processors excluding the one processor, out of the above plurality of processors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that a master server distributes OS (Operating System) image data to each of a plurality of terminals, and the terminals start up the received OS image data as a boot OS. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 067725 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose that a master server manages the image files stored in the memory units of multiple processing devices (e.g., terminals) to collectively manage the environments that are normally used among each of the multiple processing devices.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a management device, system, method, and program that enable the collective management of image files stored in the respective storage units of a plurality of processing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the management device includes an acquisition unit that acquires from one of a plurality of processing devices, the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the memory unit of one of the processing devices, which includes a memory unit including a startup area into which a master image, which is an image file in which the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the memory unit of the processing device at a predetermined point in time, is written, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image, and an instruction unit that causes the acquired master image to be written to the startup area of ​​each of the memory units of the other processing devices among the plurality of processing devices, excluding the one processing device.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, the management method acquires from one processing device a master image stored in the startup area of ​​a memory unit of one processing device among a plurality of processing devices including a memory unit including a startup area in which a master image, which is an image file in which the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the memory unit of the processing device at a predetermined point in time, is written, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image, and writes the acquired master image to the startup areas of each of the memory units of the other processing devices among the plurality of processing devices excluding the one processing device.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, the management program causes a computer to realize an acquisition function for acquiring from one processing device the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the memory unit of one processing device among a plurality of processing devices including a memory unit including a startup area in which a master image, which is an image file in which the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the memory unit of the processing device at a predetermined point in time is stored, is written, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image, and an instruction function for causing the computer to write the acquired master image to the startup area of ​​each of the memory units of the other processing devices among the plurality of processing devices except for the one processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The management device, system, method, and program of the present invention make it possible to collectively manage image files stored in the respective storage units of a plurality of processing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in a storage unit of one processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in each storage unit of a plurality of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in each storage unit of a plurality of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in each storage unit of a plurality of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in each storage unit of a plurality of processing devices according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of one processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of one processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of each of other processing devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of each of a plurality of processing devices according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of each of a plurality of processing devices according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Virtual hard disk technology, which saves the structure and data of a computer's fixed disk (hard disk) as a file, has already been put into practical use, with the aim of using a single computer for various purposes. Using this virtual hard disk technology, users can save the entire state of their computer's hard disk at a given point in time, and also restore any changes made after saving to the saved state. The file that saves the hard disk structure and data is called an image file, and by creating multiple image files in advance, a single computer can be used for multiple purposes. This embodiment uses virtual hard disk technology.

[0012] For example, suppose a computer is used for training, and trainees take the training using a computer (hereinafter referred to as a processing device) that processes information for the training. When conducting such training, the training provider needs to prepare multiple processing devices with the same environment to match the number of trainees. In order to make the environment the same among multiple processing devices, the processing device may use an image file in which an operating system, an application suitable for the training, the data structure of the processing device's hard disk, and the data on the processing device's hard disk are saved as files.

[0013] For example, the training provider stores the image file in a memory unit included in each of the processing devices, and can use a management device to manage the image files stored in the memory units of the processing devices.

[0014] The first embodiment of the present invention provides a management device that makes it possible to collectively manage image files stored in the respective storage units of a plurality of processing devices.

[0015] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0016] An example of the configuration of a management device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system of this embodiment. The management device 1 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 11 and a command unit 12. The management device 1 is connected to two or more processing devices 2-1, 2-2, ..., 2-n (n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0017] In the following, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which one processing device (in this example, the processing device 2-1) from which the management device 1 acquires a master image is the processing device 2-1.

[0018] The acquisition unit 11 acquires, from one of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n, the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 of the processing device 2-1.

[0019] Each of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n includes a storage unit 21-1, 21-2, ..., 21-n that includes a startup area. A master image is written to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 21-1, 21-2, ..., 21-n of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area saved in the master image. The master image is an image file that saves the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the storage unit of the processing device (in this example, the storage unit of any of the storage units 21-1 to 21-n of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n) at a predetermined point in time.

[0020] The master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 of one processing device 2-1 may be an image file generated by the one processing device 2-1. An image file is a file that stores the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the storage unit 21-1. The master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 may also be an image file of the startup area of ​​one of the storage units 21-2 to 21-n, generated by one of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n.

[0021] The command unit 12 causes the master image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to be written to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 21-2 to 21-n of the processing devices 2-2 to 2-n, excluding the one processing device 2-1, among the plurality of processing devices 2-1 to 2-n.

[0022] In this way, the management device 1 acquires from one of the processing devices 2-1 the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 of that processing device 2-1 among the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n. The management device 1 also writes the acquired master image to the boot areas of the storage units 21-2 to 21-n of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n. This causes the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 of the one processing device 2-1 to be written to the boot areas of the storage units 21-2 to 21-n of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n. Therefore, the image files in the boot areas of the storage units 21-1 to 21-n of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n are identical. In this way, the image files stored in the storage units 21-1 to 21-n of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n can be collectively managed.

[0023] Next, an example of the operation of the management device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management device 1.

[0024] The acquisition unit 11 acquires, from one of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n, the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 21-1 of the processing device 2-1 (step S101).

[0025] The command unit 12 causes the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n to write the acquired master image to the startup areas of the storage units 21-2 to 21-n (step S102).

[0026] This allows the image files stored in the storage units 21-1 to 21-n of the plurality of processing devices 2-1 to 2-n to be managed collectively.

[0027] [Second embodiment] Next, the management system and management device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0028] Generally, virtual hard disk technology is suitable for applications such as the aforementioned training because it allows an image file stored in the memory unit of a processing device to be easily restored to its original state by erasing subsequent changes (differences) made by the user. Here, the image file that saves the hard disk state to be restored is called the "master image," and the data recording the changes made by the user is called the "difference image." For example, the master image itself may need to be updated due to changes in training content, etc. When the master image itself needs to be updated, the master image can be updated by merging the difference image into the master image. Generally, when using virtual hard disk technology with multiple processing devices to delete or merge difference images, an operator (e.g., a training provider) must operate each processing device individually. However, the deletion or merging process takes a lot of time and effort. The second embodiment eliminates the effort required for deleting difference images.

