Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and product for designing, on a display device, a geometric shape is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of displaying an initial set of similarly structured model exemplars on a display device, selecting a chosen set of models from the initial set of similarly structured model exemplars to apply to a model mix, mixing the set of models to form a currently displayed shape, providing on the display device at least one selectable feature for manipulating the currently displayed shape, and applying at least one constraint of the selectable feature to the currently displayed shape to update the currently displayed shape into a new geometric shape design.

Abstract: Trying on the clothes is simulated by processing an image sequence by using a posture dictionary, and a three-dimensional figure, obtained in advance, of a person who wishes to try on clothing. The process includes estimating the posture of the person, and simulating the motions of the clothes, in agreement with estimated time series posture data. A virtual modeling apparatus comprises an imaging device configured to take an image sequence, a posture-estimator which estimates the posture of a person in the image sequence from the three-dimensional figure data of the person and from data for various postures, a posture corrector which generates smooth and natural posture time series data from the time series of estimated postures, a clothes simulator which calculates the motions of the clothing being modeled, and a display device which displays images of the person as if they were actually wearing the clothing.

Abstract: Digital maps can be composed of a series of image tiles that are selected based on the context of the map to be presented. Independently hosted tiles can comprise additional details that can be added to the map. A manifest can be created that describes the layers of map details composed of such independently hosted tiles. Externally referable mechanisms can, based on the manifest and map context, select tiles, from among the independently hosted tiles, that correspond to map tiles being displayed to a user. Subsequently, the mechanisms can instruct a browser, as specified in the manifest, to combine the map tiles and the independently hosted tiles to generate a more detailed map. Alternatively, customized mechanisms can generate map detail tiles in real-time, based on an exported map context. Also, controls instantiated by the browser can render three-dimensional images based on the combined map tiles.

Abstract: Performing Boolean operations among two regions; regions and results represented as vector tuples. Establish indexing cells about regions and classify by type of interaction between regions, e.g., (boundary, boundary). For each (boundary, boundary) cell, define pseudo-points at each boundary entrance/exit. Categorize each (boundary, boundary) cell on relationship of its pseudo-points. Identify starting points along boundaries based on: categorization, operation, and interior convention. Accumulate results cycling from a starting point, along region boundary. Upon encountering each intersection, proceed along the other region boundary. Upon encountering a cell edge, proceed along the cell edge in the direction consistent with the interior convention. Where a starting point or intersection between region boundaries remains untraversed, accumulate results in tracing a similar cycle along untraced boundaries. Discard duplicate/cell-edge only tuples.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of reconciling and merging differences between displayed electronic diagrams. After differences between corresponding areas of the two electronic diagrams are detected, the software provides a mechanism for merging different attributes between the diagrams. Alternatively, the second diagram may receive all of the differences identified from the first diagram. Distinctions are made between graphical and functional attributes noted as differences between the two diagrams prior to the merge operation. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention enables the user to specify which type of attribute differences should be merged (i.e., graphical differences, functional differences, both graphical and functional, or only selected differences).

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for forming an event picture in a mobile communication terminal. According to the invention, when there occurs any event such as call reception, alarm or message reception under state that a service picture is displayed on a screen of the terminal, the current service picture is backed up, a command input through the buttons provided to the terminal is interrupted and the event picture is overlapped over the current service picture, thereby allowing a user to perceive the corresponding event. Accordingly, the terminal user can correctly perceive the event occurred during the service. In addition, when the event occurs, the command input through the buttons is interrupted, so that it is possible to prevent an unintended event processing or erroneous operation due to an erroneous button manipulation.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing garments including the following steps: a) providing, via computer, at least one garment mold (13) made up of a basic three-dimensional surface, personified by a body (2) enveloping cover. The above mentioned garment mold (13) has to be defined by parametric coordinates. b) adapting, via computer, the garment mold (13) to the above mentioned body (2) loosening and/or tightening different selected areas (15) of the garment mold (13) with respect to the body (2), according to the desired design. c) cutting and removing, via computer, selected areas of the garment mold (13) according to the aforementioned desired design. Additionally the method includes the possibility of applying textures and color attributes to the garment mold and digitally animating the body (2) along with the garment mold (13).

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to define an abstraction layer disposed between a business intelligence application and a set of visualization libraries. The abstraction layer provides an application programmer interface for the business intelligence application to the set of visualization libraries. A visualization settings model is defined within the abstraction layer. The visualization settings model describes a visualization that can be rendered by a visualization library in the of visualization libraries.

Abstract: A video node for use in rendering one or more video frames of a video stream. The video node is represented by a compositing tree (2100). The compositing tree (2100) comprises at least one image primitive node (2140) representing one or more video frames (2300) of the video stream. At least one of the video frames (2300) represented by the image primitive node (2140) is composited with at least one further graphical primitive represented by at least one further primitive node (2130) of the compositing tree (2100). The video frame (2300) is composited with the further graphical primitive according to a compositing operation represented by an operation node of the compositing tree (2100) in order to generate a composite image (2303) represented by at least one composite node (2150) of the compositing tree (2100).

Abstract: There is provided a screen update method and system including: a first step of identifying image resource data associated with a first image update event from a predetermined basic recording space in case that the first image update event occurs; a second step of loading the identified image resource data in a buffer space including a plurality of buffers, in which the image resource data are loaded in rotation on the buffer by a frame, respectively; a third step of sequentially determining the image resource data loaded on the buffer for each the buffer, rendering the determined image resource data, and generating a first image at a first frame rate; a fourth step of generating a second image associated with a second image update event at a second frame rate in case that the second image update event occurs; a fifth step of compositing the first image with the second image to generate an entire image; and a sixth step of displaying the entire image on a predetermined display means.

Abstract: In an apparatus for composing image data of a main picture and image data of a sub-picture by a chroma key process, an attribute of an image contained in the sub-picture is detected, a partial area of the sub-picture is set as a chroma key mask area in accordance with the attribute detection result, and composing the image data of the main picture and the image data of the sub-picture by executing the chroma key process for an area other than the chroma key mask area without executing the chroma key process for the chroma key mask area in the sub-picture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for displaying graphical objects on a digital map includes receiving, for a graphical object, metadata comprising a parameter indicating a type of the graphical object, a parameter indicating a size of the graphical object, and a group of parameters indicating a geographic location of the object represented by the graphical object. The type of the graphical object is one of a group of stored types. The method further includes rendering the graphical object on the digital map by generating, based the received metadata, a group of geographic coordinates for the graphical object.

Abstract: A reference character is generated by combining part objects prepared for each site. At least one candidate character object is generated by changing at least one part object among the part objects used in the reference character object. The reference character object and the candidate character object are displayed by a display device, and an input for selection from a user is accepted. Next, a site for which different part objects are used between the selected character object and the reference character object is determined. A new character object is generated by changing the part object used for the determined site with priority. The selected character object is displayed as the reference character, and the newly generated character is displayed as the candidate character.

Abstract: A host apparatus capable of setting an N-up function and a control method thereof. The host apparatus provides a function of printing a plurality of pages on a single sheet of printing paper, and includes a Graphic User Interface (GUI) generating unit which generates a user interface to set a border attribute of the pages, a border generating unit which generates border data by incorporating the border attribute if the border attribute of the pages is set, and a driver control unit which converts the generated border data and print data corresponding to the plurality of pages into a printer language. Accordingly, a user is provided with customized N-up printing, which provides a printout of a plurality of pages on a single paper sheet with borders as desired by the user.

Abstract: Discloses a method for producing graphical overlay elements on a source video program stream using Microsoft PowerPoint slides as a source of the graphical overlay elements to be overlaid on the source video program stream, including representations of real-time information such as stock quotes or weather data. A computer software algorithm is describe which includes a PowerPoint data objects parser that interacts with PowerPoint data objects and user input to create and control the overlay of PowerPoint graphical elements on the source video program stream. The PowerPoint data objects parser produces enhanced data objects representing the overlay graphic elements that include mask and alpha channel data for use a graphics engine to composite the enhanced data objects of the overlay graphic elements with an input video program stream.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating an image-textured digital surface model (DSM) for a geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain may include using a computer to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) of both the buildings and terrain for the geographical area of interest. The method may further include providing a collection of optical images including oblique optical images for the geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain. The computer may also be used to selectively superimpose oblique optical images from the collection of optical images onto the DEM of both the buildings and terrain for the geographical area of interest and to thereby generate the image-textured DSM for the geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain.

