JP2006259819A - Image processing system and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system or the like which can perform processing to "orphans" and "widows", and also can perform processing consistent with documents in which both "orphans" and "widows" are described, and further can perform attractive print and display even if a newpage occurs inside block factors. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing system which performs processing to documents written in a structured language, a factor contained in the documents is characterized by having a layout determination means for determining a layout to the documents based on correlation between a 1st factor which indicates a line count to be left behind at least to the bottom of the page and a 2nd factor which indicates a line count to be left behind at least to the top of the page. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing method for a document described in a structured language. Specifically, the present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing method for performing processing on “orphans” and “widows” which are one of style sheets.

  Conventionally, an image is displayed on a monitor screen or printed by a printer based on a document written in a structured language that does not depend on a specific application, such as XML (eXtensible Markup Language) or XHTML (eXtensible Hyper Text Markup Language). Processing is performed. Usually, in order to generate an image based on such a document (display, print, etc.), after analyzing the document described in such a language, the position of each element within one page is determined by layout processing. Then, various processes for display and printing are performed.

  However, regarding such a layout process, when a block element in a document is laid out, a page break may occur inside the block element without being able to fit within one page. In a conventional image processing system, in this case, page break processing is performed when a page break occurs. As a result, only the minority lines at the beginning of the block element are displayed or printed on the preceding page, and only the minority lines at the end of the block element are displayed on the subsequent page. The display etc. were performed.

  Therefore, in the style sheet (especially CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) 3 page media module. See Non-Patent Document 1 below), “orphans” indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the bottom of the page, “Widows” indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the upper end is defined, and by using this, a state of poor appearance is avoided (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below).

Also, even if a simple image such as JPEG is input, it is converted into an HTML document format internally, and input to a block that performs analysis and layout processing on the HTML document, thereby performing processing without providing many hardware resources. An image forming apparatus has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1 below).
W3C “CSS3 Paged Media Module” [searched on February 18, 2005], Internet <URL http://www.w3.org/TR/css3-page> JP 2004-114326 A

  However, even though “orphans” and “widows” are defined in CSS and can be described in a document as a style sheet, it is suggested how to perform processing in an image processing system that performs processing such as image display and printing. Not. In particular, in the conventional image processing system, when these two elements are described in the document at the same time, consistency with the combination is not considered.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image processing system and an image processing method capable of performing processing on “orphans” and “widows”.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system or the like that can perform consistent processing on a document in which both “orphans” and “widows” are described.

  Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system or the like that can perform good-looking printing and display even when a page break occurs inside a block element.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing system that performs processing on a document described in a structured language. The number of lines that are elements included in the document and must be left at the bottom of a page Layout determining means for determining a layout for the document based on the correlation between the first element indicating the number of lines and the second element indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of the page. It is said. Thereby, for example, consistent processing can be performed on a document described by combining “orphans” and “widows”. In addition, since the layout satisfying the number of lines indicated by “orphans” and “widows” is performed, good-looking printing and display can be performed even if a page break occurs inside the block element.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the image processing system, the layout determining means determines the layout of the current page when the processing satisfying the condition of the second element is finished for the next page. . Thereby, for example, since the layout of the current page is confirmed, subsequent processing such as printing can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the layout determination means does not perform a page break when a page break occurs when a block element included in the document is laid out from the top of the current page. It is a feature. Thereby, for example, it is possible to avoid an infinite loop that occurs when page breaks are successively performed.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, when a page break occurs when the layout determination unit lays out a block element included in the document from the middle of the current page, the block element in the current page When the number of laid out lines does not satisfy the condition of the first element, all the block elements are laid out from the top of the next page. Thereby, for example, since the block elements are laid out from the next page, it is possible to perform printing that looks good.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the image processing system, the layout determining means does not determine the layout of the current page even when the number of laid out rows satisfies the condition of the first element. . Thereby, for example, when the block element laid out on the next page does not satisfy the condition indicated by “widows”, it is possible to perform a layout in which lines are moved from the current page to satisfy “widows”.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the layout determining means determines the layout of the current page if the second element condition is satisfied when the rest of the block elements are laid out on the next page. It is characterized by that. Thereby, for example, since the condition of “widows” is satisfied for the next page, it is not necessary to perform the layout for moving the above-described line, and the layout can be determined.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the layout determining means determines the layout of the current page when a page break occurs on the next page when the rest of the block elements are laid out on the next page. It is characterized by that. Thereby, for example, since it is not necessary to perform a layout for moving a line between the current page and the next page, the layout for the current page can be determined.