[0029] The management device 3 of the second embodiment differs from the management device 1 of the first embodiment in the following respects. An acquisition unit 31 of the management device 3 of this embodiment causes one processing device (processing device 4-1 in this example) to generate a master image. Furthermore, an instruction unit 32 of the management device 3 of this embodiment performs the following control on a processing device (processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12 described later) stored in the startup area for a differential image in which changes made by a user are saved, among multiple processing devices 4-1, 4-2, . . . , 4-n: The instruction unit 32 controls a processing device (for example, processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12 described later) by a command to instruct deletion of the differential image, and causes the processing device to delete the differential image in which changes made by the user are saved.

[0030] [Management system configuration example] An example of the configuration of a management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the management system of this embodiment includes a management device 3 and processing devices 4-1, 4-2, ..., 4-n (n is an integer of 2 or more). The number of processing devices is an arbitrary multiple of 2 or more.

[0031] In the following, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which one processing device (in this example, the processing device 4-1) from which the management device 3 acquires a master image is the processing device 4-1.

[0032] The management device 3 acquires from one of the processing devices 4-1 a master image stored in a startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 among the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The master image is an image file that stores the data structure and data in the startup area of ​​the memory unit of the processing device (in this example, the memory unit of any of the memory units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n) at a predetermined point in time.

[0033] The master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of one processing device 4-1 may be an image file generated by the one processing device 4-1, in which the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 are stored. The generation process by which the one processing device 4-1 generates the master image will be described later. Furthermore, the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of one processing device 4-1 may be an image file of the startup area of ​​one of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n, generated by one of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

[0034] The management device 3 controls each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the processing device 4-1, among the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, as follows: The management device 3 causes the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the acquired master image to the boot area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n. The management device 3 is, for example, a desktop personal computer. Alternatively, the management device 3 may be a notebook computer. The management device 3 can remotely operate each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n collectively.

[0035] Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is operated by a user. Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is, for example, a notebook computer. Alternatively, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n may be a desktop personal computer. Furthermore, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is used by users for various purposes. For example, when the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are operated by trainees, it is preferable that the environment of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is suitable for the training. Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n uses an operating system, an application suitable for the training, a hard disk data structure, and an image file in which the hard disk data is saved as a file. Furthermore, processing devices having the same image file stored in their storage units have the same environment.

[0036] Here, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n has a virtual hard disk function. The virtual hard disk function includes a function for saving all data and data structures in the auxiliary storage device at a given point in time. The auxiliary storage device is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Alternatively, the auxiliary storage device may be an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are the auxiliary storage devices of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively. By using the virtual hard disk function, the user who is the training provider can change the environment of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to an environment suitable for the training.

[0037] For example, in response to an operation by the training provider, the management device 3 causes one of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n (processing device 4-1 in this example) that has an environment suitable for the training to generate a master image. The generated master image stores the data structure and data in the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 that has an environment suitable for the training at the time the master image was generated. Furthermore, in response to an operation by the training provider, the management device 3 performs the following control on each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the one processing device 4-1, among the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n: The management device 3 causes the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image to the startup area of ​​the memory units 41-2 to 41-n.

[0038] It is also assumed that the master image stored in the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n stores an environment suitable for training before being operated by a trainee.

[0039] The operations of the training participants on the master image stored in each startup area of ​​the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, i.e., the operation logs, become differential images stored in each startup area and are accumulated in each startup area. Furthermore, the operations accumulated in the differential images as operation logs include, for example, operations by users to create files, operations to delete files stored in the master image, and operations to change the settings of the operating system or applications stored in the master image to other settings. In this way, the operations by users on the master image are saved in the differential images. The master image is a read-only file.

[0040] When a command to delete the differential image is received from the management device 3, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n deletes the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 to 41-n. This returns the environment of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to an environment suitable for training, prior to operation by the training participant. In this way, the environments of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are collectively changed by the management device 3 to an environment suitable for training.

[0041] [Configuration of management device 3] Next, the configuration of the management device 3 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. The management device 3 includes an acquisition unit 31 and a command unit 32. In addition, the storage unit 33 is connected to the acquisition unit 31.

[0042] The acquisition unit 31 acquires from one of the processing devices 4-1, among the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, a master image stored in a boot area of ​​a storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 transmits a notification to the processing device 4-1 instructing it to transmit the master image. The acquisition unit 31 also receives the master image from the processing device 4-1.

[0043] For example, when one processing device 4-1 is selected in response to an operation by the user, the acquisition unit 31 transmits a notification to the selected processing device 4-1 instructing it to transmit the master image.

[0044] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 31 instructs the first processing device 4-1 to execute a generation process in response to a user operation. The generation process is a process in which the first processing device 4-1 generates a new master image by adding the changes stored in the differential image to the master image written in the startup area. Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 sends a notification to the first processing device 4-1 in response to a user operation, instructing the first processing device 4-1 to execute the generation process. In other words, the generation process is a process in which the differential image is merged with the master image to update the master image. Upon receiving the notification instructing the execution of the generation process, the first processing device 4-1 generates a new master image by adding the changes stored in the differential image. The acquisition unit 31 receives the master image generated in the generation process from the first processing device 4-1 as the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1. As a result, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the master image from the first processing device 4-1.

[0045] The acquisition unit 31 stores the acquired master image in the storage unit 33. The acquisition unit 31 associates the acquired master image with information indicating one of the processing devices that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example), and outputs the associated information to the instruction unit 32.

[0046] The storage unit 33 stores a master image. The storage unit 33 also stores programs used by the management device 3. The storage unit 33 is an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 33 is, for example, an HDD or an SSD.

[0047] The command unit 32 receives input from the acquisition unit 31 of the master image and information indicating the one processing device that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example). First, the command unit 32 transmits the master image to each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n other than the one processing device 4-1 among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, based on the information indicating the one processing device (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example). Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n that received the master image writes the master image to a storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 to 41-n of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. The storage area is an area of ​​the storage unit that is different from the startup area. The storage area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n stores the master image generated by the generation process and the master image received from the management device 3.

