JPH03113666A - Operation control system for computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the operation of an operator by controlling the states of devices which are required by means of logically inputting a command from the console part of a central processing unit or the console part of a composite computer system. CONSTITUTION:An operation control program 6 contains a program functioning as a command means which receives the logical command inputted from the console part 5 of the central processing unit 1a, refers to connection information stored in a connection information file device 3 and issues the command for controlling the state of the device to an operation controller 4. The connection information file device 3 constitutes a storage means storing connection information with which the central processing unit 1a supervises and controls the states of respective constitution devices as a means controlling the operation through an operation controller 4. The command inputted from the console part of the central processing unit is received based on connection information of the device, which is stored in the storage means, and the command is issued to the operation controller supervising and controlling the states of the devices. Thus, the operation of the operator is simplified and the reliability of the system is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an operation control method for a computer system, and in particular, to simplify the operation of a computer system including a plurality of central processing units and realize operation with fewer errors. The present invention relates to an operation control method for a computer system suitable for

[Prior Art] A computer system includes at least one central processing unit,
It is configured to include a group of peripheral devices connected to this, and an operation control device that is connected to each component device and monitors and controls the power state, configuration state, and operating state of the device.

In such a computer system, it is necessary to connect the central processing unit and peripheral devices in a preset combination according to the processing mode at the start of operation.

Further, even during operation, it may be necessary to change the connections of peripheral devices due to processing reasons, failures, etc. For this reason, the connection between each central processing unit and the peripheral devices to be connected to the central processing unit and the switching thereof have been performed by an operator giving instructions from the operation control device.

However, this has the problem that the operator has to perform many operations, and it takes time and effort to connect and switch devices, making it difficult to perform quick operations, and there is a risk that errors may occur in the switching operations.

On the other hand, in conventional operation control methods, by reducing the number of operations performed by the operator on the operation control device, switching operations on the operation control device are simplified and operations with fewer errors are realized. For example, the combination of connection states between the central processing unit and peripheral devices during operation is stored as pattern information on a floppy disk, etc., and this stored pattern information is read out and the connection status between the central processing unit and peripheral devices is Control switching of connection status
(See Publication No. 9942).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the switching operation in the operation control device is simplified.

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are only concerned with hardware switching operations, and do not take into account switching operations on software such as installation of devices and startup of tasks in a computer system. Therefore, with this conventional technology, the operator needs to control the status of the equipment, such as switching operations, using the operation control device, and then go to the console of the central processing unit to instruct the installation of the equipment and the start of operations. there were.

Therefore, conventionally, there has been a problem to be solved in improving the operability in setting and switching the connection state between the central processing unit and the peripheral devices.

An object of the present invention is to enable necessary control of the status of devices by simply inputting commands such as installing devices and starting tasks from the console of a central processing unit or the console of a complex computer system. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation control method for a computer system, which improves operability, simplifies operator operations, reduces opportunities for operator intervention, and improves system reliability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation control method for a computer system that allows the operation of a device to be controlled from an operation control device, thereby constructing a highly fault-tolerant system.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above object is an operation system that has at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, is connected to each component device, and controls the state of each component device in response to commands. In a computer system equipped with a control device.

A storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the state of each component device, and controlling the state of each component device by referring to the connection information stored in the storage device upon receiving instructions from the outside. This is achieved by providing a command means for issuing a command to the operation control device to perform the above operations.

In addition, the above purpose is to provide a plurality of calculation systems each having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and furthermore, to be connected to each planting device and to receive commands to control the state of each component device. In a compound computer system equipped with an operation control device that performs control, one of the plurality of computer systems is designated as a central management system 11, and the central management system monitors and controls the state of each t1 component device. a storage means for storing connection information for the storage, and a command for issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of each component device by referring to the connection information stored in the storage means in response to an external instruction. This is achieved by providing means.

According to the present invention, as a system that can achieve the above object, it has at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and is further connected to each component device and controls the state of each component device in response to instructions. In a computer system equipped with an operation control device, one of the central processing units is used as a device that controls the operation of the system, and the central processing unit that performs the operation control monitors and controls the status of each component device. a storage means for storing connection information for each configuration, and a means for receiving instructions from the outside to the central processing unit; An apparatus for controlling operation is provided, which includes a command function for issuing a command to the operation control apparatus to control the state of the apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, the compound computer system includes a plurality of computer systems configured with at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and is further connected to each component device to receive commands. In a complex computer system equipped with an operation control device that controls the state of each component device, one of the plurality of computer systems is designated as the central management system 11, and one of the central processing units is used to operate the system. It is used as a control device, and the central processing unit that performs operation control is responsible for monitoring and monitoring the status of each component device.
A storage means for storing connection information for performing state control is connected, and means for receiving instructions from the outside to the central processing unit, and referring to the connection information stored in the storage means in response to the instructions. However, there is provided an apparatus that performs operation control and includes a command function for issuing a command to the operation control apparatus to control the state of each component device.

