Workstation graphics capabilities for the 1990's and beyond / (by) Michael J. Zyda.

We present in this paper a look at the future graphics capabilities of the workstation. We begin by examining the cycles of special hardware development that have occurred for graphics systems in general. We show how the current evolution of the graphics workstation is a direct response to applications user desires for higher performance, graphics systems. The software and hardware levels that perform the input and output graphics operations for the workstation are described with an eye towards categorizing future graphics capabilities. The implementation of those levels in the Silicon Graphics, Inc. IRIS is cited as an example of the leading edge for graphics capabilities in a workstation. Current research leading to future enhancements of the graphics workstation is presented as a continuation of the historical response to applications user desires for ever higher performance, interactive systems.