Display applications and technology

Displays are playing an increasingly important role in providing man-machine interaction in computer systems. Small-screen displays, such as cathode-ray tubes, coupled with alphanumeric or graphic input devices, provide a console that permits close on-line interaction between the user and the computer and data base. Large-screen displays permit groups of users to interact both with one another and with the information processing system. This paper discusses several of the more important applications of computer generated displays, display systems design and characteristics, and display technologies which are the primary candidates for implementing the visual transducer portion of future display systems. Several problem areas are identified.