System control system, console host server, console client device, connection method, and program

Abstract

To provide a system control system capable of performing monitoring control of the conventional range by fewer physical computers.SOLUTION: A system control system comprises: a monitoring control server which monitors a power system; a console host server which provides a console to be connected with the monitoring control server; and a console client, wherein the console host server comprises the console constructed as a container by using virtualization technology of a container type, and the console displays state data showing a state of a power facility provided in an area to be monitored by the monitoring control server on the console client.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system control system, an operator console host server, an operator console client device, a connection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a system control system for controlling facilities of a power system. In the system control system, data such as power obtained from the power system is displayed on an operator console for monitoring, and power facilities such as switches in the power system are controlled as necessary. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables switching of a monitoring control server to which an operator console is connected in a short time and reduces the memory usage amount on the operator console.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the system control system, a configuration that can monitor and control the conventional range with fewer physical computers is required. In this regard, there is room for improvement in the system control system of Patent Document 1.

[0005] For example, in a system control system, it is necessary to respond to a request from an operator so that the operation console can be immediately used. However, in Patent Document 1, in order to start the operation console, first, the guest OS must be started, and there is a problem that it is difficult to shorten the time required until the operation console is started and becomes available. On the other hand, when the operation console is started in advance and waits in the started state until a request from the operator comes, it is possible to shorten the time required until the operation console becomes available, but there is a problem that the CPU load and the memory consumption increase.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a system control system, an operation console host server, an operation console client device, a connection method, and a program that can monitor and control a conventional range using fewer physical computers than before.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. One aspect of the present disclosure includes a monitoring control server that monitors a power system, an operation console host server that provides an operation console connected to the monitoring control server, and an operation console client. The operation console host server has the operation console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology. The operation console is a system control system that causes the operation console client to display state data indicating the state of power facilities provided in an area monitored by the monitoring control server.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an operation console host server that provides an operation console connected to a monitoring control server that monitors a power system. The operation console host server has the operation console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology. The operation console is an operation console host server that causes an operation console client to display state data indicating the state of power facilities provided in an area monitored by the monitoring control server.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a system control system including an operator console host server that provides a plurality of operator consoles to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system. The operator console client is connected to any one of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, displays the state of power facilities via the connected operator console, and displays operator console usage status information indicating activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a connection method performed by a system control system including a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, an operator console host server for providing an operator console to be connected to the monitoring control server, and an operator console client. The operator console host server activates the operator console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology, and the activated operator console causes the operator console client to display state data indicating the state of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a connection method performed by a computer that is an operator console host server for providing an operator console to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system. The method activates the operator console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology, and the activated operator console causes an operator console client to display state data indicating the state of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a connection method performed by a computer which is an operator console client provided in a system control system including an operator console host server that provides a plurality of operator consoles to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system. The method includes connecting to any one of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, displaying the state of power facilities via the connected operator console, and displaying operator console usage status information indicating activation or deactivation in each of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to function as an operator console host server that provides an operator console for connecting to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system. The operator console host server includes the operator console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology. The operator console displays state data indicating the state of power facilities provided in an area monitored by the monitoring control server to an operator console client.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to function as an operator console client provided in a system control system including an operator console host server that provides a plurality of operator consoles for connecting to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system. The operator console host server includes a connection unit that connects to any one of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, and a display unit that displays the state of power facilities via the connected operator console and displays operator console usage status information indicating activation or deactivation in each of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to this disclosure, the system control system, the operator console host server, the operator console client device, the connection method, and the program can monitor and control the conventional range using fewer physical computers than in the past.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the system control system of this embodiment, an operation console for monitoring and controlling the state of power facilities is used.

[0018] For example, in a conventional system control system, an operation console was realized by an operation console computer as a physical computer. An application for performing monitoring and control operations was installed on the operation console computer, and information related to monitoring and control such as a power system diagram was displayed on the monitor. The operator monitored the state of the power facilities displayed on the monitor and performed operations on the power facilities using input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0019] In the system control system described in Patent Document 1, the function of the operation console is realized by an operation console implemented as a hypervisor-type virtual computer on a host computer as a physical computer. In hypervisor-type virtualization technology, a guest OS is operated on a host OS, and the guest OS executes an application program. For example, one operation console can be assigned to one hypervisor-type virtual computer. Since it is possible to construct several to a dozen or so hypervisor-type virtual computers on one physical computer, compared with the conventional system control system in which one operation console is assigned to one physical computer, the number of physical computers used in the system control system can be reduced.

