Information systems and information processing methods

Abstract

To solve a problem in which there is a heavy load on a service server that provides a service to a number of terminal devices.SOLUTION: An information system A includes four or more terminal devices belonging to any group and a service server 1. The service server 1 includes a service unit 131 that transmits information to a representative terminal 2 corresponding to a representative terminal identifier of each of two or more groups, for each of the two or more groups. The representative terminal 2 includes: a representative reception unit 25 that receives information from the service server 1; a representative transmission unit 24 that transmits the information to one or more sub-terminals 3 corresponding to respective sub-terminal identifiers; and a representative processing unit 23 that performs processing using the information. Each of the sub-terminals 3 includes: a sub-reception unit 35 that receives information from the representative terminal 2; and a sub-processing unit 33 that performs processing using the information. The information system A can reduce a load on the service server that provides a service to a number of terminal devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information system or the like that introduces a technique for reducing communication traffic in data communication between a server and a plurality of clients.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a game system that provides a game executable on a plurality of user terminals accessible to a server via a network, there is provided a bookmark processing unit that registers an arbitrary screen in the game as a bookmark, and the bookmark processing unit assigns a label to the screen registered as the bookmark, and a game system characterized by generating a bookmark screen in which the screen registered as the bookmark and the label assigned to the screen are associated and displayed in a list (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, the load on the server that provides services to a large number of terminal devices has been extremely large.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first information system of the present invention comprises four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, wherein the service server comprises a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communication with a representative terminal which is one of two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, for each of the two or more groups, and a service unit that transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, wherein the representative terminal among the terminal devices comprises a representative storage unit that stores a sub-terminal identifier for communication with one or more sub-terminals which are other terminal devices belonging to the same group, a representative receiving unit that receives information from the service server, a representative transmitting unit that transmits the information received by the representative receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to one or more sub-terminal identifiers, and a representative processing unit that processes the information received by the representative receiving unit, wherein the sub-terminal among the terminal devices comprises a sub-receiving unit that receives information from a representative terminal belonging to the same group, and a sub-processing unit that processes the information received by the sub-receiving unit.

[0006] This configuration reduces the load on the service server providing services to a large number of terminals.

[0007] Furthermore, the information system of this second invention, in contrast to the first invention, is an information system in which the service unit transmits some information to a representative terminal corresponding to a representative terminal identifier, and transmits other information to one or more sub-terminals other than the representative terminal.

[0008] This configuration enables diverse communication between the service server and terminal devices.

[0009] Furthermore, the information system of this third invention, in addition to the first or second invention, comprises, for at least one of two or more sub-terminals, one or more second sub-terminals that constitute a subgroup which is a subordinate group of one sub-terminal, and the one sub-terminal further comprises a sub-storage unit which stores a second sub-terminal identifier for communicating with one or more second sub-terminals, and a sub-transmitting unit which transmits information received by a sub-receiving unit to a second sub-terminal corresponding to one or more second sub-terminal identifiers, and the second sub-terminal comprises a second sub-receiving unit which receives information from one sub-terminal, and a second sub-processing unit which processes information received by the second sub-receiving unit, and the information system comprises

[0010] This configuration further reduces the load on the service server providing services to a large number of terminal devices.

[0011] Furthermore, the information system of this fourth invention is an information system in which the representative terminal in any one of two or more groups changes with respect to any one of the first to third inventions, and the service server further comprises a representative change unit that changes the representative terminal identifier of the terminal information storage unit.

[0012] This configuration can improve the reduction of load concentration on specific representative terminals.

[0013] Furthermore, the information system of this fifth invention, in contrast to the fourth invention, is an information system in which, when a predetermined representative change condition is met, the representative terminal identifier of a group that satisfies the representative change condition is changed to the sub-terminal identifier of a sub-terminal belonging to the group.

[0014] This configuration can improve the reduction of load concentration on specific representative terminals.

[0015] In addition, for the information system of the sixth invention, in the representative transmission unit of the representative terminal for any one of the first to fifth inventions, the first encryption key is transmitted to the service server, and the second encryption key is transmitted to the sub-terminal, and the first encryption key and the second encryption key are different keys. This is the information system.

[0016] With such a configuration, security can be appropriately ensured.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the load on the service server that provides services to a large number of terminal devices can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of the information system A in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the information system A [Figure 3] Block diagram of the service server 1 [Figure 4] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the service server 1 [Figure 5] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the representative terminal 2 [Figure 6] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the sub-terminal 3 [Figure 7] Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the second sub-terminal 4 [Figure 8] Overview diagram of the computer system [Figure 9] Block diagram of the computer system <统一码范围

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information system and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and thus repeated description may be omitted.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, we will describe an information system having a service server and four or more terminal devices forming a group, wherein the four or more terminal devices are divided into two or more groups, information is transmitted from the service server to a representative terminal representing each group, and said information is transmitted from the representative terminal to sub-terminals which are other terminal devices of the same group.

