Abstract

Graphics creation applications tend to fall into two categories: bit-mapped paint packages, and object-oriented drawing packages. Although each interface has its own unique advantages, few vendors have attempted to integrate the two into a single package. Those who have tried have, in fact, poor integration both from the user's perspective and in the underlying mathematical model. In this thesis, I have addressed the issue of integrating bit-mapped and object-oriented interfaces by creating an object-oriented graphics package which provides the user with a consistent interface for creating and manipulating both graphical objects and bit-mapped graphics. The consistency of the interface was facilitated by the consistency of the design, the underlying geometric model, and the implementation, all of which are themselves object-oriented. The thesis is written in Smalltalk/V for the Macintosh* . While the solution for this integration was not derived overnight, the use of object-oriented design principles sped the development of a complex graphical user interface, while providing fresh insight into the problem of representing bit-mapped objects. Because Smalltalk enforces the notion that every element in the system is an object, the Smalltalk developer is forced to begin designing his solution purely in terms of objects. This mind-set allowed me to view the point as no other graphics package has presented it: as a unique graphical entity (just as ll IS 1R formal geometry) available to the user as a graphical tool. As a result, users of my package are able to enjoy the benefits of both bit-mapped and object-oriented editors without ever abandoning an environment in which every graphical element is an object, in terms of both the interface and the underlying mathematical model.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Computer graphics--Computer programs; Object-oriented programming (Computer science); Smalltalk/V (Computer program language)

Publication Date

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Computer Science (GCCIS)

Advisor

Gayvert, Rob

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: T385.M6687 1991

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS