Patent Publication Number: US-2023144167-A1

Title: File exchange system, communication support device, file exchange support device, file exchange method, and computer-readable non-transitory storage medium with program stored therein

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2021-181278 filed on Nov. 5, 2021 and No. 2021-181282 filed on Nov. 5, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a file exchange system, a communication support device, a file exchange support device, a file exchange method, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having a program stored therein. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In JP 2006-134167 A, a file transfer system is disclosed which is capable of transferring electronic data files via a file transfer server connected to a network. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the file transfer system described in JP 2006-134167 A, in the case that the size of the data is relatively large, communication of the data requires a long time. Therefore, in the case that the size of the data is relatively large, the device that is used by the user when communication of the data is performed continuously carries out communications over a prolonged time period. Further, in the case that communications in order to receive instructions for exchange of the files are concentrated, a large processing load is imposed on the file exchange device, which leads to a delay in the processing of the file exchange. 
     The present invention has the object of solving the aforementioned problem. 
     A file exchange system according to one aspect of the present invention is a file exchange system configured to transmit and receive files in which product data is included between one user and another user using a file exchange device, the file exchange system including a communication support device equipped with a communication unit configured to communicate with the file exchange device on a basis of a predetermined communication protocol, wherein the communication support device further includes a processing unit which is configured to carry out processing in accordance with an instruction file that is written into a shared directory based on an instruction from the one user, and the processing unit includes a file transmission processing unit which, in a case that the instruction file containing a file transmission instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to read out a transmission target file corresponding to the file transmission instruction from a storage unit, and to transmit a transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. 
     A communication support device according to another aspect of the present invention is used in a file exchange system configured to transmit and receive files in which product data is included between one user and another user using a file exchange device, the communication support device including a communication unit configured to communicate with the file exchange device on a basis of a predetermined communication protocol, and a processing unit which is configured to carry out processing in accordance with an instruction file that is written into a shared directory based on an instruction from the one user, and the processing unit includes a file transmission processing unit which, in a case that the instruction file containing a file transmission instruction is written into the shared directory, is configured to read out a transmission target file corresponding to the file transmission instruction from a storage unit, and to transmit a transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. 
     A file exchange support device according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a file exchange support device used in a file exchange system in which files in which product data is included are transmitted and received between one user and another user using a file exchange device, the file exchange support device including a supply unit configured to supply an instruction screen used when an instruction is carried out by the one user, and an instruction unit configured to write an instruction file into a shared directory in accordance with the instruction carried out on the instruction screen, wherein the file exchange system includes a communication support device equipped with a communication unit configured to communicate with the file exchange device on a basis of a predetermined communication protocol, the communication support device further includes a processing unit configured to carry out processing in accordance with the instruction file that is written into the shared directory, the instruction unit includes a file transmission instruction unit which, in a case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is a file transmission instruction, is configured to write the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included into the shared directory, and the instruction unit includes a file transmission processing unit which, in a case that the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, is configured to read out a transmission target file corresponding to the file transmission instruction from a storage unit, and to transmit a transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. 
     A file exchange method according to still another aspect of the present invention is a file exchange method for transmitting and receiving files in which product data is included between one user and another user using a file exchange device, the file exchange method including a step of writing an instruction file into a shared directory, and a step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, in a case that the instruction file has been written into the shared directory, wherein in a case that the instruction file in which a file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, a transmission target file in accordance with the file transmission instruction is read out from a storage unit, and a transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file is transmitted to the file exchange device via a communication unit configured to carry out communications with the file exchange device on a basis of a predetermined communication protocol. 
     A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium according to yet another aspect of the present invention has a program stored therein, in order to cause the computer to execute a process including a step of confirming whether or not an instruction file has been written into a shared directory, and a step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, in a case that the instruction file has been written into the shared directory, wherein, in a case that the instruction file in which a file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the transmission target file in accordance with the file transmission instruction is read out from a storage unit, and the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file is transmitted to a file exchange device via a communication unit that carries out communications with the file exchange device on a basis of a predetermined communication protocol. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a file exchange system, a communication support device, a file exchange support device, a file exchange method, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having a program stored therein, which are capable of satisfactorily carrying out the exchange of files. 
     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram showing a file exchange system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of the file exchange system according to the one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram showing an example of an instruction screen; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a diagram showing an example of a file list acquisition instruction file; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a diagram showing an example of a file list; 
         FIG.  4 C  is a diagram showing an example of a data conversion instruction file; 
         FIG.  4 D  is a diagram showing an example of data conversion process status information; 
         FIG.  4 E  is a diagram showing an example of a transmission instruction file; 
         FIG.  4 F  is a diagram showing an example of transmission status information; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a diagram showing an example of a reception instruction file; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a diagram showing an example of reception status information; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a diagram showing an example of a reception history acquisition instruction file; 
         FIG.  5 D  is a diagram showing an example of a reception history; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a transmission target file; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a diagram conceptually showing transmission files; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a diagram conceptually showing reception files; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a received file; 
         FIG.  8    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the one embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the one embodiment; and 
         FIG.  10    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiment 
     A description will be given with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  10    concerning a file exchange system, a communication support device, a file exchange support device, a file exchange method, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium having a program stored therein according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  1    is a block diagram showing a file exchange system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     A file exchange system  10  according to the present embodiment carries out transmission and reception of files between one user and another user using a file exchange device  18 . 
     The file exchange system  10  can be constituted by an apparatus  12 , a file exchange support device  14 , a communication support device  16 , the file exchange device  18 , an apparatus  20 , and a storage  126 . One file exchange support device  14  may be provided with respect to one file exchange device  18 . Further, a plurality of communication support devices  16  may be provided with respect to one file exchange support device  14 . Further, a plurality of the file exchange support devices  14  may be provided with respect to one file exchange device  18 . Also, a plurality of the apparatuses  12  may be provided with respect to one communication support device  16 . In the example shown in  FIG.  1   , in order to simplify the description, one apparatus  12 , one file exchange support device  14 , one communication support device  16 , one file exchange device  18 , and one apparatus  20  are shown. 
     The apparatus  12  is provided, for example, in a certain office of a certain company. The user of the apparatus  12 , for example, is an employee or the like who works at the office where the apparatus  12  is provided. 
     The apparatus  20  is provided, for example, at a client (business partner) of the company in which the apparatus  12  is provided. The user of the apparatus  20 , for example, is an employee or the like who works for the business partner. 
     Exchange of files in which the file exchange device  18  is used can be performed between the user operating the apparatus  12  and the user operating the apparatus  20 . More specifically, using the file exchange device  18  and a file exchange device  183  (refer to  FIG.  2   ), files can be exchanged between the user operating the apparatus  12  and the user operating the apparatus  20 . 
     A first office from among a plurality of offices belonging to a certain company may be equipped with the apparatus  12 , and a second office from among a plurality of offices may be equipped with the apparatus  20 . 
     The apparatus  12  may be located in a first country, and the apparatus  20  may be located in a second country that differs from the first country. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the file exchange system according to the one embodiment. In the example shown in  FIG.  2   , illustration of a shared directory  104 , which will be described later, is omitted. 
