Abstract: A data communication system comprises a portable data processing terminal, such as an electronic notebook, and an external data processing apparatus, such as a personal computer. When the electronic notebook is connected to an RS232C I/F box connected to the personal computer, an I/F switch provided in the electronic notebook is switched on to supply a connection signal to an RS232C I/F circuit in the electronic notebook. An interruption signal is supplied from the RS232C I/F circuit to a CPU of the electronic notebook so that a communication program previously stored in a ROM is activated and a communication request is sent to the personal computer. The personal computer responds to the communication request sent from the electronic notebook and returns a response signal so that a data communication process is performed.

Abstract: A service center has a plurality of controlled areas. When the service center provides service information through a radio communication network, the service center first broadcasts toward all the areas with outline items of the information with corresponding key codes attached thereto. Users each receive the outline items of the information with a user's terminal and determine as required whether a detail item of the information should be had immediately (an urgent one) or can be had later (a regular one). The results of the determination are reported to the service center, which immediately provides the urgent detail items of the information for the respective users who made requests for having those detail items. The service center broadcasts regular detail items of the information with attached corresponding key codes other than the requested urgent ones of the information toward the terminals which requested the regular detail items of the information at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A processor outputs a state signal representing the process state toga reset circuit. Upon reception of a reset signal from an external reset switch, the reset circuit outputs the reset signal to the reset terminal of the processor under the condition that the state signal allows a reset operation. The reset circuit also has a counter for starting a count operation upon reception of an externally input reset signal. Even when the processor is in a runaway state and cannot output the state signal for allowing the reset operation, a forced reset signal is supplied to the processor after a predetermined time is counted by the counter.

Abstract: In a video game apparatus, a first joystick and a second joystick each contain a stick, a game start key and a mode select key. A control circuit controls the video game apparatus in the following manner. In a one-player mode as selected, only the output signal from the joystick whose start key is operated, is supplied to the main frame of the video game apparatus. In a two-player mode as selected, the output signal from the joystick whose start key is operated is supplied to the main frame. In turn, a game is started. With the progression of the game, the output signals from the first and second joysticks are alternately applied to the main frame.