JP7753666B2 - Management device, management system, management method, and management program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a management program.

Patent Document 1 describes how a master server distributes OS (Operating System) image data to each of multiple terminals, and the terminals then start up the received OS image data as a boot OS.

International Publication No. 2016/067725

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

The object of the present invention is to provide a management device, system, method, and program that enables centralized management of image files stored in the memory units of multiple processing devices.

In one aspect of the present invention, the management device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires from one of multiple processing devices a master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit of one of the processing devices, the master image being an image file that stores the data structure and data of the startup area of the memory unit of the processing device at a predetermined point in time, 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 other processing devices, excluding the one of the multiple processing devices.

In another aspect of the present invention, the management method involves obtaining, from one processing device, the master image stored in the startup area of the memory of one of multiple processing devices, each of which includes a memory including a startup area into which the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image at a predetermined point in time are restored by writing a master image, which is an image file that stores the data structure and data of the startup area of the memory of the processing device, and writing the obtained master image to the startup areas of each of the other processing devices among the multiple processing devices, excluding the one processing device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the management program causes a computer to implement an acquisition function that acquires, from one of multiple processing devices including a memory unit that includes a startup area where the data structure and data of the startup area stored in the master image are restored by writing a master image, which is an image file that stores the data structure and data of the startup area of the memory unit of the processing device at a predetermined time, and a command function that causes the acquired master image to be written to the startup area of each of the other processing devices except for the one of the multiple processing devices.

The management device, system, method, and program of the present invention make it possible to collectively manage image files stored in the memory units of multiple processing devices.

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. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating 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. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of one processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of one processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 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. 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. 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. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention.

Virtual hard disk technology, which saves the structure and data of a computer's fixed disk (hard disk) as a file, is already in 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 revert any changes made after saving to the saved state. Files that save the hard disk structure and data are called image files, and by creating multiple image files in advance, it is possible to use a single computer for multiple purposes. This embodiment uses virtual hard disk technology.

For example, let's assume that computers are used for training, and that trainees take the training using a computer (hereafter referred to as a processing device) that processes the information required 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. To ensure that the environment is the same across multiple processing devices, the processing device may use an image file in which the operating system, applications 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.

For example, the training provider stores the image file described above in the memory unit included in each processing device. The training provider can use a management device to manage the image files stored in each of the memory units of multiple processing devices.

The first embodiment of the present invention provides a management device that enables centralized management of image files stored in the memory units of multiple processing devices.

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

An example configuration of the management device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the management device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example 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 also connected to two or more processing devices 2-1, 2-2, ..., 2-n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

In the following, this embodiment will be described using an example in which one processing device (in this example, processing device 2-1) from which the master image is acquired by management device 1 is processing device 2-1.

The acquisition unit 11 acquires from one of the processing devices 2-1 among the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n the master image stored in the boot area of the memory unit 21-1 of that processing device 2-1.

Each of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n includes a storage unit 21-1, 21-2, ..., 21-n, which 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 stored in the master image. The master image is an image file that stores 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 each of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n) at a specific point in time.

The master image stored in the startup area of the memory 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 memory unit 21-1. The master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 21-1 may also be an image file of the startup area of one of the memory units 21-2 to 21-n, generated by one of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n.

The command unit 12 writes the master image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to the startup area of each of the memory units 21-2 to 21-n of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n, excluding the processing device 2-1.

In this way, the management device 1 acquires from one of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n the master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 21-1 of that processing device 2-1. The management device 1 also writes the acquired master image to the startup areas of the memory units 21-2 to 21-n of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n. As a result, the master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 21-1 of the one processing device 2-1 is written to the startup areas of the memory units 21-2 to 21-n of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n. Therefore, the image files in the startup areas of the memory 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 memory units 21-1 to 21-n of the multiple processing devices 2-1 to 2-n can be managed collectively.

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

The acquisition unit 11 acquires the master image stored in the boot area of the storage unit 21-1 of one of the processing devices 2-1 to 2-n from that processing device 2-1 (step S101).

