DE2708983A1 - DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to simplify the charging and accounting procedures in a telephone network and, at the same time, to carry these out in a more reliable manner, the system exhibits a multiplicity of switching devices (11, 12, 18; 21, 22, 28; 31, 32, 38) with keyboards and display devices. These are connected group by group to control devices (10, 20, 30) for the user which respond to commands keyed in in order to obtain data from peripheral storage devices and to record details of the telephone connections on magnetic tape. Each control and peripheral device exhibits microprocessors for controlling the individual functions and carrying out tests which determine the operating states of the devices and generate relevant display signals. All these devices are connected to a monitor (6) for recording these display signals. Each device can exhibit a monitoring clock generator with a counter. The latter is regularly incremented and periodically set to zero, responding to a software command. Thus, when a central processing device enters a software loop, the counter exceeds a threshold value and generates a signal indicating the presence of such a loop. The same timing generator can also reset the central processing device into a starting position and delete all data recorded as consequence of a program execution up to this time. Finally, there can be a diagnostics device so that a technician can carry out routine checks of the individual devices. <IMAGE>

Description

description

2708933

to the patent application

of The Post Office at 23 Howland Street, London WlP 6QH, UK

concerning:
"Data processing system"

The invention relates to a data processing system which is particularly suitable for automatic Call recording to record details of phone calls so that the charge is made for everyone Call can be charged to the correct subscriber account by an operator. However, the invention is not limited in its application to this case.

The details of a telephone connection established by an operator are currently being investigated is written on a card or slip of paper that is taken to an accounting office for analysis and the calculation of the fee with which the account of the relevant participant is debited. It is obvious that the time it takes to write the necessary information on the card so that the fee is calculated correctly and is added to the correct account, a significant proportion of the placement person's working time

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is addressed and as a result reduces the number of calls that are mediated by the operator console can be. In addition, the input may be of call details by hand are error-prone and an incorrect calculation of the fee can occur or even an incorrect assignment. Every mistake of this kind leads to an impairment of the good reputation of the concerned postal administration or the company operating on private Basis operates the telephone service and could thus impair their business interests.

It is therefore desirable to provide some form of data processing to enable the operator to quickly record the details of a call can, but the proposed system must be extremely reliable because it is extremely expensive accordingly, the alternative, maintain the handwritten system currently in use, in addition to the intended data processing facility. It is also essential to check, as far as possible, that the mediator is the has entered correct information into the data processing system, and therefore it is desirable that the system has some type of feedback indicator and each other test option that is suitable for the information.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a data processing system which is suitable is for recording details of telephone calls that have been hand-switched and taking the above Requirements are taken into account.

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The solution to this problem results from patent claim 1. A data processing system is accordingly provided with a large number of stations on line. The system includes data input and routing circuitry at each station, a plurality of data processing and / or storage units and control devices, which in turn comprise memories for the recording, depending on the data input devices, of details of a required data processing operation. The control devices are able im hitching to the recorded details Request or instruction signals for transmission to the data processing and / or storage units generate, receive data from certain data processing and / or storage units depending on the request or instruction signals and to record these data, and finally to supply signals to the processing devices. Monitor devices are provided which are connected to all data processing and / or storage units and the Control devices are connected for receiving signals from these to indicate correct function or for the specification of malfunctions of the same, so one Generate output signal that represents the operating state of the system. Each station can be operated by one operator can be used, and the utilization devices may comprise display devices for this operator.

The system can be designed for the recording of details of hand-switched telephone calls, and the data processing and / or storage units may comprise a telephone call recording system that supports the Details of a call are supplied for storage by the control device after the call has ended.

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The data processing and / or storage units and the control device can be a central processing unit which is designed so that it executes at least one repetitive instruction program which includes generating a signal to indicate that the processing unit is operating properly. The central one Processing unit can comprise a main timer or clock generator with a counter that is updated regularly is and is reset by an instruction from the program, so that if the program is interrupted, the Count in the counter exceeds a threshold value and generates an output signal to indicate a malfunction. Such a signal can be used to bring the program back to the starting point and back again start. The system can comprise a plurality of control devices, each assigned to a group of data input and processing facilities that have access to all data processing and / or storage units.

A memory can be provided in the monitor device for recording error reports that relate to relate to the particular unit and the nature of the error or failure to be recorded. A threshold can be provided which is assigned to each category of fault, and an output signal is only generated when the number the error exceeds the threshold.

A diagnostic unit can be provided which is coupled to the monitor device, thus covering a wide area of tests carried out by a maintenance engineer. The program information and any other data used for The test may be required, for example, on a magnetic tape cassette, which is included in the diagnostic

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unit is insertable. The diagnostic unit can comprise a reserve unit which is always ready for operation, so as to do so to have checked replacement assemblies available.

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A preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, namely a manual switching system, is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows in block diagram form the manual switching system,

Figure 2 shows the circuit in block diagram form

an operator's control unit (QCU),

Fig. 3 shows the circuit of a diagnostic unit,

Fig. 4 shows the circuit of a peripheral unit other than a magnetic card memory unit acts,

Fig. 5 shows the circuit of a magnetic card memory unit,

Fig. 6 shows the circuit of a monitor unit,

Fig. 7 shows the coupling of CPU monitor units to a monitor unit and

Figure 8 shows details of the OCU switch circuits.