[0020] However, in the system control system, a configuration that can monitor and control the conventional range with even fewer physical computers is required.

[0021] As a countermeasure, the operation console of the present embodiment realizes the function of the operation console by a virtualized operation console (operation console 11) implemented as a container-type virtual computer on a host computer as a physical computer.

[0022] In container-type virtualization technology, an execution environment for an application program called a container is constructed in the host OS. The operation console 11 constructed as an application to be executed as a container operates by the host OS. Therefore, it is not necessary to start the guest OS to start the operation console, and the time required for startup can be shortened compared with the case of starting a hypervisor-type operation console. In addition, by realizing the operation console 11 as a container-type virtual computer, it is possible to reduce the CPU load and memory usage for operating the guest OS used for the operation of the hypervisor-type operation console. Hereinafter, the system control system 1 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example 1 of a system control system 1 according to an embodiment. The system control system 1 is a system for monitoring an electric power system. The system control system 1 includes an operator console host server 10, a connection management server 20, a monitoring control server 30, and an operator console client 40. Each of these components constituting the system control system 1, that is, the operator console host server 10, the connection management server 20, the monitoring control server 30, and the operator console client 40, is communicably connected to each other via an IP (Internet Protocol) network.

[0024] A plurality of operator console host servers 10 (operator console host servers 10-1, 10-2,..., 10-3) may be provided in the system control system 1. Also, a plurality of monitoring control servers 30 (monitoring control servers 30-1, 30-2,..., 30-3) corresponding to each of a plurality of areas may be provided in the system control system 1. A plurality of operator console clients 40 (operator console clients 40-1, 40-2,..., 40-3) may be provided in the system control system 1.

[0025] In the following description, when not distinguishing between a plurality of operator console host servers 10, they are simply referred to as the operator console host server 10. When not distinguishing between a plurality of monitoring control servers 30, they are simply referred to as the monitoring control server 30. When not distinguishing between a plurality of operator console clients 40, they are simply referred to as the operator console client 40.

[0026] The monitoring and control server 30 accumulates area data for monitoring and controlling power facilities provided in the area to be monitored by sequentially receiving status data indicating the status of monitoring targets such as power facilities included in the power system, for example, transformers, buses, circuit breakers, disconnectors, and switches, via an IP network. For example, each of the plurality of monitoring and control servers 30 included in the system control system 1 is provided with a monitoring area database for accumulating status data of the area to be monitored. Specifically, the monitoring and control server A, which is the monitoring and control server 30 that monitors area A, accumulates the status data of area A in the monitoring area database provided in the monitoring and control server A. The monitoring and control server B, which is the monitoring and control server 30 that monitors area B, accumulates the status data of area B in the monitoring area database provided in the monitoring and control server B. The monitoring and control server C, which is the monitoring and control server 30 that monitors area C, accumulates the status data of area C in the monitoring area database provided in the monitoring and control server C.

[0027] In addition, the monitoring and control server 30 notifies the database 14 provided in the operator console host server 10 of the status data accumulated in the monitoring area database. For example, the monitoring and control server 30 transmits the status data accumulated in the monitoring area database to the database 14 provided in the operator console host server 10 every time the status data is updated or periodically.

[0028] In addition, the monitoring and control server 30 receives, via the IP network and the operator console 11, control operations performed by the operator on the operator console client 40 for the power facilities. The monitoring and control server 30 performs control on the power facilities according to the received control operations, for example, executes an application program installed in the monitoring and control server 30 or executes control on power facilities provided outside the system control system 1.

[0029] The monitoring and control server 30 may be implemented using a computer as a physical computer such as a server device, cloud, or PC (personal computer), or may be implemented using a hypervisor-type virtual computer built on a physical computer.

