JP2001249919A - Layout data base system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system capable of performing the preservation and updating, etc., of digital data for printing which are handled in electronic plate making without complicated procedures. SOLUTION: This layout data base system is provided with a registration means for registering material data and typesetting data relating to a box in a selected state in layout display to a data base by specifying a material storage area and a registration key, and a calling means for calling the material data and the typesetting data registered in the data base to the box in the selected state in the layout display by specifying the registration key.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention belongs to the technical field of printing. In particular, the present invention relates to a system capable of saving and updating digital data for printing handled in electronic plate making without complicated procedures.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Searching for typesetting data to be used with reference to a plurality of stored layout pages has been performed. Since a layout page is usually created by a plurality of operators, the layout data including the typesetting data to be used is shared with other operators.

[0003]

However, in this conventional method, it takes much time and effort to search for typesetting data. Further, there is a problem that the operation is interrupted while the layout data is being used by another operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of storing and updating digital data for printing handled in electronic plate making without complicated procedures. Is to provide.

[0005]

The above object is achieved by the present invention described below. In other words, the layout database system according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a registration unit for registering material data and typesetting data relating to a box selected in a layout display in a database by designating a material storage area and a registration key. And a calling means for calling the material data and the typesetting data registered in the database to a box selected in the layout display by designating a registration key. According to the present invention, the material data and typesetting data relating to the box selected in the layout display by the registration unit are registered in the database by specifying the material storage area and the registration key,
By specifying the registration key, the material data and typesetting data registered in the database by the calling means are called into a box in a selected state in the layout display. That is, all of the related data can be handled collectively only by specifying the registration key. Therefore, there is provided a system capable of saving and updating printing digital data handled in electronic plate making without complicated procedures.

A layout data system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the layout database system according to the first aspect, further comprising a database server for sharing the database, and layout display means for displaying the layout. It is configured with a client of the database server.
According to the present invention, since a single database is shared by a plurality of clients, work efficiency can be improved and data consistency can be ensured.

In a layout data system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the layout database system according to the first or second aspect, the registration means has a batch registration mode for registering in document units or page units. Things. According to the present invention, batch registration can be performed for each document or each page.

A layout data system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the layout database system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a plurality of boxes for which a registration key is designated correspond to a material corresponding to each registration key. The calling means has a batch calling mode for calling data and layout data. According to the present invention, material data and layout data corresponding to each of a plurality of boxes for which a registration key is designated can be called at a time.

A layout data system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the layout database system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the registration key has a plurality of registration keys, and at least one of the registration keys is provided. One is an essential registration key. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a hierarchical structure can be formed about the data storage area by a some registration key, and even if there are many data, it can handle efficiently.

[0010]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the layout database system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a database server, 2 to 7 are clients, 8 is a monochrome printer, 9 is a color printer, and 10 and 11 are HUs.
The database server 1 which is a B (hub) is a server that provides an environment in which the clients 2 to 7 share a database, and also provides an environment in which files and printers are shared as a file server, a print server, and the like. A database server 1 and clients 2 to 7, a monochrome printer 8, a color printer 9, and the like are connected to a LAN (loca
l area network), and can mutually transmit and receive data. The hubs 10 and 11 are line concentrators and are one of devices constituting a LAN.

The database server 1 has a large-capacity (for example, 20 GB) fixed disk storage device. The database is stored on this fixed disk storage, where the database files are stored. The database server 1 has a function as a database management system, and manages database operations such as database registration, update, call, search, and the like.

The clients 2 to 7 are clients of the database sharing the database and using the database. Further, it has a function as an electronic publishing system for creating digital layout data for printing.
In the layout database system of the present invention,
Digital layout data created by editing in the electronic publishing system is registered in a database.
Further, the registered digital layout data can be called in order to repeatedly edit data addition, deletion, correction, and the like.

As described above, the layout database system of the present invention is constituted by the hardware and software of a data processing device such as a personal computer and a workstation. Next, the operation of the layout database system of the present invention will be described by taking a catalog production process as an example. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a catalog production process in the layout database system of the present invention. In FIG. 2, steps S1 and S2 are processes performed in the database server 1. Steps S3 to S5 correspond to the client 2
7 are performed. Step S6
Steps S9 to S9 are processes performed in cooperation with each other.

First, in step S1 of FIG. 2, the peripheral devices of the database server 1 are turned on, and then the main unit is turned on. Then, in order, OS (operating syst
em) starts up, database server 1 and client 2
An application for network connection between the steps 7 to 7 is started by the TCP / IP protocol. In this network connection application, a user and a group can be set. Further, the database system is activated by clicking an icon or the like.

Next, in step S2, the database files can be shared by the clients 2 to 7. That is, in the database system of the database server 1, by opening a corresponding database file (for example, corresponding to catalog production), the database files can be shared between the clients 2 to 7.

When the database server 1 is terminated, the database file is unshared and the database system is terminated, the network connection application is terminated, the OS is terminated, and the power of the main unit is turned off in the reverse order to the above. Turn off peripheral devices.