As shown in Figure 1, comprises the central office a plurality of operator stations (QPE) 11 to 18, to 28, 31 to 38, etc., each for one operator, which are connected to intermediary control units (QCU) lo, 2o, 3o, etc. Each OCU is designed to receive information from

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eight operator stations, divided into two groups of can receive four operator consoles (OPE) and transmit them back to them. Each OCU has connections with two Telecommunication cables A and B, identified by the reference numerals 1 and 2, respectively, which are each connected by three pairs of peripheral units 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, which consist of magnetic card storage units, tariff credit card checking units as well as charge step and national / local code conversion units exist and are each connected to the two Communication cables. In addition, each OCU is Io, 2o, 3o, etc. connected to a monitor unit 6, and the monitor unit 6 is also connected to the peripheral units for reception of signals from those to indicate their functional status. The monitoring unit has facilities for printing of details of any abnormality in the operation of the facility, which the monitoring unit detects during periodic scanning of the outputs of the OCUs and the peripheral units. Furthermore is a Diagnostic unit 7 is provided which is connected to receive the information recorded in the monitoring unit and for the operation of a diagnostic connection unit 8, for the application of test signals via a diagnostic cable 9 to the OCUs and the peripheral units and for receiving response signals over the same cable for the purpose of assisting a monitoring engineer, who has to find the cause of any errors that may occur.

The components that make up the OPEs do not all need to be located at the operator's workstation but they comprise keys actuable by the operator and a visual display unit (VDU) by means of which the operator can visual information is provided. The necessary logic and connection circuitry can be found at the attendant console or provided in the relevant OCU. The keypads can be completely separated from the and keys

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Switches may be arranged for the control of the switching operation by the switching agent, but there is preferably some interconnection between these components to ensure the exact time between manufacture of a connection is transmitted to the OCU until it is disconnected, possibly with details of the connection to be made Subscriber station and the facilities required by the subscriber. The OCU is designed to handle the Agent transmits required information to the display unit, possibly also illuminating certain keys will be to provide some information that will be needed deliver or for confirming the actuation of certain buttons and also for the correct operation of the components of the Check OPE.

As mentioned above, each OCU is connected to control eight OPEs, but the OCUs are structured that they are able. Process information from twelve OPEs and also transmit it to twelve OPEs. Any OCU has two groups of four buffers, each buffer accessible for information from and to one corresponding OPE and two replacement units, each for processing the transition from four further OPEs or for the Transfer of a group of four OPEs to an adjacent one OCU. In the event of an OCU failure, when it is discovered through testing procedures performed internally by each OCU the eight OPEs assigned to this OCU will be split into two groups of four and two Transfer neighboring OCUs. Each OCU contains a microprocessor, which in the present embodiment of the invention is designed as an INTEL 8080A or a corresponding device is; the microprocessor resembles a small calculator where

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the necessary data processing is effected by a single integrated circuit. It is obvious, that other types of microprocessors can be used provided that those used by the OCUs required properties are provided. Every microprocessor comes with the necessary power supplies, clock pulse generators, data and program memories and buffer memories tied together.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, each peripheral unit is provided in duplicate and each unit comprises one Microprocessor, similar to that used in the OCUs. The tariff and credit card verification units 4A and 4B store the information regarding the tariff rates of the various possible telephone connections or other services, such as the delivery of personal calls, etc. Since the tariff rate depends on the time of day at which the connection is made is manufactured, these units also include independent clocks driven by so-called master timers and transmit this time so that the correct tariff rate for the connection is specified and fed to the OCU. Facilities are taken for resetting the clocks under the control of the maintenance engineer. Because certain participants The intermediary must be able to make use of the possibility of debiting telephone connections from a credit card account be to check the validity of the credit card number given by the caller, and therefore the Tariff and credit card verification units capable of the Check number and indicate to the intermediary whether the specified Number is valid or invalid. These units can also provide other information, for example if a specific Account has not been renewed.

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Another one provided by the peripheral units Service results from the units 5A and 5B and consists of the load level data and national / local code translation information, which are used to convey information relating to the prefixes used for certain operations or to the intermediaries Connections, whereby the distance factor is transmitted to the OCU is in the connection to be established so that the appropriate loading rate is used.

In addition to the transmission of tariff data and credit card verification, each of the units includes 4A and 4B a watch for the transmission of the time of day, because this information is required as the call tariff depends on the Day tent to which the call is made. The clocks in the two units are independent, but are compared with each other every 30 minutes, and if the error is greater than 30 seconds. a signal to display this is transmitted to the monitor unit 6 so that the maintenance engineer is informed. At reception the maintenance engineer uses the diagnostics unit for such a message 7 to set both clocks on the tent indicated by a mother clock.

The most important task performed by the peripheral units is performed by the magnetic cassette recording units 3A and 3B, which record, in duplicate, on two separate magnetic tape cartridges, details of the exchanges carried out by the agent, together with the identification of the subscriber, either by means of his subscriber number or by means of his credit card number, for example. The duration of the connection, the time of day, the tariff unit and all others are also recorded on the cassettes Details if it is, for example, a personal call. When a magnetic tape cartridge is filled

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wordne 1st or at the end of a certain perlode will the cassette is replaced and the filled cassette is transmitted to a central accounting, where the charges for the calls are calculated and in the account of the subscriber be transmitted.

Just like the peripheral units, there are also the telecommunication cables 1 and 2 with which they are connected to the OCUs are duplicated in order to ensure that a single fault does not shut down an entire assembly of the team can. Furthermore, it is possible that a defective unit can be checked and repaired without the capacity of the system is interrupted insofar as the mediators are affected. So that the maintenance engineers can quickly locate faults in any part of the system and repair, the monitor unit 6 is provided which is connected to each OCU and to each peripheral unit through a system of independent cables that allow the operation of each unit to be assessed in relation to each other on relevant parameters, such as the status of the filling of buffer memories, which are provided in the units are. In addition, the microprocessors in the units are programmed in such a way that they check their own function and send a message that everything is OK or that there is an error with the respective unit, which message is periodically sent to the monitoring unit. In one example Check messages from the monitoring unit are transmitted by each OCU and peripheral unit every four seconds. The monitoring unit provides a printout of these messages by means of a remote printer 6A, which printout enables the To review the overall functioning of the system and also contains statistical information on which decisions about whether additional operating personnel or additional peripheral units may or may not be required.

