Mapped out is the field of interactive computer graphics technology. The author surveys the range of applications from the visual arts to the visualization of theoretical mathematical models to the simulation of aircraft and ship navigation. Hardware and software are explored. Also outlined are interactive graphics data bases, data structures, and proposed standards that apply to them.

Interactive graphics today

Producing data in pictorial form is a type of computer graphics application known as presentation graphics One approach that has been used for this type of graphics is a graphic support package using APL as the command language Here discussed is the evolution of this approach up to its currently available forms

An APL approach to presentation graphics

Discussed are a graphics system and a high-resolution printer that provide scientists with a means of producing camera-ready text and graphics. This paper describes techniques for producing three types of graphics: halftone pictures, line drawings, and solid-filled areas. An overview of the software system is also presented.

A high-resolution computer graphics system

The IBM 3277 Graphics Attachment is an interactive computer graphics workstation using a dual-screen concept. A storage display monitor is attached to an IBM 3277 Display Station, the combination providing low-cost, moderate-performance interactive graphics. This paper describes the architecture of the Graphics Attachment, both functional structure and rationale. Nonarchitectural characteristics are also considered.

D. A. Stevenson

Papers

Architecture of the IBM 3277 graphics attachment