System operation planning device, system operation planning method, and control program

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to optimize a boundary value of a variable factor that serves as an index for changing the configuration of a system. This system operation planning device comprises: a calculating unit that calculates a resource amount for operating each configuration included in an operation plan; a boundary value candidate determining unit that uses the difference in resource amounts between the configurations to be changed to determine a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate of a new boundary value; an operation analyzing unit that calculates a new operation cost, which is a cost related to operation when the system is operated with an operation plan that employs the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost when the system is operated with an operation plan that employs the current boundary value; and a presenting unit that presents the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

Description

System operation planning device, system operation planning method, and control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system operation device, a system operation method, and a control program.

[0002] Various techniques have been proposed for the design or operation of information and communication technology systems. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes determining an appropriate system configuration based on values ​​of variable factors within a defined range of variable factors, and generating an operation plan for changing the current configuration to the appropriate configuration.

[0003] International Publication No. WO2023 / 233451

[0004] The system operation planning device described in Patent Document 1 is expected to maintain an appropriate system state by changing the system configuration based on the value of a variation factor. However, depending on the boundary value of the variation factor, which is an index for changing the configuration, resources may be wasted. Therefore, a technique for optimizing the boundary value of the variation factor is useful.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technique for optimizing boundary values ​​of fluctuation factors.

[0006] A system operation planning device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a system operation planning device that plans an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, in which a change to the operation plan is made when the value of a variable factor that is correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crosses a set boundary value, and the system is equipped with: a calculation unit that calculates the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination unit that determines a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate for a new boundary value, using the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed; an operation analysis unit that calculates a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system when operating the system according to the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system when operating the system according to the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation unit that presents the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

[0007] A system operation planning method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is a system operation planning method for planning an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, in which a change to the operation plan is made in response to the value of a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crossing a set boundary value, and the method executes a resource amount calculation process for calculating the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan, a boundary value candidate determination process for determining a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate for a new boundary value, using the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed, an operation analysis process for calculating a new operating cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system when operating the system according to an operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operating cost, which is the cost when operating the system according to an operation plan using the current boundary value, and a presentation process for presenting the new operating cost and the old operating cost.

[0008] A control program according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a boundary value candidate determination process and an operation analysis process.

[0009] According to one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that it is possible to optimize boundary values ​​of fluctuation factors that serve as indicators for changing the configuration of a system.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system operation planning device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a system operation planning method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system operation planning device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining new boundary value candidates according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining new boundary value candidates according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a presentation example of a presentation unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer that functions as a system operation planning device according to the present disclosure.

[0011] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technologies (part or all of the products or methods) employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technologies employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0012] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technique shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0013] (Configuration of the System Operation Planning Device) The system operation planning device 10 creates an operation plan including multiple configurations. The operation plan involves changing the configuration in response to the value of a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crossing a set boundary value. Each configuration indicates a configuration for realizing the system, and may be different from each other or the same configuration. Each configuration may, for example, specify hardware, software, a network, etc. for realizing the system.

[0014] The configuration of the system operation planning device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the system operation planning device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the system operation planning device 10 includes a calculation unit 11, a boundary value candidate determination unit 12, an operation analysis unit 13, and a presentation unit 14.

[0015] The calculation unit 11 calculates the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan. In this specification, the amount of resources required to operate a configuration refers to what is required to operate the configuration, and specifically includes computing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage, and network, the number of servers, power consumption, software license fees, etc. The calculation unit 11 may calculate the amount of resources for each item such as the CPU, memory, and storage, or may calculate a value that combines all the items.

[0016] The boundary value candidate determination unit 12 determines a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate for a new boundary value, using the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed. The difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed means the difference between the resource amount for operating the first configuration and the resource amount for operating the second configuration when a change from a first configuration to a second configuration is made in response to a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system crossing a boundary value set in the operation plan in a system in which an operation plan is being operated. The boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may calculate the difference in resource amount for each item, such as CPU, memory, and storage, or may calculate the difference in the value combining all items.