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If the monitoring unit 6 is not able to Identifying exactly the faulty assembly is one Maintenance engineer able to use a diagnostic unit 7 which contains a further microprocessor and contains a large repertoire of diagnostic instructions on test kitties introduced into unit 7 at 7A can be. The diagnostic unit 7 is designed so that it diagnoses errors in any of the units and and can do so in such a way that they can be used by non-specialized operators who have no training whatsoever with regard to the data processing assemblies used in the system. To the diagnosis perform, the unit 7 triggers a test signal via a diagnostic cable system 9 and a connection unit 8 either reaches the OCUs or the peripheral units and the corresponding output signals become the diagnostic unit 7 return via the same cable system 9 and the connection unit 8. The remote printer 6A enables the maintenance engineer to Enter instructions and data via its keypad and print out the results. The remote printer 6A is connected to the monitor unit 6 via a V24 line and a second line connects the unit 6 to the diagnostic unit 7th

Another function of the diagnostic unit 7 is that it enables it. Data in the tariff and credit card verification unit 4A and 4B, as it is likely that at least the credit card information is frequent change.

The CPUs can fail during operation and are therefore programmed to perform periodic checks to monitor their operational status and that of the units, which are controlled by them. To achieve this, to-

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each unit holds a main clock, consisting of a counter to which a pulse with a pulse frequency of IkHz is applied is. The programs of the microprocessor, which is present in the unit, are designed so that they use the counter at intervals that do not exceed a quarter of a second and reset it to zero. if the counter is not activated during this time, for example because of a program error in the microprocessor taken out of the instruction loop or as a result of a material fault in the microprocessor, the stacks Counter, if it is not activated, a "run-out time", to allow a further period of time within which the counter can be controlled. If within this If the counter is not activated during the run-out period, then the program of the microprocessor is interrupted and reset to a reference position in the program sequence. A Signal is set when a program interruption occurs and signals are transmitted to the monitor unit so that it can Record details of the failure. A second error in the control of the counter within the quarter-second interval leads to the unit being recorded as having failed and at this point in time "if the unit is a OCU, the ΟΡΕ inputs are switched to the neighboring ixLden OCUs.

As described above, each OCU receives inputs from 8 OPEs, but can receive inputs from 12 OPEs. Consequently If an OCU fails, the OPBs normally assigned to it are sent as two groups of four transferred to other OCUs, which then work together with 12 OPEs.

The inputs from the OPEs to the OCUs are in groups from 4 to each as "first in, first out" buffers contained in OPE-Eifaeiten.

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If any of these buffers are filled, so will assumed that for some reason the OCU failed and is no longer able to process the inputs. In the same way as described above, it will fail displayed and treated in the same way by transferring the QPEs to the neighboring OPUs. As before, there will be an ad to monitor unit 6 to record the failure of the OCU.

The entire system is structured in such a way that each assembly is at least twice, with the result that that the signals can be redirected to other units in the event of an error somewhere. As described above, the OCUs are designed so that their functions can be taken over by other OCUs in the event of a failure, and the peripheral units are also duplicated so that if one unit fails, its counterpart in is able to continue to perform the required functions. Each OCU is programmed to receive a response over either line A or B from the units to which it sent a request, one response from the one connected to line A and one from the duplicate come with line B. The OCU then compares the responses and makes a decision as to which signal is correct, if any they differ. The signals include simple test information, for example one or more parity digits in order to carry out a validity test on the data, thus without Difficulty finding obviously invalid data. On the other hand, if an OCU receives responses that differ but both appear to be valid, it generates a signal for the operator concerned to indicate that it cannot process the data, because she can't decide which ones are correct. Under these conditions the mediator has to act in the usual way Access reference books to get the required information

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to investigate. Any error of this kind is automatically transmitted to the monitoring unit and the maintenance engineer is then be able to run tests to determine which part of the system has failed and to get it back in To put operation.

In addition, the magnetic card recording units 3A and 3B, which are also available twice and are each connected to line A and B, respectively, a test unit connected to its inputs to ensure that the recorded on the cassettes Data is correct as far as possible. In the entrance of each unit there is a "first on first off" (FIFO) buffers are provided and the data stored in these buffers are compared. If the data is in both Buffers are identical, they are allowed to be recorded by the recording units. If the data in the differ in both buffers, then each of them is tested for validity on the basis of a simple check, for example by means of a parity check, and if a set of data is incorrect, then the valid data are recorded in both units. On the other hand, if the data differ, but both sets of data appear to be valid, then each recording unit is arranged to record the in stores data saved in its own buffer memory and an indication is transmitted to the monitor unit that the two sets of data differ. It is also possible, that a mark of some kind entered into the record is, at this point, to indicate that the data immediately preceding or immediately the following dates are suspect.

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Fig. 2 shows the structure of a switch control unit (QCU) and its connection to 8 OPEs and to 2 neighboring ones OCUs for the purpose of transferring the OPEs in ^ white blocks of 4 each to neighboring OCUs in the event of failure. The same connection between the OCUs is used for the transfer of a block of four OPEs coming from one of the neighboring OCUs should one of the neighboring OCUs fail. The rectangle framed by a dot-dash line loo encloses the components that make up an OCU No. N, the part of the OCU number N + 1 being partially separated from the dashed line Line lol is indicated enclosed and a connection to OCU N-I is indicated at Io2. In addition to the components shown or indicated include each OGO power supplies and a pulse generator that generates the signals required by the microprocessor.

The eight OPEs assigned to the OCU are labeled Io3 to Ho and are connected to corresponding data control units 111 to 118 in the OCU. The data control units have certain buffering and other functions for example to check the validity of the OPEs received signals and for the execution of certain code conversions, for example. The data control units are connected in groups of four to the OPE common units 119 and 12o, by means of which the signals from the OPEs are multiplexed for the creation of a cable line 121, which forms the main connection between the microprocessor and the units connected to it. Each the OPE genwtneame unit comprises a (FIFO) buffer memory (see Figure 8), for receiving data and instructions from the OPEs and for allowing them to be time aligned are for processing by the microprocessor in the OCU.