In addition, the other purpose described above is to provide an operation control device installed in each of the systems to monitor and monitor the status of each component device.
a storage means for storing connection information for state control;
This is achieved by comprising means for accepting instructions input from the outside, and command means for referring to the storage means and issuing commands for controlling the state in accordance with the received instructions.

It is necessary for the storage means to reflect the contents of the device configuration, etc., when creating a calculation system or a compound computer system, and when changing the configuration/scale. The system is therefore preferably provided with means to do this.

In addition to the central processing unit, if the storage means is connected to the operation control device, there is also a control means for mutually transferring data between the two, and a control means for processing the data and storing it in each storage means. It is preferable to have the following.

[Function] The computer system operation control method of the present invention receives commands input from the console section of the central processing unit based on the device connection information stored in the storage means, and controls the state of the device. Since it is possible to create a command for the system and issue the command to the operation control device that monitors and controls the state of the device, it is possible to perform operations including controlling the state of the device from the console of the central processing unit.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A shows a configuration example of an embodiment of the operation control method of the present invention and a computer system to which the same is applied.

The computer system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a plurality of central processing units 1, a plurality of peripheral devices 2, an operation control device 4 connected to these, and a connection information file device 3. be done.

In the computer system of this embodiment, one central processing unit 1a among the plurality of central processing units 1, 1, . It has a function to do this.

Of course, when there is only one central processing unit, the central processing unit is provided with functions such as status monitoring. Further, a plurality of central processing units may be provided with this function.

A console section 5 for inputting instructions from the outside is connected to the central processing unit 1a. This console part 5
From there, you can input commands and the like to instruct the operation of the computer system.

Further, the central processing unit 1a is supplied with a business program 7 to be processed by the central processing unit 1a, as well as a connection information file device 3, an operation control device 4, and a console unit 5.
An operation control program 6 is installed that performs input/output control, etc., and gives instructions such as B'ljJ to business programs. Note that when this central processing bag Q la is used only for system operation control, the business program 7 is not supplied. In addition, the operation control program 6 is installed.

For example, this can be done by reading from an external storage device into the main memory of the central processing unit 1a.

Such an operation control program 6 is also installed in other central processing units 1, but the operation control program 6 installed in the central processing unit 1a is a logical logical program that is manually operated from the console section 5 of the central processing unit 1a. In response to the command, the operation control device 4 refers to the connection information stored in the connection information file device 3 and issues a command for controlling the state of the device.
Contains a program that functions as a means of issuing commands to.

The connection information file device 3 constitutes a storage means for storing connection information for the central processing unit 1a to monitor and control the state of each component device via the operation control device 4, as a means for controlling the operation.

This connection information file device 3 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic disk device. Of course, the main memory of the central processing unit 1a may be used.

The operation control device 4 is a device that monitors and controls the status of each device such as each central processing unit 1.1, . . . 1, peripheral device 2.2, . It is connected to the device via the state control interface 102, and monitors and controls the power state, configuration state, and operating state of the device.

That is, monitoring and controlling power supply control, state control, etc. of the central control device 1.1, .

Monitors and controls power supply control, switching control, etc. of peripheral devices 2.2, . . . The operation control device 4 is further connected to the central processing device 1a by a control line 101,
Via this control line 101, commands are sent from the operation control program 6, and signals indicating the status of each device are sent from the operation control device 4.

The peripheral devices 2.2, . . . include one or more of various devices such as a storage device, a communication control device, a printing device, etc., depending on the needs of the system.

Next, an example of the configuration of the connection information file stored in the connection information file device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Note that the configuration of this file is almost the same for connection information files and configuration information files in other embodiments to be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the format of the device-specific definition information. This device-specific definition information defines information on all devices that constitute the computer system shown in FIG. 1A.

In FIG. 2, the device number and device name are unique numbers and names given to each device constituting the computer system. The device type is information for distinguishing between the central processing unit 1 and the peripheral device 2, which have different control types and combinations. The state control interface address is an address for the operation control device 4 to specify and control each device. Device attribute 1 to device attribute n are auxiliary information for state control.

