JP2007066304A - Information processor apparatus, its control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus, its control method, and a program which enable a user to adjust a layout of an object once laid out based on a document template, while satisfying an intention of a template editor. <P>SOLUTION: Layout processing for a field area is executed by inserting data into a field area to be laid out on a document. An adjustment permission setting value indicating a range which permits adjustment of an object on the document thus obtained. A layout result is converted into a document of a specified document format. Based on a selected adjustment method, the object on the document is set as an interactive object which permits an adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for laying out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record composed of a plurality of types of data fields in a document, a control method therefor, and a program.

  In recent years, it has been noticed that the product life is shortened due to the increase in the number of products. In addition, the necessity of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and One-to-One marketing has been attracting attention because of factors such as consumer customization service orientation due to the widespread use of the Internet. These techniques aim to increase customer satisfaction and to cultivate and retain customers.

  One-to-one marketing is a type of database marketing. This is a database of personal attribute information such as customer age, gender, hobbies, preferences, purchase history, etc., analyzes the contents, and makes proposals that meet customer needs. Is mentioned. Recently, with the advancement of DTP (desktop publishing) technology and the spread of digital printing apparatuses, variable print systems that customize and output documents for each customer have been developed. In such a variable print system, it is required to create a customized document in which different amounts of content are optimally laid out for each customer.

  Generally, when creating such a customized document in a variable print system, a container is laid out on the document. Here, the container is a drawing area for drawing content (drawing contents (eg, image, text, etc.)), and is sometimes called a field area.

  Then, such a container is laid out on the document, and the database is associated with the layout (associates various contents in the database with the container). As a result, a desired customized document (called a document template) can be created. Then, by appropriately switching the contents in the container on the customized document (changing the association), the contents can be made variable (variable). Therefore, such a document is called a variable data document (document), and a print system using this variable data document is a variable print system.

  Here, in the conventional variable print system, the size of the container associated with the text or image that is the content is fixed. Therefore, when the content in the database is inserted (filled) into the container and the data amount is larger than the container size, the following occurs. That is, if the data is text, text overlap occurs, and if the data is an image, image clipping occurs. Further, if the data amount is smaller than the container size, there is a possibility that an appropriate display such as a gap between the container and the contents in the container is not performed.

  In order to solve these problems, as a technique for further changing the layout, a technique for reducing the size of another container adjacent to this container when the size of a certain container is increased is disclosed in “Layout Design Device” of Patent Document 1. Is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration having a definition mode for defining an object to be laid out on a document and an execution mode for browsing the document. Here, in the definition mode, a condition based on a predetermined positional relationship between objects and a process to be executed when the condition is satisfied can be defined. In the execution mode, when the condition is satisfied, the process defined in the definition mode is executed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-129658 (paragraph 0049, FIG. 8) JP-A-9-259168

  However, in an automatic layout system using the above-described technique, it is difficult to predict a dynamic change in layout when variable data is introduced. For this reason, a layout result that does not suit the user's preference may be generated depending on the content (variable data) to be inserted into the template after layout.

  For example, such an automatic layout system is realized by a Web server client system. In this case, on the Web client side, a document template selected by the user and a content distribution request are transmitted to the Web server. On the Web server side, automatic layout is performed using the document template and content based on the distribution request. Then, the document after the automatic layout is converted to a document in a format such as PDF and distributed to the Web client.

  Here, it is assumed that a user who uses such a Web server client system has various preferences and the distributed document is not necessarily intended. Therefore, it is considered that some layout adjustment / fine adjustment function needs to be provided to the user on the Web client side on the Web server side that distributes the document.

  On the other hand, when the user on the Web client side can freely adjust the layout, such as data such as a company logo, data that wants to guarantee the independence of the object from other graphic elements, etc. There is also. In other words, there is a case where it is desired to leave a sufficient margin around the logo so that the independence of the data such as the logo mark is not impaired. Therefore, the fact that the user can freely modify all the objects in the document means that the user may generate a layout that does not match the intention / intent of the template editor or document distributor. is doing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program for allowing a user to execute layout adjustment of an object once laid out based on a document template while satisfying the intention / intent of the template editor. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
Preferably, the information processing apparatus lays out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
Layout means for inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
First setting means for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout means is allowed;
Conversion means for converting a layout result by the layout means into a document of a specified document format;
Second setting means for setting an object on the document as an interactive object that permits adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value based on the selected adjustment method.

  Preferably, the second setting means sets the movable position range and the size changeable amount indicated by the adjustment permission setting value as the movable position range and the size changeable amount allowed by the adjustment operation of the interactive object.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises third setting means for setting the movable position range and the size changeable amount of the field area.

  Preferably, the first setting means sets the adjustment permission setting value by adjusting the movable position range and the size changeable amount set by the third setting means.

  Preferably, the field area has two types, a dynamic field area having a movable position range and a size changeable amount, and a static field area having no movable position range and a size changeable amount.

Preferably, the first setting means adjusts the movable position range and the size changeable amount of the object as the adjustment permission setting value;
Designation means for individually designating whether or not adjustment by the adjustment means is possible with respect to the movable position range and the size changeable amount.

  Preferably, the adjustment method further includes selection means for selecting at least two types of adjustment modes: an adjustment permission mode for allowing adjustment of an object on the document and an adjustment prohibition mode for prohibiting adjustment. .

Preferably, the object adjustment means for adjusting the object on the document set by the second setting means,
Printing means for printing the document.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes distribution means for distributing the document set by the second setting means to an external apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that lays out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
A layout step of inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
A first setting step for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout step is allowed;
A conversion step of converting the layout result of the layout step into a document of a specified document format;
And a second setting step of setting an object on the document as an interactive object that allows adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value based on the selected adjustment method.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A program for causing a computer to execute control for laying out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
A layout step of inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
A first setting step for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout step is allowed;
A conversion step of converting the layout result of the layout step into a document of a specified document format;
Based on the selected adjustment method, the computer is caused to execute a second setting step of setting an object on the document as an interactive object that allows adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus capable of causing a user to perform layout adjustment of an object once laid out based on a document template while satisfying the intention / intent of the template editor, a control method therefor, and a program are provided. Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration>
First, the hardware configuration of the information processing system of this embodiment and the host computer that is a component thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer (corresponding to the information processing apparatus of the present invention) that is a component of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Various computers (for example, the database server 117, the file server 115, and the print server 109) other than the host computer in FIG. 1A also have a hardware configuration that is equivalent to the hardware configuration of FIG. 1B, for example.

  1A, in an information processing system 100, a host computer 101, a database server 117, a file server 115, and a print server 109 are connected to each other via a network 107.

  The database server 117 includes a database 119. The print server 109 is connected to a printer 113, and can appropriately output print data received via the network 107 to the printer 113 and print the print data.

  The information processing system 100 in FIG. 1A particularly shows a configuration example of a variable print system that prints a variable data document. The variable print processing described in the present embodiment is realized by the host computer 101 (configured by a general-purpose computer module) that functions as a layout editing apparatus.

  The layout editing application 121 that can be implemented on the variable print system 100 is executed entirely or in part on the host computer 101. In particular, processing relating to layout editing and processing relating to printing of variable data documents are realized by software executed by the host computer 101.

  Software such as the layout editing application 121 and computer programs are stored in a computer readable medium, loaded from the computer readable medium into the memory 136 of the host computer 101, and executed. A computer readable medium storing such software or computer program is a computer program product. For example, by using the computer program product in the host computer 101, an apparatus suitable for variable data document layout editing and variable printing is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, a keyboard 132 and a mouse 133 as a pointing device are connected to the host computer 101 via an I / O (input / output) interface 143 as input devices. A display device 144 as an output device is connected via a video interface 137. Furthermore, it is possible to connect the print server 109 via the I / O interface 138.

  The I / O interface 138 also has a function of connecting the host computer 101 to the network 107. Accordingly, the host computer 101 can be connected to another computer apparatus (external device) in the variable print system 100 via the network 107. Typical examples of the network 107 include a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the host computer 101 includes at least one processor 135, for example, a memory 136 that is a semiconductor memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). . The storage device 139 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 140 and a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive (FDD) 141 that can exchange data with a computer-readable medium that stores various data such as programs.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1B, various storage devices such as a magnetic tape drive and a memory card can also be used as the storage device 139. The CD-ROM drive 142 is provided as a nonvolatile data source (of course, a computer program may be provided by a CD-ROM).

  The host computer 101 communicates with various components 135 to 134 of the host computer 101 via the interconnection bus 134. This communication is realized, for example, in accordance with an operating system such as GNU / LINUX or Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), or typically in accordance with the operating system. Alternatively, this communication is realized by a method according to the conventional operation mode of a computer system formed with what is known in the relevant art. That is, the above-described various components 135 to 143 are communicably connected via the interconnection bus 134 and are used by an operating system installed in the host computer 101.

  As an example of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1B, an IBM compatible PC (personal computer), a SUN Sparcstation, or a computer system including them can be considered.

  In the present embodiment, the layout editing application 121 is resident in the hard disk drive 140, and execution and reading by the processor 135 are controlled. Data fetched from the intermediate storage device of the layout editing application 121 and the network 107 uses the memory 136 in response to the hard disk drive 140.

