Software architecture for graphical interaction

Abstract

Pointing at items on a graphics display is one of the most useful methods of interacting with a system graphically. This paper examines existing graphical support and lists requirements for high-level support of graphical interaction. The architecture of a prototype system with high-level support for graphical interaction is presented. This includes database support for manipulating graphical data and device-independent graphical support based on a proposed standard for graphical interaction. Algorithms are presented for identifying items selected from a display by the user. Inclusion of a database management system in graphical software support is shown to be helpful in meeting the requirements of interactive graphical application programs.