Abstract: A graphics integrated circuit chip is used in a set-top box for controlling a television display. The graphics chip processes analog video input, digital video input, and graphics input. The chip includes a single polyphase filter that preferably provides both anti-flutter filtering and scaling of graphics. Anti-flutter filtering may help reduce display flicker due to the interlaced nature of television displays. The scaling of graphics may be used to convert the normally square pixel aspect ratio of graphics to the normally rectangular pixel aspect ratio of video.

Abstract: Trying on the clothes is simulated by processing an image sequence by using a posture dictionary, and a three-dimensional figure, obtained in advance, of a person who wishes to try on clothing. The process includes estimating the posture of the person, and simulating the motions of the clothes, in agreement with estimated time series posture data. A virtual modeling apparatus comprises an imaging device configured to take an image sequence, a posture-estimator which estimates the posture of a person in the image sequence from the three-dimensional figure data of the person and from data for various postures, a posture corrector which generates smooth and natural posture time series data from the time series of estimated postures, a clothes simulator which calculates the motions of the clothing being modeled, and a display device which displays images of the person as if they were actually wearing the clothing.

Abstract: The invention is a rearview video-output device with a cover, a transparent plate mounted into the cover with at least one video output device and at least one audio output device located within the cover. A cable provides a means for inputting at least one video signal, at least one audio signal and electric power. A means for attaching the cover to the center rearview mirror is provided. A sheet is located behind the transparent plate and within the cover. The sheet enhances the reflectivity of the transparent plate by providing a uniform background color and texture. The sheet is sized to permit pass through installation of each video output device. The device does not limit video clarity and brightness. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging engine system (699) generally intended for the reproduction of graphical object images using apparatus having limited computing resources, such as so-called “thin clients”. Numerous developments of traditional image processing and rendering enable high quality image generation. One such development takes advantage of temporal coherence between one frame in an animation sequence and the succeeding frame. In particular, there will often be some edges (233, 235) of graphical objects that remain “static” across several contiguous frames. One example of this includes those edges used to draw image background detail. Another development performs antialiasing during scan line rendering of a graphic object image where sub-pixel resolution coverage bit-masks (A-buffers 29-34) are generated for a limited number of scan lines at a time. Preferably the A-buffers are generated for only one pixel at a time.

Abstract: A method of creating an image is disclosed. The image is formed by rendering at least a plurality of graphical objects to be composited according to a first hierarchical structure (eg. 4500) representing a compositing expression for the image. The first hierarchical structure (4500) includes a plurality of nodes each representing at least a component of the image or an operation for combining sub-expressions of the compositing expression. The method stores a second hierarchical structure (300) for at least one node of the first hierarchical structure (4500). The second hierarchical structure (300) indicates at least an unobscured region of an object associated with the node. A space in which the object is defined is partitioned into a plurality of regions.

Abstract: There is provided an on-vehicle stereoscopic display device wherein the same graphics having different brightness levels are superimposed on display devices to represent the depth of a graphic. The device has a configuration such that information indicating a cross-sectional shape of a graphic to be stereoscopically displayed is generated, and based on the generated information indicating the cross-sectional shape, the graphic having the depth is transparently displayed from the front to the rear of the screen. It is, therefore, possible to provide the on-vehicle stereoscopic display device wherein levels of the depth of a graphic to be stereoscopically displayed do not depend on the number of display devices, there are fewer limitations over a position of an operator to watch the display, and the superior visibility is provided.

Abstract: Software for designing interior and/or exterior spaces efficiently ensures that user intent is captured in a timely, practical manner. When a user creates an input, such as selecting a shape of a table to put into a design space, the design software creates an initial object that is managed as part of a data structure. Generally, the initial object includes a type element having one or more options. Program code in the created initial object determines an appropriate option based on any number of factors including, but not limited to, elements of the user's original input. A subsequent child object with a set of independent program code is also created, which has as its type the option determined from the previous initial object. The subsequent object also determines its options based on attributes of the user's input, and creates any additional child objects where appropriate.