[0048] Furthermore, the command unit 32 causes the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image written in the save area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n. Specifically, the command unit 32 transmits a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing it to write the master image to the startup area.

[0049] The command unit 32 may transmit to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n the master image and a notification commanding the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image to the startup area in association with each other.

[0050] Furthermore, the command unit 32 causes each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to delete the differential image stored in the activation area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n. Specifically, the command unit 32 transmits a command to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to transmit change information indicating whether or not there has been a change to the differential image stored in the activation area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n. For example, the command unit 32 transmits a command to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to transmit the change information in response to a user operation.

[0051] The differential image is generated when the master image is written to the startup area of ​​the storage units 41-1 to 41-n by each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The differential image is also written to the startup area of ​​the storage units 41-1 to 41-n by each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The differential image stores user operations on the master image written to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

[0052] The command unit 32 receives change information from each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The command unit 32 transmits a command to delete the differential image to the processing device that transmitted the change information indicating that there is a change in the differential image (processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12 described later). Furthermore, if the command unit 32 receives change information indicating that there is no change in the differential image from all of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, it does not transmit a command to delete the differential image.

[0053] The command unit 32 may send a command to delete the differential image to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n instead of sending a command to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send the change information.

[0054] [Each process by processing equipment] Next, the configuration of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 9. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a master image and a differential image stored in a storage unit 41-1 of one processing device 4-1. Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 are schematic diagrams showing a master image and a differential image stored in each of storage units 41-1 to 41-n of a plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

[0055] The configuration of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n of this embodiment will be described in detail below, taking the processing device 4-1, the processing device 4-2, and the processing device 4-n as examples.

[0056] First, using the processing device 4-1 as an example, the processing of one processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that transmits a master image to the management device 3 will be described. Next, using the processing device 4-2 and processing device 4-n as examples, the processing of each of the other processing devices (in this example, processing devices 4-2 to 4-n) that receive the master image from the management device 3 will be described. Finally, using the processing device 4-1 as an example, the processing of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when a command to delete a differential image is received will be described.

[0057] First, the processing of one processing device (processing device 4-1 in this example) that transmits a master image to management device 3 will be described using processing device 4-1 as an example. Note that the one processing device (processing device 4-1 in this example) is not limited to processing device 4-1. Management device 3 can acquire the master image from any processing device among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

[0058] The processing device 4-1 includes a storage unit 41-1, which is connected to a transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 and a processing unit 43-1.

[0059] The memory unit 41-1 includes a startup area and a save area. The startup area stores a master image and a differential image in which changes made to the master image by a user are saved. The startup area also stores programs used by the processing device 4-1, including a program for implementing a virtual hard disk function and a program for receiving commands from the management device 3. The save area is an area different from the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1. The save area stores a master image generated by the processing device 4-1 and a master image received by the processing device 4-1 from the management device 3. The memory unit 41-1 is an auxiliary storage device. The memory unit 41-1 is, for example, an HDD or an SSD.

[0060] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to send a master image. When the notification instructing it to send a master image is received, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 outputs the notification instructing it to send the master image to the processing unit 43-1. In addition, the master image is input to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 by the processing unit 43-1. When the master image is input, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 transmits the input master image to the management device 3.

[0061] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing the execution of the generation process. When the notification instructing the execution of the generation process is received, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 outputs the notification instructing the execution of the generation process to the processing unit 43-1. Furthermore, the processing unit 43-1 inputs a master image generated by the generation process to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1. When the master image is input, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 transmits the input master image to the management device 3.

[0062] The processing unit 43-1 receives a notification from the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 instructing it to transmit a master image. The processing unit 43-1 reads the master image from the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. The processing unit 43-1 also outputs the read master image to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1.

[0063] The processing unit 43-1 may read the master image from the storage area of ​​the memory unit 41-1. When reading the master image from the storage area of ​​the memory unit 41-1, the processing unit 43-1 writes the master image read from the storage area of ​​the memory unit 41-1 to the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1. Furthermore, the processing unit 43-1 generates a difference image of the read master image and writes the generated difference image to the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1. Then, the processing unit 43-1 reads the master image from the startup area of ​​the memory unit 41-1 and outputs the read master image to the transmission / reception unit 42-1.

[0064] Furthermore, a notification instructing the execution of the generation process is input to the processing unit 43-1 by the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1. When the notification instructing the execution of the generation process is input, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 executes the generation process to generate a new master image in which the changes stored in the difference image are applied to the master image written in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. For example, the difference image stores operations required to change the master image written in the startup area to a new master image in response to user operations before the processing unit 43-1 executes the generation process.

[0065] If the master image for which the generation process is instructed has not been written in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 reads the master image for which the generation process is instructed from the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. Furthermore, the processing unit 43-1 writes the master image read from the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. Furthermore, the processing unit 43-1 generates a difference image of the read master image and writes the generated difference image to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. If an operation required to change the master image written in the startup area to a new master image is stored in the difference image written in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 in response to a user operation, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 executes a generation process to generate a new master image in which the changes stored in the difference image are applied to the master image written in the startup area.

[0066] Here, the generation process executed by a processing device (in this example, the processing device 4-1) that has received a notification instructing the execution of the generation process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the generation process will be described in the case where the processing device 4-1 creates a master image AA in which changes to the master image A, which are accumulated in a differential image A1, are added to the master image A.

[0067] 5, before the generation process is executed, a master image A and a differential image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, before the generation process is executed, master images A to Z are stored in the saving area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, after the generation process is executed, a master image AA and a differential image AA1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, after the generation process is executed, a master image AA and master images A to Z are stored in the saving area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1.

[0068] First, the processing performed by the processing unit 43-1 before the generation processing is executed will be described.

[0069] If the master image A for which execution of the generation process has been instructed has not been written in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 reads the master image A from the save area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1. The processing unit 43-1 then writes the read master image A to the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1. The processing unit 43-1 also generates a difference image A1 of the master image A and writes the generated difference image A1 to the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1. In response to a user's operation of an input / output interface (not shown) of the processing device 4-1, the operation required to change from master image A to a new master image AA is stored in the difference image A1.