[0030] The console client 40 is a terminal device operated by an operator. As the console client 40, a computer as a physical computer such as a PC or a tablet terminal can be used. The console client 40 functions as, for example, a user interface of the console 11. The console client 40 includes, for example, a communication unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with the console host server 10 and the connection management server 20 via an IP network. The display unit displays a video such as a power system diagram based on the status data transmitted from the console 11. The input unit acquires an operation by the operator and outputs the acquired operation to the control unit. The control unit controls the communication unit, the display unit, and the input unit. For example, the control unit receives video data for displaying a video such as a power system diagram based on the status data notified from the console 11 via the communication unit. The control unit outputs the received video data to the display unit to cause the display unit to display a video such as a power system diagram. Also, the control unit outputs the operation by the operator acquired by the input unit to the communication unit to transmit the operation by the operator to the console 11.

[0031] The console host server 10 is a computer (physical computer). The console host server 10 functions as a host computer on which the virtualized computer console 11 is constructed.

[0032] The operation desk host server 10 includes a plurality of operation desks 11 (operation desks 11-1, 11-2, …, 11-3), a container management AP 12, a host OS 13, and a plurality of databases 14 (databases 14-1, 14-2, …, 14-3). In the following description, when not distinguishing the plurality of operation desks 11, they are simply referred to as the operation desk 11. When not distinguishing the plurality of databases 14, they are simply referred to as the database 14.

[0033] The container management AP 12 starts and stops the operation desk 11 according to the control by the connection management server 20. The container management AP 12 starts the operation desk 11 and sets the network of the started operation desk 11. For example, the container management AP 12 enables the started operation desk 11 to refer to the status data stored in the database 14. Also, the container management AP 12 enables the started operation desk 11 to communicate with the monitoring control server 30 via the IP network. Also, the container management AP 12 stops the operation desk 11 according to the control by the connection management server 20. The connection management server 20 causes the container management AP 12 to stop the operation desk 11, for example, when the started operation desk 11 becomes unnecessary due to the disconnection with the operation desk client 40 or when an abnormality occurs in the started operation desk 11. In this embodiment, the started operation desk 11 is stopped according to the situation and restarted in response to a connection request from the operation desk client 40. As described above, in this embodiment, since the operation desk 11 is constructed using container-type virtualization technology, the time required to start the operation desk 11 is shorter compared to the hypervisor type. Therefore, the operation desk 11 can be quickly started as needed, and it is difficult for a problem to occur in the monitoring of the power system even if the operation desk 11 is not continuously started. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption for maintaining the startup of the operation desk 11 and operate so that no problem occurs in the monitoring of the power system.

[0034] The operation console 11 is a virtualized operation console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology. The operation console 11 is started by the container management AP 12 and generates video data for displaying videos such as a power system diagram based on the status data of the monitoring target area in response to a request from the operation console client 40. The operation console 11 transmits the generated video data to the operation console client 40 via the IP network. Also, the operation console 11 acquires the operations by the operator notified from the operation console client 40 via the IP network. The operation console 11 transmits the acquired operations by the operator to the monitoring control server 30 via the IP network. Thereby, control over the power facilities, for example, instructions to the monitoring application and control application provided in the monitoring control server 30 are transmitted.

[0035] The database 14 is a storage unit in which the status data is stored. The operation console host server 10 receives the status data transmitted by the monitoring control server 30 and stores the received status data in the database 14. Thereby, the status data is stored in the database 14.

[0036] The host OS 13 is an OS (operating system) installed on the operation console host server 10. The host OS 13 controls each functional unit of the operation console host server 10, that is, the operation console 11, the container management AP 12, and the database 14. These are realized by programs corresponding to the respective functional units being executed by the host OS 13. The host OS 13 manages and controls the CPU and memory installed on the operation console host server 10 according to the operations of the respective functional units realized by the host OS 13. Also, the host OS 13 manages and controls peripheral devices, network devices, and storage devices connected to the operation console host server 10.

[0037] The connection management server 20 manages the connection status between the operator console client 40 and the operator console 11, and the usage status of the operator console 11 in the operator console host server 10. The connection management server 20 may be implemented using a computer as a physical computer such as a server device, a cloud, or a PC, or may be implemented using a hypervisor-type virtual computer constructed on the physical computer.