     A plurality of offices  30  belong to the company. A first office  301  from among the plurality of offices  30 , and a second office  302  from among the plurality of offices  30  are located within a first area  331 . The first area  331 , for example, is a country in which a head office of a certain company is located. Although a plurality of offices  30  may be located within the first area  331 , only two of such offices  30  are shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     The file exchange device  18  is provided within the first area  331 . More specifically, a file exchange device  181  is provided within the first area  331 . Further, the file exchange support device  14  is provided within the first area  331 . More specifically, a file exchange support device  141  is provided within the first area  331 . Further, a plurality of communication support devices  16  are provided within the first area  331 . More specifically, a first communication support device  1601 , and a second communication support device  1602  are provided within the first area  331 . In the example shown in  FIG.  2   , one file exchange support device  14  is provided with respect to one file exchange device  18 . Further, in the example shown in  FIG.  2   , a plurality of communication support devices  16  are provided with respect to one file exchange support device  14 . Moreover, a plurality of the file exchange devices  18  may be provided within the first area  331 . Further, a plurality of the file exchange support devices  14  may be provided with respect to one file exchange device  18 . 
     The first communication support device  1601  from among the plurality of communication support devices  16  is provided in the first office  301 . The first office  301  is equipped with a plurality of the apparatuses  12 . These apparatuses  12  can be provided in each of a plurality of departments belonging to the first office  301 . 
     The second communication support device  1602  from among the plurality of communication support devices  16  is provided in the second office  302 . The second office  302  is equipped with a plurality of the apparatuses  12 . These apparatuses  12  can be provided in each of a plurality of departments belonging to the second office  302 . 
     The offices  30  are located in a second area  332  that differs from the first area  331 . More specifically, an office  303  is located in the second area  332 . Moreover, although a plurality of offices  30  may be located within the second area  332 , only one of such offices  30  is shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     The file exchange device  18  is provided in the second area  332 . More specifically, a file exchange device  182  is provided in the second area  332 . Further, the file exchange support device  14  is provided in the second area  332 . More specifically, a file exchange support device  142  is provided in the second area  332 . Further, a communication support device  16  is provided within the second area  332 . More specifically, a communication support device  1603  is provided within the second area  332 . 
     The communication support device  1603  is provided in the office  303 . The office  303  is equipped with a plurality of the apparatuses  12 . These apparatuses  12  can be provided in each of a plurality of departments belonging to the office  303 . 
     A client (business partner)  31  may be provided with the file exchange device  183 . The file exchange device  183  differs from the file exchange device  18  in that a supply unit  421  is provided therein. More specifically, the file exchange device  183  differs from the file exchange devices  181  and  182  in that the supply unit  421  is provided therein. The supply unit  421 , for example, is an HTTP server. The supply unit  421  supplies a non-illustrated instruction screen which is used when the user who operates the apparatus  20  issues an instruction. More specifically, the supply unit  421  supplies information (signals) to the apparatus  20  in order to display an instruction screen on a non-illustrated display unit that is provided in the apparatus  20 . The supply unit  421  is not provided in the file exchange device  18 . More specifically, the supply unit  421  is not provided in the file exchange devices  181  and  182 . As will be discussed later, a supply unit  42  (refer to  FIG.  1   ) corresponding to the supply unit  421  is provided in the file exchange support device  14 . 
     A first apparatus  201  from among a plurality of the apparatuses  20  is provided at a first client  311 . A second apparatus  202  from among a plurality of the apparatuses  20  is provided at a second client  312 . A third apparatus  203  from among a plurality of the apparatuses  20  is provided at a third client  313 . The first client  311  is located, for example, in a first country. The second client  312  is located, for example, in a second country. The third client  313  is located, for example, in a third country. 
     The file exchange system  10  according to the present embodiment can be configured in the manner shown in  FIG.  2   , although the present invention is not limited to this feature. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the apparatus  12  may be equipped with a computation unit  24 , a storage unit  25 , an operation unit  26 , and a display unit  27 . It should be noted that although the apparatus  12  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. For example, at least a portion of the apparatus  12  may be constituted by a server or the like, which is provided externally of the office in which the apparatus  12  is provided. 
     The computation unit  24  may be constituted by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like, and more specifically, by processing circuitry. 
     The computation unit  24  may be equipped with a control unit  28  and a display control unit  29 . The control unit  28  and the display control unit  29  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  25  being executed by the computation unit  24 . The control unit  28  administers the control of the apparatus  12  as a whole. The display control unit  29  is capable of controlling a screen display of the display unit  27 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the computation unit  24  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. 
     Moreover, it should be noted that at least a portion of the control unit  28  and the display control unit  29  may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Further, at least a portion of the control unit  28  and the display control unit  29  may be constituted by an electronic circuit including a discrete device. 
     The storage unit  25  may comprise a non-illustrated volatile memory and a non-illustrated non-volatile memory. As the volatile memory, there may be cited, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as a working memory of a processor, and temporarily stores data or the like required for processing or calculations. As the non-volatile memory, there may be cited, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, or the like. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory, and stores therein programs, tables, maps, and the like. At least a portion of the storage unit  25  may be provided in the processor, the integrated circuit, or the like, which were described above. Further, the storage unit  25  may further be equipped with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. Various applications (application programs) can be installed in the storage unit  25 . For example, a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) application or the like can be installed in the storage unit  25 . 
     The operation unit  26  can be used when the user performs an operation input with respect to the apparatus  12 . As the operation unit  26 , there may be cited a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, although the present invention is not limited to this feature. A non-illustrated display element may be provided in the display unit  27 . As such a display element, there may be used, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, or the like. The operation unit  26  and the display unit  27  may be constituted by a non-illustrated touch panel that is equipped with such a display element. 
     The apparatus  12  is capable of communicating with the file exchange support device  14  via a non-illustrated network. 
     A storage unit  128  may be provided in the storage  126 . A plurality of files can be stored in the storage unit  128 . Product data (product information) may be included, respectively, in each of the plurality of files. The product data may be generated, for example, by a user who operates the apparatus  12 , although the present invention is not limited to this feature. The product data, for example, is CAD data, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) data, moving image data, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data, CG (Computer Graphics) data, certification data, or ECU (Electronic Control Unit) data, although the present invention is not limited to this feature. As the CAD data, there may be cited, for example, two-dimensional CAD data and three-dimensional CAD data. The storage  126  can be accessed from both the apparatus  12  and the communication support device  16 . The description provided herein is based on an exemplary case in which the storage  126  is provided separately from the apparatus  12 , however, the storage  126  may be provided within the apparatus  12 . Further, the storage  126  may also be provided within the communication support device  16 . 
     The file exchange support device  14  may be equipped with a computation unit  32 , a storage unit  34 , and a communication unit  36 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the file exchange support device  14  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. 
     The computation unit  32  may be constituted by a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and more specifically, by processing circuitry. 
     The storage unit  34  may comprise a non-illustrated volatile memory and a non-illustrated non-volatile memory. Further, the storage unit  34  may further be equipped with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. The storage unit  34  may be equipped with a file list storage unit  54  and a reception history storage unit  56 . The storage unit  34  may further be equipped with a user information storage unit  58 , i.e., a user database. The storage unit  34  may further be equipped with a destination information storage unit  60 , i.e., a destination database. 
     The communication unit  36  is equipped with, for example, a non-illustrated communication module. The communication unit  36  can carry out transmission and reception of data to and from a later-described communication unit  86  or the like, for example, via a network  22  such as the Internet or the like. 
