JP2003150582A - Digital content making system and digital content making program and digital content making method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital content making system for allowing an offer receiving user to browse the content when making the output digital content by dividing and storing inserting information in different information storage frames. SOLUTION: A content distributing terminal 100 stores a flow object unstorable in a character information storage frame among character information in the other character information storage frame when the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, and adds content guide information on the storage content of an overflow destination side character information storage frame to an overflow origin side character information storage frame.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system, a program and a method for creating output digital contents, and more particularly, in the case of creating output digital contents by dividing posted information and storing it in different information storage frames. In addition, the present invention relates to a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method that allow a user who receives the offer to browse efficiently.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a digital content distribution system for providing digital content such as news to users. In the digital content distribution system, a content registration database (hereinafter, the database is simply abbreviated as DB). ), Read some digital contents, edit the read digital contents, and deliver the provided digital contents completed by the editing to the user. In the editing process of digital contents, the layout of the digital contents is performed so that the contents are easy for the user to see. For example, a general method is to arrange a plurality of information storage frames for storing publication information (information such as images and documents) that make up digital content in a layout area and store the publication information in those information storage frames. Is.

However, in such a layout process, there is a case where the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame and overflows depending on the information amount of the posting information. As a technique for coping with this overflow, for example, a document editing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-150965 (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example) and a document display disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-035452. Device (hereinafter referred to as a second conventional example), and JP-A-10-187
There is a document creation device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 714 (hereinafter referred to as a third conventional example).

In the first conventional example, when the result of the document update process for a page does not fit on the page, an overflow mark is displayed to prevent erroneous editing by the layout editor, and at the time of updating the document. Reduce the mental burden on the layout editor. In the second conventional example, the print layout is displayed on the display screen, and the fact that a part of the document overflows the information storage frame is displayed in the print layout, so that the layout editor can easily edit. This significantly improves the efficiency of document creation. By making a normally black information storage frame red, it is displayed that a part of the document has overflowed from the information storage frame.

In the third conventional example, when inserting a character string input from a character input unit or a character string storage unit into an information storage frame for laying out a document stored in format information,
When the typesetting unit detects that the character string cannot fit in the information storage frame, the typesetting control unit causes the overflow information creating unit to calculate the amount of the overflowing character string and causes the display unit to display the calculated result. . With this, when a character string is inserted into the information storage frame for laying out a document, the layout editor can easily grasp how many characters overflow from the information storage frame.

[0006]

However, in any of the above-mentioned first to third conventional examples, a part of the document is removed from the information storage frame for the purpose of supporting the editing work of the layout editor. Since the layout editor is notified of the overflow by some kind of display, such a display is not included in the provided digital contents to be completed and finally delivered. Therefore, the user who receives the distribution will be
When the posted information is divided and stored in different information storage frames, it is difficult to understand the correspondence between the overflow destination information storage frame and the overflow source information storage frame, and it is not always easy to read.

In addition, the reader may not always need to refer to the overflow destination information storage frame. For example,
This is because it is possible to read only the important part of each posted information because it is busy, or to read only the beginning part of each posted information because the total amount of information is large. In this case, if the reader can grasp the information about the overflow destination information storage frame while browsing the storage information of the overflow source information storage frame, the reader can determine whether to refer to the overflow destination information storage frame. However, in the past, in order to associate the overflow destination information storage frame with the overflow source information storage frame, the position guidance for referring to the arrangement position of the overflow destination information storage frame such as "continue to page" Even if the information is added to the overflow source information storage frame, it is at most that much, and it is very difficult for the reader to judge whether to refer to the overflow destination information storage frame from that amount of information. Is. Therefore, the reader has to decide whether or not to skip the reading after referring to the overflow destination information storage frame for the time being, and cannot perform efficient browsing.

Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to the unsolved problem of the conventional technique as described above. The published information is divided and stored in different information storage frames to output digital contents. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method that allow a user who receives the content to efficiently browse the created content.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a digital content creating system according to a first aspect of the present invention determines an output layout of a selected digital content and creates an output digital content. A system for producing the output digital content by storing the publication information constituting the selected digital content in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area. The content creation means, when dividing the posting information and storing it in different information storage frames, stores the posting information in at least one of the information storage frames that stores the posting information. Stored contents of other information storage frames other than self among those information storage frames that store It is adapted to add the content guide information about.

With such a configuration, when digital content is selected, the content creation means causes the publication information that constitutes the selected digital content to
The contents are stored in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in the layout area, and thereby output digital contents are created. In the process of layout, when the posting information is divided and stored in different information storage frames, the content creation means causes the posting information to be placed in at least one of the information storage frames for storing the posting information. Content guidance information regarding the stored contents of other information storage frames other than the self is added among those information storage frames for storing.

Here, when the posting information is divided and stored in different information storage frames, in addition to the case where the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the layout configuration, the contents of the posting information, etc. This includes a case where the posted information is divided and stored in different information storage frames depending on circumstances. In the latter case,
For example, when one publication information consists of character information and image information, the character information is stored in one information storage frame,
This corresponds to storing the image information in another information storage frame. The same applies to the digital content creation program described in claim 12 and the digital content creation method described in claim 14.

The layout of the information storage frame in the layout area may be performed dynamically, for example, when laying out the digital contents. It is also possible to prepare definition information in advance and perform it based on the layout definition information. Hereinafter, the digital content creation system according to claim 2, claims 12 and 1
The same applies to the digital content creation program described in item 3 and the digital content creation method described in items 14 and 15.

Further, the posted information includes character information, image information and other information. The same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 12 and 13, and the digital content creation method according to claims 14 and 15. The present system may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of terminals are communicatively connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any of the plurality of terminals as long as they are communicably connected. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2.

Further, the output layout means, for example, when the output digital content is created for the purpose of displaying on the screen, the display layout is the output digital content for the purpose of printing on the paper surface. When created, it means the print layout. The same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 12 and 13, and the digital content creation method according to claims 14 and 15.

Further, the digital content creation system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a content storage means for storing digital content, and a content selection means for selecting the digital content from the content storage means. Content producing means for deciding an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selecting means and producing digital content for output, wherein the content producing means stores publication information constituting the selected digital content,
A system for creating the output digital content by storing in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area, wherein the content creating means is configured to store the posting information in the information storage frame when the posted information cannot be stored. An overflow source information storage frame that stores overflow publication information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame in the publication information in another information storage frame, and stores information other than the overflow publication information in the publication information; At least one of the overflow destination information storage frames for storing the overflow publication information is added with content guidance information regarding the storage content of the other information storage frame.

With such a configuration, the digital content is selected from the content storage means by the content selection means, and the publication information constituting the selected digital content is selected by the content creation means.
The contents are stored in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in the layout area, and thereby output digital contents are created. In the layout process, if the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame and overflows, the content creation means causes the other information than the overflow posting information to overflow, and the overflow posting information stores the overflow destination information in the original information storage frame. Each of them is stored in a frame, and the content guide information regarding the storage contents of the other information storage frame is added to at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame.

Here, the content storage means stores digital content by any means and at any time, and may be digital content stored in advance, or digital content may be stored in advance. Alternatively, the digital content may be stored by an external input when the present system operates. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 3 of the present invention is
The digital content creating system according to claim 2, wherein the content creating means adds content guidance information regarding the storage contents of the overflow destination information storage frame to the overflow source information storage frame.

With such a configuration, if the information storage frame overflows without being able to store the posting information, the content creation means adds content guidance information regarding the storage contents of the overflow destination information storage frame to the overflow source information storage frame. To be done. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 4 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the content creation means includes the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination. The position guidance information regarding the arrangement position of the other information storage frame is added to the information storage frame, and the content guidance information is included in the position guidance information.

With such a configuration, the content guide means includes the content guide information in the position guide information,
The position guidance information is added to the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 5 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the content guide information is stored in the other information storage frame. The information includes information indicating a ratio of the entire posted information or a ratio of the information stored in the information storage frame to which the content guidance information is added to the entire posted information.

With such a configuration, the content creation means allows at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame, and the information stored in the other information storage frame to be included in the entire posted information. Information indicating the proportion or the proportion of the information stored in the information storage frame to which the content guidance information is added to the entire posting information is added as the content guidance information. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 6 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the content guide information is stored in the other information storage frame. When the information is character information, the ratio of the character information in the entire posted information, the total number of characters of the character information, or the number of lines or paragraphs when the character information is stored in the other information storage frame Contains information that indicates a number.

With such a configuration, the content creation means stores the character information about the character information stored in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame in the other information storage frame. Information indicating the proportion of the entire posted information, the total number of characters of the character information, or the number of lines or paragraphs when the character information is stored in the other information storage frame is added as content guidance information. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 7 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the content guide information is stored in the other information storage frame. It includes information indicating the type of information.

With such a configuration, the content creation means stores information indicating the type of information stored in the other information storage frame in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame. It is added as guidance information. Here, as the information indicating the type of information stored in the information storage frame, the information stored in the information storage frame may be text information, still image image information, moving image information, voice information or coupon information. For example, a letter icon, a camera icon, a television icon, a speaker icon, or a coupon ticket icon can be considered.

Further, in the digital content creating system according to claim 8 of the present invention, in the digital content creating system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the content guide information is stored in the other information storage frame. It includes information indicating the content of the stored information. With such a configuration, the content creation means causes the information indicating the content of the information stored in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame to be the content guide information. Is added.

Further, the digital content creation system according to claim 9 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the content guide information has a plurality of modes. An aspect of the content guidance information can be set with respect to an information storage frame, and the content creation unit can be provided in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame.
The content guide information in the mode set for the information storage frame is added.

With such a configuration, the content creation means adds the content guide information of the mode set for the information storage frame to at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame. It Here, as the mode of the content guide information, for example, the modes exemplified in the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 5 to 8 can be considered.

Further, the digital content creation system according to claim 10 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the user information storage means is for storing user information about the user. And the content selection means,
The digital content is selected from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means.

With such a configuration, the content selection means selects the digital content from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, the user information includes, for example, the user's age, sex, interests and preferences, address, name, or usage environment related to the user terminal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 11.

The user information storage means stores the user information by any means and at any time. The user information may be stored in advance, or the user information may be stored in advance. Without
The user information may be stored by an input from the outside when the present system operates. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 11. Furthermore, a digital content creation system according to claim 11 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information regarding a user, The content creating means,
The output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined based on the user information stored in the user information storage means.

With such a configuration, the content creation means determines the output layout of the selected digital content based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, as the output layout is determined based on the user information, when the user information includes an age, if the user is a relatively old person, a layout with a relatively large font size may be adopted. . Further, when the user information includes a gender, if the gender is female, it may be possible to adopt a layout of a circular character font. Further, when the user information includes interests and preferences, it is possible to adopt a layout like a magazine for children, sports newspapers, or technical documents, depending on the interests and preferences. If the user information includes an address,
It is conceivable to adopt a layout with a landscape image specialized for the land where the address is located as a background. Further, when the user information includes a name, it is conceivable to adopt a layout having the name as a title. Further, when the user information includes a usage environment related to the user terminal, it is conceivable to adopt a layout in which an image having a large data capacity is not used as much as possible when the RAM capacity of the user terminal is small.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the digital content creating program according to claim 12 of the present invention is realized as the content creating means in the digital content creating system according to claim 1 which is a computer system. Is a program for executing the processing, wherein the content creation means divides the posted information into different information storage frames,
At least one of the information storage frames for storing the posting information is added with the content guidance information regarding the storage contents of other information storage frames other than the self among the information storage frames for storing the posting information. It is like this.

With such a configuration, the program is read by the digital content creation system,
When the digital content creation system executes the processing according to the read program, the same operation as the digital content creation system according to the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore, a digital content creation program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the digital content creation system according to the second aspect, which is a computer system, to execute a process realized as the content creation means. When the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the content creation means stores overflow publication information in the publication information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame in another information storage frame. , Contents related to the storage contents of the other information storage frame in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame storing the overflow information other than the overflow publication information and the overflow destination information storage frame storing the overflow publication information Guide information is added.

With such a configuration, the program is read by the digital content creation system,
When the digital content creating system executes the process according to the read program, the same operation as the digital content creating system according to the second aspect can be obtained. On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the digital content creating method according to claim 14 of the present invention includes a content creating step of determining an output layout of the selected digital content and creating an output digital content, The content creating step is a method of creating the output digital content by storing the publication information constituting the selected digital content in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area. The steps are
When the posted information is divided and stored in different information storage frames, at least one of the information storage frames for storing the posted information is stored in at least one of the information storage frames for storing the posted information. Other than the above, content guidance information regarding the stored contents of the information storage frame is added.

Further, in the digital content creating method according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a content selecting step of selecting the digital content from the content storing means and an output layout of the digital content selected in the content selecting step are provided. A content creation step of determining and creating output digital content, wherein the content creation step stores the posted information constituting the selected digital content in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area. A method of creating the digital content for output according to
When the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the overflow publication information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame of the publication information is stored in another information storage frame, and the overflow information of the publication information is At least one of an overflow source information storage frame that stores information other than overflow publication information and an overflow destination information storage frame that stores the overflow publication information is added with content guidance information regarding the storage content of the other information storage frame.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 18 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method according to the present invention are used. In a content distribution terminal 100, digital content such as news is sent to a user terminal 200. It is applied when distributing.

First, the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied. The Internet 199, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n to provide a digital content, the content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n
Content distribution terminal 100 for distributing and distributing digital content provided from
And the user terminal 200 used by the user are connected. Although only one user terminal 200 is shown in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, a plurality of user terminals are actually connected to the Internet 199.

The content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _n are CPUs,
It is configured to have the same function as a general computer in which ROM, RAM, I / F, etc. are connected by a bus. When digital content is created, the category number for identifying the category of digital content In addition to digital contents, the contents distribution terminal 100
It is designed to be sent to. The category No. will be described in detail later.

The user terminal 200 includes a CPU, a ROM and an R
It is configured to have the same functions as a general computer in which AM and I / F are connected to the bus, and WWW (World Wi
de Web) browser, and the WWW browser is used to access the content distribution terminal 100.
Next, the functional outline of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution terminal 100 inputs an XML parser 11 that analyzes a content data file 10 in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format and a content data file 10 that is analyzed by the XML parser 11. A data file input unit 12, an XML parser 14 that analyzes the layout definition file 13 in XML format, a layout definition file input unit 15 that inputs the layout definition file 13 analyzed by the XML parser 14, and input by the input units 12 and 15. A layouting unit 16 that performs layout based on the created content data file 10 and the layout definition file 13, and an XML parser 18 that analyzes the drawing specification file 17 in XML format from the layouting unit 16.
And the drawing specification file 17 analyzed by the XML parser 18.
PDF (Portable Doc) by drawing based on
and a rasterization unit 19 that creates a file 20 in the Ument Format format. The present embodiment is characterized by the layouting part 16 among these components.

Next, the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution terminal 100 is a CP that controls arithmetic operations and the entire system based on a control program.
U30, a ROM 32 in which a control program of the CPU 30 is stored in a predetermined area in advance, a RAM 34 for storing data read from the ROM 32 and a calculation result required in the calculation process of the CPU 30, and data for an external device. And an I / F 38 that mediates the input / output of each of these, and these are connected to each other and a data transfer via a bus 39 which is a signal line for transferring the data.

The I / F 38 includes, as external devices, a user information registration DB 40 for registering user information, a content registration DB 42 for collecting and accumulating digital contents provided from the content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _n, and the Internet 199. The signal line for connection is connected. Next, the data structure of the user information registration DB 40 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The user information registration DB 40 stores a user profile table 300 for registering user information, as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of the user profile table 300. The user profile table 300, as shown in FIG.
One or more records can be registered for each user. Each record has a field 302 for registering a user ID for identifying a user, a field 304 for registering a distribution destination address of digital contents,
A field 306 for registering a category number, a field 308 for registering a keyword, a field 310 for registering a distribution date, and a field 31 for registering a distribution time.
2 and a field 314 for registering the layout number,
It is configured to include a field 316 for registering the maximum number of pages and a field 318 for registering a font size.

In the field 308, when a digital content including a keyword designated by the user is selected as a distribution target, the keyword is registered. As the keyword, for example, a keyword that is likely to appear frequently in articles of a category in which the user is interested is given. In the example of FIG. 4, “processor” is registered in the first row of the field 308, and “OS (Operating System)” is registered in the second row of the field 308.

In the field 310, the delivery date on which the user wishes to deliver the digital content is registered. As the distribution date, for example, specify "every day" if you want to distribute digital contents every day, specify "weekday" if you want to distribute only on weekdays, or "weekend" if you want to distribute only on weekends. Is specified. In the example of FIG. 4, “every day” is displayed in the first row of the field 310,
"Weekdays" are registered in the second row of each.