[0021] Furthermore, this embodiment describes an information system in which some information is transmitted from the service server to a representative terminal, and some of that information is transmitted to one or more sub-terminals via the representative terminal, while other information is transmitted directly from the service server to the sub-terminals.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we will describe an information system in which the group has two or more layers.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, we will describe an information system in which the group's representative terminal changes dynamically. In this embodiment, for example, the representative terminal changes when the representative change conditions are met.

[0024] Furthermore, this embodiment describes an information system in which the encryption key used when encrypting information sent by the representative terminal to the service server is different from the encryption key used when encrypting information sent by the representative terminal to the sub-terminals.

[0025] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is irrelevant. Information X and information Y may be linked, may reside in the same buffer, may information X be contained in information Y, or information Y may be contained in information X, and so on.

[0026] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of information system A in this embodiment. Information system A comprises a service server 1 and four or more terminal devices. The four or more terminal devices comprise one or more representative terminals 2 and two or more sub-terminals 3. The four or more terminal devices may also comprise one or more second sub-terminals 4. In other words, information system A comprises a service server 1, one or more representative terminals 2, and two or more sub-terminals 3. Information system A may further comprise one or more second sub-terminals 4.

[0027] Service Server 1 is a server that provides services to terminal devices. In particular, Service Server 1 is a server that provides services to Representative Terminal 2. To provide services to terminal devices, Service Server 1 sends information to Representative Terminal 2. Note that this information may also be instructions. In other words, the information includes data, instructions, or a combination of data and instructions.

[0028] The services provided by service server 1 include, for example, games. That is, users of terminal devices can play games using service server 1. However, the services that service server 1 provides to terminal devices are not limited to games.

[0029] A terminal device is a device that receives services. A terminal device typically receives services from service server 1. A terminal device is typically a device used by a user. A terminal device can be a representative terminal 2, a sub-terminal 3, or a second sub-terminal 4.

[0030] In information system A, four or more terminal devices are grouped into two or more groups. Each of the four or more terminal devices belongs to one of the two or more groups. One of the one or more terminal devices belonging to each of the two or more groups is designated as representative terminal 2. It is preferable that each of the two or more groups has one or more sub-terminals 3. Sub-terminals 3 are terminals that are not representative terminal 2. Representative terminal 2 is a terminal that directly receives information from service server 1. Sub-terminals 3 are terminals that receive information transmitted from service server 1 via representative terminal 2. Sub-terminals 3 usually receive information directly from representative terminal 2, but may also receive the same information from other sub-terminals 3 that have received information from representative terminal 2. In other words, sub-terminals 3 may indirectly receive information transmitted from representative terminal 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the groups may be hierarchically structured into two or more levels. That is, there may be one or more terminal devices (referred to as second sub-terminals 4) below one sub-terminal 3, and one or more second sub-terminals 4 may receive information transmitted from service server 1 from the first sub-terminal 3. Also, terminal devices belonging to the same group as the second sub-terminal 4 (also referred to as second sub-terminals 4) may receive the information via a terminal device (second sub-terminal 4) that directly receives the information from the first sub-terminal 3.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable for the main terminal 2, sub-terminal 3, and second sub-terminal 4 to transmit necessary information to the service server 1. Note that when sub-terminal 3 transmits information to the service server 1, it may be transmitted via main terminal 2. Similarly, when second sub-terminal 4 transmits information to the service server 1, it may be transmitted via sub-terminal 3 and main terminal 2.

[0033] Service server 1 and one or more representative terminals 2 can normally communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Representative terminals 2 and one or more sub-terminals 3 can normally communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. Sub-terminals 3 and one or more second sub-terminals 4 can normally communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram of information system A in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of service server 1.

[0035] In Figure 2, there is only one group G1 in the first tier, but information system A typically has two or more groups. In Figure 2, there is only one group G2 in the second tier, but there may also be two or more subgroups below group G1.

[0036] The service server 1 comprises a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a transmitting unit 14. The storage unit 11 comprises a terminal information storage unit 111. The processing unit 13 comprises a service unit 131 and a representative change unit 132.

[0037] Representative terminal 2 includes a representative storage unit 21, a representative reception unit 22, a representative processing unit 23, a representative transmission unit 24, a representative reception unit 25, and a representative output unit 26.

[0038] Sub-terminal 3 comprises a sub-storage unit 31, a sub-receiving unit 32, a sub-processing unit 33, a sub-transmission unit 34, a sub-receiving unit 35, and a sub-output unit 36.

[0039] The second sub-terminal 4 includes a second sub-storage unit 41, a second sub-receiving unit 42, a second sub-processing unit 43, a second sub-transmission unit 44, a second sub-receiving unit 45, and a second sub-output unit 46.

[0040] The storage unit 11 that constitutes the service server 1 stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, one or more representative terminal identifiers, which will be described later. The types of information may also include one or more sub-terminal identifiers and one or more second sub-terminal identifiers, which will be described later.

[0041] It is preferable that the storage unit 11 does not store group information for one or more groups, but it may store group information for one or more groups. In other words, it is preferable that the service server 1 manages only the information of the representative terminal 2 and is not concerned with the groups. Group information is information for managing groups. For example, group information includes a representative terminal identifier and one or more sub-terminal identifiers. For example, group information includes a group identifier. A group identifier is information that identifies a group.

