Overview
ISO/IEC 8806-4:1991 - Information technology - Computer graphics - Graphical Kernel System for Three Dimensions (GKS-3D) language bindings - Part 4: C - defines the C language binding for the GKS-3D functional description (ISO 8805:1988). The standard embeds the language‑independent GKS-3D nucleus into a C‑specific layer, specifying naming, data types, header file conventions, error handling and memory management so that portable 3D graphics applications and implementations can be built in C. Annexes A–F are informational and include a compiled specification, sample programs and guidance on memory management.
Key Topics
- Language binding rules: Conformance requirements for mapping the GKS-3D functional description into C, including function identifiers, abbreviations and registration conventions.
- Function vs. macro usage: Guidance on when GKS-3D operations are provided as C functions or macros.
- Types and headers: Mapping of GKS-3D data types into C types, environmental and implementation dependent definitions, and the required header files for consistent implementation.
- Function interface: Detailed C function prototypes for control, output, transformation, segment, input, inquiry and utility functions that make up the GKS-3D API layer.
- Memory management: Rules and examples for functions that return simple lists and structured data, with informative annex material explaining storage and allocation patterns.
- Error handling: Error codes, C‑specific GKS-3D errors, and support for application‑supplied error handlers.
- Data storage conventions: Specification of storage layout for multi-dimensional arrays used in 3D graphics - e.g., storage of 2×3, 3×4 and 4×4 matrices and colour arrays.
- Appendices and examples: Informative annexes providing a compiled GKS-3D/C specification, sample programs, metafile items and function lists to aid implementers.
Applications
ISO/IEC 8806-4:1991 is intended for:
- Library and toolkit implementers creating portable 3D graphics libraries and device drivers in C.
- CAD, visualization and simulation developers who need a standardized 3D graphics API mapping for cross-platform portability.
- Standards bodies and educators teaching or auditing 3D graphics interface conformance and language bindings.
- Software integrators who must ensure consistent behaviour across workstations and graphics subsystems by following defined type mappings, error handling and memory conventions.
Keywords: GKS-3D, Graphical Kernel System, C language binding, ISO/IEC 8806-4:1991, computer graphics standard, 3D graphics API, header files, error handling, matrix storage.
Related Standards
These referenced standards define the base GKS functionality and C language conventions that ISO/IEC 8806-4 builds upon.