A generic system for directory pagination

A description is presented of DX (Directory Expert), which is a Lisp-based system that merges gridding specifications with page layout and graphic programs to create the NYNEX Yellow Pages telephone directory. This system uses a custom-built inference engine that drives the knowledge components and also uses domain-specific knowledge to optimize the page layout process. As pages are generated, the system tests each configuration based on NYNEX gridding specifications. The resulting pages are automatically evaluated so that the gridders can concentrate on correcting the difficult exceptions to the gridding specifications