Abstract: An image processing system or image processing method for performing image sensing by an image sensing unit having plural image sensing devices then outputting plural image data, wireless-transmitting the plural image data, and generating a combined image based on the wireless-transmitted plural image data.

Abstract: A graphics rendering system (400) and method (500) are disclosed for forming object groups from input objects (431 through 438). The graphics rendering system (400) comprises an number of detection schemes (421 to 423), a managing module (410) and a rendering module (405). Each detection scheme (421 to 423) has a priority and an associated object group type, and is operative to detect whether an object forms part of an object group of the associated object group type. The managing module (410) passes data describing a received input object to at least one of the detection schemes (421 to 423), and receives notification from the detection scheme(s) whether the object forms part of the object group(s). The managing module (410) then determines whether one or more of the object groups are completely formed, where at least partly formed object groups form a list.

Abstract: A method of cubic mapping with texturing is described. Neighboring pixels on an object are mapped to adjacent faces of the cube, but these adjacent faces do not guarantee continuity in the texture mip-map associated with each face. Therefore, the u and v texture map coordinates are adjusted after mapping to adjacent faces to make a continuity adjustment that insures that the LOD for the texture mip-map is the same for each adjacent face. The continuity adjustment includes either switching the u coordinate with the v coordinate or negating one of the coordinates or both. Additionally, if the u and v coordinates are normalized, the normalization may be compensated by adding or subtracting unity from the adjusted coordinate. After the continuity adjustment is made an approximation to the derivative is computed and used to determine the LOD for the mip-map. Texturing can then proceed using the LOD.

Abstract: A computer-based method of processing a computer graphics illustration having pieces of artwork includes mapping outlines of the pieces of artwork onto a grid of cells, determining a number of outlines that map to a cell, and identifying a complex region based on the determined number of outlines that map to the cell.

Abstract: Design software in accordance with an implementation of the present invention is configured to provide believable three-dimensional representations of user selections in real-time. Design elements that would otherwise be difficult to efficiently render three-dimensionally in real-time are prerendered for realistic visual effects, such as realistic shading, which correspond to various positions of the elements in a design space. Blanks of the visual effects for each position are then stored in a data store for visual effects. At run time, data associated with user design choices, as well as the blanks for any corresponding design elements are fed in one implementation to peripheral processing hardware, such as a GPU, which sends the processed data to a display device. The user is therefore able to view complex visual data of certain design choices efficiently with added realism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus where a source delivers graphics data to a target, which receives and displays the graphics data. The source of the graphics data controls how the graphics data is to be displayed at the target. The source transmits a display control signal prescribing a manner in which the video signal is to be displayed in relation to the graphics data. A target receives the video signal, the graphics signal, and the display control signal, and combines the video signal and the graphics data in the manner prescribed by the display control signal to form a combined display at the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extensible real-time workflows are described. The present invention allows a user of a transaction processing system, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) tool or an automatic call distribution (ACD), for example, to easily add new event sources without recompiling the core workflow server engine of the transaction processing system. The invention also supports features such as the adding of new services, the exchange of events and parameters with other systems, real-time collection and display of workflow statistical information, the use of a centralized configuration database, incremental loading and unloading of workflows and rules, and exception handling.

Abstract: Image display apparatus (2) which combines low and high resolution image data in a common data format prior to display.

Abstract: Shoe organization and selection system whereby a person can easily and conveniently find a pair of shoes desired from their closet by selecting the shoe from a computer screen that contains pictures of all of the shoes in the shoe organizer (FIG. 1A), and then the computer will open the appropriate shoe drawer (18) so that the desired shoe can be extracted. The system comprises of a modular shoe organizer rack (FIG. 1A) which will contain the actual shoes, a motorized shoe drawer (18), and a shoe selection console (40), thereby named SSC for short, that will be directly connected to each shoe compartment either wired or wirelessly. The shoe selection console (40) will contain a picture of each shoe (42) contained in the shoe organizer.

Abstract: A graphics system readily activates and deactivates layers of a multi-layer source image. Image data, such as a multi-layered integrated circuit (“IC”) design, is generated for a multi-layer source image. A pyramid of image tiles defines “on” and “off” states for elements that represent the source image. A bit plane identifies values for the elements for each layer of the source image. Mask image data is generated to zero image data associated with at least one layer of the bit plane. The graphics system generates pixel data from the mask image data, and renders the pixel data on an output display.

Abstract: As information to be processed at an object-based video or audio-visual (AV) terminal, an object-oriented bitstream includes objects, composition information, and scene demarcation information. Such bitstream structure allows on-line editing, e.g. cut and paste, insertion/deletion, grouping, and special effects. In the interest of ease of editing, AV objects and their composition information are transmitted or accessed on separate logical channels (LCs). Objects which have a lifetime in the decoder beyond their initial presentation time are cached for reuse until a selected expiration time. The system includes a de-multiplexer (1), a controller (2) which controls the operation of the AV terminal, input buffers (3), AV objects decoders (4), buffers (4?) for decoded data, a composer (5), a display (6), and an object cache (7).

Abstract: In a computer graphics rendering process, a first triangle-shaped primitive and a second triangle-shaped primitive that are connected (that is, they share vertices and a side) are optionally combined to form a quadrangle-shaped primitive. When the first and second triangle-shaped primitives are combined, the resultant quadrangle-shaped primitive is forwarded to a quad-based rasterization process (e.g., a rasterizer or rasterizer subsystem). Otherwise, the first triangle-shaped primitive is forwarded to the rasterization process. The second triangle-shaped primitive may also be forwarded to the rasterization process separate from the first, or it may be used to form a quadrangle in combination with another triangle primitive connected to it. A graphics subsystem could effectively double its throughput of connected triangle primitives by going from three vertices and three edges per primitive to four vertices and four edges per primitive.

Abstract: A system and method for polygon-smoothing in texture-based volume rendering is provided. The method comprises the steps of: downsizing a slice polygon and determining boundary polygons around the downsized slice polygon using a smoothing factor, wherein the downsized slice polygon comprises first vertices and the boundary polygons comprise second vertices; generating a falloff ramp between the first vertices of the downsized slice polygon and the second vertices of the boundary polygons; and rendering the downsized slice polygon with texture-based volume rendering and the boundary polygons with texture-based volume rendering and the falloff ramp.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing progressively-variant textures based on texton masks are provided. A first method creates a synthesized texture image guided by a sample texture, first texton mask corresponding to the sample texture and a second texton mask modified based on the first texton mask. A second method also creates a synthesized texture image guided by a first and second sample textures and corresponding first and second texton masks. A method for rendering a synthesized texture on an image of a three-dimensional object includes creating a synthesized texture on the object guided by a two-dimensional progressively-variant sample texture, a texton mask for the sample texture and a mesh of a plurality of vertices representing the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying data categories. The apparatus comprises a display that is configured to produce a first visual presentation of a first data category of the data categories and a second visual presentation of a second data category of the data categories. The apparatus also comprises a processor that is configured to control the display during simultaneous production of the first visual presentation and the second visual presentation. The processor is configured to control the display such that the first visual presentation comprises a first line bordering at least a portion of a first object of the first data category.

Abstract: A system and process for quickly rendering ink is described. Rendered ink information is placed into a transparency map of an image. The image is combined with foreground and background information to produce a final image. Using this process, the painting of ink using transparency map information may be performed quickly and with less processor work than a slow rendering process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for merging two meshes whose density differs from each other so as to avoid unnatural appearance. A first mesh and a second mesh that differ from each other in density are merged by the following procedure. Edge length of a portion that becomes a boundary between the first and second meshes is determined, size of a first group of polygons including the edge of the portion is determined based on the determined length and size of a second group of polygons is adjusted so that an adjustment ratio is smaller as a distance between a position of each of the second group of polygons and the portion is greater, the first and second group of polygons being part of polygons structuring the first and second meshes, and the first and second meshes in each of which the polygons are adjusted are merged.

Abstract: A method of processing received objects in a rendering system determines whether a detection scheme which already has grouped objects exits. The rendering system has a plurality of detection schemes, with each detection schemes having an associated object group type. If such a detection scheme does not exist and a previously received object has been stored, then the method determines in descending priority order whether one of the detection schemes is operative to group the received object with the previously received object. If it is determined that none of the detection schemes is operative to group the received object with the previously received object, then the previously received object is output for rendering the received object is stored. If it is determined that one of the detection schemes is operative to group the received object with the previously received object, then the received object is grouped with the previously received object.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods implementing a technique for creating an electronic artwork with a hot area. For a selected layer of the artwork, a non-transparent region is identified and an action is assigned to an area corresponding to the non-transparent region, the action defining a function that will be activated when the area is selected. The technique is advantageous in computer application programs that composite images from layers and for producing HTML (HyperText Markup Language) output that refers to a corresponding composited image, where the action is a URL and the area is defined by an image map.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-precision alignment method, device and code for inspections that compare an inspection image with a reference image and detect defects from their differences. In one embodiment an inspection image and a reference image are divided into multiple regions. An offset is calculated for each pair of sub-images. Out of these multiple offsets, only the offsets with high reliability are used to determine an offset for the entire image. This allows high-precision alignment with little or no dependency on pattern density or shape, differences in luminance between images, and uneven luminance within individual images. Also, detection sensitivity is adjusted as necessary by monitoring alignment precision.

Abstract: A flicker filter is adjusted according to degree of alpha blending performed on a display signal. For some weakly showing graphics images, a lower flicker filter level may be implemented or the flicker filter may be turned off. A threshold for turning off the flicker filter may be programmable.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method are provided by which the user not only can merely see an album display but also can enjoy the album display satisfactorily as a memory. Image data are stored, and time information and position information are recorded in connection with the image data. Thumbnail icons representative of the image data are displayed in accordance with the time information, and a map image is displayed in concave/concave display. Position icons representative of the time information and the position information are displayed on the map image. The map and the thumbnail icons are moved on the display by at least one of different types of movement including horizontal movement, vertical movement, clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement so that the user can enjoy various images.

Abstract: A real-time system and method for inserting perspective correct content into an image sequence are presented. The invention inserts the content with the location, size, orientation, shape and occlusion properties that are appropriate for the camera view represented by the image sequence. Both static and dynamic content insert positions are supported. The location, size, orientation and shape of the inserted content are determined independently of the image sequence content. Furthermore, no knowledge of three dimensional real world space locations or real world measurements, as related to the content of the image sequence, is used during the content insert process.

Abstract: The analysis and evaluation techniques of a gamut mapping technique, which can reflect the determination result of the quality of gamut mapping in the gamut mapping technique, are demanded. Hence, a color distribution information file and image file are loaded, initial 3D object data is generated based on color distribution data, and initial image object data is generated based on image data. The image object data and 3D object data are displayed on a monitor. When the user inputs a message, a process corresponding to the input message is executed, and the updated image object data and 3D object data are displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A system for creating an augmented reality display coupled with a firefighter's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask. The invention combines a camera, motion tracking sensor, head-mounted display, SCBA mask, and optional head phones into a display suitable for performing exercises, such as training of firefighters or other emergency first responders, in augmented reality.

Abstract: An image processing method by which image information of a variety of artifacts can be easily searched through in accordance with attributes of the artifacts and the image information combined to easily produce a realistic image close to reality, comprising the steps of generating an artifact information object of clothing or another artifact by using element information object data indicating attributes of an element forming a component of the artifact and artifact generating processing object data indicating a processing procedure for generating the artifact by using the same, then combining the artifact and base artifact information object data of a base artifact such as a doll to generate image data of a scene of for example a doll with clothes on.

Abstract: After thinning an input image (drawing), a primitive is extracted. First, a rough primitive is extracted, and then the rough primitive becomes a primitive in a merge-split process according to a greedy strategy. Based on the primitive and the spatial correlation among primitives, an attribute graph describing the contents and the structure of the drawing is generated. The attribute graph is generated using a modified Delaunay triangle and an attribute set. An attribute graph having an attribute set is generated for each of an inquiry drawing and a comparison drawing which are compared with each other, thereby perform drawing comparison.