The command unit 12 writes the acquired master image to the startup area of each of the memory units 21-2 to 21-n of the other processing devices 2-2 to 2-n (step S102).

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

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

Generally, image files stored in the memory unit of a processing device can be easily restored to their original state by erasing any subsequent changes (differences) made by the user. This makes virtualized hard disk technology suitable for applications such as the training mentioned above. 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, it can be updated by merging the differential image into the master image. Generally, when using virtual hard disk technology on multiple processing devices to delete or merge differential images, an operator (e.g., a training provider) must operate each processing device individually. However, this deletion or merging process takes a lot of time and effort. The second embodiment eliminates the effort required for deleting differential images.

The management device 3 of the second embodiment differs from the management device 1 of the first embodiment in the following respects. The 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, the command 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 Figure 12 described below) stored in the startup area for a differential image in which changes made by the user are saved, among multiple processing devices 4-1, 4-2, ..., 4-n. The command unit 32 controls the processing device (for example, processing device 4-1 in the example of Figure 12 described below) with a command to delete the differential image, causing it to delete the differential image in which changes made by the user are saved.

[Example of management system configuration]
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 number equal to or greater than 2.

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

The management device 3 acquires from one of the processing devices 4-1 through 4-n a master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 41-1 of that processing device 4-1. The master image is an image file that stores the data structure and data in the startup area of the processing device's memory unit (in this example, the memory unit of any of the memory units 41-1 through 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 through 4-n) at a specific point in time.

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

The management device 3 controls each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the processing device 4-1, among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, as follows. The management device 3 writes the acquired master image to the boot area of each of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. The management device 3 is, for example, a desktop PC. Alternatively, the management device 3 may be a notebook PC. The management device 3 can remotely operate each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n in unison.

Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is operated by a user. For example, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n is a notebook computer. Alternatively, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n may be a desktop 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 image file in which an operating system, an application suitable for the training, the data structure of the hard disk, and the hard disk data are saved as files. Furthermore, processing devices with the same image file stored in their memory units have the same environment.

Here, each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n has a virtual hard disk function. The virtual hard disk function includes the ability to save 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 memory units 41-1 to 41-n of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n are the auxiliary storage devices of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. By using the virtual hard disk function, the user who provides the training can change the environment of each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to one suitable for the training.

For example, in response to the operation of the training provider, the management device 3 generates a master image on one of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n that has an environment suitable for the training (in this example, processing device 4-1). 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 the operation of 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, from among the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The management device 3 writes the master image to the startup area of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

Furthermore, the master image stored in the startup area of each of the memory units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n stores an environment suitable for the training before it is operated by the training participant.

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

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 memory units 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.

[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. The storage unit 33 is connected to the acquisition unit 31.

The acquisition unit 31 acquires from one of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n a master image stored in the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 of that processing device 4-1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 31 sends a notification to the processing device 4-1 instructing it to send the master image. The acquisition unit 31 also receives the master image from the processing device 4-1.

For example, when a processing device 4-1 is selected in response to a user operation, the acquisition unit 31 sends a notification to the selected processing device 4-1 instructing it to send a master image.

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 difference 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 difference image is merged with the master image and the master image is updated. Upon receiving the notification instructing the first processing device 4-1 to execute the generation process, a new master image is generated by adding the changes stored in the difference 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.

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 the processing device that sent the master image (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1), and outputs this to the command unit 32.

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 SSD.

The command unit 32 receives the master image and information indicating the processing device that sent the master image (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1) from the acquisition unit 31. First, based on the information indicating the processing device (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1), the command unit 32 transmits the master image to each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, excluding the processing device 4-1, among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n that received the master image writes the master image to the storage area of its respective memory unit 41-2 to 41-n. The storage area is an area of the memory unit that is different from the startup area. The storage area of each of the memory 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.

Furthermore, the command unit 32 causes the master image written to the storage area of each of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to be written to the startup area of each of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n. Specifically, the command unit 32 sends a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to their startup areas.

The command unit 32 may also transmit to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n the master image and a notification instructing them to write the master image to the boot area.

The command unit 32 also causes each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to delete the difference image stored in the startup area of each of the storage devices 41-1 to 41-n. Specifically, the command unit 32 sends a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send change information indicating whether there has been a change to the difference image stored in the startup area of each of the storage devices 41-1 to 41-n. For example, the command unit 32 sends a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send change information in response to a user operation.

A differential image is generated when the master image is written to the startup area of storage units 41-1 to 41-n by each of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. Furthermore, a differential image is written to the startup area of storage units 41-1 to 41-n by each of 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 storage units 41-1 to 41-n of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

The command unit 32 receives change information from each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The command unit 32 sends a command to delete the differential image to the processing device that sent the change information indicating that there has been a change to the differential image (processing device 4-1 in the example of Figure 12 described below). Furthermore, if the command unit 32 receives change information indicating that there has been no change to the differential image from all processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, it does not send a command to delete the differential image.

Instead of sending a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send change information, the command unit 32 may send a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to delete the differential image.

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

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

First, we will use processing device 4-1 as an example to explain the processing of one processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that sends a master image to management device 3. Next, we will use processing device 4-2 and processing device 4-n as examples to explain 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 management device 3. Finally, we will use processing device 4-1 as an example to explain the processing of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when they receive a command to delete a differential image.

First, we will explain the processing of one processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that sends a master image to the management device 3, using processing device 4-1 as an example. Note that the one processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) is not limited to processing device 4-1. The management device 3 can obtain the master image from any processing device among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

The processing device 4-1 includes a memory unit 41-1. The memory unit 41-1 is also connected to a transmitter/receiver unit 42-1 and a processing unit 43-1.

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

The transmission/reception unit 42-1 receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to send a master image. When the transmission/reception unit 42-1 receives a notification instructing it to send a master image, it outputs the notification to the processing unit 43-1. The processing unit 43-1 also inputs the master image to the transmission/reception unit 42-1. When the master image is input, the transmission/reception unit 42-1 transmits the input master image to the management device 3.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 also receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to execute the generation process. When a notification instructing it to execute the generation process is received, the transmitter/receiver 42-1 outputs a notification instructing it to execute the generation process to the processing unit 43-1. The processing unit 43-1 also inputs the master image generated by the generation process to the transmitter/receiver 42-1. When the master image is input, the transmitter/receiver 42-1 transmits the input master image to the management device 3.

The processing unit 43-1 receives a notification from the transmission/reception unit 42-1 instructing it to send 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 transmission/reception unit 42-1.

The processing unit 43-1 may also 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. The processing unit 43-1 then 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.

In addition, the processing unit 43-1 receives a notification from the transmission/reception unit 42-1 instructing it to execute the generation process. When this notification is received, the processing unit 43-1 performs the following operation. The processing unit 43-1 executes the generation process to create 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 the 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.

If the master image for which the execution of the generation process is instructed has not been written to 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 execution of 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 the operation required to change the master image written in the startup area to a new master image is accumulated in the difference image written in the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 in response to the user's operation, 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.

Now, with reference to Figure 5, we will explain in detail the generation process executed by a processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that has received a notification instructing it to execute the generation process. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, we will explain the generation process when processing device 4-1 creates master image AA by adding changes accumulated in differential image A1, which contains changes to master image A, to master image A.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, before the generation process is executed, master image A and difference 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 save area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, after the generation process is executed, master image AA and difference 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, master image AA and master images A to Z are stored in the save area 412-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1.

First, we will explain the processing performed by processing unit 43-1 before executing the generation process.

If the master image A for which the execution of the generation process has been instructed has not been written to 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 the user's operation of the input/output interface (not shown) of the processing device 4-1, the operations required to change from master image A to a new master image AA are stored in the difference image A1.

For example, suppose that master image A stores an environment suitable for a certain training session. Processing unit 43-1 creates master image AA, which stores the environment after operations stored in difference image A1 have been performed on the environment stored in master image A. Master image AA stores, for example, an environment suitable for another training session. In other words, difference image A1 stores the operations necessary to change from the environment stored in master image A to a new environment before the generation process by processing unit 43-1.

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

Next, we will explain the generation process performed by processing unit 43-1.

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 difference image A1 are applied 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 difference image AA1 in which operations on the master image AA are accumulated. The processing unit 43-1 then writes the generated difference image AA1 to the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1.

As shown in FIG. 5, after the generation process is completed, the master image AA and the difference image AA1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, the save area 412-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 stores the master image AA and master images A to Z.

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

Next, we will explain 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, using processing device 4-2 and processing device 4-n as examples.

Note that when the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n send a master image to the management device 3, each of the components can perform the same processing as the corresponding components of the processing device 4-1. Also, when the processing device 4-1 receives a master image from the management device 3, each of the components can perform the same processing as the corresponding components of the processing device 4-2 and processing device 4-n, which will be described later.

The transmission/reception unit 42-2 receives the master image from the management device 3. The transmission/reception unit 42-2 outputs the received master image to the processing unit 43-2. The transmission/reception unit 42-2 also receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to write the master image to the boot area. When a notification instructing it to write the master image to the boot area is received, the transmission/reception unit 42-2 outputs a notification instructing it to write the master image to the boot area to the processing unit 43-2.

The processing unit 43-2 receives a master image from the transmission/reception 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.

Here, we will explain how the processing unit 43-2 determines whether 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 that indicates the name of the master image, allowing each master image to be identified.

The following description will be made with reference to Figures 6 and 7, which are schematic diagrams showing the master image and differential image stored in the memory units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

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, which is stored in the startup area of memory unit 41-1 of one processing device 4-1, from the management device 3.

As shown in FIG. 6, the startup area 411-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 stores master image A and differential image A1. Furthermore, the storage area 412-1 of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1 stores master images A through Z. 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, the storage area 412-2 of the memory unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2 stores master images A through Z. 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, the storage area 412-n of the memory unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n stores master images B through Z.

The transmission/reception unit 42-2 receives master image A and name information indicating master image A from the management device 3. The transmission/reception unit 42-2 associates master image A with the name information and outputs it to the processing unit 43-2. The processing unit 43-2 receives master image A and the name information from the transmission/reception unit 42-2. The processing unit 43-2 determines whether the name information of master image A is stored in the storage area 412-2 of the storage unit 41-2.

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

The processing performed by 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) is explained using processing device 4-n as an example.

As shown in FIG. 6, before the transmitting/receiving unit 42-n receives master image A from the management device 3, 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 name information for 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, since master image A is not stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n, name information indicating master image A is also not stored. Since name information indicating 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 master image A with the name information and writes it to the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n.

Figure 7 shows 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 master image A has been received from the management device 3. The schematic diagram in Figure 7 also shows 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 Figure 6 are stored, receives master image A. In Figure 6, 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 Figure 7, master image A is stored in the storage area 412-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

The processing of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n when a notification commanding them to write the master image to the boot area is received will be explained using processing device 4-2 as an example. The explanation will also be made with reference to Figures 7 and 8, which are schematic diagrams showing the master image and differential image stored in the memory units 41-1 to 41-n of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, respectively.

Figure 7 shows 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 master image A from the management device 3. Figure 8 shows 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 a notification instructing them to write the master image to the startup area.

Let's assume that the transceiver 42-2 of the processing device 4-2 receives a notification commanding it to write master image A to the startup area. The notification commanding it to write master image A to the startup area is input from the transceiver 42-2 to the processing unit 43-2. When the notification commanding it to write 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 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.

