Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a character input device, a disc memory, an output marker, and a character generator for converting byte format character information into an output marker bit stream format, and for allocating the converted bit streams onto the disc memory. The stored bit streams can then be retrieved to directly drive the output marker or to be re-allocated onto the disc memory (after merging with presently converted bit streams if appropriate). In another feature of the invention, the converted or generated bit streams are represented in a compressed form (described by a four bit run length code). These bit streams in the compressed form can be merged by the character generator directly into this compressed form without having to first decompress the bit streams, merge, and then compress again. Also printing systems can be configured using one or more character generators committed to one or more disc memories, and in turn, each disc memory can drive one or more printers.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a character input device, a disc memory, an output marker, and a character generator for converting byte format character information into an output marker bit stream format, and for allocating the converted bit streams onto the disc memory. The stored bit streams can then be retrieved to directly drive the output marker or to be re-allocated onto the disc memory (after merging with presently converted bit streams if appropriate). In another feature of the invention, the converted or generated bit streams are represented in a compressed form (described by a four bit run length code). These bit streams in the compressed form can be merged by the character generator directly into this compressed form without having to first decompress the bit streams, merge, and then compress again. Also printing systems can be configured using one or more character generators committed to one or more disc memories, and in turn, each disc memory can drive one or more printers.

Abstract: A copier/duplicator machine is disclosed having a plurality of devices for controlling different operations within the machine which comprises a programmable controller having program memory storage means for storing program words defining an operating program for controlling at least some of the devices and a first and second document exposure station and first and second optical imaging means for imaging a document at said first and second exposure stations. The first and second imaging means image the document onto image receiving means along different optical paths as controlled by the programmable controller. The programmable controller also contains analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion means for controlling at least some portion of the machine in a closed loop control circuit.

Abstract: An electrophotographic reproduction machine for use as a copier/duplicator having a master microprogrammed controller and a plurality of area controllers cooperatively operative to carry out a plurality of machine operation tasks. At least one of the area controllers contains a separate microprogrammed controller for controlling selected tasks and devices in the reproduction machine in synchronism with the operation of other tasks as controlled by the master controller. An optical communication link couples the master and area controllers and serves to isolate the master controller from transients and a direct I/O connection.

Abstract: A reproduction machine having a plurality of operating stations and a plurality of devices for controlling operational tasks of said operating stations comprising a master controller having an arithmetic and logic unit for controlling the devices in accordance with sensed operational parameters and a stored operation program and interface means connected in a communication path between the master controller and the devices. The interface means comprises a fiber-optic communication path for isolating the master controller from electrical noise and transients of the devices.