[0042] The terminal information storage unit 111 stores one or more representative terminal identifiers. For each of the one or more groups, the terminal information storage unit 111 stores the identifier of the representative terminal 2, which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group.

[0043] The representative terminal identifier is information that identifies representative terminal 2. The representative terminal identifier is information used to communicate with representative terminal 2. Examples of representative terminal identifiers include the IP address of representative terminal 2, the MAC address of representative terminal 2, the ID of representative terminal 2, the telephone number, the email address, and the user identifier (user ID) that identifies the user of representative terminal 2.

[0044] The receiving unit 12 receives various types of information. This information may also be commands or instructions. The receiving unit 12 receives information from the main terminal 2. The receiving unit 12 may also receive information from sub-terminals 3 and second sub-terminals 4. The content of the information is not restricted. The various types of information received by the receiving unit 12 could, for example, be information for progressing through a game. The various types of information received by the receiving unit 12 could, for example, be information for managing multiple avatars.

[0045] The processing unit 13 performs various processes. These various processes include, for example, the processes performed by the service unit 131 and the representative change unit 132.

[0046] The service unit 131 transmits information to the representative terminal 2 corresponding to the representative terminal identifier for each of the two or more groups. Such information is, for example, information necessary for playing a game.

[0047] For example, the service unit 131 transmits some information to the representative terminal 2 corresponding to one or more representative terminal identifiers in the terminal information storage unit 111, and transmits other information to one or more sub-terminals 3 other than the representative terminal.

[0048] If the service unit 131 determines, for example, that the information to be transmitted is information used by two or more terminal devices, it transmits the information to the representative terminal 2 corresponding to one or more representative terminal identifiers in the terminal information storage unit 111. The information used by two or more terminal devices is, for example, a game program used by all terminal devices, a game start command, a game end command, and multiple location pieces of information that identify the location of avatars corresponding to multiple terminal devices.

[0049] On the other hand, if the service unit 131 determines, for example, that the information to be transmitted is information used by a specific terminal device, it may transmit the information only to that specific terminal device. The information used by a specific terminal device is, for example, information that the service unit 131 processes and obtains from information transmitted from a specific terminal device to the service server 1.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferable for the service unit 131 to determine whether the information to be transmitted to the terminal device is to be transmitted to the representative terminal 2 or to one or more specific terminal devices.

[0051] Furthermore, providing a service involves, for example, processing requests received from terminal devices such as Representative Terminal 2. The results of such processing are transmitted to terminal devices such as Representative Terminal 2.

[0052] The representative change unit 132 changes the representative terminal identifier of the terminal information storage unit 111. For example, the representative change unit 132 changes the representative terminal identifier of the terminal information storage unit 111 for each of one or more groups. If the representative change unit 132 satisfies predetermined representative change conditions, it is preferable to change the representative terminal identifier of the group that satisfies the representative change conditions to the sub-terminal identifier of the sub-terminal 3 belonging to the group.

[0053] The representative change conditions are the conditions for changing the representative terminal 2 of a group. The representative change conditions include, for example, receiving a representative change request from representative terminal 2, and the information received from representative terminal 2 indicating a high load. However, the trigger for the representative change unit 132 to change the representative terminal identifier does not matter. For example, when the receiving unit 12 receives the identifier of the next representative terminal 2 from representative terminal 2, the representative change unit 132 stores that identifier in the terminal information storage unit 111 as the representative terminal identifier of the group.

[0054] The representative change unit 132, for example, overwrites the representative terminal identifier of the representative terminal 2 with the identifier. The representative change unit 132 periodically changes the representative terminal identifier of one or more groups. In this case, the terminal information storage unit 111 stores the terminal identifiers of two or more terminal devices belonging to each group. The representative change condition in this case is that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since one terminal became the representative terminal 2.

[0055] The transmitting unit 14 transmits various types of information. It is preferable for the transmitting unit 14 to transmit information only to the representative terminal 2. However, the transmitting unit 14 may also transmit information to all terminal devices. Depending on the information, it is preferable for the transmitting unit 14 to transmit only to the representative terminal 2 or to transmit to all terminal devices.

[0056] The representative storage unit 21, which constitutes the representative terminal 2, stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the sub-terminal identifier, the first encryption key, and the second encryption key, which will be described later.

[0057] The representative storage unit 21 stores one or more sub-terminal identifiers. Here, the sub-terminal identifier is the identifier of sub-terminal 3, which belongs to the same group as representative terminal 2. The sub-terminal identifier is information that identifies sub-terminal 3. The sub-terminal identifier is information for communicating with sub-terminal 3. For example, the sub-terminal identifier may be the IP address of sub-terminal 3, the MAC address of sub-terminal 3, the ID of sub-terminal 3, the telephone number, the email address, or the user identifier (user ID) that identifies the user of sub-terminal 3. Note that the sub-terminal identifier is usually the same type of information as the representative terminal identifier, but it may be different type of information.

[0058] The main reception unit 22 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, various requests. The main reception unit 22 typically receives various instructions and information entered by users.