  In one example, the encoded program of the layout editing application 121 is stored on a CD-ROM or floppy (registered trademark) disk. Then, it is read through the corresponding CD-ROM drive 142 and floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 141 and installed in the hard disk drive 140.

  Alternatively, as another example, the layout editing application 121 may be read into the host computer 101 from the network 107 and installed in the hard disk drive 140.

  Furthermore, various software including the layout editing application 121 may be loaded into the host computer 101 from a magnetic tape, ROM, integrated circuit, or magneto-optical disk. Alternatively, it may be loaded into the host computer 101 from wireless communication such as infrared rays between the host computer 101 and other devices. Alternatively, it may be loaded into the host computer 101 from a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and other suitable computers including the Internet or intranet with recorded information on e-mail communications or WEB sites. These are examples of computer readable media and it will be appreciated that other computer readable media may be used.

  In FIG. 1A, a layout editing application 121 causes the host computer 101 to implement variable printing (also referred to as variable data printing (VDP)). The layout editing application 121 includes two software components, that is, a layout engine 105 and a user interface 103.

  The layout engine 105 reads one record at a time from the variable data stored in the database 119 in units of records in accordance with the size and position restrictions given to the container (rectangular range) that is the field area (partial area). A software component that calculates a layout such as a size and a position of a container into which the read variable data is flowed from the read variable data and the restriction of the container.

  In the present embodiment, the layout engine 105 also performs processing for drawing variable data assigned to a container and generating an image of a variable data document. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the layout engine 105 operates as an application for determining the size and position of each partial area (container) and outputs drawing information to a printer driver (not shown). Thus, the printer driver may perform image drawing processing of the variable data document and generate print data.

  The user interface 103 allows the user to set a container layout and attributes, and allows the user to create a document template (also referred to as template information). The user interface 103 also provides a mechanism for associating each container in the document template with a data source (variable data (content) on the database 119). The user interface 103 and the layout engine 105 communicate via a communication channel 123.

  A data source for generating a variable data document generally includes a typical database 119 on a database server 117 composed of another computer running a database application.

  The host computer 101 communicates with the database server 117 via the network 107. The layout editing application 121 generates a document template stored in the host computer 101 or, in general, a file server 115 constituted by another computer.

  Further, the layout editing application 121 generates a variable data document composed of a document template merged with the variable data. These variable data documents are stored in the local file system of the host computer 101 or the file server 115 or printed directly on the printer 113 via the print server 109.

  Here, the print server 109 is a computer that provides a network function to the printer 113 that is not directly connected to the network 107. The print server 109 and the printer 113 are connected via a typical communication channel 111 (for example, USB, IEEE 1394, wireless LAN, etc.).

  Next, another configuration example of the variable print system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1C.

  FIG. 1C is a diagram showing another configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 1C shows an example in which an engine server 227 is added on the network 107 and a layout engine 225 is configured on the engine server 227. That is, the layout engine 105 in the host computer 101 is realized in the engine server 227. In the case of this configuration, the processing load on the host computer 101 can be reduced.

  The engine server 227 is a typical computer like other servers. Also, the document template stored in the file server 115 can be combined with data stored in the database 119 for generating a document by the layout engine 225 for printing or other purposes. Such an operation is requested via the user interface 103 or only certain records are required to be printed.

<Outline of layout editing application>
First, an outline of variable data printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the outline of variable data printing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121, a plurality of containers 181 to 183 are arranged on the page in accordance with an operation instruction from the user. Then, a document template 180 is generated by giving a constraint condition regarding position and size to each container.

  In addition, the user interface 103 associates the document template 180 with the data source 190 (for example, the database 119), and further associates each container with each data field in the data source 190. Association information indicating the association between each container and each data field in the data source 190 is described in the document template 180, and the document template 180 is stored in the HDD 140. The data source 190 is a file in which item data is described in units of records, and is stored in the HDD 140.

  The layout engine 105 reads from the data source 190 the data associated with the association information in each of the containers 181 to 182 of the document template 180 in accordance with a print instruction or preview instruction from the user. Next, the read data is flowed in units of records (for example, the data fields A to C of the data record 1 are flown into the containers 181 to 183), and the size and the like of each container are adjusted according to the flowed data (layout adjustment) )

  In the case of a preview instruction, a document image whose layout has been adjusted is generated and output to be displayed as a preview on the screen of the display device 144. In the case of a print instruction, a document image generated using the layout engine 105 or the printer driver is output to the print server 109 as print data. By sequentially processing the data records 1, 2, 3,..., Variable data printing is realized.

<Description of layout editing application>
Hereinafter, the layout editing application 121 will be described.

  First, an example of a user interface realized by the user interface 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Main window]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the user interface 103 causes the display device 144 to display the user interface formed by the application window 301 during operation. The application window 301 includes a menu bar 302, a tool bar 303, a work area 306, and an optional palette 311.

  The menu bar 302 and the tool bar 303 can be hidden or moved to various places on the screen. The work area 306 can be moved by operating the mouse 133. The palette 311 is an option, and display / non-display can be controlled according to the purpose. Further, the cursor / pointer 313 displays the designated position of the mouse 133.

  Menu bar 302 has a number of menu items 304 that extend below the hierarchy of menu options, as is known in the art.

  The toolbar 303 has many tool buttons and widgets (parts) 305 that can be hidden or displayed depending on a special mode of the application.

  Ruler 308 is optional and is used to indicate the position of a pointer, page, line, margin guide, container or object within work area 306.

  The palette 311 is used to access additional functions such as a variable data library. The palette 311 has a window control 312 for moving, resizing, and closing. The palette 311 can be displayed in front of the work area 306 or hidden behind the object. Further, the display of the palette 311 can be limited only within the range of the application window 301, or a part or the whole of the palette 311 can be displayed outside the application window 301.

  On the tool bar 303, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of types of “buttons” 403 to 406 that can be selected by the user are arranged.

  (1) Selection tool button 403: Used for selecting, moving, resizing, resizing, and locking / unlocking a container edge. The container is selected by dragging a selection box around the container. Further, a plurality of containers can be selected by performing a selection operation on the plurality of containers while pressing the CTRL key on the keyboard 132.

  (2) Text container tool button 404: used to create a container having static or variable text.

  (3) Image container tool button 405: used to create a container having a static or variable image.

  (4) Link tool button 406: used to create a link for associating containers, and also used to control the distance of the link.

  These buttons are mounted as icon tool tips that change according to the operation status, as is well known in the art.

  The application window 301 can determine a basic layout by laying out containers and links in a page. The basic layout is a basic layout for variable data printing. If each container in the basic layout is a fixed container, the layout of the print results of all records is the same.

  In addition, when each container in the basic layout is a dynamic container described later, the size and position of each container vary within the constraints described later depending on the amount and size of data read in record units. .

  Therefore, the document template created by the layout editing application 121 only determines the basic layout. Therefore, when a dynamic container is included, the layout of the final printed matter is adjusted according to the read data.

  On the other hand, a container whose size and position are fixed with respect to this dynamic container is called a static container.

[Document Template]
In FIG. 3, a work area 306 is used to display / edit the design of a document template (180: basic layout). This allows the user to be presented with an overview of the document to be printed in the process of designing the document template. Thus, the user can easily understand how the document merged with the data source (190) changes based on the amount and size of the variable data.

  When the data source is associated with the document template, the corresponding variable text or image is displayed in each laid out container so that the current document can be previewed.

  Visual cues (container borders, anchors, sliders, links, etc.) describing the document structure and containers in the document template are always displayed when the document template is created. Further, at the time of previewing the variable data, visual cues are displayed when the cursor is moved over the container or when a container is selected.

  The work area 306 includes a scroll bar 307, an optional ruler 308, and a document template 309. The document template 309 can indicate that there are a plurality of pages. The document template 309 corresponds to the document template 180 in FIG.

  The page size of a given document template is specified by the user using well-known techniques. For example, a dialog for setting the page size is displayed by selecting “Page setting” from the “File” menu, and the page size specified by the user is reflected there.

  The actual number of pages in each document can vary depending on the variable data in the associated data source. This is a case where a field whose size is changed according to the amount of variable data, such as a dynamic table, is set in the document template. That is, in this case, when variable data that cannot fit variable data in one page is read, an additional page is automatically created.

  The border 310 shown in each page is an arbitrary page margin that indicates the maximum width of a printable object on the page.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of objects that can be displayed on the document template 309 of one page.

  Examples of such objects include containers 407 and 408, an anchor icon 409 to be arbitrarily applied, fixed sides 411 and 414, non-fixed sides 410, links 412, and a slider 413.

  The anchor icon 409 can be set at a corner of the container rectangle, a side, or the center of the container. When the anchor icon 409 is set, the position of the set location is fixed. That is, in the example of FIG. 4, the anchor icon 409 is set at the upper left corner of the container 407. Therefore, the container 407 indicates that the variable data can be expanded in the right direction and the downward direction when the variable data has a large image size or text amount.

  On the other hand, when the anchor icon 409 is set to a side, the side is fixed and can be enlarged in each of the other three sides. When the anchor icon 409 is set at the center of the container, the center position of the container is fixed and can be expanded in four directions so that the center position of the container rectangle does not change.

