Showing papers on "Graphics published in 1988"

Mathematica: A System for Doing Mathematics by Computer

Abstract: This book will be released simultaneously with Release 2.0 of Mathematica and will cover all the new features of Release 2.0. This new edition maintains the format of the original book and is the single most important user guide and reference for Mathematica--all users of Mathematica will need this edition. Includes 16 pages of full-color graphics.

Curves and Surfaces for Computer-Aided Geometric Design: A Practical Guide

Abstract: From the Publisher: This book will be of interest to computer graphics enthusiasts, software developers for CAD/CAM systems, geometric modeling researchers, graphics programmers, academicians, and many others throughout the graphics community Assuming only a background in calculus and basic linear algebra, the author's informal and reader-friendly style makes the material accessible to a wide audience Finally, the included disk contains data sets and all of the C programs used in the book, making it easier for the user to gain first-hand experience with the concepts as they are explained This unified treatment of curve and surface design concepts focuses on Bezier and B-spline methods for curves, rational Bezier and B-spline curves, geometric continuity, spline interpolation, and Coons methods The fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and revised to include a new chapter on recursive subdivision, as well as new sections on triangulations and scattered data interpolants Finally, the disk in the back of the book has been updated to include all of the programs, as well as the data sets from the text

The new S language: a programming environment for data analysis and graphics

Abstract: This book provides documentation for a new version of the S system released in 1988. The New S Language enhances the features that have made S popular: interactive computing, flexible graphics, data management and a large collection of functions. The New S language features make possible new applications and higher-level programming, including a single unified language, user-defined functions as first-class objects, symbolic computations, more accurate numerical calculations and a new approach to graphics. S now provides direct interfaces to the powerful tool of the UNIX operating system and to algorithms implemented in Fortran and C.

A robust algorithm for text string separation from mixed text/graphics images

Abstract: The development and implementation of an algorithm for automated text string separation that is relatively independent of changes in text font style and size and of string orientation are described. It is intended for use in an automated system for document analysis. The principal parts of the algorithm are the generation of connected components and the application of the Hough transform in order to group components into logical character strings that can then be separated from the graphics. The algorithm outputs two images, one containing text strings and the other graphics. These images can then be processed by suitable character recognition and graphics recognition systems. The performance of the algorithm, both in terms of its effectiveness and computational efficiency, was evaluated using several test images and showed superior performance compared to other techniques. >

Reconstruction filters in computer-graphics

Abstract: Problems of signal processing arise in image synthesis because of transformations between continuous and discrete representations of 2D images. Aliasing introduced by sampling has received much attention in graphics, but reconstruction of samples into a continuous representation can also cause aliasing as well as other defects in image quality. The problem of designing a filter for use on images is discussed, and a new family of piecewise cubic filters are investigated as a practical demonstration. Two interesting cubic filters are found, one having good antialiasing properties and the other having good image-quality properties. It is also shown that reconstruction using derivative as well as amplitude values can greatly reduce aliasing.

Iconographic Displays For Visualizing Multidimensional Data

Abstract: Steeply increasing amounts and complexity of scientific data demand improved capability to display data graphically. A powerful new graphic technique for displaying multidimensional data is explained and illustrated. The basic approach is to represent each datum by a graphic icon, the visible features of which are under control of the multiple measures on each datum. W n the icons are displayed en masse, densely stacked into a two-dimensional array, statistical structure in the data is perceived in the form of texture contours or gradients of texture variation over the display. This approach is illustrated with weather satellite imagery data. Five channels of multispectral data are combined into one picture, in which each pixel is an icon. We also describe how large statistical data bases like medical epidemiological data or census data might be visualized iconographically.

Graphics and managerial decision making: research-based guidelines

Abstract: Graphical charts are generally thought to be a superior reporting technique compared to more traditional tabular representations in organizational decision making. The experimental literature, however, demonstrates only partial support for this hypothesis. To identify the characteristics of the situations that have been shown to benefit from the use of graphics, existing studies are reviewed in terms of the type of task used, the format employed, and the user experience. The examination of the literature reveals a set of empirically based—though preliminary—guidelines as to when and how to use business graphics.

