Three-dimensional CAD attribute information presentation

The present invention relates to information processing apparatus and methods and, more particularly, to information processing apparatus and methods making use of a 3D model (3D shape) prepared by 3D-CAD. For adding attribute information (distances, angles, hole diameters, dimensional tolerances, etc.) to the 3D model, it becomes harder to recognize the shape of the 3D model and the attribute information on a display screen with increase in the added information. Thus each visual axis direction (attribute arrangement plane) is set for the 3D model prepared and attribute information is inputted so as to be opposed to the attribute arrangement plane thus set. When the set attribute arrangement plane is then specified, the opposed attribute information, together with the shape of the 3D model set, is displayed on the display screen. Names of attribute arrangement planes are arranged so as to avoid overlap thereof on the display screen, thereby suppressing deterioration of visibility. Each attribute arrangement plane has a frame and the attribute information is placed within the frame.