The Line-Picture Attribute

Abstract

The linetype attribute in GKS and PHIGS is required to cover a wide variety of renderings of the polyline primitive. The results are strongly implementation-dependent, widi virtually no user control. Splitting linetype into a one-dimensional line-pattern and a two-dimensional line-picture gives much greater flexibility, without the need to go through a registration process for every new style. The line-picture attribute, consisting of a single glyph repeated at intervals along a linear primitive, can answer many requirements in draughting for process industries, and should also be applicable elsewhere.