GRASP—a graphic service program

Abstract

As computing systems become more and more powerful, the tasks for which these systems are used become more and more sophisticated. In analyzing a complete task, one finds that there are certain portions which are best allocated to the computer and certain portions which are best allocated—at least at present—to man. Calculations and repetitive operations are done most efficiently by computer; intuitive functions and certain types of heuristic information are best handled by man. If man and the computer are to function together efficiently a device is needed to facilitate the communication of complex information between them. The sophisticated CRT display console is by far the best device available today for accomplishing this communication. To use the full capability of the graphic display console, both the computer and the man at the console must be able to create and manipulate drawings as well as alphanumeric information. If the computer is to do this, it needs an internal representation of the drawing information which provides not only the lines and points but also the information on how these are related to each other. The internal or computer representation of a drawing has come to be called the “model.”