  Although details regarding the link 412 will be described later, this indicates that the container 407 and the container 408 are associated with each other, and the container 408 is maintained while maintaining the length (range can be specified) set in the link 412. Indicates that it can move rightward. The slider 413 indicates that it can move in the horizontal direction with respect to the set side.

[container]
Next, a description will be given of a container that is a field area for inserting data of a plurality of types of data fields included in each record in the database.

  A container is a field area (called a partial area) in which fixed or variable text / images (data of a plurality of types of data fields) are poured from a variable data file into a document template. This container is laid out together with other containers and objects as shown in FIG. The container is moved, adjusted in size, and recreated by operating the mouse 133 in accordance with an operation instruction from the user via the user interface 103.

  More precisely, a container has a collection of settings, a visual representation, and interaction and editing operations. Hereinafter, the definition of the container in this embodiment is shown.

  (1) A container has fixed or variable content. Variable content (variable data) can be said to be dynamic in the sense that data acquired from a data source may vary from document to document, that is, from record to record. However, the variable content of the present embodiment is not intended here because it is animated or content that changes with time in another way is not suitable for printing.

  Similarly, fixed content is displayed in the same way in all documents generated using the container. However, when the variable content and the link are set, the position of the fixed content may be different in each document due to the influence of the variable content.

  (2) The container has a decoration function similar to the text setting such as the background color, border, font style applied to the content. Such a setting is called a container attribute. The container attribute can be set for each container, but it is also possible to set the same container attribute as a certain container.

  (3) The container is merged with data from the data source when generating the document. The decoration function is visible in the printed output, as is any fixed content. Variable content provides an indication of specific data from a data source. This representation of the container can be printed or displayed on the screen of the display device 144, for example.

  (4) The container has a user interface as a visual clue as shown in FIG. For example, it has an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) for container editing and display settings. The GUI component is displayed on the screen of the display device 144 but is not printed as a document. The user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 displays some of the container decoration functions such as the background color and font, and further has a function for enabling editing and display of container settings.

  An example of a special purpose of the user interface function is a corner icon for interactively changing and displaying the size or position of a border or container. Alternatively, when a container is merged with data from a data source, there are overprinted numbers, lines, icons, and text to indicate the container's operation.

[Container constraints]
Containers have restrictions on controlling how the content displayed in each document is linked. These constraints (including linking fixed / variable content with containers) are the primary way for users to control the generation of multiple documents from a single document template.

  One example of a constraint is “the content height of this container is a maximum of 4 inches”. Another example of the constraint is “the left side of the container contents must be displayed at the same horizontal position in each document”. The contents described here are various methods for displaying and editing such constraints using a GUI.

  Content placeholders that specify the placement of fixed content so that the image has a defined location on the page are well known in digital printing technology. A container has a position and a size, and they are edited and displayed by a method known in a known technique. Therefore, the following description focuses on display / editing in a method specialized for variable data printing.

  By using the container, the user can specify the size (drawing size) and position of the content in the document. Since many types of documents are generated from a single document template, many possibilities and restrictions are set in the container, and a predetermined user interface is used for setting (designating) and displaying these. .

  An edge of one container defines a virtual border where the associated content is displayed in the document. Thus, discussing the left side of the container is the same as discussing the leftmost side in the area where the associated content is displayable in each document.

  Similarly, discussing container height is understood as discussing content height constraints associated with the generated document. In the present specification, this distinction will be clarified when discussing the side or size of the container with reference to the user interface 103.

  In the following description, the term “fixed” that defines a value used to limit the display of content is the same for all documents.

  (1) When the width of the container is fixed, the width assigned to the associated content is the same for all documents.

  (2) If the height of the container is fixed, the height assigned to the associated content is the same for all documents.

  (3) When the distance (link length) is fixed, the specified distance becomes a constraint in all documents.

  (4) When the left and right sides of the container are fixed, it means that the horizontal position of the side regarding the page is the same in all documents. However, the height or vertical position of the container may change. For example, when the left side of the container is fixed, the display position of the associated content is the same horizontal position in all documents. However, some documents may be displayed at the top of the page and others may be displayed at the bottom of the page.

  (5) When the upper and lower sides of the container are fixed, it means that the vertical position of the side on the page is the same for all documents. However, the width or horizontal position of the container may change depending on the document.

  (6) The vertical axis of the container is a virtual vertical line that is parallel to the right side and the left side of the container and located between them. If the vertical axis of the container is fixed, the average of horizontal positions of the left and right sides of the container (that is, the center position of the left and right) is the same for all documents. Under this constraint, the width of the container can change. However, the vertical axis is the same horizontal position in all documents, with the left and right sides being the furthest to the most on the vertical axis. Note that the height and vertical position of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (7) Similarly, if the horizontal axis is fixed, the average of the upper and lower sides of the container is placed at the same vertical position. However, the width and horizontal position of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (8) When both the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are fixed, it means that the center position of the container is fixed. However, the width and height of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (9) When the corner position of the container, the intermediate position of the container side, or the center position of the container is fixed, the respective positions are the same in all documents. For example, if the upper left corner of the container is fixed, it means that the upper left position of the arranged container is the same for all documents.

  (10) The vertical side or the vertical axis can be fixed in association with the left or right side of the page, the left page margin or the right page margin, or another horizontal position. Similarly, the horizontal side or horizontal axis can be fixed in association with the top or bottom side of the page, the top and bottom page margins, or other vertical positions.

  The opposite of “Fixed” is “Variable” which means that the sides, axes, corners, intermediate positions of the container, or document constraints may change between documents (between records). For example, in a page, it is expected that the layout is dynamically changed according to the size and amount of variable data. On the other hand, for a specific container, it may be desired to fix the size and position, or to fix the four corners of the container at the corner of the page.

  For this reason, the layout editing application 121 can appropriately set whether to fix or change the sides, axes, corners, intermediate positions, and the like for each container (partial region). Thereby, when determining the basic layout of the document template 180, the user can create the basic layout as desired by the user.

[Container display / edit]
-How to create a new container-
Containers are described in two types: text containers and image containers. A text container has text and an embedded image. An image container has only images.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for a new text container or image container, the text container tool 404 or the image container tool 405 is clicked with the mouse 133 and a rectangle is dragged onto the document template 309. Thus, the document template 309 is created.

  Alternatively, the container may be created by simply clicking on the document template 309 after activating the desired text container tool 404 or image container tool 405. In this case, a default size container is inserted on the template in response to a click operation of the mouse 133, and a dialog box or other prompt for setting the dimensions of the new container is provided.

  It should be noted that the container size may be automatically defined in advance, or various methods such as creation / arrangement based on a calculated schema are conceivable. Here, by selecting the generated container with an input device such as a mouse and performing an operation such as specifying a property by right-clicking, the container property dialog is displayed, and the constraints of the container can be set.

[Container display method]
FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate display rules relating to the sides of the container.

  The layout editing application 121 represents a side using a solid line 503 (item) or a dotted line 504 in order to express the state of the side of the container. In addition, anchors 506, 507, and 509 (lines, shapes, and icons drawn near the sides of the container) are used. Furthermore, a handle 502 (control points drawn on or near the side of the area for movement and correction), a slider 413 (short parallel lines drawn on both sides of the side, see FIG. 4), an enlargement / reduction icon 505, a color Use.

  The rules for the container display method shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D are as follows.

  (1) Draw with solid lines to fix each side.

  (2) When the width is fixed, the left and right sides are drawn with solid lines.

  (3) When the height is fixed, the upper and lower sides are drawn with solid lines.

  (4) The axes are not drawn.

  (5) An enlargement / reduction icon is drawn near each side not drawn by (1) to (3), and these sides are drawn by dotted lines.

  (6) For each pair of vertical side and horizontal side, or vertical axis and horizontal axis, if both are fixed, an anchor is drawn at the intersection.

  (7) For each fixed side, if no anchor is drawn anywhere on the side, a slider is drawn at the center of the side.

  (8) If anchors and sliders are not drawn on each pair of vertical and horizontal sides or vertical and horizontal axes, a handle is drawn at the intersection of them.

  The lines defined by the rules (1), (2), and (3) are drawn as solid lines because they are fixed or restricted as described above. As in rule (5), the variable side is drawn with a dotted line. Fixed points defined in rules (6), (7), (8) display anchors, some fixed edges display sliders, others display handles.

  The above rules are given priority over constraints set later by the user. That is, when another constraint is set later, if the above rule affects the side to be drawn, the drawn content of a solid line or a dotted line is changed. For example, if the container is very small and the icons overlap each other or obscure other display functions, the icons may be drawn differently or omitted.

  The location where the variable side is drawn depends on the content of the container. As will be described later, “dynamic proofing” is used, which means that content is merged into a document template and made visible on the user interface. Alternative implementations can be used in the content area of a container that is averaged over all documents, or in other means of determining where variable edges should be laid out in the user interface.

  These content representations provide a graphic function that displays the state of each side of the container. The interpretation of the expression is as follows.

  (1) Like the side 410 in FIG. 4, the dotted line means that the position of the side in the document changes depending on the contents of the container.

  (2) Sides that are limited because the side 414 of the solid line is fixed or the width and height of the container are fixed (in the container 408, four sides are solid lines and both are fixed) It means that.

