Computer graphics interface (CGI): A good concept and a valuable tool for research and teaching in computer graphics

This paper briefly describes the design of a device and platform independent graphics interface called CGI(++) which has been developed along the ideas of the CGI standardization work done by ISO and discusses its potential as a programing environment for lab assignments. CGI(++) has been used for programming assignments of 2-D and, to a certain extent, 3-D graphics problems at the University of Bonn over the last two years in graphics classes at the undergraduate and graduate level. Recent experiences with CGI(++) applied in an industry project prove that the system is not only a valuable teaching tool but a very fast, efficient, and productive graphics environment. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd