Computational Linguistics: Graphical input/output of nonstandard characters

A system developed at Harvard for graphically inputting and outputting nonstandard characters on a computer is printed. In principle, the system can deal with any orthography, although at present it is limited to 4000 Chinese characters and some mathematical symbols. New characters can be added to the repertoire of the system by graphical input on a display scope. Text inputting is accomplished via a display scope or a Rand Tablet. The organization and operation of the current system are described, and a discussion of the relative merits of such a system is given. Illustrations of the computer input and output of Chinese characters are included.