JP2004145892A - Mixture processing method and its device of character string and ruled line - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To clarify the interface of arrangement of a character string and a ruled line in creating a document or the like where the character string and the ruled line are mixed to enhance the convenience of mixture document processing, and to particularly clarify the relationship between the character string and the ruled line when the sizes of the characters constituting the character string can freely be set. <P>SOLUTION: When a ruled line is inserted into a line with a line attribute such as right justification or even arrangement set, or an existing ruled line is deleted from the line, the line attribute is reset to its initial setting, and a space is calculated and inserted so as to keep the arrangement positions of a tab and an indent as they are in relation to a region divided by the ruled line or a region integrated by the deletion of the ruled line. When the character string overlaps the ruled line, the characters are erased, and the portion of the erased characters are filled with a space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a mixed processing method and apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, most word processing software processed by a word processing device or computer has a function of inserting a ruled line at an arbitrary position in a character string. It is used for enhancing expressive power and helping to understand information easily.

In addition, in order to make the above visual effect even more remarkable, this type of device or software prepares a ruled line drawing display format such as preparing a plurality of line widths such as a solid line and a dotted line as a line type used for drawing a ruled line. We are careful about.

Conventionally, in a word processor that processes Japanese, the character width is an integer multiple, such as a so-called full-width and half-width half-width, and a double-width that is twice the width of a full-width. It is common to draw a ruled line as a unit. Also, initially, the ruled line was drawn at the same position as the character, and if the ruled line was drawn at the position where the character was already written, the character was overwritten, but recently, the ruled line between the characters is called the line spacing (character spacing) ) Ruled lines are also used (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP-A-6-28346

However, the above device or software only assumes that the width of the characters to be handled is the same and that there are several types of characters that are at most an integral multiple, and a document in which a plurality of types of characters having different sizes are mixed. At present, it is not clear how to handle ruled lines. In recent years, with the drastic improvement in the performance of microprocessors in charge of computer information processing, it has become possible to adopt outline fonts for each character that constitutes a character string, and to display and print characters of any number of points neatly. However, in a device or software using such an outline font, a drawing range of a character cannot be uniquely determined, so that a ruled line cannot be drawn in accordance with the character. Therefore, for example, when a ruled line is drawn in a place where a character exists, the conventional method of simply replacing the character with the ruled line may cause unexpected white space or non-consumption of characters depending on the font and the size (point number) of the character. Movement, interference between characters and ruled lines, and overlapping may occur.

Further, when various arrangement states are set in a line where characters are already arranged, it is desirable to arrange the characters in the line after drawing a ruled line or deleting an existing ruled line. Also existed. If the character arrangement state, for example, left-aligned, right-aligned, center-aligned, evenly allocated, tabbed, indented, etc., is set, if a ruled line that divides the line is drawn, the character string is divided by the ruled line The problem is whether characters should be arranged using an existing arrangement state for each of a plurality of areas divided by ruled lines. Actually, when a character string is rearranged by inserting or deleting a ruled line, a moving amount for repositioning may be large, and a process undesired for a user may be performed.

Furthermore, if the size and width of the characters are diversified, a higher resolution than that of the conventional method is required for the position where the ruled line is added. Therefore, it is specified by a cursor that moves in a predetermined width and height as a unit. Instead of the conventional designation method, it is considered to use a pointing device such as a mouse or a tablet. However, the conventional method has not yet reached the point where the pointing device is effectively used to easily indicate the arrangement positions of the vertical and horizontal ruled lines.

The mixed character string / ruled line processing method and apparatus of the present invention solves these problems and provides the most comfortable interface for a user who creates a document with mixed characters and ruled lines. The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to easily specify the arrangement position of the ruled line by effectively using the pointing device, and adopt the following configuration.

The mixed processing method of a character string and a ruled line according to claim 1,
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Detecting that the ruled line is drawn overlapping part of the character string,
The duplicated characters in the character string are deleted and ruled lines are displayed with priority,
Calculate a space having substantially the same width as the interval between the displayed ruled line and the character following the erased character,
The gist is that the calculated space is inserted into the character string in place of the duplicated character.

According to this processing method, when the ruled line and the character string overlap, the character is deleted and the ruled line is displayed with priority, but when the character is deleted, the displayed ruled line and the character following the deleted character are displayed. Is calculated, and this space is inserted in place of the duplicated character. As a result, the original character string is displayed at substantially the same position despite the erasure of the character.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line according to the first aspect, the calculation of the space is performed by determining the number of spaces having a width substantially equal to the interval between the displayed ruled line and the character following the deleted character. This is performed as an arithmetic operation. Depending on the type of character, the character width varies depending on the character even in the same font. For example, in a proportional font, the character width is usually different between “W” and “i”. In this case, the number of spaces to be replaced when “W” is erased is different from the number of spaces to be replaced when “i” is erased. Therefore, according to the processing method of the second aspect, the replacement is performed simply by obtaining the number of spaces to be replaced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line according to the first aspect of the present invention, the calculation of the space is a size of a space having substantially the same width as the interval between the displayed ruled line and a character following the erased character. Is calculated. Whereas the space required to replace the erased character is adjusted by the number of spaces (claim 2), in claim 3, replacement is performed by calculating the number of points of the space itself. is there.

The mixed processing method of character strings and ruled lines according to claim 4 is
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line is inserted in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state, this is detected,
The gist is to restore the arrangement state of the character string to the initial arrangement state for each of the left and right divided regions with the insertion point of the ruled line as a boundary.

{Accordingly, according to this processing method, in the line where the ruled line is inserted, the arrangement of the character strings is returned to the initial arrangement state for each area divided by the ruled line. Various arrangement states such as right-alignment, left-alignment, and indentation can be set in the original line, but it is one of the most straightforward interfaces for the user to return to the initial arrangement state by inserting ruled lines.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the character string and ruled line mixed processing method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the arrangement state of the character string is left-justified, right-justified, centering, evenly arranged, or both-justified (characters at both ends and the inside is uniformly arranged). ). This is the minimum processing required for processing a document.

A mixed processing method of a character string and a ruled line according to claim 6,
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line is inserted in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state,
Return the setting of the arrangement state to the initial state,
A space of a predetermined width is calculated so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the inserted ruled line is the arrangement in the arrangement state or in the vicinity thereof,
The gist is to insert the calculated space.

According to this processing method, when a ruled line is inserted into a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set, the arrangement state setting is returned to the initial state, and the position of the already arranged character string is held. Calculate and insert a space. Therefore, the setting of the arrangement state is initialized, but the arrangement of the character strings hardly changes, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixed character string and ruled line according to the sixth aspect, the arrangement state of the character string is specified by a tab or an indent. These are necessary as the arrangement state of the document.

The mixed character string and ruled line processing method of claim 8 is
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When a ruled line existing in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, a character string in a predetermined arrangement state by execution of the predetermined command is deleted for each section divided by the ruled line. The gist of the present invention is to return to the initial position of each section or its vicinity.

According to this processing method, when a ruled line existing in a row in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, a character string in a predetermined arrangement state is replaced with an initial position or its initial position for each section divided by the ruled line. Return to the nearby position. Therefore, for example, a character string that has been right-justified in a section divided by ruled lines is returned to an initial state (eg, left-aligned state) when the ruled lines are deleted. This is because, when the ruled line is deleted and the divided section disappears, returning the arrangement state of each section to the initial state is one of the measures that can be easily understood by the user.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing mixed character strings and ruled lines according to the eighth aspect, the return to the initial position is performed by inserting a tab code or a space having a predetermined width. Therefore, it is possible to easily return to the initial state.

A method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line according to claim 10,
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line existing in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted,
Return the setting of the arrangement state to the initial state,
A space having a predetermined width is calculated so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the deleted ruled line is at or near the arrangement position in the arrangement state,
The gist is to insert the calculated space.

