[comp.lang.postscript] 16 bit characters

goward@ogccse.ogc.edu (Philip Goward) (10/19/89)

I've been wondering how PostScript adapts to 16-bit fonts, such
as Kanji. How are characters with codes > 255 accessed? Does the
'show' command take 2 character bytes at a time to form a single
character? If so, what order do the bytes go in? first+256*second,
or second+256*first? If not, is some sort of escape sequencing
used? Nothing in the PostScript reference books seems to mention
16-bit fonts. Is there any documentation readily available?

Philip Goward.

goward@cse.ogc.edu

rsilverman@eagle.wesleyan.edu (10/20/89)

In article <5203@ogccse.ogc.edu>, goward@ogccse.ogc.edu (Philip Goward) writes:
> I've been wondering how PostScript adapts to 16-bit fonts, such
> as Kanji. How are characters with codes > 255 accessed? ...

The standard definition of PostScript does not allow for more than 256
characters to be encoded at once (although there can be many more characters in
a font, accessible by reencoding the font on the fly, or creating multiple
fonts based on the same set of character definitions with different encoding
vectors).  I remember reading that sometime in the past few months, Adobe
started marketing an extended version that could deal better with the
requirements of non-Roman writing systems.

                                                Richard Silverman

arpa:	rsilverman@eagle.wesleyan.edu           Systems Engineer
bitnet:	rsilverman@wesleyan.bitnet              AM Computer Products
CIS:	[72727,453]                             Southington, CT 06489

mcgrant@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Michael Charles Grant) (10/23/89)

In article <5203@ogccse.ogc.edu> goward@ogccse.ogc.edu (Philip Goward) writes:
>I've been wondering how PostScript adapts to 16-bit fonts, such
>as Kanji. How are characters with codes > 255 accessed? Does the

I'm an graduating senior in electrical engineering with five semesters of
Japanese experience, and I am trying to find a personal computer with which I
could perform word processing in BOTH Japanese and English.  I've heard that the
Macintosh can do such with 16-bit fonts, but I really don't know a THING about
it at all.  It would be excellent if it was just a matter of finding a single
program and a few PostScript fonts.

Sorry if I'm violating UseNet etiquette here, but this is my first message.

Michael C. Grant
(insert witty .signature here)

delahunt@adobe.COM (Jim DeLaHunt) (10/24/89)

In article <19965@ut-emx.UUCP> mcgrant@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Michael C. Grant) 
writes:
>... I am trying to find a personal computer with which I
>could perform word processing in BOTH Japanese and English.  I've heard that
>the Macintosh can do such with 16-bit fonts.... It would be excellent if it
>was just a matter of finding a single program and a few PostScript fonts.

This is not really a PostScript language question.  The real questions are:
    1)	"Are there bilingual (English/Japanese) word processors?"
	I know of two on the Mac: ByWord and TurboWriter.  You can get 
	more information on them from your local Japanese software import
	shop, or from Qualitas Trading Co., 6907 Norfolk Rd., Berkeley,
	CA  94075; TEL +1-415-848-8080.  There is also a wordprocessor
	on the IBM PC, but I think it is Japanese-only, not bilingual.
    2)	"What machines does that software run on?"
	The Mac.
    3)	"What extra systems software etc. do I need to run that software?"
	You need Mac's System Software v.6.0.2-J, otherwise known as
	KanjiTalk.  You can get that from APDA.  To find out about APDA,
	contact your local Mac user's group.
    4)	"Given that software & system, how can I print to PostScript devices?"
	KanjiTalk includes a LaserWriter driver, with which any Mac can
	print to PostScript devices.  Those devices have the right fonts.

This is not an endorsement of these software packages over others, or of
the Mac over the PC for bilingual word-processing.  I just happen to know
that this combo works.
>
>Michael C. Grant
>(insert witty .signature here)

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  --Jim DeLaHunt	+1-415-962-3790		delahunt@adobe.com  (Internet)
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