JP2800539B2 - Layout simulation device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a layout simulation apparatus for fetching at least image data of a photographic original, displaying the image data on a monitor device, simulating the layout, and determining a desired layout design. The present invention relates to a layout simulation apparatus capable of effectively diverting layout data obtained by a layout simulation on image data taken in by input means to a subsequent plate making process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, at the design stage in a planning process, a designer designs the layout of a printed material such as a catalog based on a photo manuscript, a character manuscript, and a basic layout plan (line drawings, the number of divisions, etc.) on paper. I have.

[0003] However, the designer has
A design decision by manually arranging a copy of a character manuscript on paper while considering a basic layout plan requires a great deal of labor and time when producing a catalog having many pages. .

Therefore, recently, a method of simulating a layout design at a design stage on a display screen has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-148574 discloses the following simulation system.

That is, this simulation system displays a catalog layout based on composition information stored in advance on a display means such as a CRT display device, and displays the layout on a desired portion of the layout displayed on the display means. After pre-stored image data is scaled, rotated, moved, and trimmed to the desired size, it is displayed to simulate the layout, change the basic layout pattern, and finalize the characters and photos. A layout is determined, an output command is input from an input unit, and an image is output from an image output unit.

[0006] When the layout design is determined in the planning process, the process proceeds to the plate making process. In the plate making process, data on the layout design determined in the planning process is required.

Therefore, conventionally, from the data obtained in the planning process, character data and layout data required in the plate making process are input by means of a digitizer, a keyboard, or the like to a CTS device for character plate making (computerized typesetting). Machine),
In addition, a worker inputs data separately to a layout scanner for photoengraving.

That is, since image data used in a layout simulation and data used in photoengraving usually have different resolutions, even if the image data used in the layout simulation is input to a layout scanner as it is, It is not possible to obtain a photolithographic film of the possible quality. This is because in the layout simulation, it is only necessary to determine the layout, and to use low-resolution data with a small data amount in order to reduce the memory capacity, the movement, and the load in the scaling process. Therefore, in order to scan the photographic document again by the layout scanner device and capture the image data, it is necessary to separately issue a layout instruction or the like.

[0009] However, as described above, if the operator inputs layout data separately using input means such as a digitizer or a keyboard, the workability is extremely poor. An apparatus for outputting character data and layout data from the data obtained by the layout simulation and diverting the data to the next plate-making process has already been filed by the present applicant as, for example, "Japanese Patent Application No. 63-222479". I have.

However, in the layout simulation apparatus for outputting the character data and the layout data described above, there is a problem that the layout data output from the apparatus cannot be effectively used as it is in the plate making process. That is, when the image used for the layout simulation and the image used for the layout scanner are different, unless both have the same reference point data, the other image data is based on one layout data. Cannot be laid out at the same position in the page.

Further, in general, when the same photographic original such as a catalog or a flyer having many photographic points and the same photographic original is used repeatedly, once scanned image data may be saved and reused. If this idea is pushed forward, the image data of the photo manuscript that is considered necessary for the layout will be scanned according to predetermined rules,
It may be possible to create a database.

In the above-described case, when the layout simulation apparatus attempts to determine a layout design, the following steps are performed. That is, after a photographic original that exists or does not exist in the database is input by the image input unit provided in the layout simulation device, the layout is determined by simulating the layout.

Next, considering that the layout design determined by the layout simulation apparatus is to be passed to the subsequent plate-making process, layout data for a layout scanner must be output.

In such a case, as described above, since the image data used in the layout simulation apparatus is different from the image data used in the layout scanner, a layout scanner that can be used in common between different image data is used. A means for creating layout data for use and a means for outputting the same are required, but such a device has not been realized at present.

On the other hand, in a layout scanner, plate collection may be performed in a state where pages are imposed in consideration of imposition on a printing plate. In this case, layout data for a layout scanner in a state where pages are imposed is used. Need to be output.