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The microprocessor itself is located in a central processing unit (CPU) 122 and is by means of of cable line 121 connected to a rapid access memory (RAM = random access memory) 123, a programmable read-only memory (PROM = programmable read-only memory) 124, a CPU monitor 125 and two peripheral unit selectors (PS) 126 and 127. Additionally sid Possibilities provided for plugging in a printed circuit cap (test access) 128 for connecting the Diagnostic unit to the OCU. The CPU monitor 125 is directly connected to the monitor unit (FIG. 1) and the peripheral unit selectors 126 and 127 are each connected to lines A and B (Fig. 1).

Reserve units 129 and 13o are each connected to the OPE common units 119 and 12o and also to the Cable line 121. The entity 129 is on the connection Io2 connected to OCU N-I and the unit 12o to OCU N + 1.

Connected to the CPU 122 and installed if necessary injAen microprocessor (but for the sake of clarity shown separately from the CPU) is a clock generator 131 and in the RAM 123 by means of software run-off time followers 132 and a Periphery requirement sequence 133, the functions of which are still to be explained. Maintenance buttons 134 are provided connected to the Cable line 121 so that a maintenance engineer directly controls the control the OCU can take over if necessary. One Power supply unit and a pulse generator are both not shown, but have advanced to the components of the OCU to dine.

The CPU 122 processes the signals from the OPEs, making requests to the various peripheral units can be transmitted in the following manner as required.

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The operations of the CPU are divided into 16 multiplexed time slots, twelve of which are the twelve OPEs (the eight OPEs that are normally supplied by the OCU plus four additional OPEs that are taken over if the neighboring OCU fails), one The time slot is allocated to the master clock and the run-out times (indicators that certain time intervals have passed are), two are assigned to the peripheral selectors and one is assigned to the maintenance buttons via which a maintenance engineer can enter data or special instructions into the OCU. It can be seen that the buffer memory must be used with a processor that works this way because the actual tent in use is made from or any individual data is generated, depending on the time slot to which the data relates. If a signal from an OPE is held in one of the buffers in the OPEs common units 119 and 12o, the CPU 122 will respond to it in the appropriate timing Signal to record the data or initiate its processing in a conventional manner, i.e. using of storage registers in RAM 123 allotted the time slot in question to store the data, as well as initial and Intermediate results of calculations depending on instructions taken from PROM 124. A typical one Signal from an OPE would be a request for data from one of the peripheral units and the CPU would respond to one respond to such a signal by attempting to transmit a request for the data to the peripheral in question. The peripheral unit would probably not be accessible at the moment in question and therefore would the request is placed at the end of the sequence that is in the peripheral request sequence bin 133 is saved and when the request

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reaches the head of the sequence, the details are selected from the RAM 123 by the CPU 122 and over the selectors 126 and 127 are supplied to the respective peripheral units. The ones from the peripheral units received data would be input to the RAH 123 by the CPU 122 so that it would be fed back to the OPE can. Each OCU can process 84 calls simultaneously, i.e. seven calls from each OPE and those following in the peripheral requests Stored data is in the form of a call label, i.e. a number between 1 and 84 that the call is identified to the OCU.

The timing of the operations is controlled by a (not shown) pulse generator whose Pulses are applied to the timer unit 131, which in turn sends signals to those stored in the unit 132 Transfers sequences. The function of the sequences exists in generating signals after certain time intervals, for example after three minutes for a connection tent from a public telephone booth, which interval is the unit of time for a prepaid call. As above described, the timer 131 includes a counter which is reset to zero whenever the timer is activated so that in the event of a failure of the normal sequence of instructions the CPU 122, after which the clock 131 is no longer activated, the counter would reach a value that is higher than in normal operation, which is a An indication of the failure provides, whereupon the programs of the CPU 122 are reset to an initial position and start over again.

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In addition to monitoring the satisfactory function of the OCU by means of a timer, the monitor 6 is provided for receiving periodic signals from the OCU, generated during the program execution to indicate the satisfactory operation and also by statistical Data relating to the calls that are being processed. Details of the statistical data are sent from the CPU 122 to the Buffers in unit 125 are transferred during the time slot assigned to the CPU monitor, so that during operation the connection, the statistical data are established in the monitoring unit 6.

The sixteenth time slot is available to the maintenance buttons 134 in the event of a failure of the OCU, which it enables the maintenance engineer to instruct the CPU 122 directly and diagnose the cause of any errors or failures in the OCU.

In addition to other storage possibilities of the RAM 123 lies a call memory with 84 addresses, one for each Call that stores details of calls when they are entered by the operator. if the call is complete, the relevant individual Mten transferred from the CPU to the magnetic cartridge units 3A and 3B for the load and to the monitor unit 6 for the statistical purposes. A switchboard memory is also provided, by means of which the switches at the switchboard be related to the call label or the call number.

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In the event of a failure, the OCU N is sensed either by the main clock or by the filling up of one or more 'the input FIFO buffers in the data control units, the CPU monitor 125 transmits signals to the reserve units 129 and 13o causing them to operate Redirect outputs of the OPE common units 119 and 12o to the reserve units in the neighboring OCUs. Qe CPUs in the OCUs are programmed to check the reserve units in each multiplex cycle to determine whether signals from four extra OPEs reach the OCU or not. If the four additional OPEs of a certain OCU are connected, the CPU addresses the additional OPEs in the same way as the original ones eight OPSs, which are assigned to the OCU, so that the operations required by the additional OPEs in the work plan which is to be traversed by the OCU.