  Furthermore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, when the layout determining means lays out the rest of the block elements on the next page and the next page does not satisfy the condition of the second element, Until the element condition is satisfied, one line is deleted from the current page, and the layout for moving the deleted line to the next page is repeated. As a result, for example, the next page satisfies the condition of “widows”, and printing with good appearance can be performed.

  Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, when the layout determining means repeats the layout to be moved to the next page, the current page does not satisfy the condition of the first element. All elements are moved to the next page. As a result, for example, since the block elements are laid out from the top of the next page, it is possible to perform printing that looks good.

  Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, when the layout determining means lays out the rest of the block elements on the next page, the second page does not satisfy the condition of the second element. The number of lines satisfying the condition of the element is moved from the current page to the next page. As a result, for example, the next page satisfies the condition “widows”, and printing that looks good can be performed, and the processing can be speeded up as compared with the case of laying out line by line.

  Further, in the image processing system according to the present invention, as a result of moving the layout determining unit from the current page to the next page by the number of rows that satisfy the condition of the second element, the current page is When the first condition is not satisfied, all the block elements are moved to the next page. Thereby, for example, block elements are laid out from the top of the next page, and printing with good appearance can be performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention satisfies the condition of an element indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of a page in an image processing system for processing a document described in a structured language. A layout determining unit that determines a layout for the document; and a printing unit that executes printing based on the determined layout, and the layout determining unit finishes the process that satisfies the element condition for the next page. In some cases, the layout for the current page is confirmed, and the printing means executes printing based on the confirmed layout. As a result, for example, when the next page satisfies the condition of “widows”, the layout of the current page, which is the previous page, is determined, and an image processing system capable of performing processing such as subsequent printing is provided. Can do.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing method in an image processing system having layout determining means for determining a layout for a document described in a structured language. Determining the layout for the document by the layout determining means based on the correlation between the first element indicating the number of lines that must be left and the second element indicating the minimum number of lines that must remain at the top of the page; It is characterized by having. This provides, for example, an image processing method that can perform good-looking printing and display even if a page break occurs inside a block element in order to perform a layout that satisfies the number of lines indicated by “orphans” and “widows”. can do. In addition, a consistent print result can be obtained for a document in which two elements are described.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides image processing comprising layout determining means for determining a layout for a document described in a structured language, and printing means for executing printing based on the determined layout. In the image processing method in the system, when the processing that satisfies the condition of the element indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of the page is finished for the next page, the layout determination unit determines the layout for the current page And a step of executing printing by the printing unit based on the determined layout. Thereby, for example, processing such as printing for the current page can be performed by determining the layout.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Overall configuration and operation>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a printer 1 as an example of an image processing system to which the present invention is applied. The printer 1 includes an Xhtml analysis unit 10, a DOM-style management unit 20, a CSS analysis unit (CSS parser) 30, a layout unit 40, a rendering unit 50, and a print processing unit 60.

  The Xhtml analysis means 10 performs overall management including the DOM-style management means 20 and the like. The Xhtml analysis means 10 is provided with a tag analysis means (XML parser) 100, and analyzes what tag the document 5 is composed of with respect to the input XHTML document 5. Here, in the printer 1, processing is performed on the assumption that the XHTML document 5 is composed of an XML document and a CSS document. Therefore, in the tag analysis means 100, a portion other than the CSS document in the XHTML document 5 (CSS may be described in the XHTML document 5 or may be described as a separate document. The same applies hereinafter) (this embodiment). Then, this is called an XML document). Note that the XHTML document 5 is input to the printer 1 by, for example, a movable memory or wireless communication (such as Bluetooth).

