jan 10, 1963 - SKETCHPAD program is written by Ivan Sutherland

Description:

- the first interactive computer graphics programs
- allowed users to visualize and control program functions
- became a foundation for computer graphics, computer operating system interfaces, and software applications that are used in many facets of modern technology
- Sketchpad displayed graphics on the CRT display, and a light pen was used to manipulate the line objects, much like a modern computer mouse. Various computer switches controlled aspects of the graphics such as size and ratio

- heavily electrical and used electronic pulses shared between the photoelectric cell of the light pen and an electronic gun fired from the CRT
- timing of the pulse displayed a cursor to represent the light pen’s position on the screen and thus converted the computer screen into a sketchpad upon which objects could be drawn
- led to the advanced development of other imaging software, such as computer-aided design programs used by engineers

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