Shared processor data entry system
AssigneeSperry Rand Corporation
InventorRichard M. Shelton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A data entry system having a plurality of data entry key stations each having its own inexpensive, random access magnetic storage device with removable media and visual display connected to a common shared processor. Data characters of data records which are entered at the key stations are transferred to the shared processor and then transferred to a data buffer memory and to the visual display character by character. Data records assembled in the data buffer memory are transferred to the magnetic storage devices to provide a semi-permanent record file which is transferrable to a host processing unit.
Claims14
A shared processor data entry system of the type having a plurality of key stations adapted to supply data to a central processing unit comprising:
- a plurality of key stations for producing data characters indicative of data records, each said key station having an associated keyboard, visual display and a magnetic storage device having a removable medium for storing data records,
- a central shared processor connectable to said key stations,
- said processor having a programmable memory unit, an arithmetic and logic unit and a data buffer memory unit,
- said processor providing means for directing character by character input data from said key stations into said data buffer memory unit and for directing character by character output to said associated visual displays,
- means for supplying data to a host processing unit, and
- input-output control means connected between said shared processor, said magnetic storage devices and said means for supplying data to a host processing unit,
- said processor being programmed to transfer data records stored in said data buffer memory unit to said magnetic storage devices and to subsequently transfer said records stored in said magnetic storage devices to said means for supplying data to a host processing unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.