Showing papers on "Graphics published in 1986"

An object-oriented approach to multimedia databases

Abstract: This paper identifies data modelling and data access and sharing requirements which multimedia applications impose on a database system. It shows the capabilities of an object-based data model and indicates extensions which are needed to meet the data modelling aspects of these requirements. A logical implementation of the operations on the model is described. The model generalizes the notions of instantiation and generalization in the standard object-oriented paradigm, and augments it with the notions of aggregation and relationships which are specialized for a multimedia application environment. Objects may exist in aggregation hierarchies which provide the capability to integrate diverse types of multimedia information such as text, sound, bit-mapped images, and complex graphics drawings. Objects may also be linked through other user-defined relationships to capture such application functions as voice annotation and referencing of one document by another. Using this model, the semantics of aggregation and relationships in a multimedia application environment can be understood and efficiently supported by a database system.

An object-oriented approach to graphical interfaces

Abstract: An object-oriented system for building graphical interfaces to programs is discussed. The system, called GROW, facilitates the process of creating interfaces that are highly interactive (including direct manipulation and animation), rich in layout structure, and effectively reusable across applications. These properties are achieved through three techniques: object-based graphics with taxonomic inheritance, interobject relationships such as composition and graphical dependency, and separation of the interface and application. Experience with interfaces for several applications has provided insights on the effectiveness of these techniques. First, object-oriented programming yields significant leverage on specializing and reusing interfaces. Second, layout constraints (such as maintaining the connectivity of a graph) can be managed with simple data dependencies among the attributes of the graphical objects. Finally, separating the interface and application is essential to reusing interface components. This paper describes the techniques in detail, gives examples of interfaces built with GROW, and summarizes experiences using GROW with a variety of applications.

Integrating Access-Oriented Programming into a Multiparadigm Environment

Abstract: The Loops knowledge programming system integrates function-oriented, system object-oriented, rule-oriented, and—something notfound in most other systems—access-oriented programming.

SNAP: A graphics-based schema manager

Abstract: The SNAP system provides interactive, graphics-based access to Schemas of the IFO database model, supporting the varied activities of schema design, schema browsing, and the specification of selection-type queries. The system uses a novel representation for Schemas and includes a variety of abstraction mechanisms which encourage users to design and view Schemas in a modular fashion. It also supports numerous capabilities for the simultaneous display of large amounts of information about the underlying schema, queries being specified, and answers to those queries. A prototype of the system which demonstrates the basic features of the user interface has been implemented.

Electronic maintenance support work station

Abstract: An electronic maintenance support work station employs a text screen and graphics screen on which text records and part graphics are displayed. The user can sequence through various levels of hierarchy of the product structure as a search is made for a needed part. An item activated on the text screen is automatically targeted on the graphics screen. Part detail information is presented to facilitate decision making when an order point in the search is reached. Direct part or stock number entries can also be entered if the user desires to bypass a search.

Dynamic Process Visualization

Abstract: An increasingly important use of computer graphics is to monitor such real-world processes as manufacturing plants, power plants, and refineries. As in many uses of computer graphics, the development of this application area has been programmer-intensive. As a consequence, system are being developed more slowly than is desired and they cost more than necessary. This article discusses some of the key issues and requirements involved in designing productivity tools for use in constructing monitoring systems. We have developed a prototype Process Visualization System (PVS) that allows nonprogrammers to construct graphics displays, and to establish relationships between these displays and changes in the data describing the process being monitored. With this system, customized, dynamically updated scenes can be created. The PVS allows users to construct symbols, to place them on the screen, and to connect them to data items from the monitored processes' database. Using this system frees the end-user from reliance on programmers, and allows the user to quickly display the data items of interest.

PostScript Language Tutorial and Cookbook

Abstract: From the Publisher: PostScript, a revolutionary, device-independent page description language, is quickly becoming the industry standard for printing high-quality integrated text and graphics. It is a powerful, flexible language that has the ability to describe efficiently the appearance of text, images, and graphic material on the printed page. Using numerous annotated examples and short programs, the tutorial provides a step-by-step guided tour of PostScript, highlighting those qualities that make it such a unique and powerful language. The cookbook offers a collection of some of the most useful techniques and procedures available to PostScript programmers.

