A simplified system using a computer to control the speed and direction of multiple stepper motors, so that a script for a sequence of operations of the motors can be prepared and edited, using ASCII characters, on the computer monitor. This script is then stored on disc, and can be played back through the parallel port to control the motors to perform the sequence of operations. Each letter of the alphabet can identify a different motor speed, and each line of the script contains one letter for each motor being controlled. On commencing play back, the first line is scanned and the required motor speeds set and activated. After about 1/20 of a second the next line is similarly scanned and the motor speeds are again adjusted to the current script requirements. Playback then proceeds in the same manner line by line through the script. The system can also be applied to CNC (computer numerical control) of machine tools and production processes. A synchronized digital control system gives excellent positional control of motorized elements. The system includes fine and coarse feed rates in CNC operation by means of two motors selectively controlling the same axis, coupled by a differential gearing drive.

A simplified system using a computer to control the operation (e.g., speed) of multiple controllable devices (e.g., electric motors) so that a script for a sequence of operations of the controllable devices can be prepared and edited, using ASCII characters, on the computer monitor. This script is stored on the computer disc drive and can be played back through the computer's printer port to control the controllable devices to perform the sequence of operations. Each letter of the alphabet identifies a different control parameter of a controllable device, and each line of the script contains one letter for each device being controlled. On playback, the first line is scanned and the written control parameters are set and activated. After about 1/20 of a second the next line is similarly scanned and the control parameters are again adjusted to the current script requirements. Playback then proceeds in the same manner, line by line, through the script. A long script can control up to eighty-five (or more) motors or devices for some hours. The system can be used to control numerous other devices including but not limited to lights, fountains, audio oscillators, massaging machines, simulators, muscle stimulation machines, computer numerical control systems, motorized actuation systems for puppet animation, and machines for playing musical instruments.

A method is disclosed for dynamically redefining a shell structure which includes embedded formatting, processing or resource information. The shell structure includes end user requirements necessary to process constructs within a data stream which are accessed by means of embedded tags within the data stream. Data stream clutter is reduced and end user formatting is rendered more flexible by embedding tags in the data stream to a point in one or more shells accessible by the end user's work station; however, it is often desirable to modify a particular shell for a specific application without permanently altering the shell. A formatting shell fragment is created in accordance with the present invention which includes a reference to a complete shell and a temporary modification to be applied to that shell. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention multiple formatting shell fragments may be concatenated with other formatting shell fragments and a complete shell. In this manner, a data stream may be processed by utilizing an existing shell structure which has been temporarily redefined for that purpose.

A document preparation program for use in connection with a word processing facility includes a succinct identification and listing of designated parts of a memorandum or document, each unique part having access to an associated file which contains the basic text and formatting controls for that particular part. The user of the program may readily assemble a document from the parts inventory displayed on a master screen by mere cursor reference or by keying the name of designated parts and have the newly created document displayed, or printed in most cases without reference to additional screens.

An electronic office equipment network has a plurality of work stations (11) and a plurality of printers (--, 14, 15, 16) connected to a network bus (12). The printers have various options installed as for example hardware attachments for feed paper (22). The network also has a printer resource manager (17) for receiving requests for a printer from the work stations and notifying a work station when a printer can be claimed by the work station. The process of claiming a printer includes the step of specifying those printer options which are required by the work station in order to properly format the printer data stream and control the printer. One such option is the paper feed technique to be used by the printer. The user is given the option of choosing the currently installed printer options thereby allowing the printer to specify the options to the work station.