JP5551986B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a device that uses objects such as character strings and images arranged on a page.

  Conventionally, processing of information such as characters and images used for publishing books, magazines, catalogs, etc., for example, software called desktop publishing (hereinafter referred to as DTP), or DTP capable of performing similar processing It was performed using an apparatus or a system.

  In recent years, in addition to publishing on paper media, publishing on electronic media such as so-called electronic publishing has been carried out, and information processing devices and software (such as electronic publishing etc.) that can perform electronic publishing also in the above DTP devices For example, non-patent document 1) is increasing. Electronic publications offer operations not available on paper-based publications, such as pressing an object with a link in the output content and moving to a predesignated page. There are a lot of things.

“ADOBE INDESIGN CS4 User Guide”, p. 613-616 [online], Adobe Systems Incorporated, [Search May 10, 2010], Internet <URL: http://help.adobe.com/ja_JP/InDesign/6.0/indesign_cs4_help.pdf>

  However, in the conventional information processing apparatus, it has been seen that the display of the object etc. shows what page link is set to the link area set in the area where the object is arranged. As a result, there is a problem that the operability is poor.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a page information storage unit that stores first page information that is information of a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image are arranged, and is arranged in the first page information A link area management information storage unit for storing link area management information having information indicating an area on the one or more objects that have been linked and link information that is information indicating a link destination associated with the area; An output unit that outputs output information including page information and link area management information, and the output unit is arranged in an area corresponding to the link information among the objects arranged in the first page information. This is an information processing apparatus that outputs first page information in which the display mode of the displayed object is the display mode corresponding to the link information.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output the output information in which the operability of the page is improved by changing the display mode of the link area to the display mode corresponding to the link information associated with the link area.

  Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, a page generation unit that generates second page information that is information of a page on which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged, Link area management information having information indicating areas on one or more objects arranged in the first page information and link information for second page information in which one or more objects are arranged is obtained and linked. A link region management information acquisition unit that accumulates in the region management information storage unit, and the output unit includes first page information, second page information generated by the page generation unit, and link region management information. It is an information processing device that outputs output information that it has.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily create output information such as page information excellent in viewability and operability using the first page information.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a group management information storage unit in which one or more group management information, which is information indicating one or more objects belonging to one object group, is stored in the information processing apparatus. The generation unit generates second page information in which one or more objects indicated by the group management information among the objects arranged in the first page information are generated, and the link area management information acquisition unit includes the group management information Is an information processing apparatus that acquires link area management information that includes an area including an area on one or more objects indicated by, and link information for second page information on which one or more objects indicated by group management information are arranged .

  With this configuration, it is possible to generate output information such as page information that is excellent in viewability and operability for each group of objects.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the object arranged in the first page information is divided into one or more object groups, and the group management indicating the objects belonging to each of the grouped object groups The information processing apparatus further includes a group management information storage unit that acquires information and stores the information in a group management information storage unit.

  With this configuration, after dividing an object into object groups, output information such as page information that is excellent in viewability and operability can be generated for each object group.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the first page information includes one or more objects and arrangement information that is information indicating an area in which the objects are arranged, An attribute designation information storage unit that stores attribute designation information that is information for designating attributes of one or more objects classified into the group management information storage unit, and the group management information storage unit is an object arranged in the first page information Is divided into one or more object groups for each object having the attribute specified by the attribute designation information using the object arrangement information, and obtains group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the one or more object groups, This is an information processing apparatus that accumulates in a group management information storage unit.

  With this configuration, objects can be grouped according to the positions where they are arranged with attributes, and output information such as page information that is excellent in viewability and operability can be generated for each object group.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the like according to the present invention, the display mode of the link area is set to the display mode corresponding to the link information associated with the link area, and output information that improves the operability of the page is output. can do.

Block diagram of an information processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention Flowchart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment Flowchart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment Flowchart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page definition management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the group management information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the 1st page information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment, and 2nd page information The figure which shows the link area management information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the link area | region for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the link judgment information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the object mode management information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the output information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the output information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the 1st page information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page definition management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the group management information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the page definition management table for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the link area management information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the attribute designation | designated information for demonstrating operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the computer which implement | achieves the information processing apparatus in the embodiment The figure which shows an example of a structure of the computer which implement | achieves the information processing apparatus in the embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.
The information processing apparatus 1 includes a page information storage unit 101, a link area management information storage unit 102, a page generation unit 103, a link area management information acquisition unit 104, a group management information storage unit 105, an attribute designation information storage unit 106, and group management information. The storage unit 107, the output unit 108, and the link determination information storage unit 109 are provided.

  The page information storage unit 101 stores one or more pieces of first page information. The first page information is information on a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image are arranged. The first page information is information on a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image are arranged. The first page information is information including an object. Further, the first page information may include, for example, page identification information that is information for identifying a page on which an object is arranged, and arrangement information that is information indicating an area on which the object is arranged. Further, the first page information may include page definition information that defines a page size and the like. The first page information includes, for example, page identification information indicating one page, one or more objects arranged on the page indicated by the one page identification information, and arrangement information indicating an area where these objects are arranged. Have

  Note that the object, page identification information, layout information, page definition information, etc. included in the first page information may be the information itself, or information that can identify the information. Also good. In the latter case, the object or the like included in the first page information may be, for example, a pointer or address indicating an area in which the object or the like is stored, or may be object identification information. The same applies to other information.

  An object is, for example, data including at least one of a character string or an image composed of one or more characters. The object may be data including sound. An object may be considered as a component of information edited by the information processing apparatus 1, for example. The character string included in the object may have font attribute values such as font, font size, and font color. Here, an object including a character string is referred to as a character string object. The image included in the object may be a moving image or a still image. The image may be bitmap data or vector data, and the file format or the like is not limited to TIFF, JPEG, SVG or the like. A character string including an image is called an image object here. An object may be considered as content arranged on a page.

  A page is information indicating an area in which one or more objects are arranged, for example. Here, the page may be considered as information indicating a virtual paper surface, a mount, an art board, or the like. A page may be considered as an outputable area in which an object or the like is arranged and output, or a printable area.

  The page identification information may be any information that can identify the page, such as unique identification information assigned to the page, a page number, a combination of a chapter number and a page number, or the like. When the first page information indicating one page constitutes one file or the like, the page identification information may be a file name of the page. When the first page information is managed in association with the order information described later, the first page information can be identified by the order information. Therefore, the page identification information may be omitted. The same applies to other page information.

  The object arrangement information is, for example, information indicating an area where an object in the page indicated by the page information is arranged. For example, the object is laid out on the page by arrangement information. The object arrangement information is, for example, information for designating the position and size of the object. The object arrangement information includes, for example, information indicating the position of one or more points on the object (for example, a center point, a diagonal intersection, or one or more points of four corners) and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the object. Information indicating the position of a pair of diagonals of the object may be used. The information indicating the position of the point is indicated by, for example, coordinates set for the page. The unit of information indicating the size is not limited. Here, the size means not an object data size but a dimension. However, the arrangement information may be any information as long as it can identify the area where the object is arranged. For example, the arrangement information may be information indicating a position (for example, coordinates) where the object is arranged. In this case, the size of the area where the object is arranged may be, for example, the size of the object. In the above case, the area occupied by the object (or the area on the object) when the object is arranged at the position indicated by the arrangement information may be considered as the area where the object is arranged. When an object is arranged in an arrangement area called a frame, a frame, a box, or the like for arranging the object, information indicating the arrangement area may be considered as object arrangement information. The information indicating the arrangement area includes information indicating the same position, size, and the like as the object arrangement information. The area such as the frame and one or more objects arranged in the area are managed by, for example, management information that manages information indicating the area such as a frame (not shown) and the arranged object in association with each other. . In addition, the object arranged on the page indicated by the page information after the second page information described later is linked to the object arranged on the page indicated by the first page information, so that the first page information You may make it share the object arrange | positioned on the page which shows. In addition, when the area where the object is arranged is specified on the output device side or when the area arranged on the output device side is interpreted, the first page information does not have the arrangement information. May be.

  The page definition information is information that defines attributes such as page size, margin, and margin. Moreover, you may have the information which defines attributes, such as a background color of a page. Further, the page definition information may include size information when the first page information is output. Moreover, you may have the information which shows the size of display screens, such as an output device from which 1st page information is output. Further, the page definition information may include information on the output size of the first page information. Note that the output size of the page indicated by the first page information may be variable according to the size of the display screen of the output device or the user's operation.

  Note that the first page information does not have page definition information when it is not necessary to specify the page size or the like, such as when an area where one or more objects are arranged is considered as a page. May be. For example, when it is considered that one object is displayed or one page is displayed, the page definition information may be omitted.

  The first page information may be composed of one file or a plurality of files. The first page information may be one or more databases.

  Specifically, the first page information may be considered as document information indicating a document in which an object is arranged or page information. The first page information may be information on a web page such as HTML, or an object used in a device capable of outputting an electronic publication such as a DTP device, a cross media publishing device, or a word processor is arranged. It may be page information. Further, these page information may be considered as information on a page document.

  The first page information may be page information used for outputting an electronic publication, for example. An electronic publication is a publication in which an information output medium is an electronic medium. For example, the electronic publication is an electronic book, electronic paper, electronic distribution document, or the like. Web pages and the like may also be considered electronic publications. An electronic publication may be considered an electronic book. The content of the electronic publication is not questioned. However, the first page information may be page information that can also be used for publishing printed on a physical medium such as paper.

  The first page information may be considered as page information of the first hierarchy of page information hierarchized using link information or the like.

  The page information storage unit 101 may store second page information generated by a page generation unit 103 described later.

  The first page information stored in the page information storage unit 101 is, for example, page information to be processed by the information processing apparatus 1 designated by the user or the like. The process of accumulating page information in the page information storage unit 101 does not matter. For example, page information may be accumulated in the page information storage unit 101 via a recording medium, and page information transmitted via a communication line or the like is accumulated in the page information storage unit 101. Alternatively, page information input via an input device may be accumulated in the page information storage unit 101. This also applies to the following storage units and the like. The accumulation described here is a concept including temporary storage. The page information storage unit 101 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

  The link area management information storage unit 102 stores link area management information. The link area management information includes information indicating an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information, and link information that is information indicating a link destination associated with the area. Here, an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information is called a link area, and information indicating the link area is called link area designation information. The link area is an area for displaying or outputting link destination page information indicated by the corresponding link information when, for example, a previously designated operation is performed on the area. Here, the object arranged in the page information means an object arranged on the page indicated by the page information. The same applies to the following.

  The link area designation information may be information that can designate areas on one or more objects arranged on the first page. The link area designation information is, for example, information that designates first page information and information that designates an area including an arrangement area of one or more objects of the first page information. The information specifying the first page information is, for example, identification information of the first page information. However, the first page information itself may be used. The link area designation information, for example, specifies information (coordinate information) indicating one or more points in the link area, such as the center or side, and the size and outline of the link area, similar to the above-described object arrangement information And information (coordinate information) indicating the diagonal position of the link area. Further, the link area designation information may be information for designating one or more objects arranged in the first page information. In this case, the area on the designated object becomes a link area, and this object becomes a so-called link button. The information for designating an object is usually object identification information such as an object name, but may be the object itself. The link area designation information may be information that designates a discontinuous link area.

  One link area designation information may be information for designating areas on a plurality of objects arranged in the first page information. In this case, the link area designation information indicates that an object between a plurality of objects is arranged. Information that is designated as a link area may also be used for an area that does not exist. For example, the link area may be one area that covers a plurality of objects. The plurality of objects may be a plurality of objects constituting one group. Further, the link area designation information may be information that designates a peripheral area having a predetermined margin or the like of one or more objects as a link area. However, it is preferable that the link areas specified by the different link area specifying information do not overlap with each other. Alternatively, when overlapping, it is preferable that one link area is invalid due to the overlapping vertical relationship. Alternatively, one of the link areas may be selected in accordance with the user operation. When displaying the page indicated by the first page information, the link area arranged in the first page information may be highlighted. In such a case, the link areas overlap. About a part, it is preferable to set it as the display mode which shows that it is a part with which a link area | region has overlapped irrespective of whether this link area | region is invalidated. For example, when displaying a colored image on an object placed in each link area and changing the display mode of the object, the portion where this link area overlaps is placed on each link area. It is preferable to display different colors from the non-overlapping portions of the link areas by displaying the images with the colors to be combined with each other and displaying them with different colors. Note that information used for highlighting the link area, for example, an overlay image used for highlighting, may be appropriately generated by, for example, the page generation unit 103, the link area management information acquisition unit 104, or the like. .

  The link information is information that specifies page information. The page information here may be any page information. For example, it may be one first page information or WEB page information stored on a network such as the Internet. Further, second page information as described later in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged may be used.

  The link information is, for example, address information of page information. The link information may be considered as a pointer. The address information may be relative address information with respect to the position where the first page information is stored, or may be absolute address information. For example, when page information that is a link destination such as second page information is accumulated in a storage unit (not shown) as a file different from the first page information, the link information is the second page information or the like. May be a file path, URL, or the like. The link information is information having identification information of page information that is a link destination, for example. For example, identification information is associated with page information to be linked (for example, second page information), and this page information is stored in the same directory or folder as the first page information in which the link area is arranged. In this case, the link information may be identification information of page information that is the link destination. Note that the link information described here may be considered as link information for the second page information included in the output information. The link information is appropriately set so that the output unit 108, which will be described later, maintains the link relationship according to the output destination (for example, storage destination) of the output data output using the page information when outputting. You may make it rewrite.

  The link information is used when a search or the like is executed on a program or instruction such as a script for executing processing for outputting linked page information (for example, second page information) or a linked page. Information used to determine the processing to be performed on the link destination page, information for requesting information or processing to the link destination, etc., or associated with similar information, etc. Also good.

