Page:Calligraphy for computers (Hershey, 1967) (IA DTIC AD0662398).djvu/7

 INTRODUCTION

Although computers are used primarily for arithmetic, there are other ways in which computers can be used for the saving of labor.

The use of computers and cathode ray printers for typesetting  is receiving much attention at the present time. Publishers are interested in the possibility of reducing the cost of printing and scientists are interested in the possibility of improving the versatility of printing.

The objective of the present investigation is to explore the feasibility of utilizing the computers and cathode ray printers at the Naval Weapons Laboratory for the preparation of mathematical reports. In this connection a large repertory of digitalized characters has been prepared. The repertory was intended to correspond in scope to the repertories of the American Institute of Physics and the American Mathematical Society. The virtuosity of the cathode ray printer has been explored further with a number of calligraphic digitalizations.

Although a number of printer systems currently are under development, it is assumed in the present report that the Linotron equipment of the Mergenthaler Linotype Company and the Charactron equipment of the Stromberg-Carlson Corporation may serve as examples to illustrate representative qualities, speeds, and versatilities. The repertory in the present report is intended to fill a need for a system which does not sacrifice too much quality or speed, but is unlimited in versatility.

A digitalization of characters was undertaken originally at the Naval Weapons Laboratory for use on dot plotters. An improved version of the original digitalization is presented herewith as Appendix A. With the exception of a few of the characters, no