In the field 312, the distribution time desired to distribute the digital content on the distribution date designated by the user is registered. As the delivery time, for example, any time when one day is expressed by a 24-hour time from 0:00 to 23:00 is designated. In the example of FIG. 4, 5 o'clock is registered in the first row of the field 312, and 11 o'clock is registered in the second row of the field 312. In the field 314, a layout number for specifying the output layout of digital contents is registered. As the layout number, for example, a layout number for specifying the output layout desired by the user is designated. Figure 4
Example, the first row of the field 314 has a layout
No. 2 is layout N in the second row of field 314
o.5 is registered respectively. Layout No.
Will be described in detail later.

In the field 316, the maximum number of pages, which is the upper limit when digital content is displayed or printed, is registered. As the maximum number of pages, for example,
In addition to specifying the maximum number of pages as the upper limit, it is possible to specify that the upper limit is not set by the notation "u". In the example of FIG. 4, the first row of the field 316 has 2
In the page, “u” is registered in the third row of the field 316.

In the field 318, the font size used when displaying or printing digital contents is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, “small” is registered in the first row of the field 318, and “normal” is registered in the third row of the field 318. Further, in the user information registration DB 40, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of layout definition files form01 to form06 defining the output layout of the digital content and a layout definition file form.
A layout No. correspondence table 330 showing the correspondence between 01 to form06 and layout No. is stored. Figure 5
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of a layout definition file and a layout number correspondence table 330.

Layout definition files form01 to form06
Is, for example, a character information storage frame for storing character information, a size of an image included in a digital content and an arrangement position in a print paper area, a font size, a type and a color of character information, and a character. It defines the spacing and line pitch and the number, quality, size and proportion of images.
Etc. In the layout No. correspondence table 330, as shown in FIG.
One record is registered for each o. Each record is configured to include a field 332 in which the layout number is registered and a field 334 in which the file name of the layout definition file is registered. In the example of FIG. 5B, the layout record number “1” and the layout definition file name “form01” are set in the first record.
Are registered respectively, and in the second record,
"2" is registered as the layout number and "form02" is registered as the layout definition file name.

Next, the layout definition files form01-fo
The data structure of rm06 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the data structure of the layout definition file. In addition, each layout definition file fo
rm01 to form06 have different data structures, but here, layout definition files form01 to form06
I will explain by taking up typical ones from 06. The layout definition file form01 has a layout area 360 for each page, of which, for example, the layout area 360 of the first page has a title information storage frame 362 for storing title information, as shown in FIG. When,
A character information storage frame 364 for storing character information, an image information storage frame 366 for storing image information, an image information storage frame 368, and a character information storage frame 370 are arranged. Then, "World" is attached as an ID to the character information storage frame 364.

Further, for example, in the layout area 360 of the fifth page, as shown in FIG.
The character information storage frame 372 is configured by arranging 72.
Is attached with the same “World” as the ID attached to the character information storage frame 364. This is because the character information storage frame 364 and the character information storage frame 372 are associated with each other by an ID, and when the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame 364 and overflows, the character information is stored in the character information storage frame 364. Flow objects that could not be filled
This means storing in the character information storage frame 372.
Here, the flow object refers to character information and other overflow information that cannot be stored in the character information storage frame on the current page or the previous page. same as below.

In the example of FIG. 6, the character information storage frames are associated with each other by adding IDs, but this is just an example. For example, when storing a flow object in the layout process, An unused character information storage frame may be used as a character information storage frame for storing the flow object. Further, in the user information registration DB 40, a flow management table 400 for managing flow objects is generated and stored as shown in FIG. 7 when laying out digital contents. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of the flow management table 400.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flow management table 400 registers one record for each flow object. In each record, a field 402 for registering an article number for identifying a flow object and a field 404 for registering the start position (overflow position) of the flow object in the character information.
And a field 408 for registering the page number (page number of the overflow source) to which the text information storage frame in which the flow object has occurred, and the page number to which the text information storage frame in which the end of the flow object is stored (flow object storage page A field 410 for registering a number) and a field 412 for registering a processed flag indicating whether or not the flow object is unprocessed. Note that the flow management table 400 is stored in the user information registration DB 40 in the present embodiment because its contents are dynamically created during layout processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. The RAM 34 is not stored in the information registration DB 40 and is used in the layout process.
You may make it above.

According to the flow management table 400, the flow object is processed by the FIFO (First In First Out) method. That is, the record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400 for the flow object having the first overflow count, and the unprocessed flow objects are processed in order from the beginning of the flow management table 400. However, as a result of processing an unprocessed flow object, if it cannot be stored in a new information storage frame and overflows again, that record is exceptionally registered at the beginning of the flow management table 400. To be done. This is to prevent the content of the article from being distributed over a wide number of pages by registering at the head and processing it preferentially.

Next, the data structure of the content registration DB 42 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The content registration DB 42, as shown in FIG. 8, stores a digital content provided from the content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n, and the category correspondence table 340 showing the correspondence between the main category and sub-category and category No. Has been done. FIG. 8 shows digital contents and category numbers.
It is a figure which shows the data structure of the correspondence table 340.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the digital contents provided from the content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _{n are} provided with an article number and a category number. Based on No.
Digital contents are classified into categories and registered in the contents registration DB 42. When registering, the category
By referring to the No. correspondence table 340, in addition to the article number and category No., the main category and sub-category are added to the digital contents and registered. Also,
The digital content is configured as one article including title information indicating the title of the article, image information regarding the image of the article, and character information regarding the text of the article.

In the category number correspondence table 340, as shown in FIG. 8B, one record is registered for each main category and sub category. Each record is configured to include a field 342 in which a category number is registered, a field 344 in which a main category is registered, and a field 346 in which a sub category is registered. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the first-stage record contains
"1102" is registered as the category number, "World News" is registered as the main category, and "America" is registered as the sub category. In the sixth record, "2010" is registered as the category number and the main category is registered. “Sports” is registered as, and “baseball” is registered as a subcategory.

Next, the configuration of the CPU 30 and the processing executed by the CPU 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The CPU 30 is a micro processing unit M
A predetermined program, which includes a PU or the like and is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, is activated, and the user registration process and the content distribution process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 are executed in time division according to the program. Has become.

First, the user registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the user registration process. The user registration process is a process of requesting a user who has accessed to input necessary user information such as a user ID, and registering the input user information in the user profile table 300.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the process proceeds to step S100. In addition, hereinafter, all input in each step is performed by interactive communication with the user.

In step S100, the main category and sub-category are input, the process proceeds to step S102, the user ID and password are input, and step S1 is entered.
Move to 04, input the delivery destination address, and step S
The process proceeds to step 106, the delivery date and the delivery time are input, and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the layout number is input, the process proceeds to step S110, the maximum number of pages is entered, the process proceeds to step S112, the font size is entered, and the process proceeds to step S114.
The user information input in steps S100 to S112 is registered in the user profile table 300, and a series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

Next, the content distribution process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the content distribution process. The content distribution process is a process of distributing digital contents to the user terminal 200 with reference to the user profile table 300, and when executed in the CPU 30, first, FIG.
As shown in 0, the process proceeds to step S200. Note that, hereinafter, the processing of each step is processing for one record of the user profile table 300. Actually, the user profile table 3
The processing of each step is executed by the number of records registered in 00.

In step S200, the delivery date and delivery time are read from the user profile table 300,
When the process proceeds to step S202, it is determined whether the digital content should be distributed based on the read distribution date and distribution time, and when it is determined that the digital content should be distributed (Yes), , Step S
Move to 204, but when it is determined that it is not (No)
Moves to step S200.

In step S204, the category number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S206, the digital content in the content registration DB 42 is searched based on the read category number, and the category number is retrieved. The digital contents with the matching category number are searched for, and step S208 is performed.
Move to. In step S208, the layout number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S210, the layout number correspondence table 330 is referenced, and the layout definition file corresponding to the read layout number is read from the user information registration DB 40. Read out, and the process proceeds to step S212, and based on the read layout definition file, step S206
An automatic layout process is executed to determine the output layout for the digital content searched for in step S6 and create the digital content for provision, and the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, the delivery destination address is read from the user profile table 300, and the process proceeds to step S216 to deliver the created providing digital content to the read delivery destination address, and the series of processing is completed. Return to the original processing. Next, the automatic layout process of step S212 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the automatic layout process.

The automatic layout process is performed in the above step S2.
When it is executed in 12, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the process proceeds to step S300. In step S300, the first page of the layout area 360 of the layout definition file read in step S210 is set as a processing target, and step S3
02, the position of the fixed line fixedly arranged in the page is determined, the process proceeds to step S304, and the shape and position of the fixed character information fixedly arranged in the page is determined. In step S306, the shape and position of the fixed image information fixedly arranged in the page is determined,
The process moves to step S308.