[0059] Any means of inputting instructions and information is acceptable, such as a touch panel, game controller, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0060] The representative processing unit 23 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, configuring various instructions and information received by the representative receiving unit 22 into instructions and information to be transmitted. These processes also include, for example, configuring information received by the representative receiving unit 25 into information to be transmitted. These processes also include, for example, using the request received by the representative receiving unit 22 and the representative terminal identifier in the representative storage unit 21 to construct a request associated with the representative terminal identifier.

[0061] The representative processing unit 23 performs processing using, for example, the information received by the representative receiving unit 25. Such processing may include, for example, the progress of a game.

[0062] The representative processing unit 23 encrypts information to be sent to the service server 1 using a first encryption key. The representative processing unit 23 also encrypts information to be sent to the sub-terminal 3 using a second encryption key. It is preferable that the first and second encryption keys are different keys.

[0063] The representative transmission unit 24 transmits the information received by the representative reception unit 25 from the service server 1 to the sub-terminals 3 corresponding to one or more sub-terminal identifiers. The representative transmission unit 24 transmits the information received by the representative reception unit 25 from the service server 1, which has been encrypted by the representative processing unit 23 using the second encryption key, to the sub-terminals 3 corresponding to one or more sub-terminal identifiers.

[0064] The representative transmission unit 24 preferably transmits the first encryption key to the service server 1. The representative transmission unit 24 preferably transmits the second encryption key to the sub-terminal 3 corresponding to one or more sub-terminal identifiers. The timing and trigger for the representative transmission unit 24 transmitting the first encryption key to the service server 1 are not specified. The timing and trigger for the representative transmission unit 24 transmitting the second encryption key to one or more sub-terminals 3 are not specified.

[0065] The main receiving unit 25 receives various types of information from the service server 1. These types of information include, for example, information for game progression.

[0066] The main output unit 26 outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the results of processing a request and the game itself.

[0067] Here, "output" is a concept that includes display on a screen, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and transfer of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0068] Various types of information are stored in the sub-storage unit 31 that constitutes the sub-terminal 3. These types of information include, for example, the representative terminal identifier of the representative terminal 2, its own sub-terminal identifier, a second encryption key, one or more sub-terminal identifiers, and one or more second sub-terminal identifiers, which will be described later. The sub-terminal identifier is the identifier of the sub-terminal 3 that belongs to the same group as the sub-terminal 3 in question.

[0069] The sub-storage unit 31 may store one or more second sub-terminal identifiers. A second sub-terminal identifier is an identifier for a second sub-terminal 4, which is a terminal device at a lower hierarchical level than the sub-terminal 3. The second sub-terminal identifier is information for communicating with the second sub-terminal 4. For example, the second sub-terminal identifier may be the IP address of the second sub-terminal 4, the MAC address of the second sub-terminal 4, the ID of the second sub-terminal 4, the telephone number, the email address, or the user identifier (user ID) that identifies the user of the second sub-terminal 4. The sub-terminal identifier is usually the same type of information as the representative terminal identifier, but it may be different type of information.

[0070] The sub-reception unit 32 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, various requests. The sub-reception unit 32 typically receives various instructions and information entered by the user.

[0071] Any means of inputting instructions and information is acceptable, such as a touch panel, game controller, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0072] The sub-processing unit 33 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, configuring various instructions and information received by the sub-receiving unit 32 into instructions and information to be transmitted. These processes also include, for example, configuring information received by the sub-receiving unit 35 into information to be transmitted. These processes also include, for example, using the request received by the sub-receiving unit 32 and the sub-terminal identifier of the sub-storage unit 31 to construct a request associated with the sub-terminal identifier.

[0073] The sub-processing unit 33 performs processing using, for example, the information received by the sub-receiving unit 35. Such processing may include, for example, the progression of a game.

[0074] For example, the sub-processing unit 33 performs decryption processing on the information received by the sub-receiving unit 35 using a second encryption key, and constructs the information to be output.

[0075] The sub-transmitting unit 34 transmits various types of information. For example, the sub-transmitting unit 34 transmits information to the service server 1. These types of information include, for example, requests.

[0076] The sub-transmitting unit 34 may transmit the information received by the sub-receiving unit 35 to the second sub-terminals 4 corresponding to one or more second sub-terminal identifiers. Note that such second sub-terminal identifiers are identifiers of second sub-terminals 4 belonging to its own subordinate group.

[0077] The sub-transmitting unit 34 transmits, for example, the information received by the sub-receiving unit 35 to another sub-terminal 3 corresponding to the sub-terminal identifier of the sub-storage unit 31.

[0078] The sub-receiving unit 35 receives various types of information. The sub-receiving unit 35 receives information from the representative terminal 2 belonging to the same group of terminal devices. The sub-receiving unit 35 may also receive information from other sub-terminals 3 belonging to the same group. The sub-receiving unit 35 may also receive information directly from the service server 1.

[0079] The sub-output unit 36 ​​outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the results of processing a request and the game itself.