[0017] In addition, the difference in resource amounts between configurations to be changed changes depending on the boundary value that is set in the operation plan. This is because the change between configurations is made between a configuration for dealing with a situation in which the value of the variation factor is greater than the boundary value and a configuration for dealing with a situation in which the value of the variation factor is smaller than the boundary value. Therefore, when the boundary value is changed, the configuration for dealing with a situation in which the value of the variation factor is greater than the boundary value and the configuration for dealing with a situation in which the value of the variation factor is smaller than the boundary value are also changed, and the difference in resource amounts also changes. Therefore, by specifying a boundary value that makes the difference in resource amounts appropriate, it is possible to optimize the boundary value.

[0018] The operation analysis unit 13 calculates a new operating cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operating cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan using the current boundary value.

[0019] The presentation unit 14 presents the new operating cost and the old operating cost.

[0020] (Effects of the System Operation Planning Device) As described above, the system operation planning device 10 employs a configuration that presents the cost of changing a boundary value to a new boundary value candidate determined using a difference in resource amount. Therefore, the system operation planning device 10 can present the operator with a new boundary value that takes into account the difference in resource amount, and can provide the operator with information to decide whether to change the boundary value or continue operation as is. As a result, the boundary value of the variation factor can be optimized.

[0021] (Flow of System Operation Planning Method) The flow of the system operation planning method will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the system operation planning method. As shown in Fig. 2, the system operation planning method includes a calculation process S11, a new boundary value candidate determination process S12, an operation analysis process S13, and a presentation process S14.

[0022] In the calculation process S11, the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan is calculated.

[0023] In the new boundary value candidate determination process S12, new boundary value candidates that are candidates for new boundary values ​​are determined using the difference in resource amounts between the configurations to be changed.

[0024] In the operation analysis process S13, a new operating cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan using new boundary value candidates, and an old operating cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan using the current boundary values, are calculated.

[0025] In the presentation process S14, the new operating costs and the old operating costs are presented.

[0026] (Effects of the System Operation Planning Method) As described above, the system operation planning method employs a configuration that presents the cost of changing the boundary value to a new boundary value candidate determined using the difference in resource amount. Therefore, the system operation planning method can present the operator with a new boundary value that takes into account the difference in resource amount, and can provide the operator with information to decide whether to change the boundary value or continue operating as is. As a result, the boundary value of the variation factor can be optimized.

[0027] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technique employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technique shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0028] (Configuration of the System Operation Planning Device) The configuration of the system operation planning device 10A will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system operation planning device 10A. As shown in Fig. 3, the system operation planning device 10A includes a management database 30, a variation factor boundary value analysis unit 17, an operation plan unit 15, an operation analysis unit 13, and a graphical interface (GUI) unit 18. The management database 30 stores an operation plan 31, a variation factor log 32, and a configuration change log 33.

[0029] The operation plan 31 includes three pieces of information: a configuration for each situation, an expected situation change, and the work to be performed when a situation change occurs. The configuration for each situation is specific configuration information of the system. The expected situation change is a change in a variable factor. A variable factor is a factor that has a correlation with the operating status of the system. Examples of variable factors include video quality (Mbps) and the number of accesses per second (times / second). The work to be performed when a situation change occurs is the work procedure for transitioning from one configuration to another.

[0030] An example of the operation plan 31 is shown in Figure 4. The operation plan 31 shown in Figure 4 includes four configurations, Configuration A to Configuration D, and shows an example in which the above-mentioned video quality and number of accesses per second are variation factors. In the operation plan 31 shown in Figure 4, Configuration A is used when the video quality is 1 to 5 Mbps and the number of accesses per second is 1 to 50 times / second, Configuration B is used when the video quality is 6 to 10 Mbps and the number of accesses per second is 1 to 50 times / second, Configuration C is used when the video quality is 1 to 5 Mbps and the number of accesses per second is 51 to 100 times / second, and Configuration D is used when the video quality is 6 to 10 Mbps and the number of accesses per second is 51 to 100 times / second. These Configurations A to D are configurations for each situation.

[0031] Therefore, a configuration change is required when the video quality exceeds 5 Mbps from a state of 5 Mbps or less, or when it drops from a state above 5 Mbps to a state below 5 Mbps. A configuration change is also required when the number of accesses per second exceeds 50 times / second from a state of 50 times / second or less, or when it drops from a state above 50 times / second to a state below 50 times / second. Note that 5 Mbps and 50 times / second of accesses per second in the case of video quality are referred to as boundary values, and the value of a fluctuation factor going from below the boundary value to exceeding the boundary value, and from above the boundary value to falling below the boundary value, are also referred to as crossing the boundary value. Such a change in the value of a fluctuation factor crossing a set boundary value is an expected change in situation. Note that a state below the set boundary becoming above the boundary value, and a state above the set boundary value becoming below the boundary value may also be referred to as crossing the boundary value.

[0032] Furthermore, procedures for changing configurations between configurations, such as from configuration A to configuration B or vice versa, from configuration A to configuration C or vice versa, from configuration A to configuration D or vice versa, are tasks that must be performed when a situation change occurs.

[0033] While FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the operation plan 31 includes four configurations, the operation plan 31 is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation plan 31 may include nine configurations. The example operation plan 31 illustrated in FIG. 5 illustrates nine configurations, Configuration A to Configuration I. The boundary values ​​for video quality are 5 Mbps and 10 Mbps, and the boundary values ​​for the number of accesses per second are 50 times / second and 100 times / second. That is, when the video quality crosses the boundary value of 5 Mbps, a configuration change is performed between Configuration A and Configuration B, Configuration C and Configuration D, and Configuration G and Configuration H. When the video quality crosses the boundary value of 10 Mbps, a configuration change is performed between Configuration B and Configuration E, Configuration D and Configuration F, and Configuration H and Configuration I. Furthermore, if the number of accesses per second crosses the boundary value of 50 times / second, configuration changes are performed between configuration A and configuration C, configuration B and configuration D, and configuration E and configuration F, and if the number of accesses per second crosses the boundary value of 100 times / second, configuration changes are performed between configuration C and configuration G, configuration D and configuration H, and configuration F and configuration I.

[0034] 5 is also an example, and the number of configurations included in the operation plan 31 may be two or more. The number of boundary values ​​included in the operation plan 31 may be one or more.

[0035] The variation factor log 32 is a record showing the progress of variation factors as the system operates. As an example, the variation factor log 32 records the value of a variation factor in association with the acquisition date and time (year-month-day-hour-minute-second), an ID identifying the operation plan, and an ID identifying the variation factor. The success or failure of acquiring the value of the variation factor may also be associated. In this case, if the value cannot be acquired, a message to the effect that it cannot be acquired is recorded, and the value of the variation factor itself is not recorded. A specific example of the variation factor log 32 is as follows: "2024-03-08-15:08:10 plan001 user_number 112 ok" This example shows that the value of the variation factor "user_number" for the operation plan "plan001" was "112" at 15:08:10 on March 8, 2024.

[0036] The configuration change log 33 is a record of when a configuration change is made. As described above, a configuration change is made when the value of a variable factor crosses a boundary value. The configuration change log 33 is a record of when such a configuration change is made. As an example, the configuration change log 33 records the date and time (year-month-day-hour-minute-second) when the configuration change was made, an ID identifying the operation plan, an ID identifying the configuration before the change, and an ID identifying the configuration after the change, all in association with each other. The success or failure of the configuration change may also be associated with each other. In this case, if the configuration change is not executed, a message is recorded that the configuration change was not successful, and the configuration ID after the change is not recorded. A specific example of the configuration change log 33 is as follows: "2024-03-08-15:08:10 plan001 topology1 topology2 ok" This example shows that the configuration "topology1" of the operation plan "plan001" was changed to the configuration "topology2" at 15:08:10 on March 8, 2024.

