SBIR-STTR Award

Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM), ISO/IEC 8632, is theonly national (ANSI) international (ISO), and Federal (FIPS)standard for the device and application independent capture,storage, and interchange of computer graphics pictures. CGM is widely implemented, and is a standard of potentially greatcommercial importance. Quality commercial implementations thatinteroperate smoothly are critical to realizing this potential.It is know that product certification is a prerequisite. NIST hasa test suite and has established a test service for the Version 1subset of CGM: 1992 and the CALS MIL-D-28003A.CGM: 1992/Amd.1 hasadded a Model Profile (MP) and Rules for Profiles. Most of theimportant future commercial profiles (and the FIPS) will beclosely related. There is need for test suites and services forfull MP.Compared to the current NIST capability, MP doubles the number ofelements, adds encodings, and contains completely new concepts(IIRS/GIRS). The proposal is for a full MP test suite (Phase 1and Phase 2). Phase 1 research will develop models to categorizeand prioritize the new features, reusing existing NIST principlesand specifications to the greatest degree commensurate with theinnovations in the MP, will invent new approaches where requiredby such innovations, and will result in complete specificationsfor the full MP test suite.Commercial Applications:There is existing commercial market forCGM self-testing, which will expand for the CGM: 1992 ModelProfile (MP). The tools and procedures of this project will bedirectly marketable to industry, and will provide the basis forother marketable tools as well. A NIST CGM/MP test service willalso have an enabling and multiplier effect on total commercialactivity in the graphics technology sector.

Computer Graphics Metafile (CGM) is the only national(ANSI), international (ISO), and Federal (FIPS) standard for thedevice and application independent capture, storage, and interchange of computer graphics pictures. CGM is widelyimplemented and is a standard of great commercial potential.Quality commercial implementations that interoperate smoothly arecritical to realizing this potential. Product certification is aprerequisite to reliable interoperation. NIST has a Test Suiteand offers a Test Service for the Version 1 subset of CGM: 1992and the CALS ML-D-28003A profile.CGM:1992/Amd.l has added a Model Profile (MP) Commercial airtransport's ATA profile is derived, and the next CALS revisionwill likely be also MP and ATA are now in FIP-128 CGM, and NISTis commits to testing them There is need for Test Suites and aTest Service for full MP.Our Phase I research successfully designed innovative models,methods and a blueprint for dealing with the size, structuralcomplexity, and advanced capabilities of the MP. This Phase IIProposal presents an achievable plan to build a fully functionalprototype MP Test Suite. It relies on maximum leverage from theexisting test suite and from the Proposer's unequalledproprietary CGM technology base. Our methods and modular designapproach will greatly facilitate construction of MP-related testsuites, will automate and improve the Test Service, and willresult in a collection of marketable advanced CGM tools of highcommercial value.Potential commercial applications of the research:A significantmarket for CGM self-testing exists, and it will expand withCGM:l992 and tile Motel Probe (MP). Phase II tools and materialswill be directly marketable to industry for self-testing, andwill lead to the first complete Reference Implementation as well.Real case studies confirm the commercial potential of suchReference Implementations early in the uptake of newtechnologies. Also, a NIST MP Test Service will have an enablingand multiplier effect on commercial activity in the graphicstechnology sector.