FIG. 3 shows the format of the job-specific definition information. This job-specific definition information defines information on all jobs that operate on the computer system shown in FIG. 1A.

In FIG. 3, device numbers 1 to m indicate device groups necessary to execute the task with the task name a. Business attributes are auxiliary information for state control.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the above-mentioned figures as well as FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 and 5 show an outline of the processing function of the operation control program 6, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when the built-in command is accepted by the device, and FIG. When the startup command is received, the process goes to flowchart 1, which shows the processing operation at the time.

When the operator inputs a device installation command from the console unit 5, the operation control program 6 uses the device number or device name in the input command as a key to refer to the connection information of the device 3 in the connection information file. , the device type, state control interface address, and device attributes are determined (step 4o1).

Then, the operation control program 6 determines whether the device type is a central processing unit or a peripheral device (step 402).
If the device type is central processing unit.

The state control unit inquires of the operation control device 4 about the state of the central processing unit and issues commands to request power-on and initial program load (hereinafter abbreviated as IPL) according to the state, if necessary. It is sent together with the interface address (steps 403 to 408).

Furthermore, if the obtained device type is a peripheral device, the operation control program 6 inquires of the operation control device 4 about the status of the peripheral device, and turns on the power if necessary depending on the status. Then, a command requesting connection to the central processing unit is sent together with the state control interface address (steps 409 to 414).

Next, when the operator inputs a start command for the business program 7 from the console unit 5, the operation control program 6 uses the business name in the input command as a key, and
Connection information file′! Referring to the connection information of the device 3, the device number of the device necessary for executing the business program 7 is obtained (step 5o1).

Then, the operation control program 6 uses the device number in the input command as a key to file the connection information file device 3.
The device type, status control interface address, and device attributes of each device are obtained by referring to the connection information of A command requesting power-on and connection to the central processing unit is sent to the operation control device 4 together with the state control interface address (steps 503 to 5o8).

Then, until all devices are connected (step 509)
), the operations of steps 502 to 508 are repeated.

After that, the operation control program 6 makes an inquiry about the control results, receives a report of the control results from the operation control device 4, and if the control is completed normally, brings each device online and starts the business program 7. (Step 51
0-512). If the control is not completed normally, the operator is notified to that effect via the general console section 5 and the business program 7 is not started (step 513).
).

According to this embodiment, from the console section of the central processing unit,
By simply inputting logical commands such as installing equipment or starting operations, the necessary equipment status can also be controlled, which simplifies operator operations and reduces opportunities for operator intervention. 1
1 reliability can be improved.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1B.

In this embodiment, components that are the same as or correspond to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation will be omitted unless particularly necessary.

This embodiment is an embodiment applied to a compound computer system configured by connecting a plurality of computer systems each including a plurality of central processing units 1 and a plurality of peripheral devices 2.

In this embodiment, one of the plurality of computer systems is used as an overall management system. In FIG. 1B, reference numerals 1.2 are given to the central processing unit and peripheral devices that constitute the central management system in the compound computer system, and the central processing unit and peripheral devices that constitute the system 13 other than the central management system The apparatuses are designated by symbols 1b and 2b.

In addition, multiple central processing units 1.1 of the central management system
,... to one central processing unit 1a.

It is provided with functions for monitoring and controlling the status of each component device via the operation control device 4. A plurality of central processing units may have this function.

A console unit 5 and a connection information file device 3 are connected to the central processing unit 1a, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. Similarly, the central processing unit 1a is loaded with a business program 7 to be processed by the central processing unit 1a, and also controls input/output of the connection information file device 3, the operation control device 4, and the console unit 5. At the same time, an operation control program 6 is installed that gives instructions for starting a business program, etc.

Further, the operation control device 4 is connected to a console unit 9 for inputting commands and the like, and a configuration information file device 8 that stores configuration information having the same content as the connection information of the connection information file device 3. The operation control device 4 includes power supply control and state control for the central processing units 1 and 1b,
A lower control unit 11 performs power control and switching control for peripheral devices 2゜2b via a state control interface 102, and input/output management for the configuration information file device 8 and console unit 9 and a control unit 11 for controlling the status of the configuration information file device 8 and console unit 9. It has a command issuing unit 10 that creates and issues commands. The operation control device 4 also communicates with each component of the overall management system and other systems 13, and with the state control interface 102.
connected via.

The lower control unit 11 of the operation control device 4 is the central processing unit 1 (or l) specified by the state control interface address.
Power-on control and IPL control are performed for b).