[0070] For example, assume that an environment suitable for a certain training is stored in master image A. The processing unit 43-1 creates a master image AA in which the environment stored in master image A is stored after operations stored in differential image A1 have been performed. The master image AA stores, for example, an environment suitable for another training. In other words, differential image A1 stores operations required to change the environment stored in master image A to a new environment before the generation process by the processing unit 43-1.

[0071] Alternatively, the management device 3 may generate a differential image A1 that stores operations required to change the master image and transmit the generated differential image A1 to the processing device 4-1. The processing unit 43-1 may perform the generation process using the differential image A1 received from the management device 3.

[0072] Next, the generation process performed by the processing unit 43-1 will be described.

[0073] The processing unit 43-1 executes a generation process to generate a master image (in this example, master image AA) in which the changes stored in the differential image A1 have been added to the master image A written in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1. The processing unit 43-1 also writes the generated master image AA to the startup area 411-1 and the storage area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1. The processing unit 43-1 then generates a differential image AA1 in which operations on the master image AA are accumulated. The processing unit 43-1 also writes the generated differential image AA1 to the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1.

[0074] 5, after the generation process is executed, the master image AA and the differential image AA1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Also, the master image AA and the master images A to Z are stored in the saving area 412-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1.

[0075] When a new master image (master image AA in this example) is generated, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 reads the master image (master image AA in this example) from the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 and outputs the master image (master image AA in this example) to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1. The master image (master image AA in this example) is transmitted to the management device 3 by the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1.

[0076] Next, the processing of each of the other processing devices (processing devices 4-2 to 4-n in this example) that receive the master image from the management device 3 will be described, taking the processing device 4-2 and processing device 4-n as examples.

[0077] When transmitting a master image to the management device 3, each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n can perform the same processing as the corresponding configuration of the processing device 4-1. When receiving a master image from the management device 3, each of the processing devices 4-1 can perform the same processing as the corresponding configuration of the processing device 4-2 or 4-n, which will be described later.

[0078] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives the master image from the management device 3. The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 outputs the received master image to the processing unit 43-2. ​​The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 also receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing the writing of the master image to the boot area. When the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives a notification instructing the writing of the master image to the boot area, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 outputs a notification instructing the writing of the master image to the boot area to the processing unit 43-2.

[0079] The processing unit 43-2 receives a master image from the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2. Each time a master image is received, the processing unit 43-2 performs the following determination: The processing unit 43-2 determines whether the master image is already stored in the storage area of ​​the memory unit 41-2. Note that the processing unit 43-2 can use any method to determine whether the master image is stored.

[0080] Here, a method will be described in which the processing unit 43-2 determines whether or not a master image is already stored in the storage area of ​​the memory unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2 based on the name information. The name information is information indicating the name of the master image that can identify each master image.

[0081] Further, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, which are schematic diagrams showing the master image and the differential image stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively.

[0082] Figure 6 shows the master image and differential image stored in memory units 41-2 to 41-n before the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n receive master image A stored in the startup area of ​​memory unit 41-1 of one processing device 4-1 from the management device 3.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, a master image A and a differential image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, master images A to Z are stored in the saving area 412-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. The startup area 411-2 of the memory unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2 does not store master data or differential images. Furthermore, master images A to Z are stored in the saving area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2. The startup area 411-n of the memory unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n does not store master data or differential images. Furthermore, master images B to Z are stored in the saving area 412-n of the memory unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

[0084] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives the master image A and name information indicating the master image A from the management device 3. The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 associates the master image A with the name information and outputs them to the processing unit 43-2. ​​The processing unit 43-2 receives the master image A and the name information from the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2. The processing unit 43-2 determines whether the name information of the master image A is stored in the storage area 412-2 of the storage unit 41-2.

[0085] 6, before the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives the master image A from the management device 3, the master image A is already stored in the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2. Because the master image A is already stored in the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2 before the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives the master image A from the management device 3, the name information indicating the master image A is also stored in the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2. Because the name information indicating the master image A is stored in the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2, the processing unit 43-2 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-2 does not perform a process of writing the master image A and the name information to the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2.

[0086] The processing of a processing device (in this example, processing device 4-n) when writing master image A to the storage area of ​​the storage unit (in this example, storage area 412-n of storage unit 41-n) will be explained using processing device 4-n as an example.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, before the transmitter / receiver 42-n receives the master image A from the management device 3, the master image A is not stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n. The processing unit 43-n of the processing device 4-n, like the processing unit 43-2 of the processing device 4-2, determines whether the name information of the master image A is stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the master image A is not stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n, and therefore the name information indicating the master image A is not stored either. Since the name information indicating the master image A is not stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n, the processing unit 43-n performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-n associates the master image A with the name information and writes them to the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n.

[0088] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the master image and differential image in each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n after receiving the master image A from the management device 3. The schematic diagram shown in Fig. 7 is also a schematic diagram of the master image and differential image when each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, in which the master image and differential image shown in Fig. 6 are stored, receives the master image A. In Fig. 6, the master image A is not stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n, but in Fig. 7, the master image A is stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

[0089] The processing of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n when a notification commanding the writing of the master image to the boot area is received will be described below, taking the processing device 4-2 as an example, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, which are schematic diagrams showing the master image and the differential image stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively.

[0090] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the master image and the differential image in each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n after receiving the master image A from the management device 3. Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the master image and the differential image in each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n after receiving a notification instructing them to write the master image to the startup area.

[0091] Assume that the transceiver 42-2 of the processing device 4-2 receives a notification commanding writing of master image A to the startup area. The notification commanding writing of master image A to the startup area is input from the transceiver 42-2 to the processing unit 43-2. ​​When the notification commanding writing of master image A to the startup area is input, the processing unit 43-2 reads master image A from the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2. The processing unit 43-2 writes the master image A read from the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2 to the startup area 411-2 of the memory unit 41-2. The processing unit 43-2 generates a difference image A2 in which operations on master image A are accumulated, and writes the generated difference image A2 to the startup area 411-2 of the memory unit 41-2.