     The computation unit  32  may be equipped with a control unit  38 , an instruction unit  40 , and a supply unit  42 . The control unit  38 , the instruction unit  40 , and the supply unit  42  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  34  being executed by the computation unit  32 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the computation unit  32  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. Moreover, at least a portion of the control unit  38 , the instruction unit  40 , and the supply unit  42  may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. Further, at least a portion of the control unit  38 , the instruction unit  40 , and the supply unit  42  may be constituted by an electronic circuit including a discrete device. 
     The instruction unit  40  may be equipped with a file list acquisition instruction unit  44 , a data conversion instruction unit  46 , a file transmission instruction unit  48 , a file reception instruction unit  50 , and a reception history acquisition instruction unit  52 . The file list acquisition instruction unit  44 , the data conversion instruction unit  46 , the file transmission instruction unit  48 , the file reception instruction unit  50 , and the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  34  being executed by the computation unit  32 . 
     The communication support device  16  may be equipped with a computation unit  62 , a storage unit  64 , and a communication unit  66 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the communication support device  16  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. 
     The computation unit  62  may be constituted by a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and more specifically, by processing circuitry. 
     The storage unit  64  may comprise a non-illustrated volatile memory and a non-illustrated non-volatile memory. Further, the storage unit  64  may further be equipped with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. 
     The communication unit  66  is equipped with, for example, a non-illustrated communication module. The communication unit  66  can carry out transmission and reception of data to and from the communication unit  86  or the like, for example, via the network  22  such as the Internet or the like. 
     The computation unit  62  may be equipped with a control unit  68  and a processing unit  70 . The control unit  68  and the processing unit  70  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  64  being executed by the computation unit  62 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the computation unit  62  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. Moreover, at least a portion of the control unit  68  and the processing unit  70  may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. Further, at least a portion of the control unit  68  and the processing unit  70  may be constituted by an electronic circuit including a discrete device. 
     The processing unit  70  may be equipped with a file list creation processing unit  72 , a data conversion processing unit  74 , a file transmission processing unit  76 , a file reception processing unit  78 , and a reception history creation processing unit  80 . The file list creation processing unit  72 , the data conversion processing unit  74 , the file transmission processing unit  76 , the file reception processing unit  78 , and the reception history creation processing unit  80  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  64  being executed by the computation unit  62 . 
     The file exchange device  18  may be equipped with a computation unit  82 , a storage unit  84 , and the communication unit  86 . It should be noted that although the file exchange device  18  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. 
     The computation unit  82  may be constituted by a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and more specifically, by processing circuitry. 
     The storage unit  84  may comprise a non-illustrated volatile memory and a non-illustrated non-volatile memory. Further, the storage unit  84  may further be equipped with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. 
     The communication unit  86  is equipped with, for example, a non-illustrated communication module. The communication unit  86  can carry out transmission and reception of data to and from the communication units  36  and  66 , for example, via the network  22  such as the Internet or the like. The communication unit  86  can carry out transmission and reception of data to and from a later-described communication unit  98 , for example, via the network  22  such as the Internet or the like. 
     The computation unit  82  may be equipped with a control unit  88 . The control unit  88  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  84  being executed by the computation unit  82 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the computation unit  82  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. Moreover, at least a portion of the control unit  88  may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. Further, at least a portion of the control unit  88  may be constituted by an electronic circuit including a discrete device. 
     The apparatus  20  may be equipped with a computation unit  90 , a storage unit  92 , an operation unit  94 , a display unit  96 , and the communication unit  98 . It should be noted that although the apparatus  20  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. 
     The computation unit  90  may be constituted by a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and more specifically, by processing circuitry. The computation unit  90  may be equipped with a control unit  100  and a display control unit  102 . The control unit  100  and the display control unit  102  can be realized by programs stored in the storage unit  92  being executed by the computation unit  90 . Moreover, it should be noted that although the computation unit  90  may comprise constituent elements other than these constituent elements, descriptions of such other elements are omitted herein. The control unit  100  administers the control of the apparatus  20  as a whole. The display control unit  102  is capable of controlling a screen display of the display unit  96 . Moreover, at least a portion of the control unit  100  and the display control unit  102  may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like. Further, at least a portion of the control unit  100  and the display control unit  102  may be constituted by an electronic circuit including a discrete device. 
     The storage unit  92  may comprise a non-illustrated volatile memory and a non-illustrated non-volatile memory. Further, the storage unit  92  may further be equipped with an HDD, an SSD, or the like. 
     The operation unit  94  can be used when the user performs an operation input with respect to the apparatus  20 . As the operation unit  94 , there may be cited a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, although the present invention is not limited to this feature. A non-illustrated display element may be provided in the display unit  96 . 
     The communication unit  98  is equipped with, for example, a non-illustrated communication module. The communication unit  98  can carry out transmission and reception of data to and from the communication unit  86  or the like via the network  22  such as the Internet or the like. 
     The shared directory  104  can be set, for example, in a non-illustrated storage unit (storage) provided in a non-illustrated NFS (Network File System) server. In accordance with such an NFS, a storage area corresponding to the shared directory  104  is mounted in a local storage constituted by the storage unit  34 . Further, in accordance with such an NFS, a storage area corresponding to the shared directory  104  is mounted in a local storage constituted by the storage unit  64 . The file exchange support device  14  and the communication support device  16  are each capable of accessing the shared directory  104 . Moreover, the shared directory  104  may be set in a non-illustrated storage unit (storage) provided in a non-illustrated SMB (Server Message Block) server. In the case that the file exchange support device  14  is constituted by a Windows (registered trademark) server and the communication support device  16  is also constituted by a Windows (registered trademark) server, a more satisfactory system can be built by using SMB than using NFS. 
     A file list acquisition instruction folder  106 , a file list folder  108 , a data conversion instruction folder  110 , and a data conversion status folder  112  can be provided in the shared directory  104 . A transmission instruction folder  114 , a transmission status folder  116 , a reception instruction folder  118 , a reception status folder  120 , a reception history acquisition instruction folder  122 , and a reception history folder  124  can further be provided in the shared directory  104 . 
     As noted previously, the file exchange support device  14  may be equipped with the control unit  38 . The control unit  38  administers the control of the file exchange support device  14  as a whole. 
     As noted previously, the file exchange support device  14  may be equipped with the supply unit  42 . The supply unit  42 , for example, is an HTTP server. The supply unit  42  supplies an instruction screen  133  (refer to  FIG.  3   ) which is used when the user who operates the apparatus  12  issues an instruction. More specifically, the supply unit  42  supplies an operation screen which is used when an operation is carried out by the user who operates the apparatus  12 . More specifically, the supply unit  42  supplies information (signals) to the apparatus  12  in order to display the instruction screen  133  on the display unit  27  that is provided in the apparatus  12 . In a state in which communication is established between the apparatus  12  and the file exchange support device  14 , the instruction screen  133  is displayed on the display unit  27  that is provided in the apparatus  12 . As the instruction screen  133 , there may be cited a later-described file transmission/reception screen  134  or the like, although the present invention is not limited to this feature.  FIG.  3    is a diagram showing an example of an instruction screen. A state in which a file list  132  is displayed on the instruction screen  133  is shown in  FIG.  3   . The file list  132  is a list of a plurality of files  131  that are stored in the storage unit  128 . Although information other than the file list  132  can be displayed on the instruction screen  133 , in  FIG.  3   , such information other than the file list  132  is omitted. 
