Figure operation of layout for high speed processing

A method of processing figure arrays in a figure processing apparatus, comprising:

• sequentially inputting first and second figure arrays;
• selectively performing a fractionalizing process to divide each of figure elements of said second figure array into a plurality of types of fractions based on presence/non-presence of an overlapping portion between said first and second figure arrays and an array data of said second figure array, said array data indicating an array pitch in each of horizontal and vertical directions and a number of figures in the direction;
• producing a figure array of fractions for each type and registering the produced figure arrays in chain groups which includes a chain group of said first figure array, such that the registered figure arrays have the same array data;
• and
• performing a figure operating process to said chain group,
• wherein said step of performing a fractionalizing process includes fractionalizing each of the figure elements of said second figure array into said plurality of types of fractions based on boundary lines of said overlapping portion,
• wherein said boundary lines include a first boundary line defining a top-most location of said overlapping portion and a second boundary line defining a bottom-most location of said overlapping portion, and
• wherein said plurality of types of fractions include a first type defined in a region above the first boundary line, a second type defined in a region between the first and second boundary lines, and a third type defined in a region below the second boundary line.

A figure processing apparatus comprising:

• an inputting unit for sequentially inputting first and second figure arrays;
• a fractionalizing unit for selectively performing a fractionalizing process to divide each of figure elements of said second figure array into a plurality of types of fractions based on presence/non-presence of an overlapping portion between said first and second figure arrays and an array data of said second figure array, said array data indicating an array pitch in each of horizontal and vertical directions and a number of figures in the direction;
• a registering unit for producing a figure array of fractions for each type and registering the produced figure arrays in chain groups which includes a chain group of said first figure array, such that the registered figure arrays have the same array data;
• and
• a figure operating unit for performing a figure operating process to said chain group,
• wherein said fractionalizing unit fractionalizes each of the figure elements of said second figure array into said plurality of types of fractions based on boundary lines of said overlapping portion, and
• wherein said fractionalizing unit fractionalizes each of the figure elements of said second figure array includes performing said fractionalizing process to divide each of figure elements of said first figure array into a plurality of types of fractions when position of said boundary lines change.