[0038] In response to a request from the operator console client 40, the connection management server 20 determines an operator console 11 to be connected to the operator console client 40 from among a plurality of operator consoles 11 constructed in the operator console host server 10, and notifies the operator console client 40 of the identification information of the determined operator console 11.

[0039] Here, the process flow for the connection management server 20 to determine the operator console 11 to be connected to the operator console client 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process flow performed by the system control system 1 in the embodiment.

[0040] First, the connection management server 20 receives a connection request from the operator console client 40 (step S101). The operator console client 40 transmits a notification requesting a connection to the operator console 11 to the connection management server 20 as a connection request.

[0041] Next, the connection management server 20 checks the startup status of the operator consoles 11 constructed in the operator console host server 10 and the connection status between the started operator consoles 11 and other operator console clients 40 (step S102). For example, the connection management server 20 refers to operator console usage status information in which the startup status and connection status of the operator consoles 11 constructed in the operator console host server 10 are stored. The operator console usage status information may be stored in the connection management server 20 or may be information stored in the operator console host server 10.

[0042] Next, the connection management server 20 determines whether there is an operating console 11 that can be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request based on the operating console usage status information. The connection management server 20 determines, based on the operating console usage status information, whether there is an unconnected operating console 11 that is running and not connected to the operating console client 40, and if there is an unconnected operating console 11 that is running, determines whether there is any abnormality in that operating console 11 (step S103). If there is an unconnected operating console 11 that is running and there is no abnormality in that operating console 11, the container management AP 12 determines that there is an operating console 11 that can be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request. In step S103, if it is determined that there is an operating console 11 that can be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request, the process shown in step S104 is executed. On the other hand, if there is no unconnected operating console 11 that is running, or if there is an unconnected operating console 11 that is running but there is an abnormality in that operating console 11, it is determined that there is no operating console 11 that can be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request. In step S103, if it is determined that there is no operating console 11 that can be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request, the process shown in step S105 is executed.

[0043] The connection management server 20 notifies the operating console client 40 of the operating console 11 to be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request (step S104). The connection management server 20 notifies the operating console client 40 of the operating console 11 that is running and unconnected and has no abnormality, which was determined in step S103, as the operating console 11 to be connected to the operating console client 40 that has made a connection request. For example, the connection management server 20 notifies the operating console client 40 of the connection destination operating console 11 by sending identification information (e.g., IP address, etc.) for identifying the connection destination operating console 11 to the operating console client 40.

[0044] Based on the operation console usage status information, the connection management server 20 determines whether there is an unstarted and stopped operation console 11 on the operation console host server 10 (step S105). If there is a stopped operation console 11, the connection management server 20 executes the process shown in step S106. The connection management server 20 controls the container management AP12 of the operation console host server 10 and causes the container management AP12 to start the operation console 11 (step S106). On the other hand, in step S105, if there is no stopped operation console 11, the connection management server 20 ends the process as a connection failure (step S107).

[0045] In step S104, the operation console client 40 notified of the destination operation console 11 from the connection management server 20 connects to the notified operation console 11 (step S108). For example, the operation console client 40 requests a connection screen for connecting to the operation console 11 from the operation console host server 10 and displays the connection screen presented by the operation console host server 10 in response to this request. The connection screen includes, for example, an input field for entering the identification information of the destination operation console 11 (such as a number like "server 101" or a name like "operation console a"), an input field for entering the area to be monitored, an execution button for executing the connection, and the like. The operator enters the identification information of the destination operation console 11 and the area to be monitored in the input fields of the connection screen displayed on the operation console client 40 and performs an operation of pressing the execution button. When the execution button is pressed, the operation console client 40 sends the IP address, etc. of the operation console 11 corresponding to the number or name entered in the input field to the operation console host server 10. The operation console host server 10 receives information indicating that the execution button has been pressed from the operation console client 40 and, based on the received information, connects the operation console client 40 and the operation console 11. Thereby, the connection is completed (step S109).

[0046] Here, the system control system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a system control system as a comparative example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second configuration example of the system control system 1 of the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the system control system 1 of the present embodiment corresponding to the comparative example of FIG. 3.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, consider a system control system in which a server site corresponding to an operation site is provided in the comparative example. The operation site is a site where an operator monitors and controls the power system. The server site is a site where a host computer with a virtualized operation desk is installed.