On the other hand, in the clients 2 to 7, it is necessary to set an environment for using the layout database system of the present invention. That is, the electronic publishing system is installed. In addition, the digital publishing system edits and registers digital layout data created in the database, and installs extension software that allows the registered digital layout data to be called by the electronic publishing system. This extended software is one of the characteristic parts of the present invention.

A material storage folder for storing material data in the digital layout data is mounted. Further, the network setting and the sharing setting are performed so that the database system and the database file in the database server 1 can be shared. For example, the database server 1 is designated as a file server, a name and a password are set as registered users of the database server 1, and a "material storage folder" is designated from the shared folder list of the database server 1. As a result, the material storage folder can be mounted, and its icon is displayed on the desktop.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a folder structure in the fixed disk storage device of the database server 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a material storage folder is formed under the root directory of the database file. Registration code (KEY1; first registration key) under the material storage folder
Is formed, and a folder corresponding to the catalog name (KEY2; second registration key) is formed below the registration code. The contents of the described catalog name are data files such as layout data, image data, logo data, and the like. These data files are created by an electronic publishing system (not limited to one type).

Returning to FIG. 2, the processing steps in the clients 2 to 7 will be described. In step S3, when the peripheral devices of the clients 2 to 7 are turned on and then the main unit is turned on, an OS (operating system) is started, and the TCP / TCP is transmitted between the database server 1 and the clients 2 to 7.
An application for network connection is activated by the IP protocol. Next, in step S4, a user ID (identification) and a password are input, and the user logs in to the database system.

Next, initialization (preference) is performed in step S5. Initial setting items include general settings, individual registration, batch registration, and calling. FIG. 4 shows a screen (window) for general settings. As shown in FIG.
If you want to use in conjunction with the database (in the normal use mode), select "Link and use with database". Otherwise, select "Use alone." Then, check the item to be automatically registered in the database, and further enter the field number.
Since KEY1 (first registration key) is an essential input item, it cannot be unchecked.

FIG. 5 shows a screen (window) for individual registration. Individual registration is a setting for registering products individually in a database after catalog production. As shown in FIG. 5, when registering “document name”, “page number”, and “preview”, check each item and further input each field number. “Activate database after registration” is checked when the user manually inputs information other than the automatic registration items immediately after registering the product. After the registration process, the database screen is displayed on the foreground.

FIG. 6 shows a screen (window) for batch registration. Batch registration is a setting for batch registration in "document units" or "page units". As shown in FIG. 6, one of “document unit” and “page unit” is designated in the “registration setting” item. In the item of "update setting", either "overwrite all" or "display dialog" is designated. When "dialog display" is specified, a dialog input display for specifying whether to overwrite or not to overwrite is performed. If the user checks the "display processing results in list", a list display of the processing results is performed.

FIG. 7 shows a screen (window) for calling. The call is a setting when the registered data is called from the database. As shown in FIG. 7, in the item of "path setting", one of "call by folder specification" and "call from database path information" is specified.
If you want to enter values in advance in the individual registration pallet (described later) and the individual call pallet (described later), enter the default values in the "Specify the default value of KEY1" and "Specify the default values of KEY2" fields. Is entered.

Next, in step S6, merchandise data (data registered in the database or registered data) is registered from catalog layout data after catalog production (individual registration). Prior to this individual registration,
First, a material storage holder is specified. The above-mentioned mounted material storage holder is displayed in a menu, and the material storage holder is designated there. With this designation, the storage location of the data to be registered is set. After this setting, individual registration is performed next. In the individual registration, first, the product data to be registered is selected by a selection tool such as a mouse. Next, the personal registration palette is displayed from the database menu, and "registration code" and "catalog name" which are the entry fields of the individual registration palette are input. Then, the “register” button of the individual registration palette is pressed. Thus, in step S7, the registered data is stored in the storage device of the database server 1.

In the batch registration, registration can be performed in document units or layout page units. "Registration code" in the entry field of the batch registration pallet
There is no fundamental difference from the individual registration except for automatically registering the “layout page name” and “layout page name”.

Next, in step S8, additional information can be registered for a product registered in the database in the layout database system. Since the additional information indicates the details of the attribute of the registered data, whether to register the additional information is optional. Specify the "registration code" and "catalog name" and display the details screen. In the detail screen, “Product name”, “Sub product name”,
"Catalog genre", "Manufacturer name", "Overseas / Japan"
(Specify overseas country or domestic), "person in charge", "special notes 1", "special notes 2", "remarks", etc. can be input as additional information.

The detailed screen includes a “registration code”,
“Catalog name”, “search code”, “published page”, “document name”, “storage location”, etc. and “thinned-out image (reduced image)” of the registered data are displayed. Also, various buttons for operating the database are arranged. For example, "List display" to display all items in a list, "Search" to display a search screen, "All objects" to target all items, "Call" to call product data from the database, and display the sort screen Buttons, such as “Sort”, are performed.

