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Vector graphics is the use of polygons to represent images in computer graphics. Vector graphics is based on vectors, which lead through locations called control points or nodes. One of the first uses of vector graphic displays was the US SAGE air defense system. Vector graphics systems were retired from U.
1999, and are likely still in use in military and specialised systems. Vector graphics were also used on the TX-2 at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory by computer graphics pioneer Ivan Sutherland to run his program Sketchpad in 1963. Subsequent bitmaps graphics systems, most of which iterated through dynamically modifiable stored lists of drawing instructions, include the IBM 2250, Imlac PDS-1, and DEC GT40. There was a home gaming system that used vector graphics called Vectrex as well as various arcade games like Asteroids, Space Wars and many cinematronics titles such as Rip-Off, and Tail Gunner using vector monitors.
Storage scope displays, such as the Tektronix 4014, could display vector images but not modify them without first erasing the display. Nevertheless, bitmap fonts are still in use.
Processing outline character data in sophisticated fashion to create satisfactory bitmaps for rendering is called “hinting”. Although the term implies suggestion, the process is deterministic, and done by executable code, essentially a special-purpose computer language. While automatic hinting is possible, results can be inferior to that done by experts. Modern vector graphics displays can sometimes be found at laser light shows, where two fast-moving X-Y mirrors position the beam to rapidly draw shapes and text as straight and curved strokes on a screen.