[0080] Here, "output" is a concept that includes display on a screen, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and transfer of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0081] Various types of information are stored in the second sub-storage unit 41, which constitutes the second sub-terminal 4. These types of information include, for example, the sub-terminal identifier of the higher-level sub-terminal 3, the second encryption key, and one or more second sub-terminal identifiers. The second sub-terminal identifier is the identifier of the second sub-terminal 4 that belongs to the same group as the second sub-terminal 4 in question.

[0082] The second sub-reception unit 42 receives various instructions and information. These instructions and information include, for example, various requests. The second sub-reception unit 42 typically receives various instructions and information entered by the user.

[0083] Any means of inputting instructions and information is acceptable, such as a touch panel, game controller, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0084] The second sub-processing unit 43 performs various processes. These processes include, for example, configuring various instructions and information received by the second sub-receiving unit 42 into instructions and information to be transmitted. These processes include, for example, configuring information received by the second sub-receiving unit 45 into information to be transmitted. These processes include, for example, using the request received by the second sub-receiving unit 42 and the second sub-terminal identifier of the second sub-storage unit 41 to construct a request associated with the second sub-terminal identifier.

[0085] The second sub-processing unit 43 performs processing using, for example, the information received by the second sub-receiving unit 45. Such processing may include, for example, the progression of a game.

[0086] The second sub-transmitting unit 44 transmits various types of information. The sub-transmitting unit 34 transmits information to the service server 1, for example. This information may include requests.

[0087] The second sub-transmitting unit 44 may also transmit the information received by the second sub-receiving unit 45 to the second sub-terminals 4 corresponding to one or more second sub-terminal identifiers.

[0088] The second sub-receiving unit 45 receives information from one sub-terminal 3. The second sub-receiving unit 45 may also receive information from other second sub-terminals 4 belonging to the same group. The second sub-receiving unit 45 may also receive information directly from the service server 1.

[0089] The second sub-output unit 46 outputs various types of information. These types of information include, for example, the results of processing a request and the game itself.

[0090] Here, "output" is a concept that includes display on a screen, projection using a projector, printing with a printer, sound output, transmission to an external device, storage on a recording medium, and transfer of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0091] The storage unit 11, terminal information storage unit 111, representative storage unit 21, sub-storage unit 31, and second sub-storage unit 41 are preferably made of non-volatile recording media, but can also be made of volatile recording media.

[0092] The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11, etc. is not relevant. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc.

[0093] The receiving unit 12, the main receiving unit 25, the sub-receiving unit 35, and the second sub-receiving unit 45 are usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0094] The processing unit 13, service unit 131, representative change unit 132, representative processing unit 23, sub-processing unit 33, and second sub-processing unit 43 can typically be implemented using a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc., are typically implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor can be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type is not limited. The service unit 131 can typically be implemented using wireless or wired communication means.

[0095] The transmitting unit 14, the main transmitting unit 24, the sub-transmitting unit 34, and the second sub-transmitting unit 44 are usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0096] The main reception unit 22, the sub-reception unit 32, and the second sub-reception unit 42 can be implemented using device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, or control software for menu screens.

[0097] The main output unit 26, the sub-output unit 36, and the second sub-output unit 46 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as displays and speakers. The main output unit 26 can be implemented using driver software for an output device, or driver software for an output device and an output device, etc.

[0098] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of information system A. First, we will explain an example of the operation of service server 1 using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0099] (Step S401) The service unit 131 decides whether or not to send the information. If it decides to send the information, it goes to step S402; if it decides not to send the information, it goes to step S409.

[0100] (Step S402) The service unit 131 determines whether the information subject to judgment in step S401 is common information for terminal devices. If it is common information, the process proceeds to step S403; if it is information specific to a particular terminal device, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0101] (Step S403) The service unit 131 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0102] (Step S404) The service unit 131 determines whether the i-th representative terminal identifier exists in the terminal information storage unit 111. If the i-th representative terminal identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S405; otherwise, the process returns to step S401.

[0103] (Step S405) The service unit 131 obtains the i-th representative terminal identifier from the terminal information storage unit 111.

[0104] (Step S406) The service unit 131 transmits the information to be transmitted to the representative terminal 2 identified by the i-th representative terminal identifier obtained in step S405.

[0105] (Step S407) The service unit 131 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S404.

[0106] (Step S408) The service unit 131 transmits the information to be sent to a specific terminal device. Return to step S401.

[0107] (Step S409) The representative change unit 132 determines whether or not to change the representative terminal. If it is determined to change the representative terminal, the process proceeds to step S410; if it is determined not to change the representative terminal, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0108] (Step S410) The representative change unit 132 obtains the terminal identifier of the terminal device that will become the representative terminal 2. The representative terminal identifier is included, for example, in the instruction to change the representative terminal.

[0109] (Step S411) The representative change unit 132 updates the representative terminal identifier. Return to step S401.

[0110] (Step S412) The receiving unit 12 determines whether or not it has received information. If information has been received, it proceeds to step S413; otherwise, it returns to step S401.

[0111] (Step S413) The service unit 131 processes the information received in step S412. The process returns to step S401. It is preferable that the information to be sent to the terminal device is obtained as a result of the processing here.