[0092] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state after each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, in which the master image and differential images shown in FIG. 7 are stored, has stored the master image A in the startup areas 411-2 to 411-n of the respective storage units 41-2 to 41-n. In FIG. 7, the master image and differential images are not stored in the startup areas 411-2 to 411-n of the respective storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. On the other hand, in FIG. 8, the master image A and each differential image A2 to An are stored in the startup areas 411-2 to 411-n of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

[0093] Finally, the processing of each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when deleting a differential image will be described using the processing device 4-1 as an example, with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, which are schematic diagrams showing the master image and differential image stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively.

[0094] Before the differential images are deleted, it is assumed that the master image and the differential image are stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively, as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, master images A to Z are stored in the storage areas 412-1 to 412-n of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively. Furthermore, the master image A and the differential image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, the master image A and the differential image A2 are stored in the startup area 411-2 of the storage unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2. Furthermore, the master image A and the differential image An are stored in the startup area 411-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

[0095] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a command to transmit the change information. When the command to transmit the change information is received, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 outputs the command to transmit the change information to the processing unit 43-1. The change information is also input to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 from the processing unit 43-1. The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 transmits the change information to the management device 3. The change information will be described later.

[0096] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a command to delete a differential image from the management device 3. When the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a command to delete a differential image, it outputs the command to delete the differential image to the processing unit 43-1.

[0097] A command to transmit change information is input to the processing unit 43-1 from the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1. At this time, as shown in Fig. 8, a master image A and a difference image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. When the command to transmit change information is input, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 checks whether the difference image A1 stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 has accumulated user operations on the master image A stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1.

[0098] If a user's operation on master image A stored in startup area 411-1 of storage unit 41-1 is accumulated in differential image A1, processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that there has been a change to the differential image. If a user's operation on master image A stored in startup area 411-1 of storage unit 41-1 is not accumulated in differential image A1, processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that there has been no change to the differential image. The change information indicates whether there has been a change to the differential image (in this example, differential image A1) of the master image (in this example, master image A) stored in the startup area (in this example, startup area 411-1). Processing unit 43-1 outputs the generated change information to transmission / reception unit 42-1.

[0099] A command to delete a differential image is input to processing unit 43-1 from transmission / reception unit 42-1. When the command to delete a differential image is input, processing unit 43-1 deletes differential image A1 from startup area 411-1 of storage unit 41-1. Processing unit 43-1 also generates a new differential image (in this example, differential image A'1) in which user operations on master image A are accumulated. Processing unit 43-1 writes the newly generated differential image (in this example, differential image A'1) to startup area 411-1 of storage unit 41-1.

[0100] Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the master image and differential image in storage units 41-1 to 41-n after processing device 4-1, which has received a command to delete the differential image, has deleted the differential image. The schematic diagram shown in Fig. 9 is also a schematic diagram of the master image and differential image in storage units 41-1 to 41-n after processing device 4-1, which has received a command to delete the differential image, has deleted the differential image, among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n in which the master image and differential image shown in Fig. 8 are stored. The schematic diagram shown in Fig. 9 is also a schematic diagram of the case where each of processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n shown in Fig. 8, has sent change information to management device 3 indicating that there has been no change to the differential image.

[0101] In FIG. 8, a master image A and a differential image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. On the other hand, in FIG. 9, a differential image A'1 newly generated after the differential image A1 has been deleted is stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, since each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n has transmitted change information indicating that there have been no changes to the differential image to the management device 3, each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n has not received a command to delete the differential image from the management device 3. Therefore, each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n does not delete the differential image. In FIG. 9, similar to FIG. 8, a master image A and a differential image A2 are stored in the startup area 411-2 of the storage unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2. Furthermore, a master image A and a differential image An are stored in the startup area 411-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

[0102] In this way, the management device 3 acquires from one of the processing devices 4-1 a master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The management device 3 also writes the acquired master image to the boot areas of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. As a result, the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the one processing device 4-1 is written to the boot areas of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Therefore, the image files in the boot areas of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are identical. In this way, the image files stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n can be collectively managed.

[0103] [Management system operation] Next, an example of operation of the management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 20. Figs. 10 to 12 are sequence diagrams showing an example of operation of the management system. Figs. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing an example of operation of the management device 3. Figs. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of operation of one processing device 4-1. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Figs. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing an example of operation of each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

[0104] First, referring to Figure 10, we will explain the operation in which the management device 3 acquires a master image from one processing device 4-1 and writes the master image to the startup area of ​​each of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

[0105] The management device 3 transmits a notification to one of the processing devices 4-1 instructing it to transmit a master image (step S201).

[0106] The first processing device 4-1 reads the master image from the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1, and transmits the read master image to the management device 3 (step S202).

[0107] The management device 3 transmits the master image to each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the processing device 4-1, among the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n (step S203).

[0108] Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n determines whether the master image is already stored in the storage area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n. If the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n determine that the master image is not stored in the storage area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n, the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n write the master image to its respective storage area (step S204).

[0109] The management device 3 transmits a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image into the boot area (step S205).

[0110] Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n receives a notification commanding it to write the master image to its startup area. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n reads the master image from the storage area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n writes the read master image to the startup area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n (step S206). Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n also generates a difference image in which operations on the master image are accumulated, and writes the generated difference image to the startup area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n.

[0111] Note that the management device 3 may also perform the operation of step S205 when performing the operation of step S203. That is, the management device 3 may associate the master image with a notification commanding the writing of the master image to the startup area and transmit them to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Furthermore, when each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n receives the master image and the notification commanding the writing of the master image to the startup area, it performs the following operation. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n performs the operation of step S204 and the operation of step S206.

[0112] Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain the operation in which the management device 3 causes one processing device 4-1 to generate a new master image and then causes the management device 3 to write the newly generated master image to the startup area of ​​each of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

[0113] When the management device 3 causes the first processing device 4-1 to generate a new master image, the management device 3 performs the operation of step S301, which will be described later. The first processing device 4-1 also performs the operations of steps S302 to S303, which will be described later. Thereafter, the first processing device 4-1 performs the operation of step S202 in the operation example (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires the master image from the first processing device 4-1. The management device 3 also performs the operations of steps S203 and S205 in the operation example (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires the master image from the first processing device 4-1. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n also performs the operations of steps S204 and S206 in the operation example (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires the master image from the first processing device 4-1. In this way, the operations of steps S304 to S308 in FIG. 11 are the same as the operations of steps S202 to S206 shown in FIG. 10.