According to this processing method, when a ruled line existing in a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the ruled line is changed to the arrangement position in the arrangement state. Alternatively, a space of a predetermined width is calculated and inserted so as to be in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, even if a ruled line is deleted, a character string already arranged in a predetermined arrangement state is arranged almost at the original position. This processing method is one of the processings that does not cause a user to feel uncomfortable.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixed character string and ruled line according to the tenth aspect, the arrangement state of the character string is specified by a tab or an indent. Tabs or indents are one of the basic arrangements in a document.

The mixed processing method of a character string and a ruled line according to claim 12 is
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Storing the initial size of the area defined by the ruled line,
If a character string is input, edit the inside of the area as a document area,
When the size of the edited character string in the stored area exceeds the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area is changed to change the area defined by the ruled line. Extend,
When the size of the character string edited in the stored area becomes smaller than the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area up to the initial size of the area To reduce the area defined by the ruled line.

According to this method of processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line, the size of the ruled line dividing the area is changed to extend or separate the partitioned area according to the result of editing the character string in the area partitioned by the ruled line. The area is reduced, but when the area is reduced, the initial size of the area is limited, and the area is not reduced. Therefore, the area defined by the ruled lines is extended or reduced in accordance with the editing of the internal character string, and does not become smaller than its initial size. Therefore, there is an advantage that the deformation of the area does not become undesired. is there.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing mixed character strings and ruled lines.
A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
A first position specified on the display by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation is set as a start position of a rectangular display by a ruled line;
When the designated position moves after the first position has been designated, a rectangle having the first position and the designated position as two opposite corners is displayed with the movement,
When a second position on the display is designated by the cursor or the pointing device moved by the cursor key operation, a rectangle having two corners facing the first position and the second position is fixed. Display,
When a predetermined operation is performed while the designated point moves from the first position to the second position, a ruled line that passes through the designated point at the time when the designated operation is performed and divides the rectangular display vertically and horizontally is formed. The point is to make it occur.

According to the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line, the first position is used as a start point and the second position is used as a corner facing the first position using a cursor or a pointing device that is moved by operating a cursor key. When a predetermined operation is performed in the course of drawing a rectangular ruled line, vertical and horizontal ruled lines passing through this point are generated, and the rectangular ruled line is divided. In the case of drawing a rectangular ruled line, a ruled line dividing vertically and horizontally is often drawn inside the rectangular ruled line. Therefore, by using this processing method, a rectangular ruled line having a divided ruled line can be drawn very easily.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line according to the thirteenth aspect, after a predetermined operation is performed, the point designated by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation is operated. When reaching the first position side from the point, the one that deletes the ruled line dividing the previously generated rectangular display vertically and horizontally is specified. According to this method of processing a mixed character string and ruled line, the ruled line once generated vertically and horizontally can be easily canceled.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line according to the thirteenth aspect, after a predetermined operation is performed, the point designated by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation is performed. When a predetermined operation is performed in the state of reaching the point or the vicinity thereof, the one that deletes the ruled line that divides the previously generated rectangular display vertically and horizontally is specified. Therefore, according to the method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line, only the vertical and horizontal ruled lines to be deleted can be selectively deleted, and the usability is improved.

Claim 16 is an apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Detecting means for detecting that the ruled line is drawn in a part of the character string,
Ruled line display means for erasing the duplicated characters in the character string and preferentially displaying ruled lines;
Space calculating means for calculating a space having a character width substantially equal to the interval between the displayed ruled line and the character following the erased character;
Insertion means for inserting the calculated space into the character string in place of the duplicated character.

According to this processing device, when a ruled line and a character string overlap, the character is erased and the ruled line is displayed with priority, but when the character is erased, the character following the displayed ruled line and the erased character is displayed. Is calculated, and a space having substantially the same width as the space is calculated, and this space is inserted in place of the character in which the overlap has occurred. As a result, the original character string is displayed at substantially the same position despite the erasure of the character.

A mixed character string and ruled line processing device according to claim 17 is a device that displays a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performs mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line. So,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the inputted predetermined command and arranging a character string displayed on the display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line input means for inputting a ruled line at a predetermined position on the display;
When the ruled line is inserted into the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state, the character string arrangement state is returned to the initial arrangement state for each of the left and right regions divided by the insertion point of the ruled line. And an arrangement state returning means for causing the state to be provided.

{Accordingly, according to this processing device, in the line where the ruled line is inserted, the arrangement of the character strings is returned to the initial arrangement state for each area divided by the ruled line. Various arrangement states such as right-alignment, left-alignment, and indentation can be set in the original line, but it is one of the most straightforward interfaces for the user to return to the initial arrangement state by inserting ruled lines.

The character string and ruled line mixed processing device according to claim 18 is a device that displays a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performs mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line. hand,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
A character string arranging means for executing the inputted predetermined command, and arranging a character string displayed on the display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
Ruled line input means for inputting a ruled line at a predetermined position on the display;
When the ruled line is inserted in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state, an arrangement state initializing unit for returning the setting of the arrangement state to an initial state,
Space insertion means for inserting a space of a predetermined width so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the inserted ruled line is at or near the arrangement in the arrangement state. .

According to this processing device, when a ruled line is inserted into a line where a predetermined arrangement state is set, the arrangement state setting is returned to the initial state, and the position of the already arranged character string is held. Calculate and insert a space. Therefore, the setting of the arrangement state is initialized, but the arrangement of the character strings hardly changes, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

The character string and ruled line mixed processing device according to claim 19 is a device for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line. hand,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the input command and arranging a character string displayed on a display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line deletion means for deleting a ruled line input at a predetermined position on the display;
When a ruled line existing in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, a character string in a predetermined arrangement state by executing the predetermined command is deleted for each section divided by the ruled line. And arrangement state initializing means for returning to the initial position for each section or its vicinity.

According to this processing device, when a ruled line existing in a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, a character string in the predetermined arrangement state is replaced with an initial position or its initial position for each section divided by the ruled line. Return to the nearby position. Therefore, for example, a character string that has been right-justified in a section divided by ruled lines is returned to an initial state (eg, left-aligned state) when the ruled lines are deleted. This is because, when the ruled line is deleted and the divided section disappears, returning the arrangement state of each section to the initial state is one of the measures that can be easily understood by the user.

A character string and ruled line mixed processing device according to claim 20, wherein a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type are displayed on a display, and the character string and the ruled line are mixedly processed. So,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the input command and arranging a character string displayed on a display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line deletion means for deleting a ruled line input at a predetermined position on the display;
When a ruled line existing in a line in which a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, an arrangement state initializing means for returning the arrangement state setting to an initial state,
Space insertion means for inserting a space of a predetermined width so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the deleted ruled line is at or near the arrangement position in the arrangement state. And

According to this processing device, when a ruled line existing in a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the ruled line is changed to the arrangement position in the arrangement state. Alternatively, a space of a predetermined width is calculated and inserted so as to be in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, even if a ruled line is deleted, a character string already arranged in a predetermined arrangement state is arranged almost at the original position. This processing device provides one of the processes that does not cause a user to feel uncomfortable.

A character string and ruled line mixed processing device according to claim 21 is a device that displays a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performs mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line. hand,
Ruled line area initial value storage means for storing an initial size of an area partitioned by the ruled line;
Character string input means for inputting a character string into the area;
Editing means for editing the input character string using the inside of the area as a document area;
When the size of the edited character string in the stored area exceeds the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area is changed to change the area defined by the ruled line. Ruled line extending means for extending,
When the size of the character string edited in the stored area falls below the range that can be accommodated in the area, the initial size of the area stored in the ruled line area initial value storage unit is limited. Ruled line reducing means for changing the size of the ruled line that partitions the area and reducing the area partitioned by the ruled line.