  The DOM-style management means 20 stores and manages the DOM tree and style data. The DOM-style management unit 20 includes a DOM tree generation unit 210 and a style data storage unit 220.

  The DOM tree generation unit 210 receives information on each tag after analysis from the tag analysis unit 100 and generates and stores a DOM tree. With the generated DOM tree, the association between the tags in the XHTML document 5 can be grasped.

  The style data storage unit 220 stores the style data analyzed by the CSS analysis unit 30 in a table format. The style data storage means 220 is divided into an area for storing style data defined as default in CSS and an area for storing style data defined by the document creator. When the style data is read and laid out, it is read from the style data defined by the document creator. In other words, the area of the storage means 220 has a priority, the style data of the document creator is given priority, and if not defined by the document creator, the style data defined as default is used.

  The CSS analysis unit 30 performs analysis on the CSS document in the XHTML document 5 based on an instruction from the Xhtml analysis unit 10. Specifically, the CSS analysis unit 30 performs analysis by creating the above-described table. Thereby, the printer 1 can grasp what CSS is described in the document 5. Note that the Xhtml analysis unit 10 associates the style data stored in the style data storage unit 220 with each node of the DOM tree stored in the DOM tree generation unit 210.

  The layout unit 40 performs layout for each element with reference to the DOM tree and the style data stored in the DOM-style management unit 20 based on the layout instruction from the Xhtml analysis unit 10. Details of the layout means 40 will be described later.

  The rendering unit 50 performs rendering by coloring each element after layout. The print processing unit 60 receives the rendered data, performs image processing such as color conversion and halftone processing, and then actually prints on the printing paper.

  The operation of the printer 1 configured as described above will be briefly described. For example, an example of the XHTML document 5 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The XHTML document 5 input to the printer 1 is analyzed by the Xhtml analysis means 10. In the example of FIG. 2, the presence of the <body> tag, <div> tag, and <p> tag is confirmed. Then, the tag analysis unit 100 outputs the analyzed tags and the content portions (character string 1, character string 2, etc.) in the tag to the DOM tree generation unit 210.

  The DOM tree generation unit 210 generates a DOM tree. In the example of FIG. 2A, a tree is generated as shown in FIG. Each node of the DOM tree is composed of a tag and its content part. The DOM tree once generated is stored in the generation unit 210. If the document 5 includes a CSS document, the CSS analysis unit 30 analyzes the CSS document in response to an analysis instruction from the DOM tree generation unit 210, and the generated table is stored in the style data storage unit 220. . The layout means 40 refers to the DOM tree and the style data, and performs layout processing, and then rendering and printing processing.

  Next, details of the layout means 40 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the layout means 40. The layout means 40 includes a layout manager 410, layout information creation means 420, font data provision means 430, and layout information storage means 440.

  The layout manager 410 issues a layout instruction to the layout information creation unit 420 based on the layout instruction from the Xhtml analysis unit 10.

  The layout information creation unit 420 creates layout information from the DOM tree and style data with reference to the DOM-style management unit 20 based on an instruction from the layout manager 410. The created layout information is output to the layout information storage unit 440. Here, the layout information is information relating to coordinate positions, colors, and the like.

  The layout information creation unit 420 includes a DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421, an end determination unit 422, and an area manager 423 in order to execute layout processing.

  The DOM tree correspondence processing means 421 is a part that executes layout processing for each layer of the DOM tree. In addition, the end determination unit 422 determines whether or not the layout of each tag and its content portion has ended by confirming whether or not there are further child nodes for each node of the DOM tree. Furthermore, the area manager 423 manages the remaining layout area in one page after layout. That is, the DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 performs layout for each node of the DOM tree, the end determination unit 422 determines whether the layout of each tag has been completed, and the region manager 423 determines the remaining in one page. Manage areas.

  The font data providing unit 430 reads out and outputs the font data stored in the memory when the layout information creating unit 420 performs the layout for the character string. Further, the font data providing unit 430 receives information on the width of each box laid out from the layout information creating unit 420 and the character string to be included in the width, and the character included in the width of one line of the box. Outputs information about the number of characters in the column and the width of the actual string entered.

  The layout information storage unit 440 stores the layout information created by the layout information creation unit 420. Then, the stored layout information is output to the rendering unit 50.

  The operation of the layout means 40 configured as described above will be described. First, when a layout instruction is received from the Xhtml analysis means 10, the instruction is input to the layout information creation means 420 via the layout manager 410. The layout information creating unit 420 refers to a necessary DOM tree and style data and acquires the data. Thereafter, the DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 performs an actual layout process.

  An example of the layout for the XHTML document 5 shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. The operation of the layout process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 performs a process for the <body> tag (assuming that the layout process for the element in the preceding part in the document 5 has been completed). That is, the DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 moves the coordinate position by the set “margin”, “border”, and “padding” with respect to the <body> tag. These “margin”, “border”, and “padding” are style data, and the setting is described in the document (in the XHTML document 5 or a document different from the document 5). Is remembered. If the style data is not described in the document, the processing is performed with the default value read from the area stored as the default of the style data storage unit 220. Also, the area manager 423 calculates how much remaining area is present by moving the coordinates, and grasps the remaining area.

  Then, the end determination means 422 confirms from the DOM tree whether there is a node immediately below this <body> tag. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, since the node of the <div> tag exists, the end determination unit 422 determines that the process for the <body> tag does not end.

  Next, the DOM tree correspondence processing means 421 performs processing for the <div> tag. Similarly, the coordinate position is moved by “margin”, “border”, and “padding” set for this <div> tag.

  Thereafter, the layout is sequentially performed in the same manner, but in the case of the character string 1 which is the content part of the element, the layout is performed as follows. That is, the DOM tree correspondence processing means 421 outputs the data of the box width (see FIG. 4) with respect to the <div> tag and the data of the character string 1 to the font data providing means 430 after the coordinate movement by “margin” or the like. Then, information regarding the number of characters of the character string actually included in the width and the width of the character string is obtained. The DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 moves the coordinate position to perform layout for the next line when all of the character string 1 cannot fit in the width of one line. The DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421 repeats the above-described processing again for the remaining character string of the character string 1 that could not fit into the width of one line. As a result, the layout of the character string 1 included in the box of the <div> tag is finished as shown in FIG. 4 (in this example, it is laid out in a frame for three lines).

  When the end determination unit 422 determines that the processing for all the nodes has been completed, the series of layout processing ends. After the layout is completed, rendering and printing processes are performed as described above. Note that, in principle, when the layout for one page is completed in the printer 1, data after layout (layout information such as coordinates and style data in each box) is output to the rendering unit 50.

[Processing for documents with orphans and widows]
Next, processing for “orphans” and “widows” according to the present invention will be described. Here, as described above, “orphans” is an element (or property) indicating the number of lines that must be left at the bottom of the page. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when two block elements A and B75 are laid out with respect to the size 70 of the printing paper for one page, the number of lines from the lower end of the page is “5”. "," Orphans "is set to" 4 ", the block element B75 satisfies the number of lines specified by" orphans "(hereinafter referred to as" orphans "including this number of lines). Of course, this condition is also satisfied when “orphans” matches the number of lines laid out.

  On the other hand, “widows” is an element (or property) indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of the page. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, when the number of rows of the block element A75 laid out at the top of the page is set to “5” and “widows” is set to “4”, the block element A75 is The number of lines specified by “widows” (hereinafter referred to as “widows” including this number of lines) will be satisfied. Of course, the condition is also satisfied when “widows” matches the number of lines laid out.

  Next, a processing algorithm for “orphans” and “widows” will be described. 6 to 8 are examples thereof. This process is mainly performed by the layout information creating unit 420 of the layout unit 40 described above.

  When the process is started (S10), first, if a page break occurs when layout of a block element is started from the top of the page, even if the number of laid out lines does not exceed “orphans” Not performed (S11). For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the layout relating to a certain block element is performed on the size 70 of the printing paper for one page, if the size 70 of the printing paper exceeds 70, the block element 75 itself Is not laid out on the next page. This is because even if this block element 75 is laid out on the next page, a page break occurs, and this is repeated to enter an infinite loop. In this case, the layout is sequentially performed from the top of the page, and the portion exceeding the size 70 of the printing paper for one page is laid out on the next page.

  Here, whether or not a page break has occurred as a result of the layout of the block elements 75 can be determined as follows. That is, the layout information creation unit 420 manages the coordinate position for each block element 75. As described above, for example, every time layout of one line for a character string is completed, the layout information creation unit 420 (particularly the DOM tree correspondence processing unit 421) moves the coordinate position. On the other hand, the layout information creating means 420 (particularly the area manager 423) manages the remaining area after layout for the size 70 of the printing paper for one page. Accordingly, the layout information creating unit 420 recognizes that a page break occurs when a character string or the like in the block element 75 is laid out beyond the size 70 of one page of printing paper.

  Returning to the processing algorithm of FIG. 6, when a page break occurs when layout of a block element is started from the middle of the page, the number of laid out lines on the current page is checked, and this number of lines does not exceed “orphans”. In this case, the layout of the block element 75 is started from the top of the next page (S12). As shown in FIG. 9B, the layout for the block element A75 is completed on the current page, and as a result of performing the layout for the block element B75, the current page is laid out from the top of the block element B75 to the third line, Consider a case where the fourth and subsequent lines are laid out on the next page. The number of lines from the lower end of the page of the block element B75 is “3”, and when “orphans” is set to “4”, the condition of “orphans” is not satisfied with respect to the layout of the block element B75. Therefore, when such a situation occurs, the layout information creating unit 420 collectively lays out the block element B75 on the next page.

  Here, the preceding page is not printed even if the number of laid out lines exceeds “orphans” (S13). That is, although the layout of the preceding page is completed, the layout of the preceding page is not fixed, and the layout information of the preceding page is not output from the layout information storage unit 440 to the rendering 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the number of rows of the block element B75 laid out on the preceding page is “5”, it will exceed “4” of “orphans”, but the preceding page whose layout has ended. Is not printed. This is because when the preceding page is printed, if the “widows” condition is not satisfied on the succeeding page side, the re-layout (described later) cannot be executed on the preceding page.

  Therefore, first, when the rest of the block element 75 is laid out on the subsequent page, it is confirmed whether or not “widows” is exceeded. When “widows” is exceeded, the preceding page is printed, that is, the layout information creating unit 420 determines the layout for the preceding page and outputs the layout information related to the preceding page to the rendering unit 50 to perform the printing process. (S14). For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, when “widows” is set to “4” and the layout for the block element B75 is performed, the subsequent page has the number of rows “6”. Therefore, the preceding page is printed.

  Also, when a page break occurs on the subsequent page while the rest of the block elements 75 are being laid out on the subsequent page, the previous page is printed (S15, see FIG. 7). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the block element B75 is laid out on the subsequent page and the block element B75 exceeds the size 70 of the printing paper for one page, the layout information related to the preceding page is output to the rendering unit 50. And printing is performed. This is because there is no need to re-layout between the preceding page and the succeeding page.

