An architecture for interactive raster graphics

A radical reappraisal of the 3-D Interactive raster graphics pipeline has resulted In an experimental architecture for a workstation which is currently being evaluated at the CW!. The principal features of this architecture are that It: - concentrates exclusively on real-time interactive 3-D graphics (initially for CAD). - uses object space rather than Image space methods where possible. - avoids using a frame buffer. - only uses custom VLSI where commercial products are unlikely to suffice In the near term. Four years Into the project the system design Is complete and the major components have been acquired and the custom VLSI chips hove been packaged and tested. The current experience with the system is based on detailed simulations which gave a fairiy clear Idea on Its strengths and limitations. A complete, but reduced resolution, experimental prototype system is now being assembled.