Abstract: A reception unit (210) receives an addition requesting frame for requesting addition of a new flow. A first search unit (241) performs, using a network-information database (280), a first search for searching for a schedule and a path assignable to the new flow without the schedule and the path of each existing flow being changed, when the addition requesting frame is received. A second search unit (242) performs a second search for changing the schedule and the path of each existing flow and searching for the schedule and the path assignable to the new flow, using the network-information database, when the schedule and the path assignable to the new flow have not been found by the first search. A response unit (260) transmits an addition responding frame.

Abstract: A reception unit (210) receives an addition requesting frame for requesting addition of a new flow. A first search unit (241) performs, using a network-information database (280), a first search for searching for a schedule and a path assignable to the new flow without the schedule and the path of each existing flow being changed, when the addition requesting frame is received. A second search unit (242) performs a second search for changing the schedule and the path of each existing flow and searching for the schedule and the path assignable to the new flow, using the network-information database, when the schedule and the path assignable to the new flow have not been found by the first search. A response unit (260) transmits an addition responding frame.

Abstract: An information acquisition unit acquires operational status information representing operational status of equipment that consumes energy with operation and operational environment information representing an operational environment of the equipment. A determination unit determines whether energy consumption resulting from the operation of the equipment is luxury energy consumption or not, based on the operational status of the equipment that is represented by the operational status information and the operational environment of the equipment that is represented by the operational environment information, and applies an extra price to the energy consumption resulting from the operation of the equipment when the energy consumption resulting from the operation of the equipment is determined to be the luxury energy consumption.

Abstract: A grinding device has a support unit attached to a rotary shaft so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotary shaft, and a grinding element stacked on the support unit and having an uneven grinding surface formed by a plurality of abrasive grains. The support unit has, in a surface thereof, protruding surface portions to be brought into contact with a rear surface of the grinding element when in use, and recessed surface portions recessed from the protruding surface portions, alternately located in a circumferential direction. An engagement mechanism which makes an engagement at each of predetermined angular positions so as to retain the grinding element or the support unit moved by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction, is provided between the support unit and the grinding element, between the rotary shaft and the grinding element, or between the rotary shaft and the support unit.