A dialogue system for creating and manipulating graphical symbols and structures

Conventional higher level programming languages have not been designed for effective application to the kind of problems which arise in interactive computer graphics. In order to correct this, efforts have been made to use conversational languages or to design command languages which allow the user to interact with the system via light buttons or teletype.This paper describes a conversational system — called DIGS — using a keyboard-oriented language. The language enables the user to construct models step-by-step with a minimum of typing effort. Intermediate results (graphic or non-graphic) may be controlled at each point of the construction process.The purpose is to provide a tool for easily creating and editing fairly complex symbols as well as hierarchic pictures. Data can be associated with the picture parts and relationships defined between them.