In step S308, the shape and position of the character information storage frame for storing the flow object is determined,
The process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame is executed, the process proceeds to step S310, and the articles to be arranged in the layout area 360 from the digital contents searched for in step S206 based on a predetermined priority order. Is selected, and the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, the shape and position of the title information storage frame is determined based on the selected article selected in step S310, and the title information included in the selected article is stored in the title information storage frame. After the transition, the shape and position of the image information storage frame is determined based on the selected article, and the process of storing the image information included in the selected article in the image information storage frame is executed.
In step S6, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the selected article, and the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame.
Move to 318.

In step S318, the layout area 3
When it is determined whether there is an unprocessed information storage frame in 60, and it is determined that there is no unprocessed information storage frame (N
o) shifts to step S320 and proceeds to step S210.
It is determined whether or not the processes of steps S302 to S318 have been completed for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step S3, and if it is determined that the processes have been completed for all the pages (Yes), the process proceeds to step S322. , Executes processing for posting an unprocessed flow object, ends the series of processing, and returns to the original processing.

On the other hand, in step S320, step S2
When it is determined that the processing of steps S302 to S318 has not been completed for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step 10 (No), the process proceeds to step S324, and the layout area of the layout definition file read in step S210. The next page of 360 is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, in step S318, the layout area 36
When it is determined that there is an unprocessed information storage frame in 0 (Y
es) moves to step S310.

Next, the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S316 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S316. The process of storing new character information in the character information storage frame is a process of storing new character information in the character information storage frame, and when executed in step S316, as shown in FIG.
It is designed to move to 02.

In step S402, the information amount of the character information included in the selected article is calculated, the process proceeds to step S404, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount, and the process proceeds to step S406. After the transition, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame.
In step S404, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is specifically determined so as not to overlap with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined. For example, if it overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined,
The character information storage frame is transformed / moved in a movable direction so that it does not overlap with other information storage frames.
At this time, in order to prevent the layout intended by the designer from being impaired as much as possible, it is preferable to perform transformation or movement so that the degree of transformation or movement of the character information storage frame is minimized. The direction of deformation or movement may be determined dynamically or may be determined in advance.

Next, in step S408, it is determined whether or not the character information contained in the selected article has been stored in the character information storage frame, and the character information has been stored in the character information storage frame (no flow). ) Is determined (No), the series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S408 that the character information included in the selected article cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (the flow is Yes) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S414, and overflow processing is performed for the flow object. Is executed to end the series of processing and return to the original processing.

Next, the process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame in step S308 will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the storage processing in the character information storage frame storing the flow object in step S308. The storage process to the character information storage frame that stores the flow object is
In the process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame, if executed in step S308,
As shown in FIG. 13, first, the process proceeds to step S504.

In step S504, the flow object is read by referring to the corresponding record, and in step S5
The procedure moves to 06, the information amount of the read flow object is calculated, the process proceeds to step S508, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount, and the process proceeds to step S510. The read flow object is stored in the character information storage frame, and step S51
Move to 2. In step S512, in the corresponding record, the stored page number of the flow object is set to the current page number and the processed flag is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S514, and the character information included in the selected article is not the flow object. Of the overflow source character information storage frame in which the flow object is stored is added to the overflow source character information storage frame.
When it is determined that the flow object read out has been stored in the character information storage frame and the flow object has been stored in the character information storage frame (not a flow) in No. , A series of processing is ended and it returns to the original processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S516 that the read flow object cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (that is, a flow) (Yes), step S516
In step 520, overflow processing is executed for the flow object, a series of processing is ended, and the original processing is restored. Next, the flow processing of steps S414 and S520 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14
Is a flowchart showing a flow process.

The flow process is performed by the steps S414, S above.
When executed in 520, as shown in FIG. 14, first, the process proceeds to step S600. In step S600, the start position of the flow object in the character information is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S602.
It is determined whether or not a record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered exists in the flow management table 400, and it is determined that there is no record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered. When (N
In step o604, the process moves to step S604, a record for the flow object is generated, the generated record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400, and a series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. In step S604, specifically, the article number of the flow object is registered in the field 402, the head position calculated in step S600 is registered in the field 404, the current page number is registered in the field 408, and the processed flag is cleared. By doing so, a record for the flow object is generated. This is the same in the process of step S606.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S602 that a record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered exists in the flow management table 400 (Y
es) moves to step S606, generates a record for the flow object, executes the same processing as step S514 for the corresponding record, registers the generated record at the beginning of the flow management table 400, and The process of is ended and the original process is restored.

Next, the process of adding the guide information in step S514 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 1
5 is a flowchart showing a process of adding guidance information. The guidance information addition process is a process of adding the content guidance information regarding the storage contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame and the position guidance information regarding the arrangement position to the overflow source character information storage frame, and is executed in step S514. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, first, the process proceeds to step S700.

In step S700, the setting information about the overflow source character information storage frame is acquired from the layout definition file. The setting information about the overflow source character information storage frame sets the display mode of the content guidance information, and is configured as shown in FIG. 16, for example. Figure 1
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of setting information about the overflow source character information storage frame. As shown in FIG. 16, the setting information on the overflow source character information storage frame is set between a predetermined start tag (for example, <terminate-string>) and end tag (for example, </ terminate-string>). Each item is set by a tag set including a start tag and an end tag. In the example of FIG. 16, a tag set 500 for setting the arrangement position of the overflow source character information storage frame in the page and the overflow source character A tag set 502 for setting the font type of the information storage frame, a tag set 504 for setting the font color of the overflow source character information storage frame, and a tag set 506 for setting the display mode of the content guidance information are described. There is.

In the tag set 506, as the display mode of the content guidance information, for example, the amount of information in the overflow destination character information storage frame is defined as the ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article or the overflow source. Whether the number of characters in the text information storage frame is displayed according to the ratio of the entire selected article, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame, or the number of lines when the flow object is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame or It is possible to set four display modes of displaying according to the number of paragraphs. In FIG. 16, the page number to which the overflow destination character information storage frame belongs is represented by "% d", the ratio is represented by "% r", and the number of characters is represented by "% c" and the number of lines is represented by "% l". , The number of paragraphs can be expressed by "% p".

Next, in step S702, it is determined what display mode is set based on the acquired setting information, and when it is determined that the ratio is set as the display mode (ratio), The process proceeds to step S704 to calculate the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame, the process proceeds to step S706 to calculate the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article, and the process proceeds to step S708 to calculate the number of characters. The ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article is calculated based on step S7.
Move to 22.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S702 that the number of characters is set as the display mode based on the acquired setting information (the number of characters), the process proceeds to step S710, and the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame is set. Is calculated, the process proceeds to step S712, the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S702 that the number of lines is set as the display mode based on the acquired setting information (the number of lines), the process proceeds to step S714 and the flow object is filled with the overflow destination character information storage frame. Calculate the number of lines when stored in, and calculate the total number of lines when the selected article is stored in the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame, and proceed to step S722. To do.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S702 that the number of paragraphs is set as the display mode based on the acquired setting information (number of paragraphs), the process proceeds to step S718, and the flow object is filled with the overflow destination character. The number of paragraphs when stored in the information storage frame is calculated, the process proceeds to step S720, and the total number of paragraphs when the selected article is stored in the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame is calculated. The process proceeds to S722.

Next, in step S722, it is determined which display method is set based on the acquired setting information, and when it is determined that numerical display is set as the display method (numerical value), After shifting to S724, as shown in FIG.
710, the ratio calculated in S714, S718, the number of characters,
The content guide information in which the number of lines or the number of lines is displayed numerically is generated, and the process proceeds to step S728. FIG. 17A is an example in which the ratio is displayed, and the ratio is “60%” or “remaining 4”.
It is displayed with the notation "wari". FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display mode of the content guidance information.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S722 that the progress bar display is set as the display method based on the acquired setting information (progress bar), the process proceeds to step S726, and FIG. , As shown in steps S708, S710, S714, S718.
The content guidance information in which the ratio, the number of characters, the number of lines or the number of lines calculated in step 3 is displayed by a progress bar is generated, and step S7
Move to 28. FIG. 17B is an example in which the ratio is displayed, and the ratio is displayed by a progress bar in which 60% of the white rectangular area is filled with black.