     As noted previously, the file exchange support device  14  may be equipped with the instruction unit  40 . The instruction unit  40  writes instruction files  130  into the shared directory  104  in accordance with instructions issued by the user who operates the apparatus  12 . The instructions issued by the user who operates the apparatus  12  can be carried out, for example, on the instruction screen  133  in the manner described above. The reference numeral  130  is used when describing the instruction files without distinguishing them in particular, and the reference numerals  1301  to  1305  are used when descriptions are made concerning the individual instruction files. 
     As noted previously, the instruction unit  40  may be equipped with the file list acquisition instruction unit  44 . In the case that an instruction to acquire the file list  132  is performed by the user on the instruction screen  133 , the file list acquisition instruction unit  44  issues the instruction to acquire the file list  132 . The file list acquisition instruction unit  44  writes a file list acquisition instruction file  1301 , which is an instruction file  130  in which the instruction to acquire the file list  132  is included, into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file list acquisition instruction unit  44  writes the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  4 A  is a diagram showing an example of the file list acquisition instruction file. In  FIG.  4 A , a state is shown conceptually in which the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  is written into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106 . 
     As noted previously, the instruction unit  40  may be equipped with the data conversion instruction unit  46 . The data conversion instruction unit  46  can issue a data conversion instruction, which is an instruction to convert data. In the case that the data conversion instruction is issued by the user on the instruction screen  133 , the data conversion instruction unit  46  carries out the instruction to convert the data. Selection of a conversion target file  151  which serves as an object to be converted can be carried out by the user on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . The conversion target file  151  can be selected from among the plurality of files  131  that are stored in the storage unit  128 . The data conversion instruction unit  46  writes a data conversion instruction file  1302 , which is an instruction file  130  in which the data conversion instruction is included, into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the data conversion instruction unit  46  writes the data conversion instruction file  1302  into the data conversion instruction folder  110  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  4 C  is a diagram showing an example of a data conversion instruction file. In  FIG.  4 C , a state is shown conceptually in which the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 . 
     As noted previously, the instruction unit  40  may be equipped with the file transmission instruction unit  48 . The file transmission instruction unit  48  is capable of issuing a file transmission instruction, which is an instruction to transmit files. In the case that the file transmission instruction is issued by the user on the instruction screen  133 , the file transmission instruction unit  48  issues the instruction to transmit the files. Specifically, the file transmission instruction unit  48  writes a transmission instruction file  1303 , which is an instruction file  130  in which the file transmission instruction is included, into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file transmission instruction unit  48  writes the transmission instruction file  1303  into the transmission instruction folder  114  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  4 E  is a diagram showing an example of a transmission instruction file. In  FIG.  4 E , a state is shown conceptually in which the transmission instruction file  1303  is written into the transmission instruction folder  114 . 
     As noted previously, the instruction unit  40  may be equipped with the file reception instruction unit  50 . The file reception instruction unit  50  is capable of issuing a file reception instruction, which is an instruction to receive files. The file reception instruction unit  50  writes, at predetermined time intervals, reception instruction files  1304  into the reception instruction folder  118  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file reception instruction unit  50  writes the reception instruction files  1304  into the reception instruction folder  118  at time intervals defined in a non-illustrated task scheduler.  FIG.  5 A  is a diagram showing an example of a reception instruction file. In  FIG.  5 A , a state is shown conceptually in which the reception instruction file  1304  is written into the reception instruction folder  118 . 
     As noted previously, the instruction unit  40  may be equipped with the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52 . The reception history acquisition instruction unit  52  is capable of issuing an instruction concerning the acquisition of a reception history, which is a history of the reception of files. In the case that an instruction to receive the reception history is made by the user on the instruction screen  133 , the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52  issues an instruction to acquire the reception history. Specifically, the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52  writes a reception history acquisition instruction file  1305 , which is an instruction file  130  in which an instruction to acquire the reception history is included, into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52  writes the reception history acquisition instruction file  1305  into the reception history acquisition instruction folder  122  provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  5 C  is a diagram showing an example of a reception history acquisition instruction file. In  FIG.  5 C , a state is shown conceptually in which the reception history acquisition instruction file  1305  is written into the reception history acquisition instruction folder  122 . 
     As noted previously, the communication support device  16  may be equipped with the control unit  68 . The control unit  68  administers the control of the communication support device  16  as a whole. 
     As noted previously, the communication support device  16  may be equipped with the processing unit  70 . The processing unit  70  is capable of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction files  130  that are written into the shared directory  104 . 
     As noted previously, the processing unit  70  may be equipped with the file list creation processing unit  72 . The file list creation processing unit  72  performs a process of creating the file list  132  on the basis of the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  that is written into the shared directory  104  by the file list acquisition instruction unit  44 . 
     Specifically, the file list creation processing unit  72  performs a process of creating the file list  132  on the basis of the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  that is written into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106 . More specifically, the file list creation processing unit  72  carries out the following process. 
     The file list creation processing unit  72  confirms at predetermined time intervals whether or not the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  is written into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106 . More specifically, the file list creation processing unit  72  confirms at the predetermined time intervals defined in the non-illustrated task scheduler whether or not the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  is written into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106 . In the case that the file list acquisition instruction file  1301  is written into the file list acquisition instruction folder  106 , the file list creation processing unit  72  creates the file list  132  by confirming the files  131  that are stored in the storage unit  128 . As noted previously, the file list  132  is a list of the plurality of files  131  that are stored in the storage unit  128 . 
     The file list creation processing unit  72  writes the file list  132  created by the file list creation processing unit  72  into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file list creation processing unit  72  writes the file list  132  created by the file list creation processing unit  72  into the file list folder  108  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  4 B  is a diagram showing an example of the file list. In  FIG.  4 B , a state is shown conceptually in which the file list  132  is written into the file list folder  108 . The file list  132  that is written into the file list folder  108  is read out by the file list acquisition instruction unit  44 . 
     As noted previously, the processing unit  70  may be equipped with the data conversion processing unit  74 . The data conversion processing unit  74  performs a data conversion process on the basis of the data conversion instruction file  1302  that is written into the shared directory  104  by the data conversion instruction unit  46 . Specifically, the data conversion processing unit  74  performs the data conversion process on the basis of the data conversion instruction file  1302  that is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . The data conversion process is carried out in order to convert the data into a format suitable for communication, although the present invention is not limited to this feature. A conversion in order to reduce the size of the data may be carried out with respect to the data. More specifically, the data conversion processing unit  74  carries out the following process. 
     The data conversion processing unit  74  confirms at predetermined time intervals whether or not the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 . More specifically, the data conversion processing unit  74  confirms at the predetermined time intervals defined in the non-illustrated task scheduler whether or not the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 . In the case that the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 , the data conversion processing unit  74  carries out the following process. More specifically, in such a case, the data conversion processing unit  74  performs a data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file  151  (refer to  FIG.  3   ) specified by the data conversion instruction included in the data conversion instruction file  1302 . A data converted file obtained by performing the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file  151  is stored in the storage unit  128 . 