System for storing and retrieving text and associated graphics

Abstract: An insurance estimation, service manual or other system stores and displays documents and associated graphics. The system stores a multiplicity of the graphic images in compressed, digital form. A first group of the graphic images are associated with a first one of the documents. By selecting the first document, the system automatically decompresses the first plurality of graphic images. The system then displays at least a portion of the selected first document on a display screen along with a first one of the decompressed graphic images. Subsequently, upon touch of a touch screen, the system displays a second one of the decompressed documents. Because the second graphic image was decompressed when the document was selected, there was virtually no delay in displaying the second graphic image. Either graphic image can be enlarged and centered about or near a point of touch over the image. In a service manual system, the document comprises text describing steps for repairing a vehicle and the graphic images illustrate portions of the vehicle under repair. In the insurance estimation system, the system displays a graphic image of a vehicle or other object, and damaged parts are identified by means of the touch screen.

High-performance polygon rendering

Abstract: This paper describes a system architecture for realtime display of shaded polygons. Performance of 100,000 lighted, 4-sided polygons per second is achieved. Vectors and points draw at the rate of 400,000 per second. High-speed pan and zoom, alpha blending, realtime video input, and antialiased lines are supported. The architecture heavily leverages parallelism in several forms: pipeline, vector, and array processing. It is unique in providing efficient and balanced graphics that support interactive design and manipulation of solid models. After an overview of algorithms and computational requirements, we describe the details of the implementation. Finally, the unique features enabled by the architecture are highlighted.

ConMan: a visual programming language for interactive graphics

Abstract: Traditionally, interactive applications have been difficult to build, modify and extend. These integrated applications provide bounded bounded functionality, have a single thread of control and a fixed user interface that must anticipate everything the user will need.Current workstations allow several processes to share the screen. With proper communication between processes, it is possible to escape previous models for application development and evolution.ConMan is a high-level visual language we use on an IRIS workstation that lets users dynamically build and modify graphics applications. To do this, a system designer disintegrates complex applications into modular components. By interactively connecting simple components, the user constructs a complete graphics application that matches the needs of a task. A connection manager controls the flow of data between individual components. As a result, we replace the usual user-machine dialog with a dynamic live performance that is orchestrated by the user.

The transparent PROLOG machine (TPM): an execution model and graphical debugger for logic programming

Abstract: An augmented and ⧸ or tree representation of logic programs is presented as the basis for an advanced graphical tracing and debugging facility for PROLOG. An extension of our earlier work on “retrospective zooming”, this representation offers several distinct advantages over existing tracing and debugging facilities: (1) it naturally incorporates traditional and ⧸ or trees and Byrd box models (call⧸exit⧸fail⧸redo procedural models) as special cases; (2) it can be run in slow-motion, close-up mode for novices or high-speed, long-distance mode for experts with no attendant conceptual change; (3) it serves as the uniform basis for textbook material, video-based teaching material, and an advanced user interface for experienced PROLOG programmers; (4) it tells the truth about clause head matching and deals correctly with the cut. One of the key insights underlying the work is the realization that it is possible to display an execution space of several thousand nodes in a meaningful way on a modern graphics workstation. By enhancing and ⧸ or trees to include “status boxes” rather than simple “nodes”, it is possible to display both a long-distance view of execution and the full details of clause-head matching. Graphical “collapsing” techniques enable the model to deal with user-defined abstractions, higher-order predicates such as setof, and definite-clause grammars. The current implementation runs on modern graphics workstations and is written in PROLOG.

