Importance

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Abstract

A controller for transferring data between a plurality of data storage and retrieval devices and a plurality of computer workstations, and which is especially applicable to transferring bit-mapped image data. The controller responds to requests from a plurality of ports on the controller, connected to computers or similar devices, for connection to selected ones of a plurality of channels connected to the data retrieval devices. The connect request is decoded by the controller, and if the requested channel is available, the controller will interconnect the two devices. The controller allows simultaneous access by any of the ports to any of the channels not being used by another port. The device is in modular form so that a single design can be configured to efficiently operate in different applications. The controller is cascadable to allow larger numbers of devices to be connected. Only four serial data lines are necessary for interfacing with each computer and storage device making the installation of the connections relatively easy and economical.

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First Claim