PURPOSE: To make it possible to perform various processing even by a standard console panel consisting of only 30W40 elements, by changing over and using some of functions of respective elements.

CONSTITUTION: Through data transfer unit 7, the console panel control program and parameter that determines the functions of basic elements of the console panel are transferred from auxiliary memory 6 to main memory 2 and subordinate memory 4. In basic mode or another selected mode, functions of console panel 1 are determined by the console panel control program, basic element control program, control parameter, and data transfer control program in the subordinate system. In the main system, the system is controlled in assigned mode through the program control monitor according to the console panel data transfer control program, console panel processing program and contents of the area of the console panel processing program transferred from memory 6. For mode switching operation, the mode switching push button of console panel 1 is operated. The main and subordinate systems perform processing in assigned mode following the above-mentioned procedure.