     The data conversion processing unit  74  writes into the shared directory  104  data conversion status information  136  indicating the status concerning the data conversion process performed with respect to the conversion target file  151 . More specifically, the data conversion processing unit  74  writes into the data conversion status folder  112  that is provided in the shared directory  104  the data conversion status information  136  indicating the status concerning the data conversion process performed with respect to the conversion target file  151 .  FIG.  4 D  is a diagram showing an example of the data conversion process status information. In  FIG.  4 D , a state is shown conceptually in which the data conversion status information  136  is written into the data conversion status folder  112 . The data conversion status information  136  that is written into the data conversion status folder  112  is read out by the data conversion instruction unit  46 . 
     As noted previously, the processing unit  70  may be equipped with the file transmission processing unit  76 . The file transmission processing unit  76  performs a file transmission process on the basis of the transmission instruction file  1303  that is written into the shared directory  104  by the file transmission instruction unit  48 . Specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  performs the file transmission process on the basis of the transmission instruction file  1303  that is written into the transmission instruction folder  114  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  carries out the following process. 
     The file transmission processing unit  76  confirms at predetermined time intervals whether or not the transmission instruction file  1303  is written into the transmission instruction folder  114 . More specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  confirms at the predetermined time intervals defined in the non-illustrated task scheduler whether or not the transmission instruction file  1303  is written into the transmission instruction folder  114 . In the case that the transmission instruction file  1303  is written into the transmission instruction folder  114 , the file transmission processing unit  76  reads out from the storage unit  128  a transmission target file  150  (refer to  FIG.  6 A ) corresponding to the file transmission instruction included in the transmission instruction file  1303 .  FIG.  6 A  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a transmission target file. As shown in  FIG.  6 A , transmission data  152 , which is data serving as an object to be transmitted, is included in the transmission target file  150 . As the transmission data  152 , and more specifically, as the transmission target data, there may be cited the aforementioned product data, although the present invention is not limited to this feature. 
     The file transmission processing unit  76  generates transmission files  154  (refer to  FIG.  6 B ) corresponding to the transmission target file  150  that was read out by the file transmission processing unit  76 . Specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  generates a transmission metafile  156  and a transmission configuration file  160 , based on comment information and the like contained in the file transmission instructions included in the transmission instruction file  1303 .  FIG.  6 B  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the transmission files. As shown in  FIG.  6 B , the transmission files  154  can be constituted by the transmission metafile  156 , transmission data  158 , and the transmission configuration file  160 . Transmission command parameters may be included in the transmission metafile  156 . Destination information indicating a destination of the transmission files  154  may be included in the transmission metafile  156 . Transmission source information indicating the transmission source of the transmission files  154  may be included in the transmission metafile  156 . The transmission data  158  corresponds to the transmission data  152  included in the transmission target file  150 . More specifically, the transmission data  158  can be generated, for example, by performing a data conversion process with respect to the transmission data  152  included in the transmission target file  150 . The file transmission processing unit  76  generates the transmission data  158  by performing the data conversion process with respect to the transmission data  152 . Moreover, in the case that the data conversion process has already been implemented beforehand with respect to the transmission data  152 , the file transmission processing unit  76  includes in the transmission files  154  the transmission data  158  on which the data conversion process has already been implemented. 
     The file transmission processing unit  76  transmits the transmission files  154  (refer to  FIG.  6 B ) generated by the file transmission processing unit  76  to the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66 . More specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  carries out transmission of the transmission data  158  on the basis of the transmission command parameters contained in the transmission metafile  156 , and the information contained in the transmission configuration file  160 . The transmission data  158  is transmitted to the file exchange device  18  by carrying out communications on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol between the communication unit  66  and the communication unit  86  that is provided in the file exchange device  18 . 
     The file transmission processing unit  76  is capable of determining whether or not the transmission of the transmission files  154  to the destination has been completed based on the information supplied from the file exchange device  18 . In the case it is determined that the transmission of the transmission files  154  to the destination has been completed, the file transmission processing unit  76  writes into the shared directory  104  transmission status information  140  indicating that the transmission of the transmission files  154  has been completed. More specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  writes the transmission status information  140  indicating the status regarding the transmission of the transmission files  154  into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file transmission processing unit  76  writes the transmission status information  140  indicating the status regarding the transmission of the transmission files  154  into the transmission status folder  116  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  4 F  is a diagram showing an example of the transmission status information. In  FIG.  4 F , a state is shown conceptually in which the transmission status information  140  is written into the transmission status folder  116 . The transmission status information  140  that is written into the transmission status folder  116  is read out by the file transmission instruction unit  48 . 
     As noted previously, the processing unit  70  may be equipped with the file reception processing unit  78 . The file reception processing unit  78  confirms at predetermined time intervals whether or not the reception instruction file  1304  is written into the reception instruction folder  118 . More specifically, the file reception processing unit  78  confirms at the predetermined time intervals defined in the non-illustrated task scheduler whether or not the reception instruction file  1304  is written into the reception instruction folder  118 . In the case that the reception instruction file  1304  is written into the reception instruction folder  118 , the file reception processing unit  78  acquires new arrival information supplied from the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66 . The new arrival information is information indicating that reception files  162  (refer to  FIG.  7 A ) that are destined for the apparatus  12  have been newly received by the file exchange device  18 . On the basis of the new arrival information supplied from the file exchange device  18 , the file reception processing unit  78  is capable of determining that the reception files  162  destined for the apparatus  12  have been newly received by the file exchange device  18 . In the case it is determined that the reception files  162  destined for the apparatus  12  have been newly received by the file exchange device  18 , the file reception processing unit  78  receives the reception files  162  from the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66 .  FIG.  7 A  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the reception files. As shown in  FIG.  7 A , the reception files  162  can be constituted by a reception metafile  166 , reception data  168 , and a reception configuration file  170 . Reception command parameters may be included in the reception metafile  166 . Destination information indicating the destination of the reception files  162  may be included in the reception metafile  166 . Transmission source information indicating the transmission source of the reception files  162  may be included in the reception metafile  166 . 
     The file reception processing unit  78  stores a received file  164  (refer to  FIG.  7 B ) corresponding to the reception files  162  that have been received, in the storage unit  128 . Specifically, the file reception processing unit  78  generates the received file  164 , for example, by carrying out a data conversion process with respect to the reception data  168  included in the reception files  162 . The file reception processing unit  78  stores the received file  164  acquired by the file reception processing unit  78  in the storage unit  128 .  FIG.  7 B  is a diagram conceptually showing an example of a received file. As shown in  FIG.  7 B , the received file  164  includes reception data  172 . The reception data  172 , and in particular the received data, corresponds to the reception data  168  included in the reception files  162 . More specifically, the reception data  172  is obtained by carrying out a data conversion process with respect to the reception data  168 . 
     The file reception processing unit  78  writes reception status information  144  indicating the status regarding the reception of the reception files  162  into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the file reception processing unit  78  writes the reception status information  144  into the reception status folder  120  that is provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  5 B  is a diagram showing an example of the reception status information. In  FIG.  5 B , a state is shown conceptually in which the reception status information  144  is written into the reception status folder  120 . The reception status information  144  that is written into the reception status folder  120  is read out by the file reception instruction unit  50 . 