[0112] In the flowchart shown in Figure 4, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0113] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of representative terminal 2 using the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0114] (Step S501) The representative receiving unit 25 determines whether or not it has received information from the service server 1. If information is received, it proceeds to step S502; if information is not received, it proceeds to step S509.

[0115] (Step S502) The representative processing unit 23 determines whether the information received in step S501 is information to be sent to the sub-terminal 3. If it is information to be sent to the sub-terminal 3, the unit proceeds to step S503; otherwise, the unit proceeds to step S508.

[0116] (Step S503) The representative processing unit 23 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0117] (Step S504) The representative processing unit 23 determines whether or not the i-th sub-terminal identifier exists in the representative storage unit 21. If the i-th sub-terminal identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S505; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0118] (Step S505) The representative processing unit 23 obtains the i-th sub-terminal identifier from the representative storage unit 21.

[0119] (Step S506) The representative transmission unit 24 transmits the information received in step S501 to the sub-terminal 3 identified by the i-th sub-terminal identifier obtained in step S505.

[0120] (Step S507) The representative processing unit 23 increments counter i by 1. The process returns to step S504.

[0121] (Step S508) The representative processing unit 23 processes the information received in step S501. The process returns to step S501.

[0122] (Step S509) The representative processing unit 23 determines whether the representative change conditions are met. If the representative change conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S510; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0123] (Step S510) The representative processing unit 23 obtains the terminal identifier of the terminal that will become the new representative terminal 2 from one or more sub-terminal identifiers in the representative storage unit 21. Next, the representative processing unit 23 configures a representative change request having the obtained sub-terminal identifier.

[0124] (Step S511) The representative transmission unit 24 sends the representative change request configured in step S510 to the service server 1. Return to step S501.

[0125] (Step S512) The main reception unit 22 determines whether or not it has received the information. If it has received the information, it proceeds to step S513; if it has not received the information, it returns to step S501.

[0126] (Step S513) The representative processing unit 23 performs processing according to the information received in step S512. The process returns to step S501. As a result of the processing according to the information here, the information of the processing at the representative terminal 2 may be sent to the service server 1.

[0127] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0128] Next, an example of the operation of sub-terminal 3 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0129] (Step S601) The sub-receiving unit 35 determines whether or not it has received information. If information has been received, it proceeds to step S602; if no information has been received, it proceeds to step S609.

[0130] (Step S602) The sub-processing unit 33 determines whether the information received in step S601 is information to be sent to another terminal (for example, another sub-terminal 3 in the same group, or a lower-level second sub-terminal 4). If it is information to be sent to another terminal, the process goes to step S603; otherwise, the process goes to step S608.

[0131] (Step S603) The subprocessing unit 33 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0132] (Step S604) The sub-processing unit 33 determines whether or not the i-th terminal identifier exists in the sub-storage unit 31. If the i-th terminal identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S605; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S608. The terminal identifier here is, for example, the sub-terminal identifier of another sub-terminal 3 in the same group, or the second sub-terminal identifier of a lower-level second sub-terminal 4.

[0133] (Step S605) The sub-processing unit 33 obtains the i-th terminal identifier from the sub-storage unit 31.

[0134] (Step S606) The sub-transmitting unit 34 transmits the information received in step S601 to the terminal device identified by the i-th terminal identifier obtained in step S605.

[0135] (Step S607) The sub-processing unit 33 increments counter i by 1. The process returns to step S604.

[0136] (Step S608) The sub-processing unit 33 processes the information received in step S601. The process returns to step S601.

[0137] (Step S609) The sub-reception unit 32 determines whether or not it has received the information. If it has received the information, it proceeds to step S613; otherwise, it returns to step S601.

[0138] (Step S610) The sub-processing unit 33 performs processing according to the information received in step S609. The process returns to step S601. As a result of the processing according to the information here, the information of the processing at sub-terminal 3 may be sent to service server 1 or representative terminal 2.

[0139] In the flowchart shown in Figure 6, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0140] Next, an example of the operation of the second sub-terminal 4 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0141] (Step S701) The second sub-receiving unit 45 determines whether or not it has received information. If information has been received, it proceeds to step S702; if no information has been received, it proceeds to step S709.

[0142] (Step S702) The second sub-processing unit 43 determines whether the information received in step S701 is information to be sent to another terminal (for example, another second sub-terminal 4 in the same group, or a lower second sub-terminal 4). If it is information to be sent to another terminal, the process goes to step S703; otherwise, the process goes to step S708.

[0143] (Step S703) The second sub-processing unit 43 assigns 1 to counter i.

[0144] (Step S704) The second sub-processing unit 43 determines whether or not the i-th terminal identifier exists in the second sub-storage unit 41. If the i-th terminal identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S708. The terminal identifier here refers to, for example, the second sub-terminal identifier of another second sub-terminal 4 in the same group, or the second sub-terminal identifier of a lower-level second sub-terminal 4.

[0145] (Step S705) The second sub-processing unit 43 obtains the i-th terminal identifier from the second sub-storage unit 41.

[0146] (Step S706) The second sub-transmitting unit 44 transmits the information received in step S701 to the terminal device identified by the i-th terminal identifier obtained in step S705.