  In the link area management information storage unit 102, for example, a link area including an area on an object group composed of one or more objects indicated by group management information described later, and one or more objects indicated by group management information are arranged. Link area management information for managing the link information for the second page information that is associated with the second page information may be stored. A group of objects may be thought of as a grouped object. A group of objects is hereinafter referred to as an object group. In this case, the link area may be information specifying each object constituting the object group or information specifying the object group. In the case of information specifying an object group, the link area is set to an area including an area on each object constituting the object group specified by the specified information.

  The link area management information stored in the link area management information storage unit 102 may be, for example, link area management information created in advance by a user or the like, or may be link area management information acquired by a link area management information acquisition unit 104 described later. Good.

  Here, storing is a concept including temporary storage. The link area management information storage unit 102 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

  The page generation unit 103 generates second page information. The second page information is information on a page on which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged. The configuration of the second page information is the same as the configuration of the first page information, for example, and has the same configuration as the first page information such as an object, page identification information, and arrangement information. The page generation unit 103 may generate the second page information in any way. For example, the page generation unit 103 generates page definition information and page identification information indicating a blank page, and generates second page information by arranging one or more objects on the page. Further, for example, the second page information may be generated by arranging one or more objects in a template or the like of page definition information designated in advance. Further, the second page information may be generated simply by generating the arrangement information indicating the position where the object is arranged without generating the page definition information. The page generation unit 103 may generate and arrange a duplicate of the object arranged in the first page information to generate the second page information, or the object of the object arranged in the first page information Link information may be arranged. The link information of the object may be considered as a pointer. When generating the arrangement information of an object, attribute values such as the size of the object may be used or referred to, or the arrangement information or the like in the first page information of the object may be used or referenced. You may do it. For example, when an object is arranged at an actual size, size information of the object may be acquired in order to specify the size of the area where the object is arranged.

  The page generation unit 103 is information on a page on which one or more objects arranged in the nth (n is an integer of 2 or more) page information generated by the page generation unit 103 is (n + 1) th page information. You may make it repeat the process which produces | generates page information. The nth page information has the same configuration as the first page information such as an object, page identification information, and arrangement information. Further, the process in which the page generation unit 103 generates the (n + 1) th page information from the nth page information is the same process as the process of generating the second page information from the first page information described above. Specifically, the (n + 1) th page information generated by the page generation unit 103 may be used again as the nth page information to repeat the process of acquiring the (n + 1) th page information. . For example, the third page information is generated using the second page information acquired by the page generation unit 103 from the first page information, and the page generation unit 103 uses the third page information to generate the fourth page information. A process such as generating page information may be repeated. This process may be repeated until the number of objects arranged in the (n + 1) th page information is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 1 or less), or may be repeated a predetermined number of times. Alternatively, generation of the (n + 1) th page information may be repeated until generation of page information for the group object stops. Note that the second page information acquired by the page generation unit 103 and the (n + 1) th page information acquired every time the generation of page information is repeated include, for example, a storage medium (not shown), the page information storage unit 101, and the like. To accumulate. In the processing performed by the page generation unit 103, the nth page information and the (n + 1) th page information are handled in substantially the same manner as the first page information and the second page information, respectively. And

  Note that the value of n in the n-th page information may be considered as a hierarchy depth in the page information hierarchized by the link relationship.

  The page generation unit 103 may generate second page information in which any of the objects arranged in the first page information is arranged. For example, when a plurality of objects are arranged in the first page information, a plurality of second page information in which all the arranged objects are individually arranged may be generated. Moreover, you may produce | generate 2nd page information about the object except the object designated beforehand among the several objects arrange | positioned at 1st page information. The predesignated object is, for example, an object that has been designated by the user, an object having a predesignated attribute, or an object that matches or does not match a predesignated condition. Information used for these designations is stored in advance in, for example, a storage medium (not shown). In addition, the page generation unit 103 may generate one or more pieces of second page information in which a plurality of objects arranged in the first page information are arranged. In addition, when generating a plurality of one second page information in which a plurality of objects arranged in the first page information are arranged, some of the objects arranged in the respective second page information are overlapped. May be.

  The page generation unit 103 generates, for example, one or more second page information in which objects specified by one or more specification information that are information specifying an object received by a reception unit (not shown) are arranged. For example, when the designation information designates a plurality of objects, the page generation unit 103 may generate a plurality of second page information in which each of the plurality of objects is individually arranged. The page information arranged on one page information may be generated. Alternatively, it may be divided into two or more groups of a plurality of objects according to rules specified in advance, and two or more page information in which each is arranged may be generated. For example, when receiving a plurality of pieces of designation information, the page generation unit 103 creates, for each piece of designation information, a plurality of pieces of page information in which objects designated by the pieces of designation information are arranged.

  For example, the page generation unit 103 generates a second object in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged so as to have an appearance designated in advance by default or the like. Here, the appearance is a concept including the position, size, attribute, and the like of the object. The appearance may be considered as a screen display style called a so-called appearance. Moreover, it is preferable that the page generation unit 103 generates, for example, a second object in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged so as to have an appearance different from that on the first page. For example, the page generation unit 103 may generate second page information having a predetermined appearance by arranging an object arranged in the first page information on a template or the like designated in advance. Also, the second page is obtained by acquiring information about the appearance of the object on the first page, and using this information, the appearance of the object has a different appearance from the appearance on the first page. Information may be generated. In the second page information or subsequent page information, the first page information can be arranged by referring to (or linking to) the object arranged in the first page information. You may make it share the object arrange | positioned. Thereby, the amount of data can be reduced.

  For example, the page generation unit 103 generates second page information in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are enlarged and arranged. The enlargement here is, for example, an enlargement of the arrangement size of the object page. The arrangement size means a size at which an object is arranged on a page. As for the size to be enlarged, the enlargement rate may be specified in advance by the vertical or horizontal maximum value of the arrangement size, etc., or may be arbitrarily set, the first page information, You may calculate suitably from the page size information etc. of the second page information. Further, the page generation unit 103 may generate second page information in which the font size of characters included in one or more objects arranged in the first page information is increased. Further, the font of the character may be changed to a font designated in advance. Further, second page information including information specifying the final output resolution of the object of the image to a predetermined low resolution may be generated.

  The second page information may include an object other than the object on the first page information.

  Information used when generating the second page information (for example, information indicating how to change the appearance of the object, such as a change rule, a command or a program for performing the change process, Template) etc. may be stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown).

  The page generation unit 103 may generate second page information in which one or more objects indicated by the group management information among the objects arranged in the first page information are arranged. For example, a plurality of second page information in which objects belonging to the object groups indicated by the plurality of group management information are arranged for each object group is generated. When multiple objects belong to one object group, their relative positional relationship in the first page information is not different from their relative positional relationship in the second page information where they are arranged It is preferable that The fact that the relative positional relationship does not change means that the positional relationship between the top, bottom, left and right of the objects, the ratio between the distance between the objects and the size of the object, etc. are not substantially changed. However, the positional relationship may be changed.

  For example, the page generation unit 103 may generate the second page information in accordance with a rule corresponding to the object arranged in the first page information. Hereinafter, an example of generating the second page information corresponding to the object will be described.

(A) Generation according to screen size and object size For example, size restriction information that is information that associates a screen size information indicating a screen size on which page information is displayed in advance with an object size threshold is not illustrated. Prepare it in the storage. Then, for example, the page generation unit 103 sets screen size designation information that is information for designating a screen size on which the page information designated in advance by the user or the like among the objects arranged in the first page information is displayed. A threshold value of the object size associated with the corresponding screen size information is acquired from the size restriction information, and second page information in which the object is arranged is generated only for an object having a size larger than the threshold value. Note that the size described here means the size of the page. The screen size information corresponding to the screen size designation information may be screen size information that matches the screen size designation information, or screen size information that is closest in size to the screen size designation information. Further, screen size information indicating a screen size in a range including the screen size designation information may be used. For the object having a size smaller than the threshold value obtained from the size restriction information above, the second page information is generated by arranging the object together with one or more other objects arranged in the first page information. May be. The page generation unit 103 does not generate the second page information in which this object is arranged alone. Instead of using the screen size designation information, information indicating the output size of the page included in the page definition information may be used.

(B) Generation according to an attribute value of an object For example, an attribute value condition which is information indicating a condition for an attribute value of one or more objects arranged in the first page information in advance and an object arrangement rule are shown. The generation management information in association with the arrangement rule information that is information is accumulated in advance in a storage unit (not shown), and the page generation unit 103 has attributes of one or more objects arranged in the first page information. A value is acquired, arrangement rule information corresponding to an attribute value condition that the attribute value satisfies is acquired, and second page information in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged according to the arrangement rule information is generated. You may do it.

  For example, the page generation unit 103 acquires the font size attribute value of one or more objects arranged in the first page information. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired font size is smaller than the font size threshold value indicated by the attribute value condition included in the one generation management information. If the acquired font size is smaller, the condition is satisfied. Obtains placement rule information for placing an object that is placement rule information in an enlarged manner, and generates second page information in which one or more objects placed in the first page information are placed in accordance with the placement rule information. . Note that the arrangement rule information for performing enlargement may include information for designating the enlargement ratio and the vertical or horizontal value of the enlarged object. The enlargement of the character string object may be considered as changing the font size.

  If it is determined that the attribute value condition is not satisfied, the second page information for the object may not be generated. Alternatively, the second page information may be generated according to the placement rule information specified by default.

(C) Generation according to the attribute value of the object group For example, a group attribute value condition which is information indicating a condition for the attribute value of the object group arranged in the first page information in advance, and an arrangement rule of the object group The group generation management information associated with the group placement rule information, which is the information shown, is accumulated in advance in a storage unit (not shown). Then, the page generation unit 103 acquires an attribute value for the object group indicated by the group management information from the objects indicated by the group management information among the objects arranged in the first page information, and the group that satisfies the attribute value The group placement rule information corresponding to the attribute value condition may be acquired from the group creation management information, and the second page information on which the object indicated by the group management information is placed may be created according to the group placement rule information.

  For example, the page generation unit 103 acquires the attribute value of the number of objects for the object group configured with the objects arranged in the first page information indicated by the group management information, and the acquired number of objects is one group generation. If the group attribute value condition included in the management information is greater than the threshold value of the number of objects constituting the object group, the group constituting the object group that is the group placement rule information corresponding to this group attribute value condition is enlarged and arranged Get placement rule information. Then, according to this group arrangement rule information, second page information is generated in which the objects constituting one group object indicated by the group management information are enlarged and arranged. Information such as the enlargement rate of the object group may be stored in advance in the group arrangement rule information or may be designated by default or the like.

  When it is determined that the group attribute value condition is not satisfied, the second page information for the object group may not be generated. Alternatively, the second page information may be generated for the object group in accordance with the group arrangement rule information specified by default.

(D) Generation of Heading Object The page generation unit 103 detects a heading object that is an object including a heading from the objects arranged in the first page information, and detects the detected heading object and the first page information. Second page information may be generated in which one or more objects other than the heading object arranged in the page are arranged. The page generation unit 103 may detect the object including the heading in any way. For example, an object having the largest font size among the objects arranged in the first page information may be determined as the heading object. Further, an object having a character string having a font size larger than a font size specified in advance may be determined as an object including a headline. Further, an object having a character string of a font designated in advance may be determined as a heading object. Alternatively, the heading may be determined from the object name. For example, the page generation unit 103 detects a heading object arranged in the first page information, and generates second page information in which an object other than the heading object arranged in the first page information is arranged. At this time, second page information in which a heading object is also arranged is generated. The position where the heading object is arranged does not matter. For example, the arrangement of the heading object may be designated based on the relative positional relationship with the position where the object other than the heading object is arranged. Further, the size of the heading object is not limited. You may make it arrange | position by performing the process similar to the object arrange | positioned on the same 2nd page information other than a heading object.

  In addition, when the page generation unit 103 repeatedly performs the process of generating the nth page information, the rules for generating the nth page information described above differ depending on the number of repetitions and the value of n. Rules may be used.

  Whether the page generation unit 103 generates the nth page information according to the object arranged in the nth (n is an integer of 2 or more) page information used to generate the nth page information. The (n + 1) th page information may be generated only when it is determined whether or not to generate. For example, the n-th page information may be generated for each arranged object (or object group) only when it is determined that the number of paged objects is greater than the number of objects specified in advance. Further, only when the attribute value of each object (or object group) arranged in the nth page information is an attribute value designated in advance, the (n + 1) th page information is generated for the object. good. The attribute value designated in advance may be, for example, the size of an object, the type of data, or the like, or the font name or font size of a character included in a character string object.

  Note that the page generation unit 103 may generate the second (nth) page information according to any timing or trigger. For example, the second (nth) page information may be generated when an instruction to start generation input by the user is received via a reception unit (not shown) or the like. Further, when the first page information is stored in the page information storage unit 101, or when the (n-1) th page information is generated, the second (nth) page information is generated. good. The page generation unit 103 may accumulate the generated second (nth) page information in the page information storage unit 101 or the like. This accumulation is a concept including temporary storage.

  Further, the page generation unit 103 may exclude an object already arranged in an area associated with the link information from the object that is the generation target of the second page information.

  The page generation unit 103 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the page generation unit 103 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 includes information indicating areas on one or more objects arranged in the first page information, and link information for second page information in which one or more objects are arranged. Get area management information. The acquired link area management information is accumulated in the link area management information storage unit 102.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 associates information indicating areas on one or more objects arranged in the first page information with link information for the second page information in which the one or more objects are arranged. The attached link area management information is acquired. As described above, an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information is called a link area, and information indicating the link area is called link area designation information. The one or more objects may be one or more objects specified by a user or the like, or may be an object constituting an object group managed by the group management information described above.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 includes an area including an area on one or more objects indicated by the group management information, and link information for second page information in which the one or more objects indicated by the group management information are arranged. Link area management information having

  For example, the link area management information acquisition unit 104 generates the first page information when the page generation unit 103 generates the second page information in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged. Link area management information having link area designation information indicating areas on the one or more objects and link information for the second page information generated by arranging the objects is acquired. It goes without saying that one or more objects may be an object group.