The schematic diagram shown in Figure 8 is a schematic diagram after each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, in which the master image and differential image shown in Figure 7 are stored, has stored master image A in the startup areas 411-2 to 411-n of their respective storage units 41-2 to 41-n. In Figure 7, the master image and differential image are not 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. On the other hand, in Figure 8, the master image A and each of the differential images 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.

Finally, we will use processing device 4-1 as an example to explain the processing of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when deleting a differential image. We will also refer to Figures 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 each of processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

Before deleting the differential images, it is assumed that the master image and differential image are stored in the memory 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 memory units 41-1 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. Furthermore, master image A and 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 image A and differential image A2 are stored in the startup area 411-2 of the memory unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2. Furthermore, master image A and differential image An are stored in the startup area 411-n of the memory unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 receives a command to send change information. When a command to send change information is received, the transmitter/receiver 42-1 outputs the command to send change information to the processor 43-1. The transmitter/receiver 42-1 also receives change information from the processor 43-1. The transmitter/receiver 42-1 transmits the change information to the management device 3. The change information will be described later.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 also receives a command to delete a differential image from the management device 3. When a command to delete a differential image is received, the transmitter/receiver 42-1 outputs the command to delete the differential image to the processing unit 43-1.

A command to send change information is input to the processing unit 43-1 from the transmission/reception unit 42-1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, master image A and difference image A1 are stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. When a command to send 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 storage unit 41-1 has accumulated user operations on the master image A stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1.

If a user's operation on master image A stored in startup area 411-1 of storage unit 41-1 is accumulated in difference image A1, processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that there has been a change to the difference 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 difference image A1, processing unit 43-1 generates change information indicating that there has been no change to the difference image. The change information indicates whether there has been a change to the difference image (in this example, difference 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.

A command to delete a differential image is input to the processing unit 43-1 from the transmission/reception unit 42-1. When a command to delete a differential image is input, the processing unit 43-1 deletes differential image A1 from the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1. The 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. The processing unit 43-1 writes the newly generated differential image (in this example, differential image A'1) to the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1.

Figure 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 received a command to delete the differential image, has deleted the differential image. The schematic diagram shown in Figure 9 is also a schematic diagram of the master image and differential image stored in one of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n shown in Figure 8, after processing device 4-1, which received a command to delete the differential image, has deleted the differential image. The schematic diagram shown in Figure 9 is also a schematic diagram of the case where processing devices 4-2 to 4-n, which were among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n shown in Figure 8, each sent change information to management device 3 indicating that there were no changes to the differential image.

In FIG. 8, master image A and 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, differential image A'1, which was newly generated after differential image A1 was deleted, is stored in the startup area 411-1 of the storage unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. Furthermore, because each of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n has sent change information to the management device 3 indicating that there have been no changes to the differential image, 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, as in FIG. 8, master image A and differential image A2 are stored in the startup area 411-2 of the storage unit 41-2 of the processing device 4-2. Furthermore, master image A and differential image An are stored in the startup area 411-n of the storage unit 41-n of the processing device 4-n.

In this way, the management device 3 acquires from one of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n the master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 41-1 of that processing device 4-1. The management device 3 also writes the acquired master image to the startup areas of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. This causes the master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 41-1 of the one processing device 4-1 to be written to the startup areas of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Therefore, the image files in the startup areas of the memory 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 memory units 41-1 to 41-n of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n can be managed collectively.

[Operation of the management system]
Next, an example of the 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 the operation of the management system. Figs. 13 to 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the management device 3. Figs. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of one processing device 4-1. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. Figs. 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

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 storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

The management device 3 sends a notification to one of the processing devices 4-1 instructing it to send a master image (step S201).

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).

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 multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n (step S203).

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 any of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n determines that the master image is not stored in the storage area of its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n, it writes the master image to its respective storage area (step S204).

The management device 3 sends a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to their boot areas (step S205).

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 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.

Note that when performing the operation of step S203, the management device 3 may also perform the operation of step S205. That is, the management device 3 may associate the master image with a notification commanding the writing of the master image to the boot area and send it 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 a notification commanding the writing of the master image to the boot 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.