According to the mixed processing device for character strings and ruled lines, the size of the ruled lines that define the area is changed to extend or separate the partitioned area in accordance with the result of editing the character string in the area defined by the ruled lines. The area is reduced, but when the area is reduced, the initial size of the area is limited, and the area is not reduced. Therefore, the area defined by the ruled lines is extended or reduced in accordance with the editing of the internal character string, and does not become smaller than its initial size. Therefore, there is an advantage that the deformation of the area does not become undesired. is there.

A character string and ruled line mixed processing device according to claim 22 is a device that displays a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performs mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line. hand,
Drawing start means for starting drawing a ruled line with a first position specified on the display by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation as a start position of a rectangular display;
When the designated position moves after designating the first position, a rectangle that temporarily displays a rectangle having the first position and the designated position as two opposing corners is associated with the movement. Temporary display means;
When a second position on the display is designated by the cursor moved by the cursor key operation or the pointing device, a rectangle having two corners facing the first position and the second position is fixed. Drawing completion means to be displayed on the
When a predetermined operation is performed while the designated point moves from the first position to the second position, a ruled line that passes through the designated point at the time of the operation and divides the rectangular display vertically and horizontally And a ruled line generating means for generating.

According to this mixed processing device for character strings and ruled lines, the first position is used as the start point and the second position is used as a corner opposite to the first position using a cursor or a pointing device that is moved by operating a cursor key. When a predetermined operation is performed in the course of drawing a rectangular ruled line, a vertical and horizontal ruled line passing through this point is generated, and the rectangular ruled line is divided. When a rectangular ruled line is to be drawn, a ruled line for dividing vertically and horizontally is often drawn inside the rectangular ruled line. Therefore, using this processing apparatus, a rectangular ruled line having a divided ruled line can be drawn very easily.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for processing a character string and a ruled line according to the twenty-second aspect, after the predetermined operation is performed, the cursor or the pointing device is moved by the cursor key operation. Detecting means for detecting that the first position has been reached from the point at which the operation has been performed; and a ruled line for dividing the generated rectangular display vertically and horizontally when the detection is performed by the detecting means. And a ruled line erasing means for erasing the line. According to the character string and ruled line mixed processing device, a ruled line once generated vertically and horizontally divided can be easily canceled.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus for processing a character string and a ruled line according to the twenty-second aspect, after the predetermined operation is performed, the cursor or the pointing device is moved by the cursor key operation. Pointing point detecting means for detecting that the operation has been performed at or near the point where the operation has been performed; and when a predetermined operation is performed in a state where the detection is performed by the pointing point detecting means, Dividing ruled line erasing means for erasing ruled lines dividing the rectangular display vertically and horizontally. Therefore, according to the mixed character string and ruled line processing device, only the vertical and horizontal ruled lines to be deleted can be selectively deleted, and the usability is improved.

In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, a preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus for mixing character strings and ruled lines according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a basic window screen displayed on a display 40 when a Japanese word processor application software employing a method of processing mixed character strings and ruled lines according to an embodiment is operated on a computer, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the inside of a personal computer 20 running software. That is, by executing this software on a normal personal computer 20, the method of processing a mixed character string and ruled line according to the present embodiment is realized. Further, if the software is executed on the personal computer 20, the character string and ruled line mixed processing apparatus of the embodiment is realized as a whole.

{For convenience of explanation, first, the internal configuration of the personal computer 20 will be described. As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the basic configuration of the personal computer 20 on which the software is started is well-known, and a CPU 22 that executes a logical operation and a program executed by the CPU 22 are stored in a nonvolatile manner. A logic circuit portion including a ROM 24 that stores therein, a large-capacity RAM 26 that stores programs and data, a display 40 that is a peripheral device portion, and a mouse 42 that is a pointing device for pointing an arbitrary point on the display 40. , A keyboard 46, a printer 48, and an input / output interface 28-36 with the hard disk 50. In recent years, various types of high-speed buses have been used around the CPU 22 for the purpose of improving the processing speed. Therefore, a hardware configuration suitable in terms of the processing speed, storage capacity, and the like may be used. .

The application program according to the embodiment is programmed to operate under a graphical user interface (GUI) managed by an operating system (hereinafter, referred to as an OS). By using tools, the operation method with other application software is unified. Also, an outline font (a font that describes the shape of a character as vector data and generates a dot of a character having a corresponding size according to a designated number of points) supported at the OS level is used for creating a document. Can be displayed smoothly.

最 上 At the top of the application basic window screen shown in FIG. 1 is a title bar 402 that displays the name of the application software according to the embodiment and the file name of the data file currently being processed. A button 402A at the left end of the title bar 402 is a button for pulling down a system menu, and a menu bar 404 on which “file”, “edit”, and the like are displayed is arranged below the button 402A. When an arbitrary display on the menu bar 404 is clicked with the mouse 42, a command related to the display name is displayed in a pull-down display, so that a trouble such as memorizing the command name or inputting the command name from the keyboard 46 is omitted.

The toolbar 406 in the lower section of the menu bar 404 and the right end of the title bar 402 are places where main commands unique to the application software are displayed by icons or command names, not interfaces provided in the OS described above. When a button 402B (ruled line button) at the right end of the title bar 402 is selected with the mouse 42, a pull-down menu in which commands such as a ruled line drawing mode, a ruled line deletion, and a ruled line area enlargement / reduction are iconified is displayed as illustrated. . Similarly, a button 402C (line type button) on the right side, when selected by the mouse 42, displays a part of 14 types of lines used for drawing ruled lines as illustrated. Also, a toolbar 406 includes a character input mode, a ruled line creation mode, and automatic alignment commands such as left alignment, center alignment, and right alignment, and character outlines, which are basic operation modes of the application software of this embodiment, which is a Japanese word processor. Commands such as the font type and the number of points are displayed as icons. Simply by selecting this icon with the mouse 42, a command is input to the application software.

An operation area 410 corresponding to the center of the basic window screen is an information editing area peculiar to the application software which is a Japanese word processor. Above the operation area 410, a ruler section 412 for counting the number of characters, setting tabs and indents, An attribute display section 414 for displaying the attribute set for each line is provided on the left side edge, and a scroll section 416 for scrolling the window up, down, left and right is provided on the right side edge and the lower side edge. The bottom line of the window screen is a status bar 420 for displaying the operation state of the application software, for example, the number of pages being edited and the number of lines.

The application software of the present embodiment having the above-described schematic configuration has a ruby function, a footnote function, a format function for designating a header and a footer, a kana-kanji conversion function, a dictionary function, etc., independently or as a Japanese word processor. Of course, it can be achieved by using a tool, but these functions are the same as those of general software, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The application software according to the present embodiment includes a character string visually processed inside the editing unit 418 that occupies most of the operation area 410 and a ruled line that divides the character string and provides a text understanding. For mixed processing, it has a unique and clever interface as follows. Hereinafter, a method of processing a mixed character string and ruled line unique to the present application software will be described in detail.

FIGS. 3 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the data structure of character strings and ruled lines employed in this application software in order to achieve the unique mixed character string and ruled line processing method described below. is there. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a character string and a ruled line used for the following description of the data structure are displayed on the editing unit 418. In the illustrated example, the editing unit 418 has a character editing area of 17 rows by 30 columns as a whole. When there is no ruled line inside, this character editing area is treated as a single area. However, once a ruled line is created in this character editing area, the editing process is performed for each area divided by the ruled line. Will be. For example, when a rectangular ruled line (solid square in the figure) is drawn as shown in FIG. 3, this character editing area is divided with the four sides of the ruled line as boundaries and the line direction as the priority direction. .., And editing area 5 (five dotted squares), and the character string is managed for each area.

