The Walt Disney Company

Lemuel L Davis

Mark R Kimball

Vahe Sarkissian

Dylan W Kohler

A computer animation 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. The second global area network (6, 8, 12 and 14) also includes a means for arbitrating (36, 38, 40, 42 or 43) access of the digital image data to the information processing device (44-76). Associated with the means for arbitrating is a temporary memory means (28, 30, 32, 34 or 35) for storing the digital image data likely to be accessed by the information processing device (44-76). A relational database management system (23) maintains the digital control information for production scheduling and tracking purposes.

Method for coordinating production of an animated feature using a

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. The second global area network (6, 8, 12 and 14) also includes a means for arbitrating (36, 38, 40, 42 or 43) access of the digital image data to the information processing device (44-76). Associated with the means for arbitrating is a temporary memory means (28, 30, 32, 34 or 35) for storing the digital image data likely to be accessed by the information processing device (44-76). A relational database management system (23) maintains the digital control information for production scheduling and tracking purposes.

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La Canada, CA, United States of America

Lemuel L Davis