Next, in step S728, the type of information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame is determined, and when it is determined that only the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (character), In step S730, a letter icon is added to the content guide information as an image that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains only character information, and the process proceeds to step S740. Step S
The content guidance information added with the icon in 730 is shown in FIG.
It is displayed as shown in (c).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S728 that the overflow destination character information storage frame includes image information of a still image in addition to the character information (still image), the process proceeds to step S732, and the overflow destination character is stored. A camera icon is added to the content guidance information to give an image that the information storage frame contains image information of a still image, and the process proceeds to step S740. The content guidance information added with the icon in step S732 is displayed as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S728 that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains the image information of the moving image in addition to the character information (moving image), the process proceeds to step S734 to store the overflow destination character information. A television icon is added to the content guidance information to give an image that the frame includes moving image information, and the process proceeds to step S740. The content guidance information added with the icon in step S734 is displayed as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S728 that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains voice information in addition to character information (voice), the process proceeds to step S736, and the overflow destination character information storage frame is set. A speaker icon is added to the content guide information as an image of the fact that voice information is included, and the process proceeds to step S740. The content guide information added with the icon in step S736 is as shown in FIG.
It is displayed as shown in 7 (f).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S728 that the overflow destination character information storage frame includes the coupon information in addition to the character information (coupon), the process proceeds to step S738 and the overflow destination character information storage frame is set. The icon of the coupon ticket is added to the content guidance information as an image of the fact that the coupon information is included, and the process proceeds to step S740. The content guidance information added with the icon in step S738 is displayed as shown in FIG.

Next, in step S740, the content guide information and the position guide information relating to the arrangement position of the overflow destination character information storage frame is added to the overflow source character information storage frame, and a series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored. . In addition, in each example of FIG. 17, “following three pages” is the position guidance information.
Next, the processing of the unprocessed flow object in step S322 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 1
8 is a flowchart showing processing of an unprocessed flow object.

When the processing of the unprocessed flow object is executed in the above step S322, as shown in FIG. 18, first, the processing shifts to step S900. In step S900, the flow frame management table 400 is searched in order from the beginning to determine whether or not there is a record with the processed flag cleared, and it is determined that there is a record with the processed flag cleared. If it is (Yes), the process proceeds to step S902, but if it is determined that it is not (No), the series of processes is ended and the process is returned to the original process.

In step S902, a layout area 360 of a new page is added, the process proceeds to step S904, and similarly to step S308, the shape and position of the character information storage frame for storing the flow object is determined, and the flow object is determined. Is stored in the character information storage frame, the process proceeds to step S906, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360, and there is an unprocessed information storage frame. Then, when it is determined (Y
es) moves to step S904, but if not (No), moves to step S900.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
First, a case of registering information necessary for distributing digital contents will be described. When the user wants to distribute digital contents, the user is required to use the user terminal 2
At 00, the WWW browser is used to access the content distribution terminal 100 to input a user registration request.

When a user registration request is input, the user terminal 200 requests the user to input necessary user information by communicating with the content distribution terminal 100. Here, in response to the input request, the user inputs the main category, subcategory, user ID, password, delivery destination address, delivery date, delivery time, layout number, maximum number of pages, and font size as user information. The user information is transmitted to the content distribution terminal 100.

When the content distribution terminal 100 receives the user information in response to the registration request, steps S100-
The received user information is registered in the user profile table 300 via S114. Next, a case where digital content is distributed with reference to the user profile table 300 will be described. Content distribution terminal 100
Then, when the date and time when the digital content should be distributed by referring to the user profile table 300, the category number is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S204 and S206, and the category number is read based on the read category number. Then, the digital contents in the contents registration DB 42 are searched, and the digital contents with the category number matching the category number are searched. Then, through steps S208 to S212, a layout is created from the user profile table 300.
The No. is read out, the layout No. correspondence table 330 is referred to, the layout definition file corresponding to the read layout No. is read out from the user information registration DB 40, and based on the read layout definition file. Then, the output layout is determined for the retrieved digital content and the digital content for provision is created.

In the layout process, step S300
Through S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on a predetermined priority, step S2
An article to be arranged in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents retrieved in 06. If the selected article includes title information, the title information included in the selected article is stored in the title information storage frame through step S312. Specifically, the information amount of the title information included in the selected article is calculated, the shape and position of the title information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount, and the title information included in the selected article is the title information. It is stored in the storage frame.

If the selected article includes image information, the image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame through step S314. Specifically, the information amount of the image information included in the selected article is calculated, and the shape and position of the image information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount so as not to overlap with other information storage frames. The image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame. If the selected article includes character information, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame through step S316. Specifically, step S
Through 402 to S406, the information amount of the text information included in the selected article is calculated, and the shape and position of the text information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount so as not to overlap with other information storage frames. Then, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame. At this time, if the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame and overflows, a record for the flow object is registered at the end of the flow management table 400 through steps S408, S414, S600 to S604. When the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame, the flow management table 4
The process ends without registration to 00.

In addition, there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360 for the storage process in the title information storage frame, the storage process in the image information storage frame, and the storage process in the character information storage frame. It is repeatedly executed until it runs out. Thus, the layout area 360 of one page
Articles are placed inside. Next, when there is no unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360, step S
After 324, of the layout area 360 of the layout definition file read in step S210, the next page of the layout area 360 is set as a processing target, and the layout area 360 of the page is set to the character information storage frame for storing the flow object. Is executed, and the storage processing in the title information storage frame, the storage processing in the image information storage frame, and the storage processing in the character information storage frame are performed in the same manner as described above in the layout area 360. Is repeated until no longer exists.

In the flow object storing process, if a flow object exists, step S308.
After that, the flow object is stored in the character information storage frame. Specifically, the flow object is read through steps S504 to S510, the information amount of the read flow object is calculated, and based on the calculated information amount, it does not overlap with other information storage frames. Thus, the shape and position of the character information storage frame are determined, and the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame.
Then, through steps S512 and S514, in the corresponding record, the storage page number of the flow object is set to the current page number and the processed flag is set, and the content guide information and the position guide are stored in the overflow source character information storage frame. Information is added.

Content guidance information regarding the storage contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame and position guidance information regarding the arrangement position are added to the overflow source character information storage frame. The guide information is added as follows. First, through step S700, the setting information about the overflow source character information storage frame is acquired from the layout definition file. A display mode and a display method of the content guidance information are set in the acquired setting information. Here, the display mode includes the proportion, the number of characters, the number of lines, and the number of paragraphs, and the display method includes the numeric display and the progress bar display.

For example, when the proportion is displayed as the display mode of the content guide information and the numerical display is set as the display method, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame and the selected article are passed through steps S704 to S708 and S724. The total number of characters of the character information included in is calculated, and the ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article is calculated based on the number of characters, and the calculated ratio is displayed numerically. Is generated. As a result, if the ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article is 60%, the content guidance information will be “Continued to 3 pages (40% remaining)”. When the progress bar display is set as the display method, the ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article is calculated in the same manner through steps S704 to S708 and S726. Content guidance information is displayed in which the calculated ratio is displayed by a progress bar.

Further, when the number of characters is set as the display mode of the content guidance information and the numerical display is set as the display method, steps S710, S712, S72.
After 4, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame and the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article are calculated, and the content guidance information that displays the calculated number of characters as a numerical value is generated. As a result, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame is 10
If 0 and the number of characters of the entire selected article is 500, the content guidance information is “Continued to 3 pages (100/500 remaining)”. When the progress bar display is set as the display method, steps S710, S712, S
Similarly, through 726, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame and the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article are calculated, and the content guide information in which the calculated number of characters is displayed by the progress bar is generated.

When the number of lines is set as the display mode of the content guidance information and the numerical display is set as the display method, steps S714, S716, and S724 are performed.
After that, the number of lines when the flow object is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame and the total number of lines when the selected article is stored in the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame are calculated. Content guidance information is displayed that numerically displays the number of lines displayed. As a result, if the number of lines of the flow object is 10 and the total number of lines of the selected article is 50, the content guide information is “Continued to 3 pages (10 lines remaining / 50 lines remaining.
Line) ”. When the progress bar display is set as the display method, steps S714 and S7 are performed.
Similarly, through 16 and S726, the number of lines and the total number of lines of the flow object are calculated, and the content guide information in which the calculated number of lines is displayed by the progress bar is generated.