  Next, if the result of laying out the rest of the block elements 75 on the subsequent page does not exceed “widows”, the layout information creating unit 420 deletes one line from the previous page and moves the one line to the subsequent page. I do. The layout information creating unit 420 repeats this process until “widows” is satisfied (until the same number of lines as “widows”) (S16). This is the re-layout process described above. When this re-layout process is completed, the layout of the preceding page is determined and the layout information of the preceding page is output to the rendering unit 50 and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when “widows” is set to “6” and the block element B75 is laid out on the subsequent page and the number of rows is “4”, the condition of “widows” is not satisfied. Accordingly, the layout information creating unit 420 deletes one line from the block element B75 of the preceding page and moves the one line to the subsequent page. Since “widows” is “6”, “widows” is satisfied by repeating the movement twice.

  The reason why the lines are moved line by line is that the case where the page sizes of the subsequent pages are different is taken into consideration. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the page size of the subsequent page is wider than the preceding page, even if the previous page is moved to one line and the subsequent page, it is not enough for one line of the subsequent page, and “widows” This is because the above condition may not be satisfied.

  Returning to the processing of FIG. 7, even if the preceding page is moved line by line from the preceding page so that the subsequent page satisfies “widows”, the preceding page may not satisfy “orphans”. In this case, the layout information creating unit 420 performs layout so that all block elements 75 in which page breaks occur are moved to subsequent pages (S17). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, if the previous page is moved line by line from the preceding page, the subsequent page satisfies “widows”. However, as a result of the movement, the preceding page does not satisfy the condition of “orphans”. In this case, the block element B75 itself is moved to the subsequent page.

  This completes the processing algorithm for the document in which “orphans” and “widows” are described (S18).

  As described above, S16 and S17 related to the re-layout are processes in consideration of the case where the page size of the subsequent page is different from the page size of the preceding page. When the page sizes are the same, the processing algorithm shown in FIG. 8 is executed instead of S16 and S17. That is, if the result of laying out the rest of the block elements 75 on the subsequent page does not exceed “widows”, the number of lines necessary to satisfy “widows” is moved from the previous page to the subsequent page. If the preceding page does not satisfy “orphans” as a result of the movement, the entire block element 75 is moved to the subsequent page (S19). Instead of moving one line at a time, move as many lines as needed to satisfy “widows”. The processing can be speeded up as compared with the case of moving line by line.

  With the above processing algorithm, the printer 1 can execute processing on the document 5 in which “orphans” and “widows” are described, and processing that satisfies both the conditions of “orphans” and “widows” is performed. Therefore, the process with the consistency is performed. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the situation in which only a small number of lines at the beginning of the block element 75 are printed or displayed on the preceding page, or only a small number of lines at the end of the following page are printed. obtain.

[Process to dynamically change values of orphans and widows]
Next, a processing algorithm for dynamically changing the values of “orphans” and “widows” will be described. In CSS, the paper size for printing can be designated in the XHTML document 5. An example is shown in FIG. However, even if the paper size is specified in the document 5, the person who uses the printer 1 (hereinafter referred to as “user”) operates the liquid crystal screen of the printer 1 to specify a different paper size. There is. In other words, different paper sizes may be specified by the document creator and the user.

  In such a situation, when “orphans” and “widows” are specified, if you print with the paper size specified by the user, a page break will occur at an unexpected position, and the print will not look good It may be done. An example is shown in FIG. In order to improve the appearance, the document creator created the document 5 in which “orphans” is designated as “6” for a paper size 71 having a vertical width of 40 lines. However, if the user performs printing by designating a paper size 72 having a vertical width of 10 lines, as shown in FIG. 17B, the layout and subsequent printing cannot always be performed with good appearance. That is, there are cases where printing is performed in a state not desired by the user. Therefore, the layout is dynamically changed by changing the values of “orphans” and “widows” specified by the document creator according to the paper size specified by the user.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a processing algorithm for dynamically changing the values of “orphans” and “widows”. In this embodiment, this processing algorithm is executed by the layout information creating means 420 of the layout means 40.