That is, in the layout scanner, it is necessary to handle a plurality of pages of a manuscript submitted in a page unit or a two-page spread unit collectively (in a state where pages are imposed). By handling the data in the state, it is possible to output a film corresponding to the printing in consideration of the bookbinding style, the development of the signature, and the like.

As described above, it is more efficient to handle the data in the actual printing plate imposition and output the film,
Since the layout simulation apparatus is an apparatus for determining a layout design, images are often handled in a one-page or two-page spread state, and the processing capability is low in function, so that it is difficult to handle in imposition. In addition, it takes time and quality to re-rotate / move the data after creating the data for plate collection in a page unit or a two-page spread using a layout scanner.

Further, due to restrictions of a printer or the like included in the layout simulation apparatus, a layout design may not be performed by the layout simulation apparatus unless division units in the layout scanner are divided. In such a case, it is necessary to output layout data for a layout scanner in which a layout design unit of the layout simulation apparatus is imposed so as to be a unit of collection of the layout scanner. The fact is that the device has not yet been realized.

[0019]

As described above, in the conventional layout simulation apparatus, the layout data obtained by the layout simulation on the image data captured by the input means can be effectively diverted to the subsequent plate making process. There was a problem that it was not possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and the layout data obtained by the layout simulation on the image data taken in by the input means is effectively diverted to the subsequent plate-making process. It is an object of the present invention to provide an extremely reliable layout simulation apparatus capable of remarkably reducing a burden on a worker and significantly shortening a delivery time by improving workability.

[0021]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least image data of a photo original is fetched, the image data is displayed on a monitor device, and its layout is displayed. Reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is taken in, in the layout simulation apparatus which simulates the desired layout design.
Layout data related to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation,
Data generating means for generating layout data for the layout scanner based on the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and data output means for outputting the layout data generated by the data generating means. Make up.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least image data of a photographic original is taken in, the image data is displayed on a monitor device, the layout is simulated, and a desired layout design is determined. A reference point data adding unit that adds any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is captured in the simulation device; and a surface for inputting imposition information for a layout design unit in the layout simulation device body. Additional information input means, layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and imposition information input by the imposition information input means. Zui and constitute comprises a data generation means for generating layout data for layout scanner, and a data output means for outputting the layout data generated by the data generating means.

[0023]

Therefore, in the layout simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time of taking in the image data, any one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as reference point data, and the image data is displayed on the monitor device. When the layout design is simulated and a desired layout design is determined, layout data such as position data, trimming data, magnification data, and angle data of the image data is obtained. Then, using the obtained layout data and the reference point data, layout scanner layout data is created by the data creating means, and is output as layout scanner layout data.

Thus, the layout data of the image data taken in by the input means can be effectively diverted to the subsequent plate making process.

On the other hand, in the layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention, at the time of taking in the image data, any one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as reference point data, and the image data is displayed on the monitor device. When the layout design is simulated and a desired layout design is determined, layout data such as position data, trimming data, magnification data, and angle data of the image data is obtained. In addition, the imposition information input unit inputs imposition information for each layout design in the layout simulation apparatus main body. Then, using the obtained layout data, the reference point data, and the imposition information, layout data for a layout scanner is created by the data creating unit in a state where the layout design units are imposed,
Output as layout data for layout scanner.

Thus, the layout data of the image data captured by the input means can be effectively diverted to the subsequent plate-making process.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the concept of the present invention will be described.

Now, consider creating layout data for a layout scanner. The layout data includes position data, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, and the like, and creation thereof requires arbitrary reference point data on a photographic document to be a reference point. For example,
In the trimming data, it is understood that the trimming range is not uniquely determined unless one arbitrarily determined point on the photographic document is used as a reference.

Therefore, according to the present invention, first, at the time of importing image data, an arbitrary point of a photo original is added to the image data as reference point data, and the reference point data and the layout determined by the layout simulation are added. The layout data for the layout scanner is created and output using the layout data relating to the image data of the design.

