Central processing apparatus for generating and receiving time division multiplex signals

In a system including a plurality of remote electrical devices, and a multiplex signal transmission line coupled to each of the plurality of devices, a central processing apparatus comprising:

• input means coupled to the multiplex signal transmission line for receiving state signals from the plurality of devices in a time division multiplex format representing the states of the plurality of devices;
• output means coupled to the multiplex signal transmission line for transmitting logically processed signals to the plurality of devices in a time division multiplex format to control the plurality of devices;
• logic processing means coupled to the input means and responsive to the receiving of the state signals for generating the logically processed signals;
• a memory coupled to the logic processing means, the input means, and the output means, for storing the state signals received from the plurality of devices and the logically processed signals generated by the logic processing means and for transferring the logically processed signals to the output means;
• and
• stored program control means coupled to the memory, the logic processing means, the input means, and the output means for controlling the operation thereof.