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 storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

When the management device 3 causes one processing device 4-1 to generate a new master image, the management device 3 performs the operation of step S301, which will be described below. The processing device 4-1 also performs the operations of steps S302 to S303, which will be described below. The processing device 4-1 then performs the operation of step S202 in the example operation (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires a master image from the one processing device 4-1. The management device 3 also performs the operations of steps S203 and S205 in the example operation (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires a master image from the one processing device 4-1. The other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n also perform the operations of steps S204 and S206 in the example operation (FIG. 10) when the management device 3 acquires a master image from the one 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.

The management device 3 sends a notification to one of the processing devices 4-1 instructing it to execute the generation process (step S301).

The first processing device 4-1 receives a notification instructing it to execute the generation process. The first processing device 4-1 executes the 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 save area of the storage unit 41-1 (step S303). The first processing device 4-1 also generates a differential image that accumulates operations on the master image. The first processing device 4-1 writes the generated differential image to the startup area of the storage unit 41-1.

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

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

Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n determines whether a master image is already stored in the storage area of its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-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 first 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 its respective storage unit 41-2 to 41-n. Each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n writes the master image to its respective storage area (step S306).

The management device 3 sends a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to their boot areas (step S307).

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.

Next, referring to Figure 12, we will explain the operation of the management device 3 sending a command to delete a differential image.

Here, we will explain an example where user operations on the master image are accumulated in the differential image stored in the startup area of the memory unit 41-1 of the processing device 4-1. We will also explain an example where user operations on the master image are not accumulated in the differential image stored in the startup area of each of the memory units 41-2 to 41-n of the processing devices 4-2 to 4-n.

The management device 3 sends a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send the change information (steps S401-1 and S401-2).

Each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n receives the command to send 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).

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

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).

The management device 3 receives change information from each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. The management device 3 sends a command to delete the difference image to the processing device (in this example, processing device 4-1) that sent the change information indicating that there has been a change to the difference image (step S404).

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 storage unit (in this example, storage 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 storage unit (in this example, storage unit 41-1).

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) that have sent change information indicating that there has been a change to the differential image among the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n.

Next, referring to Figure 13, 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 storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. The operation in Figure 13 also details the operations in steps S201, S203, and S205 in Figure 10.

The acquisition unit 31 sends a notification to the first processing device 4-1 instructing it to send a master image (step S501). The acquisition unit 31 also receives the master image from the first processing device 4-1, thereby acquiring the master image stored in the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1 (step S502).

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 the processing device that sent the master image (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1), and outputs this to the command unit 32.

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

The command unit 32 sends a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to their startup areas. As a result, the command unit 32 causes each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image written to the storage area of each of the memory devices 41-2 to 41-n to their startup areas (step S504).

Next, referring to Figure 14, 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 writes 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. The operation in Figure 14 also details the operations in steps S301, S305, and S307 in Figure 11.

The acquisition unit 31 sends 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 memory 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 memory unit 41-1 of the first processing device 4-1 from the first processing device 4-1 (step S602).

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 the processing device that sent the master image (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1), and outputs this to the command unit 32.

The command unit 32 receives the master image and information indicating the processing device that sent the master image (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1) from the acquisition unit 31. Based on the information indicating the processing device (in this example, information indicating processing device 4-1), the command unit 32 sends the master image to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n (step S603).

The command unit 32 sends a notification to each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n instructing them to write the master image to their startup areas. As a result, the command unit 32 causes each of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n to write the master image written to the storage area of each of the memory devices 41-2 to 41-n to their startup areas (step S604).

Next, referring to Figure 15, we will explain the operation in which the management device 3 sends a command to delete the differential image. The operation in Figure 15 also details the operations in steps S401-1, S401-2, and S404 in Figure 12.

The command unit 32 sends a command to each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n to send the change information (step S701).