When the "list display" button is instructed, a list screen is displayed instead of the detail screen. On the list screen, the registration code, catalog name, preview image, and posting page of each product are displayed. A button of “detail screen” is arranged on the list screen, and when this button is instructed, a search screen is displayed by instructing a “search screen” button in which a detailed screen is displayed instead of the list screen. In the search screen, when "item", "content", and "condition" to be searched are input and a "search execution" button is pressed, a search is executed.
When performing a multiple search, an "add" button is designated.
As a result, a record in which a search condition can be input is added. After inputting the conditions, the search is executed by pressing the “execute search” button.

When a "Sort Screen" button arranged on the detail screen or the list screen is designated, a record sort screen is displayed. On the sort screen, select the item to be sorted from the database items, select “ascending order” or “descending order” of the sort, and press the “sort” button to execute the sort. The database items to be sorted include a registration code, catalog name, publication page, document, search code, storage location, product name, sub-product name, catalog genre, sub-catalog genre, manufacturer name, and the like. You can select multiple items from these items,
Multiple items can be prioritized and sorted.

Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the process will be continued.
Next, in step S9, product data is called from the database to produce a catalog. The product data registered in the database can be automatically arranged on a layout page in the electronic publishing system. In the electronic publishing system, a process of calling and automatically arranging product data at a position of a designated character box will be described. The screen is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, 81 is a call palette, 82 is a character box, and 83 is a reference at the upper left. Select "Individual Call Palette Display" from the menu. A character box 82 of an appropriate size is created at a place where the user wants to place the character box. Select the character box 82 with the selection tool, and select "Registration code"
After inputting the "catalog name", press the "call" button.
Thereby, the product data is called from the database based on the upper left of the character box.

If there are a plurality of products to be called and the registration data and catalog name of the products are known, the product data can be arranged collectively. The batch call includes “all box targets” for calling all character boxes on the layout page and “selection box targets” for calling character boxes in a selected state on the layout page. For example, a batch call can be performed by inputting a “registration code” and a “catalog name” which are call keys in a character box on a layout page.

First, a character box is created at a position on the layout page to be called. Then, a call key is entered in each character box in the form of “registration code tab catalog name”. The “tab” part indicates that a tab key is input. The call key of the product registered without inputting the catalog name is “registration code tab”. Next, "batch call (for all boxes)" or "batch call (for select boxes)" is selected from the menu. As a result, the product data is called based on the upper left of the character box in which the call key has been input. When "all box targets" is selected, the product data is called for all the character boxes, and when "selection box target" is selected, the product data is called only for the selected character box.

By pressing the "call" button on the above detailed screen, the displayed product data can be called on the layout page. If the character box on the layout page is in a selected state, the calling position is arranged based on the upper left of the character box. When nothing is selected on the layout page, it is arranged at the center of the page. By making such a call, catalog editing is performed in the electronic publishing system. If there is updated product data at that time, it is registered in the database again. That is, step S6
And the subsequent steps are repeated.

[0035]

As described above, according to the layout database system of the first aspect of the present invention,
It is possible to save and update digital data for printing handled in electronic plate making without complicated procedures. According to the layout data system of the second aspect of the present invention, since a single database is shared by a plurality of clients, work efficiency can be improved and data consistency can be ensured. Further, according to the layout data system of claim 3 of the present invention,
Batch registration can be performed for each document or each page. Further, according to the layout data system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the corresponding material data and layout data can be collectively called for a plurality of boxes for which a registration key is designated. Further, according to the layout data system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to form a hierarchical structure in a data storage area by using a plurality of registration keys, and to efficiently handle a large number of data. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in a layout database system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a catalog production process in the layout database system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a folder structure in a fixed disk storage device of the database server.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a general setting screen as an initial setting item.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an individual registration screen as an initial setting item.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a batch registration screen as an initial setting item.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a call screen as an initial setting item.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen for calling and automatically arranging product data at a position of a designated character box in the electronic publishing system. 1 Database Server 2-7 Client 8 Monochrome Printer 9 Color Printer 10,11 HUB (Hub) 81 Calling Palette 82 Character Box 83 Standard

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C087 AB06 BB01 BC02 BC07 BD53 CA05 CB20 DA02 5B009 NA11 NA14 NB01 NB14 RB02 RB04 RB05 RB21 RB33 RC01 SA12 TB13 VA09 VC03 5B075 KK07 KK13 KK33 KK38 NK11 NK12 NK10 PP30 PQ02 PQ03 PQ16 PQ40 PQ46 PQ65 PQ66 PQ67 PQ69 UU11 UU38 UU40 9A001 JJ01 JJ27 JJ35

Claims (5)

[Claims] A registration means for registering material data and typesetting data relating to a box selected in a layout display in a database by designating a material storage area and a registration key; A layout database system comprising: a calling means for calling typesetting data into a box in a selected state in layout display by designating a registration key. 2. The layout database system according to claim 1, further comprising a database server for sharing said database, and a client of said database server having layout display means for displaying said layout. Layout database system. 3. The layout database system according to claim 1, wherein said registration means has a batch registration mode for registering in document units or page units. 4. The batch database mode according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of boxes, each of which has a designated registration key, call a material data and a layout data corresponding to each registration key. A layout database system, wherein the layout database system has means. 5. The layout database system according to claim 1, wherein said registration key has a plurality of registration keys, and at least one of said registration keys is an essential registration key. Layout database system.