Abstract: To edit data, a plurality of automatic processes are defined. Icons representing those processes may be displayed in a library frame of a display of the data editing system. The user may then select one or more of those processes by moving the corresponding icon from the library frame to an editing frame which also displays an image representing the data to be edited. When the user edits the data, each selected automatic process monitors the relationships between the data wherein, the corresponding icon provides a visual indication of the status of the automatic process. Preferably the progress of the automatic process is indicated by changes in the appearance of the corresponding icon. A generation frame may be provided on the display so that the user can generate new processes, represented by a corresponding icon, which may then be moved to the library frame or the editing frame. Icons may be grouped to permit simultaneous selection of a group of corresponding automatic processes.

Abstract: A curved surface generated on a closed curve is expressed by an equation of a film having a physical property. The film is considered as a virtual elastic film generated on the closed curve. A curved surface is generated on the closed curve through changing the shape of the elastic film by operator's setting of both the mechanical force of the elastic film and the normal direction of the elastic film on the closed curve.

Abstract: The design work is to perform various investigation for design data while displaying it on a display screen to make subdivision and concretization thereof. Thus, the design work is a combination of a plurality of design stages in general. Accordingly, the design work is described for each design stage to improve work efficiency. Actually, a design supporting apparatus includes a device for setting the design stages clearly, a device for preserving the setting, a device for setting relation between the design stages, a device for deciding the design stages dynamically, and a device for relating the design data to the design stages for preservation thereof in addition to processing and editing function of the design data provided in the design supporting apparatus.

Abstract: In order to generate a display of a surface, an equation or equations are generated corresponding to all or parts of the surface. The equation or equations represent the surface as a physical membrane. Boundary conditions of the surface can thus be specified, and the equation solved using the boundary conditions as outer constraints to generate a display of the surface. A set of points within the boundary of the surface may be specified, which then define inner constraints for the solution of the equation. Where parts of the surface join at a point or line, a further equation can be generated, which further equation represents the area around the join as a physical membrane. Solution of that equation, preserving the boundary of the area around the join, provides a smooth transition between the parts of the surface.

Abstract: A pattern processing method is provided which performs the following steps with regard to a region in an n-dimensional space: providing a procedure (relative expression procedure) for generating relative positional data of any desired point in the n-dimensional space with respect to the region by the use of a series of data determining the region (the relative positional data including data indicating whether the point is inside or outside the region, the distance from the point to the boundary of the region, etc.