First, management of ruled line data will be described. Of the areas shown in FIG. 3, the ruled line data drawn in the editing unit 418, if taken out alone, forms a ruled line area of a total of seven lines as shown in FIG. The ruled line data is managed as ruled line drawing information having the data structure shown in FIG. That is, the ruled line drawing information is information that roughly indicates where the ruled line exists, and captures a portion where the ruled line is continuous over a certain range as one block. The ruled line drawing information includes a start position, a size, and a ruled line data pointer. Since one ruled line block defines one ruled line (vertical ruled line, horizontal ruled line, rectangular ruled line), a maximum of n ruled line blocks can be managed for each document. The start position in the ruled line drawing information is the line position where the ruled line starts, and the size indicates how many lines the ruled line continues in the vertical direction. These pieces of information are indicated in units of lines when the drawing unit of the ruled line is a line column.

The ruled line data pointer is a pointer that indicates a location where data representing the shape and line type of the ruled line to be actually drawn is stored. In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional area is secured at the location (address) indicated by the ruled line data pointer, as shown in FIG. In this area, a size necessary for describing ruled line information is secured in the horizontal direction, and a size in which the ruled line continues in the vertical direction is secured in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the ruled line illustrated in FIG. 1, an area of seven rows is secured in the vertical direction. In the memory corresponding to each row, data representing the shape and line type of the ruled line is stored in a form corresponding to the existence of the ruled line. In the ruled line drawing information, the number of characters described above is used as a unit indicating the coordinate position and the size, but it is not limited to this, as described above.

と When the ruled line is drawn in this way, the screen is divided into several rectangular areas. Each of the divided areas is internally edited for each area. This point will be described. Each editing area n (n is an arbitrary natural number) divided by a ruled line is an area that affects an existing character string such as a flow when inserting or deleting a character. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the data structure of edit area information for managing each edit area up to the n-th edit area. As shown in the figure, the information of each editing area n includes a starting horizontal coordinate, a starting vertical coordinate which is a coordinate position of the upper left corner, a horizontal size (horizontal size) from the coordinates, and a vertical size (vertical size). Size). Taking the first editing area as an example, this area starts at the start abscissa 1 and the start ordinate 1 (ie, the upper left corner of the screen), and has a horizontal size of 30, a vertical size of 2, and so on. Has become. Further, the value 1 is stored in the leading character string index, and character string information shown in FIG. 7 described later indicates that the character string in this area starts from the first character string.

In the present embodiment, as a unit indicating the position and size of each editing area n, a character having a standard number of points (12 points by default) edited by the editing unit 418 is adopted, and the number of characters is displayed. Such units need only be unified for each program, and can be arbitrarily selected such as mm units or dot units. The leading character string index managed as information of each editing area n is an index for accessing a character string stored in character string information (see FIG. 7) described later. Indicates the character string to be displayed.

Next, an outline of character string information described in the editing unit 418 will be described. The character strings are managed by a table in units of the character strings as shown in FIG. The table includes information such as a character string pointer, an attribute pointer, and next character string information. Here, the character string is a group of characters before a line feed code is inserted, and the character string pointer is an access pointer to a memory in which the character string is actually stored. The attribute pointer is a pointer indicating a storage location of attribute information for a character. Information such as font type, number of points, character decoration (modification) and the like can be set for each character constituting a character string. For an attribute pointer, this setting (attribute) is actually stored in a memory. Point to where you are. The next character string information is an index when a character string following this character string exists, and “0” is set in the case of the last character string in one editing area. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first character string is “Aieo <new line>” and the next character string is the second character string “ABCDE <new line>”. , Value 2 are stored. That is, the character strings of the entire editing area are managed by the tables shown in FIGS.

As described above, the present application software newly creates, updates, and deletes editing area information, ruled line drawing information, and character string information in the RAM 26 or the hard disk 50 for each sentence (data file). Manages data files in which character strings and ruled lines are mixed. Next, a specific example of the unique and skillful processing of mixing character strings and ruled lines performed by the application software of this embodiment, that is, a specific example of updating the above three editing area information, ruled line drawing information, and character string information will be described in detail.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a processing method when a ruled line drawing is instructed redundantly for a character string displayed and confirmed on the display 40 and a flowchart of a program of the portion. . For the characters in the editing area, in this application software, as the default (initial setting) of the arrangement status, tab setting to the left, tab setting every five character intervals, and indent setting are made. These settings are not shown, but will be treated as initial settings of the arrangement status in the following description.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the processing of the application program enters a ruled line creation mode (step S100), it is first determined whether or not a situation where a ruled line overlaps a determined character has occurred (step S102). If the error has not occurred, the process goes to “END” without performing the following processing, and the processing routine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the ruled line overlaps with the character string, a process for erasing the character on the ruled line is performed (step S104). The characters constituting the character string are managed as having a width determined by the font and the number of points specified for each character, although the width differs for each character in a proportional font. On the other hand, ruled lines are treated as having a constant width regardless of the displayed line width. Therefore, it is easy to obtain the overlap between them by calculation. Since the ruled line has a predetermined width, only a single ruled line is drawn vertically, and overlapping with a plurality of characters may occur, with the result that a plurality of characters may be erased.

After erasing the overlapped character, a ruled line of the designated line type is drawn at that location (step S106), and it is determined whether there is a blank from the end of the character string to the left of the ruled line to the ruled line. (Step S108). If there is a space from the end of the character string on the left side of the ruled line to the ruled line, space information using an outline font having substantially the same character width as the space, that is, the number of spaces and the number of points are automatically calculated (step S110). This is inserted to the left of the ruled line (step S112). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a blank from the ruled line to the beginning of the character string on the right of the ruled line (step S114). If there is this blank, space information for completely filling the blank is calculated automatically as described above (step S114). This is inserted into the blank portion on the right side of the ruled line (S116). In this way, a space having the same character width is inserted as much as possible so that the position of the previous character string does not change due to the insertion of the ruled line. In step S120), the character string on the right side of the ruled line is moved to the remaining blank portion to fill up the blank (step S122), and the process is completed.

By such processing, when a ruled line drawing is instructed to be superimposed on the character information "i" of the character string "aiueo" as shown in FIG. 8, the overlapping character information "i" is erased and priority is given to ruled line drawing. A space is automatically inserted in the left or right blank portion of the ruled line so that the position of the other character string "Aueo" does not change from the previous position. As a result, even if a ruled line of a fixed width is drawn over a character string set to an arbitrary size by the outline font, the position of the character string becomes almost the same as before, and the user creates a document. A data file in which character strings and ruled lines are mixed can be quickly created without destroying an image. The calculation of the space information for filling the space may be performed by calculating the number of spaces having a predetermined width, or by calculating the number of points of the space.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a processing method in a case where the above-described insertion of a ruled line is performed in a line in which a line attribute other than the left alignment, which is a default value of the application software, for example, a uniform alignment, a right alignment, or a center alignment is set. is there. The processing in this case will be described with reference to the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C and the flowchart of FIG.

When the ruled line creation processing is executed, first, a ruled line is created according to a user's instruction (step S200), and it is determined whether the line attribute set for the line on which the ruled line is drawn is a default value, that is, whether or not the line is left-aligned. Judgment is made (step S202), and if it is the default value, the process ends with "END". If the line attribute has been changed from the default value, that is, if uniform arrangement, right alignment or center alignment is set as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, a character string is placed on the line where the ruled line is drawn. It is determined whether or not there is (step S204), and the following processing is executed only when the character string already exists. First, if there is a character at the position where the ruled line is drawn, as in the previous embodiment (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the character is deleted (step S206), and the right and left regions divided by the ruled line are selected. The line attribute of the left character string is returned to the initial setting of left alignment (step S208), and a line feed code is added to the end of the character string (step S210). Similarly, the line attribute of the character string of the character string on the right side of the ruled line is also returned to the initial setting of left alignment (step S212), a line feed code is added to the end of the character string (step S214), and this processing ends.

