computing with text-graphic forms
Computing with text-graphic forms occurs when text-graphic patterns are used to direct the processing of other text-graphic patterns. The PAM graphics system was designed for just this kind of computation; PAM stands for PA ttern M anipulatingPAM is a generalization of LISP (McCarthy [0]) from computing with (textual) symbolic expressions to computing with text-graphic forms. Like LISP, PAM acheives processing power by providing atomic objects, means of structuring them into complex objects and taking them apart, and equality tests for objects. Text-graphic engines can then be defined, allowing text editors, text-graphic editors, circuit design aids and visual language processors to all be developed in the same LISP-like environment. Examples discussed in the paper are: handPAM is an agile environment for the manual manipulation of text-graphic objects (described briefly). writtenPAM provides programmatic manipulation of visual objects. Pattern processing is demonstrated by functions which translate a LISP sexpr to the visual name-shape synonyms of the OUTLINE notation system, and then spatially lay it out. writtenPAM also permits definition of pattern evaluating , enabling actual computation with text-graphic forms. An evaluate function for text-graphic objects is given which can execute OUTLINE expressions. An experimental version of the PAM system has been implemented in MACLISP at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab.
computation text pattern direct process graphics systems design general lisp express power atom object structure complexity circuits visual language visualization processor environments examples paper agile manipulation functional translation definition experimentation version intelligence shape