Further, the lower control unit 11 of the operation control device 4 performs power-on control and switching control for the peripheral device 2 (or 2b) specified by the state control interface address.

When the power supply control and switching control are completed, the operation control program 6 brings the peripheral device online.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained, focusing on its unique operation.

In this embodiment, like the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the operation control program 6 controls the connection of devices as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in FIG. 1B, if a failure occurs in the console unit 5, the connection information file 3, the operation control program 6, or the control line 101, and the state of the device cannot be controlled from the console unit 5. When the operator inputs a device installation command from the console section 9 of the operation control device 4, the command issuing section 1o refers to the configuration information file 8 and instructs the lower control section 11 to control the state of the device.

Further, in FIG. 1B, the connection information file 3 is created and updated from the console section 5 via the operation control program 6 when the system configuration is changed, and the configuration information file 8 of the operation control device 4 is created and updated from the console section 9. It is configured and updated via the command issuing unit 10.

In FIG. 1B, the connection information file 3 and the configuration information file 8 of the operation control device 4 are stored in the operation control program 6, the control line 101, the lower control section 11. Directive issuing department 1
Data can be exchanged via 0, so after updating one connection information file, transfer it to the other, format conversion,
By adding and deleting information, the overall amount of work can be reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the connection information file device 3 connected to the central processing unit 1a and the configuration information file device 8 of the operation control device 4 are connected within the system when the system is created and when the configuration/scale is changed. Can create and change information files.

Furthermore, since data can be exchanged between two files, it is possible to easily cope with configuration changes such as system scale expansion.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to connect an operation control device as shown in FIG. 1A. However, it is more preferable to connect an operation control device as in this embodiment, since the following effects can be obtained.

That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an operation control method that is easier for operators to operate, has high fault tolerance, and can easily accommodate configuration changes, and has the following advantages.

(a) The operation control program can issue state control commands after grasping the state of the device using the monitoring function of the operation control device, so there is no need to issue unnecessary state control commands.

(b) Operators perform normal operations from the central console, and maintenance personnel control the equipment status during maintenance and failures from the operation control device, which prevents erroneous operations and improves system reliability. .

Note that the operation control device, which is a component of this embodiment, is
It can also be applied to the operation control device of the embodiment shown in Figure A. As a result, in the embodiment shown in the same figure, the 1B
The same effects as the embodiment shown in the figure can be obtained.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1C.

This embodiment includes a plurality of central processing units 1.1, . . . and a plurality of peripheral devices 2.2. In a computer system having..., a central processing unit 1 selected from a plurality of units.
c is provided with an operation control function 4c that is connected to each component device and controls the status of each component device in response to commands, and is used as a device for controlling the operation of the system.

A connection information file device 3 is connected to the central processing unit 1c that performs the operation control as a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the status of each component device.

The central processing unit 1c also has a function of receiving instructions from the console unit 5, and in accordance with the instructions, refers to the connection information stored in the connection information file device 3 and controls the state of each component device. An operation control program 6 is installed to realize a command function of issuing commands to the operation control function 4c.

In this embodiment, the operation control device 4 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A is provided in the central processing unit 1a, and the other configurations are the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. Therefore, only the differences will be explained here.

Here, the operation control function 4c is installed in the central processing unit 1a in the form of a program that monitors and controls the status of each component device, and operates in conjunction with the operation control program 6.

The connection control operation of this embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 1A.

According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there is an effect that the amount of hardware in the system can be reduced because a dedicated operation control device is not provided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, an example is shown in which the central processing unit includes an operation control device, but conversely, the operation control device may be equipped with a program similar to the operation control program of the central processing unit. Additionally, a processing device capable of executing this program may be installed, and the operation control device may be configured to perform connection control, integration control, etc. of all component devices not only in the event of a failure but also at all times.

That is, in this embodiment, for example, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is applied to a computer system equipped with an operation control device that performs state control.

Then, the operation control device is configured to monitor and monitor the status of each component device.
A connection information file device or a configuration information file device is connected as a storage means for storing connection information for state control, and a console unit for inputting instructions from the outside is connected to the operation control device. and furthermore,
The internal unit has a function of accepting input instructions, and in response to the instructions, referring to the connection information stored in the storage means and issuing a command to control the state of each component device. It is configured with a function to control the status of component devices.

By doing this, each central processing unit constituting the computer system can be dedicated to the execution of business programs. In addition, in the case of a compound computer system, there is no need to specifically select a central management system, so there is no problem such as delegating operational control to another system when the central management system is suspended.