[0037] The fluctuation factor log 32 and the configuration change log 33 may be records of fluctuation factor values ​​and configuration changes over a predetermined period. The predetermined period is arbitrary. For example, it may be one week, two weeks, or one month.

[0038] The operation planner 15 generates or modifies the operation plan 31 based on any given requirement. In one aspect, the operation planner 15 may generate or modify the operation plan 31 as described in Patent Document 1. That is, the operation planner 15 may generate or modify the operation plan 31 by combining elements, each having a set performance and required resource amount, so as to satisfy given requirements. Note that the elements are elements that make up a system, such as hardware, software, and a network.

[0039] The variation factor boundary value analysis unit 17 includes a calculation unit 11 and a boundary value candidate determination unit 12 .

[0040] The calculation unit 11 acquires the operation plan 31 from the management database 30, and calculates the amount of resources required to operate each configuration based on each configuration included in the operation plan 31. For example, the calculation unit 11 may calculate the amount of resources required to operate each configuration by referring to information indicating the amount of resources corresponding to elements (hardware, software, network, etc.) included in each configuration.

[0041] The boundary value candidate determination unit 12 determines new boundary value candidates, which are candidates for new boundary values, by the following process.

[0042] First, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 compares the resource amounts of each configuration calculated by the calculation unit 11 and calculates the difference in resource amounts between the configurations to be changed. The configurations to be changed refer to the difference between the configuration before the change and the configuration after the change in the configuration that is made in response to the value of the variation factor crossing the boundary value set in the operation plan 31. The configuration before the change and the configuration after the change may also be referred to as "adjacent configurations" below. The boundary value may also be referred to as the "boundary value between adjacent configurations."

[0043] Next, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 analyzes the resource amount difference between adjacent configurations and extracts boundary values ​​to be reviewed. In one aspect, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may review boundary values ​​of adjacent configurations whose resource amount difference is outside a first range related to the allowable amount of resource amount difference. For example, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may review boundary values ​​between adjacent configurations that satisfy any of the following conditions: The resource amount difference between adjacent configurations is greater than a predetermined upper threshold or less than a predetermined lower threshold (the range from the lower threshold to the upper threshold is the first range). Note that either the upper or lower limit may not be set. The resource amount difference between adjacent configurations is greater than or less than the average value of the resource amount differences of each adjacent configuration included in the operation plan 31 by a certain value or more (the range from the average value by a certain value above and below is the first range). Note that only one of the conditions of being greater than or less than the average value by a certain value or more may be satisfied.

[0044] Then, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 calculates the revised boundary values ​​(new boundary value candidates) for the extracted boundary values ​​to be revised.

[0045] In one aspect, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may calculate new boundary value candidates so that the difference in resource amount between adjacent configurations falls within a first range. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 6, when the difference in resource amount between configuration A and configuration B is outside the first range, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 calculates new boundary value candidates so that the difference in resource amount between configuration A and configuration B falls within the first range.

[0046] In other words, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may determine a new boundary value candidate by changing the boundary value to a new boundary value candidate in accordance with the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed and a first range regarding the allowable amount of the difference in resource amount, so that the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed falls within the first range.

[0047] At this time, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may repeat the following operation, for example, until a new boundary value candidate that satisfies the above condition is obtained. First, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 notifies the operation plan unit 15 of a new boundary value obtained by fine-tuning the boundary value to be reviewed. The operation plan unit 15 modifies the operation plan 31 based on the notified new boundary value. As described above, each configuration in the operation plan 31 corresponds to a predetermined range of values ​​of the variation factor. Therefore, the operation plan unit 15 changes the value range of the variation factor corresponding to each configuration based on the new boundary value, and modifies the elements of each configuration so that they correspond to the changed range of values ​​of the variation factor. For example, if the video quality corresponding to a certain configuration is changed from 6 to 10 Mbps to 6 to 11 Mbps, the operation plan unit 15 may modify the elements of the configuration to increase the processing capacity of the configuration. Then, the calculation unit 11 calculates the resource amount for the configuration modified by the operation planning unit 15, and the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 determines whether the difference in the obtained resource amount satisfies the above-mentioned conditions, and if so, sets the new boundary value as the new boundary value candidate.

