This section presents the specification, design and implementation
of a text based multi-way interactive conferencing
program. The motivation was frustration with the limitations of
the Unix
talk program.
The system is described in three parts: The user interface, the
distribution mechanism for users' contributions and the floor control
scheme.
There are certain limitations to the ability of humans to assimilate
textual information. We look at how these are reflected in the design
of the windowing interface to the conference, and how they affect the
floor control system. People have evolved many complex ways of interacting
face to face.
Underlying mechanisms are emerging for multi-destination delivery of
data. We see how these can be used by the conferencing system.
<#1173#> Spike Milligan<#1173#>