[0114] The management device 3 transmits a notification to one of the processing devices 4-1 to instruct the device 4-1 to execute the generation process (step S301).

[0115] The first processing device 4-1 receives a notification instructing it to execute a generation process. The first processing device 4-1 executes a generation process to generate a new master image by adding the changes stored in the differential image to the master image written in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S302). The first processing device 4-1 also writes the generated master image to the startup area and the save area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S303). The first processing device 4-1 also generates a differential image in which operations on the master image are accumulated. The first processing device 4-1 writes the generated differential image to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1.

[0116] The first processing device 4-1 transmits the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 to the management device 3 (step S304).

[0117] The management device 3 transmits the master image to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n (step S305).

[0118] Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n determines whether the master image is already stored in the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 to 41-n of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. The master image received by each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n is a master image newly generated by the one processing device 4-1. Therefore, the master image received by each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n is not stored in the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 to 41-n of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n writes the master image to its respective storage area (step S306).

[0119] The management device 3 transmits a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image into the boot area (step S307).

[0120] Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n receives a notification instructing it to write the master image to its startup area. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n reads the master image from the storage area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n writes the read master image to the startup area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n (step S308). Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n also generates a difference image in which operations on the master image are accumulated, and writes the generated difference image to the startup area of ​​its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n.

[0121] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an operation in which the management device 3 transmits a command to delete a differential image will be described.

[0122] Here, an example will be described in which user operations on the master image are accumulated in the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1, and an example will be described in which user operations on the master image are not accumulated in the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

[0123] The management device 3 transmits a command to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to cause them to transmit change information (steps S401-1 and S401-2).

[0124] Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n receives the command to transmit the change information. Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n checks whether the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n contains user operations on the master image. Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n also generates change information (steps S402-1 and S402-2).

[0125] Since the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​memory unit 41-1 of processing device 4-1 contains user operations, the change information generated by processing device 4-1 in step S402-1 indicates that there has been a change to the differential image. Furthermore, the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​each of memory units 41-2 to 41-n of processing devices 4-2 to 4-n does not contain user operations. Therefore, in step S402-2, the change information generated by each of processing devices 4-2 to 4-n indicates that there has been no change to the differential image.

[0126] Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n transmits the change information to the management device 3 (steps S403-1 and S403-2).

[0127] The management device 3 receives the change information from each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, and then transmits a command to delete the differential image to the processing device (in this example, the processing device 4-1) that transmitted the change information indicating that the differential image has been changed (step S404).

[0128] The processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that receives the command to delete the differential image deletes the differential image from the startup area of ​​the memory unit (in this example, memory unit 41-1) (step S405). The processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) also generates a new differential image in which user operations on the master image are accumulated. The processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) writes the generated differential image to the startup area of ​​the memory unit (in this example, memory unit 41-1).

[0129] In addition, the management device 3 can delete the differential images of one or any number of processing devices (in this example, processing device 4-1, but not limited to this) among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n that have sent change information indicating that there has been a change in the differential image.

[0130] Next, the operation of the management device 3 acquiring a master image from one processing device 4-1 and causing the management device 3 to write the master image to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The operation in Fig. 13 details the operations in steps S201, S203, and S205 in Fig. 10.

[0131] The acquisition unit 31 transmits a notification to the one processing device 4-1 instructing it to transmit a master image (step S501). In addition, the acquisition unit 31 receives the master image from the one processing device 4-1, thereby acquiring the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the one processing device 4-1 (step S502).

[0132] The acquisition unit 31 stores the acquired master image in the storage unit 33. The acquisition unit 31 associates the acquired master image with information indicating one of the processing devices that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example), and outputs the associated information to the instruction unit 32.

[0133] The command unit 32 receives the master image and information indicating the one processing device that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example) from the acquisition unit 31. Based on the information indicating the one processing device (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example), the command unit 32 transmits the master image to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the one processing device 4-1, among the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n (step S503).

[0134] The command unit 32 transmits a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to the startup area, causing the command unit 32 to cause each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image written in the storage area of ​​each of the storage devices 41-2 to 41-n to the startup area (step S504).

[0135] Next, referring to Fig. 14, an operation in which the management device 3 causes one processing device 4-1 to generate a new master image and causes the management device 3 to write the newly generated master image to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n will be described. The operation in Fig. 14 details the operations of steps S301, S305, and S307 in Fig. 11.

[0136] The acquisition unit 31 transmits a notification to the first processing device 4-1 instructing it to execute the generation process (step S601). The acquisition unit 31 receives the master image generated in the generation process from the first processing device 4-1 as the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1. As a result, the acquisition unit 31 acquires the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1 from the first processing device 4-1 (step S602).

[0137] The acquisition unit 31 stores the acquired master image in the storage unit 33. The acquisition unit 31 associates the acquired master image with information indicating one of the processing devices that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example), and outputs the associated information to the instruction unit 32.

[0138] The command unit 32 receives the master image and information indicating the one processing device that transmitted the master image (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example) from the acquisition unit 31. The command unit 32 transmits the master image to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n based on the information indicating the one processing device (information indicating the processing device 4-1 in this example) (step S603).

[0139] The command unit 32 transmits a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to the startup area, causing the command unit 32 to cause each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image written in the storage area of ​​each of the storage devices 41-2 to 41-n to the startup area (step S604).

[0140] Next, the operation of the management device 3 transmitting a command to delete a differential image will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The operation in Fig. 15 details the operations in steps S401-1, S401-2, and S404 in Fig. 12.

[0141] The command unit 32 transmits a command to each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to transmit change information (step S701).

[0142] The command unit 32 receives change information from each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. If change information indicating that there is a change in the differential image is received (step S702, YES), the command unit 32 performs the following operation. The command unit 32 transmits an instruction to delete the differential image to the processing device that transmitted the change information indicating that there is a change in the differential image (processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12) (step S703). On the other hand, if change information indicating that there is no change in the differential image is received (step S702, NO), the command unit 32 does not perform the operation of step S703.