  Further, the link area management information acquisition unit 104 acquires link information to which a program such as a script or a command for executing processing for outputting second page information of a link destination designated in advance is added. Alternatively, link information associated with a similar program or the like may be acquired.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 is arranged in the first page information when the page generation unit 103 performs processing such as detecting the heading object arranged in the first page information as described above. It is preferable not to acquire link area management information for the area on the heading object. For example, a link area management that associates and manages areas on one or more objects other than the heading object arranged in the first page information and link information for the second page information in which one or more objects are arranged It is preferable to acquire information. This is because the heading object may be arranged on a plurality of pieces of second page information.

  Note that the link area management information acquisition unit 104 may acquire link area management information having link area designation information and link information in accordance with the object arranged in the first page information. Further, the link information in this case may not be the link information with the second page information described above as the link destination. Hereinafter, an example in which the link area management information is acquired according to the object arranged in the first page information will be described.

(A) Acquisition of link area designation information according to map object For example, the link area management information acquisition unit 104 determines whether one or more objects arranged in the first page information are map objects. If the object is a map object, information indicating the location indicated by the map is acquired from the map object. Then, link information indicating a search device (not shown) such as a server that performs a search stored in advance is acquired from a storage unit (not shown), and link information obtained by adding information indicating the location acquired above to the link information is acquired. To do. Then, link area management information including the acquired link information and link area designation information indicating an area where the map object of the first page information is arranged is acquired. The search device is, for example, a device having a program for performing a search, performs a search using a search key input from the outside, and transmits page information indicating the search result to the device that has transmitted the search key. Device. The search device and the program for performing the search may be considered as a so-called search engine. The search device is, for example, a search device on the Internet. The link information of the search page is, for example, the URL of the search device or the URL of the search program. The link information to which information indicating the location indicated by the map is added is, for example, character string information obtained by combining a URL and a keyword serving as a search key. For example, the information is the same as the information output from a browser or the like when a search keyword is entered in a search field on an Internet search page or the like. Information indicating the location of the map may be appropriately encoded and decoded and added to the link information.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 determines whether or not one or more objects arranged in the first page information are map objects, for example, from an object name or a character string included in the object. . For example, the object name and the character string of the object determine whether or not a character string for detecting a pre-specified map such as “map” or “map” is included by searching or the like. Judged as a map object.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 acquires information about a region or a point indicated by a map object as information indicating a location indicated by a map. For example, a place name database is prepared in advance on a storage medium (not shown). Then, a character string is acquired from a map object using character recognition technology, and it is determined whether or not a place name that matches the character string exists in the place name database. Acquired as a place name indicating the area or point to be shown. Alternatively, a place name that matches the place name database may be acquired from a map object name, a character string included in the object, or the like. Further, in place of the place name, longitude and latitude information may be acquired from a map object name, a character string included in the object, or the like. For example, a character string such as east longitude xxx degrees (x is a regular expression of numbers) is acquired. Then, the acquired information is added to the link information as a search key.

(A) Generation according to character string attribute For example, the page generation unit 103 acquires a character string having a pre-specified attribute from an object including a character string arranged in the first page information. Then, link information indicating a search device (not shown) such as a server for performing a search stored in advance is acquired from a storage unit (not shown), and link information obtained by adding the character string acquired above as a search key to the link information is obtained. get. Then, link area management information having the acquired link information and link area specifying information indicating an area where an object including the character string of the first page information is arranged is acquired. The search device and the like are the same as in the case of the map object. In addition, a character string serving as a search key may be appropriately decoded and encoded.

  A character having a predesignated attribute is, for example, a font whose font name matches a predesignated font name. The font size may be a font that matches a font size designated in advance. Alternatively, the font color may be a font that matches a font color designated in advance. The attribute of this character string may be any attribute. For example, including one or more character strings specified in advance may be considered as one of the character string attributes. The information specifying the attribute may be stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown) or the like.

  In the above, instead of obtaining link information indicating a designated search device, link information of a designated device that performs some processing using information obtained from a map object or a character string object is not shown. You may make it acquire from a storage part etc. A device that performs some processing is a communication such as a so-called blog service, a mini blog service, a bulletin board service, or a chat using a character string acquired from a map object or a character string object as a topic or a headline. Link information to a device or the like that provides a service that provides a tool for providing a tool may be acquired. In this case, the character string may be used for searching for a topic or a headline, or may be used for generating a new topic or genre.

  The link area management information acquisition unit 104 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the link area management information acquisition unit 104 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The group management information storage unit 105 stores one or more group management information, which is information indicating one or more objects belonging to one object group. Usually, one object group is composed of one or more objects arranged in one first page information and one or more objects arranged in one second page information. The group management information is, for example, information indicating a correspondence relationship between grouped (grouped) object groups and objects belonging to each group. For example, the group management information is information having object group identification information that is identification information of an object group and objects belonging to the object group indicated by the object group identification information. The object included in the group management information may be object identification information. In this case, it is considered that the object is substantially included. Further, the group management information may be information for managing hierarchical object groups. For example, one or more lower-level object groups may be included as constituent elements of higher-level groups. Note that the group identification information may be omitted if the group management information indicates that the groups composed of objects are separated. For example, when the objects of each group are stored in a group-specific buffer or the like, the group identification information can be omitted.

  In the group management information storage unit 105, for example, the group management information storage unit 107 stores the group management information acquired by the group management information storage unit 107. However, the group management information accumulation unit 107 may store group management information accumulated in advance by a user or the like. Further, the group management information may be group management information indicating group objects grouped hierarchically as described above.

  The group management information storage unit 105 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

  The attribute designation information storage unit 106 stores attribute designation information that is information for designating attributes of one or more objects classified into one group.

  The attribute designation information storage unit 106 stores attribute designation information. The attribute designation information is information that designates an attribute for each of one or more objects classified into one group. For example, objects having attributes specified by the attribute specifying information are grouped into one group. The attribute designation information preferably further includes order information indicating the order of attributes of a plurality of objects constituting one group. That is, it is preferable that the order is specified for the attributes of the objects classified into one group. For example, objects are grouped in the order of attributes indicated by the order information. The order information may be information that designates the order by numerical values, symbols, or the like, or may be the order itself in which the object attributes are arranged. In the present embodiment, the attribute of the object is considered to mean the value of the attribute of the object, that is, the attribute value as appropriate. The object attribute is, for example, an attribute of the object itself. Further, the attribute of the arrangement area where the object is arranged may be considered as the attribute of the object. The attribute of an object may be managed in association with each object, or may be managed in association with an arrangement area in which each object is arranged. The attribute of the object itself is information about the format of the object of a character string, for example. The object format includes font name, font family, font type information such as serif, font size, font color, font decoration such as bold and underline, line spacing, line alignment, And combinations thereof. These combinations may be called styles. The attribute of the object itself is information about the size, file format (for example, EPS, TIFF, etc.), file name, data amount, etc. of the image object. For example, character string information indicating the size of the image included in the file name, for example, a character string such as “SMALL” or “LARGE”, or a character such as “S” or “L” before the extension, May be treated as an object attribute. The attribute of the object itself may be information indicating the content of the object, for example, what kind of character string is included, what kind of content the image is, and the like. The attributes of the placement area in which the object is placed include the size, shape, background color, frame color, label attached to the placement area, identification information, and the like. Further, the attribute of the object may be information on the number of characters, the number of rows, and the number of columns of the object arranged in one arrangement area. The attribute of the object specified by the attribute specifying information described here may be a combination of two or more of the attributes described above.

  Note that the attribute designation information and the order information may be accumulated in any way. For example, the attribute designation information or the order information may be designated by the user manually or may be stored by default. The attribute designation information storage unit 106 can be realized by a non-volatile recording medium or a volatile recording medium.

  The group management information storage unit 107 divides the objects arranged in the first page information into one or more object groups, acquires group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the grouped object groups, and obtains group management information Accumulate in the storage unit 105. For example, the group management information storage unit 107 divides the object arranged in the first page information into one or more object groups for each object having the attribute designated by the attribute designation information using the object arrangement information. . Then, group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the one or more object groups is acquired and accumulated in the group management information storage unit 105.

  The grouping (grouping) described here only requires that the objects are divided into groups as a result. For example, the grouped objects are acquired or the grouped objects are associated and managed. . For example, the group management information storage unit 107 may give each object identification information or the like of the group to which the object belongs. Hereinafter, an example of grouping performed by the group management information storage unit 107 will be described.

(A) Grouping by User Specification The group management information accumulation unit 107 accumulates, for example, objects for which grouping is designated by a user via an accepting unit (not shown) or the like for each object group. For example, when the user inputs information specifying one or more objects to be grouped into one object group to a reception unit (not shown), the group management information storage unit 107 sets the specified one or more objects to one object. Management information to be managed as an object constituting the group is generated and stored in the group management information storage unit 105. The object group identification information may be designated by the user or may be automatically given.

(B) Grouping by Object Attribute etc. The group management information storage unit 107 stores an object to be arranged in the first page information in the attribute designation information storage unit 106 using this object arrangement information. For each object having an attribute designated by the attribute designation information, it is divided into one or more object groups, group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the one or more object groups is acquired, and accumulated in the group management information storage unit 105. You may do it. However, in this case, the first page information needs to include object arrangement information.

  For example, the group management information accumulation unit 107 calculates the distance between the plurality of objects using the arrangement information of the plurality of objects arranged on the first page information, and uses the distance to specify the attribute designation information. Group for each object that has the attribute.

  For example, when the attribute designation information includes order information, the group management information accumulation unit 107 is an object having an attribute designated by the attribute designation information among a plurality of objects arranged in a plurality of arrangement areas. Objects that are sequentially arranged adjacent to each other according to the order indicated by the order information are acquired and grouped. The adjacency described here is not limited to the state in which the objects are directly adjacent to each other, but the state in which one or more other objects that are not in the order indicated by the order information are interposed between the objects, etc. It is a concept that also includes As a specific example, the closest object between two or more objects is considered as an adjacent object. Specifically, the group management information storage unit 107 first reads from the attribute designation information storage unit 106 the attribute designation information whose order indicated by the order information is No. 1. Then, an object that matches the attribute designated by the first attribute designation information is detected. Specifically, it is determined in order for the objects arranged on the page whether or not the attribute designation information with the first order matches the attribute designated. When an object matching the attribute designated by the attribute designation information having the first order is detected, this object is set as the first object in one group. Using this object as a starting point, an object having an attribute specified by the attribute specifying information whose order indicated by the order information is No. 2 and adjacent to the starting object is detected. This object is the second object in the same group as the first object. The adjacent arrangement area described here is specifically an arrangement area where the distance between the arrangement areas is the shortest. The distance between the arrangement areas or between the objects may be the distance between the arrangement areas or any part of the object. For example, the distance between the placement areas may be the distance between the centers of gravity of the placement areas. Or it is good also considering the distance between arrangement | positioning areas as the distance of the part where the distance between arrangement | positioning areas becomes the shortest. Specifically, the group management information accumulation unit 107 calculates the distance between the arrangement areas using the arrangement information, and is an object arranged adjacent to the object arranged in the arrangement area with the shortest distance. Judge. Next, starting from the placement area of the second object, the placement area in which the object having the attribute specified by the attribute designation information whose order indicated by the order information is No. 3 is placed. An arrangement area adjacent to the arrangement area is detected. The object arranged in this arrangement area is set as the third object in the same group as the first object. In this way, starting from the newly detected object, an object having an attribute specified by the attribute specification information in the next order and adjacent to the starting object is sequentially added to the group. Then, when all the attribute designation information for one group has been added to the group as described above, the process for selecting an object belonging to one group is completed. Then, the above grouping process is repeated for the remaining objects. By such processing, the group management information storage unit 107 divides the objects arranged on one page into groups composed of one or more objects that satisfy the attribute designation information. Note that an area where an object is arranged may be considered as an arrangement area where an object such as a frame or a box as described above is arranged. In this case, an attribute such as the size of the object may be considered as an attribute such as the size of the arrangement area.

  The group management information storage unit 107 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the group management information storage unit 107 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The group management information accumulating unit 107 preferentially groups a plurality of objects arranged in the area delimited by the area delimiter image for each object having an attribute specified by the attribute specifying information. Also good. An area delimiter image is an image arranged to delimit an area where an object is arranged. Specifically, the area delimiter image is an image such as a ruled line, a frame line, or a delimiter line. This image may be a bitmap image or a vector image. Further, it may be a control symbol, a program, or the like for outputting an area-separated image. The region partition image may be considered as image information of the region partition image. Specifically, the group management information accumulating unit 107 sets the attributes that the attribute designation information designates a plurality of objects arranged in the same area delimited by area delimiter images stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown) or the like. You may make it preferentially group into the same group for every object to have. Further, the group management information storage unit 107 may detect an object having an attribute designated by the attribute designation information only in a plurality of objects arranged in a region within a range until the region separation image appears. . Or, when multiple objects having the attribute specified by the next attribute specification information are arranged at the same distance with respect to the object added to the group immediately before, the object added to the group immediately before by the area separation image Objects that are partitioned in the same area may be preferentially selected as the same group of objects and added to the group. Note that the same distance in the present embodiment is a concept including a distance that can be regarded as the same, for example, a distance having a predetermined value or a width of a ratio with respect to a completely matching distance. The same distance may be used. Note that the area delimiter image may be associated with information on the position of the page where the area delimiter image is arranged. For example, the region partition image may be associated with information on a position where the region partition image is arranged. The group management information storage unit 107 may determine whether or not to add the object to the group by using the position information of the area segment image and the positional relationship with the object. As the position information, the same information as the arrangement information can be used.

  In addition, the group management information storage unit 107, when a plurality of objects having attributes designated by the next attribute designation information are arranged at the same distance with respect to the object added to the group immediately before, All objects may be added to the same group.

  In addition, the group management information storage unit 107, when a plurality of objects having attributes designated by the next attribute designation information are arranged at the same distance with respect to the object added to the group immediately before, Calculate the distance between the object and one of the objects already grouped in the same group other than the object in the immediately preceding order, for example, the object in the first order, and the object with the shortest distance May be added to the same group.

