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We designed and evaluated SplitVectors, a new vector field display approach to help scientists perform new discrimination tasks on large-magnitude-range scientific data shown in three-dimensional (3D) visualization environments. SplitVectors uses scientific notation to display vector magnitude, thus improving legibility. We present an empirical study comparing the SplitVectors approach with three other approaches - direct linear representation, logarithmic, and text display commonly used in scientific visualizations. Twenty participants performed three domain analysis tasks: reading numerical values (a discrimination task), finding the ratio between values (a discrimination task), and finding the larger of two vectors (a pattern detection task). Participants used both mono and stereo conditions. Our results suggest the following: (1) SplitVectors improve accuracy by about 10 times compared to linear mapping and by four times to logarithmic in discrimination tasks; (2) SplitVectors have no significant differences from the textual display approach, but reduce cluttering in the scene; (3) SplitVectors and textual display are less sensitive to data scale than linear and logarithmic approaches; (4) using logarithmic can be problematic as participants' confidence was as high as directly reading from the textual display, but their accuracy was poor; and (5) Stereoscopy improved performance, especially in more challenging discrimination tasks.

Lector, an X11 application for flexible text interaction, is described. Lector was originally devised as a simple, rapid formatter for the display of online text databases. It was then discovered that Lector exhibited useful capabilities for a wide range of text applications. The ways in which Lector distinguishes between content and tags in descriptively marked-up text and achieves flexible interaction are discussed. Its applications as a text previewer, database browser, code prettyprinter, and menu utility are also discussed. >

A multistandard single-chip teletext processor for application in analog and digital TV sets is described. Based on a 65C02 core with RAM and ROM on chip, an adaptive data slicer, a display controller and a number of interfaces, the new circuit allows acquisition and display of various teletext standards such as WST, CAPTION and VPS. The basic idea behind the multistandard teletext processor concept is the replacement of random logic by software. Except for a DRAM as page memory no additional chips are needed to generate an analog RGB text display decoded from an analog composite video input. >

Computers and network technology could revolutionize how museums display information about space science discoveries. Visualization stations are the core of the programmable gallery. Each of these stations consists of a large graphics display and computer, and a smaller text display and computer.

This paper describes a mask-programmable CRT-processor (CRTP) which is a display control system provided with graphics/text display functions and various intelligent graphic drawing functions. This CRTP is a powerful tool for rapid development of customized VLSIs for high-performance display control systems.