A language for bitmap manipulation

Abstract

In this paper we propose that bitmaps, or raster images, should be given full citizen status in the world of computer science. We introduce a calculus of bitmap operations and MUMBLE, a programming language appropriate for describing bitmap computations. We illustrate the use of MUMBLE by several interesting graphical applications. We also discuss the structure of BOP, an efficient implementation of the bitmap calculus that is the underpinning of our system.