GB1425898A - traffic analysis device for monitoring the use of equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

1425898 Automatic exchange systems COMPAGNIE INDUSTRIELLE DES TELECOMMUNICATIONS CIT-ALCATEL 30 March 1973 [31 March 1972] 15340/73 Heading H4K A statistical metering arrangement is associated with a plurality of elements, e.g. registers, so as to give an indication of the number of times each element is used as well as giving the total number summed over all elements. In an extension of the arrangement auxiliary equipment gives an indication of the total duration of use of each element. The arrangement, shown schematically in Fig. 1 and in detail in Figs. 2-8 (not shown) comprises a plurality of memory units M1-Mn each associated with a respective element O1-On. Closure of a contact P01-P0n in a respective element O1-On causes a mark to extend to the respective memory unit to set a bi-stable device which remains set irrespective of the contacts P01-P0n until it is pulsed by a scanner in a main equipment EC, the pulse from the scanner causing the resetting of the bi-stable device and the incrementing of two counters, one individual to the corresponding element O1-On, and the other giving the total count for all elements. The bi-stable device cannot be set again until the mark from the element has been removed. The scanner (Fig. 5, not shown) for use in scanning 16 elements, includes a binary-to-decimal counter comprising four bi-stable devices the outputs of which are coupled via arrangements of diodes to the memory units M1-Mn so as to cause them to be scanned in sequence. A 10 kHz generator GR is used to drive the scanner at 5 kHz. The scanner drive is blocked when a set memory unit is scanned and is not enabled again until the count has been registered. An auxiliary equipment EA given in more detail in Fig. 4 (not shown) is used to measure the total duration of usage of each of the elements. It comprises a cam pulse generator which is coupled to a number of counters. The extension of a mark from an element over a lead fa1-fan causes the corresponding counter to be activated and to count for as long as the mark remains. The equipment EA includes a selector so that a different cam generator frequency can be chosen according to whether the elements O1-On are electromechanical or electronic. Figs. 6-8 (not shown) illustrates various transistor circuits used in the arrangement.