Space, colour and typography on visual display terminals

Abstract: Some guidelines are given to meet the observed need for rules about layout, the use of colour and typography on display screens so as to create texts with optimal legibility. Examples of videotex pages are used to illustrate right and wrong layouts, applications of colour and of letter type. The guidelines can be generalized to other types of display such as those used in personal computers and, to a more limited extent, to the use of graphics instead of text. Finally, figures are given on the general public's subjective appreciation of some alternative display layouts.

Network interface module and method

Abstract: An interface module and associated software connect a broad range of computer systems to a real time local area network. It connects to a host computer system that needs only to use parallel data input/output ports in order to communicate with the module. Hardware on the interface module accomplishes transmitting data to and receiving data from the local area network, all of these transfers of data being via a buffer memory. The interface module is capable of transmitting and receiving serial data at a rate of ten megabits per second, can store approximately 14 kilobytes of this data internally in the buffer memory, and can then transfer the data to or from a host computer system at a rate of 16 bits every 719 nanoseconds. A graphics processor is used to drive real-time graphics displays in the cockpit of a simulator and the module of this invention interfaces the graphics processor to a minicomputer.

Real-time verification of multiaxis NC programs with raster graphics

Abstract: A system has been developed for verification of multiaxis NC programs with dynamic display of the in-process part in real-time. Such a system is needed because it is time-consuming and expensive to verify an NC program for machining a complicated part. Based on the concept of solid modeling, this system models a "machined" part by taking the Boolean difference of the tool swept volumes from the workpiece. Two key features contribute to the real-time performance of the system: an analytical method for computing swept volumes, and a scan-rendering algorithm for displaying images of solid models. Experience from implementing the system for industrial applications will be discussed. Also presented is a practical method for verifying NC programs with positional tolerances.

Fast architecture for graphics processor

Abstract: A graphics processor having an independent processor for traversing a hierarchical graphics data base. The independent processor, termed a "tree traverser", generates a stream of addresses to the memory in which the data base is stored, producing a stream of data over a private, unidirectional data path to a geometry processor.

Spatial Parsing for Visual Languages

Abstract: Theoretical context. The long-term goal of this research is computer understanding of how humans use graphics to communicate. The full richness of graphic communication is exemplified in blackboard activity,* which is one kind of conversational graphics. Conversational graphics can be defined as the spontaneous generation and manipulation of text and graphics for the purpose of communication. But there is a problem with taking informal conversational graphics as a phenomenon for investigation using computer tools. The unrestricted use of text and graphics found on blackboards is too rich and ambiguous to be tackled head-on as a project in machine understanding.

The role of graphics in item selection from menus

Abstract: The present experiment addressed the question of whether the addition of graphics to the alternatives on computer choice pages facilitates user performance. Twenty-one subjects made choices from pages that resembled videotex choice pages. One third of the time the alternatives were displayed in the usual way (Text-Only condition); one third of the time the alternatives were arranged in a nonlinear fashion and each alternative was accompanied by an illustration (Graphics condition); and one third of the time the alternatives were arranged in a nonlinear fashion but there were no illustrations (Control condition). Graphics had no effect on response time, but a reliable effect on accuracy: the error rate in the Graphics condition was half that in the Text-Only condition. Apparently, videotex information providers and other software designers would be well advised to consider adding simple graphics to alternatives on choice pages.

Computer-assisted morphometry using video-mixed microscopic images and computer graphics.

Abstract: A microcomputer system has been developed for collection and analysis of morphometric data from video images of histological sections. Microscopic fields of view are visualized on a video monitor and are overlaid with computer-generated graphics by means of a video mixer. Planimetric data are entered by drawing on a digitizing tablet while observing the drawn image superimposed on the tissue. Programs are available to calculate various geometric parameters, count objects in a field, perform descriptive statistics, and measure volume and surface area of a solid from a series of cross sections. A program for point-counting stereology presents single points for scoring within a user-defined reference area. The potential applications of interactive graphics in morphometry are discussed.