     As noted previously, the processing unit  70  may be equipped with the reception history creation processing unit  80 . The reception history creation processing unit  80  creates a reception history indicating a history of receptions of the files. Specifically, the reception history creation processing unit  80  performs updating of the reception history each time that reception of a file is carried out by the file reception processing unit  78 . The reception history creation processing unit  80 , for example, stores the reception history in the storage unit  64 , although the present invention is not limited to this feature. Transmission source information indicating the transmission source of the reception files  162  may be included in the reception history. The transmission source information, as noted previously, is included in the reception metafile  166  that is included in the reception files  162 . 
     The reception history creation processing unit  80  confirms at predetermined time intervals whether or not the reception history acquisition instruction file  1305  is written into the reception history acquisition instruction folder  122 . More specifically, the reception history creation processing unit  80  confirms at the predetermined time intervals defined in the non-illustrated task scheduler whether or not the reception history acquisition instruction file  1305  is written into the reception history acquisition instruction folder  122 . In the case that the reception history acquisition instruction file  1305  is written into the reception history acquisition instruction folder  122 , the reception history creation processing unit  80  reads out, for example, from the storage unit  64 , a reception history  148  created by the reception history creation processing unit  80 . The reception history creation processing unit  80  writes the reception history  148  which was read out into the shared directory  104 . More specifically, the reception history creation processing unit  80  writes the reception history  148  into the reception history folder  124  provided in the shared directory  104 .  FIG.  5 D  is a diagram showing an example of the reception history. In  FIG.  5 D , a state is shown conceptually in which the reception history  148  is written into the reception history folder  124 . The reception history  148  which is written into the reception history folder  124  is read out by the reception history acquisition instruction unit  52 . 
     Next, a description will be given concerning operations of the file exchange system according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  8    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the present embodiment. Operations in relation to transmission of the data are shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     In step S 1 , a non-illustrated login screen is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Such a login screen is a screen in order for the apparatus  12  to login to the file exchange support device  14 . In a state in which communication is established between the apparatus  12  and the file exchange support device  14 , the login screen is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . The display of the login screen is realized by supplying the information in order to display the login screen to the apparatus  12  from the supply unit  42  that is provided in the file exchange support device  14 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 2 . 
     In step S 2 , logging in is carried out by the user who operates the apparatus  12 . Such logging in is performed on the login screen that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 3 . 
     In step S 3 , the file transmission/reception screen  134 , which is the instruction screen  133  in order to transmit the files, is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . The display of the file transmission/reception screen  134  is realized by supplying the information in order to display the file transmission/reception screen  134  to the apparatus  12  from the supply unit  42  that is provided in the file exchange support device  14 . The file list  132  can be displayed on the file transmission/reception screen  134 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 4 . 
     In step S 4 , the transmission target file  150 , which is a file that serves as an object to be transmitted, is selected from among the plurality of files  131  shown in the file list  132 . Selection of the transmission target file  150  is carried out by the user on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 5 . 
     In step S 5 , a destination of the transmission target file  150  is selected. Selection of the destination of the transmission target file  150  is carried out by the user on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Selection of the destination of the transmission target file  150  can be carried out by the user who operates the apparatus  12 . Moreover, although the present invention is not necessarily limited to this feature, the destination of the transmission target file  150  can be selected from among a plurality of destinations stored in the destination information storage unit  60  that is provided in the file exchange support device  14 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 6 . 
     In step S 6 , an instruction to transmit the transmission target file  150  is issued by the user. The instruction to transmit the transmission target file  150  can be carried out on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 7 . 
     In step S 7 , the file transmission instruction unit  48  issues the file transmission instruction on the basis of an instruction from the user who operates the apparatus  12 . Specifically, the file transmission instruction unit  48  writes the transmission instruction file  1303 , which is an instruction file  130  in which the file transmission instruction is included, into the transmission instruction folder  114  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 8 . 
     In step S 8 , the file transmission processing unit  76  confirms whether or not the transmission instruction file  1303  has been written into the transmission instruction folder  114 . In the case that the transmission instruction file  1303  has been written into the transmission instruction folder  114 , the process transitions to step S 9 . 
     In step S 9 , the file transmission processing unit  76  reads out from the storage unit  128  the transmission target file  150  specified by the file transmission instruction included in the transmission instruction file  1303 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 10 . 
     In step S 10 , the file transmission processing unit  76  generates the transmission metafile  156  and the transmission configuration file  160  on the basis of the file transmission instruction included in the transmission instruction file  1303 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 11 . 
     In step S 11 , the file transmission processing unit  76  carries out transmission of the transmission files  154  on the basis of the transmission command parameters contained in the transmission metafile  156 , and the information contained in the transmission configuration file  160 . The file transmission processing unit  76  transmits the transmission files  154  to the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66  on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol. The destination of the transmission files  154 , for example, is the apparatus  20 . The control unit  88  that is provided in the file exchange device  18  transfers the transmission files  154  supplied from the communication support device  16  to the apparatus  20  via the communication unit  86  and the network  22 . Moreover, it should be noted that the transmission files  154  supplied from the communication support device  16  may be temporarily stored in the storage unit  84  that is provided in the file exchange device  18 . In this manner, the transmission files  154  are transmitted to the apparatus  20  that is the destination of the transmission files  154 . In the case that the transmission of the transmission files  154  has been completed, the process transitions to step S 12 . 
     In step S 12 , the control unit  88  that is provided in the file exchange device  18  supplies information indicating that the transmission of the transmission files  154  to the apparatus  20  has been completed to the communication support device  16  via the communication unit  86 . Consequently, the file transmission processing unit  76  acquires the information indicating that the transmission of the transmission files  154  has been completed. Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 13 . 
     In step S 13 , the file transmission processing unit  76  writes the transmission status information  140  indicating that the transmission of the transmission files  154  has been completed into the transmission status folder  116  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 14 . 
     In step S 14 , the file transmission instruction unit  48  reads out the transmission status information  140  that is written into the transmission status folder  116 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 15 . 
     In step S 15 , the information indicating that the transmission of the transmission files  154  has been completed is stored in the storage unit  34 . In this manner, the transmission of the files is carried out. 
       FIG.  9    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the present embodiment. Operations in relation to reception of the data are shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     In step S 21 , the file reception instruction unit  50  that is provided in the file exchange support device  14  writes the reception instruction file  1304  containing the file reception instruction, which is an instruction to receive the files, into the reception instruction folder  118  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 22 . 
     In step S 22 , the file reception processing unit  78  that is provided in the communication support device  16  confirms whether or not the reception instruction file  1304  has been written into the reception instruction folder  118 . In the case that the reception instruction file  1304  has been written into the reception instruction folder  118 , the process transitions to step S 23 . 
     In step S 23 , the file reception processing unit  78  acquires the new arrival information supplied from the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66 . On the basis of the new arrival information supplied from the file exchange device  18 , the file reception processing unit  78  is capable of determining that the reception files  162  destined for the apparatus  12  have been newly received by the file exchange device  18 . In the case that the file reception processing unit  78  has determined that the file exchange device  18  has newly received the reception files  162  destined for the apparatus  12 , the process transitions to step S 24 . 
     In step S 24 , the file reception processing unit  78  receives the reception files  162  from the file exchange device  18  via the communication unit  66 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 25 . 
     In step S 25 , the file reception processing unit  78  stores the received file  164  corresponding to the reception files  162  that have been received, in the storage unit  128 . More specifically, the file reception processing unit  78  stores in the storage unit  128  the received file  164  by carrying out a data conversion process with respect to the reception data  168  included in the reception files  162 . 