  First, when the process is started (S30), the layout information creation unit 420 determines whether or not the paper sizes are different (S31). Data indicating the paper size created by the document creator is obtained by reading from the style data storage unit 220. On the other hand, the paper size designated by the user can be designated by, for example, a liquid crystal display unit (not shown), and information relating to the designated paper size is input to the layout information creating unit 420. By comparing the two, the layout information creating means 420 determines this processing.

  If the paper sizes are the same (NO), the processing algorithm ends without performing the dynamic change process (S33). On the other hand, if the paper sizes are different (YES in S31), the layout information creating means 420 performs a process of dynamically changing “orphans” and “widows” (S32).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the vertical length of the paper size designated by the document creator (described in document 5) is Xcm, and “orphans” designated by the document creator is “orphans_x”. And Also, if the length in the vertical direction of the paper size specified by the user is Ycm and the changed “orphans” is “orphans_y”,
“Orphans_y” = (Y / X) × “orphans_x”
To get the value. On the other hand, for “widows” as well,
"Widows_y" = (Y / X) x "widows_x"
To obtain the changed value. That is, the values of “orphans” and “widows” are changed to match the paper size specified by the user.

  Then, the layout information creating unit 420 executes the above-described processing algorithms for “orphans” and “widows” using “orphans_y” and “widows_y” dynamically changed in this way.

  FIG. 18 to FIG. 19 are diagrams illustrating an example when processing is performed by executing a processing algorithm that dynamically changes “orphans” and “widows”. When the document creator specifies “orphans” and “widows” as “8” in order to improve the appearance with a paper size of 40 lines, when the user specifies a paper size of 10 lines, the block element B75 is particularly concerned. Are laid out as shown in FIG.

  If the processing algorithm for “orphans” and “widows” described above is executed without changing “orphans” and “widows” with the paper size specified by the user, the layout is as shown in FIG. That is, regarding the block element B75, although 6 lines from the top are initially laid out on the first page, since “8” of “orphans” is not satisfied, the layout is started from the top of the second page (S12 in FIG. 6). ). The second page has the block element B75 laid out in 10 rows and the third page, but the third page does not satisfy “8” of “widows”, so the block element in the second page Move to the third page for two lines from B75 (S16 and S17, or S19). Then, the first to third pages are laid out as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if “orphans” and “widows” are dynamically changed, “orphans_y” and “widows_y” are both “2” (= (10/40) × 8: both X and Y are for ease of explanation. It is calculated with the number of lines still). When the changed “orphans_y” and “widows_y” are used to lay out the block element B75, the result is as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the processing algorithm for dynamically changing “orphans” and “widows” is executed, the printer 1 does not match the paper size specified in the XHTML document 5 with the paper size specified by the user. But you can print nicely. In addition, since the printing is performed by changing the values of “orphans” and “widows” to match the paper size specified by the user, the number of print sheets can be reduced.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the paper size specified by the user is described as being smaller than the paper size in the document, but the opposite is also true.

  The above example has been described in the case where the paper size specified by the user is different from the paper size specified by the document creator. For example, if the paper size specified by the document creator exceeds the limit of the paper size that can be printed by the printer, the same can be said even when printing is performed by changing to the paper size that can be printed by the printer 1. . When the document creator designates “A3” and “A4” is the maximum in the printer 1, the process is changed to “A4” and the process is performed. Furthermore, the same applies to the case where the printer 1 changes the paper size when printing cannot be performed with the paper size designated by the user.

[Modification]
In the above-described example, the printer 1 is described as an example of the image processing system. Of course, in addition to the printer 1, the present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine having these functions, and a display device such as a display. Even in such a case, the same effect as the above-described example is obtained.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned example, it demonstrated using the XHTML language as an example of a structured language. In addition, for example, a document described in a language such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) may be used.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printer that is an example of an image processing system. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a XHTML document, and the example of a DOM tree. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a layout means. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout performed by a layout means. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the processing algorithm of "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the processing algorithm of "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the processing algorithm of "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of a layout. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout using "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the layout using "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the layout using "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the layout using "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the layout using "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure which shows an example of the XHTML document which described the page size. It is a figure which shows an example of the change algorithm of "orphans" and "widows". It is a figure for demonstrating the difference in a layout with a XHTML document and a user. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference in a layout with a XHTML document and a user. It is a figure for demonstrating the difference in a layout when changing "orphans" and "widows" dynamically, and not changing it.