A Graphics System Architecture for Interactive Application-Specific Display Functions

Abstract: Interactive computer graphics display requirements have generally been met is one of two ways: by highly specialized systems designed for a particular application, or, more frequently, by devices with a limited set of display functions common to a wide range of applications. A third alternative, presented here, is to use a high-performance, general-purpose display architecture to provide both common and application-specific graphics functions. A sampling data display to solid modeling, shows that significant improvements in interactivity can be obtained by microprogramming such a machine.

An integrated graphics programming environment

Abstract: The facilities of the PS-algol programming language are described in this paper to show how they may be used to provide an integrated graphics programming environment. The persistent store mechanism and the secure transaction facilities of the language provide the basic environment in which an integrated system may be implemented. This is augmented by data types and operations to support line drawings and raster graphics. The combination of these mechanisms may be used to provide the integrated graphics programming environment.

Attachment of lines to objects in interactive draw graphics

Abstract: A technique is provided the user of an interactive computer graphics application which allows the user to attach lines to objects such that when the objects move, the lines will rubber-band to follow the object. The objects are provided with an attribute that describes their "stickiness". If an object is given the "sticky" attribute, then lines which touch or overlay the object will rubber-band to follow the object's movement. It is also possible to provide end points of lines with the "sticky" attribute so that the end points of lines can be attached to objects. Further, objects of arbitrary geometric shape can be attached to other objects of arbitrary geometric shape using the "sticky" attribute. The feature facilitates editing and revision of graphic files.

Data transformation and clipping in a graphics display system

Abstract: A display processor in a raster graphics display system includes a transformation, clipping and mapping feature which controls the transformation, clipping and mapping of graphics data. A control byte contains 5 bits identified as: M--Window to viewport mapping; P--perspective projection; D--2D/3D mode; T--transformation; and C--clipping. Each bit in the control byte is tested to determine what operations are to be performed on the figure to be drawn.

Understanding and Predicting Alumni Giving Behavior.

Abstract: Graphics, survey research, and multivariate statistical techniques were applied at a private liberal arts college to help development professionals better understand and predict alumni giving behavior, both on an aggregate and individual basis.

Observations of Young Children Solving Problems with Computers and Robots

Abstract: Children from age 3 to 7 years were observed in spontaneous and structured situations using computer graphics and battery-operated robots. The computer graphics included graphic tablets, light pens, and joystick-operated cartoon animation. The robot construction kit had plastic limbs that could be configured into different machines and vehicles with motors that were attached by insulated wire to a switch console. These observations are summarized according to the developmental trends found within five areas of problem solving: cause and effect relations, spatial relations, binary logic relations, the coordination of multiple variables, and reflectivity. It was discovered that computer graphics, because of unique operative features, can enhance reflectivity in ways not possible with conventional media. It was also found that the robots present a rich problem-solving environment for pairs of children as they try to coordinate their commands to a single robot.

The Texas Instruments 34010 Graphics System Processor

Abstract: The 34010 Graphics System Processor is a 32-bit graphics microprocessor capable of executing high-level languages. It combines a full general-purpose instruction set with a powerful set of graphics instructions that includes arithmetic as well as Boolean pixbits (pixel block transfers). Because it is completely programmable, the 34010 can be used in many different graphics and nongraphics applications. it was designed to support a wide range of display resolutions and pixel sizes, as well as applications such as page (laser) printers, ink jet printers, data compression, and facsimile transmission. The 34010 includes such system features as an on-board instruction cache, full interrupt capability, wait and hold functions, and display timing control, as well as test and emulation support. Unique among today's microprocessors, the 34010 addresses all memory down to the bit level with variably sized fields rather than the common byte or word addressing. For example, the 34010 can push a 5-bit quantity onto a stack. This field-processing capability is an integral part of the basic architecture.

Learning and transfer for text and graphics editing with a direct manipulation interface

Abstract: For a Direct Manipulation interface, transfer of skill between text and graphics editing tasks has been investigated. A learning experiment has been carried out with two groups of novice users starting with a series of sessions in one task domain and then switching over to the other domain. The empirical results are discussed in the framework of the “cognitive complexity” theory of Polson and Kieras.