An algorithm for determining the simplicity of \((i,j)\)-curves on a surface (Q2504339)

In [Math. Ann. 196, 218--249 (1972; Zbl 0221.57001) and ibid. 199, 131--153 (1972; Zbl 0231.57002)], \textit{D. R. J. Chillingworth} studied his winding numbers on surfaces to establish an algorithm for determining whether a given element of the fundamental group of a surface can be represented by simple closed curves. In the paper under review, the author extends these results to the homotopy classes of open curves on a punctured surface. His strategy is to construct a double curve of a given open curve and to apply Chillingworth's result to the closed curve.