RFC 174 (rfc174) - Page 2 of 3

UCLA - Computer Science Graphics Overview

NWG                                                  J. Postel, V. Cerf
RFC # 174                                            UCLA-NMC
NIC # 6799                                           Computer Science
                                                     8 June 71



         1. MOSAIC

            MOSAIC is an experimental computer graphics program
            which permits a user to manipulate the parameters of
            a fairly complex polar co-ordinate equation. The ob-
            ject is to explore the space of interesting images
            which can be produced.  Library facilities are provid-
            ed so that the user can save interesting images.  He
            can also combine the images in many ways to form mo-
            saic-like patterns.  An Arriflex 16mm camera can be
            driven through the use of this program, and we have
            used the system to generate several films which serv-
            ed as a basis for video-graphics experiments (TV video-
            tape).


         2. FISHEYE

            Using the interactive part of MOSAIC, and a peculiar,
            exponential mapping function, studies were made in the
            presentation of CRT images too large to fit in normal
            form on our 10" scope.  The images are mapped in such
            a way that part of the image is shown at linear scale,
            the remainder being squeezed up at the outer edges of
            the screen.  Thus, the global image is always visible,
            but details are apparent mainly in the linear region.
            This study formed the basis of an M.S. thesis.


         3. MOVIE

            This is a movie script language which allows the user
            to compose a scenario describing the entrance and exit
            of images on the CRT.  Mosaics can be created.  Images
            can fade-in, fade-out, dissolve, expand, zoom, contract,
            Dramatis personae (in the form of MOSAIC images) can
            be defined and their movements described.  The program
            computes the movements of all images for the duration
            of the film and then calls on the MOSAIC generating
            routines to make the film.  Camera control is automa-
            tic.