If a line is divided due to a ruled line, the left and right sides of the line that are bounded by the ruled line can be set independently, such as line attributes such as uniform arrangement and right alignment. The relationship between the setting before the division and the setting after the division becomes a problem. In the present embodiment, a case where a ruled line is inserted into a line for which a line attribute is set in advance is taken up. With respect to a change in the setting of the line attribute by dividing the line, initial setting is performed for both left and right regions of the ruled line (default). Automatically returns to the row attribute. This processing is the same even when the character string is not divided by the ruled line (for example, when the ruled line is drawn at a position separated from the right-aligned character string by the left side). When a ruled line is created on a character, the overlapping character is handled according to the processing described in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the character is deleted.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The processing method for mixing character strings and ruled lines according to the third embodiment relates to processing when a ruled line is drawn on a line on which tabs, indents, and the like are set. The tabs and indents are settings for arranging a character string at a desired position. In the tabs and indents, the embodiment performs the following processing different from the flowchart of FIG. FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13C, and 13 are explanatory diagrams and flowcharts of a process in the case where a ruled line is drawn for a paragraph where a tab exists or the indent has been changed from the default value. . By default, tabs are set every eight characters, and indents are set at the same position as the left margin position. Note that tabs and indents are set in units of full-width or half-width standard characters, but they can also be set using units such as millimeters or units such as the number of dots. It is.

When the process shown in FIG. 13 is started, a ruled line is created according to a user's instruction (step S300), and it is determined whether an indent setting different from the default value is made in the line on which the ruled line is drawn (step S300). S302), if there is any change from the default value, that is, if the indent is set as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the blank amount due to the indent is replaced with the space information (S302). Step S304). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a tab is included in the character string on which the ruled line is drawn (step S306). If the tab is included (see FIG. 12A), the amount of blank space caused by the tab is determined. Is replaced with space information (step S308). After all the blanks caused by the indents and tabs are replaced with the space information, the setting of the left indent of the ruled line is returned to the default value (step S310), and the setting of the indent on the right of the ruled line is returned to the default value (step S312). ), The tab setting on the left side of the ruled line is returned to the standard tab (step S314), the tab setting on the right side of the ruled line is returned to the standard tab (step S316), and the process ends. The space information replaced in step S304 and step S308 is the same as the space information described in the first embodiment. The replacement by spaces may be replaced by blanks composed of indents or tabs with spaces of almost the same width as this, or by replacing the spaces with large spaces by calculating the number of space points, etc. No problem.

That is, in a line in which tabs and indents are set, when a ruled line is inserted and the line is divided, the arrangement of character strings is initialized as in the case of right alignment or uniform arrangement described in the second embodiment. Instead of returning to the arrangement (in the embodiment, left alignment), a space is inserted so as to be arranged at substantially the same position as the arrangement before the ruled line is created. This is because tabs and indents are generally set and used for each paragraph, unlike the line attributes described above, such as uniform arrangement and right alignment. Even after a ruled line is inserted, the position of a character string can be changed. This is because it is considered that keeping the state as it is matches the user's image of document creation. In addition, since default values of tabs and indents are automatically set in the character strings in the left and right areas after the insertion of the ruled line, the user is left with the image of document creation and is most frequently used for document creation. An operation environment with default values is provided, which makes it extremely easy to use. Note that tabs and indents are regarded as one character, and when a ruled line is drawn thereon, the processing is executed in the same manner as the character deletion processing described with reference to FIG.

Although various processes for adding a ruled line have been described above, the application software of the present embodiment also provides the following excellent interface for deleting a ruled line that has already been drawn. These will be described in the following examples.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15 show ruled lines drawn on a line in which the default value of the application software is adopted, that is, a line with a left-aligned attribute and no tab or indent change setting. It is a processing explanatory diagram and a flowchart at the time of deletion, and shows an outline of the fourth embodiment.

When the process shown in FIG. 15 is started, a process of deleting ruled lines (step S400) is first performed. Deletion of a ruled line can be executed by designating from a certain point on the ruled line to another point and operating a “DEL” key or the like. When the ruled line is erased, it is determined whether or not integration of character strings existing in the left and right sections divided by the ruled line (see FIG. 14A) occurs (step S402), and at least the character string is deleted. It is determined whether a character string exists in the editing area on the right side of the ruled line (see FIG. 14B) (step S404). If any of these conditions is not satisfied, space information is inserted in place of the erased ruled line to simply delete the ruled line (step S406), and the process ends. For the insertion of the space information, the method described in the first embodiment is used.

On the other hand, if both the conditions of steps S402 and S404 are satisfied, the outline having a character width substantially equal to the blank amount from the end of the character string existing on the left side of the erased ruled line to the head of the character string existing on the right side is deleted. The space information based on the font, that is, the number of spaces and the number of points are automatically calculated (step S408), and inserted into the blank portion (step S410). Then, space information with the same character width is inserted as much as possible so that the position of the previous character string remains unchanged even when the ruled line is erased. (Step S412), the character string in the right editing area is moved to the remaining blank portion to fill up the blank (Step S414), and the process is completed.

According to the ruled line erasing process of the fourth embodiment, even if the ruled line is erased in a line where the ruled line already exists, the arrangement of the respective character strings previously divided into the left and right editing areas by the erased ruled line is determined. The position is kept almost the same. Therefore, the image of the document being created is maintained, and the efficiency of document creation is not reduced. In addition, since the space information for maintaining the arrangement position of the character string is substantially the same, the document image is maintained with high accuracy even in the OS of this embodiment using the outline font for the character string. It becomes possible.

Next, as a fifth embodiment, a case where line attributes other than the left alignment, which is the initial setting of the application software, such as uniform arrangement, right alignment, and center alignment are set in any of the editing areas divided into right and left by ruled lines. Will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG. 16 and the flowchart of FIG.

When this process is started, the designated ruled line is erased according to the user's instruction (step S500), and then the ruled line is erased so that the left and right editing areas divided by the ruled line are integrated. It is determined whether or not the area is unified (step S502). If the integration of the areas does not occur, the ruled line erasing process (step S504) is immediately executed, and the program ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that area integration has occurred, it is determined whether the line attribute of the left editing area to be integrated is a setting other than the initial setting (in the embodiment, the left alignment attribute) (step S502). S506) If there is any change from the initial setting, that is, if the uniform arrangement is set as illustrated in FIG. 16, the setting is returned to the default left alignment (step S508). (See the middle state shown in FIG. 16). Then, it is determined whether the attribute setting of the right editing area to be integrated is the default left alignment (step S510), and only when the attribute setting is not left alignment, the paragraph setting value is set to the default left alignment attribute (step S512). Then, a ruled line erasing process (step S504) is executed (see the lower state shown in FIG. 16), and this process ends.

According to this ruled line erasing process, the left-aligned attribute, which is the most frequently used initial setting when creating a document, is automatically set for the lines that are integrated by deleting the ruled lines and become one editing area. Therefore, the editing activity in the editing area newly generated by the ruled line erasure can be smoothly performed. In addition, when integrating the character strings existing in the left and right editing areas, space information is calculated and inserted so that the distance becomes equal to the distance between the character strings existing in the state divided by the ruled line. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 16, a new editing area is created while maintaining the state of the character string that has been divided into right and left. Creation can be performed.

For tabs and indents, a process different from that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is prepared as in the case of inserting the ruled line. This process will be described as a sixth embodiment. FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 19 are an explanatory diagram and a flowchart of a ruled line erasing process for a paragraph in which a tab is present or an indent is changed from a default value.