  (3) An anchor means that a place where sides and axes intersect is fixed. Therefore, the anchor point appears at the horizontal and vertical positions of all documents. The anchor is naturally fixed. The icon 409 in FIG. 4 is an example of an anchor icon that means that the position where the sides 414 intersect is fixed.

  (4) The slider means that the associated side has a fixed length, but may move in parallel. For example, in FIG. 4, the slider 413 may be displayed to the left or right where the contents of the container 408 are at a position represented by a particular diagram in the document.

  For example, when the image size or text amount of data that is flowed into the container 407 associated with the container 408 (linked) is small, the size of the container 407 is small. Therefore, the container 408 is displayed by being laid out by sliding (parallel movement) in the left direction. On the other hand, when the size of the container 407 increases, the container 408 is laid out by sliding in the right direction.

  Some or all of these icons / edges may or may not be drawn depending on which tool, which container is selected, highlighted or activated. In general, the sides and icons of a container are not drawn on a printed matter because they help to design a document template.

  As described above, the basic pattern settings of the basic value, minimum value, and maximum value of the width / height of the container are displayed in a secondary dialog window.

  In FIG. 5A, the width and height of the container 501 are not fixed (variable). The fixed side 503 is represented by a solid line, and the variable side 504 is represented by a dotted line. The enlargement / reduction icon 505 indicates that the adjacent side 504 is variable. Other forms of indicators may be used instead or additionally.

  In FIG. 5B, the container 501 is variable in both width and height. An anchor icon 506 has been added to explicitly indicate that the corner positions of both intersecting sides 503 are fixed.

  In FIG. 5C, the container 501 shows a state in which both the width and height of the container are variable, and the container 501 spreads evenly around the center point as indicated by an arbitrary anchor icon 507. That is, the container 501 can be enlarged or reduced around the anchor icon 507. In this enlargement / reduction, the layout is adjusted so that the position of the anchor icon 507 always becomes the center point of the container 501.

  In FIG. 5D, the upper side 508 of the container 501 is fixed, but both the width and the height are variable. An anchor icon 509 positioned and shown at the center of the upper side 508 is fixed. The left and right sides (502) of the container 501 are enlarged / reduced around the vertical central axis (vertical axis) through the anchor icon 509.

[Link]
The link indicates the relationship between containers. The association indicates a distance between containers, and containers associated by a link execute dynamic layout calculation under the influence of mutual layout changes. For example, as described above, the link 412 in FIG. 4 associates the container 407 and the container 408 with each other. A link setting method and a dynamic layout calculation method for containers associated with the link will be described later.

[Link setting method]
Next, setting of a link for associating containers will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing link setting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transition example of the user interface at the time of link setting according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a method for setting a link in a container will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  First, in step S601, the layout editing application 121 displays the selected document template to be edited on the work area 306 of the user interface. In order to set a link, containers (at least two) for setting a link need to be created on the document template. FIGS. 7A to 7C show transition examples of user interfaces when two containers are created and links are set in step S601.

  Next, in step S602, the layout editing application 121 selects the link tool (by clicking the button 406 in FIG. 4, the selected state is selected).

  In FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the containers 701 and 702 are all composed of fixed sides. 703 and 704 are the same as 409 in FIG. 4 and mean anchors. Reference numeral 705 denotes a mouse pointer.

  Now, while the link tool is in the selected state, the user clicks and selects one of the two containers for setting the link (referred to as container 701). In response to this operation, the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 recognizes that the first container has been selected (step S603), and holds information for specifying the selected container.

  Further, the locus corresponding to the subsequent movement of the mouse cursor is displayed on the screen. For example, a line segment 706 in FIG. 7B indicates a line connecting the click position in the state of FIG. 7A and the current position of the mouse pointer 705, and a link is set at which position by this UI. Can be shown to the user.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the user moves the mouse pointer 705 to the other container (container 702) and clicks it. In response to this operation, the user interface 103 recognizes that the second container has been selected (step S604), and holds information for specifying the selected container.

  The layout editing application 121 sets a link between the first container selected in step S603 and the second container selected in step S604.

  Thus, when a link is set between the two containers 701 and 702 selected by the user, the link 707 is displayed (step S605). Further, in response to this link setting, the display state of the container becomes the state shown in FIG. 7C (step S606).

  In other words, the container UI is automatically changed by setting the link. Here, the side associated by the link is variable and shows a state indicated by a dotted line. That is, in FIG. 7C, reference numeral 708 denotes a side indicated by a dotted line, which indicates a variable side as described above.

  Note that the change in the state of the container side as shown in FIG. 7C is automatically executed when it is necessary to make the container side variable by setting the link. This is intended to prevent the occurrence of a contradiction that all sides are fixed despite the link being set. 709 is the same as 505 in FIG. 5 and is a mark that visually indicates to the user the direction in which the container can be changed by setting a link. Further, in the example of FIG. 7C, the right side of the left container and the left side of the right container have changed to a variable state, but this is an example. For example, the setting of the right container having the slider 413 of FIG. It does not matter if it changes.

<Dynamic layout calculation processing by layout engine>
[Dynamic layout calculation method (overall flow)]
The layout editing application 121 of this embodiment has at least two modes. One mode is a layout mode in which containers are created using the user interface 103, and a layout is created by associating (linking) the containers. The other mode is a preview mode in which the layout engine 105 inserts each record of the data source into the created layout and previews the layout result after the record is actually inserted.

  In this preview mode, the actual record is inserted and the layout is calculated. However, the preview mode is a dynamic layout calculation on the display. Even in the actual printing, the layout engine 105 calculates the layout by inserting data into each container, and the calculation method at that time is the same as the preview mode.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing dynamic layout calculation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the preview mode is selected (step S801). In the preview mode, the layout editing application 121 causes the user to select a record to be previewed from the data source, and inserts each field data of the selected record into each container (step S802).

  When field data is inserted into each container, the layout editing application 121 performs layout calculation for laying out the record, and performs layout adjustment as necessary (step S803). Details of the layout calculation in step S803 will be described later.

  Then, the layout editing application 121 displays (previews) the layout calculated in step S803 (step S804). The layout editing application 121 determines whether or not to preview other records based on a user instruction (step S805). If it is not necessary to preview another record in step S805 (NO in step S805), the preview mode is terminated (step S807).

  On the other hand, when previewing another record (YES in step S805), the layout editing application 121 selects another record, performs layout calculation again, and performs preview (step S806).

  Note that when printing is performed instead of the preview mode, the layout is calculated in order for all records to be printed. Therefore, step S804 does not exist, and step S805 determines whether all records to be printed have been processed. In step S803, the layout calculation result is rendered and output, and is generated as print data using a printer driver. The print data is output to the printer. In this case, this process is terminated when the output of the print data is completed for all the records (all the records designated to be printed).

[Dynamic layout calculation method (details)]
Next, details of the dynamic layout calculation in step S803 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the dynamic layout calculation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining only the dynamic layout calculation process, and corresponds to the dynamic layout calculation process at the time of printing / previewing one record of variable data printing. In the case of multiple records, the following processing is repeated.

  First, the layout editing application 121 sets a set of containers for calculating a layout (step S901). In the layout calculation, the associated containers are calculated as one set.

  For example, referring to FIG. 10, four containers are laid out on the page, and an association is set for each container. In this case, container A and container B, and container C and container D are associated by a link.

  Therefore, containers A and B are set 1, and containers C and D are set 2. That is, the container group connected by the link is specified as one set. As described above, 1101 is an anchor, 1102 is a fixed side, 1103 is a controller, 1104 is an arrow indicating a change direction of a variable side, 1105 is a variable side, 1106 is a link, and 1107 is a slider. Show.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 selects one for calculating the layout from the set of containers set in step S901 (step S902). Then, the layout of the selected set of containers is calculated.

  First, for the two containers A and B that are variable elements included in the set of selected containers, the size when each container is not subject to any restrictions is calculated from the image size or text amount of the data to be inserted.

  Specifically, the layout editing application 121 determines whether the container A is an image data container or a text container. This determination can be made based on the attribute set for the container as described above.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 reads data to be poured into the container A. When the container A is an image data container, the size of the image data (the width, the number of pixels, and the resolution) is the size when the container A is not restricted.

  When the container A is a text container, the amount of data to be poured into the container A can be calculated based on the number of characters of the text data and the character attribute specified by the container attribute of the container A. Examples of the character attributes include a font type, a font size, a character pitch, and a line pitch.

  Here, in the case of a text container, since the aspect ratio of the container A cannot be determined without considering the constraint, the constraint is applied. In the example of FIG. 10, since the container A has anchors set at the upper left and lower left corners, the height (vertical direction) is fixed. Therefore, the layout editing application 121 determines whether or not characters of the calculated data amount (text amount) can be poured into the container A having the width (horizontal direction) set as the basic pattern of the container A.

  If it is determined that all characters can be poured, the size of the container A set in the basic pattern (width and height) is not changed. If it is determined that all the characters cannot be poured, the container A is fixed in height due to the anchor setting, and thus extends in the horizontal direction. Here, the layout editing application 121 calculates the size of the container A by calculating how much the width of the container A can be filled with characters of the calculated data amount.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 optimizes the layout so that the size of the container to be laid out is as small as possible with the actual content size (step S903).

