| Re: Writing graphics device drivers using idl [message #4780] |
Thu, 27 July 1995 00:00 |
rivers
Messages: 228
Registered: March 1991
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Senior Member |
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In article <3v8hf1$lus@lo-fan.jpl.nasa.gov>, "Evan F. Fishbein" <eff@tugh.jpl.nasa.gov> writes:
> I am thinking about writing a graphics device driver to generate fig
> code. Does anyone have experience using linkimage, and/or writing device
> driver. An example would be very helpful.
>
I have written device drivers for a number of devices (frame grabbers, film
recorders, DEC Sixel devices). RSI used to distribute my drivers in the
"user_contrib" directory, but I think that directory is no longer included as
of 4.0. If you have a 3.x distribution available you can get them there.
You need to get a copy of the IDL Internals Manual, which explains exactly how
to do it. I think RSI have always distributed this manual free of charge to
those who request it.
An alternative to writing a device driver is to use the Z device to generate a
bit map and write an external converter. You might alo be able to use the
Postscript device and write a ghostscript back-end for your device.
Based on my experience I would recommend writing a device driver for devices
which are "interactive" such as a frame grabbers. It is then possible to do:
IDL> SET_PLOT, 'ITI' ; Use frame grabber
IDL> DEVICE, /SNAP ; Grab a frame
IDL> image = TVRD() ; Read it into IDL
IDL> set_plot, 'X' ; Switch to X device
IDL> tvscl, image ; Display image on X
For "offline" devices it is probably simpler and more verstile to write an
external converter.
____________________________________________________________
Mark Rivers (312) 702-2279 (office)
CARS (312) 702-9951 (secretary)
Univ. of Chicago (312) 702-5454 (FAX)
5640 S. Ellis Ave. (708) 922-0499 (home)
Chicago, IL 60637 rivers@cars3.uchicago.edu (Internet)
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