Data communications system for a reproduction machine having a master and secondary controllers

Claim 1

For use in a reproducing machine having a plurality of devices for controlling said machine, a data communications system comprising: a. a programmable master controller including: 1. master program memory storage means for storing program words defining an operating program, 2. addressing means for addressing said program words of said master program memory storage means, 3. an arithmetic and logic unit for processing said program words of said master program memory storage means, and 4. means for generating command bytes, said generating means operatively connected to said arithmetic and logic unit of said master controller, and b. a plurality of additional controllers, each of said additional controllers including: 1. means for receiving command bytes from said master controller generating means, and 2. means for providing input data bytes indicative of the operation of at least some of said devices to said master controller arithmetic and logic unit, c. said additional controllers having selected input data bits ORed together to provide at least one of said input data bytes, and d. said additional controllers simultaneously transmitting said selected input bits comprising said one input data byte to said master controller arithmetic and logic unit in response to a predetermined command byte from said master controller generating means.