Color, graphics, and animation in a computer-assisted learning tutorial lesson

Abstract: Purpose. The effectiveness of the computer in learning has been generally acknowledged. However, it has not been determined which characteristics of computer-assisted learning (CAL) are most effective in students' learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of color, graphics, and animation in a CAL tutorial lesson. Methods and procedures. The 119 subjects were randomly assigned to one of the six groups which resulted from a 2 x 3 (Color x Group (Text, Graphics, and Animation)) design. Each subject participated in a single 20-minute CAL session. After the learning session, each subject completed a demographic questionnaire and a pencil-and-paper performance test which served as one of the dependent measures in this study. The analysis of covariance procedure was used to determine the relative effectiveness of color, still graphics and animated graphics. The covariate was the performance pretest. Results. On the performance test, which was based on the mathematical rule for average speed, the subjects who reviewed the animated graphics version of the CAL scored higher than any other group. The subjects who reviewed the still graphics version of the CAL scored higher than the subjects who reviewed the CAL without any graphics and animation. The subjects who reviewed the color version of the CAL did not score higher than the subjects who reviewed the black and white version of the CAL. Conclusions. No color effect was found in this study. Color was not used to emphasize certain content in this particular study. Thus, if the designer of a CAL lesson expects the color to affect student performance, it is recommended that the color be used to draw the user's attention to a particular point. Finally, in a CAL tutorial, animated graphics are more effective than still graphics while still graphics are more effective than text-only materials. However, these characteristics of CAL lessons should be carefully designed and programmed into the material in order to be effectively used.

A display system for the Stellar graphics supercomputer model GS1000

Abstract: This paper describes a high performance display system that has been incorporated into the overall architecture of the Stellar Graphics Supercomputer Model GS1000. The display system is tightly coupled to the CPU, memory system and vector processing unit of this supercomputer, and is capable of rendering 150,000 shaded triangles/sec, and 600,000 short vectors/sec. The goal of the architecture is to share hardware resources between the CPU and display system and achieve a high bandwidth connection between them. This coupling of the display system and the processor, the architecture of the rendering processor, and the two ASICs that are used to implement the rendering processor are described.In addition, the display system architecture is contrasted to other approaches to high performance graphics, and design trade-offs and possible extensions are described. The implementation of popular display algorithms on the architecture is discussed, and their performance specified. The reader is advised that Stellar Computer Inc. is seeking patent protection for work described in this paper.

Compositing 3-D rendered images

Abstract: The complexity of anti-aliased 3-D rendering systems can be controlled by using a tool-building approach like that of the UNIX~text processing tools. Such an approach requires a simple picture representation amenable to anti-aliasing that all rendering programs can produce, a compositing algorithm for that representation and a command language to piece together scenes. This paper advocates a representation that combines Porter and Duff's compositing algebra with a Z-buffer to provide simple anti-aliased 3-D compositing. CR Categories and Subject Descriptors: 1.3.3 IPicture and Image Generationl Display algorithms, Viewing algorithms, 1.3.5 IComputational Geometry and Object Modellingl Curve, surface, solid and object representations, 1.3.7 IThree-Dimensional Graphics and Realisml Visible line/surface algorithms

Method and apparatus for producing animated drawings and in-between drawings

Abstract: A method and system which enables an animator to make drawings and in-between drawings. Preceding and following tweens 74 and 75 are shown to the animator in such a way that they are distinguishable from each other and from the in-between drawing 73 on which the animator is working. Advantage is made of electronic graphics and display technology to assist the animator with drawing, editing, and coloring. The drawings are kept in an ordered list in which they can be arbitrarily inserted or deleted, drawn, and edited. The drawings can be viewed in animation immediately upon demand, yielding an instant pencil test for the animator. The drawings can also be output to a recording device according to the list.

Raster assembly processor

Abstract: A system for combining a plurality of video signals and various forms of still imagery such as text or graphics into a single high resolution display is disclosed. The invention system utilizes a multiport memory and a key based memory access system to flexibly compose a multiplicity of video signals and still images into a full color high definition television display comprising a plurality of overlapping windows.

Interactive graphical search and replace utility for computer-resident synthetic graphic image editors

Abstract: Provision is made for search digital synthetic graphics data (e.g., displayed single page scenes, multi-page files or multi-file databases) to find graphical patterns which match a user specified graphical search pattern. Furthermore, there is support (i) for performing pre-recorded macro operations on all or some of the matches that are found, or (ii) for substituted user-specified replacements for some or all of the geometric characteristics and graphical properties of the pattern matches that are found.

