AS 3656-1989 (R2013)

Abstract

Specifies a set of functions for computer graphics programming, the Graphical Kernel System for three dimensions (GKS-3D). GKS-3D is a basic graphics system for applications that produce computer-generated three-dimensional pictures on graphics output devices. It supports operator input and interaction by supplying basic functions for graphical input and picture segmentation. It allows storage and dynamic modification of pictures. It is identical with and has been reproduced from ISO 8805:1988.

Technical Committee IT-006 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance
with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the
publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original
date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of
such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for
reconfirmation on 20 August 2013.
The following are represented on Technical Committee IT-006:
Australia Safety Critical Systems Association
Australian Computer Society
Australian Industry Group
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association
Consult Australia
Engineers Australia
Institute of Chemical Engineers Australia
Institute of Instrumentation, Control & Automation Australia
Process Control Society
The University of Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Scope

This International Standard specifies a set of functions for computer graphics programming, the Graphical Kernel System for Three Dimensions (GKS-3D). GKS-3D is a basic graphics system for applications that produce computer generated three dimensional pictures on graphics output devices. It supports operator input and interaction by supplying basic functions for graphical input and picture segmentation. It allows storage and dynamic modification of pictures. A fundamental concept in GKS-3D is the workstation, consisting of a number of input devices and a single output device. Several workstations can be used simultaneously. The application program is allowed to adapt its behaviour at a workstation to make best use of workstation capabilities. This International Standard includes functions for storage on and retrieval from an external graphics file. Also, the functions are organized in upward compatible levels with increasing capabilities.
This International Standard provides application programs with the capability to define and display 3D graphical primitives, specified using 3D coordinates. In addition, the GKS-3D input model provides 3D locator and stroke input.
The output primitives of this International Standard differ from the output primitives of ISO 7942 in the following ways:
a) the polyline and polymarker primitives are defined by an arbitrary sequence of 3D coordinates;
b) the text, fill area and cell array primitives remain planar, but may lie in a plane positioned arbitrarily in 3D space;
c) the fill area set primitive is introduced.
Functions are provided in this International Standard to generate these primitives.
The functions of ISO 7942 can be used in this International Standard. However, the output functions generate instances of 3D primitives - instances that are constrained to lie in a plane. Furthermore, additional capabilities are provided in this International Standard to:
d) specify views of 3D objects;
e) obtain information from 3D input devices; f) permit workstations to perform hidden line/hidden surface removal (HLHSR).
This International Standard provides no specific functions for controlling such rendering techniques as light source, shading, texturing, and shadow computations. However, workstations may apply these techniques, locally as the primitives and attributes are realized, provided that the general guidelines of Annex D concerning allowable workstation differences are followed.
NOTE - For certain parameters of the functions, GKS-3D defines value ranges as being reserved for registration (see 4.1.2). The meanings of these values will be defined using the established procedures.
GKS-3D defines a language independent nucleus of a graphics system. For integration into a programming language, GKS-3D is embedded in a language dependent layer obeying the particular conventions of that language.

General Product Information

Published
Document Type	Standard
Status	Current
Publisher	Standards Australia
ProductNote	Reconfirmation Notice 09/09/2013
Pages
ISBN
Committee	IT-006