In this case, when a ruled line erasing process is instructed, the ruled line is erased according to the user's instruction (step S600), and it is determined whether or not area integration is caused by the ruled line erasing (step S602). If no integration occurs, this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that area integration will occur, it is determined whether tab data exists in the character string in the left area of the ruled line to be integrated (step S604). If so, the tab data is replaced with space information that is substantially the same as the width of the blank formed on the display by the tab data (step S606). Next, a process for similarly judging the presence / absence of tab data is performed for the right side area of the ruled line to be integrated (step S608). If tab data exists, a process of replacing the tab data with space information (step S610) is executed (FIG. 18 (A)).

(6) When the tab data replacement process for the left and right areas to be integrated is completed, the process proceeds to a process of setting an indent. That is, it is determined whether or not an indent setting different from the default value has been made in the left area to be integrated (step S612). If any indent setting has been made, that is, as shown in FIG. If it is set, a process of replacing the blank amount due to the indent with the space information is performed (step S614). Similarly, it is determined whether an indent different from the default value is set for the right area to be integrated (step S616). If there is an indent setting, the corresponding blank amount is replaced with space information. The processing is performed (step S618). This state is shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process of deleting the previously instructed ruled line is executed (step S620), and the tab and indent settings of the integrated editing area are returned to the default values (step S622), and the process exits to "END". To end.

With the processing of the sixth embodiment described above, for the tabs and indents set and used for each paragraph, it is possible to generate a new integrated editing area while maintaining the character string arrangement positions of the left and right editing areas before integration. it can. That is, processing is performed so that the change of the line from which the ruled line is deleted does not have any effect on other character string arrangement positions of the same paragraph, and the process of deleting the ruled line in a format matching the user's paragraph image is performed. is there. In addition, in the integrated editing area, the tab and indent settings are automatically returned to the default values, so that the subsequent document creation work becomes smooth.

As described in the above several embodiments, according to the method and apparatus for mixing character strings and ruled lines according to the embodiments, the arrangement state of character strings is set from left-justified, right-justified, and center-aligned default values. Also, in the case where the paragraph setting is changed from the default indent setting, or in the case where a tab is set in the paragraph, insertion and deletion of the ruled line can be performed in a manner that matches the user's sense. In addition, since the line arrangement and the paragraph setting of the editing area are appropriately restored to the default values in accordance with the consolidation of the editing area, the document creation after performing the process of inserting and deleting the ruled line becomes extremely simple.

In addition, when a blank part occurs due to deletion of character information or change of the above various settings, the space information filling the blank part is automatically calculated and automatically inserted, so that the ruled line can be inserted while keeping the image of the entire document. , Can be deleted. This allows the user to edit the document after the operation while continuing to draw the document image before the ruled line operation.

Further, by effectively using the mouse 42 also at the position where the ruled line is added, an arbitrary position of the editing unit 418 can be specified at a high resolution, and the arrangement position of the vertical and horizontal ruled lines can be completed by one operation. .

The various processing methods relating to insertion and deletion of ruled lines have been described above. However, the application software of this embodiment also provides a user interface excellent in management of an editing area defined by ruled lines and creation of ruled lines. I have. Next, these user interfaces will be described in detail.

FIGS. 20 (A), (B), (C) and FIG. 21 are explanatory diagrams of processing related to management of an editing area and a flowchart of a program of the part, and show the outline of the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 20, a character string "abc... Xyz" is input in advance in an editing area defined by a rectangular ruled line KL (FIG. 20A), and a character string "123" is inserted in the middle of this character string. Is inserted (FIG. 20 (B)), and only a character “3” is deleted from the added character string (FIG. 20 (C)). This shows a change in the display state. The processing program is executed when a cursor is placed in an editing area defined by the ruled line KL and a character string at a position where the cursor is located in the editing area is edited. That is, this processing is performed simultaneously and in parallel with the character string editing operation. The character string editing operation is a process of adding, inserting, and deleting information to the character string, changing the font and the number of points, and performing screen drawing and various management information changes in accordance with the operation. .

When the user starts editing a character string, first, the vertical size (initial value) of the editing area is stored in a predetermined storage area (step S700). Thereafter, when the character string is edited by the user, the occupied area of the edited character string is calculated (step S702), and the magnitude relationship between the new occupied area and the editing area stored in step S700 is determined. (Step S704). If the calculated occupied area is larger than the initial size (initial value) of the stored editing area, the size of the editing area in which the character string being edited fits is calculated (step S706), and the size of the editing area is calculated. The position of the ruled line dividing the lower side is extended downward (step S708). Actually, a process of erasing the lower ruled line and drawing a new ruled line is executed. That is, the ruled line KL is changed from the state shown in FIG. 20A to the state shown in FIG. If the occupied area is larger than the initial value of the editing area, the rectangular ruled line KL is rewritten even if the occupied area is reduced by the editing. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that the occupied area calculated in association with the editing is smaller than the initial value of the editing area stored in step S700, the process ends, and the ruled line drawing is left as it is, ie, The edit area is maintained at the default size (change from the state in FIG. 20B to the state in FIG. 20C).

When the information amount of the character string in the editing area defined by the ruled line increases by such processing of the editing area, it is needless to say that the ruled line can be automatically extended so that the character string can be accommodated in the editing area. . Further, in addition to such an automatic extension function, when the information amount of the character string becomes smaller than the editing area by the automatically extended ruled line, the ruled line is reduced only in the automatically extended region. In other words, based on the size of the editing area when creating the ruled line, the size of the area by the ruled line automatically expands and contracts according to the occupied area of the character string entered in the editing area. Efficiency is greatly improved. For example, if a large number of character strings are entered in the edit area, the ruled lines that divide the edit area are updated to be enlarged to a size sufficient to accommodate the character strings, and that the input character strings are deleted. In this case, the ruled line is gradually reduced to the size of the initial value.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, in the processing involving the generation and deletion of the ruled line described above, the process of drawing the ruled line itself will be taken up, and a user interface that can easily perform vertical and horizontal ruled line drawing using the mouse 42 will be described. . FIG. 22 shows the display state of the display 40 in time series until the drawing of the ruled line is completed in accordance with the operation procedure of drawing the ruled line using the mouse 42 employed in the application software of this embodiment. FIG. The characters attached to each figure are used to describe operations and the like performed to achieve the state of the figure. As shown in FIG. 22A, the processing is performed by the software at the time of drawing a ruled line as follows.

When the user creates a rectangular ruled line, the user presses the left button 422 of the mouse 42 at the position P1 of the upper left corner of the ruled line to be created. When the position P1 is designated, the position is stored as the start position of the n-th ruled line block. Thereafter, when the mouse 42 is moved, the pointer P moves in response thereto, and a rectangle RS having the moved position of the pointer P as the lower right corner of the rectangular ruled line is displayed on the display 40. The display of the ruled line in this state moves freely according to the movement of the pointer P, and is called a display in a rubber band format. Then, when the user moves the mouse 42 while looking at the display 40 and operates a predetermined key (for example, a “TAB” key) of the keyboard 46 at a desired position P2, the position P2 is detected, and this position is set as a division point. Processing for storing is performed. When the division points are stored, the vertical and horizontal division rule lines RL having the start position P1 as the upper left corner and the division points as intersections are displayed in the same display mode as the rectangular rule lines (FIG. 22B). Therefore, if the above processing is repeated, a large number of vertical and horizontal ruled lines corresponding to the number of division points (P2, P3...) Are displayed as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the user operates an end key (for example, a “RETURN” key) assigned to a predetermined key of the keyboard 46, this is detected, and the ruled line is converted from a drawing state in a rubber band format to a ruled line of a predetermined line type. The state is changed to the drawing state, and the determined ruled line is displayed. Also, internally, the information of the ruled line block is determined (FIG. 22D). In the above example, the division point is stored by the operation of "TAB". However, the storage of the division point can be designated by not only the key other than the "TAB" key but also various other operations. . For example, an operation of a button to which no mouse function is assigned, an instruction at a predetermined position on the tablet when a tablet is present, or a specification with a light pen may be used.