[0048] In one aspect, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may calculate two new boundary value candidates for inserting a new configuration between the adjacent configurations when the difference in resource amount between the adjacent configurations corresponding to the boundary value to be reviewed is within a second range corresponding to a difference larger than the first range. For example, the second range may be a range that is approximately twice the average value of the difference in resource amount between the adjacent configurations included in the operation plan 31.

[0049] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, when the difference in resource amount between configuration A and configuration B is within a certain range (second range) above and below twice the average value of the above-mentioned resource amount difference, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 calculates new boundary value candidate 1 (first new boundary value candidate), which is the boundary value between configuration A and the newly inserted configuration C, and new boundary value candidate 2 (second new boundary value candidate), which is the boundary value between configuration C and configuration B.

[0050] In other words, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 may determine the first new boundary value candidate and the second new boundary value candidate by replacing the boundary value with a first new boundary value candidate and a second new boundary value candidate according to the difference in resource amount between the first configuration and the second configuration to be changed and a second range corresponding to a difference larger than the first range, so that the change occurs between the first configuration and the third configuration according to the value of the fluctuation factor crossing the first new boundary value candidate, and the change occurs between the third configuration and the second configuration according to the value of the fluctuation factor crossing the second new boundary value candidate.

[0051] In this case, it is preferable that the difference in resource amount between the first configuration and the third configuration, and the difference in resource amount between the third configuration and the second configuration are each half of the difference in resource amount between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0052] Then, the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 notifies the operation plan unit 15 of the determined new boundary value candidates. The operation plan unit 15 records the operation plan using the new boundary value candidates determined by the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 in the management database 30.

[0053] The operation analysis unit 13 includes a resource amount aggregation unit 19, a configuration change count aggregation unit 20, and a configuration change time aggregation unit 21, and calculates a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan 31 using new boundary value candidates, and an old operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to an operation plan 31 using the current boundary values. Here, each operation cost includes at least one of the amount of resources required for the system, the number of configuration changes within a specified period, and the configuration change time within the specified period (the time required for the configuration change). Each operation cost may also include the timing of the configuration change.

[0054] In detail, first, the resource amount calculation unit 19 calculates the amount of resources predicted to be required for the system if the trend in configuration changes indicated by the configuration change log 33 continues in the current operation plan 31, based on the current operation plan 31 and configuration change log 33 obtained from the management database 30, and the resource amount of each configuration calculated by the calculation unit 11 based on the operation plan 31.

[0055] Furthermore, the resource amount tallying unit 19 calculates the amount of resources required for the system predicted in the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate if the trend of fluctuations in the fluctuation factors indicated by the fluctuation factor log 32 continues, from the operation plan 31 and fluctuation factor log 32 for the new boundary value candidate obtained from the management database 30, and the resource amount of each configuration calculated by the calculation unit 11 based on the operation plan 31. That is, the resource amount tallying unit 19 may compare the record of the fluctuation factors indicated by the fluctuation factor log 32 with the new boundary value candidate, and predict a configuration change in the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate.

[0056] The configuration change count tallying unit 20 calculates the number of configuration changes that are predicted to occur within a predetermined period in the current operation plan 31 if the trend of configuration changes indicated by the configuration change log 33 continues, based on the current operation plan 31 and the configuration change log 33 acquired from the management database 30. Note that the number of configuration changes may be calculated from the fluctuation factor log 32 instead of the configuration change log 33.