Explanation of symbols

  1 printer (image processing system), 5 XHTML document, 20 DOM-style management means, 40 layout means, 70 to 72 size of printing paper for one page, 75 block elements, 210 DOM tree generation means, 220 style data storage Means, 420 layout information creation means

Claims (15)

In an image processing system for processing a document described in a structured language,
A first element indicating a minimum number of lines that should be left at the bottom of the page, and a second element indicating a minimum number of lines that should be left at the top of the page. Layout determining means for determining a layout for the document based on the correlation;
An image processing system comprising: The image processing system according to claim 1,
The layout determination unit determines the layout of the current page when processing for satisfying the condition of the second element is completed for the next page. The image processing system according to claim 1,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout determining means does not perform a page break when a page break occurs when a block element included in the document is laid out from the top of the current page. The image processing system according to claim 1,
When a page break occurs when the block element included in the document is laid out from the middle of the current page, the layout determining means determines that the number of rows of the block element in the current page that have been laid out is the first number. An image processing system characterized by laying out all the block elements from the top of the next page when the element condition is not satisfied. The image processing system according to claim 4.
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the layout determining unit does not determine the layout of the current page even when the number of laid out rows satisfies the condition of the first element. The image processing system according to claim 2 or 5,
The layout determination means determines the layout of the current page if the second element condition is satisfied when the rest of the block elements are laid out on the next page. The image processing system according to claim 2 or 5,
The layout determination means determines the layout of the current page when a page break occurs on the next page when the rest of the block elements are laid out on the next page. The image processing system according to claim 5.
If the next page does not satisfy the condition of the second element as a result of laying out the rest of the block elements on the next page, the layout determining means until the condition of the second element is satisfied until the current page is satisfied. The image processing system is characterized in that one line is deleted from and a layout for moving the deleted line to the next page is repeated. The image processing system according to claim 8.
The layout determining means moves all the block elements to the next page if the current page does not satisfy the condition of the first element while repeating the layout to be moved to the next page. An image processing system. The image processing system according to claim 5.
If the next page does not satisfy the condition of the second element as a result of laying out the rest of the block elements on the next page, the layout determining means, the number of rows satisfying the condition of the second element, An image processing system, wherein the image processing system moves from the current page to the next page. The image processing system according to claim 10.
The layout determining means moves the current page from the current page to the next page by the number of lines that satisfy the condition of the second element, and as a result, the current page does not satisfy the first condition. An image processing system, wherein all block elements are moved to the next page. 12. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein:
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first element is “orphans” and the second element is “widows”. In an image processing system for processing a document described in a structured language,
Layout determining means for determining a layout for the document so as to satisfy an element condition indicating a minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of the page;
Printing means for executing printing based on the determined layout;
The layout determining means determines the layout for the current page when processing for satisfying the element condition for the next page is completed, and the printing means executes printing based on the determined layout. Image processing system. In an image processing method in an image processing system comprising layout determining means for determining a layout for a document described in a structured language,
Based on the correlation between the first element indicating the minimum number of lines to be left at the bottom of the page and the second element indicating the minimum number of lines to be left at the top of the page, the layout determining means Determining a layout for the document;
An image processing method comprising: In an image processing method in an image processing system, comprising: a layout determining unit that determines a layout for a document described in a structured language; and a printing unit that executes printing based on the determined layout.
A step of determining the layout for the current page by the layout determining means when the processing for satisfying the condition of the element indicating the minimum number of lines that must be left at the top of the page is completed for the next page;
Executing printing by the printing means based on the determined layout;
An image processing method comprising:

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