[0048] For example, in the example of this figure, operation desk clients 40-1 and 40-2 are provided at operation site A, and an operation desk host server 100 is provided at server site A corresponding to this operation site A. Operation desk clients 40-3 and 40-4 are provided at operation site B, and an operation desk host server 200 is provided at server site B corresponding to this operation site B.

[0049] In the comparative example, the operation desk host server 100 includes operation desk guest servers 110-1 and 110-2, which are virtual computers constructed using hypervisor-type virtual technology, a host OS 130, and a storage unit 140 that stores state data. A guest OS is constructed in the operation desk guest server 110, and an AP (application program) that realizes the function of the operation desk and is executed by the operation of this guest OS is installed. Since the configuration of the operation desk host server 200 is the same as that of the operation desk host server 100, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The operation desk host server 100 starts the operation desk guest server 110-1 in response to a request from the operation desk client 40-1. In this case, first, the OS (guest OS) of the operation desk guest server 110-1 starts, and an AP (application program) that realizes the functions of the operation desk is executed by the started guest OS. Then, when the AP (application program) of the operation desk guest server 110-1 is executed, the operation desk client 40 and the operation desk implemented in the operation desk guest server 110-1 are connected.

[0051] In such a comparative example, since it is necessary to start the guest OS of the operation desk guest server 110 to start the operation desk, it takes time to start. Furthermore, since CPU load and memory usage for operating the guest OS are required, the number of operation desk guest servers 110 that can be constructed on one operation desk host server 100 is limited, and it is difficult to implement a system control system that can handle multiple operation bases at one server base.

[0052] As a countermeasure, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an operation desk 11 that realizes the functions of the operation desk by an application program executed as a container is constructed on the operation desk host server 10 using container-type virtual technology. As a result, it is not necessary to start the guest OS to start the operation desk, and the time required for startup can be shortened compared to the comparative example. In addition, the number of operation desk guest servers 110 that can be constructed on one operation desk host server 100 can be increased compared to the comparative example. As a result, it becomes possible to monitor and control the range that was conventionally monitored and controlled by installing a system control system at multiple operation bases with a system control system installed at fewer operation bases.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation console usage status information in the embodiment. The operation console usage status information is information indicating the status of the operation console 11 constructed in the operation console host server 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the status information includes the operation console host server number, the area, and information corresponding to each item of usage, stop, CPU usage rate, and memory usage rate. In the item of the operation console host server number, identification information (here, a number such as "server 101") for identifying the operation console host server 10 is shown. In the item of the area, it is shown which monitoring target area status data of the status data stored in the database 14 is being provided to the operation console client 40 by the operation console 11 used in the operation console host server 10 identified by the operation console host server number. In the item of usage, the number of operation consoles 11 that have already been started and are being used while connected to the operation console client 40 is shown. In the item of stop, the number of operation consoles 11 that are stopped and not started is shown.

[0054] In addition to the items of usage and stop, the operation console usage status information may include an item indicating the status of the operation console 11. For example, the operation console usage status information may include an item of unconnected as an item indicating the status of the operation console 11. In the item of unconnected, the number of operation consoles 11 that have been started but are not connected to the operation console client 40 is shown. Also, the operation console usage status information may include an item of abnormality as an item indicating the status of the operation console 11. In the item of abnormality, the number of operation consoles 11 that have been started but cannot be used as an operation console 11 due to some abnormality being indicated is shown. Further, in the operation console usage status information, in each of the items of usage, stop, and unconnected, in addition to the number of operation consoles 11, identification information of the number of corresponding operation consoles 11 may be shown.

[0055] In each of the items of CPU usage rate and memory usage amount, the CPU usage rate and memory usage amount of the operation console host server 10 identified by the operation console host server number are shown.

