DE4430274A1 - Image and text in text in desk-top publishing of letter - Google Patents

Abstract

A desk-top publishing system allows text to be combined with a motif, picture or some other form of graphical image to be introduced as part of a single process. The original of the image, e.g. photograph, is subjected to laser scanning to create a matrix of dots with a resolution of some 100-120 dots per inch. The information is processed to provide the required brightness and contrast and the data is organised with the overall size and format to suit the document. The data is then introduced into the text at the required location.

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of the main claim. In particular, at business write the likeness of the author or the sub draftsman can be placed next to the signatures, and it is the invention with simple process steps for image processing and image processing and for the optional Different images can be inserted can.

For the assembly of texts and illustrations there is a series of procedures, starting with purely manual techniques to z. B. on pre-made letterhead with visual parts and up to the computer programs under the term "Desktop Publishing" are known.

The extensive software for desktop publishing offers the various possibilities for designing the layout and of print templates for any size, in any Equipment and can be produced in any edition Printed matter.

Now the complexity and universality in today's State of development of electronic processes at the same time major disadvantage: they are expensive, rely on effective use of all possibilities and options knowledge and skills and routine ahead and are not profitable if only a specific one Use case with always the same result desired is.

Such a case exists if the information content of Business letters, e.g. B. in secretariats with the usual Word processing programs can be created by adding of images, for example, of the responsible person responsible and from contact persons or representatives of the management should be increased. Here would be a simplified procedure for Production and storage of printable documents and for  variable insertion of one or more than one, any selectable images are sufficient, whereby The aim should be that the existing technical equipment - especially in the office - no need to be added.

The invention has for its object a method for making any number from on one Disk stored image documents and for the needs wise integration of the illustrations in letters and the like To design text formats without changing the technical Equipping an existing computer workstation for Word processing can be realized and the simplest Operation when integrating the images with a high variety and with the highest possible quality of image reproduction connects.

This object is achieved with the in the characterizing Part of the main claim specified features solved. The sub-claims contain preferred design variants.

The main advantages of the principle according to the invention result from the division of the necessary operations in two blocks. It is possible and sensible that the supply and Processing of the image templates centrally or until saving is carried out by a service facility. So be cost-cutting routine and high quality guaranteed. There are only a few simple controls at the writing workstation steps required, and in addition to providing z. B. the Floppy disks are no additional technical devices, as well as no special procedural knowledge and skills required.

The processing and editing of image content and the insertion in the text and the print edition are considered essential structured two-part procedure.

As a result, with little overall effort and - above all at the word processing workstation - at simple, cost saving the information content of text documents increase.

The invention is illustrated below by means of an example Process flow and an embodiment for Work result explained in more detail. It shows

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a business letter with images of signers;

Fig. 2 shows the process flow, schematically.

The business letter indicated in Fig. 1 is provided with two signatures. Directly next to a signature 1 , 2 , the portrait 3 , 4 of the signatory is placed. The letter can be created with the images in one step on the laser printer. As already indicated, other image positions are also possible, for example within the text or on the edge - e.g. For example, if a special contact person is mentioned or the companion who picks up the addressee from the airport. Last but not least, illustrations of technical details and company systems or other information material are also conceivable and can be edited and saved on request according to suitable templates and then integrated into the text in the secretariat.

The process steps are shown below, the central (for larger companies) or z. B. by a external service provider.

• 1. The original image is digitized by scanner or video camera (with a direct connection to the computer) or by scanning a slide in transmitted light.
  The image template should meet the following conditions:
  - black and white representation if possible,
  - high gloss surface for paper pictures,
  - sufficient contrast; for portraits, evenly illuminated, neutral background,
  - Dimensions maximum 200% of the final print format.
  For scanning, a resolution of 100 to 120 dpi (corresponds to 40 to 48 dots / cm) with 256 shades of gray should preferably be selected. The values apply to reproduction with a 300 dpi laser printer.
• 2. The image is processed electronically.
  The processing criteria and order are:
  - size and neckline,
  - brightness and contrast,
  - grid.
  The first two processing steps are carried out in dialog and offer the possibility of manual influencing and the consideration of individual specifications.
  To generate and save a raster that can be executed by the laser printer with the highest possible resolution and simultaneous data reduction, dithering using the Stucki diffusion method [1] or a method that scans the original image with a Hilpert curve [2] is preferably used. The result is saved in a standard format such as GIF (Grafics Interchange Format) or TIFF (Tag Image File Format).

On the disk that is issued to the user are the desired images and at the same time the program module for inserting the images into texts, adapted to the different, each available standing word processing program, saved.

The process steps for the user consist in the selection the appropriate illustrations and in the specification of size and Position for the printout. Size and position of the Images can be varied again. Then if the Command "print" of the word processing program is given, the text and illustrations are printed in one Operation.

Fig. 2 shows again schematically the process sequence of the image target to the finished business letter or text and image documentation.

literature

[1] Encarnacao, J., and Straßer, W .: Computer Graphics. R. Oldenbourg Verlag, Munich Vienna 1988, pp. 352 to 360.
[2] Menees, B .: Can it be a little less? Zeitschrift mc 14 (1994), H. 6, pp. 92 to 99.

Claims (3)

1. Process for producing texts with visual representations, in particular process for incorporating portraits in business letters created with the aid of word processing programs, characterized by two separate complexes of work steps with the following features:

• a) Image processing and image processing
• - Creation of a black and white image template, preferably by photochemical means, the display being rich in contrast and the image format being at most twice as large as the format to be displayed on the text document,
• Digitizing the image template with a resolution of preferably 100 to 120 dpi and 256 gray levels,
• - Electronic processing of the image template via a program module with the steps and options:
  Adjusting the image size, selecting the image section, adjusting the brightness and contrast, rastering or dithering including data reduction, saving on a data medium in a standard format for pixel images,
• b) Text and image combination
• - Inserting one or more selected images ( 3 , 4 ) into the text page using a program module added to the word processing program with the options:
  Selection of the motif or portraits, selection of the number of images, changing the image size, positioning of the image or images on the sheet,
• - Print text and images together.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the program for image processing for data reduction the Stucki diffusion method or a method used the templates with a Hilpert curve scans.   3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the program module for image integration, each in Adaptation to the special existing word processor program with on the disk for the processed Images is saved.