     In step S 26 , the file reception processing unit  78  writes the reception status information  144  indicating that the reception of the reception files  162  has been completed into the reception status folder  120  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 27 . 
     In step S 27 , the file reception instruction unit  50  reads out the reception status information  144  that is written into the reception status folder  120 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 28 . 
     In step S 28 , the file reception instruction unit  50  stores the information indicating that the reception of the reception files  162  has been completed in the reception history storage unit  56  that is provided in the storage unit  34 . In the forgoing manner, the reception of the files is carried out. 
       FIG.  10    is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of the file exchange system according to the present embodiment. Operations in relation to conversion of the data are shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     In step S 31 , a non-illustrated login screen is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Such a login screen is a screen in order for the apparatus  12  to login to the file exchange support device  14 . In a state in which communication is established between the apparatus  12  and the file exchange support device  14 , the login screen is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 32 . 
     In step S 32 , logging in is carried out by the user who operates the apparatus  12 . Such logging in is performed on the login screen that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 33 . 
     In step S 33 , for example, the file transmission/reception screen  134  is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . The file list  132  can be displayed on the file transmission/reception screen  134 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 34 . 
     In step S 34 , the conversion target file  151 , which is a file that serves as an object for data conversion, is selected from among the plurality of files  131 . Selection of the conversion target file  151  is carried out by the user on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 35 . 
     In step S 35 , the user issues an instruction to execute the data conversion process. The instruction to execute the data conversion process can be carried out on the file transmission/reception screen  134  that is displayed on the display unit  27  of the apparatus  12 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 36 . 
     In step S 36 , the data conversion instruction unit  46  issues an instruction to perform data conversion. Specifically, the data conversion instruction unit  46  writes the data conversion instruction file  1302 , which is an instruction file  130  in which the data conversion instruction is included, into the data conversion instruction folder  110  that is provided in the shared directory  104 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 37 . 
     In step S 37 , the data conversion processing unit  74  confirms whether or not the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 . In the case that the data conversion instruction file  1302  is written into the data conversion instruction folder  110 , the process transitions to step S 38 . 
     In step S 38 , the data conversion processing unit  74  performs the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file  151  specified by the data conversion instruction included in the data conversion instruction file  1302 . The data converted file obtained by performing the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file  151  is stored in the storage unit  128 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 39 . 
     In step S 39 , the data conversion processing unit  74  writes into the data conversion status folder  112  that is provided in the shared directory  104  the data conversion status information  136  indicating that the data conversion process has been completed. Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 40 . 
     In step S 40 , the data conversion instruction unit  46  reads out the data conversion status information  136  that is written into the data conversion status folder  112 . Thereafter, the process transitions to step S 41 . 
     In step S 41 , the data conversion instruction unit  46  stores the information indicating that the data conversion process has been completed in the storage unit  34 . In this manner, the data conversion process is carried out. 
     In the foregoing manner, according to the present embodiment, since the communication support device  16  that transmits the transmission files  154  to the file exchange device  18  is provided separately from the apparatus  12 , it is not necessary for the apparatus  12  to perform communications with the file exchange device  18  over a prolonged time period. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the file exchange system  10  which can carry out the exchange of files in a satisfactory manner. 
     In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the transmission instruction file  1303  in which the file transmission instruction is included is transferred in the shared directory  104 , it is not necessary to establish communications between the file exchange support device  14  and the communication support device  16  when the file transmission instruction is issued. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the file exchange support device  14  comprising the supply unit  42  that supplies the instruction screen  133  used when an instruction is issued by the user is provided separately from the file exchange device  18 . Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when an instruction is issued by the user, it is not necessary for the file exchange device  18  to provide an instruction screen to the apparatus  12  that is operated by the user. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the file exchange device  18  from being subjected to a large processing load. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the file exchange system  10  which can carry out the exchange of files in a satisfactory manner. 
     Moreover, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various configurations can be adopted therein without departing from the essence and gist of the present invention. 
     The inventions that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment will be described below. 
     The file exchange system ( 10 ) according to one aspect of the present invention is a file exchange system configured to transmit and receive the files ( 131 ) in which the product data is included between the one user and the other user using the file exchange device ( 18 ). The file exchange system includes the communication support device ( 16 ) equipped with the communication unit ( 66 ) configured to communicate with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol, wherein the communication support device further includes the processing unit ( 70 ) which is configured to carry out processing in accordance with the instruction file ( 130 ) that is written into the shared directory ( 104 ) based on the instruction from the one user, and the processing unit includes the file transmission processing unit ( 76 ) which, in the case that the instruction file ( 1303 ) containing the file transmission instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to read out the transmission target file ( 150 ) corresponding to the file transmission instruction from the storage unit ( 128 ), and to transmit the transmission file ( 154 ) corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. In accordance with such a configuration, since the communication support device that transmits the transmission files to the file exchange device is provided separately from the apparatus ( 12 ), it is not necessary for the apparatus ( 12 ) to perform communications with the file exchange device over a prolonged time period when transmitting the files. Therefore, in accordance with such a configuration, it is possible to provide the file exchange system which can carry out the exchange of files in a satisfactory manner. In addition, in accordance with such a configuration, since the transmission instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included is transferred in the shared directory, it is not necessary to establish communications between the file exchange support device and the communication support device when the file transmission instruction is issued. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the destination information indicating the destination of the transmission file may be included in the file transmission instruction. 
     In the above-describe file exchange system, the file transmission processing unit may write into the shared directory the transmission status information ( 140 ) indicating the status regarding the transmission of the transmission file. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the product data may be at least one of Computer-Aided Design data, Computer-Aided Engineering data, moving image data, Tagged Image File Format data, Computer Graphics data, authentication data, or Electronic Control Unit data. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the processing unit may include the file reception processing unit ( 78 ) which, in the case that the instruction file ( 1304 ) containing the file reception instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to receive the reception file ( 162 ) from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and to store the received file ( 164 ) corresponding to the received reception file in the storage unit. In accordance with such a configuration, since the communication support device that receives the reception files from the file exchange device is provided separately from the apparatus, it is not necessary for the apparatus to perform communications with the file exchange device over a prolonged time period when receiving the files. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the file reception processing unit may write into the shared directory the reception status information ( 144 ) indicating the status regarding the reception of the reception file. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the processing unit may include the data conversion processing unit ( 74 ) which, in the case that the instruction file ( 1302 ) containing the data conversion instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to carry out the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file ( 151 ) specified by the data conversion instruction. In accordance with such a configuration, since the communication support device that performs the data conversion process is provided separately from the apparatus, it is not necessary for the apparatus to perform the data conversion process over a prolonged time period. Further, in accordance with such a configuration, since the data conversion process can be carried out in advance, compared with a case in which the data conversion process is performed after the instruction to transmit the data has been issued, the time from having issued the instruction to transmit the data until the transmission of the transmission files is completed can be made shorter. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the data conversion processing unit may write into the shared directory the data conversion status information ( 136 ) indicating the status regarding the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the file exchange support device ( 14 ) may be equipped with the supply unit ( 42 ) configured to supply the instruction screen ( 133 ) used when the instruction is carried out by the one user, wherein the file exchange support device may further include the instruction unit ( 40 ) configured to write the instruction file ( 130 ) into the shared directory ( 104 ) in accordance with the instruction carried out on the instruction screen, and the instruction unit may include the file transmission instruction unit ( 48 ) which, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the file transmission instruction, is configured to write the instruction file ( 1303 ) in which the file transmission instruction is included into the shared directory. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the file transmission processing unit may write the transmission status information ( 140 ) indicating the status concerning the transmission of the transmission file into the shared directory, and the file transmission instruction unit may acquire the transmission status information that is written into the shared directory by the file transmission processing unit. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the instruction unit may include the file reception instruction unit ( 50 ) configured to write the instruction file ( 1304 ) in which the file reception instruction is included into the shared directory, and the processing unit may include the file reception processing unit ( 78 ) which, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, is configured to receive the reception file ( 162 ) from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and to store the received file ( 164 ) corresponding to the received reception file in the storage unit. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the file reception processing unit may write into the shared directory the reception status information ( 144 ) indicating the status concerning the reception of the reception file, and the file reception instruction unit may acquire the reception status information that is written into the shared directory by the file reception processing unit. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the instruction unit may include the data conversion instruction unit ( 46 ) which, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the data conversion instruction, is configured to write into the shared directory the instruction file ( 1302 ) in which the data conversion instruction is included, and the processing unit may include the data conversion processing unit ( 74 ) which, in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included is written into the shared directory, is configured to perform the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file ( 151 ) specified by the data conversion instruction. 
