Distributed desktop conferencing system with multiuser multimedia interface

A distributed multiparty desktop conferencing system (MERMAID) and the architecture on which it is based are described. This architecture, called group collaboration support architecture, is a framework for assisting geographically separate group members to work together at the same time or at different times, efficiently and effectively, by means of computers and electronic communications equipment. The distributed desktop conferencing system provides distributed participants with an environment for holding conferences. This system is implemented by using ISDN (integrated services digital network), widely connected Ethernet, and UNIX-based engineering workstations with electronic writing pads, image scanners, video cameras, microphone-installed loudspeakers, etc. The system provides participants with a means of sharing information in such multimedia forms as video images, voice, text, graphics, still images, and hand-drawn figures