When the number of paragraphs is set as the display mode of the content guidance information and the numerical display is set as the display method, steps S718, S720, S72.
After 4, the number of paragraphs when the flow object is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame and the total number of paragraphs when the selected article is stored in the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame are calculated. Content guidance information is displayed that numerically displays the calculated number of paragraphs. As a result, if the number of paragraphs in the flow object is 1 and the total number of paragraphs in the selected article is 5, the content guidance information is “continue to 3 pages (1 remaining paragraph / 5 paragraphs)”. When the progress bar display is set as the display method, step S71
Similarly, through 8, S720, and S726, the number of paragraphs and the total number of paragraphs of the flow object are calculated, and the content guidance information in which the calculated number of paragraphs is displayed by a progress bar is generated.

Next, when only the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, steps S730 and S are executed.
After 740, the letter icon is added to the content guide information, and the content guide information and the position guide information are added to the overflow original character information storage frame. Thereby, the reader can understand from the icon of the letter that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains only character information while browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame.

When the overflow destination character information storage frame contains image information of a still image in addition to the character information, the camera icon is added to the content guide information through steps S732 and S740, and the content guide is displayed. Information and position guidance information are added to the overflow original character information storage frame. With this, the reader can know that the image information of the still image is included in the overflow destination character information storage frame from the camera icon while browsing the storage information in the overflow source character information storage frame.

If the overflow destination character information storage frame contains image information of a moving image in addition to the character information, the television icon is added to the content guidance information through steps S734 and S740. And the position guidance information is added to the overflow original character information storage frame. With this, the reader can understand from the icon of the television that the overflow destination character information storage frame includes the image information of the moving image while browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame.

If the overflow destination character information storage frame contains voice information in addition to character information, step S73
6, through S740, the speaker icon is added to the content guide information, and the content guide information and the position guide information are added to the overflow original character information storage frame. This allows the reader to
While browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame, it can be understood from the speaker icon that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains voice information.

If the overflow destination character information storage frame contains coupon information in addition to character information, step S
After 738 and S740, the coupon ticket icon is added to the content guidance information, and the content guidance information and the position guidance information are added to the overflow original character information storage frame. Thereby, the reader can understand that the coupon information is included in the overflow destination character information storage frame from the icon of the coupon ticket while browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame.

If the flow object cannot be completely stored in the character information storage frame and overflows again, steps S516 and S will be performed.
Through 520, S600, S602 and S606, the record for the flow object is registered at the beginning of the flow management table 400. When the flow objects can be stored in the character information storage frame, step S5
After 16, the corresponding record is updated and the process ends. On the other hand, the iterative process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame, the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame is repeated. This is executed for all pages of the layout definition file read in step S210. As a result, the article is arranged in the layout area 360 of all pages, and the output layout of the digital content is determined. When the output layout is determined, the distribution destination address is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S222 and S224, and the created providing digital content is distributed to the read distribution destination address.

After processing the layout area 360 for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step S210, if there is an unprocessed flow object, until there is no unprocessed flow object. , Steps S902 to S906
The layout area 360 of the new page
Is added, a character information storage frame for storing the flow object is arranged in the new layout area 360, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the amount of information of the flow object, and the flow object stores the character information. It is stored in the storage frame.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the character information storage frame cannot store the character information, the content distribution terminal 100 is a flow that cannot be stored in the character information storage frame of the character information. The object is stored in another character information storage frame, and the content guide information regarding the storage contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame is added to the overflow source character information storage frame. As a result, the reader can grasp the stored contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame while browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame. You can judge. Therefore, browsing can be performed more efficiently than ever before.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 adds the position guide information regarding the arrangement position of the overflow destination character information storage frame to the overflow source character information storage frame, and the content guide information as the position guide information. It is supposed to be included. With this, since the position guidance information is added to the character information storage frame, the correspondence between the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame can be relatively easily grasped.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content guidance information is the ratio of the character information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article or the characters stored in the overflow source character information storage frame. The information is configured to include information indicating the ratio of the selected article to the entire article. As a result, when browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame, the ratio of the character information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article or the overflow source character information storage frame Since the ratio of the stored character information to the entire selected article can be ascertained, the reader can more easily determine whether or not to refer to the overflow destination character information storage frame. Therefore, more efficient browsing can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame is character information, the content guide information is the ratio of the character information in the entire selected article, and the character. It is configured to include information indicating the total number of characters of information or the number of lines when the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame. As a result, when the stored information in the overflow source character information storage frame is being browsed, regarding the character information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, the ratio of the character information in the entire selected article and the character information Since it is possible to grasp the total number of characters or the number of lines when the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, the reader can more easily determine whether or not to refer to the overflow destination character information storage frame.
Therefore, more efficient browsing can be performed.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content guide information is an image of the type of information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and it is a letter icon, a camera icon, a television icon, a speaker icon. And a coupon ticket icon. As a result, while browsing the storage information in the overflow source character information storage frame,
Since the type of information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame can be known, the reader can more easily determine whether or not to refer to the overflow destination character information storage frame. Therefore, more efficient browsing can be performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the article is arranged in all the layout areas 360 defined by the layout definition file, when the unprocessed flow object exists, the content distribution terminal 100
A new layout area 360 is added, a character information storage frame is arranged in the added new layout area 360, and an unprocessed flow object is stored in the arranged character information storage frame.

As a result, the leakage of digital contents to be posted can be reduced. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to repeatedly add a new layout area 360, arrange flow objects, and store flow objects until there are no unprocessed flow objects. .

As a result, the leakage of digital contents to be posted can be further reduced. further,
In the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 does not overlap the character information storage frame storing the flow object when the character information storage frame storing the flow object and another information storage frame overlap each other. In addition, the shape and position of other information storage frames are determined.

As a result, the flow object can be arranged with priority over the arrangement of the information stored in the other information storage frame. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is designed to search for digital content from the content registration DB 42 based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40. As a result, since the unique information of the user and the information specified by the user are referred to for the selection of the digital content, it is possible to create the digital content for providing having the content relatively in line with the user's wishes.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the output layout of the digital content based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40 and creates the digital content for provision. As a result, since the user's unique information and the user's designation information are referred to in determining the output layout, it is possible to create the provided digital content with an output layout relatively in accordance with the user's wishes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 has a title information storage frame, an image information storage frame, and The shape of the character information storage frame is determined. Thereby, title information, image information, or character information can be efficiently stored in the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, or the character information storage frame.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the shape and position of the information storage frame in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame. There is. As a result, the layout can be determined in the order in which the layout should be emphasized, so that the provided digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 registers the article number and the overflow position of the flow object in the flow management table 400 when the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame. When storing the flow object in the character information storage frame, the article number and the overflow position are read from the flow management table 400, and the flow object is stored in the character information storage frame based on the read article number and the overflow position. ing.

With this, the flow objects can be arranged in a regular manner to some extent, so that the provided digital contents can be created with an output layout that is easier to see. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 registers in the flow management table 400 from the end and reads from the flow management table 400 from the head.

As a result, the flow objects can be arranged more regularly, so that the provided digital contents can be created with an output layout that is easier to see. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to register the same character information in the flow management table 400 from the beginning for flow objects registered for the second time and thereafter. Has become.

As a result, since the flow objects registered for the same character information from the second time onward can be preferentially arranged, it is possible to prevent the contents of the character information from being dispersedly distributed over a wide number of pages to some extent. it can. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 sets the processed flag when storing the end of the flow object in the character information storage frame, and sets the processing flag when storing the flow object in the character information storage frame. The article number and the overflow position of the record with the completed flag cleared are read from the flow management table 400.

This makes it relatively easy to process a flow object using the flow management table 400.
In the above embodiment, the provided digital content corresponds to the output digital content according to claim 1, 2, 14 or 15, and the character information corresponds to claim 1, 2, 1 or 1.
The overflow source character information storage frame corresponds to the posted information described in 2 to 15, and corresponds to the overflow source information storage frame described in claims 2 to 4, 9, 13 or 15. The overflow destination character information storage frame corresponds to the overflow destination information storage frame described in claims 2 to 4, 9, 13 or 15, and the user information registration DB 40 is stored in the user information storage means described in claim 10 or 11. Correspondingly,
The content registration DB 42 corresponds to the content storage means according to claim 2, 10 or 15.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, step S206 corresponds to the content selecting means described in claim 2, 10 or 11 or the content selecting step described in claim 15, and step S212 corresponds to claim 1 to 4. , 9, 11 to 13 or the content creating step according to claim 14 or 15. In the above embodiment, the content guide information is an icon of a letter as an image of the type of information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame.
Although it is configured to include a camera icon, a television icon, a speaker icon, and a coupon ticket icon, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes an icon that gives an image of the contents of the information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame. You may comprise. For example, if the information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame is related to baseball, a glove or bat icon may be added. As a method of acquiring the contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame, a natural language analysis method,
There is a method in which a keyword indicating the content of each paragraph is described in advance in the content data using a predetermined tag. To describe using a predetermined tag means that "<
It is to add meaning using tags such as "interveiw>" and "<profile>".

