Abstract: A method for solving problems using an expert system in which the Rulebase includes a section having specific definitions of processes or procedures which are available to the expert system as a data source. The method allows data to be collected dynamically in response to and in accordance with parameters supplied by the expert system and at a time determined by the expert system. The ability of the expert system to provide meaningful conclusions is considerably enhanced when such type of data is made available since any process or procedure that can be executed on the host for the expert system can become a source of current data for analysis by the expert system. Computer hardware diagnostic applications can include running self-diagnostic procedures even on the host system.

Abstract: A system having two tab racks for controlling playout of sequentially stored text columns in a side-by-side format. During input keying set up of a job, desired tabs are set in a text tab rack and stored in a text buffer along with the text. These tabs will be in control for following keyed text. If new or additional tabs are required to define column boundaries during later playout, they are keyed, set, and stored prior to the text for the columns. In any event, the tabs in effect at the beginning of input keying of the columnar job will be in control for the column text. Upon later playout from the buffer and when the beginning of the first column is reached, a copy of the tabs set in the text tab rack is transferred to a column tab rack to control the column boundaries. If different tabs are required for the text in the columns, they must have been stored in the buffer after the beginning of the first column or playout must be interrupted for input keying of these tabs.