Format independent visual communications

摘要

A method for enabling format independent communication of visual information between diverse computers, work stations, and terminals is disclosed. The inventive method relies on a universal format which can be used to represent the data comprising any raster display. Illustratively, the data comprising a raster display is first translated from the native format of an originating system into the universal format. When in the universal format, it is possible to convert the raster from one type to another (e.g., from color to pseudo-color or grey to pseudo-color) so that the raster can be displayed by a receiving system which comprises equipment different from that of the originating system.