In each of the embodiments described above, the connection information file device 3 is connected exclusively to the central processing unit that has the function of controlling the status of the system component devices. It may also be connected to a processing device. Alternatively, it may be provided as one of one peripheral device.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, by simply inputting logical commands such as installing a device or starting a business from the console section of a central processing unit or the console section of a multifunction computer system, Since the necessary state control of the equipment can also be performed, it is possible to simplify operations for the operator and improve the reliability of the system by reducing opportunities for operator intervention.

In addition, by equipping the operation control device with a function that can control the operation of the device, even if the integrated management system of the complex computer system stops operating, the operation control device can control the operation of the device, making it fault tolerant. It is possible to build a system with high performance.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the operation control method of the present invention and a computer system to which the same is applied;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the operation control method of the present invention and a complex computer system to which the same is applied, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are explanatory diagrams of a connection information file. 4 and 5 show an outline of the processing functions of the operation control program 6, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation when the built-in command is accepted by the device, and FIG. Command reception is a flowchart showing the processing operation at the time. 1, la, lb, lc - central processing unit, 2.2b...
Peripheral device, 3... Connection information file device, 4... Operation control device, 4c... Operation control function, 5... Console section, 6... Operation control program, 7... Business program, 8... Configuration information file) I/- device, 9.
...Console section, 10...Command issuing section, 11...
Lower control unit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. It has at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and further includes an operation control device that is connected to each component device and controls the state of each component device in response to instructions. In a computer system, there is a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the state of each component device, and upon receiving an external instruction, each component is An operation control method for a computer system, comprising: command means for issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of the device. 2. In a computer system that has at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and is further equipped with an operation control device that is connected to each component device and controls the state of each component device in response to instructions, A central processing unit is used as a device for controlling the operation of the system, and a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the status of each component device is connected to the central processing unit for controlling the operation, and a means for receiving instructions from the outside in the central processing unit, and a command for controlling the state of each component device to the operation control device according to the instruction by referring to the connection information stored in the storage means. A computer system characterized by having a command function and controlling operation. 3. An operation control device that includes a plurality of computer systems each having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, is connected to each component device, and controls the state of each component device in response to instructions. In a compound computer system comprising: one of the plurality of computer systems as a central management system, and a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the status of each component device in the central management system. and command means for receiving an external instruction and issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of each component device by referring to the connection information stored in the storage means. An operation control method for a complex computer system characterized by: 4. An operation control device comprising a plurality of computer systems each having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and further connected to each component device to receive commands and control the state of each component device. In a compound computer system equipped with a computer system, one of the plurality of computer systems is used as a central management system, and one of the central processing units is used as a device for controlling the operation of the system, and the operation control is performed. A storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the state of each component device is connected to the central processing unit, and a means for receiving instructions from the outside and a means for receiving instructions from the outside are connected to the central processing unit. , a command function for issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of each component device by referring to the connection information stored in the storage means, and performs operation control. 5. The operation control device includes a storage means for storing connection information for the operation control device to monitor and control the status of each component device, a means for receiving instructions input from the outside, and a means for receiving instructions inputted from the outside, and a means for receiving instructions inputted from the outside. , a command means for referring to the storage means and issuing a command for performing state control, an operation control method for a computer system according to claim 1, a computer system according to claim 2, The operation control method for a compound computer system according to claim 3, or the compound computer system according to claim 4. 6. In a computer system having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, one of the central processing units has an operation control function that is connected to each component device and controls the status of each component device in response to commands. a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the state of each component device, and a connection stored in the storage means in response to an external instruction; 1. An operation control method for a computer system, comprising: command means for issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of each component device with reference to information. 7. In a computer system having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, one of the central processing units has an operation control function that is connected to each component device and controls the state of each component device in response to commands. A storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the status of each component device is connected to the central processing unit for controlling the operation of the system. A means for receiving instructions from the outside to the central processing unit, and a command function for issuing a command to the operation control device to control the state of each component device by referring to connection information stored in the storage means in accordance with the instruction. A computer system characterized by comprising: and controlling operation. 8. In a computer system having at least one central processing unit and a group of peripheral devices, and further comprising an operation control device connected to each component device and controlling the state of each component device in response to instructions, The control device is connected to a storage means for storing connection information for monitoring and controlling the state of each component device, and the operation control device has a means for receiving instructions from the outside and, in response to the instructions, and a function of referring to the connection information stored in the storage means and issuing a command for controlling the state of each component device, and controlling the state of each component device based on this command to perform operation control. A computer system featuring: