RFC 184 (rfc184) - Page 1 of 7

Proposed graphic display modes

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Network Working Group                                        Karl Kelley
Request for Comments 184                          University of Illinois
NIC 7128                                                     6 July 1971
Category:  D.6


                     Proposed Graphic Display Modes

   The ARPA Network node at the University of Illinois' Center for
   Advanced Computation is somewhat different from other nodes in that
   we are not simply attaching an existing computer center to the net.
   We are in the process of establishing the computer system
   specifically for use of the ILLIAC IV and the Network.  In this mode
   we are establishing operating systems, network interface and utility
   routines, and ILLIAC IV routines to be used over the network.

   In the field of computer graphics we are in the process of building a
   system essentially from scratch.  The building blocks of this
   capability comprise a small -- but growing -- collection of display
   hardware and a small cadre of persons with experience on separate and
   unique graphics equipment at the University of Illinois.  Starting as
   we are with little-or-no system type software for computer graphics,
   we have a once-only opportunity to provide the system with computer
   graphics applications and utility programs which encompass all the
   features and capabilities that have heretofore been available only in
   bits and pieces at various separate installations.

   It is apparent at the outset that the design for this system will be
   heavily weighted toward a network-type usage.  For this reason we are
   eager to ensure that our system data structures, files, etc., be as
   nearly compatible the Network Graphics Protocol as is practicable.
   Our initial planning and first-version system will be pointed at the
   network type of operation and we hope to stay flexible enough to
   employ the Network Protocol on a local basis (between our PDP-11 and
   the B6500) as the protocol is developed.

   We have been considering (in the planning of our system and pondering
   the protocol problem) just what display modes we would want to have
   available and thus would want the protocol to include.  The purpose
   of this RFC is to outline our initial thoughts on the matter and to
   interact with other nodes about how they can/should be included in
   the protocol.  We intend here not to belabor display modes which are
   certain to be needed everywhere, such as vectors, points, and
   characters, but rather to summarize those and outline in more detail
   only those which are slightly different.






Kelley
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