The command unit 32 receives change information from each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n. If change information indicating that there has been a change to the differential image is received (step S702, YES), the command unit 32 performs the following operation. The command unit 32 sends a command to delete the differential image to the processing device that sent the change information indicating that there has been a change to the differential image (processing device 4-1 in the example of Figure 12) (step S703). On the other hand, if change information indicating that there has been no change to the differential image is received (step S702, NO), the command unit 32 does not perform the operation of step S703.

Figure 15 shows an example of operation in which the command unit 32 sends a command to delete a differential image each time it receives change information indicating that a change has been made to the differential image. The management device 3 may wait without starting the operation of step S702 until it receives change information 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 it has received change information from each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n included in the management system.

Referring to Figure 16, the operation of one processing device 4-1 that receives a notification instructing it to send a master image will be described. The operation in Figure 16 also details the operation of step S202 in Figure 10.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to send a master image (step S801).

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

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 transmits the read master image to the management device 3 (step S803).

Next, referring to Figure 17, we will explain the operation of one processing device 4-1 that has received a notification instructing it to execute the generation process. The operation in Figure 17 also details the operations from steps S302 to S304 in Figure 11.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 receives a notification from the management device 3 instructing it to execute the generation process (step S901).

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 save area of the storage unit 41-1 (step S903).

The processing unit 43-1 generates a difference image in which operations on the master image are accumulated. The processing unit 43-1 writes the generated difference image to the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 (step 904).

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 transmits the master image to the management device 3 (step S905).

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

The transmitter/receiver 42-2 receives the master image from the management device 3 (step S1001).

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 a 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 a 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.

The transmission/reception unit 42-2 receives a notification instructing it to write the master image to the boot area. If the transmission/reception unit 42-2 receives a notification instructing it to write the master image to the boot area (step S1004, YES), the processing unit 43-2 reads the master image from the storage area of the memory unit 41-2. The processing unit 43-2 also writes the read master image to the boot area of the memory 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 boot area of the memory unit 41-2 (step S1006). If the transmission/reception unit 42-2 does not receive a notification instructing it to write the master image to the boot area (step S1004, NO), the processing unit 43-2 does not perform the operations of steps S1005 and S1006.

Next, referring to Figure 19, we will explain the operation of each of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n when a command to send change information is received. The operation in Figure 19 details the operations of steps S402-1, S402-2, S403-1, and S403-2 in Figure 12. Here, we will explain the operation using processing device 4-1 as an example.

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 receives a command to transmit change information (step S1101).

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 transmission/reception unit 42-1.

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

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

The transmitter/receiver 42-1 receives a command to delete the differential image from the management device 3 (step S1201). The transmitter/receiver 42-1 outputs the command to delete the differential image to the processing unit 43-1.

The processing unit 43-1 receives a command to delete the differential image from the transmission/reception unit 42-1. The processing unit 43-1 deletes the differential image from the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 (step S1202). The processing unit 43-1 also generates a new differential image in which the user's 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).

[Effects of the second embodiment]
In this way, the management device 3 acquires from one of the multiple processing devices 4-1 to 4-n the master image stored in the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 of that processing device 4-1. The management device 3 also writes the acquired master image to the startup areas of the storage units 41-2 to 41-n of the other processing devices 4-2 to 4-n. This causes the master image stored in the startup area of the storage unit 41-1 of the one processing device 4-1 to be written to the startup 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 startup 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.

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 virtual hard disk functionality. In this way, since the user does not need to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, 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 can be reduced.

In addition, the management device 3 of this embodiment causes one processing device 4-1 to execute a generation process that generates a master image. The one processing device 4-1 then stores the generated master image in the startup area and storage area of the storage unit 41-1. In this way, even if, for example, a change in training content requires updating a master image that stores an environment appropriate for the training before the change, the management device 3 can easily generate a master image that stores an environment appropriate for the changed training content.

