An interactive X Window system environment for demonstrating three-dimensional transformation techniques

The purpose of the X-Form package is for use in the classroom as an instructional aid for teaching the algorithms and data used to represent, transform, and display objects in three-dimensional space. The program provides various areas containing graphic and textual representations of the data structures used in the creation and transformation of a three-dimensional object. Another area, containing the menu items, serves as an interface to the available demonstration items. These items include various object and viewing parameters which can be input by the user. The user then sees the result of the entered data, including animated graphics and changes in data structures. The graphic areas show the object at various stages of development, so that the user can understand the progression of the required manipulations. The textual representations are also designed to assist the user in understanding how useful information is derived from entered data. Through testing and statistical analysis, XForm has proven to be an effective tool for instruction of three-dimensional graphics.