Fig. 8 shows further details of the mechanism in an OCU for switching groups of OPEs to neighboring ones OCUs. Two groups of four OPEs are connected via two FIFO shared memories 7ol and 7o2 with memory buffers A and B, labeled 7o3 and 7o4, respectively. Buffers 7o3 and 7o4 each have two outputs, one of which is connected to CPU 7oo, which belong to the OCU in question, and of which the other is connected to a respective reserve CPU belonging to a neighboring OCU. A CPU monitoring unit 7o5 includes an OR gate 7o6 with inputs from the FIFO buffers 7ol and 7o2, if they become full, an input from a quarter second timeout unit 7o7 in the CPU monitor 7o5 and an input from a pulse generator 7o8 which supplies excitation pulses to the CPU 7oo to indicate that a pulse is present or a sequence of impulses has failed. Another input 7o9 is provided so that a maintenance engineer can handle the

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Manually check switching operation. The exit of the gate 7o6 is connected to the buffers 7o3 and 7o4 in order to control the switching of these buffers to the reserve CPUs or to effect from these.

Fig. 3 shows details of the diagnostic unit (Fig.l), from which one can see that the unit is formed from an active part, referred to as the test control unit of units under the dash-dotted line connected with a cable line 2oo and a passive part exists, which is referred to here as intervention reserve unit and is formed by the units above the dash-dotted line, which are connected to a cable line 22o. The units that form the passive part serve as "intervention reserves", i.e. they are repeatedly subject to a sequence of tests under control during operation the CPOs 2ol and 212 so that a maintenance engineer is one of the Select units for use in an assembly after a failure, being assured that the unit, that he has selected is fully operational, while a unit in the warehouse may have one May have errors.

2o2, PROM The units CPU 2ol, RAM / 2o3A and 2o3B and CPU monitor

2o4 form a data processing unit, as it is used in many units of the system to control the tests, which are carried out by the diagnostic unit, and these units are interconnected by the cable line 2oo. A V24 unit 2o8, the function of which will be explained later, an interzonal channel, is also connected to the cable line 2oo 2o9, which is connected to the tariff and credit card verification units 4A and 4B, two input statistical Data in these units and a second V24 unit 21o, which the tea control unit connects directly to the monitor unit 6, to receive instructions from that unit on how

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mentioned above. A special maintenance line from the monitor line 6 is connected to the cable line via a monitor unit 123 2oo connected and magnetic tape cartridge units 225Ά and 225B are provided to help a maintenance engineer quickly enter special instructions or data for diagnostic test procedures. The blocks 226, 227 and 228 denote possible positions for other PROMs for diagnostic test programs. Another V24 unit contained within the The dot-dash rectangle 211 is also connected to the cable line 2oo and forms together with the V24 unit 2o8 the double connection of the intervention reserve unit with the test control unit, whereby the two V24 units each are connected to the cable line 22o by means of a V24 unit 21/8 and that contained in the diagnostic connection unit 222. The connection unit 222 can be detached from the line 22o and be connected to the cable line of another unit in the system, the connection in the diagrams of this Unit is specified as a test access so as to enable the test control unit gains access to the components of the relevant unit so that diagnostic test procedures can be carried out can be.

As mentioned above, the intervention reserve unit contains a number of components, for example in the form of printed circuit cards, which are constantly being tested below Controlled by a CPU 22, a RAM 213 and a PROM 214, all of which are connected to the cable line 22o. The components themselves are a peripheral read selector 2o6, an OP common Unit 2o7, a peripheral input-output unit 216, an OPE test unit 217, two data controllers 224A and 224B, an interzonal channel 219, an OPE buffer 221 and a monitor input unit 2o5 connected to a CPU unit 215. So that these units can work together in such a way that

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apart from how they are designed for service operation from the connection of the CPU monitor 215 to the monitor input unit 2o5 mentioned above is the peripheral selector 206 connected to the peripheral input-output unit 216, the OPE test unit 217 is connected to the data controllers 224A and 224B, which is the interzonal channel 219 with its outputs connected, like the outputs of the OPE buffer 221, which is controlled by the CPU monitor 215, to cause this buffer to be switched as described with reference to buffers 7o3 and 7o4 aas Fig. 8.

Power supply units 23o and 232 and pulse generators 231 and 233 are each provided for the test control unit and the intervention reserve unit, which two Units consist of related components, so that one standardized assemblies received.

The diagnostic unit can perform the following functions:

1. Storage for a range of individual diagnostic programs,

2. The possibility of holding a reserve, including one of all fundamental System cards in engagement with a Alarm when an error occurs in one of the reserve caps,

3. Maintenance engineer access for controlling the Diagnostic programs and for getting an output as a result of those programs.

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This access is via the remote printer 6Ά, the monitoring unit via a V24 connection between the monitoring unit and the diagnostic unit.

4. A possibility for entering and saving secured data tables, e.g. tariff data, Turnover dates and credit card stop list.

5. A possibility of resynchronizing the two real-time clock generators in the peripheral devices intended for the tariff.

The diagnostic connection unit 8 has the following options:

1. A possibility to interrupt the programs of an addressed CPU in order to execute a test program to be carried out, derived from a PROM contained in the unit 8.

2. Run a PROM program to fundamentally check the CPU, pulse generator and RAM Combination of an addressed unit.

3. Access for the addressed CPU to the Reading programs from the diagnostic unit. If an error occurs, the monitoring unit shows 6 at least which unit, i.e. OCU peripheral zone, has failed or, even better, which card failed. The diagnostic connector is then inserted into the faulty unit

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plugged in. The interruption then becomes operational set to allow the CPU to read the PROM diagnostic program under engineering control via the remote printer 6A begins. If this is insufficient to identify the fault, then one of the following caps has failed:

1. The power supply, which separately triggers an alarm and accordingly makes a fault recognizable.

2. Pulse generator, here there is an alarm at the slowest clock pulse, i.e. a failure is normal affect the slowest clock pulse and accordingly indicate the error with an alarm.

3. The RAM Card - Usually there are two RAM cards is used so that a good check can be made by testing with the other RAM card to see if the fault is in the RAM card.