  Layout optimization is such that the difference between the size of the inserted content and the size of the layout is the same as much as possible in the associated containers so that the size can be changed dynamically. Done.

  The layout editing application 121 calculates the size of the set of containers calculated in step S902, that is, the total size of the container A, the container B, and the link 1106 (here, a fixed link). Then, the difference between the total size and the size of the set of the containers in the basic layout (corresponding to the distance between the anchor icons of the containers A and B in the example of FIG. 10) is calculated. When the width of the container A or the container B is increased, a difference value is generated when the calculation is performed in the previous step. The layout editing application 121 adjusts the layout by equally distributing the difference value to each element of the set of containers.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 optimizes the layout and determines whether the layout violates the rule (step S904). If the rule is not violated (YES in step S904), the process proceeds to step S905. On the other hand, if the rule is violated (NO in step S904), the process returns to step S903 to perform calculation so as not to violate the rule again.

  Here, the rule is a restriction set by the user at the time of creating the layout, such as a variable range or position of the container size, and a restriction on a change in the link length in the case of a variable link. Once the layout is calculated so that it does not violate the rules, the set layout is completed.

  Then, the processes in steps S902 to S904 are performed on all the sets on the page, and the layout editing application 121 determines whether or not the calculation of the layout of the entire page has been completed (step S905). If the calculation has not ended (NO in step S905), the process returns to step S902. On the other hand, if the calculation has ended (YES in step S905), the process ends.

  Next, an example UI at the time of the above-described dynamic layout calculation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in the dynamic layout calculation process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 11A shows a state in which a certain record is inserted and a layout is determined. 1001 and 1002 are anchors, 1003 and 1004 are fixed sides, 1005 is a variable side, 1006 is an arrow indicating the change direction of the variable side, and 1008 is a link. In this state, the record is changed and contents of different sizes are inserted.

  FIG. 11B shows the new content size superimposed on the state of FIG. Reference numeral 1009 denotes the size of content inserted in each container. Then, dynamic layout calculation is performed.

  FIG. 11C shows the result of the dynamic layout calculation. The size of each container after calculation is calculated so that there is a difference equivalent to the size of the content that is actually inserted, and is calculated so as not to violate the rules described above. As shown in FIG. 11C, the inserted content size 1009 shown in FIG. 11B and the calculated content size (010) have the same difference in both.

[Variable link settings]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface for setting a variable link according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In FIG. 12, an application window 301 and a toolbar 303 are configured as in FIG. In the state of FIG. 12, a container 1203 and a container 1204 exist on the document template 309. Each container includes an anchor icon 1201, an anchor icon 1202, a fixed side 1205, and a side 1206.

  A variable-size link 1209 is provided between the containers 1203 and 1204 and connects the container 1203 and the container 1204. Since a link 1209 is set between the container 1203 and the container 1204, the right side 1207 and the left side 1208 are expressed by dotted lines. For this reason, an indicator 1210 and an indicator 1211 are displayed in each container, indicating that the sides 1207 and 1208 are variable, respectively.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface that implements the link setting function according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Here, an example of a dialog window 1401 for setting the information (link property) of the link 1209 is shown. The dialog window 1401 includes a title bar 1402, a tool button 1403, a button 1404 for opening / closing the dialog window 1401, and an area 1409 for setting various information.

  In this dialog window 1401, a link type field 1405 composed of radio buttons that can selectively select whether the link type is a variable length (1407) link or a fixed length (1406) link is configured. ing.

  When the link type is variable, a link distance field 1408 including a minimum value field 1410 (minimum distance), a maximum value field 1412 (maximum distance), and a reference value field (distance) is configured. .

  The dialog window 1401 in FIG. 13 is displayed, for example, when a link is set between two containers by the link setting operation described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, and then this link is selected by an operation such as clicking. Is done. Alternatively, immediately after setting a link, a dialog window 1401 regarding the link may be automatically displayed. Here, the reference value 1411 of the distance between containers is the length of a link used when the size of each container is not changed when data is inserted.

  Next, a variable link setting method will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing variable link setting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, when a link is set between two containers by the link setting operation described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 between the container A and the container B in FIG. 10, first, a fixed-size link is set. Then, by selecting this link and executing the processing shown in FIG. 14, the link can be changed from the fixed-size link 1106 (FIG. 10) to the variable-size link 1209 (FIG. 12). it can.

  First, a desired link (for example, link 1106 in FIG. 10) is selected with the mouse 133 (step S1302). Next, a predetermined operation for displaying the link property is performed. As a result, the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 displays a dialog window 1401 (FIG. 13) corresponding to the selected link (hereinafter referred to as the target link) (step S1303).

  The link selection operation may be any operation such as a right click of the mouse 133 or an operation of a specific key of the keyboard 132 as in the case of setting the basic pattern of the container.

  The displayed dialog window 1401 shows the current state of the selected link. In this example, since the link 1106 is selected, the link size is fixed at this stage, and in the link type field 1405, the distance 1406 indicating the fixed length is selected.

  In this dialog window 1401, in order to change the link from a fixed size to a variable size, a variable length button 1407 is selected in the link type field 1405 in order to set the link size to be variable (step S1304).

  As a result, the maximum distance field 1412, the minimum distance field 1410, and the reference value field 1411 arranged in the link distance field 1408 are validated, and numerical values can be set. In order to set the variable size of the link, the user sets the maximum value of the length of the link in the maximum distance field 1412, the minimum value in the minimum distance field 1410, and the current value in the reference value field 1411 (step). S1305).

  When the setting is completed, the user instructs application of the setting using a general dialog window open / close button 1404. When detecting this instruction, the user interface 103 reflects the setting state on the target link. As a result, the UI display of the link is changed to a state as indicated by the link 1209 in FIG. 12 (step S1306).

  The setting information of the above dialog window 1401 is stored in the memory 136, for example.

  Next, an example of the layout result will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a layout result when a fixed-size link according to the embodiment of the present invention is used. Note that data for displaying a layout result in which content is poured into the container based on the attribute of the container is stored in a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk.

  The layout calculation method is performed as described above. For example, consider a case in which image data of different sizes are inserted into the container 1203 and the container 1204 in FIG. In this case, each container regards the data size as optimum, and the container 1203 tries to change the size in the right direction so as to approach the frame 1504 (optimum container size) that becomes the inserted image size. Similarly, the container 1204 tries to change the size in the left direction so as to approach the frame 1505 (optimum container size) that becomes the inserted image size.

  However, the container 1203 and the container 1204 cannot move the left side 1212 and the right side 1213 by the anchor 1201 and the anchor 1202, respectively. Therefore, when the size is changed as described above, the interval between the two sides must be narrowed. However, since a fixed-size link 1503 is set between the containers 1203 and 1204 and the length is maintained during layout calculation, the sizes of the containers 1203 and 1204 are changed.

  As a result, the container 1203 and the container 1204 cannot secure the optimum size according to the aspect ratio of the data, and finally, as shown in FIG. 15, from the optimum size (frame 1504, frame 1505). Will also get smaller. That is, since the size of the link 1503 is fixed, the container 1203 and the container 1204 cannot achieve the optimum size (in FIG. 15, the range indicated by the one-point difference line in each container is the aspect ratio of the data).

  On the other hand, FIG. 16 shows a case where the link is made variable in the same state as FIG.

  In this case, in the above example, a variable-size link 1603 is set between the container 1203 and the container 1204 as illustrated. Therefore, when the sizes of the container 1203 and the container 1204 are changed, the size of the container 1203 and the container 1204 can be made larger than the example of FIG. 15 by reducing the link size.

  As a result, it is possible to achieve an optimum size according to the data size to be inserted, or to set a container frame closer to the insertion data size (optimum size). FIG. 16 shows this result, and the variable link 1209 in FIG. 12 is in a size state as shown by the variable link 1603 as a result of the layout calculation. In this case, each of the container 1203 and the container 1204 has an optimum size (a size suitable for the data size).

[Container settings]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface that implements the container setting function according to the embodiment of this invention. Note that data for displaying a layout result in which content is poured into the container based on the attribute of the container is stored in a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk.

  Here, an example of a dialog window 1701 for setting information (container properties) of the containers 1203 and 1204 is shown. The dialog window 1701 is typically displayed by selecting a container to be processed using the keyboard 132 or the mouse 133 and selecting a right-click menu of the mouse 133 or an Alt key from the keyboard.

  In this embodiment, only whether or not the side of the container is variable and the settings associated therewith are displayed in the dialog window 1701.

  The dialog window 1701 typically includes a title bar 1702, a tool button 1703, a button 1704 for opening / closing the dialog window 1701, and an area 1751 for setting various information.

  In this dialog window 1701, in the edge status group box 1711, selection options (container edge variable setting buttons (up / down / left / right) 1712 to 1715 for changing the edge state of the container and setting the container itself variably) are displayed. ) When any one of the selection options 1712 to 1715 is turned ON, the operation in the container size group box 1721 is enabled (Enable).

  In this example, in the side status group box 1711, only the right side (Right) selection option 1714 is checked as variable (Flexible). Therefore, the size of this container can be changed only in the horizontal direction (actually in the right direction). In this case, in the container size group box 1721, operations of the container width minimum size setting box 1724 and the container width maximum size setting box 1726, which are items of the width size, are enabled (Enable). On the other hand, the operations of the container height minimum size setting box 1728 and the container height maximum size setting box 1730 which are items of the height size remain disabled (Disable).