  If the group management information storage unit 107 determines that an object corresponding to the order indicated by the order information is missing from the plurality of objects arranged in the page, the group management information storage unit 107 selects an object in the next order. You may make it acquire. In addition, when there is no object corresponding to the order indicated by the order information within a predetermined range in the plurality of objects arranged in the plurality of arrangement areas, it is determined that the object is missing. Also good. In this case, the range designated in advance is, for example, a distance that is less than a predetermined distance designated in advance in the same page or from the object in the immediately preceding order. Note that information that defines a predesignated range, such as information on the distance from the object in the immediately preceding order, may be stored in advance in, for example, a storage medium (not shown).

  Further, the group management information storage unit 107, when a plurality of objects having attributes corresponding to a predetermined order indicated by the order information exist at the same distance with respect to the objects in the immediately preceding order, Of these, objects located in a predetermined direction specified in advance with respect to the objects in the immediately preceding order may be preferentially grouped into the same group as the objects in the immediately preceding order. The predetermined direction described here may be up / down / left / right, diagonally upward, diagonally downward, or the like, or a direction specified by an angle with respect to a reference direction. For example, when the lower direction of the arrangement area is used as a reference, the arrangement area where the angle between the two arrangement areas, for example, the center of gravity of the arrangement area and the straight line connecting the corners with respect to the reference lower direction is the smallest May be selected as objects placed in the same group. Note that information specifying a predetermined direction may be stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown), for example.

  Further, the group management information storage unit 107 may leave an object that remains without being grouped in any group as it is without being grouped, or may add it to a group having the closest distance. . For example, the group management information storage unit 107 groups the objects arranged in a predesignated range, for example, one page, as described above, and remains ungrouped in any group. If an object exists, add this object to the nearest group. The distance here may be a distance to any one object except the object in the immediately preceding order in each group, for example, the object corresponding to the attribute designation information in the first order, It may be a distance from the center of gravity of all the objects constituting the group. In this embodiment, adding or adding an object to a group means, for example, adding an object to an already grouped object group or acquiring an object together with an already grouped object group. For example, the identification information or the like of the existing group to which the object belongs may be assigned to the object. Note that the group management information storage unit 107 may not perform grouping on objects that remain without being grouped in any group.

  Furthermore, when the object is an image object, the group management information storage unit 107 calculates the distance between the image object and an object included in the same group using the arrangement information, and the image object is closest in distance. You may group in association with an object. In a normal image object, a character string object or the like of a text explaining an image indicated by the image object is arranged in the vicinity of the image object. It is possible to determine whether the object is an object such as a sentence describing the image of the image object. This association is managed using, for example, a management table for managing the correspondence relationship.

  Further, the group management information storage unit 107 includes, in one object to be grouped, related designation information that is information for indicating the position of another object related to the object. The objects arranged at the position indicated by the related designation information may be grouped into the same group as the one object to be grouped. At this time, one object including the related designation information and the object arranged at the position indicated by the related designation information may be further associated and grouped. For example, one object including the related designation information and the object arranged at the position indicated by the related designation information may be further nested (in other words, hierarchized). This association may be managed in any way. In the grouping, specifically, information for designating the positions of related objects is stored in advance in a storage medium (not shown) in association with one or more related designation information. When one piece of related designation information is detected from one object to be grouped, information that specifies the position of the related object associated with the one piece of related designation information that has been detected is read. The objects arranged at the position indicated by the information designating are grouped into the same group as the one object to be grouped. The information specifying the position of the related object may be, for example, information on a relative position with respect to the object including the related specification information, or information on an absolute position. The related designation information may be a text or an image. Specifically, the related designation information is preferably an object indicating the direction, such as an arrow, a triangle indicating the direction, or a forefinger mark. When the related specification information is an object indicating a direction, the information specifying the position of the related object associated with the related specification information described above is information specifying the position in the direction indicated by the object indicating the direction. . In addition, the association designation information does not necessarily have to be information that designates the position of an object arranged adjacently, and may be information that designates an object or the like arranged via another object. Detection of related designation information in an object can be performed by searching for a normal character if the related designation information is, for example, text. If the related designation information is an image object, search by the file name of the image object or the like, pattern matching between the image arranged in the object and one or more images defined as the related designation information, By detecting the correlation, detection is possible. Note that association between objects using the association designation information is performed before grouping, and when one associated object becomes a grouping target, the other object associated with the object May be grouped into the same group.

  A specific example of processing using the related designation information by the group management information storage unit 107 will be described below. It is assumed that a text object B, which is a caption of the image object A, is arranged below the image object A, and one arrow character pointing upward is arranged at the top of the text object B. It is assumed that the character of this arrow is one of the related designation information. Then, during the grouping process by the group management information storage unit 107, for example, when it is determined that the text object B is an object designated by the Kth attribute designation information of one group, the group management information storage unit 107 searches related designation information in the text object B. Here, since the related designation information which is an arrow indicating the upper side is searched, the group management information accumulation unit 107 scans the upper side of the text object B, detects the image object A which is an object located immediately above, and The image object A and the text object B are associated with each other and grouped as one group of objects. Here, for example, if a character including two arrows indicating the upper direction is arranged at the top of the text object B, the group management information storage unit 107 displays the image object arranged on the two text objects B. And grouped in association with the text object B. The relationship indicated by the relationship designation information may be any relationship such as a relationship between one object and another object that describes the object, as in this specific example.

  Note that the objects to be grouped by the group management information storage unit 107 may include already grouped object groups. That is, the objects may be grouped in a plurality of hierarchies. In this case, the upper group management information may store a group object or identification information of the group object instead of the object.

  Further, the group management information accumulation unit 107 repeats the process of generating the (n + 1) th page information using the nth (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) page information by the page generation unit 103 described later. The objects included in the nth page information may also be grouped. In this case, the grouping may be performed according to a rule different from the grouping for the first page information. Further, the object included in the nth page information is grouped until the number of repetitions of the process of generating the nth page information reaches a predesignated number or until the value of n becomes a predesignated value. You may make it perform. Alternatively, rule management information that associates the number of objects arranged in the page information with grouping rules, etc., is prepared in advance in a storage medium (not shown) and arranged in the nth page information. A grouping rule corresponding to the number of existing objects may be acquired from this rule management information, and grouping may be performed according to this rule. This grouping rule is, for example, using attribute designation information designated in accordance with the rule, or determining whether or not the related designation information can be used according to the rule. Different grouping rules may be considered, for example, that attribute designation information used for grouping is different, a combination of whether or not related designation information is used, and the like. Further, the grouping may be stopped when the number of objects arranged in the page information becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

  Note that the group management information storage unit 107 may determine whether to group objects. For example, the group management information storage unit 107 may not perform grouping when the number of objects arranged in one n-th page information is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In addition, when the number of repetitions of the process of generating the nth page information exceeds a predetermined number, or when the value of n exceeds a predetermined value, grouping is not performed. Also good.

  Further, the group management information storage unit 107 may perform hierarchical grouping. For example, one or more object groups may be included as components in one object group.

  Further, the group management information storage unit 107 may exclude objects already arranged in the area associated with the link information from grouping targets.

  The group management information storage unit 107 may acquire and store group management information according to any timing or trigger. For example, the group management information may be acquired and stored when an instruction to start acquisition input by the user is received via a reception unit (not shown) or the like. Further, when the first page information is stored in the page information storage unit 101, the group management information may be acquired and accumulated.

  The group management information storage unit 107 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the group management information storage unit 107 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The output unit 108 outputs output information. The output information includes first page information and link area management information. Here, in particular, the output unit 108 displays the display mode of the object arranged in the link area corresponding to the link information among the objects arranged in the first page information according to the link information. The first page information is output. The output information may further include page information such as second page information generated by the page generation unit 103.

  The display mode of an object is a specification for displaying the object, a display style, and an appearance. The display mode of the object is determined by an attribute related to the display of the object. The attributes related to the display of the object are, for example, the color of the object, the transparency of the object, the background color of the object, the presence / absence of the background image, and the color around the object. Further, it may be considered as one of the attributes to display an animation such as blinking or enlarging / reducing the object or displaying a symbol or mark designated in advance on the object. In addition, the font and font size of the character string object are also attributes of the display mode. The display mode of the object is set by, for example, one or more combinations of attribute values related to these displays. Note that displaying an object in its original state or original setting (default setting) is one display mode of the object. The display mode of the object may be considered as, for example, one or more combinations of display attributes that can be set by CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) in a technology such as HTML.

  For example, the display mode of the object is determined by setting an attribute value of the display mode of the object. The attribute value of the display mode of the object may be held by the object, may be held by arrangement information or the like, or may be stored in a storage unit (not shown) in association with the object. When changing the display mode of the object from the original display mode of the object, for example, the value of one or more attributes relating to the display of the object may be changed. As a specific example, an attribute value such as a font color or image transparency may be changed. For example, if the display mode of the page information object can be specified by CSS in the HTML technology, the display mode is changed by specifying an attribute value related to one or more display of the object to an attribute value different from the default. Is possible. In the case of CSS, the font color described above can be set by designating the value of the color property and the transparency by designating the value of the property property. Alternatively, an object whose display mode is changed may be generated using an object whose display mode is to be changed, and displayed instead of the original object. For one object, a plurality of display objects having different display modes are prepared in advance on a storage medium (not shown), and one of these objects is selected and displayed. The display mode may be determined. In addition, an object or layer of an image having a color or pattern specified in advance for setting the display mode is arranged for the object, and the object, the object or layer for setting the display mode, The display mode may be set by combining and displaying. For example, an object or layer colored in a pre-specified color is placed above or below the object to be changed, and the object to be changed is colored by combining the object or layer that is colored You may make it display the object of a display mode. Further, when performing animation display or the like, for example, the process of changing the transparency or the like of the object whose display mode is to be changed continuously or stepwise along a time series may be repeated. In addition, when the display mode of the object is a display mode colored in a pre-specified color, an operation such as addition or multiplication is performed on the color value of each pixel of the object using the pre-specified color value. By doing so, an object with a new colored display mode may be generated. In addition, by generating (or preparing in advance) a plurality of objects whose display modes for animation display are changed, and displaying these objects by switching them in time series, the display mode of the objects can be displayed as animations. Also good.

  The display mode according to link information is a display mode determined (or selected) according to link information, for example. The display mode corresponding to the link information may be considered as a display mode that varies depending on the link information. The display mode according to the link information may be considered as a display mode according to the page information that is the link destination indicated by the link information, for example.

  For objects with different display modes, any display mode may be used for each object as long as the display modes between the objects are different. For example, if one object is in the original display mode, the display mode of the other object is set to a display mode having a different transparency from the original display mode, or a display mode having a different color from the original display mode. In other words, the display mode differs depending on whether the object blinks or the presence or absence of the background image of the object is different. It should be noted that different display modes of objects do not matter what processing is performed as long as the display modes are differently displayed. As described above, even if an object having a different display mode is created, image synthesis of an object that looks different from the display mode may be performed. In addition, when making the display mode between objects different, one display mode may be changed and both display modes may be changed.

  The output unit 108 may set the display mode of the object to a display mode corresponding to the link information. Here, as an example, a case where the display mode of an object is set using link determination information stored in a link determination information storage unit 109 described later will be described. For example, the link determination information storage unit 109 is information having link condition information, which is information indicating conditions relating to link information, and display mode specification information, which is information specifying the display mode of an object in the link area, in association with each other. One or more link determination information is stored. Then, the output unit 108 determines whether or not each link information associated with the link area satisfies the condition indicated by the link condition information included in the link determination information, and the link determined to satisfy the condition The display mode designation information associated with the condition information is acquired, and the display mode of the object is set as the display mode indicated by the acquired display mode designation information. The link condition information may be considered as condition information for specifying the attribute of the link information. The link condition information may be, for example, a character string used as a search key for specifying specific link information. The output unit 108 uses the link determination information to execute an algorithm or the like that realizes a determination process similar to that when one or more link determination information is used instead of setting the display mode of the object. The display mode of the object may be a display mode corresponding to the link information.

  Hereinafter, an example of processing in which the output unit 108 selects a display mode according to link information will be described.

(1) Display mode according to the location indicated by the link information The output unit 108 outputs, for example, first page information in which the display mode of the object is set as the display mode according to the location indicated by the link information. The location indicated by the link information described here may be considered as a page indicated by the link information. The display mode corresponding to the location indicated by the link information is, for example, whether the location indicated by the link information is in the information processing apparatus 1, whether it is a predesignated device, or a predesignated Internet. This is a display mode according to a determination result such as whether the address is an upper address or an address on the network. The display mode according to the location here is, for example, determining (selecting) the display mode so that the display mode varies depending on the location. For example, the link determination information storage unit 109 is information having link condition information indicating a condition regarding a location indicated by link information in advance and display mode designation information that is information for designating the display mode of the object in association with each other. The above link determination information is stored. Then, the output unit 108 acquires link information corresponding to the link area of the first page information indicated by the link area management information, and whether this link information satisfies any of the above-described link condition information. Judging. Then, the display mode designation information corresponding to the link condition information determined to be satisfied is extracted, and the display mode of the objects arranged in the link area is set according to the designation of the display mode designation information. The display mode designation information may be, for example, information indicating what display mode is used, or may be an attribute value of an object display attribute. Alternatively, it may be information specifying a process performed on an object or the like in order to change the display mode. It may be considered that the display mode of the object is determined by this display mode designation information. If there is no match, the original display mode of the object may be set. The link condition information is, for example, information on the condition that a character string matching the character string included only in the link information indicating a specific link destination is included, or information on the condition that there is no specific character or the like . For example, the link condition information includes information such as “www.gggggg.com” such as a domain name of a specific server device on the Internet designated in advance, a combination of a domain name and a subdomain name, It may be information on condition that such information is included (or not included). Alternatively, it may be information indicating a part of the URL of a specific server device and information on the condition that this information is included (or not included). In this case, the link information that includes (or does not include) the character string that matches the character string indicated by the link condition information is determined to be link information that uses this server device as a link destination. For example, if this link condition information has the URL of a search device (not shown) as described above, the display mode of the object in the link area associated with the link information having the URL of this search device is displayed on the search device. It can be set as the specific display mode which shows that it is the object of the link area | region linked with respect to. The link condition information may be “http: //” indicating a server device on the Internet. In this case, the link information that matches this is determined to be link information that links any server device on the Internet. Further, the link condition information may be “(drive name):” indicating that the page information is stored in the same information processing apparatus 1 as the first page information. In this case, it is determined that the link information that matches this is link information that uses page information stored in the information processing apparatus 1 as a link destination.