[0057] In addition, the configuration change count aggregation unit 20 calculates, from the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate and the fluctuation factor log 32 obtained from the management database 30, the number of configuration changes predicted within a specified period if the trend of fluctuation in the fluctuation factor indicated by the fluctuation factor log 32 continues in the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate.

[0058] In one aspect, the configuration change counting unit 20 may further count the timing of predicted configuration changes within a predetermined period.

[0059] The configuration change time aggregating unit 21 calculates the configuration change time (time required for a configuration change) predicted within a predetermined period in the current operation plan 31 if the configuration change trend indicated by the configuration change log 33 continues, based on the current operation plan 31 and the configuration change log 33 acquired from the management database 30. Furthermore, the configuration change time aggregating unit 21 may calculate the configuration change time by acquiring the steps required for the configuration change or the time required for the configuration change from the current operation plan 31 acquired from the management database 30.

[0060] Furthermore, the configuration change time aggregation unit 21 calculates the configuration change time within a predetermined period predicted in the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate if the trend of fluctuations in the fluctuation factors indicated by the fluctuation factor log 32 continues, from the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate and the fluctuation factor log 32 acquired from the management database 30. Furthermore, the configuration change time aggregation unit 21 may calculate the configuration change time by acquiring the steps required for the configuration change or the time required for the configuration change from the operation plan 31 for the new boundary value candidate acquired from the management database 30.

[0061] The GUI unit 18 is configured with a general display device and input device (keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.), and includes a presentation unit 14 that presents information and a reception unit 16 that receives input.

[0062] If the cost of operations based on the operation plan at the new boundary value candidate (new operation cost) calculated by the operation analysis unit 13 is improved over the cost of operations based on the operation plan at the current boundary value (old operation cost), the presentation unit 14 presents the old operation cost and the new operation cost and recommends a change to the operation plan at the new boundary value candidate.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows an example of presentation by the presentation unit 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the presentation unit 14, as an example, displays side by side the cost in the current operation plan (old operation cost) and the cost in the operation plan (new operation plan) using the new boundary value candidates determined by the boundary value candidate determination unit 12 (new operation cost). In the example shown in FIG. 8, a column 1401 shows the resource amount, the number of configuration changes, and the configuration change time as the cost of the current operation plan, and the sum of these is shown as the total cost. Similarly, a column 1402 shows the resource amount, the number of configuration changes, and the configuration change time when operation is performed based on the new operation plan, and the sum of these is shown as the total cost. The configuration change time is the time required for a configuration change.

[0064] Furthermore, the operational cost may include the timing of the configuration change. By including the timing of the configuration change, the operator can recognize when the configuration change will occur. This makes it possible to change the operational plan when the configuration change occurs during times when system operation is less required, such as in the middle of the night.

[0065] When the reception unit 16 receives an instruction to change to a new boundary value candidate, the operation plan unit 15 changes the operation plan 31 stored in the management database 30 to an operation plan that uses the new boundary value.

[0066] The receiving unit 16 receives an instruction from the operator to change to a new boundary value candidate.

[0067] 8, the reception unit 16 causes the presentation unit 14 to present a display for accepting a change of the boundary value, as shown in field 1403, and when "Yes" is selected, accepts that the boundary value will be changed to a new boundary value. The reception unit 16 then notifies the operation planning unit 15 that the boundary value will be changed to a new boundary value. The operation planning unit 15, which has been notified by the reception unit 16 that the boundary value will be changed to a new boundary value, changes the operation plan 31 stored in the management database 30 to an operation plan that uses the new boundary value.

[0068] After the operation plan 31 is changed, the system is operated by the system operation device 50 based on the changed operation plan 31 .

[0069] [Example of Implementation by Software] Some or all of the functions of the system operation planning devices 10, 10A (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0070] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0071] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to function as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0072] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0073] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0074] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communications network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0075] Furthermore, the functions of each of the devices may be realized by a single processor provided in a single computer, by multiple processors provided in a single computer working in cooperation, or by multiple processors provided in each of multiple computers working in cooperation. Furthermore, the programs for causing each of the devices to realize the functions may be stored in a single memory provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in each of multiple computers.