  That is, the operations of the container width minimum size setting box 1724 and the container width maximum size setting box 1726 are enabled (Enable) according to the check state of the right side selection option 1714 and the left side selection option 1715.

  Further, according to the check state of the upper side selection option 1712 and the left side selection option 1713, the operations of the container height minimum size setting box 1728 and the container width maximum size setting box 1730 which are height size items are enabled (Enable). )

  A graphic 1722 is a bitmap image for visually assisting designation of the width size of the container, and a graphic 1723 is visually assisting designation of the height size of the container. In the container width minimum size setting box 1724 (Min. Size), the minimum size of the container width is set. For example, in the example of 1921 in FIG. 20 to be described later, the value 15 is set in the container width minimum size setting box 1724 (Min. Size). In the container width maximum size setting box 1726 (Max. Size), the maximum size of the container width is set. Currently, the value 50 is set here.

  Similarly, the container height minimum size setting box 1728 is set to the minimum size of the container height, and the container height maximum size setting box 1730 is set to the maximum size of the container height. In the list box 1727 and the list box 1731, a unit of container size is set. Here, mm is displayed as an example, but other units such as inch and pixel are also conceivable.

  Next, a container property setting method will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing container property setting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, a desired container is selected with the mouse 133 (step S1802). Next, a predetermined operation for displaying the container property is performed. As a result, the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 displays a dialog window 1701 corresponding to the selected container (hereinafter referred to as the target container) (step S1803).

  Based on the operation on the dialog window 1701, it is determined for each side item whether the container side is variably set (step S1804). If not variably set (NO in step S1804), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is set to be variable (YES in step S1804), the setting box for the maximum size / minimum size of the container (at least one of 1724, 1726, 1728, and 1730) is set to Enable based on the setting state. (Step S1805).

  When the user setting via the dialog window 1701 is completed, the user instructs the application of the setting using a general dialog window open / close button 1704. Upon detecting this instruction, the user interface 103 applies the setting state to the target container (step S1807).

  The setting information of the above dialog window 1701 is stored in the memory 136, for example.

[Content adjustment permission value setting process]
Next, content adjustment permission value setting processing by the layout editing application 121 will be described. This process and a specific example will be described below.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing content adjustment permission value setting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the layout editing application 121 determines whether or not the dynamic setting of an object (container or link) on the document template has been changed (step S2601). If not changed (NO in step S2601), the process waits until it is changed. On the other hand, if it has been changed (YES in step S2601), the process proceeds to step S2602.

  A specific example of the dynamic setting change will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 shows an editing screen of the layout editing application 121. An image container 1921, a text container 1922, and a fixed link 1923, which are variable objects, exist in the document template 1909.

  In FIG. 20, it is possible to change the maximum width and the minimum height of the image container 1921 and change the settings of the sides of the text container 1922 by the user operation of the dialog window 1701 (FIG. 17). It is. Further, the maximum distance and the minimum distance of the link 1923 can be changed by a user operation on the dialog window 1401 (FIG. 13). When such a change is made, it is determined that the dynamic setting of the object (image container 1921, text container 1922, fixed link 1923) on the document template 1909 has been changed.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 calculates the movable position range and maximum / minimum size amount (size changeable amount) of the container using the layout engine 105 (step S2602).

  Here, the layout editing application 121 uses the layout engine 105 to calculate the movable position range and the maximum / minimum size amounts of each container of the dynamic container group configured by objects that are dynamic layout elements. Here, objects that are dynamic layout elements include an image container 1921, a text container 1922, a fixed link 1923, and the like.

  The layout engine 105 calculates the movable position range and the maximum / minimum size amounts of the image container 1921 of the dynamic container group from, for example, the following variable factors.

1) The horizontal (left / right) direction and vertical (up / down) direction variable setting of the container set by the container side variable setting buttons 1712 to 1715 of the dialog window 1701 of the image container 1921;
2) Maximum size of the variable width in the horizontal direction of the container set by the container width maximum size setting box 1726,
3) Maximum size of variable width in the vertical direction of the container set by the container height maximum size setting box 1730,
4) Calculation is based on variable factors by other text containers 1922 due to the link setting of the fixed link 1923 set in the image container 1921.

That is, the layout engine 105 determines the maximum movable position range of the container (dynamic object),
■ “Container maximum size setting” factor ■ Calculated from two movable factors, “Movement by other linked containers” factor. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the coordinate system that defines the position of the container on the document template has the left corner of the document template as the origin (0, 0), and the horizontal direction from the origin to the right is the X axis and is directed downward. An XY coordinate system is adopted in which the vertical direction is the Y axis.

  FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing the movable position range of the image container 1921 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2021 denotes a movable position range ((10, 0)-(60, 35)) of the image container 1921.

  The layout engine 105 also determines the maximum size amount of the image container 1921 (the maximum movable size of the container width and height). This is determined from the maximum size of the variable width in the horizontal direction of the container set by the container width maximum size setting box 1726 of the dialog window 1701. Further, it is determined from the maximum size of the variable width in the vertical direction of the container set by the container height maximum size setting box 1730. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing the maximum size amount of the image container 1921 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2121 denotes the maximum size amount (width = 50, height = 35) of the image container 1921.

  Further, the layout engine 105 determines the minimum size amount of the image container 1921 (movable minimum size of the container width and height). This is determined from the minimum size of the variable width in the horizontal direction of the container set by the container width minimum size setting box 1724 of the dialog window 1701. Further, it is determined from the minimum size of the variable width in the vertical direction of the container set by the container height minimum size setting box 1728. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing the minimum size amount of the image container 1921 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2221 denotes the minimum size (width = 15, height = 10) of the image container 1921.

  Similarly, the layout engine 105 calculates the movable position range of the text container 1922 of the dynamic container group. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing the movable position range of the text container 1922 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2321 denotes a movable position range ((30, 0)-(120, 40)) of the text container 1922.

  Further, the layout engine 105 similarly determines the maximum size amount of the text container 1922 of the dynamic container group. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram showing the maximum size amount of the text container 1922 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2421 denotes the maximum size amount (width = 50, height = 40) of the text container 1922.

  Further, the layout engine 105 similarly determines the minimum size amount of the text container 1922 of the dynamic container group. An example of the calculation result at this time is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing the minimum size amount of the text container 1922 calculated by the layout engine 105. Reference numeral 2521 denotes the minimum size amount (width = 20, height = 15) of the text container 1922.

  Then, the layout editing application 121 holds the above calculation result in the memory 136 as a container content adjustment permission value (step S2603).

  Here, the layout editing application 121 holds the calculation result of the movable position range and the maximum / minimum size amount of the container by the layout engine 105 in the memory 136 as the content adjustment permission value of the image container 1921, and ends the processing. This content adjustment permission value is within a range that allows a third party to adjust the content.

  Next, a calculation example of the movable position range of the container by the layout engine 105 will be specifically described.

  In the coordinate system (X, Y) on the page, the upper left vertex in the rectangle of the page margin 310 of the document template 1909 is the origin, the right direction is the positive direction of the x axis, and the lower direction is the positive direction of the y axis. Yes.

  The upper left vertex position of the reference rectangle which is the initial value of the image container 1921 is (10, 15), and the lower right vertex position is (40, 35). Further, the upper left vertex position of the reference rectangle which is the initial value of the text container 1922 is (50, 10), and the lower right vertex position is (75, 40). The size of the link 1923 which is a link in the horizontal (left and right) direction is 5.

  The “movable position range: (10, 0) − (60, 35)” that is the movable position range of the image container 1921 shown in FIG. 21 is calculated by the layout engine 105 as follows.

  Here, regarding the horizontal (left and right) direction of the image container 1921, the horizontal (left and right) direction is variably set by the container edge variable setting buttons 1714 and 1715 of the property setting dialog 1701. Here, the left edge of the image container 1921 is set to be fixed and the right edge is set to be variable. Also, the minimum value of the variable width in the horizontal direction of the image container 1921 is set to 15 by the container width minimum value setting box 1724. Further, the maximum value of the variable width in the horizontal direction of the image container 1921 is set to 50 by the container width maximum value setting box 1726.

  With these settings, the image container 1921 is variable in the right direction in the horizontal direction, and the amount of change in the width is 15-50. For this reason, the layout engine 105 fixes the X position of the upper left vertex of the rectangle of the image container 1921 and determines X = 10. Similarly, the X position of the lower right vertex of the image container 1921 is variable, the minimum value of the X position = fixed upper left vertex position X + the minimum value of variable width = 10 + 15 = 25, the maximum value of the X position = fixed upper left vertex position. X + maximum value of variable width = 10 + 50 = 60 is determined.

  Further, regarding the vertical (up / down) direction of the image container 1921, the vertical (up / down) direction is variably set by the container edge variable setting buttons 1712 and 1713 of the property setting dialog 1701. Here, the lower edge of the image container 1921 is fixed and the upper edge is variably set. Further, the minimum value of the variable height in the vertical direction of the image container 1921 is set to 10 by the container height minimum value setting box 1728. Further, the maximum value of the variable height in the vertical direction of the image container 1921 is set to 35 by the container height maximum value setting box 1730.