(2) Display mode according to page information indicated by link information The output unit 108 outputs, for example, first page information in which the display mode of an object is set as a display mode according to page information indicated by link information. The display mode according to the page information is, for example, a display mode according to whether or not the page information is second page information. Moreover, the display mode corresponding to the file format of the page information may be used. Moreover, the display mode corresponding to the file format or data type of the object included in the page information may be used. Moreover, the display mode according to whether the page information includes a plurality of objects may be used. In this case, the output unit 108 needs to count the number of objects arranged in the page information indicated by the page information. The display mode according to the page information here is, for example, determining (selecting) the display mode so as to be a different display mode according to the page information. For example, the link determination information storage unit 109 is previously associated with link condition information indicating a condition regarding page information indicated by link information and display mode designation information that is information for designating the display mode of the object. One or more link determination information is stored. Then, the output unit 108 acquires information related to the page information indicated by the link information corresponding to the link area of the first page information indicated by the link area management information (for example, page information and attribute values of the page information). It is determined whether the information regarding the page information satisfies any of the link condition information. Then, the display mode designation information corresponding to the link condition information determined to satisfy the condition is taken out, and the display mode of the objects arranged in the link area is set according to the designation of the display mode designation information. The link condition information in this case includes, for example, information that the file extension of the linked page information matches the extension specified in advance, and the lower limit and upper limit of the number of objects included in the linked page information. This is information such as a threshold value to be shown. For example, one link condition information is information that combines information indicating a character string unique to the second page information and a condition that this character string is included in the link information, and the output unit 108 outputs the link condition information. When a character string unique to the second page information indicated by is searched in the link information and a matching character string is detected, display mode designation information corresponding to this link condition information is acquired from the link determination information, and the link The display mode of the object in the link area corresponding to the information is set to the display mode specified by this display mode specification information. Thereby, it is determined that the link destination of the link information is the second page information, and the display mode of the object is set to a display mode corresponding to the link information whose link destination is the second page information. In addition, in order for the link information with the second page information as a link destination to include a character string unique to the second page information described above, the page generation unit 103 previously stores the second page information. Is generated, a character string or the like unique to the second page information specified in advance may be inserted into the file name or the like of the second page information. When it is determined that the link destination is not the second page information, the display mode of the object in the link area may be set to a display mode different from the above (for example, a display mode specified by default or the like).

(3) Display Mode Depending on Presence / absence of Search Keyword The output unit 108 uses, for example, first page information in which the display mode of an object is set to a display mode according to whether or not the search keyword is included in the link information Is output. The display mode according to whether or not the search keyword is included here is determined (selected) so that the display mode is different depending on whether or not the search keyword is included, for example. It is. For example, link condition information that presupposes that there is a character string indicating that a search keyword is included in the link determination information storage unit 109, and display mode designation that is information for designating the display mode of an object One or more link determination information which is information associated with information is stored. Then, the output unit 108 acquires link information corresponding to the link area of the first page information indicated by the link area management information, and whether the link information has a character string that matches the character string indicated by the link condition information. Judge whether or not. Then, the link condition information determined to have, that is, the display mode designation information corresponding to the link condition information determined to satisfy the condition is taken out, and the object arranged in the link area according to the designation of the display mode designation information Set the display mode. Usually, in link information (that is, request information) including a search keyword transmitted to a search site or the like, a character indicating that a search keyword is included in the start position or end position of a character string serving as a search keyword A column is determined for each search site. Therefore, if a character string that matches such a character string is included, the link information is determined to be link information including a search keyword.

  If the display mode of the object of the first page information included in the output information is a display mode corresponding to the link information corresponding to the link area where the object is arranged, the output unit 108 displays the link information. Accordingly, the display mode of the object may be set in any way. For example, in addition to the above, the display mode of the object may be a display mode according to whether or not the link information includes a script for executing a predetermined operation, information for requesting processing, and the like. Further, when one character string designated in advance is included in the link information, the display form of the object may be a display form designated by the display form designation information corresponding to the character string. This character string may be a character string including characters represented by regular expressions. For example, by preparing and using link determination information having link condition information indicating conditions such as these in advance, the output unit 108 can change the display mode of an object arranged in the link area according to the link information. It can be.

  Note that when the page generation unit 103 has page information of a lower hierarchy than the second page information, the output unit 108 performs a process of changing the display mode of the object described above to a display mode according to the link information. The same can be done for the page information of the lower hierarchy after the second page information in which the area is arranged.

  Note that the output unit 108 outputs the first page information and the page information generated by the page generation unit 103. In the present embodiment, the first page information and the page generation unit 103 generate the first page information. This is a concept including outputting output data created using the page information. The output data (hereinafter referred to as output data) includes, for example, information obtained by rendering part or all of the page information into image data, and an object placed in the page information. Data created by embedding in the indicated position. Alternatively, the output data may be data in which the data format or resolution of the arranged image object or the like is changed. The output unit 108 may generate output data including link area management information, menu objects, menu management information, and the like. The output data may be a copy of the first page information and the page information generated by the page generation unit 103.

  The data output by the output unit 108 is, for example, electronic publication data that can be displayed on a monitor or the like.

  Further, the output unit 108 changes the link area management information according to the output destination of the first page information and the page information generated by the page generation unit 103 (or the output destination of the output data created using them). It is preferable to rewrite the included link information or the like so that the link relationship after output is maintained.

  The output unit 108 may output the output information at any timing or trigger. For example, the output may be performed when an output instruction from the user is received via a reception unit (not shown) or the like. Further, the output may be performed when the page generation unit 103 finishes generating the second page information.

  The output described here is mainly accumulation in a recording medium (not shown), but transmission to an external device, display on a display, delivery of processing results to other processing devices or other programs, etc. It may be considered as a concept that includes it. The output unit 108 may or may not include an output device such as a display. The output unit 108 can be realized by output device driver software, or output device driver software and an output device. Further, the output unit 108 may include a CPU, a memory, and the like for executing processing for determining (or selecting) the display mode of the object. In addition, a processing procedure such as processing for determining the display mode is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The link determination information storage unit 109 stores one or more link determination information. As described above, the link determination information is information having link condition information, which is information indicating conditions regarding link information, and display mode specifying information, which is information specifying the display mode of an object in the link area, in association with each other. . Each link determination information may be stored in association with order information, which is information indicating the order in which the determination process is performed. The order information is information indicating the order by, for example, ascending order or descending order of values. The link determination information storage unit 109 is preferably a nonvolatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, as an example, a case where the output unit 108 outputs output information including first page information and second page information will be described as an example.

  (Step S201) The information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not an output information output instruction has been received via a reception unit (not shown) or the like. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S202. If not accepted, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S202) The page generation unit 103 substitutes 1 for a counter e.

  (Step S <b> 203) The page generation unit 103 determines whether or not the e-th first page information is stored in the page information storage unit 101. If stored, the process proceeds to step S204. If not stored, the process proceeds to step S207.

  (Step S204) The page generation unit 103 reads the e-th first page information into a storage medium such as a memory.

  (Step S205) The information processing apparatus 1 generates second page information and the like using the first page read in step S204. Details of this processing will be described later.

  (Step S206) The page generation unit 103 increments the value of the counter e by 1. Then, the process returns to step S203.

  (Step S207) The output unit 108 substitutes 1 for the counter t.

  (Step S <b> 208) The output unit 108 determines whether or not the t-th first page information is stored in the page information storage unit 101. If stored, the process proceeds to step S209. If not stored, the process proceeds to step S217.

  (Step S209) The output unit 108 reads the t-th first page information from the page information storage unit 101.

  (Step S210) The output unit 108 substitutes 1 for the counter s.

  (Step S211) The output unit 108 determines whether or not the link area management information stored in the link area management information storage unit 102 includes the sth link information corresponding to the tth first page information. To do. If there is, the process proceeds to step S212, and if not, the process proceeds to step S216.

  (Step S212) The output unit 108 acquires display mode designation information corresponding to the link information by using the link determination information.

  (Step S213) The output unit 108 associates the object arranged in the sth link area with the display mode designation information acquired in Step S212, and temporarily stores it in a storage medium such as a memory.

  (Step S214) The output unit 108 increments the value of the counter s by 1. Then, the process returns to step S211.

  (Step S215) The output unit 108 uses the t-th first page information read out in step S209 to specify an object corresponding to the display mode designation information temporarily stored in step S213. First page information for output arranged so as to be in a display mode is generated. The generated first page information is temporarily stored in a storage medium such as a memory (not shown).

  (Step S216) The output unit 108 increments the value of t by 1. Then, the process returns to step S208.

  (Step S217) The output unit 108 outputs the first page information for output generated in step S215, and the output information including the second page information and link area management information acquired in step S205. For example, it is stored in a storage medium or the like. Then, the process ends.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, when the link area management information is prepared in advance or the second page information is prepared in advance, the processing from step 202 to step S206 is omitted. Also good. In specific examples described later, an example in which these processes are omitted and an example in which these processes are not omitted will be described.

  In addition, here, the case where the first page information and the second page information are stored in the page information storage unit 101 has been described as an example. The present invention is applicable even when first to (n + 1) th page information (where n is an integer of 2 or more) is stored. In this case, for example, for the m-th page information (where m is an integer not less than 2 and not more than n), the same process as the process of changing the display mode of the first page information may be performed. .

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of processing for generating second page information and the like using the e-th first page information of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. This figure is a diagram showing an example of details of the processing shown in step S205 in FIG.

  (Step S301) The page generation unit 103 determines whether or not to group the objects arranged in the e-th first page information. Grouping may be considered as acquiring group management information. The page generation unit 103 may determine how to perform grouping. For example, if the number of objects arranged in the e-th first page information is larger than a predesignated value, it may be determined that grouping is performed. In addition, when information specifying grouping from a user or the like is received in advance, or when grouping is specified by default or the like, grouping may be determined. When grouping, it progresses to step S302, and when not grouping, it progresses to step S314.

  (Step S302) The group management information storage unit 107 acquires group management information for an object arranged in the e-th first page information, and stores the group management information in association with the e-th first page information. It accumulates in the unit 105. Details of this process will be described later.

  (Step S303) The page generation unit 103 substitutes 1 for a counter k.

  (Step S304) Whether the page generation unit 103 has k-th group management information in the group management information associated with the e-th first page information stored in the group management information storage unit 105. Judge whether or not. The kth group management information is, for example, group management information indicating the kth object group. If there is, the process proceeds to step S305, and if not, the process proceeds to step S308.

  (Step S305) The page generation unit 103 generates one second page information by arranging the objects constituting the kth object group among the objects arranged in the eth first page information. . The second page information is second page information corresponding to the kth object group arranged in the eth first page information. The page generation unit 103 temporarily stores the generated second page information in a storage medium (not shown). Note that the page generation unit 103 may arrange a button for returning to the first page information in the second page information.

  (Step S306) The link area management information acquisition unit 104 generates link area designation information for designating a link area on the area where the kth object group is arranged in the eth first page information. Also, link information indicating the second page information generated in step S305 is acquired. Then, link area management information having the acquired link area specifying information and link information in association with each other is acquired and stored in, for example, a storage medium (not shown) in association with e-th first page information. This accumulation may be temporary storage.

  (Step S307) The page generation unit 103 increments the value of the counter k by 1.

  (Step S308) The page generation unit 103 substitutes 1 for a counter j.

  (Step S309) The page generation unit 103 determines whether or not the e-th first page information includes a j-th object that is not grouped. For example, it is sequentially determined whether or not there is an object that matches the object arranged in the e-th first page information in the group management information, and an object that does not match the group management information is detected. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a jth object in the object. If there is a j-th object, the process proceeds to step S310, and if not, the process returns to a higher-level process.

  (Step S310) The page generation unit 103 is an object in which the jth object is already placed in the link area indicated by the one link area designation information stored in the link area management information storage unit 102 by the user or the like. Judge whether there is. If the object is located in the link area, the process proceeds to step S313. If not, the process proceeds to step S311.

  (Step S311) The page generation unit 103 generates second page information in which the jth object is arranged. The generated page information is accumulated in, for example, the page information storage unit 101 or the like.

  (Step S312) The link area management information acquisition unit 104 obtains link area management information including link information indicating the second page information generated in step S311 and link area specifying information indicating an area on the jth object. get. The acquired link area management information is accumulated in the link area management information storage unit 102.

  (Step S313) The page generation unit 103 increments the value of the counter j by 1. Then, the process returns to step S309.

  (Step S314) The page generation unit 103 substitutes 1 for the counter m.

  (Step S315) The page generating unit 103 determines whether or not the e-th first page information includes the m-th object. If there is an mth object, the process proceeds to step S316, and if not, the process returns to a higher-level process.

  (Step S316) The page generation unit 103 is an object in which the m-th object is already placed in the link area indicated by the one link area designation information accumulated in the link area management information storage unit 102 by the user or the like. Judge whether there is. If the object is located in the link area, the process proceeds to step S319. If not, the process proceeds to step S317.

  (Step S317) The page generation unit 103 generates second page information in which the mth object is arranged. The generated page information is accumulated in, for example, the page information storage unit 101 or the like.

  (Step S318) The link area management information acquisition unit 104 receives link area management information having link information indicating the second page information generated in step S317 and link area specifying information indicating an area on the mth object. get. The acquired link area management information is accumulated in the link area management information storage unit 102.