[0143] 15 shows an example of operation in which the command unit 32 sends a command to delete a differential image every time change information indicating that a change has been made to the differential image is received. The management device 3 may wait without starting the operation of step S702 until change information has been received from each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n included in the management system. Alternatively, the command unit 32 may perform the operations of steps S702 and S703 when change information has been received from each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n included in the management system.

[0144] The operation of one processing device 4-1 that has received a notification instructing transmission of a master image will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The operation in Fig. 16 is a detailed description of the operation in step S202 in Fig. 10.

[0145] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a notification instructing transmission of a master image from the management device 3 (step S801).

[0146] The processing unit 43-1 reads the master image from the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S802).

[0147] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 transmits the read master image to the management device 3 (step S803).

[0148] Next, the operation of one processing device 4-1 that has received a notification instructing execution of the generation process will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The operation in Fig. 17 details the operations from step S302 to step S304 in Fig. 11.

[0149] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a notification instructing execution of the generation process from the management device 3 (step S901).

[0150] The processing unit 43-1 executes a generation process to generate a new master image by adding the changes stored in the differential image to the master image written in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S902). The processing unit 43-1 writes the generated master image to the startup area and the save area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S903).

[0151] The processing unit 43-1 generates a difference image in which operations on the master image are accumulated, and writes the generated difference image into the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step 904).

[0152] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 transmits the master image to the management device 3 (step S905).

[0153] Next, the operation of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n that have received the master image will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The operation in Fig. 18 details the operations of steps S204 and S206 in Fig. 10 and steps S306 and S308 in Fig. 11. Here, the operation will be described using processing device 4-2 as an example.

[0154] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives the master image from the management device 3 (step S1001).

[0155] The processing unit 43-2 determines whether a master image is already stored in the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1002). If the master image is not stored in the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1002, NO), the processing unit 43-2 writes the master image to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1003). If the master image is stored in the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1002, YES), the processing unit 43-2 does not perform the operation of step S1003.

[0156] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives a notification instructing it to write the master image to the startup area. If the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 receives a notification instructing it to write the master image to the startup area (step S1004, YES), the processing unit 43-2 reads the master image from the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-2. The processing unit 43-2 also writes the read master image to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1005). The processing unit 43-2 generates a difference image in which operations on the master image are accumulated, and writes the generated difference image to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-2 (step S1006). If the transmitting / receiving unit 42-2 does not receive a notification instructing it to write the master image to the startup area (step S1004, NO), the processing unit 43-2 does not perform the operations of steps S1005 and S1006.

[0157] Next, the operation of each of the plurality of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when a command to transmit change information is received will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The operation in Fig. 19 details the operations in steps S402-1, S402-2, S403-1, and S403-2 in Fig. 12. Here, the operation will be described using processing device 4-1 as an example.

[0158] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a command to transmit the change information (step S1101).

[0159] The processing unit 43-1 checks whether the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 contains user operations on the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S1102). If the differential image contains user operations on the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (YES in step S1102), the processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that the differential image has been changed (step S1103). If the differential image does not contain user operations on the master image stored in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (NO in step S1102), the processing unit 43-1 does not perform the operation of step S1103. The processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that the differential image has not been changed (step S1104). The change information is generated by the operation of step S1103 or step S1104. The processing unit 43-1 outputs the generated change information to the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1.

[0160] The transmission / reception unit 42-1 receives the change information from the processing unit 43-1, and transmits the change information to the management device 3 (step S1105).

[0161] Next, the operation of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n that have received the command to delete the differential image will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The operation in Fig. 20 details the operation of step S405 in Fig. 12. Here, the operation will be described using the processing device 4-1 as an example.

[0162] The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 receives a command to delete a differential image from the management device 3 (step S1201). The transmitting / receiving unit 42-1 outputs the command to delete a differential image to the processing unit 43-1.

[0163] A command to delete the differential image is input to the processing unit 43-1 from the transmitting / receiving unit 42-1. The processing unit 43-1 deletes the differential image in the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S1202). The processing unit 43-1 also generates a new differential image in which user operations on the master image are accumulated (step S1203). The processing unit 43-1 writes the newly generated differential image to the startup area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 (step S1204).

[0164] [Effects of the second embodiment] In this way, the management device 3 acquires the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of one of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n from the one processing device 4-1. The management device 3 also writes the acquired master image to the boot areas of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. As a result, the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit 41-1 of the one processing device 4-1 is written to the boot areas of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Therefore, the image files in the boot areas of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are identical. In this way, the image files stored in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n can be managed collectively.

[0165] Furthermore, as described above, the management device 3 of this embodiment can collectively and remotely manage each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, eliminating the need for the user to operate each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n equipped with the virtual hard disk function. In this way, since the user does not need to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, it is possible to reduce the amount of work, time, and effort required by the user to manage the image files in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n.

[0166] Furthermore, the management device 3 of this embodiment causes one processing device 4-1 to execute a generation process for generating a master image. The one processing device 4-1 then stores the generated master image in the startup area and the storage area of ​​the storage unit 41-1. In this way, even if, for example, a change in the content of a training session requires updating of the master image that stores an environment suitable for the training session before the change, the management device 3 can easily generate a master image that stores an environment suitable for the training session after the change.

[0167] Furthermore, the management device 3 writes the master image generated by the one processing device 4-1 to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. In this way, the management device 3 writes the master image generated by the one processing device 4-1 to the startup area of ​​each of the storage units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. Therefore, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n does not need to use a virtual hard disk function to generate a master image in which an environment suitable for the changed training content is saved in response to user operation. Furthermore, the user can generate a master image and store the newly generated master image in the startup area of ​​each of the storage units of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n without operating each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n one by one. In this way, since the user does not need to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, the workload, time, and effort required by the user to manage the image files in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n can be reduced.

