Scripting graphics with graphics : icons as a visual editing tool

Abstract

This thesis describes a system for scripting and editing graphic procedures with graphic representations or "icons." The icons are small bitmap images that carry with them information about spatial placement, list placement, and pointers to procedures. Icons have been created and connected to a series of image transformation procedures. Two interactive graphic software packages have been written, one for producing icons and one for scripting with icons. Icons can be created in two ways: (1) making bitmaps from frame buffer images and (2) drawing by grid filling. Scripts can be created in two ways: (1) by storyboa~ding icons or (2) by playing out a sequence of graphics and recording the list of events. Scripts can be edited, saved, re-edited, and played upon request. The software takes advantage of the ease with which computers can produce simplified, symmetrical, 1-bit images and, by its structure, sets examples of iconic interaction. All interaction is done with puck, tablet, menus, and visual cues. Some pre-writing or picture-writing forms are described. A historical overview of computer icons is presented, using several key systems as examples.