Cellular addressing permutation bit map raster graphics architecture

Abstract: A new permutation bit map architecture is described for flexible cellular addressing, image creation, and frame buffer control in raster graphics machines. A new frame buffer address generator and address circuitry accesses frame buffer memory locations with different word and cell configuration addressing modes to increase performance and efficiency. A new graphics image data generator creates, modifies, and updates graphics image data in the frame buffer memory locations accessed by the multiple addressing mode word and cell configurations of the address generator and address circuitry. The graphics image data generator provides vector drawing, polygon filling, "Bit Blt's" or bit block transfers, alignment and masking of graphics image data, and refresh display of a raster view surface. Vector drawing is achieved with greatly increased performance because of the multiple cellular addressing modes of the addressing circuitry. A new and unusual permuted bit map organization of graphics image data is established in the frame buffer memory locations by the new flexible addressing architecture. The frame buffer address circuitry incorporates linear permutation networks that permute the user X,Y,Z coordinate addresses. The data generator circuit also incorporates linear permutation networks for normalizing, aligning and merging data retrieved from the frame buffer memory in raster operations. Parallel processing of accessed data is achieved using a frame buffer comprised of multiple memory banks. The system is also implemented in three dimensions. A new three-dimensional permuted bit map organization accommodates a variable number of multiple planes in the third dimension or bit depth dimension for varying the number of bits defining each pixel.

Intelligent Multi-Media Interface Technology

Abstract: Current user interfaces cast users into one of two roles: telling a system everything it must do, or answering questions that it poses to them. In neither case is it possible for a dialogue to emerge between user and system. We describe a strategy to bring dialogue-like structure to user-system interaction. This strategy is based on explicitly representing the "plans" of programs, and introducing those plans explicitly into the interface. Both programs and users can conveniently communicate how their actions relate to these plans. A data graphics presentation editor is described as an illustrative example.

Theoretical Foundations of Computer Graphics and CAD

Abstract: Contents: Data Structures and Computer Graphics.- Geometric Algorithms.- Drawing Algorithms.- Theory, Specification, Verification and Formal Methods.- Geometry and Robotics.- Hardware and Architectures.- Curves, Contours and Surfaces.- Modelling and CAD/CAM.- Image Generation and Reconstruction.- Graphic Systems.- Human Computer Interface and Design.- Image Processing and Graphics. Authors include: J.E. Bresenham, U. Cugini, D.P. Dobkin, J.D. Foley, A.R. Forrest, H. Fuchs, L.J. Guibas, P.J.W. ten Hagen, R.J. Lansdown, M.H. Overmars, T. Paulidis, M.L.V. Pitteway, H. Samet, W. Strasser, J.V. Tucker.

Graphic Design: Fine Art or Social Science?

Abstract: Toward a heoretical backbone for graphic design Graphic design has existed long enough for its role in society to be easily understood. However, unlike architecture, literature, or the fine arts, it has developed without much theoretical reflection. It has evolved into a sophisticated practice in a piecemeal fashion, with scattered efforts aimed at the development of subareas, such as posters or books, but without either the critical apparatus in literature or the discussion present in architecture. The aspect of graphic design that has attracted some discussion is visual style. But this discussion of style has several flaws: * It overemphasizes the importance of the visual structure within an esthetic context. * It omits problems of appropriateness. * It leaves out certain areas of graphic design, such as signage, forms, timetables, maps, and educational material (Figs. 1, 2, 3). * It omits the importance of ideas in the communication process, not distinguishing between visual creation and visual manipulation. * It avoids problems of performance related to visual perception. * It omits problems related to the impact that graphic communication has on the public's attitudes and ideas. These flaws have led to several distortions, the most important brought about by the praise of modern avant-garde typography. How long will the praise of El Lissitzky continue? True, he made a strong impact on a few typographic designers whose work in graphic design was closely related to the practice of art and looked very similar to their paintings or the paintings of avant-garde artists of th time. However, was Lissitzky's contribution really positive? His visual language was tremendously abstract (Fig. 4), as inappropriate to mass communication as Schwitters's graphics

Method and apparatus for the continuous and asynchronous traversal and processing of graphics data structures

Abstract: A host system executes one or more application programs which results in graphic data structures. These graphic data structures are then continuously and asynchronously traversed. Traversal requests by competing application programs are scheduled and performed so that each application views the graphics processing as its own. The traversal and ordering of traversal requests provide efficient use of resources for multiple application programs.

