The user programmability of a multimedia workstation for fast packet networks

The authors describe a user interface and nonprocedural language (NPL) designed for multimedia services and implemented on experimental multimedia workstations connected via a fast packet network. The window-based user interface contains a set of databases that represent calls in progress and NPL programs; the user initiates calls based on these NPL programs, including simple voice calls, image transfers, or interactive editing. Menus let the user place new calls and easily browse or modify existing calls. Any conventional program using the standard character I/O interface of UNIX can be involved in a multimedia call