Graphics Facilities at Ames Research Center
Graphics equipment at Ames and a package for describing pictures across devices.
McConnell, J., "Graphics Facilities at Ames Research Center", RFC 126, DOI 10.17487/RFC0126, April 1971, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc126>.
@misc{rfc126,
series = {Request for Comments},
number = 126,
howpublished = {RFC 126},
publisher = {RFC Editor},
doi = {10.17487/RFC0126},
url = {https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc126},
author = {J. McConnell},
title = {{Graphics Facilities at Ames Research Center}},
pagetotal = 1,
year = 1971,
month = apr,
} RFC text
Network Working Group John McConnell
Request for Comments: 126 Ames Research Center
Category: D.6 April 1971
Ames Graphics Facilities at Ames Research Center
This note is intended as a response to an RFC which suggested that
nodes describe their graphics environment. The following graphics
facilites are now at Ames for the IBM 360/67 TSS:
a. An SC 4020 off line microfilm system.
b. Calcomp plotters.
c. ARDS storage tube CRTs.
d. IMLAC PDS-1 refresh CRTs.
e. One IBM 2250 CRT.
Devices which will be in use in the near future are:
a. An Evans and Sutherland LDS-2 system.
b. Hazeltine alphanumeric CRTs.
Because of the diverse nature of the devices and the varying software
support provided by the manafacturers, work has been undertaken to
provide a device independent package. This package is currently being
implemented. The basic entity is a device independent intermediate
language which describes the picture to be displayed. When a device
is selected, the intermediate language is converted to specific
device orders.
Other features include the definition and storage of subpictures for
later construction of more complex pictures. An interface has been
specified so that graphic data sets can be transmitted to other
installations on the TSS network.
A note to those who plan to use the ILLIAC IV when it becomes a
functioning node at Ames. I would like information concerning the
graphics environment at your sites and any thoughts you have on how
you will be using graphics with the ILLIAC IV.
[ This RFC was put into machine readable form for entry ]
[ into the online RFC archives by Andrew Crawford 4/97 ]
ISO Plain Language
On this page
§1Graphics Devices at Ames
The note lists the graphics facilities at Ames for the IBM 360/67 TSS: an SC 4020 off-line microfilm system, Calcomp plotters, ARDS storage-tube CRTs, IMLAC PDS-1 refresh CRTs and one IBM 2250 CRT.
It says an Evans and Sutherland LDS-2 system and Hazeltine alphanumeric CRTs are expected to be in use in the near future.
Ames has several kinds of graphics equipment, including plotters, display tubes and CRTs. The note also lists two types of device expected soon.
§1A Device-Independent Picture Language
Because the devices differ and their manufacturers provide varying software support, Ames is implementing a device-independent package. Its basic element is an intermediate language that describes the picture to display.
When a device is selected, the package converts that description into the specific device orders.
A program describes the picture without naming a particular machine. The package translates that description into commands the selected device understands.
§1Subpictures and Network Sharing
The package also supports defining and storing subpictures for later use in more complex pictures. The note says an interface has been specified so graphic data sets can be transmitted to other installations on the TSS network.
McConnell asks other sites to describe their graphics environments and their thoughts on using graphics with ILLIAC IV when it becomes a functioning node at Ames.
Stored subpictures can be reused to build more complex pictures. The note also describes a way to send graphic data sets to other TSS installations.