  (Step S319) The page generation unit 103 increments the value of the counter m by 1. Then, the process returns to step S315.

  Here, the case where the second page information is generated from the first page information has been described as an example. However, in the present invention, the (n + 1) th page is generated from the nth page information generated by the page generation unit 103. This can also be applied to the case of generating the page information up to (where n is an integer of 2 or more). In this case, for example, for the m-th page information (where m is an integer not less than 2 and not more than n), the same process as the process for generating the second page information from the first page information is performed. That's fine. The same applies to the following grouping process.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining details of an example of the process shown in step S302 in which the objects arranged in the e-th first page information by the group management information storage unit 107 are grouped to obtain group management information. It is a flowchart of. Hereinafter, this process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S401) The group management information storage unit 107 reads the attribute designation information stored in advance in the attribute designation information storage unit.

  (Step S402) The group management information storage unit 107 substitutes 1 for a counter k.

  (Step S403) The group management information storage unit 107 searches for an object having the attribute indicated by the attribute designation information indicating the k-th order, here, the first order. For example, when an object is arranged over a plurality of pages, each page is searched in order. This search ends when an object having an attribute indicating the first order is detected.

  (Step S404) The group management information storage unit 107 determines whether or not there is an object having the attribute indicated by the attribute designation information in the k-th order, that is, the first order here, that is, whether or not it has been detected. When it exists, it progresses to step S405, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S416.

  (Step S405) The group management information storage unit 107 adds the object detected in step S403 to the new group. Specifically, new group management information including the detected object is acquired.

  (Step S406) The group management information storage unit 107 increments the counter k by 1.

  (Step S407) The group management information accumulation unit 107 determines whether or not the attribute designation information indicating the k-th order is included in the attribute designation information read in step S401. If there is, the process proceeds to step S408, and if not, the process returns to step S402.

  (Step S408) The group management information storage unit 107 searches for an object having the attribute indicated by the k-th order attribute designation information. The search here may be performed for all the arranged objects to be grouped. Usually, however, a group of objects, that is, an object constituting one group object is a single group object. Since an object is often placed within one page, if an object is arranged across multiple pages, it is faster to search only within the page where the first object is detected. This is preferable. It is assumed that the search here is a search for all objects with matching attributes. In addition, it is preferable that a search is not performed again for an object already grouped by adding management information such as a flag indicating that the object has been grouped.

  (Step S409) The group management information storage unit 107 determines whether or not an object has been searched in the search in step S408. If a search is made, the process proceeds to step S410. If not, the process returns to step S406. When returning, information indicating that the object is missing may be accumulated.

  (Step S410) The group management information storage unit 107 determines the distances between all the objects detected in Step S408 and the objects grouped in the (k−1) th order, for example, the distance between the respective centroids. Is calculated.

  (Step S411) The group management information storage unit 107 determines the object with the shortest distance calculated in step S410. However, when there are a plurality of distance differences within a predetermined range, all of them may be determined as objects having the shortest distance.

  (Step S412) The group management information storage unit 107 determines whether or not there are a plurality of objects determined in step S411. If there are more than one, the process proceeds to step S413, and if not, the process proceeds to step S415.

  (Step S413) The group management information accumulation unit 107 detects the direction between the position of each object determined in Step S412 and the position of the objects grouped in the (k−1) th order. For example, the downward direction which is the direction designated in advance with respect to the objects grouped in the (k−1) th order is set to 0 degree, and the angle of the direction in which each object determined in step S412 is arranged is detected. .

  (Step S414) The group management information accumulating unit 107 adds, to the group, one object whose direction detected in Step S413 is in a higher priority direction among the objects determined in Step S411. Specifically, an object with a small angle calculated in step S413 is added to the group management information newly prepared in step S405. Then, the process returns to step S406.

  (Step S415) The group management information storage unit 107 adds the object determined in step S411 to the group. Specifically, it is added to the group management information newly prepared in step S405.

  (Step S416) The group management information accumulation unit 107 accumulates the group management information in the group management information storage unit 105.

  In the search process in step S416 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the search is performed only in the range from the position where the object having the first order is arranged until one or more area delimiter information is detected. May be. That is, the search may be performed only in the range delimited by the area delimiter information.

  Further, after the process of step S415, it is determined whether or not an object that is not grouped is arranged in the first page information. If the object is arranged, the object is added to the object group having the closest distance. It may be.

  Hereinafter, a specific operation of the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

(Specific example 1)
Here, the second page information is stored in advance in the page information storage unit 101, and the link area management information for specifying the second page information as a link destination is stored in the link area management information storage unit 102 in advance. As an example, the group management information storage unit 105 stores group management information in advance, and the information processing apparatus 1 does not generate second page information or the like using the first page information. explain. That is, the case where the processing from step S202 to step S206 in FIG. 2 is omitted will be described as an example. However, if the link destination of the link information corresponding to all the link areas arranged in the first page information is information other than the second page information, the second page information may be omitted. Good.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a page management table for managing the first page information. The page management table is stored in the page information storage unit 101. Here, the page management table has items such as “page ID”, “object ID”, “object”, “center coordinate x”, “center coordinate y”, “width”, and “height”. . “Page ID” is page identification information. Each object is arranged on the page indicated by the corresponding “page ID”. “Object ID” is identification information for managing the object, and “Object” is an object arranged on the page. “Center coordinates x”, “Center coordinates y”, “Width”, and “Height” are object arrangement information. “Center coordinate x” is the x coordinate of the center of the area where the object is placed, “Center coordinate y” is the y coordinate of the center of the area where the object is placed, and “Width” is the place where the object is placed The width of the area, “height” is the height of the area. As a unit of coordinates, width, and height, here, pixels are used as an example. In the present embodiment, values such as coordinates, width, and height are represented using symbols such as “x01” and “y01”, but these are arbitrary numerical values. The same applies to the following. In the page management table of FIG. 5, records having the same page ID value are information indicating the same first page information. Here, in order to simplify the description, a case where only one first page information (that is, first page information for one page) is stored in the page information storage unit 101 will be described as an example. . Although omitted here, it is assumed that the page management table has items indicating attributes such as font name and font size in addition to the above items.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a page management table for managing the second page information. The page management table is stored in the page information storage unit 101. This page management table is management information similar to the page management information shown in FIG. In the page management table of FIG. 7, records having the same page ID value are information indicating the same second page information. Here, a case where two pieces of second page information (that is, second page information for two pages) are stored in the page information storage unit 101 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a page definition management table for managing the page definition information of the first page information and the second page information. The page definition management table has information of “page ID”, “width”, and “height”. “Page ID” corresponds to the value of “Page ID” in the page management table shown in FIGS. Here, “width” and “height” are the width and height of the page on which the object is placed, and the values are pixels.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the group management information stored in the group management information storage unit 105. The group management information has items of “group ID”, “object ID”, and “page ID”. “Group ID” is group identification information, and the same value indicates that it belongs to the same object group. "Object ID" and "Page ID" correspond to "Object ID" and "Page ID" in the page management table shown in FIG. In this case, the objects having “OB001” and “OB003” as the “object ID” arranged on the page indicated by the first page information corresponding to the page ID “P001” have “Group ID” as “G001”. Indicates that it belongs to a certain object group.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the first page information and the second page information stored in the page information storage unit 101. For explanation, page IDs shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are given to each page information. In FIG. 8, the frame lines arranged around the object indicate the area occupied by the object arranged on the page indicated by the first page information, and are actually displayed for convenience of explanation. Is unnecessary. The number described in the upper right of each object is an object ID described later. Note that the object ID is a display for convenience of explanation, and does not need to be actually displayed. Note that FIG. 9 is a diagram for convenience of explanation, and dimensions, aspect ratios, and the like are not necessarily accurate.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing link area management information stored in the link area management information storage unit 102. The link area management information includes “link area ID”, “link area designation information”, and “link information”. The “link area designation information” includes “page ID”, “object ID”, and “group ID”. “Link area ID” is identification information of a link area. “Page ID” of “Link area designation information” indicates first page information in which a link area is set, and corresponds to “Page ID” of the page definition management table shown in FIG. The “object ID” is information for designating the link area on the page indicated by the first page information as the area where the object indicated by the “object ID” is arranged. That is, the area on the object corresponding to this “object ID” in the first page area is the link area. Here, the object indicated by the “object ID” is an object arranged in the link area. This “object ID” corresponds to the value of “object ID” in the page management table shown in FIG. The “group ID” is information for designating the link area on the page indicated by the first page information as the area where the objects constituting the object group indicated by the “group ID” are arranged. . This “group ID” corresponds to the “group ID” of the group management information shown in FIG. Specifically, the area on the object indicated by the “object ID” corresponding to this “group ID” managed by the group management information is the link area. “Link information” is link information indicating a link destination. Here, the link information is, for example, information for requesting a search including the “page ID” of the second page information of the link destination, the URL of the link-destination WEB page, and the URL of the search device. “Page ID” corresponds to “Page ID” in the page definition management table shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 10, “http://aaabb.com/index.html” of “link information” is the URL of the WEB page. In addition, the character string of “http://cccdddd.com/search?f=Minami Aoyama ...” up to “http://cccdddd.com/search?” Is the domain name search site “cccdd.com”. This is information requesting the server for a WEB page as a search result using a keyword, and the subsequent character string indicates the search keyword “Minami Aoyama”. In addition, the character string up to “http://eeefff.com/#search?” In “http: //eeefff.com/#search? Q = ramen ...” is a short sentence of the domain name “eeefff.com” This is information requesting a server that provides a blog that handles a blog page that includes a topic sentence corresponding to the search key, and the subsequent character string indicates the search keyword “ramen”.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the link area indicated by the link area management information shown in FIG. 10 on the page indicated by the first page information whose page ID is “P1” shown in FIG. Here, for explanation, a corresponding “link region ID” is assigned to each link region.

  First, it is assumed that the user operates an input device (not shown) to give an output instruction for output information to the information processing apparatus 1.

  The output unit 108 performs processing for determining the attribute of the object arranged in the link area using the link area management information.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the link determination information stored in the link determination information storage unit 109. The link determination information has items of “link condition information”, “display mode designation information”, and “order information”. “Link condition information” is link condition information indicating conditions related to link information. “Display mode designation information” is display mode designation information for designating the display mode of the object in the link area. The “order information” is information indicating the order in which the process is performed when determining whether the link information satisfies the link condition information, and the smaller the value, the faster the order. Here, it is assumed that each record in FIG. 12 indicates one link determination information. Here, the process for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied ends when link condition information that satisfies the condition is detected. Here, for convenience, “link condition information” is described in natural language, but actually, a conditional expression, a value indicating a determination condition of the determination process, a program for executing the determination process, and the program are designated. It is assumed that information to be stored is stored. The “display mode designation information” is also described here in a natural language, but actually, an attribute value for setting the display mode of the object and a process for changing the display mode are executed. For example, information for designating the program, and the like are stored.

  The output unit 108 acquires the value “P201” of “link information” included in the first link area management information in the link area management information shown in FIG. Then, “link condition information” is read out from the link determination information shown in FIG. 12 in the order of “order information”, and whether or not the link information “P201” satisfies the condition indicated by the read “link condition information”. to decide. Specifically, first, link condition information “including“ cccdddd.com/search? ”” Of the first link determination information whose order information is “1” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the value “P201” satisfies this condition. The link condition information “includes“ cccdddd.com/search? ”” Is information indicating a condition that the character string “cccdddd.com/search?” Is included. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a character string that matches this character string is within the value “P201”. Here, it is determined that no matching character string is included.

  Therefore, next, link condition information “including“ eeefff.com/#search? ”” Of the link determination information whose order information is “2” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the value “P201” satisfies this condition. The link condition information “includes“ eeefff.com/#search? ”” Is information indicating a condition that the character string “eeefff.com/#search?” Is included. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a character string that matches this character string is within the value “P201”. Here, it is determined that no matching character string is included.

  Therefore, next, link condition information “including“ http: // ”” of the link determination information whose order information is “3” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the value “P201” satisfies this condition. The link condition information “includes“ eeefff.com/#search? ”” Is information indicating a condition that the character string “http: //” is included. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a character string that matches this character string is within the value “P201”. Here, it is determined that no matching character string is included.

  Therefore, next, link condition information “matching with any of“ page ID ”and a plurality of objects are arranged” of the link determination information whose order information is “4” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the value “P201” satisfies this condition.

  The link condition information “matches any of“ page ID ”and a plurality of objects are arranged” is a character string that matches any one of “page ID” of the page definition information shown in FIG. This is information indicating a condition that a plurality of objects are arranged in page information corresponding to “page ID”. Here, the page ID value “P201” is used as a search key to determine whether or not there is a matching value in the “page ID” of the page definition management table. Here, since a match is detected, it is determined that the condition “matches any of“ page ID ”” is satisfied. Further, it is determined whether or not a plurality of objects are arranged in the page information indicated by the page ID “P201”. Specifically, in the page management table shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, a record whose “page ID” value is “P201” is detected and counted. If the count number is 2 or more, it is determined that a plurality of objects are arranged in the page information indicated by the page ID “P201”, and if it is less than 2, it is determined that a plurality of objects are not arranged. . Here, in the page management table shown in FIG. 6, since two records having “OB001” and “OB003” as “object ID” are detected, a plurality of objects are included in the page information indicated by the page ID “P201”. Is determined to be placed. Therefore, the output unit 108 determines that the value “P201” of “link information” satisfies the link condition information corresponding to the order information “4”. Therefore, the output unit 108 acquires “red frame line” which is the value of “display mode designation information” of the link determination information whose order information is “4”. The “red frame line” is information for designating the frame line of the object to be red. For example, when the first page information is information whose display attributes can be specified by CSS such as HTML, a style such as “border: # FF0000” is associated with the object. Since “link condition information” that satisfies the link information is detected, the process of detecting “link condition information” that satisfies the link information ends. Then, the output unit 108 detects an object arranged in the link area designated by the “link area designation information” included in the first link area management information in the link area management information shown in FIG. . Here, first, the value of “link area designation information” included in the first link area management information is acquired. Since the value of “link area designation information” is the value “P1” of “page ID” and the value “G001” of “group ID”, it is arranged in the page information whose “page ID” is “P1”. Among the existing objects, the objects constituting the object group whose “group ID” is “G001” are objects placed in the link area indicated by the link area designation information of the first link area management information. For this reason, the output unit 108 has “object ID” “OB001” and “OB003” as the objects constituting the object group whose “group ID” is “G001” based on the group management information shown in FIG. Detect objects. The output unit 108 associates the acquired “display frame designation information” “red frame line” with the acquired page information value “P1” and the object IDs “OB001” and “OB003”. Temporarily stored in a storage unit such as a memory.

