Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for distributing the processing of data across a plurality of loci of control which are connected by a mail system. The apparatus includes a package which contains files of various types and a route specifying the order in which the package is to be circulated among the loci and the processing to be done at each locus. Each locus includes programs executable by users which can manipulate the contents of the package. The programs automatically take the type of file being manipulated into account. The manipulations include modifying the unexecuted portion of the route. Each locus further includes a process which executes the route as modified, a process which tracks the package and receives control commands, and a process which handles errors detected by the other components or by users. The tracking processes maintain data bases for locating the package. When a user or the error handling process enters a control command at one locus, the tracking process at that locus uses the data bases to locate the package and send the control command to the locus currently processing the package. The route executing process checks with the tracking process and executes any control command before it sends the package to the next locus.

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First Claim