  With these settings, the image container 1921 is variable upward in the vertical direction, and the amount of change in height is 10 to 35. For this reason, the layout engine 105 fixes the Y position of the lower right vertex of the image container 1921 and determines Y = 35. Similarly, the Y position of the upper left vertex of the rectangle of the image container 1921 is variable, the minimum value of the Y position = fixed lower right vertex position Y−the maximum value of the variable width = 35−35 = 0, the maximum value of the Y position = Fixed lower right vertex position Y-minimum variable width = 35-10 = 25.

  Further, the horizontal (left / right) direction of the text container 1922 is variably set by the container edge variable setting buttons 1714 and 1715 of the property setting dialog 1701. Here, the left edge of the text container 1922 is set to be variable, and the right edge is set to be variable. Further, the minimum value of the horizontal variable width of the text container 1922 is set to 20 by the container width minimum value setting box 1724. Further, the maximum value of the horizontal variable width of the container is set to 55 by the container width maximum value setting box 1726.

  With these settings, the text container 1922 is variable in the right direction in the horizontal direction, and the amount of change in the width is 20 to 55. Therefore, the layout engine 105 makes the X position of the upper left vertex of the rectangle of the text container 1922 variable. In this case, minimum value of X position = (minimum value of X position of right edge of image container 1921) + link length = (10 + 15) + 5 = 30, maximum value of X position = (X position of right edge of image container 1921) ) + Link length = (10 + 50) + 5 = 65.

  Similarly, the X position of the lower right vertex of the text container is made variable. In this case, minimum value of X position = (minimum value of X position of right edge of image container 1921) + link length + minimum value of variable width = (10 + 15) + 5 + 20 = 50. Further, the maximum value of the X position = (the maximum value of the X position of the right edge of the image container 1921) + the link length + the maximum value of the variable width = (10 + 50) + 5 + 55 = 120.

  Further, regarding the vertical (up / down) direction of the text container 1922, the vertical (up / down) direction is variably set by the container edge variable setting buttons 1712 and 1713 of the property setting dialog 1701. Here, the lower edge of the text container 1922 is fixed and the upper edge is variably set. Further, the minimum value of the variable height in the vertical direction of the text container 1922 is set to 15 by the container height minimum value setting box 1728. Further, the maximum value of the variable height in the vertical direction of the text container 1922 is set to 40 by the container height maximum value setting box 1730.

  With these settings, the text container 1922 is variable upward in the vertical direction, and the amount of change in height is 15-40. Therefore, the layout engine 105 fixes the Y position of the lower right vertex of the text container 1922 and determines Y = 40. Similarly, the Y position of the upper left vertex of the rectangle of the text container 1922 is variable, the minimum value of the Y position = fixed lower right vertex position Y−the maximum value of the variable width = 40−40 = 0, the maximum value of the Y position = Fixed lower right vertex position Y-minimum variable width = 40-15 = 25.

  The reference rectangle, which is the initial value of the image container 1921 and the text container 1922, is a container rectangle created by [New Container Creation Method] or a container rectangle resized by the user's mouse operation after creation. It is what you point to.

[Content adjustment permission value setting function]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for realizing the content adjustment permission range setting function of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, an example of a dialog window 2701 for setting information on contents in the image container 1921 and the text container 1922 is shown. The dialog window 2701 is typically displayed by selecting a container to be processed using the keyboard 132 or the mouse 133 and selecting the right-click menu of the mouse 133 or using the Alt key from the keyboard.

  The dialog window 2701 typically includes a title bar 2702, a tool button 2703, a button 2704 for opening / closing the dialog window 2710, and an area 2751 for setting various information.

  In the “content movement permission area” group box 2711 of the dialog window 2701, it is possible to specify coordinates related to the content movement permission area. Here, in the text boxes 2712 and 2713, it is possible to specify the upper left coordinate (X, Y) of the rectangular range of the content movement permission area. In the text boxes 2714 and 2715, the lower right coordinates (X, Y) of the rectangular range of the content movement permission area can be designated.

  The content movement permission area may be limited so that it can be specified within the range of the movable position of the container calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting process of FIG.

  In the figure, the movable position range of this content is currently set to be within a rectangular area of upper left coordinates (10, 0) and lower right coordinates (60, 40).

  The initial values of these text boxes 2712 to 2715 include the value of the movable position range of the container among the content adjustment permission values held in the memory 136 by step S2603 of the content adjustment permission value setting process in FIG. Is set.

  In the “content size change permission range” group box 2731 of the dialog window 2701, it is possible to specify a size related to the content size change. Here, in the “minimum size” text box 2732, it is possible to specify the minimum size of the width when the content size is changed. In the “maximum size” text box 2733, it is possible to specify the maximum size of the width when changing the size of the content.

  Note that the content size change permission range may be limited so that it can be specified within the range of the container size changeable amount calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting processing of FIG.

  Also, in the “minimum size” text box 2734, it is possible to specify the minimum size of the height when changing the size of the content. Furthermore, in the “maximum size” text box 2735, it is possible to specify the maximum size of the height when the size of the content is changed.

  In list box 2736 and list box 2737, a unit of container size is set. Here, mm is displayed as an example, but other units such as inch and pixel are also conceivable.

  In the figure, the size change permission range of this content is currently set to a minimum width of 15 mm, a maximum width of 50 mm, a minimum height of 10 mm, and a maximum height of 35 mm.

  The initial values of these text boxes 2732 to 2735 include the maximum and minimum size amounts of the container among the content adjustment permission values held in the memory 136 in step S2603 of the content adjustment permission value setting process in FIG. The value of is set.

  In the “maintain aspect ratio” check box 2738, it is set whether to allow only the size change while maintaining the aspect ratio of the content when the size of the content is changed. In the figure, there is currently no check, and no resize is set while maintaining the aspect ratio. The initial value of this check box 2738 is not checked.

  In the “content movement permission” check box 2741, permission / non-permission of content movement is set. In the figure, a check is currently entered and permission for content movement is set.

  The initial value of this check box 2741 is checked for a dynamic container, and permission for content movement is set. On the other hand, in the case of a static container, no check is made, and content transfer non-permission is set as an initial value.

  In the case of a static container, the upper left coordinates (X, Y) and the lower right coordinates (X, Y) of the rectangle of the static container are set as initial values of the text boxes 2712 to 2715, respectively. Here, whether the container is a dynamic container or a static container is determined based on the edge status setting state set in the dialog window 1701 of FIG.

  In the “content size change permission” check box 2751, permission / non-permission of content size change is set. In the figure, a check is currently entered, and permission to change the content size is set.

  The initial value of this check box 2751 is checked if it is a dynamic container, and permission to change the content size is set. On the other hand, if it is a static container, no check is made, and the disapproval of content size change is set as an initial value.

  In the case of a static container, the initial value of the text boxes 2732 to 2735 has the same value for both the maximum size and the minimum size, and the width and height values of the static container are set.

  The template editor can adjust the movable position range and the maximum / minimum size values of the container calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting process of FIG. It is.

[Content adjustment permission selection function]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface that implements the content adjustment permission selection function according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Here, an example of a dialog window 2811 for setting whether or not content adjustment is possible is shown. In this dialog window 2811, “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812, “Do not allow content adjustment” 2813, and “Adjust content freely” 2814 are configured as three option buttons (radio buttons). The user can specify a content adjustment method by selecting any one of these buttons and pressing an OK button 2815.

  Here, in this content adjustment method, the user who browses the document whose layout has been calculated is allowed / prohibited to interactively set (adjust) the movable position range and the size changeable amount of the content on the document. You can choose. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is roughly possible to select at least two types of adjustment modes (adjustment allowable mode (adjustment within the content adjustment allowable value range, freedom of adjustment) and adjustment prohibition mode) in relation to content adjustment. it can.

  The adjustment permission mode is a mode in which settings corresponding to “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812 and “Adjust content freely” 2814 are executed. Here, “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812 can be regarded as a conditional adjustment restriction mode, and “Adjust content freely” 2814 can be regarded as an adjustment free mode. On the other hand, the adjustment prohibition mode is a mode in which a setting corresponding to “content adjustment is not permitted” 2813 is executed.

  Note that the content adjustment method in the dialog window 2811 is applied to the entire content inserted in a container included in one document template, but is not limited thereto. That is, for each container, an individual content adjustment method may be applied to the content inserted into the container.

[Document format conversion processing]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing document format conversion processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  29 is a process for converting the layout result into the document format by the layout editing application 121. Specifically, it is a process of converting data displaying the layout result into which the content is inserted based on the attribute of the container shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 into a document for allowing the user to edit. The container attributes are the edge status in FIG. 17 and the maximum and minimum sizes of the container.

  The presence / absence of an output instruction to the document is determined (step S2901). This output instruction is issued from the layout preview screen shown in FIGS. Further, the output instruction may be issued from an application in a state where data resulting from the flow of content into the container is stored in a memory or the like and is not previewed.

  If there is no output instruction in step S2901 (NO in step S2901), the process waits until there is an output instruction. On the other hand, if there is an output instruction (YES in step S2901), the flow advances to step S2902.

  Here, the presence / absence of an output instruction is realized based on, for example, an operation on the menu bar 3101 shown in FIG.

