Abstract: A disk array controller connected in a star configuration with a plurality of interfaces each having a processor, a shared memory connected to the interfaces by access paths and a common bus connected to the interfaces. The shared memory transmits interruption signals to the interface by way of control signals when one of the processors writes broadcast data into the shared memory.

Abstract: A disk controller which includes a plurality of interfaces to host computers or disk devices, each interface having a processor, a memory unit coupled to the interfaces in a one-to-one ratio by respective access paths, the memory unit having a memory in which information is stored, and a common bus coupling to the processors included in the interfaces. Each processor of each interface transmits broadcast data to all of the processors of the interfaces, except its own, by way of the common bus.

Abstract: A character data input method for an information processing system. Image information on a form which has only a format and on which no data is recorded is read from an input unit for inputting image information. A plurality of input areas in which data is recorded is prescribed by utilizing this image information. Image information on the same form on which data is recorded is thereafter read from the input unit. The format and data are discriminated from image information on the form on which data is recorded based on the recognized character pattern and border pattern of the format and the information prescribing the data input areas to recognize a character pattern in each data input area.

Abstract: In a database management method and a database management system in which transactions need not be stopped at a synchronization point (syncpoint) acquired at a fixed interval of time, when a point to acquire a syncpoint is reached in a database control procedure, a syncpoint acquisition start log is output and then a syncpoint acquisition flag is set ON in a page control table of each updated page existing in a buffer pool. In the operation, a list of update page control tables is also created to write in the database the pages which are indicated in the list thus prepared. However, for a transaction accessing the pertinent updated page prior to the write operation thereof in the database, the data write operation is performed before the page is referenced, thereby enabling the access to be performed to the database without interrupting the transaction.