Download Raster Graphics for Interactive Programming

Raster Graphics for Interactive Programming
Envi ronments
by Robert F. Sproull
CSL-79-6
June 1979
Abstract: Raster·scan display terminals can significantly improve the quality of interaction
with conventional computer systems.
The design of a graphics package to provide a
"window" into the extensive programming environment of Interlisp is presented. Two aspects
of the package are described: first, the functional view of display output and interactive input
facilities as seen by the programmer, and second, the methods used to link the display
terminal to the main computer via a packet·switched computer network.
Recommendations
are presented for designing operating systems and programming languages so as to simplify
attaching display terminals.
An appendix contains detailed documentation of the graphics
package.
A shortened version of this paper appeared in Computer Graphics, Summer 1979.
CR Categories: 8.2, 6.35, 4.35.
Key words and phrases: computer graphics, raster-scan display, frame buffer, computer
networks, network graphics
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