Secondly, according to the present invention, at the time of importing image data, any one point of the photo original is added to the image data as reference point data, and imposition information for a layout design unit is input. It creates and outputs layout scanner layout data using reference point data and imposition information, and layout data related to image data of a layout design determined by a layout simulation.

An embodiment of the present invention based on the above-described concept will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the layout simulation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 1A, a layout simulation unit 1B, a reference point data addition unit 1C, a layout scanner data creation unit 1D, and a CTS described later.
A layout simulation apparatus main body 1 comprising data output means 1E1 and 1E2 corresponding to the apparatus and the layout scanner, a flatbed scanner 2 for inputting image data such as a photo original to the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, It consists of a tablet, digitizer, mouse, keyboard, etc., and sends character data,
An interactive input means 3 for inputting graphic data and basic layout data, a CRT 4 as a monitor, a printer 5 for outputting a simulated layout design as a hard copy, a CTS 6 and a layout scanner 7 doing.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of the layout simulation apparatus. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 15 denotes a keyboard, 16 denotes a tablet, and 17 denotes a mouse. These components constitute the interactive input means 3.

Here, the storage section 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is for storing each data inputted from the flatbed scanner 2 and the interactive input means 3.

The layout simulation means 1B of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 causes the CRT 4 to display the basic layout pattern stored in the storage section 1A in advance, based on a command signal input from the interactive input means 3. It has a function of displaying image data, character data, and graphic data in a predetermined portion of the basic layout pattern, and controlling the data.

Further, the reference point data adding means 1C of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 has a function of adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data of the photo document captured by the flatbed scanner 2. Have

The layout scanner data generating means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 adds layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation by the layout simulation means 1B and the reference point data adding means 1C. It has a function of creating layout data for a layout scanner, that is, position data, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, ruled line data, and the like, based on the reference point data thus obtained.

Further, the data output units 1E1 and 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus main unit 1 output the layout scanner layout data created by the layout scanner data creation unit 1D into C data, respectively.
It has a function of outputting to the TS device 6 and the layout scanner 7.

Further, the CTS device 6 and the layout scanner 7 are connected to the layout simulation device main body 1 via a predetermined communication means, and the layout scanner 7 operates based on the input image data and layout data. It edits the layout and outputs color-separated prepress films.

Next, the operation of the layout simulation apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, a flatbed scanner 2
And the interactive input means 3 which has been input by the user and has the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means 1C.
The basic layout data, character data, and graphic data input in step (1) are stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus body 1. In this case, as a method of adding the reference point data to the image data, for example, a method of automatically adding data with an arbitrary vertex (an upper left vertex or the like) of the outline of the photographic image as a reference point, or a method of adding an operator on the monitor Since various methods are already known, such as a method of designating a reference point using a mouse or the like, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

Next, in the layout simulation means 1B of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, the basic layout data is called by a command signal from the interactive input means 3, and a layout pattern corresponding to the called basic layout data is written on the CRT 4. Is displayed.

Next, a layout simulation is performed on the basic layout pattern displayed on the CRT 4 by using the interactive input means 3 to specify the size and location of the characters and photos to be displayed. For example, a layout design as shown in FIG. 3 is determined. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a photo image of a trimmed photo document, 12 denotes a region to be shaded, and 13 and 14 denote character images.

When the layout design is determined in this way, the photographic image 11 and the character image are converted into the position data 13 and 14, the magnification and angle of the photographic original, the trimming data, the ruled line data, the flat screen and gradation data, the color data, etc. Is obtained. Note that the ruled line data includes a color rule for coloring the edge 11 a of the photographic image 11 and a rule for designating the edge of the area 12 to be shaded. Then, the layout data is stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1.

Next, in the layout scanner data creating means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1,
Using the layout data stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 and the reference point data, layout data used in the layout scanner 7, that is, position data of the photograph, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, Ruled line data and the like are created.

Finally, the layout scanner layout data created by the layout scanner data creation means 1D is output to the layout scanner 7 by the data output means 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus body 1.