4. The CPU.

From this information it follows that an error that is not already obvious or can be cleared up can by trying another RAM card is normally present in the CPU. By using the intervention reserve CPU of the diagnostic unit can the test can be repeated. Another error may be caused have been made by the pulse generator; otherwise it is a very unusual error in the form of a permanent one Disturbance on the cable line. This can be verified by placing the suspect CPU in the intervention reserve position to see if it is working satisfactorily. If it works correctly, then there is a line fault. Once it has been determined that the CPU,

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27089S3 33,

If the pulse generator, power supply and RAM are in order, tests can be carried out on the PROM, the CPU monitor and to test the input-output values. To this Knowing that the error can be narrowed down very quickly to a single card. Different cards may need removed and replaced if the fault is in the pulse generator or in the power supply and does not operate the alarm devices provided on these cards or if there is a fault associated with stands with the cable line, which may make it necessary to disconnect a number of cards in order to clear up a persistent malfunction; then you can reconnect by testing with Cards isolate the faulty card.

Fig. 4 shows the circuit through a peripheral unit with the exception of the magnetic cassette recorder. The peripheral units only differ with regard to the programming of the test value memory. As you can see is the construction 4 similar to that of the other units, such as that of the OCU and the diagnostic unit, insofar as it is the data processing part of the circuit, formed by CPU 3o7, RAM 3o6, PROM 3o5 and CPU monitor 3o4. However, it is different by having three peripheral I / O control units 3ol to 3o3 are provided, connected to the cable line 3oo. Each peripheral I / O control unit is connected to groups the OCUs, (Fig.l).

The circuit of the magnetic cassette recorder is shown in Fig. And is similar to that of Fig. 4, with the addition of a Interzone channel unit 4ol and connection units between the Magnetic tape to the CPU and between the magnetic tapes 4o2 and 4o3 and a dual cassette tape unit 4o4. A Stromve rs 09mg for the cassette unit is provided by unit 415.

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4ol and
The units 4o2 are connected to the cable line 4oo. Furthermore, three peripheral I / O control units 41o, 411 and 412 are connected to the cable line 4oo, CPU 4o6, RAM 4o7, PROM 4o8 and CPU monitor unit 4o5. As explained above, the data that are fed to the magnetic tape cassette units via the lines Ά and B, respectively, are compared, and this is the function of the interzonal channel unit 4ol together with a similar unit in the other magnetic cassette unit (the peripheral units are hereinafter referred to as zone A or considered to belong to Zone B, depending on which line they are connected to). The unit 4o4 is a double cassette unit so that the magnetic cassette can be exchanged without interrupting the recording. A power supply 413 and pulse generator 414 are provided to drive the circuits.

The monitor unit is shown in FIG. 6 and again uses the same data processing construction a CPU 5o8, a RAM 5o9 and a PROM 51o connected to a cable line 5o o, but are in this unit four monitor input units 5ol to 5o4 are provided, connected to the cable line 5oo, which monitor input units have direct communication with the rest of the system of Fig. 1 for the purpose of receiving the signals from the CPU monitor units.

There are also two dual V24 code connection units 5o6 and 5o7 provided for connecting the monitor unit to a remote printer, a punched tape punch and the diagnostic unit.

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A power supply 512 and a pulse generator 513 are provided.

The monitor unit 6 receives data from the OCUs and peripheral devices, which are divided into two types can be. This is statistical and difficulty information from the OCUs and error indications from the OCUs and the peripherals.

The unit 6 generates statistics and difficulty information both printed out and as punched tape. Depending on the size of the system, printing is done on the printer 6A or on a separate one printer (not shown). If a separate printer is used, the maintenance engineer must use a special one Enter instruction to do this. The bulk of statistical data is not required regularly and is only ejected when a mark is set by a maintenance engineer via the maintenance printer. the continuously required information includes:

The total number of statistical messages received by the OCUs for one period at a time of 15 minutes,

the percentage answered within 15 seconds Calling (to one decimal place exactly) for fifteen-minute periods, derived of Q counting circles and

the mean number of occupied seats for each fifteen minute period. If there is an intermediary in each case starts work on a switchboard, a "HEADSET IN" signal is transmitted to the OCU and when the When the operator leaves the workplace, a "HEADSET

709836/0892

OUT "signal transmitted. The OCU transmits to the monitoring unit a message every 16 seconds, including the attendant consoles in operation. The monitoring unit actuates a pointer for each position upon receipt of this information and transmits the number of occupied spaces a fifteen minute period.

This statistical information is generated and stored in a "statistics output buffer" every fifteen Minutes and once every four hours, all data in the buffer is printed out with the corresponding information on the Importance of the data.

Part of the monitoring control effected by the monitoring unit 6 is a review of the tariff units 4A and 4B to ensure that the two real time clocks work synchronously. Transfer the tariff units Messages to the monitor units every quarter of an hour, including a number ranging from ο to 95, to the last Identify quarter of an hour in a 24 hour period and the date.

Just as the information is printed out, it is also punched on a strip of paper. A strip punch is provided at every installation, but a dedicated printer will only be provided for printing in larger installations. A conflict can arise between the maintenance function and the statistical function of the monitoring unit 6, and this also applies to the diagnosis unit 7, and a subroutine could be provided in order to eliminate this.

709836/0892

Difficulty messages are received by the OCU when the operator has a specific Difficulty setting up a connection in the telephone network, either with yourself or with a subscriber wishes to hold on. This information is useful for the operator to identify faults in the network. A message is received from the OCU for each recording and this is stored by the monitoring unit 6, ready to print. A cyclical buffer of 4K bytes is used, and printing is done when the buffer is 3/4 full, a statistical printout is made or at the request of the engineer. To the interpretation of the To assist the maintenance engineer with this data, the time is recorded in relation to the nearest quarter of an hour for each difficulty call, whereby the time is indicated when this was received via the monitoring unit 6. A possible conflict can be handled in the same way as for statistical information.

