Shared processor data entry system

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. 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.   
     
     
       2. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said magnetic storage devices comprise rotating magnetic disk means. 
     
     
       3. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said magnetic disk means comprise a single removable diskette exposed to a read-write head on one of its surfaces. 
     
     
       4. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said input-output control means comprise a magnetic disk controller and an input-output channel connectable to said means for supplying data to a host processing unit. 
     
     
       5. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said means for supplying data to a host processing unit comprises a magnetic mass storage system connected to said input-output channel means for receiving data records recorded in said magnetic storage devices under control of said processor. 
     
     
       6. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said magnetic mass storage system comprises a tape transport apparatus. 
     
     
       7. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 1 which further includes a host processing unit connected to said means for supplying data to said host processing unit for receiving data recorded in said magnetic storage devices under control of said shared processor. 
     
     
       8. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises an input-output adapter intermediate said processor and said key stations for connecting said key stations to said processor. 
     
     
       9. A data entry system as set forth in claim 8 which further includes a printer connectable to said input-output adapter means. 
     
     
       10. A data entry system as set forth in claim 1 which further includes a supervisory magnetic storage device capable of transferring program instructions to said central shared processor through said input-output control means. 
     
     
       11. A data entry system as set forth in claim 1 which further includes an auxiliary diskette reader capable of transferring data records recorded in different format from said magnetic storage device to said means for supplying data to said host processing unit through said input-output control means. 
     
     
       12. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim .[.11.]. .Iadd.1 .Iaddend.wherein .Iadd.said input-output control means comprises a magnetic disk controller and an input-output channel connectable to said means for supplying data to a host processing unit, said data entry system further including an auxiliary diskette reader capable of transferring data records recorded in different format from said magnetic storage device to said means for supplying data to said host processing unit through said input-output control means, .Iaddend.said auxiliary diskette reader further .[.includes.]. .Iadd.including .Iaddend.a format control and .[.is.]. .Iadd.being .Iaddend.connected directly to said input-output channel of said input-output control means. 
     
     
       13. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for supplying data to a host processing unit comprises a channel interface connected between a channel of the host processing unit and said input-output .[.channel.]. .Iadd.control .Iaddend.means. 
     
     
       14. A shared processor data entry system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said means for supplying data to a host processing unit comprises a phone link connected between a channel of the host processing unit and said input-output .[.channel.]. .Iadd.control .Iaddend.means.