Information distribution system

An information distribution system comprising a plurality of stations and at least one shared resource;

• each station comprising:
• a memory for storing resource status information;
• communication means for transmitting a status message comprising status information relating to the shared resource;
• access means for gaining access to a shared resource;
• and
• a controller for causing the access means to access a selected shared resource, the communication means includes means for receiving a transmitted status message;
• wherein the controller is arranged to:
• update the stored resource status information according to a received status message;
• and
• if one of the plurality of stations requires the shared resource:
• check the resource status information stored in the memory of the one station to determine whether the shared resource is available, and
• if the checking indicates that the shared resource is available:
• select the available shared resource, and
• cause the communication means to send the status message informing the other stations that the one station is using or intends to use the selected resource.

A data processing station capable of accessing at least one shared resource, the station comprising:

• a memory capable of storing resource status information;
• a communication module arranged to transmit or receive a status message relating to the shared resource;
• an interface capable of accessing the shared resource;
• and
• a controller coupled to the memory, the communication module and the interface, the controller being arranged to check the resource status information stored in the memory to determine whether the shared resource is available, if available, to select the available shared resource, and to cause the communication module to send the status message indicating that the available shared resource is being used or is about to be used.