Syntax and Display of Mathematical Expressions

Abstract

A LISP program converts a mathematical expression stored in list structure form, into a text-book style visual display. To do this, requires the selection and positioning of the individual symbols which make up the expression, using a combination of global and local information. This memo describes a table-driven picture-compiler which makes the necessary information available. Syntax rules have been written for a large class of mathematical expressions. These rules are simplified by the introduction of concepts concerning the relative position of symbols. In addition to the symbols and their coordinates the program sends a parsing of the symbols to the display. This program is a refinement of the system proposed by M.L. Minsky in Artificial Intelligence Memo 61, 'Mathscope: Part I'.