  Next, the output unit 108 acquires the value “http://aaabbb.com/index.html” of “link information” included in the second link area management information. Then, “link condition information” is read out from the link determination information shown in FIG. 12 in the order of “order information”, and the value “http://aaabbb.com/index.html” of the link information is read out from the “link” It is determined whether or not a condition indicated by “condition information” is satisfied. Here, it is determined that the link condition information “including“ http: // ”is included in the“ order information ”is“ 3 ”, and is“ display mode designation information ”associated with the link condition information. Read "dot frame". Also, the “page ID” value “P1” and the “object ID” value “OB002” of the “link area designation information” of the second link area management information are acquired. Then, “dot frame line” that is the acquired “display mode designation information” is temporarily stored in a storage unit such as a memory in association with the value “P1” of the acquired page information and the object ID “OB002”. . For example, when the first page information is information whose display attributes can be specified by CSS such as HTML, a style such as “border: # FF0000” is associated with the object.

  In the same manner, the same processing is performed for all the link area management information shown in FIG. 10 to acquire “display mode designation information” corresponding to the link information and arrange it in the link area indicated by the link information. It is temporarily stored in a memory or the like in association with an object (here, a combination of a page ID and an object ID for specifying the object).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing object mode management information having an object temporarily stored in a memory or the like and display mode designation information associated with each other. The object mode management information includes items of “page ID”, “object ID”, and “display mode designation information”. Each item corresponds to “page ID”, “object ID”, and “display mode designation information” acquired by the output unit 108 for the link information.

  The output unit 108 reads the object mode management information shown in FIG. 13, and the display mode of each object arranged in the first page information is “display mode designation information” shown in FIG. 13 corresponding to each object. The display mode shown in FIG. For example, if the display mode of each object on the page indicated by the original first page information is the default display mode, the display mode is changed to the display mode indicated by “display mode designation information”. For example, the attribute value related to the display of the first page information is changed so that the display mode of the object becomes the display mode indicated by the “display mode designation information”. Alternatively, display attributes may be added. For example, when the first page information is described in a markup language such as HTML, an attribute relating to display that realizes the display mode indicated by the “display mode designation information” by changing or adding a style sheet such as CSS A value may be assigned to the object. Further, for example, a script or the like for realizing the display mode indicated by the “display mode designation information” with an apparatus or the like that browses the first page information may be arranged in the first page information. Or you may make it perform the image process designated beforehand so that it may become a display mode which "display mode designation information" shows to an image object etc. Then, the first page information set so as to be the display mode indicated by the object mode management information, the link area management information shown in FIG. 10, and the page management table shown in FIG. Output information including second page information. For example, it accumulates in a storage unit (not shown).

  Here, a case will be described in which the output information output by the output unit 108 is opened by the information browsing apparatus 20 capable of outputting the output information, and displayed on a monitor or the like for operation. The information browsing device 20 is a so-called viewer. The information browsing device 20 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a mobile information terminal, or a computer. Here, a case where the information browsing device 20 that can be touch-operated with a finger or the like outputs output information accumulated in a storage unit such as a storage medium of the information browsing device 20 will be described as an example.

  First, when a user operates a menu or the like to give an instruction to display output information, the information browsing device 20 reads the first page information of the output information from the storage unit, and displays the page for display. Generate data and display it on the monitor.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the first page information. In FIG. 14, an object ID value is assigned to each object for explanation.

  In the displayed first page information, the display mode of each object is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the link information corresponding to the link area where each object is arranged.

  For example, objects with object IDs “OB001” and “OB003” have a red frame around the object because the display mode is “red frame line” as indicated by the object mode management information shown in FIG. A line is displayed.

  Further, since the object whose object ID is “OB002” has the “dot frame line” display mode as indicated by the object mode management information shown in FIG. 13, the frame line constituted by dots around the object. Is displayed.

  In addition, since the object whose object ID is “OB005” has the display mode “double frame line” as shown in the object mode management information shown in FIG. 13, a double frame line is formed around the object. Is displayed.

  In addition, since the object whose object ID is “OB006” is “blinking” as shown in the object mode management information shown in FIG. 13, the object is displayed blinking. The blinking display can be realized by associating a script or the like that causes the object to blink.

  Further, since the object whose object ID is “OB004” has the “default” display mode as indicated by the object mode management information shown in FIG. 13, the object is displayed with the default setting. Assume that the default setting here is a display mode that does not include a display mode such as a red frame, a dot frame, a double frame, or blinking.

  For example, it is assumed that the user performs a so-called tap operation with a finger on an image whose “object ID”, which is a blinking object, is “OB006”. The link area in which the object whose “object ID” is “OB006” is arranged corresponds to the link information “http: //eeefff.com/#search? Q = ramen ...” as shown in FIG. Therefore, the information browsing apparatus 20 reads out the link information and transmits it to the server indicated by the domain included in the link information via the Internet or the like. Then, the server indicated by this domain performs a search using a search keyword included in the link information. The server indicated by this domain is a server that provides a blog as described above, and acquires a list of blog addresses corresponding to the search keyword as a search result. Then, the server generates WEB page information in which the search result is arranged, and transmits it to the information browsing device 20. The information browsing device 20 displays the received WEB page information on the monitor.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example of WEB page information by the information browsing apparatus 20.

  When a tap operation is performed on an image whose “object ID” is “OB001” or “object ID” is “OB004”, the “page ID” as illustrated in FIG. 9 is “P201” or “P202”. The second page information is displayed.

  Thus, in this specific example, according to the link information, the display mode of the object arranged in the link area can be displayed in the display mode according to the link information, and is arranged in the link area. What kind of operations, such as what kind of page information is displayed when performing operations such as taps specified in advance on the link area just by looking at the object, search processing, etc. The user can grasp the outline such as whether or not is executed and the operability is improved.

(Specific example 2)
In this specific example, second page information, link area management information, group management information, etc. are generated from the first page information, and the generated second page information, link area management information, group management information, etc. are used. An example where the same processing as in the first specific example is performed will be described. That is, this specific example is an example in which the processing from step S202 to step S206 in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the first page information stored in the page information storage unit 101. In FIG. 16, the frame lines arranged around the object are for convenience of explanation, and indicate the area occupied by the object arranged on the page, and actually display is unnecessary. The number described at the upper right of each object is the object ID. Note that the object ID is a display for convenience of explanation, and does not need to be actually displayed. FIG. 16 is a diagram for convenience of explanation, and dimensions, aspect ratios, and the like are not necessarily accurate.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a page management table for managing the first page information. The page management table is stored in the page information storage unit 101. This page management table is obtained by adding items such as “font”, “font size”, and “object type” to the page management table shown in FIG. “Font” is the font name of the arranged character string object, and “Font size” is the font size of the arranged character string object. Here, the unit of the font size is assumed to be a point as an example here. “Object type” indicates the type of object, and “character string” is a character string object, in other words, an object composed of text. An “image” is an image object.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a page definition management table for managing the page definition information of the first page information, and is the same as FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the user gives an instruction to output the output information to the information processing apparatus 1.

  The page generation unit 103 groups the objects arranged in the first first page information stored in the page information storage unit 101, and determines whether to generate second page information. Here, as an example, whether or not to group is determined based on whether or not grouping is designated in advance. Here, it is assumed that grouping is specified by the user.

  Therefore, the group management information storage unit 107 performs grouping and acquires group management information. The acquired group management information is accumulated in the group management information storage unit 105. This process will be described later.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating group management information stored in the group management information storage unit 105. This storage may be considered as temporary storage. This group management information is created and stored by the group management information storage unit 107. The group management information has items of “group ID”, “object ID”, and “page ID”. “Group ID” is group identification information, and the same value indicates the same group. “Object ID” and “Page ID” correspond to “Object ID” and “Page ID” in the page management table shown in FIG.

  The page generation unit 103 reads the group management information corresponding to the first group in the group whose “page ID” is “L1” from the group management information shown in FIG. That is, the group management information whose “group ID” is “G001” is read.

  The page generation unit 103 sets the object indicated by one or more “object IDs” included in the group management information whose “group ID” is “G001” as the first page information whose “page ID” is “L1”. Get from contained objects. Here, five objects excluding image objects having “object IDs” “DA001” to “DA007” are acquired from the page management table shown in FIG. And the page identification information which newly shows one page is produced | generated, and the arrangement | positioning information of the object which arrange | positions the detected seven objects on the page which the produced | generated page identification information shows is produced | generated. However, here, it is assumed that the objects arranged in the first page information are linked and arranged on the page. In addition, it may be considered that the link designation arrangement of the object is arrangement of link information for the object. Also in this case, it can be considered here that the second page information includes a substantially arranged object. At this time, the value indicating the size of the area where each object of the arrangement information is arranged, here, the values of the width and the height are assumed to be a size enlarged at a magnification specified in advance. Here, the relative positional relationship in which the objects are arranged is also maintained in the first page information. However, the objects may be rearranged.

  The page generation unit 103 temporarily stores the acquired second page information in a storage medium or the like (not shown). Here, using the page management table and the page definition management table similar to the first page information described above, the page identification information included in the second page information generated by the page generation unit 103, the object, It is assumed that object arrangement information is managed.

  FIG. 20 is a page management table for managing the second page information generated by the page generation unit 103. Here, the “page ID” of the second page information in which the first object group of the first page information is arranged is “L201”. That is, the page management table whose “page ID” is “L201” is a page management table for the second page information in which the first object group of the first page information is arranged. Note that the value of “object” is actually a value referring to an object arranged in the first page information.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a page definition management table for managing the second page information generated by the page generation unit 103. Note that the page generation unit 103 may generate page definition information that defines a page according to the size occupied by one or more objects arranged on the page. For example, page definition information may be generated that defines a page provided with a margin, a margin, or the like specified in advance for a rectangular region of a minimum size including one or more objects arranged on one page.

  Next, the link area management information acquisition unit 104 acquires link area designation information indicating a link area that is an area on an object constituting the first group of the first page information. Here, as in the case of the specific example 1, the link area designation information for designating “G001” as the “group ID” of the first object group in the page management table shown in FIG. 17 is acquired. Thereby, the area where the objects belonging to this object group are arranged is the link area. Further, “page ID” of the second page information is acquired as link information to the second page information corresponding to the first group generated by the page generation unit 103. This link information is appropriately rewritten to link information for the output information when information is output using the first and second page information. Then, the link area management information in which the acquired link area designation information is associated with the link information is temporarily stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the link area management information acquired by the link area management information acquisition unit 104. This link area management information is the same as that shown in FIG.

  With the above processing, the second page information is generated for the first object group of the first page information, and the processing for generating the link area for the second page information in the first page information is completed.

  Further, the same processing is repeated for the second and subsequent object groups of the first page information. Then, when the processing for the group of objects arranged in the first page information is completed, an object that does not belong to the object group is detected, and second page information arranged individually for each object is generated. This process is the same as the process of generating the second page information in which the object group is arranged except for the difference that the arranged object is one instead of a plurality. Further, the link area management information acquisition unit 104 acquires link area management information for the page information. In this case, the link area designation information for designating the link area is a combination of “page ID” and “object ID” of the object arranged in the second page information. This process is performed for all objects not belonging to the object group.

  At this time, the object already arranged in the link area associated with the page information other than the second page information such as the WEB page or the link information for the server device or the like before performing the process of outputting the output information. Is excluded from the generation target of the second page information. The link area management information for managing the link area prepared in advance is stored in advance in the link area management information storage unit 102 or the like as in the above specific example, and the second page information The new link area management information generated along with the generation of the information may be added to the link area management information stored in advance. For example, suppose that an object whose “object ID” is “DA003” is an object arranged in a link area associated with link information “http: //eeefff.com/#search? Q = ramen ...”. This object is excluded from the generation target of the second page information.

  As a result of the processing as described above, second page information in which the objects arranged in the first page information are arranged is generated.

  The second page information, link area management information, group management information, and the like acquired in this way are the page information storage unit 101, link area management information storage unit 102, and group management information of the first specific example. This is the same as the second page information, link area management information, group management information, etc. stored in the storage unit 105 or the like.

  Thereafter, the same processing as in the first specific example is performed, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, a specific example of processing for grouping objects arranged on the first page information and acquiring group management information will be described. Here, it is assumed that the image object is excluded from the grouping target in advance.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the attribute designation information stored in the attribute designation information storage unit 106. The attribute designation information includes items of “attribute ID”, “object attribute”, and “order”. “Attribute ID” is information for managing object attributes. Here, attribute A to attribute E are used. “Object attribute” is an attribute of an object.

  The group management information storage unit 107 sets the value of the “object attribute” of the record whose “order” is “1” in the attribute designation information shown in FIG. 23, specifically, the “character string, The object attribute “font = thick gothic, size = 24” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the object arranged as shown in FIG. 16 is information having an attribute satisfying the value of “object attribute” in order from the upper left, for example. For example, the group management information storage unit 107 detects that the “object ID” of the object placed in the upper left is “DA001” using the page management table shown in FIG. 17, and the “object ID” is “ Whether the value of the “object type” of the object “DA001” is a character string, the value of the “font” item is “thick gothic”, and the value of the “font size” item is “24”. to decide. If the “object type” value of this object is not “character string”, the value of the “font” item is not “thick gothic”, or the value of the “font size” item is not “24”, the following and subsequent arrangements are made. The same processing as described above is performed until an object that satisfies the “object attribute” of attribute A is detected. Here, since an object having an “object ID” of “DA001” and an “object ID” of “DA001” satisfies the “object attribute”, this object is assigned to a new group as the first object in the order. Add. For example, the “object ID” or “object” is stored in a buffer (not shown) prepared for each group. At this time, group identification information or the like may be received for a new group, or group identification information may be given according to a rule specified in advance. Here, the “object ID” is stored in a buffer or the like in association with the group ID “G001”.

