Abstract: A method for changing, by using a computer, an arrangement of strings that are arranged along an inner periphery of a graphic and partially overlap one another is offered. The computer arranges the strings in a radial pattern from a reference point determined within the graphic, determines whether overlapping strings are present, and moves the reference point in a direction to separate from the overlapping strings when the computer determines that the overlapping strings are present.

Abstract: The part information providing system includes a part information database a retrieving section, and a notifying section. The part information database stores part information including a price of a first part and identification information of a cheaper second part, serving as a substitute for the first part, in association with identification of the first part. The retrieving section retrieves identification information of a third part, which is a component of a device, from the database and, if the identification information of the third part is associated with that of the second part, retrieves the second part, which serves as a substitute for the third part and is cheaper than the third part, from the part using the identification information of the second part by following a link of the identification information of the second part. The notifying section notifies a user of information about the second part retrieved.

Abstract: In designing integrated circuits such as FPGAs, a design support environment including the quality of design data is improved and the design efficiency is improved. An integrated-circuit design support apparatus that supports designing of an integrated circuit having a plurality of pins is provided. The apparatus includes a processor (a central processing unit) that forms a pin layout matrix (a matrix sheet) by unifying pin layout information of the integrated circuit using a common format and arranging the pin layout information in coordinates. The processor creates an integrated-circuit design library from the pin layout matrix.

Abstract: In designing integrated circuits such as FPGAs, a design support environment including the quality of design data is improved and the design efficiency is improved. An integrated-circuit design support apparatus that supports designing of an integrated circuit having a plurality of pins is provided. The apparatus includes a processor (a central processing unit) that forms a pin layout matrix (a matrix sheet) by unifying pin layout information of the integrated circuit using a common format and arranging the pin layout information in coordinates.