[0076] [Appendix 1] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 1) A system operation planning device that plans an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, wherein the operation plan involves changing the configuration in response to a value of a variable factor that is correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crossing a set boundary value, the system operation planning device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination unit that determines a new boundary value candidate that is a candidate for a new boundary value using a difference in the resource amount between the configurations that are subject to the change; an operation analysis unit that calculates a new operation cost that is a cost associated with operating the system in accordance with the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost that is a cost associated with operating the system in accordance with the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation unit that presents the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 2) The system operation planning device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the boundary value candidate determination unit determines the new boundary value candidate according to the resource amount difference and a first range related to the tolerance for the resource amount difference, by changing the boundary value to the new boundary value candidate so that the resource amount difference falls within the first range.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 3) The system operation planning device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the boundary value candidate determination unit determines the first new boundary value candidate and the second new boundary value candidate by replacing the boundary value with a first new boundary value candidate and a second new boundary value candidate according to the difference in resource amount between a first configuration and a second configuration in which the change is made and a second range corresponding to a difference greater than a first range related to the difference in resource amount and an allowable amount of the difference in resource amount.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 4) The system operation planning device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the new operation cost using a fluctuation factor log that is a record of values ​​of the fluctuation factors.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 5) The system operation planning device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the amount of resources when the system is operated, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes, and the new operation cost and the old operation cost include the amount of resources when the system is operated according to the operation plan, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 6) The system operation planning device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the timing at which the configuration change will be made when the system is operated, and the new operation cost and the old operation cost include information indicating the timing.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 7) A system operation planning device as described in Supplementary Note 1, comprising: a reception unit that receives an instruction as to whether the boundary value needs to be changed; and an operation planning unit that, when the reception unit receives an instruction as to whether the boundary value needs to be changed, changes the boundary value in the operation plan of the system to a new boundary value.

[0084] (Supplementary Note 8) A system operation planning method for planning an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, wherein the operation plan is one in which a change to the configuration is made in response to a value of a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crossing a set boundary value, the system operation planning method executing the following processes: a resource amount calculation process for calculating the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination process for determining a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate for a new boundary value, using the difference in resource amount between the configurations in which the change is made; an operation analysis process for calculating a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system in accordance with the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost in the case in which the system is operated in accordance with the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation process for presenting the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 9) A control program for causing a computer to operate as the system operation planning device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the control program causing the computer to function as each of the units.

[0086] [Appendix 2] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0087] a calculation process for calculating the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination process for determining a new boundary value candidate, which is a candidate for a new boundary value, using the difference in the resource amounts between the configurations to be changed; an operation analysis process for calculating a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation process for presenting the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

[0088] The system operation planning device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 2) In the boundary value candidate determination process, the at least one processor determines the new boundary value candidate by changing the boundary value to the new boundary value candidate according to the resource amount difference and a first range related to the tolerance for the resource amount difference, so that the resource amount difference falls within the first range. This is the system operation planning device described in Supplementary Note 1.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 3) In the boundary value candidate determination process, the at least one processor determines the first new boundary value candidate and the second new boundary value candidate by replacing the boundary value with a first new boundary value candidate and a second new boundary value candidate according to the difference in resource amount between a first configuration and a second configuration in which the change is made and a second range corresponding to a difference greater than a first range related to the difference in resource amount and an allowable amount of the difference in resource amount. This determines the first new boundary value candidate and the second new boundary value candidate so that the change is made between the first configuration and a third configuration in accordance with the value of the variation factor crossing the first new boundary value candidate, and the change is made between the third configuration and the second configuration in accordance with the value of the variation factor crossing the second new boundary value candidate.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 4) The system operation planning device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein in the operation analysis process, the at least one processor calculates the new operation cost using a variation factor log that is a record of values ​​of the variation factors.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 5) In the operation analysis process, the at least one processor calculates the amount of resources when the system is operated, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes, and the new operation cost and the old operation cost include the amount of resources when the system is operated according to the operation plan, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes.

