Abstract: A buffer memory subsystem for a peripheral controller. A CPU is provided for initiating data transfer. A host adapter is also provided. A memory buffer is used to store data temporarily. The peripheral controller is adapted for operating in an environment having at least two data communications buses: a CPU data communications bus connected between the CPU and the peripheral controller, and a buffer data communications bus, isolated from the CPU data communications bus, and connected to the peripheral controller, to the memory buffer and to the host adapter. In this way, a mechanism is provided to allow the CPU to access the memory buffer by means of the peripheral controller.

Abstract: A computer image production system (2) for processing digital image data is disclosed. The computer animation production system (2) contains at least one information processing device (44-76) for enabling at least one user to develop, utilize and enhance digital image data. The information processing device (44-76) is associated with a first (4) and a second (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) global area network (4). The first global area network (4) is for communicating digital control information to at least one information processing device. The digital control information includes image database information. The second global area network (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) is for communicating the digital image data to the at least one information processing device (44-76). The digital image data includes pixel characteristic information for image reproduction on the information processing device.