On the other hand, when image data of a photo original is taken in by the flatbed scanner 2, the relative positional relationship between the photo original and the base line of the flatbed scanner 2 is determined when the image data of the same photo original is taken in by the layout scanner 7. Must be equal to the relative positional relationship between the photo original and the base line of the scan drum of the layout scanner 7. Further, at least one reference point of a photo document must be determined for one photo document. Then, when the above two conditions are satisfied, the layout scanner 7 also uses the layout scanner 7 based on the layout data output from the data output unit 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 to determine whether or not the input photo document has already been input. The following layout processing is performed on the image data.

For example, when the layout of the image data 21 is determined on the layout screen 20 on the CRT 4 as shown in FIG.
Layout data for reproducing the layout of 0 is created and output.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the points A 'and B' and the side L 'of the image data 21 and the photograph of the image data 21 inputted to the layout simulation apparatus body 1 and the layout scanner 7 are shown. The points A and B and the side L of the document 23 correspond to each other, and the point A is set as reference point data in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1.

In this case, of the layout data, for example, the magnification data can be represented by the ratio between the line segment AB and the line segment A'B '. Further, the angle data includes a base line on the layout screen, that is, the base line of the document reading scanner and the side L.
Can be specified by the angle made with '. Further, the trimming range 22 corresponds to, for example, a trimming range 24 as shown in FIG. 5, and the designation of the trimming range and whether to lay out the trimmed image at that position can be specified by using the reference point A.

As described above, the layout is reproduced by the layout scanner 7 using the layout data obtained by the layout simulation, and a color-separated film is output.

As described above, in this embodiment, the image data of the photographic document is captured by the flatbed scanner 2, the image data is displayed on the CRT 4, the layout is simulated, and the desired layout design is determined. In the layout simulation apparatus described above, a reference point data adding unit 1C for adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is taken in, and a layout relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation. A layout scanner data creating means for creating layout data for the layout scanner based on the data and the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and a layout scanner data creating means. It is constructed by adding the data output unit 1E1 and 1E2 outputs the layout data created CTS device 6 and a layout scanner 7 by D.

Therefore, reference point data is added to the image data of the photographic document input by the flatbed scanner 2 provided in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, and the layout data relating to the image data is converted into a layout scanner using the reference point data. Can be created and output as layout data.

As a result, the layout data obtained by the layout simulation on the image data captured by the flatbed scanner 2 provided in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 can be effectively used as it is in the subsequent plate making process. The burden on the operator in the plate making process can be remarkably reduced, and the delivery time can be remarkably shortened by improving workability, so that an extremely reliable layout simulation apparatus can be obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be implemented as follows.

(A) In the above embodiment, the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 has a function of adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data of the photo document captured by the flatbed scanner 2. The layout simulation device 1B includes a reference point data adding unit 1C. The layout scanner data creating unit 1D of the layout simulation apparatus body 1 includes layout data related to image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation by the layout simulation unit 1B.
The case where the function of creating layout data for the layout scanner is provided based on the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means 1C has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, the image data of the photo original captured by the flatbed scanner 2 is added to the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 by an arbitrary one of the photo originals.
In addition to the reference point data adding means 1C having a function of adding a point as reference point data, the interactive input means 3 sends the layout simulation apparatus body 1 a character data, a graphic data, and a basic layout data. Imposition information for the layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is also input, and the layout scanner data creating means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 inputs the layout design data determined by the layout simulation by the layout simulation means 1B. Based on the layout data relating to the image data, the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means 1C, and the imposition information input by the interactive input means 3, a layout scanner layout Utodeta may be configured to have the ability to create.

In the layout simulation apparatus having such a configuration, any one of the photo originals is added to the image data of the photo original captured by the flatbed scanner 2.
The point is added as reference point data by the reference point data adding means 1C, and the image data is displayed on the CRT 4 (at this time,
On the screen of the CRT 4, as shown in FIG. 6, a layout design (vertical orientation) is simulated, a desired layout design is determined, and layout data is obtained.