[0147] (Step S707) The second sub-processing unit 43 increments counter i by 1. The process returns to step S704.

[0148] (Step S708) The second sub-processing unit 43 processes the information received in step S701. The process returns to step S701.

[0149] (Step S709) The second sub-reception unit 42 determines whether or not it has received the information. If it has received the information, it proceeds to step S713; otherwise, it returns to step S701.

[0150] (Step S710) The second sub-processing unit 43 performs processing according to the information received in step S709. The process returns to step S701. As a result of the processing according to the information here, information of the processing at the second sub-terminal 4 may be sent to the service server 1 or sub-terminal 3.

[0151] In the flowchart shown in Figure 7, processing is terminated by power-off or processing termination interrupts.

[0152] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the load on a service server that provides services to a large number of terminals.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by dynamically changing the representative terminal, the concentration of load on a specific representative terminal can be improved.

[0154] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, security can be adequately ensured because the first encryption key and the second encryption key are different keys.

[0155] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented in software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Alternatively, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. The software that implements the service server 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program for operating the service server 1 which constitutes an information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices. This program is capable of accessing a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of two or more terminal devices belonging to each of the two or more groups. For each of the two or more groups, this program functions as a service unit that transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups.

[0156] Furthermore, the software that implements Representative Terminal 2 is a program as follows: In other words, this program is a program for making a representative terminal among terminal devices in an information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, and is a program that can access a representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more sub-terminals which are other terminal devices belonging to the same group, and is a program for making a representative receiving unit which receives information from the service server, a representative transmitting unit which transmits the information received by the representative receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, and a representative processing unit which processes the information received by the representative receiving unit.

[0157] Figure 8 also shows the external appearance of a computer that executes the program described herein to realize the service server 1, representative terminal 2, etc., of the various embodiments described above. The embodiments described above can be realized with computer hardware and computer programs executed thereon. Figure 8 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Figure 9 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0158] In Figure 8, the computer system 300 includes a computer 301 with a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0159] In Figure 9, the computer 301 includes, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 3012, an MPU 3013, a bus 3014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 3012, a ROM 3015 for storing programs such as boot-up programs, a RAM 3016 connected to the MPU 3013 for temporarily storing application program instructions and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connectivity to a LAN.

[0160] The program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the service server 1, etc., as described above, may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 during execution. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0161] The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute functions such as the service server 1 of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include the instruction portion that calls appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner and obtains the desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0162] In the above program, steps such as sending information and receiving information do not include hardware-based processing, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0163] Furthermore, the computer running the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0164] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented in a single medium.

[0165] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device, or by distributed processing by multiple devices.

[0166] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, all of which are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0167] As described above, the information system according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the load on a service server that provides services to a large number of terminal devices, and is useful as an information system, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0168] A Information Systems 1 Service Server 2 Representative terminal 3. Sub-terminal 4. Second Sub-Terminal 11 Storage Unit 12 Receiver 13 Processing Unit 14. Transmitter 21 Representative storage unit 22 Main Reception Department 23 Representative Processing Unit 24 Representative Transmitting Section 25 Representative Receiving Unit 26 Representative Output Section 31 Sub-storage unit 32 Sub-reception desk 33 Sub-processing Unit 34 Sub-transmitter 35 Sub-receiving unit 36 Sub-output section 41 Second Sub-Storage Unit 42 Second Sub-Reception Desk 43 Second Sub-Processing Unit 44 Second Sub-Transmitter 45 Second Sub-Receiver 46 Second sub-output section 111 Terminal Information Storage Unit 131 Service Department 132 Representative Change Section

Claims

1. An information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, there is a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, The system comprises a service unit that transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative terminal among the terminal devices is A representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more sub-terminals, which are other terminal devices belonging to the same group, A representative receiving unit that receives information from the aforementioned service server, A representative transmitting unit transmits the information received by the representative receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The system comprises a representative processing unit that processes information received by the representative receiving unit, The sub-terminal among the terminal devices is A sub-receiving unit that receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-receiving unit comprises a sub-processing unit that processes information received by the sub-receiving unit, The aforementioned service unit is An information system that transmits some information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier, and transmits other information to one or more sub-terminals other than the representative terminal.

2. An information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, there is a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, The system comprises a service unit that transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative terminal among the terminal devices is A representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more sub-terminals, which are other terminal devices belonging to the same group, A representative receiving unit that receives information from the aforementioned service server, A representative transmitting unit transmits the information received by the representative receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The system comprises a representative processing unit that processes information received by the representative receiving unit, The sub-terminal among the terminal devices is A sub-receiving unit that receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-receiving unit comprises a sub-processing unit that processes information received by the sub-receiving unit, The aforementioned information system is For at least one of the two or more sub-terminals, each sub-terminal comprises one or more second sub-terminals that constitute a subgroup that is a subordinate group of that sub-terminal. The aforementioned sub-terminal is A sub-storage unit that stores a second sub-terminal identifier for communicating with each of the one or more second sub-terminals, The system further comprises a sub-transmitting unit that transmits the information received by the sub-receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more second sub-terminal identifiers, The aforementioned second sub-terminal is A second sub-receiving unit that receives information from the first sub-terminal, An information system comprising a second sub-processing unit that processes information received by the second sub-receiving unit.

