Data structures and techniques for remote computer graphics

Abstract

It has been adequately demonstrated that computer graphics systems need not require the dedication of a large scale computer for their operation. Computer graphics has followed the trends of computing in general, where remote access, time sharing, and multiprogramming have become the key phrases. The problems involved in providing a remotely accessed, interactive computer graphics system are more formidable than for a dedicated system, or even than for a local time shared system. The requirement is basically to obtain a real time response for the display console operator, while at the same time minimizing the overhead imposed on the central computer facilities. Also present, of course, are the classic graphical problems such as that of providing refresh data for cathode ray tube displays, and of relating the appearances of a picture on the tube face to its description in the data structure.