[0056] In the example of this figure, in the operator console host server 10 identified by the operator console host server number "Server 101", three operator consoles 11 are in a state of being used as containers that provide the state data of area A to the operator console client, one operator console 11 is in a state of being used as a container that provides the state data of area B to the operator console client 40, and five operator consoles 11 are in a state of not being used, are shown. In the operator console host server 10 identified by the operator console host server number "Server 102", seven operator consoles 11 are in a state of being used as containers that provide the state data of area C to the operator console client, three operator consoles 11 are in a state of being used as containers that provide the state data of area D to the operator console client 40, and two operator consoles 11 are in a state of not being used, are shown. In the operator console host server 10 identified by the operator console host server number "Server 103", one operator console 11 is in a state of being used as a container that provides the state data of area A to the operator console client, three operator consoles 11 are in a state of being used as containers that provide the state data of area B to the operator console client 40, one operator console 11 is in a state of being used as a container that provides the state data of area C to the operator console client 40, and six operator consoles 11 are in a state of not being used, are shown.

[0057] When a plurality of operator console host servers 10 are provided in the system control system 1, it is assumed that state data corresponding to all of the areas to be monitored is stored in all of the plurality of operator console host servers 10. Also, the state data accumulated in the monitoring area database in each of the monitoring control servers 30 and the state data stored in the database 14 provided in the operator console host server 10 are sequentially synchronized, and it is assumed that the operator console 11 started by the container management AP 12 in the operator console host server 10 can refer to all of the state data stored in the database 14.

[0058] The operation console 11 generates video data related to the state data of a specific monitoring area among the state data stored in the database 14 according to the operations of the operator of the operation console client 40 which is the connection destination, and transmits the generated video data to the operation console client 40, thereby causing the operation console client 40 to display the video. Also, when an operation is performed in which the operator of the operation console 11 requests to switch the monitoring area to another area, the operation console 11 generates a video related to the state data of the other area corresponding to the request, and transmits the generated video data to the operation console client 40, thereby causing the operation console client 40 to display the video of the other area. In the example of FIG. 5, columns for all monitoring areas (for example, each of the areas A, B, C... X) can be set in the area columns in all the operation console host servers 10, but descriptions are omitted for areas where the number of used operation consoles 11 is 0 (zero).

[0059] In this embodiment, the connection between the operation console client 40 and the operation console 11 is managed by the connection management server 20. For example, when there is an instruction to stop the connection between the operation console client 40 and the operation console 11 from the operation console client 40, the connection management server 20 stops the operation console 11 via the container management AP 12. Specifically, when the connection between the operation console client 40 and the operation console 11 is disconnected by the operation of the operator of the operation console client 40, when the connection management server 20 detects the disconnection, it stops the operation console 11 that was connected to the operation console client 40 via the container management AP 12. Alternatively, when an abnormality of the operation console 11 is detected by the container management AP 12, the connection management server 20 stops the operation console 11 (abnormal operation console) in which the abnormality is detected. For example, when the container management AP12 detects that the console 11 started to connect to the console client 40 has not been connected to the console client 40 for a certain period of time, the connection management server 20 regards the console 11 as an abnormal console and stops the abnormal console via the container management AP12. Alternatively, when an operation abnormality is detected by a self-diagnosis program provided in the console 11, the connection management server 20 stops the console 11 (abnormal console) where the abnormality is detected via the container management AP12. In the self-diagnosis program, operations performed by the console 11, such as whether communication with the console client 40 is being executed normally, are diagnosed regularly or irregularly. When it is determined that the operations are not being executed normally, a value indicating the abnormality (for example, 1) is set in the abnormality flag. The abnormality flag is a variable set by the self-diagnosis program and is a variable that can be referenced from outside the console 11. For example, the container management AP12 monitors the abnormality flag regularly. When a value indicating an abnormality (for example, 1) is set in the abnormality flag, the container management AP12 notifies the connection management server 20 that an abnormality has occurred in the console 11. Alternatively, when a value indicating an abnormality (for example, 1) is set in the abnormality flag by the self-diagnosis program, the console 11 may notify the container management AP12 that an abnormality has occurred in the console 11. Note that the method for detecting an abnormality in the console 11 is not limited to the above. It may be configured to detect an abnormality in the console 11 using any conventional abnormality detection method.