  Next, the group management information storage unit 107 sets the value of “object attribute” of the record whose “order” is “2” in the attribute designation information shown in FIG. To get. Then, all objects having the object attribute “character string, font = gothic, size = 12” indicated by the attribute B are searched from all the objects to be grouped arranged on the page. . However, objects already grouped may not be included in the search target. In this case, a record whose “object ID” is “DA002”, “DA009”, “DA016”, “DA021” is detected as an object that satisfies the search condition. Then, the distance between these objects and “DA001” which is an object grouped as an object corresponding to the attribute designation information whose “order” is “1” is calculated. Specifically, the values of “center coordinate x” and “center coordinate y” of “DA001” are acquired from the page management table shown in FIG. Similarly, the values of “center coordinate x” and “center coordinate y” of the objects whose “object ID” is “DA002”, “DA009”, “DA016”, and “DA021” are respectively acquired. Then, the distance between the center coordinates of the object “DA001” and the center coordinates of each object whose “object ID” is “DA002”, “DA009”, “DA016”, and “DA021” is calculated. . Then, the object arranged at the position where the distance becomes the shortest is selected. Here, the distance to the object whose “object ID” is “DA002” among the objects whose “object ID” is “DA002”, “DA009”, “DA016”, and “DA021” is the shortest. Therefore, the object whose “object ID” is “DA002” is added to the same group as “DA001” that is the object corresponding to the attribute designation information whose “order” is “1”. For example, the “object ID” or “object” of the object whose “object ID” is “DA002” is stored in a buffer or the like of the same group as the object of “DA001”.

  Similarly, the group management information accumulating unit 107 also arranges the objects that are arranged according to the order indicated by the value of “order” in the same manner as described above for the attribute designation information whose “order” is “3” to “5”. Select and add to the group.

  When the grouping for the attribute designation information whose “order” is “5” is completed, the next attribute designation information does not exist, so one grouping is terminated. By the grouping here, the objects whose “object ID” is “DA001”, “DA002”, “DA005”, “DA006”, and “DA007” are grouped as objects constituting one group.

  As for the remaining arranged objects, similarly to the above, the object satisfying the object attribute indicated by the attribute designation information whose “order” is “1” is searched, and the detected object is similar to the above. Repeat grouping. For the objects belonging to the next and subsequent groups, the “object ID” is stored in a buffer or the like in association with the group IDs “G002” to “G004” of the group to which each belongs.

  Here, let us consider processing immediately after grouping the objects having the “object ID” “DA016” shown in FIG. 16 as the objects satisfying the object attribute indicated by the attribute designation information having the “order” “2”. In this case, next, the object attribute of the attribute C whose “order” is “3” is acquired, and all the objects having the object attribute indicated by the attribute C are included in all the character strings to be grouped. Suppose you search from an object. At this time, it is assumed that an object whose “object ID” is “DA023” is detected as an object satisfying the search condition from among the objects not yet grouped. However, in this case, as a result of calculating the distance between this object and “DA016” which is an object grouped as an object corresponding to the attribute designation information whose “order” is “3”, the obtained value is It is assumed that the value is larger than a predetermined threshold value, for example, 300 pixels or more. In this case, it is determined that the object whose “object ID” is “DA023” is not an object of the same group as the object whose “object ID” is “DA016”. As a result, it is determined that the object corresponding to the attribute designation information whose “order” is “3” is missing.

  When the determination is made in this way, the value of the “object attribute” of the attribute designation information whose “order” as the next order is “4” is obtained, and the value of the “object attribute” is used to Similarly, the objects corresponding to the attribute designation information whose “order” is “4” are grouped. However, since the object corresponding to the attribute designation information whose immediately preceding “order” is “3” has not been added to the group, the attribute designation information whose “order” is “2” immediately before “3”. If the distance between the object added to the group and each object satisfying the “object attribute” of the attribute designation information whose “order” is “4” is used as the distance between the objects when selecting adjacent objects Good.

  Also, consider a case where the objects whose “object ID” is “DA024” shown in FIG. 16 are grouped as objects that satisfy the object attribute indicated by the attribute designation information whose “order” is “3”. In this case, next, the object attribute of the attribute D of the attribute designation information whose “order” is “4” is acquired, and all the objects having the object attribute indicated by this attribute D are grouped on the page. Suppose that all the character string objects to be converted are searched. At this time, it is assumed that an object whose “object ID” is “DA023” and “DA025” is detected as an object satisfying the search condition from the objects not yet grouped. However, in this case, the object “DA024” grouped as an object satisfying the object attribute indicated by the attribute designation information whose “order” is “4”, and the “object ID” are “DA023” and “DA025”. Assume that the distance to each of the objects is the same. In this case, the direction of the object whose “object ID” is “DA023” and “DA025” for the object whose “object ID” is “DA024” is detected. Here, it is assumed that an object whose “object ID” is “DA023” is arranged upward, and an object whose “object ID” is “DA025” is arranged downward. In this case, an object whose downward “object ID” is “DA025” is added to the group according to the setting designated in advance.

  The grouping process is repeated as described above, and when no object satisfying the object attribute indicated by the attribute designation information whose “order” is “1” is detected, the group management information storage unit 107 performs grouping. Terminate the process.

  Note that an object that is not grouped may be searched before the end. Here, an object whose “object ID” is “DA023” is detected as an object that is not grouped. For this reason, this object is added to the nearest group. Here, the distance between the first registered object of each group and the object whose “object ID” is “DA023” is calculated and compared, and the “object ID” is “DA023” in the group with the shortest distance. ".

  Then, the group management information storage unit 107 stores the group management information by associating the object ID associated with the group ID accumulated in the buffer or the like with “L1” which is the “page ID” of the first page information. It accumulates in the unit 105. Thereby, group management information as shown in FIG. 19 is obtained.

  In the second specific example, the second page information in which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged, and the link information indicating the second page information is arranged in the first page information. Link area management information associated with the same area on the same object, by using the link information, by the user's operation on the area on the object arranged in the first page information, It is possible to output the second page information where this object is arranged. Thereby, for example, it is possible to narrow down and display objects to be output on a monitor or the like by a user's operation, thereby improving the viewability of the objects.

  As mentioned above, according to this Embodiment, the display mode of a link area can be set to the display mode corresponding to the link information matched with the said link area. Thereby, for example, the operability of the page when the page information is displayed can be improved.

  In each of the above embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. May be.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means (such as an information transmission unit) existing in one apparatus may be physically realized by one medium.

  In the above embodiment, information related to processing executed by each component, for example, information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, and received by each component. In addition, information such as threshold values, mathematical formulas, addresses, etc. used by each component in processing is retained temporarily or over a long period of time on a recording medium (not shown) even when not explicitly stated in the above description. It may be. Further, the storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). Further, reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

  Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiments where the information processing apparatus is a stand-alone, the information processing apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or a server apparatus in a server / client system. In the latter case, the accepting unit and the output unit accept input through a communication line or output a screen.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The software that realizes the information processing apparatus in each of the above embodiments is a program as described below. That is, the program stores the first page information, which is information of a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image stored in the page information storage unit are arranged, and link area management information. Link area management information having information indicating an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information stored in the section and link information which is information indicating a link destination associated with the area And a program for causing the output unit to function as an output unit that outputs the output information, wherein the output unit is located in an area corresponding to the link information among objects arranged in the first page information. A program for outputting first page information in which the display mode of the arranged object is the display mode corresponding to the link information A.

  In the above program, in a transmission step for transmitting information, a reception step for receiving information, etc., processing performed by hardware, for example, processing performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step (only performed by hardware). Not included) is not included.

  In the program, the functions realized by the program do not include functions that can be realized only by hardware. For example, a function that can be realized only by hardware such as a modem or an interface card in an acquisition unit that acquires information or an output unit that outputs information is not included in the function realized by the program.

  Further, the computer that executes this program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

  FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a computer that executes the program and realizes the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed on the computer hardware.

  24, a computer system 900 includes a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) drive 905, a computer 901 including an FD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disk) drive 906, a keyboard 902, a mouse 903, a monitor 904, and the like. Is provided.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the computer system 900. 25, in addition to the CD-ROM drive 905 and the FD drive 906, a computer 901 is connected to an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 911, a ROM 912 for storing a program such as a bootup program, and the MPU 911. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 913 that temporarily stores program instructions and provides a temporary storage space, a hard disk 914 that stores application programs, system programs, and data, and an MPU 911 and a ROM 912 are interconnected. And a bus 915. The computer 901 may include a network card (not shown) that provides connection to the LAN.

  A program that causes the computer system 900 to execute the functions of the information processing apparatus and the like according to the above embodiment is stored in the CD-ROM 921 or the FD 922, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 905 or the FD drive 906, and stored in the hard disk 914. May be forwarded. Instead, the program may be transmitted to the computer 901 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 914. The program is loaded into the RAM 913 when executed. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 921, the FD 922, or the network.

  The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 901 to execute the functions of the information processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment. The program may include only a part of an instruction that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 900 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is suitable as an apparatus for outputting page information, and is particularly useful as an apparatus for outputting page information with improved operability.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 20 Information browsing apparatus 101 Page information storage part 102 Link area management information storage part 103 Page generation part 104 Link area management information acquisition part 105 Group management information storage part 106 Attribute designation | designated information storage part 107 Group management information storage part 108 Output unit 108 Judgment unit 109 Link judgment information storage unit

Claims (5)

A page information storage unit that stores first page information that is information of a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image are arranged;
A link in which link area management information having information indicating an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information and link information that is information indicating a link destination associated with the area is stored. An area management information storage unit;
A group management information storage unit that stores one or more group management information that is information indicating one or more objects belonging to one object group;
A page generating unit that generates second page information that is information of a page on which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged;
Obtaining link area management information having information indicating an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information and link information for the second page information in which the one or more objects are arranged; A link area management information acquisition unit that accumulates in the link area management information storage unit,
An output unit that outputs output information including the first page information and the link area management information;
The page generation unit generates the second page information in which one or more objects indicated by the group management information among the objects arranged in the first page information are arranged,
The link area management information acquisition unit is a link information for the second page information in which an area including an area on one or more objects indicated by the group management information and one or more objects indicated by the group management information are arranged. And obtain link area management information having
The output unit sets the display mode of the object arranged in the area corresponding to the link information among the objects arranged in the first page information as a display mode corresponding to the link information. An information processing apparatus that outputs output information included in one page information , second page information generated by the page generation unit, and link area management information . The objects arranged in the first page information are divided into one or more object groups, group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the grouped object groups is acquired and accumulated in the group management information storage unit further information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a group management information storage unit. The first page information includes one or more objects and arrangement information that is information indicating an area in which the objects are arranged.
An attribute designation information storage unit for storing attribute designation information that is information for designating attributes of one or more objects classified into one group;
The group management information accumulating unit assigns an object arranged in the first page information to one or more object groups for each object having an attribute designated by the attribute designation information using the arrangement information of the object. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising: acquiring group management information indicating objects belonging to each of the one or more object groups and storing the group management information in the group management information storage unit. A page information storage unit for storing first page information that is information of a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image are arranged; and on one or more objects arranged in the first page information A link area management information storage unit that stores link area management information having information indicating the area and link information that is information indicating a link destination associated with the area, and one or more belonging to one object group An information processing method performed using a group management information storage unit that stores one or more group management information that is information indicating an object, a page generation unit, a link area management information acquisition unit, and an output unit ,
A page generation step in which the page generation unit generates second page information which is information of a page on which one or more objects arranged in the first page information are arranged;
The link area management information acquisition unit includes information indicating areas on one or more objects arranged in the first page information, and link information for the second page information in which the one or more objects are arranged. A link area management information acquisition step of acquiring link area management information having the information and storing the link area management information in the link area management information storage unit;
The output unit includes an output step of outputting output information including the first page information and the link area management information;
The page generation step generates the second page information in which one or more objects indicated by the group management information among the objects arranged in the first page information are arranged,
The link area management information acquisition step includes link information for the second page information in which an area including an area on one or more objects indicated by the group management information and one or more objects indicated by the group management information are arranged. And obtain link area management information having
In the output step, the display mode of the object arranged in the area corresponding to the link information among the objects arranged in the first page information is set as a display mode corresponding to the link information. An information processing method for outputting output information having one page information , second page information generated in the page generation step, and link area management information . Computer
This is information on a page on which one or more objects arranged on the first page information, which is information on a page on which one or more objects including at least a character string or an image stored in the page information storage unit are arranged. A page generator for generating second page information;
A link in which link area management information having information indicating an area on one or more objects arranged in the first page information and link information that is information indicating a link destination associated with the area is stored. The area management information storage unit includes information indicating areas on one or more objects arranged in the first page information, and link information for the second page information in which the one or more objects are arranged. A link area management information acquisition unit for acquiring and storing link area management information;
A program for functioning as an output unit that outputs output information including the first page information and the link area management information,
The page generation unit includes group management information that is information indicating one or more objects belonging to one object group stored in the group management information storage unit among the objects arranged in the first page information. Generating the second page information in which one or more objects shown are arranged;
The link area management information acquisition unit is a link information for the second page information in which an area including an area on one or more objects indicated by the group management information and one or more objects indicated by the group management information are arranged. And obtain link area management information having
The output unit sets the display mode of the object arranged in the area corresponding to the link information among the objects arranged in the first page information as a display mode corresponding to the link information. A program for outputting output information including one page information , second page information generated by the page generation unit, and link area management information .

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