As a result, the contents of the information stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame can be grasped at the stage of browsing the storage information of the overflow source character information storage frame, so that the reader can see the contents of the overflow destination character information storage frame. It becomes easier to judge whether or not to refer to. Therefore, more efficient browsing can be performed. Further, in the above embodiment, the content guidance information and the position guidance information are configured to be added to the overflow source character information storage frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the content guidance information regarding the storage content of the overflow source character information storage frame is also provided. Alternatively, the position guidance information regarding the arrangement position of the overflow source character information storage frame may be configured to be added to the overflow destination character information storage frame, or the content guidance information and the position guidance information may be added to the overflow source character information storage frame. Alternatively, the content guide information or the position guide information may be added only to the overflow destination character information storage frame.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the guide information addition processing of FIG. 15, steps S704, S710, S714, and S71 are determined according to the determination result of step S702.
Although it is configured to branch to any of the eight, with such a configuration, even if a plurality of display modes are set in the setting information, only one of the settings can be reflected in the result. Therefore, when a plurality of display modes are set in the setting information, all the settings are reflected in the result by replacing the processes of steps S702 to S720 with, for example, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. be able to. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of the guide information addition processing.

In FIG. 19, in step S703,
Based on the acquired setting information, it is determined whether or not the ratio is set as the display mode, and when it is determined that the ratio is set as the display mode (Yes), step S70.
4, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame is calculated, the process proceeds to step S706, the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S708, based on the number of characters. Then, the ratio of the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame to the entire selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S709.

In step S709, it is determined based on the acquired setting information whether or not the number of characters is set as the display mode, and when it is determined that the number of characters is set as the display mode (Yes), step S710. Then, the number of characters in the overflow destination character information storage frame is calculated, the process proceeds to step S712, the total number of characters of the character information included in the selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S713. In step S713, based on the acquired setting information, it is determined whether the number of lines is set as the display mode, and when it is determined that the number of lines is set as the display mode (Yes)
Shifts to step S714 to calculate the number of lines when the flow object is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and proceeds to step S716 to set the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame. The total number of lines when the selected article is stored is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S717.

In step S717, whether or not the number of paragraphs is set as the display mode is determined based on the acquired setting information, and when it is determined that the number of paragraphs is set as the display mode (Yes), In step S718, the number of paragraphs when the flow object is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame is calculated, and in step S720, the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame are selected. Is calculated, the total number of paragraphs is stored, and the process proceeds to step S722.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S717 that the number of paragraphs is not set as the display mode (No), the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, step S713
Then, when it is determined that the number of lines is not set as the display mode (No), the process proceeds to step S717. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S709 that the number of characters is not set as the display mode (No), the process proceeds to step S713.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S703 that the ratio is not set as the display mode (No), the process proceeds to step S709. Thereby, even if a plurality of display modes are set in the setting information, all the settings can be reflected in the result. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in the guidance information addition processing of FIG.
Steps S730, S732, and S7 according to the determination result of 8
Although it is configured to branch to either S.34 or S736, with such a configuration, even if a plurality of types of information are stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, only one icon is added to the content guidance information. Not done. Therefore, when a plurality of types of information are stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, in order to add all the icons indicating them, step S728
This can be realized by replacing the processing from S740 to S740 with the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, for example. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of the guidance information addition processing.

In FIG. 20, in step S729,
If it is determined whether or not the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and it is determined that the character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S730, A letter icon is added to the content guidance information to give an image that the overflow destination text information storage frame contains only text information, and the process proceeds to step S731. In step S731, it is determined whether or not the image information of the still image is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and when it is determined that the image information of the still image is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (Yes ), The process moves to step S732, the icon of the camera is added to the content guide information as an image of the image information of the still image included in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and the process moves to step S733.

In step S733, it is determined whether or not the image information of the moving image is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and it is determined that the image information of the moving image is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame ( If Yes, the process moves to step S734 to add a television icon to the content guide information as an image of the fact that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains image information of a moving image, and the process moves to step S735. In step S735, it is determined whether or not voice information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and it is determined that voice information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame.
In the case of (Yes), the process proceeds to step S736, the icon of the speaker is added to the content guidance information as an image that the voice information is included in the overflow destination character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S737.

In step S737, it is determined whether or not coupon information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame,
When it is determined that the coupon information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S738, and it is assumed that the overflow destination character information storage frame contains the coupon information. The coupon ticket icon is added to the content guidance information, and the process proceeds to step S740. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S737 that the coupon information is not stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (No)
Moves to step S740.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S735 that the voice information is not stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame
(No) moves to step S737. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S733 that the image information of the moving image is not stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (No), step S7
Move to 35. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S731 that the image information of the still image is not stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S733.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S729 that no character information is stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame
(No) moves to step S731. Thereby, even if a plurality of types of information are stored in the overflow destination character information storage frame, it is possible to add all the icons indicating them to the content guidance information. Further, in the above embodiment,
When the character information storage frame storing the flow object and another information storage frame overlap with each other, the content distribution terminal 100 stores other information so as not to overlap with the character information storage frame storing the flow object. Although it is configured to determine the shape and position of the frame, the present invention is not limited to this. The shape and position of the character information storage frame storing the flow object may be determined so as not to match. Specifically, in step S508, the same process as in step S404 may be executed.

As a result, the information to be stored in the other information storage frame can be preferentially placed over the flow object. Further, in the above embodiment,
Although the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to add the position guidance information to the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame, in this case, a link destination indicating a link destination to the other character information storage frame. The information may be stored together with the position guidance information.

Thus, when the user who receives the distribution of the digital contents clicks the position guidance information with the mouse or the like, the location of the corresponding overflow source character information storage frame or overflow destination character information storage frame is determined based on the link destination information. You can jump to the location corresponding to the position and refer to it. Also,
In the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100
Is configured to add the position guidance information to the overflow source character information storage frame and the overflow destination character information storage frame, but is not limited to this. Only the position guidance information may be added.

In the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to handle character information as a flow object, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to handle title information or image information. . However, since it is not desirable that the title information or the image information overflows the title information storage frame or the image information storage frame, it may be preferable in terms of layout not to perform overflow processing such as character information.

In the above embodiment, the shape and position of the information storage frame are determined in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the shape and position of the information storage frame may be determined in any order. Further, the order of determining the shape and the position may be registered in the user profile table 300 as user information.
Further, in the above embodiment, the layout is performed while dynamically determining the shape and position of the information storage frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and information is temporarily stored in all the information storage frames in the layout area 360. May be stored, and then the layout may be performed by determining the shape and position of each information storage frame.

Further, in the above embodiment, the output layout of the digital content is determined based on the user information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images included in the digital content or the digital content is included in the digital content. The output layout of the digital content may be determined based on the amount of character information to be output. Accordingly, even if the number of images included in the digital content or the amount of character information included in the digital content is large or vice versa, the output layout can be relatively easy to see.

Further, in the above embodiment, the layout process of step S212 is performed by the content distribution terminal 10.
However, the layout processing may be performed by the user terminal 200 without being limited to this. As a result, the content distribution terminal 100
It is possible to reduce the concentration of the processing load. Further, in the above-described embodiment, in executing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 15 and FIG. 18, the case where the control program stored in advance in the ROM 32 is executed has been described. Not limited to this, the program may be read into the RAM 34 from a storage medium in which a program showing these procedures is stored and executed.

Here, the storage medium includes a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM and ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD and HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD and DVD, and MO and the like. The magnetic storage type / optical reading type storage medium includes any storage medium as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium regardless of a reading method such as electronic, magnetic, or optical.
Further, although cases have been described with the above embodiments where the digital content creation system, the digital content creation program, and the digital content creation method according to the present invention are applied to a network system including the Internet 199, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, it may be applied to a so-called intranet that communicates by the same method as the Internet 199. Of course, the present invention can be applied to not only a network that communicates in the same manner as the Internet 199 but also a normal network.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital content creating system, the digital content creating program, and the digital content creating method according to the present invention are used in the content distribution terminal 100 to display digital contents such as news as shown in FIG. Although the present invention is applied to the case where the content is distributed to the user terminal 200, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Further, although the present invention is applied to the providing digital contents in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0149]

As described above, according to the digital content creation system of the first aspect of the present invention, even when the publication information is divided and stored in different information storage frames, the content guide information is Since the contents stored in other information storage frames can be grasped at the stage of browsing the storage information of the added information storage frame, the reader can determine to some extent whether or not to refer to the other information storage frame. it can. Therefore, as compared with the related art, it is possible to obtain the effect of being able to browse efficiently.

Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the present invention, the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame can be filled even if the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame and overflows. Although the content guide information is added, the reader can grasp the stored content of the other information storage frame while browsing the stored information, so the reader can determine to some extent whether to refer to the other information storage frame. can do. Therefore, as compared with the related art, it is possible to obtain the effect of being able to browse efficiently.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of claim 3 of the present invention, the stored contents of the overflow destination information storage frame can be grasped at the stage of browsing the storage information of the overflow source information storage frame. The reader can determine to some extent whether to refer to the overflow destination information storage frame. Therefore, an effect that more efficient browsing can be performed is also obtained. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of claim 4 of the present invention,
Since the position guidance information is added to the information storage frame, it is possible to obtain the effect that the correspondence relationship between the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame can be relatively easily grasped.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the stored information of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame to which the content guide information is added is browsed. At the same time, grasp the ratio of the information stored in the other information storage frame to the entire posted information or the ratio of the information stored in the information storage frame to which the content guidance information is added to the entire posted information. Therefore, the reader can more easily determine whether to refer to the other information storage frame. Therefore, an effect that more efficient browsing can be performed is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the stored information of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame to which the content guide information is added is browsed. When the character information stored in the other information storage frame is stored, the ratio of the character information to the entire posted information, the total number of characters of the character information, or the character information is stored in the other information storage frame. Since the number of lines or paragraphs at this time can be grasped, the reader can more easily determine whether or not to refer to the other information storage frame. Therefore, an effect that more efficient browsing can be performed is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of claim 7 of the present invention, the stored information of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame to which the content guide information is added is browsed. At that stage, you can grasp the type of information stored in the other information storage frame,
The reader can more easily determine whether to refer to the other information storage frame. Therefore, an effect that more efficient browsing can be performed is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of claim 8 of the present invention, the stored information of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame to which the content guide information is added is browsed. At that stage, you can grasp the contents of the information stored in the other information storage frame,
The reader can more easily determine whether to refer to the other information storage frame. Therefore, an effect that more efficient browsing can be performed is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the user's unique information and the user's designation information are referred to in selecting the digital content, the user's wishes can be relatively satisfied. It is also possible to obtain the effect that it is possible to create digital content for output having the above contents. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the unique information of the user and the information specified by the user are referred to in determining the output layout, the output layout relatively in line with the user's wishes. The effect that the output digital content can be created is also obtained.

On the other hand, according to the digital content creating program of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creating system of the first aspect can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation program of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creation system of the second aspect can be obtained.

On the other hand, according to the digital content creating method of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creating system of the first aspect can be obtained. Further, according to the digital content creation method of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creation system of the second aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution terminal 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user profile table 300.

[Figure 5] Layout definition file and layout number
It is a figure which shows the data structure of the correspondence table 330.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a data structure of a layout definition file.

7 is a diagram showing a data structure of a flow management table 400. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of a digital content / category number correspondence table 340.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a user registration process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a content distribution process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an automatic layout process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a storage process in a character information storage frame in step S316.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a storage process in a character information storage frame for storing the flow object in step S308.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process of adding guidance information.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a data structure of setting information about an overflow source character information storage frame.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display mode of content guidance information.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing of an unprocessed flow object.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of a process of adding guidance information.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of a process of adding guidance information.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 the content data file 11,14,18 XML parser 12 the content data file input unit 13 layout definition file 15 layout definition file input unit 16 layouting unit 17 drawing the specified file 19 rasterizing unit 100 the content distribution terminal 200 user terminal S ₁ to S _n Content providing terminal 30 CPU 32 ROM 34 RAM 38 I / F 40 User information registration DB 42 Content registration DB 300 User profile table 330 Layout No. correspondence table 340 Category No. correspondence table 400 Flow management table 360 Layout area 362 Title information storage frame 364, 370, 372 Character information storage frame 366, 368 Image information storage frame

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A content creating means for determining an output layout of a selected digital content and creating an output digital content, wherein the content creating means stores publication information constituting the selected digital content in a layout area. A system for creating the output digital content by storing in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in, wherein the content creation means divides the posted information into different information storage frames and stores them. At least one information storage frame for storing the posting information is added to at least one information storage frame to which content guidance information regarding the storage contents of other information storage frames other than the information storage frame for storing the posting information is stored. A digital content creation system characterized by the following. 2. A content storage means for storing digital content, a content selection means for selecting the digital content from the content storage means, and an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means are determined. Content producing means for producing digital content for output by storing the publication information constituting the selected digital content in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area. A system for creating digital contents for output, wherein the content creation means overflows the posting information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame when the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame. Store published information in another information storage frame , Contents related to the storage contents of the other information storage frame in at least one of the overflow source information storage frame storing the overflow information other than the overflow publication information and the overflow destination information storage frame storing the overflow publication information A digital content creation system characterized by being adapted to add guidance information. 3. The digital content processing device according to claim 2, wherein the content creation means adds content guidance information regarding the storage content of the overflow destination information storage frame to the overflow source information storage frame. Content creation system. 4. The content creation means according to claim 2, wherein the content creation means adds position guidance information regarding an arrangement position of the other information storage frame to the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame. At the same time, the content guidance information is included in the position guidance information. 5. The content guidance information according to claim 2, wherein the content guidance information includes the ratio of the information stored in the other information storage frame to the entire publication information, or the content guidance information. The digital content creation system, wherein the information stored in the information storage frame includes information indicating a proportion of the entire posted information. 6. The content guide information according to claim 2, wherein when the information stored in the other information storage frame is character information, the character information is included in the entire posted information. A digital content creating system, characterized in that it includes information indicating the percentage of the total number of characters, the total number of characters of the character information, or the number of lines or paragraphs when the character information is stored in the other information storage frame. 7. The digital content creation system according to claim 2, wherein the content guidance information includes information indicating a type of information stored in the other information storage frame. 8. The digital content creation system according to claim 2, wherein the content guidance information includes information indicating the content of information stored in the other information storage frame. 9. The content guide information according to claim 2, wherein the content guide information has a plurality of modes, and the mode of the content guide information can be set with respect to the information storage frame. A digital content creating system characterized in that content guidance information in a mode set for the information storage frame is added to at least one of the overflow source information storage frame and the overflow destination information storage frame. . 10. The user information storage unit according to claim 2, further comprising a user information storage unit for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the content selection unit is based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system, characterized in that the digital content is selected from content storage means. 11. The user information storage unit according to claim 2, further comprising a user information storage unit for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the content creation unit is based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system characterized in that the output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined. 12. A program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 1, which comprises a computer system, to execute processing realized as the content creation means, wherein the content creation means divides the posting information. And storing the information in different information storage frames, at least one of the information storage frames that stores the posted information is stored in at least one information storage frame other than the information storage frame that stores the posted information. A program for creating digital contents, characterized in that it adds content guidance information about the contents stored in a storage frame. 13. A program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 2, which comprises a computer system, to execute a process realized as the content creation means, wherein the content creation means stores in the information storage frame. When the publication information cannot be stored, the overflow publication information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame among the publication information is stored in another information storage frame, and the publication information other than the overflow publication information is stored. One of the overflow source information storage frame for storing the information and the overflow destination information storage frame for storing the overflow posting information is added with the content guidance information regarding the storage content of the other information storage frame. A characteristic digital content creation program. 14. A content creating step of deciding an output layout of the selected digital content to create digital content for output, wherein the content creating step includes placing information constituting the selected digital content in a layout area. A method of creating the output digital content by storing in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in, wherein the content creating step divides the posted information and stores it in different information storage frames, At least one information storage frame for storing the posting information is added to at least one information storage frame to which content guidance information regarding the storage contents of other information storage frames other than the information storage frame for storing the posting information is stored. A method for creating digital contents characterized by the above. 15. A content selection step of selecting the digital content from the content storage means, and a content creation step of determining an output layout of the digital content selected in the content selection step and creating the output digital content. In the method, the content creating step is a method of creating the output digital content by storing publication information that constitutes the selected digital content in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in a layout area, The content creation step, when the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, stores overflow publication information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame in the publication information in another information storage frame, Of the posted information other than the above overflowed information Of the overflow source information storage frame storing the overflow information and the overflow destination information storage frame storing the overflow publication information, at least one of which is added with content guide information regarding the storage contents of the other information storage frame. How to make.