The drawing state of FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment shows a state in which the starting position of the ruled line is designated by this operation method and the rectangular ruled line in the rubber band format is dragged. When the end key assigned to the keyboard 46 is operated in this state, the drawing is completed by the ruled line selected as the predetermined line type as shown in FIG. 23, and the various character strings and the ruled line are mixed. Data processing based on the method is performed. If a dividing point is specified during the drawing of a rectangular ruled line, vertical and horizontal ruled lines passing through the dividing point are also displayed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22 (C), there is a case in which ruled lines are displayed in a rubber band format, and it is desired to cancel a designated dividing point in a state where the ruled line has not yet been determined. FIGS. 22E and 22F show one of the operation methods for canceling the division point. When the mouse 42 is operated to move the pointer P to the start position P1 side of the rectangular ruled line after specifying a certain division point Pn, the previously specified division point Pn is deleted. The information on the division point is also deleted from the memory. Vertical and horizontal ruled lines having the division points as intersections are similarly deleted. When there are a plurality of division points, as shown in FIGS. 22 (E) and (F), the division point P3 at which the pointer P has moved inward (on the start position side) is erased, but the pointer P becomes The division point P2 located outside is not deleted (FIG. 22E). When the mouse is further dragged from this state and the division key is operated, a new vertical and horizontal ruled line is displayed with the new position as the division point P3 as shown in FIG. 22 (F).

According to the user interface for creating such a ruled line, the trouble of separately specifying the vertical ruled line and the horizontal ruled line as in the conventional ruled line creating procedure is omitted, and the vertical and horizontal ruled lines can be operated by one operation. It can be easily created. Further, the designation of the vertical and horizontal ruled lines can be easily canceled by operating the mouse 42. As shown in FIGS. 22 (X) and (Y), instead of the configuration in which the pointer P is simply returned to cancel the division point, the pointer P is moved over the division point by a predetermined operation (for example, a division key or a mouse button). The above operation may be performed again to cancel the division point. In this case, it is possible to perform an operation of canceling one of the plurality of division points closer to the start position P1 without canceling the other division points. In the present embodiment, the pointer P is moved using a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball. However, the pointer P may be moved by operating a cursor key or the like.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

As described above, the character string and ruled line mixed processing method and apparatus of the present invention provide the most comfortable interface for a user who creates a data file in which characters and ruled lines are mixed, and freely set the size. It is possible to appropriately cope with possible mixing of a character string and a ruled line, to perform a cursor key operation, and to instruct a layout of a ruled line by effectively using a pointing device.

In particular, according to the processing method of claim 1 and the processing device of claim 16, when the ruled line and the character string overlap, the character is erased and the ruled line is displayed with priority. Calculates a space that has almost the same width as the erased character, and inserts this space in place of the duplicated character, so that the original character string is displayed in almost the same position despite the deletion of the character This has the effect of being performed.

According to the processing method of the fourth aspect and the processing apparatus of the seventeenth aspect, in the line where the ruled line is inserted, the arrangement of the character strings is returned to the initial arrangement state for each area divided by the ruled line. A user-friendly interface is realized.

According to the processing method of the sixth aspect and the processing apparatus of the eighteenth aspect, when a ruled line is inserted into a row in which a predetermined arrangement state is set, the setting of the arrangement state is returned to the initial state, and the arrangement state is already set. The space is calculated and inserted to maintain the position of the character string, so the setting of the arrangement state is initialized, but the arrangement of the character string hardly changes, and the user does not feel uncomfortable The effect is obtained.

According to the processing method of the eighth aspect and the processing apparatus of the nineteenth aspect, when a ruled line existing in a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, a character string in the predetermined arrangement state is divided by the ruled line. Each section that has been set is returned to the initial position or a position close to the initial position. For example, in a section divided by a ruled line, a character string that has been right-aligned will be returned to an initial state (for example, left-aligned state) when the ruled line is deleted. Is restored. When the ruled line is deleted and the divided section disappears, an interface that is easy for the user to understand is realized.

According to the processing method of the tenth aspect and the processing device of the twentieth aspect, when a ruled line existing in a line in which a predetermined arrangement state is set is deleted, the arrangement of each character string in a section divided by the ruled line is performed. Since a space of a predetermined width is calculated and inserted so that the position is at or near the arrangement position in the arrangement state, even if the ruled line is deleted, the character string already arranged in the predetermined arrangement state is almost completely removed. An effect is obtained that the interface is arranged at the original position and an interface that is comfortable for the user is realized.

According to the method for processing mixed character strings and ruled lines according to the twelfth aspect and the processing device according to the twenty-first aspect, the size of the ruled lines defining the area is determined according to the result of editing the character strings in the area defined by the ruled lines. The area partitioned by the change is extended or reduced, but when the area is reduced, the initial size of the area is limited, and the area is not reduced. Therefore, the area defined by the ruled lines is extended / reduced in accordance with the editing of the internal character string, and does not become smaller than its initial size. Therefore, the effect that the deformation of the area does not become undesired can be obtained. Play.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line and a processing device according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the first position is used as a start point and the second position is defined as a corner portion facing the first position using a pointing device. When a predetermined operation is performed in the middle of drawing a rectangular ruled line, vertical and horizontal ruled lines passing through this point are generated and the rectangular ruled line is divided, so that a rectangular ruled line having a divided ruled line can be drawn very easily. This has the effect.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a basic window screen adopted by application software for implementing a method of processing a mixed character string and ruled line according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of a computer which realizes a mixed processing device of a character string and a ruled line of an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing a data structure inside application software. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a ruled line data structure. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a ruled line. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of an editing area. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of character string information. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a ruled line is drawn over a character string. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of drawing a ruled line over a character string. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a ruled line is inserted into a character string to which a line attribute is set. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of inserting a ruled line into a character string to which a line attribute is set. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where a ruled line is inserted into a character string for which a paragraph is set. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of inserting a ruled line into a character string for which a paragraph is set. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how ruled lines are deleted from a character string. It is a flowchart which shows the process which deletes a ruled line from a character string. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which ruled lines are deleted from a character string for which a line attribute is set. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of deleting a ruled line from a character string for which a line attribute has been set. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which ruled lines are deleted from a character string for which a paragraph has been set. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of deleting a ruled line from a character string for which a paragraph has been set. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the area | region partitioned by the ruled line is expanded and contracted. It is a flowchart which shows the process which expands and contracts the area | region partitioned by the ruled line. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a rectangular ruled line is drawn with a mouse. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of generating and deleting vertical and horizontal divided ruled lines while drawing a rectangular ruled line with a mouse.

