RFC 94 (rfc94) - Page 1 of 6

Some thoughts on Network Graphics

Network Working Group                                         E. Harslem
Request for Comments: 94                                      J. Heafner
NIC: 5725                                                3 February 1971


                   Some Thoughts on Network Graphics

Purpose

   This note states some of our initial reactions to NWG/RFC #86, whose
   purpose was to provide a basis for discussion and development of
   Network graphics.

   The method of operation described in Note 86 was to interpret data
   structures to produce graphic order codes for display.  This method
   has proven satisfactory in the past and we favor this approach.  The
   Note 86 proposal is directed toward a particular concept of operation
   (i.e., minimal graphics terminal connected to computational
   facilities at remote sites); our remarks embrace extended operations
   that include smart programs at each end of the connection as well as
   the minimal terminal.

   The proposal in Note 86 should be broadened to include the
   description of more complex entities and it should be raised to a
   level of describing more general things.  In this note, we first
   criticize the limitations imposed by the details of Note 86; then
   suggest some supplementary ingredients to extend its scope; and
   lastly, we suggest an alternate approach that reduces Network
   conversations (where possible) to symbol manipulation rather than
   gross detail.

Comments on the Detailed Restrictions of Note 86

   The detailed constraints enumerated in Note 86 restrict many
   interesting features of the Rand display hardware that we consider
   necessary (from a human factors standpoint) to some current
   applications.  They likewise restrict other nodes whose ARPA-
   sponsored research is dependent upon the use of sophisticated
   hardware.  For example, the point, vector, and character capability
   of Note 86 excludes line type mode, intensity control, and many other
   attractive control operations; the maximum symbol sizes are too small
   for our large character size; the origin of all of our symbols is
   specified as the "centroid" of the symbol rather than the lower left
   corner of a virtual rectangle encompassing the symbol; under mode
   control for plotting purposes, the beam may not be advanced to the
   next character position; a 7-bit ASCII is insufficient; etc.  In
   short, the five list items of Note 86 are not expressive enough; for
   example, there is nothing to allow one to position and open a graphic



Harslem, et. al.