Title :
PEX: a network-transparent 3D graphics system
Author :
Rost, Randi J. ; Friedberg, Jeffrey D. ; Nishimoto, Peter L.
Author_Institution :
Digital Equipment Corp., Marlboro, MA, USA
fDate :
7/1/1989 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A description is given of PEX, an extension to the X Window System that is designed to efficiently support PHIGS and much of the functionality in the proposed PHIGS+extension to PHIGS PEX (PHIGS, PHIGS+, and Extensions to X) allows each window on the display to act as a complete, independent, virtual 3D graphics workstation. The overall architecture of PEX is examined, with emphasis on how it fits into the network environment of X. The history of the PEX effort and the problems that motivated it are discussed. The major features of PEX are presented, and the tradeoffs that were evaluated during the design process are examined. The remaining open issues and their current status are described.<>
Keywords :
computer graphics; computer networks; multiprogramming; software packages; user interfaces; PEX; PHIGS; PHIGS+extension; X Window System; design process; history; network environment; network-transparent 3D graphics system; overall architecture; virtual 3D graphics workstation; Computer industry; Computer networks; Graphics; History; Image generation; Libraries; Petroleum; Process design; Testing; Workstations;
Journal_Title :
Computer Graphics and Applications, IEEE
