laser-lovers@uw-beaver (laser-lovers) (03/04/84)
From SJOBRG%MIT-OZ@MIT-MC.ARPA Sat Mar 3 17:40:11 1984 Conventional typesetters evolved to meet the needs of a specific market in the printing/publishing industry. That evolution, although often technology-driven, did not support the all-points-addressable (APA) devices that have won the hearts of those weaned in the computer science and engineering schools. I believe it is unrealistic to expect any sort of device-independent graphics language to appear on many of these devices, despite manufacturer claims to the contrary. Some of the newer high-resolution devices and marking engines are indeed APA, and it is probably reasonable to think about graphics languages for them. There are certain times when it is advisable to look only to the future and not be overly concerned about the past. I am speaking here of the technology and products, not of the users of the equipment. New systems should cater to the problems of the market, not the constraints of old technology. The next few months should see publication of a comprehsive and powerful programming and description language that is truly device independent. The authors (I won't mention names because I'm not sure if this fact is public knowledge yet) have extensive experience in the area, including the development of a full implementation of the language that is now being commercially marketed. A great deal of effort has been put into this language, which is being published as a proposed standard. It includes specifications for text with graphic art quality fonts (again, device independent), line art, conventional computer graphics (lines, curves, area manipulations, arbitrary 2-D geometric transformations), halftones and other screened art, and has the full power of a general purpose programming language. It shows none of the petty biases that often creep into committee-developed standards. The company is willing to surrender its proprietary rights to this language to encourage others to use, review, critique, and build upon it. I am not associated with this company, but I know its principals and respect their technical competence and their professionalism. I am sure the publication of the language will inspire a healthy if spirited debate on Laser-Lovers. I am counting on it.