A Multimedia Conference Specification in Z

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#>