     In the above-described file exchange system, the data conversion processing unit may write into the shared directory the data conversion status information ( 136 ) indicating the status concerning the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file, and the data conversion instruction unit may acquire the data conversion status information that is written into the shared directory by the data conversion processing unit. 
     The communication support device according to another aspect of the present invention is used in the file exchange system configured to transmit and receive files in which the product data is included between the one user and the other user using the file exchange device, the communication support device including the communication unit configured to communicate with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol, and the processing unit which is configured to carry out processing in accordance with the instruction file that is written into the shared directory based on an instruction from the one user, and the processing unit includes the file transmission processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file containing the file transmission instruction is written into the shared directory, is configured to read out the transmission target file corresponding to the file transmission instruction from the storage unit, and to transmit the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. 
     In the above-described communication support device, the processing unit may include the file reception processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file containing the file reception instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to receive the reception file from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and to store the received file corresponding to the received reception file in the storage unit. 
     In the above-described communication support device, the processing unit may include the data conversion processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file containing the data conversion instruction has been written into the shared directory, is configured to carry out the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction. 
     The file exchange support device according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a file exchange support device used in the file exchange system in which files in which the product data is included are transmitted and received between the one user and the other user using the file exchange device, the file exchange support device including the supply unit configured to supply the instruction screen used when the instruction is carried out by the one user, and the instruction unit configured to write the instruction file into the shared directory in accordance with the instruction carried out on the instruction screen, wherein the file exchange system includes the communication support device equipped with the communication unit configured to communicate with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol, the communication support device further includes the processing unit configured to carry out processing in accordance with the instruction file that is written into the shared directory, the instruction unit includes the file transmission instruction unit which, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the file transmission instruction, is configured to write the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included into the shared directory, and the instruction unit includes the file transmission processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, is configured to read out the transmission target file corresponding to the file transmission instruction from the storage unit, and to transmit the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file to the file exchange device via the communication unit. 
     In the above-described file exchange support device, the instruction unit may include the file reception instruction unit configured to write the instruction file in which a file reception instruction is included into the shared directory, and the processing unit may include the file reception processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, is configured to receive the reception file from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and to store the received file corresponding to the received reception file in the storage unit. 
     In the above-described file exchange support device, the instruction unit may include the data conversion instruction unit which, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the data conversion instruction, is configured to write into the shared directory the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included, and the processing unit may include the data conversion processing unit which, in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included is written into the shared directory, is configured to perform the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction. 
     The file exchange method according to still another aspect of the present invention is a file exchange method for transmitting and receiving files in which the product data is included between the one user and the other user using the file exchange device. The file exchange method includes the step (S 7 ) of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, and the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, in the case that the instruction file has been written into the shared directory, wherein, in the case that the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the transmission target file in accordance with the file transmission instruction is read out from the storage unit (S 9 ), and the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file is transmitted to the file exchange device via the communication unit configured to carry out communications with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol (S 11 ). 
     In the above-described file exchange method, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included is written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the reception file may be received from the file exchange device via the communication unit (step S 24 ), and the received file corresponding to the received reception file may be stored in the storage unit (step S 25 ). 
     In the above-described file exchange method, in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the data conversion process is carried out with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction (S 38 ). 
     In the above-described file exchange method, there may further be provided the step of supplying the instruction screen used when the instruction is carried out by the one user (S 3 ), wherein in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file may be written into the shared directory in accordance with the instruction carried out on the instruction screen, and in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the file transmission instruction, then in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included may be written into the shared directory. 
     In the above-described file exchange method, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included is written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the reception file may be received from the file exchange device via the communication unit (S 24 ), and the received file corresponding to the received reception file may be stored in the storage unit (S 25 ). 
     In the above-described file exchange method, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the data conversion instruction, then in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included may be written into the shared directory, and in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included is written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out the processing in accordance with the instruction file, the data conversion process may be carried out with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction (S 38 ). 
     The computer-readable non-transitory storage medium according to yet another aspect of the present invention has the program stored therein, in order to cause the computer to execute the process including the step of confirming whether or not the instruction file has been written into the shared directory, and the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, in the case that the instruction file has been written into the shared directory, wherein, in the case that the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the transmission target file in accordance with the file transmission instruction is read out from the storage unit, and the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file is transmitted to the file exchange device via the communication unit that carries out communications with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol. 
     In the above-described storage medium, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included is written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the reception file may be received from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and the received file corresponding to the received reception file may be stored in the storage unit. 
     In the above-described storage medium, in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included has been written into the shared directory, then in the step of carrying out processing in accordance with the instruction file, the data conversion process may be carried out with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction. 
     In the above-described storage medium, the program causes the computer to further execute the process including the step of supplying the instruction screen used when the instruction is carried out by the one user, and in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file may be written into the shared directory in accordance with the instruction carried out on the instruction screen, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the file transmission instruction, then in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included may be written into the shared directory, and in the case that the instruction file in which the file transmission instruction is included is written into the shared directory, the file transmission processing unit provided in the communication support device may read out from the storage unit the transmission target file in accordance with the file transmission instruction, and the transmission file corresponding to the read out transmission target file may be transmitted to the file exchange device via the communication unit that carries out communications with the file exchange device on the basis of the predetermined communication protocol. 
     In the above-described storage medium, in the case that the instruction file in which the file reception instruction is included is written into the shared directory, the file reception processing unit provided in the communication support device may receive the reception file from the file exchange device via the communication unit, and may store the received file corresponding to the received reception file in the storage unit. 
     In the above-described storage medium, in the case that the instruction carried out on the instruction screen is the data conversion instruction, then in the step of writing the instruction file into the shared directory, the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included may be written into the shared directory, and in the case that the instruction file in which the data conversion instruction is included is written into the shared directory, the data conversion processing unit provided in the communication support device may carry out the data conversion process with respect to the conversion target file specified by the data conversion instruction. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various modifications are possible without departing from the essence and gist of the present invention.