Data processing system

Claim 1

A data processing system for utilizing information recorded on recording medium such as magnetic tape to control a peripheral device such as a typewriter and to provide suitable instructions to an operator to guide said operator in manipulating the system, comprising: a. a reproducing means for reading information recorded on said medium, said information comprising an alternating series of first and second groups of signals, the first groups of signals being digitally coded signals, each transition from a first to a second group of signals marked by a speCial function digital signal; b. switching means connected to the reproducing means for selectively transferring the information read by the reproducing means to a first or a second output of the switching means; c. a decoder connected to the first output of the switching means for decoding signals received therefrom, said decoder having a first output energizible in response to said special function signal and a second output providing decoded first groups of signals; d. a peripheral device connected to said second decoder output and responsive to said decoded first groups of signals for generating a record thereof; e. control means responsive to the energization of the first decoder output for causing the switching means to discontinue transferring signals to its first output and to commence transferring signals to its second output, whereby the second switching means output transfers second groups of signals; and f. utilization means connected to the second output of the switching means to utilize said second groups of signals for guiding an operator in manipulating the system.