Abstract: A layout design assisting system operates in the following steps. A drawing of a layout area for installing a plurality of layout objects is displayed on a display unit. The operator specifies one of the displayed layout objects. Another layout object which interferes with the specified layout object is found in the layout area. An economical loss imposed on the specified layout object attributable to the other layout object is evaluated. Examination is conducted as to whether or not the other layout object can be relocated so that it does not interfere with the specified layout object. The specified layout object, the other layout object, the economical loss and the examination result are displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A design support apparatus displays components of a design object on a display screen in the same positional relationship as that of actual layout, and graphically displays an installation inhibit area for the components which is derived from the design object or its components, on the display scree. An operator may design the layout while he/she looks as the display screen to designate installation position of the components so that they do not enter into the installation inhibit area. The installation inhibit area displayed on the screen may be a minimal space from a wall of the component or a working space for the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing a character (including an alpha-numeric character, mark or other character) written using a stylus applied to a tablet which stylus and tablet include an arrangement for providing an indication of position of the stylus with respect to a surface of the tablet. The character recognition apparatus determines the length and gradient (slope) of line segments of strokes drawn by a user which strokes combine to form characters. After determining length and gradient of a line segment, there is assigned to the line segment a distinctive code. A particular character is determined by examining the order of codes which define particular combinations of strokes. Recognition of characters is carried out in substantially real time.