[0060] Here, when the connection management server 20 stops an abnormal console, in the console host server 10 (target server) having the abnormal console, the connection management server 20 may monitor the usage status of the consoles 11 (alternative consoles) available as alternatives to the abnormal console until there is an available console 11 in the target server. Here, the availability of a console 11 in the target server means that the status of the console 11 in the target server changes from the state of (step S105, NO) to the state corresponding to (step S104, YES) or (step S103, YES). When there is an available console 11 in the target server and there is an available console 11 (alternative console) in the target server, the connection management server 20 may disconnect the connection between the abnormal console and the console client 40 by stopping the abnormal console via the container management AP 12, and perform reconnection to connect the alternative console and the console client 40. In this case, the connection management server 20 may display a message indicating reconnection to the console client 40. The operator visually recognizes the message displayed on the console client 40 and inputs a response indicating whether to approve the reconnection to the console client 40. When the reconnection is approved, a connection screen described in step S108 is displayed on the console client 40. The operator performs operations according to the connection screen. Thereby, the reconnection is executed.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the console client 40 in the embodiment. In FIG. 6, the usage status of the consoles 11 (console containers) displayed on the console client 40 is schematically shown. In the example of this figure, the total number of consoles 11 constructed in the console host server 10 is shown as the "number of available containers". Also, the number of consoles 11 in the consoles 11 constructed in the console host server 10 that are connected to the console client 40 is shown as the "number of in-use containers". Further, the number of consoles 11 that are stopped and not started among the consoles 11 constructed in the console host server 10 is shown as the "number of stopped containers". As in the example of this figure, the usage status of the console 11 may be displayed on the console client 40. The connection management server 20 generates usage status image data for displaying the usage status of the console 11 based on the console usage status information, and transmits the generated usage status image data to the console client 40. The console client 40 receives the usage status image data from the connection management server 20 and displays an image indicating the usage status based on the received usage status image data.

[0062] For example, in step S107 of FIG. 2, when the connection to the console 11 fails, the connection management server 20 transmits the usage status image data to the console client 40 together with a message indicating that there is no connectable console 11. When the usage status of the console 11 is updated, the connection management server 20 generates usage status image data indicating the updated usage status and transmits it to the console client 40. As a result, the latest usage status is always displayed on the console client 40. The operator visually recognizes the usage status displayed on the console client 40, and when a number of 1 or more, where the number of stopped containers is not 0 (zero), is displayed on any of the console host servers 10, makes a connection request shown in step S101 of FIG. 2. Thereby, the probability of being able to connect to the console client 40 can be increased.

[0063] As described above, the system control system 1 of the present embodiment includes a monitoring control server 30 and an operator console host server 10. The monitoring control server 30 monitors the power system. The operator console host server 10 provides an operator console 11 connected to the monitoring control server 30. The operator console host server 10 includes an operator console 11 and a container management AP 12 (container management unit). The function of the operator console 11 is realized by a virtual computer constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology. The container management AP 12 starts the operator console 11. The operator console 11 started by the container management AP 12 causes the operator console client to display status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server. Thus, in the system control system 1 of the embodiment, the operator console 11 constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology can be used, and the time required for startup can be shortened compared to the comparative example in FIG. 3. In addition, the number of operator console guest servers 110 that can be constructed on one operator console host server 100 can be increased compared to the comparative example.

[0064] Also, the system control system 1 of the embodiment further includes an operation console client 40 and a connection management server 20. The operation console client 40 displays status data. The connection management server 20 controls the activation of the operation console 11 by the container management AP 12 in response to a connection request from the operation console client 40. The connection management server 20 causes the container management AP 12 to activate the operation console 11 in response to a connection request from the operation console client 40. The connection management server 20 notifies the operation console client 40 of the activated operation console, which is the activated operation console 11, to connect the operation console client 40 to the activated operation console. Also, when the connection between the operation console client 40 and the activated operation console is disconnected, the connection management server 20 causes the container management AP 12 to stop the activated operation console. In this way, the connection management server 20 may cause the container management AP 12 to stop the operation console 11 when the connection between the operation console client 40 and the operation console 11 is disconnected. By stopping the operation console 11, the CPU load and the amount of memory used can be reduced compared to the case where the operation console 11 is continuously activated. In this embodiment, since the operation console 11 is of the container type, the time required to activate the operation console 11 is short. Therefore, even when the operation console 11 is stopped each time the connection with the operation console client 40 is disconnected, it is possible to respond so that the operation console can be immediately used in response to a request from the operator.