[0168] Furthermore, the management device 3 of this embodiment causes each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to transmit change information. Furthermore, the management device 3 causes one of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n (processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that there has been a change in the differential image to delete the differential image. On the other hand, the management device 3 does not cause a processing device (processing devices 4-2 to 4-n in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that there has been no change in the differential image to delete the differential image. In this way, the management device 3 does not cause a processing device (processing devices 4-2 to 4-n in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that there has been no change in the differential image to delete the differential image, thereby suppressing an increase in power consumption. Furthermore, the user can delete the differential image of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n that use the virtual hard disk function without having to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n one by one. In this way, since the user does not need to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, the workload, time, and effort required by the user to manage the image files in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n can be reduced. [Hardware configuration example] An example of the configuration of hardware resources in which the management device (1 or 3) or processing devices (2-1 to 2-n or 4-1 to 4-n) in each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are realized using one information processing device (computer) will be described. Note that the management device or processing device may be realized physically or functionally using at least two information processing devices. Also, the management device or processing device may be realized as a dedicated device. Also, only some of the functions of the management device or processing device may be realized using an information processing device.

[0169] 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can realize the management device or processing device according to each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 5 includes a communication interface 51, an input / output interface 52, a computing device 53, a storage device 54, a nonvolatile storage device 55, and a drive device 56.

[0170] For example, the acquisition unit 11 in Fig. 1 can be realized by a communication interface 51. Furthermore, the instruction unit 12 in Fig. 1 and the instruction unit 32 in Fig. 4 can be realized by a communication interface 51 and a computing device 53. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 31 in Fig. 4 can be realized by a communication interface 51 and a computing device 53. The storage unit 33 in Fig. 4 can be realized by a non-volatile storage device 55.

[0171] For example, the storage units 21-1 to 21-n in Fig. 1 and the storage units 41-1 to 41-n in Fig. 4 can be realized by a nonvolatile storage device 55. The transmission / reception units 42-1 to 42-n in Fig. 4 can be realized by a communication interface 51. The processing units 43-1 to 43-n in Fig. 4 can be realized by an arithmetic unit 53.

[0172] The communication interface 51 is a communication means for the management device or processing device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device via a wired or / and wireless connection. When the management device or processing device is realized using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected via the communication interface 51 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0173] The input / output interface 52 is a man-machine interface including a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

[0174] The arithmetic device 53 is realized by a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or other arithmetic processing device, and a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic device 53 can, for example, read various programs stored in a nonvolatile storage device 55 into the storage device 54 and execute processing in accordance with the read programs.

[0175] The storage device 54 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be accessed by the arithmetic device 53, and stores programs, various data, etc. The storage device 54 may be a volatile memory device.

[0176] The nonvolatile storage device 55 is a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs, data, and the like.

[0177] The drive device 56 is, for example, a device that processes reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 57, which will be described later.

[0178] The recording medium 57 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor flash memory.

[0179] Each embodiment of the present invention may be realized, for example, by configuring a management device or processing device using the information processing device 5 illustrated in FIG. 21 and supplying a program capable of realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this management device or processing device.

[0180] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the arithmetic device 53 execute a program supplied to the management device or the processing device. Also, it is possible to configure some, but not all, of the functions of the management device or the processing device in the information processing device 5.

[0181] Furthermore, the program may be recorded on recording medium 57 and stored in nonvolatile storage device 55 as appropriate when the management device or processing device is shipped or when it is in operation. In this case, the program may be supplied by installing it in the control device using an appropriate jig during the manufacturing stage before shipping or during operation. The program may also be supplied by a general procedure such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0182] The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1, 3 Management device 11, 31 Acquisition Department 12, 32 Instruction part 33 Storage section 2-1 to 2-n, 4-1 to 4-n processing equipment 21-1~21-n, 41-1~41-n storage section 42-1~42-n Transmitter / Receiver 43-1 to 43-n Processing section 5. Information processing equipment 51 Communication Interface 52 Input / Output Interface 53 Arithmetic unit 54 Storage device 55 Non-volatile storage 56 Drive device 57 Recording Media

Claims

1. an acquiring unit that acquires from one of a plurality of processing devices including a storage unit that includes a startup area into which a master image, which is an image file that stores the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the storage unit of the processing device at a predetermined time, is written, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image; and an instruction unit that causes each of the plurality of processing devices, excluding the one processing device, to write the acquired master image to a startup area of ​​a storage unit of the other processing devices, and causes each of the plurality of processing devices to delete a difference image in which changes to the master image are stored; A management device comprising:

2. The instruction unit causes each of the other processing devices to write the acquired master image to a storage area in which a master image different from a startup area is stored, in the storage unit of each of the other processing devices, and then causes the instruction unit to write the acquired master image to the startup area. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. The command unit causes each of the plurality of processing devices to transmit change information indicating whether or not there is a change in the differential image stored in the startup area of ​​each storage unit, and causes a processing device among the plurality of processing devices that has transmitted change information indicating that there is a change in the differential image to delete the differential image.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The acquisition unit instructs the one processing device to execute a generation process in which a master image to which the changes stored in a differential image have been added is newly generated, and acquires the master image to which the changes stored in the differential image have been added as a master image stored in a startup area of ​​a storage unit of the one processing device.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the management device is a device for managing a plurality of data items.

5. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; the plurality of processing devices; A management system comprising:

6. A master image is written to the boot area of ​​a storage unit of one of a plurality of processing devices, each of which includes a boot area in which the data structure and data of the boot area stored in the master image at a predetermined time are restored, and the master image stored in the boot area of ​​the storage unit of one of the processing devices is acquired from the one of the processing devices; writing the acquired master image to a boot area of ​​a storage unit of each of the processing devices other than the one processing device among the plurality of processing devices, and causing each of the plurality of processing devices to delete a difference image in which changes to the master image are stored; Management method.

7. On the computer, an acquisition function for acquiring, from one of a plurality of processing devices including a storage unit including a startup area into which a master image, which is an image file storing the data structure and data of the startup area of ​​the storage unit of the processing device at a predetermined time, is written, thereby restoring the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image; and a command function for causing each of the plurality of processing devices, excluding the one processing device, to write the acquired master image to a boot area of ​​a storage unit of the other processing devices, and for causing each of the plurality of processing devices to delete a difference image in which changes to the master image are stored; A management program that achieves this.

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