Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watnot!watmath!clyde!rutgers!brl-adm!seismo!cmcl2!rna!dan
From: dan@rna.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.graphics,comp.periphs
Subject: Fancy Frame Buffers ?
Message-ID: <615@rna.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 23-Mar-87 23:09:03 EST
Article-I.D.: rna.615
Posted: Mon Mar 23 23:09:03 1987
Date-Received: Wed, 25-Mar-87 06:13:42 EST
Organization: Rockefeller Neurobiology
Lines: 40
Xref: utgpu comp.graphics:405 comp.periphs:290


	We have several needs for a graphics/image system that can display
moving objects and images in real-time. Any suggestions ?

	This is the way we see it:

	One architecture is the vector/polygon/object type, e.g. the Megatek,
E&S or the IRIS. They would allow rapid generation and INDEPENDENT movement of
multiple objects in real-time. The programming would be relatively easy, too.
A disadvantage (I think) is that images and other graphics requiring many
color/gray levels and pixel densities, especially those not well described as
objects, would be difficult. Question: are there any machines that do
anti-aliasing on the fly ?

	Another option is a frame buffer with multiple, perhaps per plane,
pan and scroll registers. I don't really know of such a beast although I
recall seeing an ad for one once.

	I should note that we currently have an Ikonas and have been pretty
successful with it but would like something easier to program and more capable.
Besides, its not clear how long Ikonas/Adage will be around. Any rumors ?
However, related to the second idea above, is it possible to put two (or more)
frame buffer controllers on an Ikonas and combine (with sync) the video outputs,
thus getting two independent FB's with two sets of pan and scroll registers ?

	Also, it would be nice to be capable to pre-compute multiple, perhaps
one bit deep, images (say a few dozen images) and be able to flash them up
within a frame time.

	Thanks.

					Cheers,
					Dan Ts'o
					Dept. Neurobiology
					Rockefeller Univ.
					1230 York Ave.
					NY, NY 10021
					212-570-7671
					...cmcl2!rna!dan
					rna!dan@cmcl2.arpa