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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 ]

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