Abstract: A system is provided for gathering by input groups the counts of busy conditions of 1,024 inputs terminated on 32 input scan cards with each card terminating 32 inputs. A scan circuit selects the cards one at a time in succession for scanning and causes the inputs of each selected card to be scanned one input at a time in succession so that a single output lead common to all inputs of all cards carries a succession of busy signals according to successively scanned busy inputs. Each card is provided with a switch settable into one of five positions according to whether the count of busy input conditions of that card is to be accumulated in groups of one, two, eight, 32, or 64 inputs. A grouping circuit counts the number of successively scanned inputs and provides a succession of groups signals corresponding to successive counts of the numbers of inputs specified as successive groups by the switch settings of successively selected cards.

Abstract: A prior art crossbar switching system provides a test frame connector which may be seized by a marker for the purpose of causing a trouble data record to be made (e.g., by a trouble recorder card perforator). All markers compete for normal seizure of the connector by means of the usual connector seizure circuit arrangement of preference relays and connector relays whereby normal marker seizure attempts are recognized and served so that only one normal seizure at a time is permitted. A new interface circuit is provided so that a computer can effect a special seizure of an idleconnector and so that no normal seizure attempt can be recognized by the seizure circuit while the special seizure situation prevails; however, the interface can detect a normal seizure attempt which occurs at any time while the special seizure is in the process of being effected.

Abstract: A stored program digital signal processor (e.g., Digital Equipment Corporation PDP 11/40) is used to collect billing data (e.g., Initial Entry data for Automatic Message Accounting) from a common control circuit (e.g., marker) of a common control automatic telephone switching system (e.g., the Bell System No. 5 Crossbar system). Ten marker control status indicating leads are scanned by the signal processor fast enough to detect any change in the signals on the 10 status leads which, in signal content as a group, represent the control status of the marker at any given time. When two successive prescribed control status changes occur, a large number of marker data leads are scanned by the signal processor so as to allow collection of that data and the storage thereof in a marker core buffer area of the signal processor.