scope:

Scope and Field of Application

This American National Standard specifies a set of functions for computer graphics programming, the Graphical Kernel System (GKS). GKS is a basic graphics system for applications that produce computer generated two dimensional pictures on line graphics or raster 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 is the workstation, consisting potentially 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 standard includes functions for storage on and retrieval from an external graphics file. Last, but not least, the functions are organized in upward compatible levels with increasing capabilities.

For certain parameters of the functions, GKS defines value ranges as being reserved for registration or future standardization. The meanings of these values will be defined using the procedures established in an International Standard under development (Procedures for registration of graphical items).

Part 1 of GKS defines only a language independent nucleus of a graphics system. For integration into a language, GKS is embedded in a language dependent layer containing the language conventions, for example, parameter and name assignment. Language bindings are contained in Part 2.

The appendicies are given for information; they do not form part of the specification.