Explanation of reference numerals

20 ... Personal computer 22 ... CPU
24 ... ROM
26 ... RAM
28-36 ... Input / output interface 40 ... Display 42 ... Mouse 46 ... Keyboard 48 ... Printer 50 ... Hard disk 402 ... Title bar 402A ... Button 402B ... Button 402C ... Button 404 ... Menu bar 406 ... Tool bar 410 ... Operation area 412 ... Ruler section 414: attribute display part 416: scroll part 418 ... editing part 420 ... status bar 422 ... left button

Claims (24)

A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Detecting that the ruled line is drawn overlapping part of the character string,
The duplicated characters in the character string are deleted and ruled lines are displayed with priority,
Calculate a space having a character width substantially equal to the space between the displayed ruled line and the character following the erased character,
A method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line, wherein the calculated space is inserted into the character string in place of the duplicated character. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the character string and the ruled line are mixed.
The method of calculating a space is a mixed character string and ruled line processing method for calculating the number of spaces having a character width substantially equal to the space between the displayed ruled line and the character following the erased character. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the character string and the ruled line are mixed.
The method of calculating a space is a mixed character string and ruled line processing method for calculating the size of the space having a character width substantially equal to the space between the displayed ruled line and the character following the erased character. A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line is inserted in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state, this is detected,
A character string and ruled line mixed processing method, wherein the arrangement state of the character string is returned to an initial arrangement state for each of the left and right regions divided by the insertion point of the ruled line. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the arrangement state of the character strings is left-aligned, right-aligned, centered, evenly aligned, or both-end aligned (characters at both ends and the inside is evenly arranged). A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line is inserted in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state,
Return the setting of the arrangement state to the initial state,
A space of a predetermined width is calculated so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the inserted ruled line is the arrangement in the arrangement state or in the vicinity thereof,
A method of mixing character strings and ruled lines to insert the calculated space. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the arrangement state of the character string is an arrangement by tabs or indents. A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When a ruled line existing in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, a character string in a predetermined arrangement state by execution of the predetermined command is deleted for each section divided by the ruled line. A method for processing a mixture of a character string and a ruled line to be returned to or near the initial position of each section. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the return to the initial position is performed by inserting a tab code or a space having a predetermined width. A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
By executing the predetermined command, the character string displayed on the display is arranged in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
When the ruled line existing in the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted,
Return the setting of the arrangement state to the initial state,
A space of a predetermined width is calculated so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the deleted ruled line is at or near the arrangement position in the arrangement state,
A method of mixing character strings and ruled lines to insert the calculated space. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the arrangement state of the character strings is an arrangement state by tabs or indents. A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Storing the initial size of the area defined by the ruled line,
If a character string is input, edit the inside of the area as a document area,
When the size of the edited character string in the stored area exceeds the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area is changed to change the area defined by the ruled line. Extend,
When the size of the character string edited in the stored area falls below the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area, up to the initial size of the area To reduce the area defined by the ruled line. A method of displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
A first position specified on the display by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation as a start position of a rectangular display by a ruled line;
When the designated position moves after the first position has been designated, a rectangle having the first position and the designated position as two opposite corners is displayed with the movement,
When a second position on the display is designated by the cursor moved by the cursor key operation or the pointing device, a rectangle having two corners facing the first position and the second position is fixed. To display,
When a predetermined operation is performed while the designated point moves from the first position to the second position, a ruled line that passes through the designated point at the time of the operation and divides the rectangular display vertically and horizontally Generates a method of mixing character strings and ruled lines. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the character string and the ruled line are mixed.
When the point pointed by the cursor or the pointing device moved by the cursor key operation after the predetermined operation is performed is closer to the first position than the point at which the operation is performed, the generation is performed. A method of processing a mixed character string and ruled line for deleting a ruled line dividing the rectangular display vertically and horizontally. 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the character string and the ruled line are mixed.
After the predetermined key operation is performed, the predetermined operation is performed in a state where the cursor moved by the cursor key operation or the point designated by the pointing device reaches the point where the operation is performed or in the vicinity thereof. At this time, a method of processing a mixed character string and a ruled line for deleting the ruled line dividing the generated rectangular display vertically and horizontally. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Detecting means for detecting that the ruled line is drawn in a part of the character string,
Ruled line display means for erasing the duplicated characters in the character string and preferentially displaying ruled lines;
Space calculating means for calculating a space having substantially the same character width as the erased character;
Insertion means for inserting the calculated space into the character string in place of the duplicated character, and a mixed processing apparatus for character strings and ruled lines. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the inputted predetermined command and arranging a character string displayed on the display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line input means for inputting a ruled line at a predetermined position on the display;
When the ruled line is inserted into the line where the character string is arranged in the arrangement state, the character string arrangement state is returned to the initial arrangement state for each of the left and right regions divided by the insertion point of the ruled line. Arrangement state return means for causing
A mixed processing device for character strings and ruled lines. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
A character string arranging means for executing the inputted predetermined command, and arranging a character string displayed on the display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command,
Ruled line input means for inputting a ruled line at a predetermined position on the display;
When the ruled line is inserted in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state, an arrangement state initializing unit for returning the setting of the arrangement state to an initial state,
Space insertion means for inserting a space of a predetermined width so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the inserted ruled line is at or near the arrangement in the arrangement state. Mixed processing equipment. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the input command and arranging a character string displayed on a display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line deletion means for deleting a ruled line input at a predetermined position on the display;
When a ruled line existing in a line where a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, a character string in a predetermined arrangement state by executing the predetermined command is deleted for each section divided by the ruled line. A character string and ruled line mixed processing device, comprising: an arrangement state initializing means for returning to an initial position or its vicinity for each section. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Command input means for inputting a predetermined command;
Character string arranging means for executing the input command and arranging a character string displayed on a display in a predetermined arrangement state according to the predetermined command;
Ruled line deletion means for deleting a ruled line input at a predetermined position on the display;
When a ruled line existing in a line in which a character string is arranged in the arrangement state is deleted, an arrangement state initializing means for returning the arrangement state setting to an initial state,
And a space insertion unit for inserting a space of a predetermined width so that the arrangement position of each character string in the section divided by the deleted ruled line is at or near the arrangement position in the arrangement state. Ruled line mixed processing device. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Ruled line area initial value storage means for storing an initial size of an area partitioned by the ruled line;
Character string input means for inputting a character string into the area;
Editing means for editing the input character string using the inside of the area as a document area;
When the size of the edited character string in the stored area exceeds the range that can be accommodated in the area, the size of the ruled line that partitions the area is changed to change the area defined by the ruled line. Ruled line extending means for extending,
When the size of the character string edited in the stored area falls below the range that can be accommodated in the area, the initial size of the area stored in the ruled line area initial value storage unit is limited. A character line and ruled line mixing device, comprising: a ruled line reducing means for changing a size of a ruled line defining the region and reducing an area defined by the ruled line. An apparatus for displaying a character string of a desired size and a ruled line of a predetermined line type on a display, and performing mixed processing of the character string and the ruled line,
Drawing start means for starting drawing a ruled line with a first position specified on the display by a cursor or a pointing device moved by a cursor key operation as a start position of a rectangular display;
When the designated position moves after designating the first position, a rectangle that temporarily displays a rectangle having the first position and the designated position as two opposing corners is associated with the movement. Temporary display means;
When a second position on the display is designated by the cursor moved by the cursor key operation or the pointing device, a rectangle having two corners facing the first position and the second position is fixed. Drawing completion means to be displayed on the
When a predetermined operation is performed while the designated point moves from the first position to the second position, a ruled line that passes through the designated point at the time of the operation and divides the rectangular display vertically and horizontally And a ruled line generating means for generating a character string and a ruled line mixed processing device. 23. An apparatus for mixing and processing character strings and ruled lines according to claim 22,
After the predetermined operation is performed, it is detected that the point moved by the cursor or the pointing device moved by the cursor key operation is closer to the first position than the point where the operation is performed. Detecting means;
A mixed line processing device for character strings and ruled lines, comprising: ruled line deleting means for deleting ruled lines dividing the generated rectangular display vertically and horizontally when the detection is performed. 23. An apparatus for mixing and processing character strings and ruled lines according to claim 22,
An instruction to detect that the cursor moved by the cursor key operation or the point pointed by the pointing device after the predetermined operation is performed has reached the point where the operation was performed or the vicinity thereof. Point detection means;
When a predetermined operation is performed in a state where detection is performed by the designated point detecting means, a divided ruled line erasing means for erasing the generated ruled lines dividing the rectangular display vertically and horizontally is provided. Processing equipment.

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