We developed a new platform for personal computer based self-service terminals with multimedia conferencing functions in order to provide networked multimedia capability and face-to-face interface. We built a platform for real-time multimedia communication and application sharing by extending our desktop conferencing system called ConverStation/2. It provides ITU-T H.320 motion video audio communication, and shared chalkboard function between a self-service terminal and an operator terminal. It also provides scanned image data transmission for browsing and co-editing of images between a customer and an operator. We clearly separate the platform with application modules, by providing a string command interface between them. Application modules issue a character string command to use conferencing functions. Since desktop conferencing applications and networked self-service applications use conferencing functions in different ways, we enhanced our conferencing features to meet the requirements of self-service applications. Major new features are (ⅰ) asymmetric operation and user interface of a shared chalkboard, (ⅱ) dynamic line connection/disconnection control, and (ⅲ) dynamic media (video/audio/data) control on ISDN communication. With those conferencing functions, more complex services such as consultation can be provided through self-service terminals. In addition, we can provide many kinds of self-service terminal applications by changing application modules.
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