The interactive input means 3 inputs imposition information for each layout design in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1. In this case, there are various variations of the imposition pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, and an arbitrary pattern can be selected and input.

Next, the layout scanner data creating means 1D uses the layout data obtained by the layout simulation, the reference point data, and the imposition information to perform the layout scanner in a state where the layout design units are imposed. Layout data is created. This is because the coordinate system of each page in the layout simulation apparatus may be converted into a coordinate system in a state where pages are imposed on the layout scanner apparatus, and since the layout data itself has a small data amount, these conversions are performed in the layout scanner. It can be easily performed on a simulation device. Then, the layout data for the layout scanner is output to the layout scanner 7 by the data output means 1E2.

As described above, the layout is reproduced by the layout scanner 7 using the layout data obtained by the layout simulation, and a plate-making film having undergone color separation is output.

Therefore, in the layout simulation apparatus of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described above.

That is, in the layout scanner, plate collection may be performed in a state where the page is imposed. Therefore, it is necessary to output layout data for the layout scanner in a state where the page is imposed. The layout simulation apparatus creates and outputs layout data for a layout scanner in a state where layout design units are imposed. As a result, data can be handled by imposition on an actual printing plate and a film can be output efficiently. Also, as before,
It is possible to solve the problem of time and quality due to rotation and movement of data by the layout scanner.

Further, due to the restrictions of the printer 5 and the like provided in the layout simulation apparatus, the layout simulation apparatus may not be able to perform the layout design unless the layout collection unit is divided in the layout scanner. In the layout simulation apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to output layout data for a layout scanner in which the layout design unit of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is imposed so as to become the layout collection unit of the layout scanner. It is valid.

(B) In the above embodiment, the case where the scanner included in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is a flatbed scanner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Also if
The same effects as described above can be obtained by applying the present invention in the same manner.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least image data of a photo original is taken in, the image data is displayed on a monitor device, the layout is simulated, and a desired layout design is determined. Layout simulation device
A reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is captured; and an imposition information input for inputting imposition information for a layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus body. Means) layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and (imposition information input by the imposition information input means). And a data output means for outputting the layout data created by the data creation means, so that a layout simulation for the image data captured by the input means is provided. An extremely reliable layout simulation device that can effectively divert the layout data used in the subsequent plate-making process to significantly reduce the burden on workers and significantly shorten delivery times by improving workability. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration example of a layout simulation apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of a layout design in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view showing an example of a layout of image data on a layout screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view showing the correspondence between laid-out image data and a photo original in the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display state of a CRT screen during layout simulation in another embodiment of the layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an imposition pattern according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Layout simulation apparatus main body, 1A ... Storage part, 1B ... Layout simulation means, 1C ... Reference point data addition means, 1D ... Layout scanner data creation means, 1E1, 1E2 ... Data output means, 2 ... Flatbed scanner, 3 ... interactive input means, 4 ... CR
T, 5 printer, 6 CTS device, 7 layout scanner, 20 layout screen, 21 image data, 2
2: Trimming range, 23: Photo manuscript.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03F 1/00-1/16

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A layout simulation apparatus which captures at least image data of a photographic document, displays the image data on a monitor device, simulates the layout, and determines a desired layout design. A reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photo document as reference point data to the image data; layout data relating to image data of a layout design determined by the layout simulation; Data creating means for creating layout data for a layout scanner based on the reference point data added by the means, and data output means for outputting the layout data created by the data creating means. Layout simulation apparatus characterized and. 2. A layout simulation apparatus which fetches at least image data of a photographic document, displays the image data on a monitor device, simulates the layout, and determines a desired layout design. A reference point data adding unit that adds any one point of the photo document to the image data as reference point data; and an imposition information input unit that inputs imposition information for a layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus body. Based on layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and imposition information input by the imposition information input means. And a data output means for outputting the layout data created by the data creation means.