The management device 3 also writes the master image generated by 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 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 the virtual hard disk function to generate a master image that stores an environment appropriate for the changed training content 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 amount of work, time, and effort required by the user to manage image files in the storage units 41-1 to 41-n can be reduced.

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 the processing device (processing device 4-1 in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that the differential image has been changed to delete the differential image. On the other hand, the management device 3 does not cause the processing device (processing devices 4-2 to 4-n in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that the differential image has not been changed to delete the differential image. In this way, the management device 3 does not cause the processing device (processing devices 4-2 to 4-n in the example of FIG. 12) that transmitted change information indicating that the differential image has not been changed 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 one individually. In this way, since the user does not need to operate each of the processing devices 4-1 to 4-n, 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 can be reduced.
[Hardware configuration example]
An example of a hardware resource configuration 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.

Figure 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 of 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 non-volatile storage device 55, and a drive device 56.

For example, the acquisition unit 11 in FIG. 1 can be realized by a communication interface 51. Furthermore, the command unit 12 in FIG. 1 and the command 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.

For example, the memory units 21-1 to 21-n in FIG. 1 and the memory units 41-1 to 41-n in FIG. 4 can be implemented using a non-volatile memory device 55. Furthermore, the transmission/reception units 42-1 to 42-n in FIG. 4 can be implemented using a communication interface 51. Furthermore, the processing units 43-1 to 43-n in FIG. 4 can be implemented using a calculation device 53.

The communication interface 51 is a communication means that allows the management device or processing device of each embodiment to communicate with external devices via a wired or/and wireless connection. Note that if the management device or processing device is implemented using at least two information processing devices, those devices may be connected so that they can communicate with each other via the communication interface 51.

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.

The arithmetic unit 53 is realized by a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) or a processing device such as a microprocessor, and multiple electrical circuits. The arithmetic unit 53 is capable of, for example, reading various programs stored in the non-volatile memory device 55 into the memory device 54 and executing processing in accordance with the read programs.

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

The non-volatile storage device 55 is a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc., and is capable of storing various programs, data, etc.

The drive device 56 is, for example, a device that processes the reading and writing of data from and to the recording medium 57 described below.

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.

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 implementing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this management device or processing device.

In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the computing device 53 execute a program supplied to the management device or processing device. It is also possible for some, but not all, of the functions of the management device or processing device to be configured by the information processing device 5.

Furthermore, the program may be recorded on recording medium 57 and stored in non-volatile storage device 55 as appropriate when the management device or processing device is shipped or during operation. In this case, the program may be supplied by installing it into the control device using an appropriate tool during the manufacturing stage before shipment or during operation. The program may also be supplied by a standard procedure, such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

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.

1, 3 Management device 11, 31 Acquisition unit 12, 32 Command unit 33 Storage unit 2-1 to 2-n, 4-1 to 4-n Processing device 21-1 to 21-n, 41-1 to 41-n Storage unit 42-1 to 42-n Transmission/reception unit 43-1 to 43-n Processing unit 5 Information processing device 51 Communication interface 52 Input/output interface 53 Arithmetic unit 54 Storage device 55 Non-volatile storage device 56 Drive device 57 Recording medium

Claims (7)

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: The management device described in claim 1, characterized in that the instruction unit causes each of the other processing devices to write the acquired master image to a storage area of the memory unit of each of the other processing devices in which a master image different from the startup area is stored, and then causes the other processing devices to write the acquired master image to the startup area. The management device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the instruction unit causes each of the plurality of processing devices to send change information indicating whether there is a change in the differential image stored in the startup area of each memory unit, and causes a processing device among the plurality of processing devices that has sent change information indicating that there is a change in the differential image to delete the differential image. The management device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acquisition unit instructs the one processing device to execute a generation process in which a new master image is generated with the changes stored in a differential image in which the changes to the master image are stored, and acquires the master image with the changes stored in the differential image as the master image stored in the startup area of the memory unit of the one processing device. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ;
the plurality of processing devices;
A management system comprising: 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. 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.