Abstract: Audio communication apparatus which facilitates reduction of data network traffic. The communication apparatus distinguishes between voice activity and silence or background noise. Upon termination of voice activity the apparatus output the contents of it memory thus far for transmission over the data network. When voice activity is resumed after a period of inactivity, the transmission of voice data is resumed and an indication of the elapsed time between the previous voice samples and the current samples is also transmitted to a receiving terminal to allow correct timing of the output of the resumed transmission of the voice samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing system, and method of operation of such a system, for creating a surface on a model of a 3D object, the model being stored as data in a storage device. The system comprises input means (10) for enabling a user to define lines representing features of the object, the lines being stored as model data in the storage device (40), and means (30, 50) to generate and display an image representing the model from the model data. Further the system is characterised by: identification means (60) for identifying data representing a plurality of the lines that form a first closed loop consisting of edges meeting at nodes, and for retrieving such data from the storage device (40); and processing means (20) for generating data defining a series of additional loops to represent a candidate surface bound by the first closed loop.

Abstract: A method and a data processing system including a display device, an entry apparatus for enabling a user to enter data representing lines or surfaces of a model, such model data being stored in a storage device, and a retrieval apparatus for retrieving model data from the storage device and displaying the image represented by such model data on a screen of the display device.

Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed which includes a control system with a buffer store connected to a central processing unit to receive data items before they are transferred to a secondary journal store. A monitoring system keeps a check on the rate at which data items are placed in the buffer store by setting a sample value, which is a count of the accumulated size of items in the buffer store, and a sample time which is a period, such as one second, considered a reasonable waiting time for a transaction, either of which when reached can cause the contents of the buffer to be transferred to the secondary journal store. If the sample time is reached before the sample value, then the value is increased.