3. An information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, there is a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, The system comprises a service unit that transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative terminal among the terminal devices is A representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more sub-terminals, which are other terminal devices belonging to the same group, A representative receiving unit that receives information from the aforementioned service server, A representative transmitting unit transmits the information received by the representative receiving unit to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The system comprises a representative processing unit that processes information received by the representative receiving unit, The sub-terminal among the terminal devices is A sub-receiving unit that receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-receiving unit comprises a sub-processing unit that processes information received by the sub-receiving unit, The representative transmission unit of the representative terminal is The first encryption key is sent to the service server, and the second encryption key is sent to the sub-terminal. An information system in which the first encryption key and the second encryption key are different keys.

4. An information system in which the representative terminal in any of the two or more groups changes, The aforementioned service server, The information system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a representative change unit for changing the representative terminal identifier of the terminal information storage unit.

5. The aforementioned representative change section is, The information system according to claim 4, wherein, when predetermined representative change conditions are met, the representative terminal identifier of the group that has met the representative change conditions is changed to the sub-terminal identifier of a sub-terminal belonging to that group.

6. An information processing method in an information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, the system is implemented by a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, and a service unit. The representative terminal among the terminal devices is implemented by a representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more other sub-terminals that belong to the same group, a representative receiving unit, a representative transmitting unit, and a representative processing unit. The sub-terminal of the terminal device is implemented by a sub-receiving unit and a sub-processing unit. The service unit provides a service step in which it transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative receiving unit performs a representative receiving step in which it receives information from the service server, The representative transmission unit transmits the information received in the representative reception step to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The representative processing unit performs a representative processing step using the information received in the representative reception step, The sub-receiving unit performs a sub-receiving step in which it receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-processing unit comprises a sub-processing step which processes information received in the sub-reception step, In the aforementioned service step, An information processing method comprising transmitting some of the information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier, and transmitting the other information to one or more sub-terminals other than the representative terminal.

7. An information processing method in an information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, the system is implemented by a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, and a service unit. The representative terminal among the terminal devices is implemented by a representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more other sub-terminals that belong to the same group, a representative receiving unit, a representative transmitting unit, and a representative processing unit. The sub-terminal of the terminal device is implemented by a sub-receiving unit and a sub-processing unit. The service unit provides a service step in which it transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative receiving unit performs a representative receiving step in which it receives information from the service server, The representative transmission unit transmits the information received in the representative reception step to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The representative processing unit performs a representative processing step using the information received in the representative reception step, The sub-receiving unit performs a sub-receiving step in which it receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-processing unit comprises a sub-processing step which processes information received in the sub-reception step, The aforementioned information system is For at least one of the two or more sub-terminals, each sub-terminal comprises one or more second sub-terminals that constitute a subgroup that is a subordinate group of that sub-terminal. The aforementioned sub-terminal is The system further comprises a sub-storage unit that stores a second sub-terminal identifier for communicating with each of the one or more second sub-terminals, and a sub-transmission unit. The sub-transmitting unit further comprises a sub-transmitting step of transmitting the information received by the sub-receiving unit to the sub-terminal corresponding to each of the one or more second sub-terminal identifiers, The aforementioned second sub-terminal is This is realized by a second sub-receiving unit and a second sub-processing unit. The second sub-receiving unit performs a second sub-receiving step in which it receives information from the first sub-terminal, An information processing method further comprising: a second subprocessing step, which processes information using the information received by the second subreceiving unit.

8. An information processing method in an information system comprising four or more terminal devices belonging to any one of two or more groups, and a service server that provides services to the terminal devices, The aforementioned service server, For each of the two or more groups, the system is implemented by a terminal information storage unit that stores a representative terminal identifier for communicating with a representative terminal which is one of the two or more terminal devices belonging to each group, and a service unit. The representative terminal among the terminal devices is implemented by a representative storage unit that stores sub-terminal identifiers for communicating with one or more other sub-terminals that belong to the same group, a representative receiving unit, a representative transmitting unit, and a representative processing unit. The sub-terminal of the terminal device is implemented by a sub-receiving unit and a sub-processing unit. The service unit provides a service step in which it transmits information to the representative terminal corresponding to the representative terminal identifier corresponding to each of the two or more groups, The representative receiving unit performs a representative receiving step in which it receives information from the service server, The representative transmission unit transmits the information received in the representative reception step to the sub-terminals corresponding to the one or more sub-terminal identifiers, The representative processing unit performs a representative processing step using the information received in the representative reception step, The sub-receiving unit performs a sub-receiving step in which it receives information from the representative terminal belonging to the same group, The sub-processing unit comprises a sub-processing step which processes information received in the sub-reception step, In the representative transmission step of the representative terminal, The first encryption key is sent to the service server, and the second encryption key is sent to the sub-terminal. An information processing method wherein the first encryption key and the second encryption key are different keys.

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