Word processing system employing a plurality of general purpose

Abstract

A data processing system embodying the present invention includes a plurality of data processing stations. Each station includes a first communications interface connected to a common communication channel and a second communications interface for communicating with one or more associated controlled units. Each station also includes a processor and a memory; the processor and the interfaces being operatively connected to the memory, so that each may access the memory, and to a contention resolving circuit for resolving memory access conflicts. The system also includes a first controlled unit comprising a mass storage device and a controlled unit communications interface connected to the second communications interface of a first one of the plurality of processors; a second controlled unit comprising a keyboard for entering data and a first, single line, display for displaying data and a controlled unit communications interface connected to the second communications interface of a second of the plurality of processors; and a third controlled unit comprising a second, multi-line, display for displaying data and a controlled unit communications interface connected to the second communications interface of a third of a plurality of processors.