[0093] (Appendix 6) In the operation analysis process, the at least one processor calculates the timing at which the configuration change will be made when the system is operated, and the new operating cost and the old operating cost include information indicating the timing. This is the system operation planning device described in Appendix 1.

[0094] (Appendix 7) The system operation planning device described in Appendix 1, wherein the at least one processor further executes a reception process for receiving whether or not the boundary value needs to be changed, and an operation planning process for changing the boundary value in the system operation plan to a new boundary value if an instruction to change the boundary value is received in the reception process.

[0095] 10, 10A System operation planning device 11 Calculation unit 12 Boundary value candidate determination unit 13 Operation analysis unit 14 Presentation unit 15 Operation planning unit 16 Reception unit

Claims

1. A system operation planning device that plans an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, wherein the operation plan involves changes to the configuration when the value of a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crosses a set boundary value, the system operation planning device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination unit that determines new boundary value candidates, which are candidates for new boundary values, using the difference in resource amounts between the configurations to be changed; an operation analysis unit that calculates a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation unit that presents the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

2. The system operation planning device of claim 1, wherein the boundary value candidate determination unit determines the new boundary value candidate by changing the boundary value to the new boundary value candidate in accordance with the resource amount difference and a first range related to the tolerance for the resource amount difference, so that the resource amount difference falls within the first range.

3. The system operation planning device described in claim 1, wherein the boundary value candidate determination unit determines the first new boundary value candidate and the second new boundary value candidate by replacing the boundary value with a first new boundary value candidate and a second new boundary value candidate according to the difference in resource amount between the first configuration and the second configuration in which the change is made and a second range corresponding to a difference greater than the difference in resource amount and a first range related to the allowable amount of the difference in resource amount, so that the change is made between the first configuration and the third configuration in accordance with the value of the fluctuation factor crossing the first new boundary value candidate, and the change is made between the third configuration and the second configuration in accordance with the value of the fluctuation factor crossing the second new boundary value candidate.

4. The system operation planning device according to claim 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the new operation cost using a fluctuation factor log that is a record of the values ​​of the fluctuation factors.

5. The system operation planning device of claim 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the amount of resources, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes when the system is operated, and the new operation cost and the old operation cost include the amount of resources, the number of configuration changes, and the time required for the configuration changes when the system is operated according to the operation plan.

6. The system operation planning device of claim 1, wherein the operation analysis unit calculates the timing at which a configuration change will be made when the system is in operation, and the new operation cost and the old operation cost include information indicating the timing.

7. A system operation planning device as described in claim 1, comprising: a reception unit that receives an instruction as to whether the boundary value needs to be changed; and an operation planning unit that, when the reception unit receives an instruction that the boundary value needs to be changed, changes the boundary value in the operation plan of the system to a new boundary value.

8. A system operation planning method for creating an operation plan including a plurality of configurations, wherein the operation plan involves changes to the configuration when the value of a variable factor correlated with the operating status of the system during operation crosses a set boundary value, and the system operation planning method executes the following processes: a resource amount calculation process for calculating the amount of resources required to operate each configuration included in the operation plan; a boundary value candidate determination process for determining new boundary value candidates, which are candidates for new boundary values, using the difference in resource amount between the configurations to be changed; an operation analysis process for calculating a new operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the new boundary value candidate, and an old operation cost, which is the cost associated with operating the system according to the operation plan using the current boundary value; and a presentation process for presenting the new operation cost and the old operation cost.

9. A control program for causing a computer to function as the system operation planning device according to claim 1, the control program causing a computer to function as the boundary value candidate determination unit and the operation analysis unit.

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