[0065] Also, in the system control system 1 of the embodiment, a plurality of monitoring control servers 30 are provided. The operation console host server 10 further includes a database 14 in which status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in each area monitored by the monitoring control server 30 is stored. Thereby, in the system control system 1 of the embodiment, it becomes possible to monitor and control each area monitored by the monitoring control server 30 via the operation console 11 constructed in the operation console host server 10.

[0066] In the system control system 1 of the embodiment, a plurality of operation desks 11 are provided on the operation desk host server 10. Further, the system control system 1 further includes a storage unit that stores operation desk usage status information indicating the startup or stop state of each of the operation desks 11. The storage unit that stores the operation desk usage status information may be provided in the operation desk host server 10 or may be provided in the connection management server 20. The operation desk client 40 displays the operation desk usage status information.

[0067] Further, a program for realizing the functions of the system control system 1, the operation desk host server 10, the connection management server 20, and the operation desk client 40 in FIG. 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize these devices. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0068] Further, the "computer system" shall also include a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if the WWW system is used. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to something that dynamically holds a program for a short time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and also includes something that holds a program for a certain time, like a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the aforementioned functions, or may be for realizing the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0069] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 1 system control system 10 operator console host server 11 operator console 12 container management AP (container management unit) 13 host OS 14 database 20 connection management server 30 monitoring and control server 40 operator console client

Claims

1. A monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, An operator console host server that provides an operator console to be connected to the monitoring control server, An operator console client, Comprising, The operator console host server, The operator console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology, Having, The operator console causes the operator console client to display status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server, A system control system.

2. A connection management server that controls the startup of the operator console in response to a request from the operator console client, Further comprising, The connection management server, In response to a connection request from the operator console client, causes the container management unit to start the operator console, and notifies the operator console client of the identification information of the started operator console, which is the started operator console, thereby connecting the operator console client to the started operator console, When the connection between the operator console client and the started operator console is disconnected, causes the container management unit to stop the started operator console, The system control system according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of the monitoring control servers are provided, The operator console host server further comprises a database storing status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in each area monitored by the monitoring control server, The system control system according to claim 1.

4. A plurality of the operator consoles are provided in the operator console host server, The operator console host server further comprises a storage unit that stores operator console usage status information indicating the startup or stop status of each of the operator consoles, The operator console causes the operator console client to display the operator console usage status information, The system control system according to claim 2.

5. A plurality of the operator console host servers are provided, The operator console client displays the operator console usage status information of each of the operator console host servers, The system control system according to claim 4.

6. An operator console host server that provides an operator console to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, The operator console constructed as a container using container-type virtualization technology, Having, The operator console causes an operator console client to display status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server, An operator console host server.

7. A system control system includes an operator console host server that provides a plurality of operator consoles to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, connects to any one of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, displays the status of power facilities via the connected operator console, and displays operator console usage status information indicating activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, Operator console client device.

8. A connection method performed by a system control system including a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, an operator console host server for providing an operator console to be connected to the monitoring control server, and an operator console client, activates the operator console constructed as a container using container-based virtualization technology, the activated operator console causes the operator console client to display status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server, Connection method.

9. A connection method performed by a computer that is an operator console host server for providing an operator console to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, activates the operator console constructed as a container using container-based virtualization technology, the activated operator console causes the operator console client to display status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server, Connection method.

10. A connection method performed by a computer that is an operator console client provided in a system control system including an operator console host server that provides a plurality of operator consoles to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, connects to any one of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, displays the status of power facilities via the connected operator console, and displays operator console usage status information indicating activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of operator consoles provided in the operator console host server, Connection method.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as an operator console host server for providing an operator console to be connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system, having the operator console constructed as a container using container-based virtualization technology, and. The operation console displays status data indicating the status of power facilities provided in the area monitored by the monitoring control server on the operation console client. Program. **Claim 12** A computer An operation console client provided in a system control system including an operation console host server that provides a plurality of operation consoles connected to a monitoring control server for monitoring a power system A program for causing the computer to function as A connection unit that connects to any one of the plurality of operation consoles provided in the operation console host server; A display unit that displays the status of power facilities via the connected operation console and displays operation console usage status information indicating activation or stop in each of the plurality of operation consoles provided in the operation console host server; A program having the above.

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