Fault records are generated by OCUs and peripherals when a malfunction occurs. The monitor unit 6 is constructed so that it has a maximum of 128 message types from the OCU and 128 types from the peripheral devices can be processed to identify errors. The error messages are used to advance 8 bit counters in a counter field. Two fields are used one for OCU identity against message type and the other for peripheral identity against message type. Each row and column has associated threshold counts that define the count at which an error report is generated must be recorded and brought to the knowledge of the maintenance engineer. Usually they are

709836/089 2

Threshold counts fixed values, i.e. part of the program. However, to achieve flexibility, the maintenance engineer is able to use variable threshold levels if necessary to adjust. Accordingly, two sets of thresholds per field are used if the variable threshold is not in use and the fixed thresholds are applied. In order to clear up interfering signals regularly, around At midnight the two fields of work are deleted and the counts are transferred to the "historical file". The maintenance engineer can control the action via the remote printer, which is triggered when the historical file is updated at midnight. Through an instruction the program does not simply overwrite the historical file, but adds up from the last 24-hour period the counts to the counts in the historical record, so that you can get a set of counts over a Number of days can accumulate. The maintenance engineer can print out the existing historical file at any time. To simplify the reference to the two fields of work, the maintenance engineer refers to a "device number", which is a specific OCU or peripheral unit defined as well as a "message type". The first 128 types are assigned to the OCUs and the second 128 the peripheral devices. It may be useful for the maintenance engineer to have access to the counts and save them in "Groups" controlled. These groups are defined by the device to which they belong, e.g. rows of an OCU file, which relates to a particular peripheral unit and the message from that peripheral unit, (i.e. column in the peripheral work file). The message counts can be printed out, cleared, and a threshold value can be set on a group basis in the same way as on a column or row.

- 33-709836 / 0892

To introduce further control by the maintenance engineer regarding the thresholds is also the possibility of a timed threshold control is provided, which enables the maintenance engineer to to specify a certain threshold count over a certain period of time.

In certain cases, the maintenance engineer becomes consider it necessary to set specific failure thresholds, e.g. with regard to a certain message recording from a specific OCU. This single count threshold setting is more limited Wise provided by using a separate list from the main work fields. When a threshold is reached the total count for the row or column is checked to see if other records are being received are from the OCU or the periphery (column check) or the same message type from different OCUs or peripherals (column checking). When the total column / row count reaches twice the threshold the corresponding error report is generated.

Reports regarding satisfactory operation are received by every OCU and peripheral unit every 4 Seconds. An 8 second run-out time is set by the program and when the run-down time has expired, before the next satisfactory operation report has been received, the corresponding message count advanced by one. A threshold is set in exactly the same way as the normal maintenance reports, received from OCUs or peripheral devices.

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If an error report is generated, the corresponding row or column is marked to indicate that such a report has been generated. This ensures that if there is another count in that series the threshold is reached, no further report is generated.

Error reports are recorded in a cyclic buffer in which the number of rows or columns and the corresponding field (QCU or peripherals) must be recorded. The buffer is large enough to ensure that generally no carryover is required. If the sequence is full then the row or column will not marked to indicate that a report has been generated so that the next time a report is received, the threshold is recognized as being exceeded again and a further attempt is made to report the error in the cyclic buffer, etc. Each report in the sequence is assigned a reference number Mistake. This enables easier reference by the maintenance engineer. If a new bug report follows is inserted, an alarm is turned off. Depending on which row or column is affected, either an immediate or a delayed alarm is generated. When the maintenance engineer retrieves the fault report list, this will turn off the alarms.

Every quarter of an hour the monitoring unit receives 6 reports from both tariff peripherals, under specification the quarter of an hour (number in the range ο - 95) and the date (day, month, year). If any faulty Message is received (parity check) or the two reports are more than a minute apart, a Error reports are generated in the same way as for the threshold counts.

709836/0892

.μ.

2708933

Some details of the connection of the CPU monitor unit such as 125 from FIG. 2, 2o4 from FIG. 3, 3c * from FIG. 4 and 405 from FIG. 5 with the monitoring unit 6 are shown in FIG. 7, from which it can be seen that the outputs are stored by the CPU monitor units in assigned FIFO buffers 6ol to 6o6, which are generated by paragraph signals can be read out by a monitor input unit 611. The monitor output units 611 to 616 each include a CPU connector 6HA to 616A to provide the data, received from the data processing of the monitoring unit 6.

The operation of the CPUs in the peripheral units is similar to that of the CPUs in a CCU as above with reference to Fig. 2 by dividing them into a number of time slots, respectively Inputs or outputs are assigned which request or deliver data. In the use of the peripheral units the inputs / outputs include the input / output units, the master clock and the maintenance keyboard. the Operations of the magnetic tape cartridge recording units also includes the transfer of data to the magnetic recording units and the checking of those to be recorded Data in each unit by referring to the data recorded in the other unit. Since the data rate, which magnetic recording units can process is relatively slow compared to the operating speed of the CPU, care is taken that when the magnetic recording units are ready to receive data that interrupt the operation of the CPU and cause them to transmit data selected for the magnetic recording units.

709836/0892

- ir -

A typical routine for a telephone attendant operator Using the facility described is the following: The way in which a Call received from the operator remains unchanged and the operator answers the call as common up to now. When the call is accepted, the operator the "ordinary" class of service displayed; if the call comes from a coin-operated machine, the operator can Switch the class to "coin-operated telephone" by pressing a corresponding "coin-operated telephone" button. When pressing a "change destination / number" button the VDU automatically displays the applicable call tariff period in the OPE. The "etermination number "is in the national typical Form keyed in and displayed on the VDU. When a "Destination input" button is pressed automatically pressed a "time stop" button and the required Number is entered into the network. The mediator then records the exchange of origin / number, again in the nationally applicable number format and this is also displayed on the VDU. When this recording occurs the call load step is automatically displayed on the VDU. Once the operator has verified, that the call has been answered in a satisfactory manner, the "time stop" button is reset and an "automatic account management" button can then be actuated before the operator releases the connected circuit. If the then the called number answers, the time counting starts automatically. At the end of the occupancy, if both participants release the line, the connections are automatically removed from the control cabinet and the call data required to debit the account with the connection are transferred to the magnetic tape cassette so that the

709836/0892

binding circuit is free to accept a new call.