Method for displaying program executing circumstances and an apparatus using the same

Abstract: Each program element of a desired program is converted into a corresponding graphic element and is displayed on a screen of a display, which enables a schema of the program to be visually displayed as graphics on the screen of the display. When the program is executed, the graphic elements corresponding to the program elements of the program under execution and a graphic element corresponding to a program element under execution are displayed on the screen of the display in a visually discriminated fashion. When necessary, the execution count of each program element is displayed in the neighborhood of the program element on the screen of the display. Or, according to the execution count of each program element, the color of the displayed graphic element of the program element is changed on the screen of the display.

Process for producing human-computer interface prototypes

Abstract: A process for producing human-computer interface prototypes includes describing the interface prototype in a high-level graphics language having commands to describe asynchronous events, and to link asynchronous events to graphic objects. A graphic display portion of the interface prototype is managed such that the behavior of graphic objects follows the objects as they are repositioned in a display.

PHIGS+ functional description revision

Abstract: This is a set of proposed extensions to the proposed PHIGS graphics standard (dpANS X3.144-198x. DIS 9592) to cover the areas of lighting, shading and advanced primitives which have thus far not been addressed by that standard. This document is organized to promote its eventual integration with the existing PHIGS documentation and is therefore not tutorial in nature. It assumes that the reader is familiar with PHIGS. with rendering and with curves and surfaces. This specification has been made available to standards bodies for their consideration.

An experimental multi-media bridging system

Abstract: The prototype system, which is described in this paper and called the Multi-Media Bridge, is designed to test service concepts and evolving technologies that make possible the deployment of multi-media group communications in future broadband networks. It incorporates such features as extended quality audio, full-motion video, graphics and data multi-point communications capability. The Bridge could serve as either a separate vendor entity or as an integral part of a network-based complex. The multi-shelf architecture of the experimental system allows a variety of technical problems and issues to be autonomously addressed. The shelves, designated Audio, Video, Graphics, and Data, are functionally integrated by a distributed control capability. A graphics user interface was developed which can be realized on any PC or workstation that supports the MIT X-Windowing system. It provides users with the flexibility to dynamically invoke each medium at any time and control various modes of media integration.

Method of improving dot-on-dot graphics area-fill using an ink-jet device

Abstract: Perceived quality of printing dot-on-dot graphics area fill using an ink-jet device is improved by printing swaths (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) of alternating colors, with each swath offset from the preceding swath by a predetermined amount. In this manner, banding (22, 22'), which is perceived with prior art printing methods, is substantially reduced.

Automatic construction of user-interface displays

Abstract: Construction of user interfaces for most computer applications remains time consuming and difficult. This is particularly true when the user interface system must dynamically create displays integrating the use of several interface modes. This paper shows how Artificial Intelligence knowledge base and rule technology can be used to address this problem. NIKL is used to model the entities of the application domain and the facilities of the user interface. Rules are written connecting the two models. These rules range from application specific to general rules of presentation. The situation to be displayed is asserted into a PENNI database. A Presentation Designer interprets this data using the domain model, chooses the appropriate rules to use in creating the display, and creates a description of the desired display in terms of the interface model. A system, Integrated Interfaces, using this design for an integrated multi-modal map graphics, natural language, menu, and form interface has been created and applied to a database reporting application.

A parallel surface processing system for graphics display

Abstract: A Pipeline and Parallel Processing system for generating Surface Patches for both Wireframe and Solid/Shaded Models in a Raster Graphics Display. The inputs to a Transformation Processor are the parameters for the Rational Bezier Surfaces: a 2-dimensional array of control points, and weights. The outputs are the coordinates of the corner points and the normals (to the surface) of the patches, which make up the surface. The system consists of three Pipeline stages: 1. A front-end processor fetches the data from memory and feeds the Transformation Processor; 2. four Floating Point Processors in Parallel for tessellating the surfaces into small patches; and 3. one Floating Point Processor for generating normals at the vertices of the small patches. The output is sent to the rest of the Graphics System for clipping, mapping, and shading.