The tariff period, the fee level and the class of origin for the service are listed separately Fields of the VDU are displayed, but the call and destination numbers are in a common, assigned field displayed. Control of the associated field is assigned to a number of keys and a token is in The first space in this field is displayed to indicate which key is taking control. If no buttons are operated, the assigned field shows the destination number, if one has been recorded. The attachment can handle an unlimited number of transactions. Typical examples are toll-free calls, credit card calls, Charge transfer calls, personal hooves, calls with feedback of duration and charge and calls with entry of charge to third parties.

A considerable saving in terms of working time for the operator is expected because the middle Delay between pressing the button and displaying data on the VDU is only a fraction of a second. Call details once they have been captured used «for the connection as well as for the Record the call and can be used to make an unlimited number of retry attempts Establish connection, on either side of the connection. The charge information, tariff rate and charge level are automatically derived from the origin and destination toll codes. The connection to the desired Determination is achieved, where necessary, through an automatic translation of the appropriate node exchange code.

- 3 «r 709836/0892

Although the operator has overall control of the connection time, in the majority of cases this is done automatically. For most calls, when both parties have hung up, the system automatically performs the accounting function and releases the connecting lines so that the lines can be seized for further calls. Normally, once the operator has recorded all the call details and connected through to the designated office, they no longer need to intervene in the connection.

While the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment used for the Record details of hand-switched telephone calls, but it should be understood that they are equally applicable is for data processing systems for other purposes, for example for reserving seats at airlines, banking services, insurance companies as in the case of stock exchange operations.

Other features of the embodiment as described above form the subject of FIG filed patent applications. It is understood that the subject matter claimed in this application both alone and in conjunction with other claimed features from those concurrently filed applications are applicable.

Peripheral units other than those described in the specific old management case can be added or omitted for the above mentioned application cases. It it will be understood that the number of units and the length of the time intervals given are exemplary only are to be understood and can be varied in any suitable manner.

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Claims (18)

DIPL.-JNii. 11th MARCH 4 ·· κ. υΐ ss, .χ, ι.οκγ ι. DI PL.-ING. K. SPARING ".V-'JΓβ ^." Γ "'PATENTANWÄLTE TILtION · ιυ ιι · ί.τ JJ 46 patent claims 1/694 2708333 1. Data processing system with a plurality connected stations, characterized in that the system has data input and processing devices at each station comprises a plurality of data processing and / or storage units and control devices including storage devices for recording, depending on the data input devices, of details of a required data processing operation, that the control devices for the generation, depending on the recorded details, of request or display signals for transmission to the data processing and / or storage units for the Receipt of data from certain data processing and / or Storage units, in response to the request or instruction signals and the recording of the data, and designed for the transmission of signals to the processing facilities is, and that a monitor device is provided with all data processing and / or storage units and the control means is connected for receiving signals therefrom for indicating the correct Function or to identify malfunctions of the same for the purpose of generating an output that is representative of the operating status of the system. 2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that each data processing and / or storage unit and the Control device comprises a central processing unit, designed to carry out at least one repetitive Instruction programs. 709836/069 2 ordinal inspected 3. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the instruction program generates a first signal for indicating that the central processing unit is working satisfactorily, comprises which first signal of the monitoring unit is fed. 4. Installation according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each central processing unit has a master clock or includes a timer with a counter which is incremented at regular time intervals and on one The basic value is reset upon receipt of a specific instruction from the at least one repeating instruction program, and in that the master clock includes circuitry responsive to the Counter count when it exceeds a threshold value to generate a second signal, the central processing unit is designed to be responsive to the second signal for switching the program back to an initial state and to restart the program. 5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that a data memory is assigned to each central processing impurity and the central processing unit is designed to be responsive to the second signal for deleting all data from the data memory when the program is restarted. 6. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of control devices, each Have memory and are assigned to a group of data input and processing devices, the data processing and / or storage units are accessible to all control devices. 709836/0892 2708-33 7. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or each data processing and / or memory unit or control device of the monitoring device always receives an output signal when a fault is detected, which output signal the nature of the detected fault and the identity of the relevant EfKeit. 8. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the monitoring unit comprises a memory for error reports, in response to the output signals from the data processing and / or storage units and the jam device for storing separate indications as to the number of errors of each type and for each unit. 9. Installation according to claim 8, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises threshold circuits which Define individual thresholds for different displays and that the monitoring device is designed in such a way that that it generates an output signal when an indication exceeds its threshold. 10. Plant according to claim 8, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises threshold circuits for defining a threshold for the entirety of the error number indicators for each unit and that the monitor device is designed to generate an output signal if a total number exceeds its threshold. 11. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all transmitted to the monitor device Signals are repeated. 7Q9836 / QÖ92 originally inspected 270Ö933 12. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitor device has a Remote printer includes, by means of which the output signal is produced. 13. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a diagnostic unit which is connected to the Monitor device is connected and a diagnostic connection unit which can be connected to a selectable one of the data processing and / or storage units or the control device so that the diagnostic unit run through a test program for the selected unit can. 14. Plant according to claim 13, characterized in that that the diagnostic unit has circuitry for receiving a record of the diagnostic test information so that the Diagnostic unit can perform certain tests. 15. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the recording takes place on a magnetic tape cassette. 16. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a reserve unit that is always ready for use with a central processing unit and other assemblies used in the system, connected and programmed to run continuous tests, regardless of the normal function of the system. 17. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each station by an operator can be operated and the utilization device comprises display devices for the operator. 18. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is for the recording of Details of hand-switched telephone calls are formed, the data processing and / or storage units comprise a call log memory to which 709836/0892 - 5 - the details of a call are transmitted for storage by the controller upon termination of the conversation. 709836/0892