  The menu bar 3101 shown in FIG. 30 is realized as a part of the menu bar 302 in FIG. 3, for example. The menu list constituting the menu bar 3101 has a plurality of items, and a menu item 3102 “output to document” is prepared therein. The menu list has a general two-layer structure, and a menu item 3104 “SVG format” is prepared in the menu list (submenu) 3103 in the second layer. Further, the menu list 3103 also includes other menu items such as “PDF” format and “PDF + SVG” format.

  The template editor uses the mouse pointer 3105 to select the menu item “output to document” 3102 from the menu bar 3101. Further, a menu item (SVG format) 3104 is selected from the menu list 3103 as a document format to be output. As a result, the layout editing application 121 is instructed to output to an SVG (http://www.w3.org/TR/SVG/) document.

  When such an operation is performed, the layout editing application 121 determines that there is an instruction to output the document.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the document format specified by the output instruction is interactive (step S2902). If interactive (YES in step S2902), the process advances to step S2903.

  Here, the interactivity refers to making various objects on a document operable by an event generated by a user operation via an operation screen for displaying the document, for example. In other words, the adjustment of the object after the layout calculation is allowed. As an interactive document format, in this embodiment, a document format (http://www.w3.org/TR/SVG/interact.html) described in the SVG language will be described as an example.

  The layout editing application 121 displays a content adjustment permission selection setting dialog window 2811 shown in FIG. 28 (step S2903). In the dialog window 2811, the template editor can select one of the content adjustment methods “Apply content adjustment permission value”, “Do not allow content adjustment”, or “Adjust content freely”. It is.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the “OK” button 2815 is pressed by the template editor in the dialog window 2811 and the selection of the content adjustment method in the dialog window 2811 is confirmed (step S2904). If not confirmed (NO in step S2904), the process waits until it is confirmed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed (YES in step S2904), the flow advances to step S2905.

  For example, the layout editing application 121 starts a process of converting the layout-calculated data shown in FIG. 31 into the document format specified in step S2901 (step S2905).

  Here, FIG. 31 shows an example of data whose layout has been calculated.

  FIG. 31 is a preview screen of the layout editing application 121 when the content of variable data is poured into the document template 1909 of FIG. 20 and the dynamic layout is performed by the dynamic layout calculation processing of FIG.

  In the preview display area 3009, the content 3021 is a result of data being poured into the image container 1921 of FIG. Further, the content 3022 is a result of data being poured into the text container 1922 of FIG. 20 and laid out together with the image container 1921.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the item whose selection is confirmed in step S2904 is “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812 (step S2906). In the case of “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812 (YES in step S2906), in accordance with the content adjustment permission value, the interactive property is set (not set) to each content by the interactive property setting process of FIG. Step S2907).

  The interactivity of each content is calculated according to the content adjustment permission value setting process in FIG. 19 and set according to the content adjustment permission value held in the memory 136. Here, the content adjustment permission value is the value of the movable position range and the maximum / minimum size amount of the container set by the dialog window of FIG. After completion of the interactive setting, the conversion to the document format is terminated (step S2908).

  On the other hand, if the item whose selection is confirmed in step S2906 is not “Apply content adjustment permission value” 2812 (NO in step S2906), it is determined whether it is “Adjust content freely” 2814 ( Step S2909). If “adjust content freely” 2814 (YES in step S2909), moveable and resizeable interactivity is set for all content (step S2910).

  The interactivity of each content here means that the range that can be moved and the amount that can be resized are unlimited when all the content is converted into a document format. After completion of the interactive setting, the conversion to the document format is terminated (step S2908).

  On the other hand, if the selected item is not “Adjust content freely” 2814 in step S2909 (NO in step S2902), conversion to the normal document format is performed (step S2912). That is, when “content adjustment is not permitted” 2813, conversion to the normal document format is performed without setting the interactivity to the content. Thereafter, the conversion to the document format is terminated (step S2908).

  On the other hand, if the specified document format is not interactive in step S2902 (NO in step S2902), the layout editing application 121 performs conversion to a normal document format (step S2912). Then, the conversion to the document format is completed (step S2908).

  An example of an output result by the above document format conversion process is shown in FIG.

[Interactivity setting processing]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing interactivity setting processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  By this processing, interactive setting for each content is realized. In particular, this processing realizes setting (/ non-setting) of interactivity using SVG interactive for each content in step S2907 of the document format conversion processing of FIG.

  The operation will be described below.

  First, in the dialog window 2701 of FIG. 27, it is determined whether or not the “content movement permission” check box 2741 is checked (step S3301). If not checked (NO in step S3301), the process advances to step S3303.

  For example, it is assumed that the container corresponding to the content to be converted is the image container 1921 in FIG. 20 for the content 3021 in FIG. Here, the image container 1921 is a dynamic container. For this dynamic container, the template editor can check the “content movement permission” check box 2741 using the dialog window 2701 in FIG.

  If the “content movement permission” check box 2741 is checked in step S3301 (YES in step S3301), a Java (registered trademark) Script function for interactively moving the position of the content is generated. For the Java (registered trademark) Script function, see http://wp.netscape.com/eng/Java (registered trademark) script /. Here, the content adjustment permission value calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting process of FIG. 19 and held in the memory 136 is set in the Java (registered trademark) Script function (step S3302). Specifically, the movable position range of the container indicated by the content adjustment permission value is set in the Java (registered trademark) Script function as the value of the movable region of the content.

  Similarly, in the dialog window 2701, it is determined whether or not the “content size change permission” check box 2751 regarding the size change is checked (step S3303). If not checked (NO in step S3303), the process advances to step S3305.

  On the other hand, if it is checked (YES in step S3303), a Java (registered trademark) Script function for interactively resizing the content is generated. Here, the content adjustment permission value calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting process of FIG. 19 and held in the memory 136 is set in the Java (registered trademark) Script function (step S3304). Specifically, the maximum / minimum size amount of the container indicated by the content adjustment permission value is set in the Java (registered trademark) Script function as a value capable of changing the size of the content.

  Next, the content is converted to an SVG object as an “image” element in the SVG format and embedded in the output SVG data (step S3305).

  In addition, a Java (registered trademark) script function for interactively moving the position and a Java (registered trademark) script function for interactively changing the size are embedded in the output SVG data (step S3306).

  Then, by making these Java (registered trademark) Script functions correspond to the event of the corresponding SVG object, the SVG interactive is set to the SVG object (step S3307).

  Even in the case of a static container, the interactive property setting process is performed in the same manner as in the dynamic container except that there is no value of the movable position range of the container calculated in the content adjustment permission value setting process in FIG. Based on this, an interactive setting is performed.

  Further, the layout editing application 121 applies interactivity setting processing to all contents in the document, and sets interactivity for each content.

  The SVG object event includes a mouse event, a key event, and a timer event for each content that is an SVG object on the document template whose layout has been calculated.

[Document Delivery Web System]
Next, a configuration when the above configuration is applied to a Web server client system will be described.

  FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of a Web system that arranges document templates created by the layout editing application 121 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  34, reference numeral 3401 denotes a Web server, which transmits an HTML form 3502 described later to Web clients 3402a to 3402d. Next, automatic layout and document generation are performed using the HTML form 3502 in accordance with the document template, content, and document format specified by the user of the Web clients 3402a to 3402d. Then, the generated document is distributed to the Web clients 3402a to 3402d.

  Reference numerals 3402a to 3402d denote Web clients. The user accesses the Web server 3401 using this Web client, writes predetermined information in the HTML form 3502 transmitted from the Web server 3401, and transmits a request to the Web server 3401.

  In the following description, the Web client 3402 may be used as a general term for the Web clients 3402a to 3402d. In this case, the Web client 3402 means one or a plurality of Web clients.

  Both the Web server 3401 and the Web clients 3402a to 3402d have the same configuration as the computer 101 in FIG. 1B. Here, the Web server 3401 corresponds to the engine server 227 of FIG. 1C and executes a layout generation application 3404 including the layout engine 225 excluding the layout editing function from the layout editing application 121.

  Reference numeral 3405 denotes a document template created by the layout editing application 121. The Web server 3401 selects a document template to be used for automatic layout and document generation in response to a request from the Web client 3402.

  3406 corresponds to the database 119 of FIG. In response to a request from the Web client 3402, the Web server 3401 acquires content data used for automatic layout and document generation from the record of the database 3406.

  3403 is a data storage area of the Web server 3401 corresponding to the storage device 139 of FIG. 1B, and stores data such as a layout generation application 3404, a document template 3405, a database 3406, and the like.

[HTML form]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a Web browser screen for displaying the HTML form according to the embodiment of this invention.

  As described above, the HTML form 3502 is distributed to the Web client 3402 by the Web server 3401. The user of the Web client 3402 uses the HTML form 3502 to make a document distribution request to the Web server 3401.

  In FIG. 35, reference numeral 3501 denotes a Web browser, which is a program that runs on each Web client 3402.

  Reference numeral 3502 denotes an HTML form displayed by the web browser 3501 and includes HTML parts 3503 to 3506.

  Reference numeral 3503 denotes a “template” group including HTML parts of a plurality of radio buttons for selecting a template. In the figure, three radio buttons of “Simple”, “Regular”, and “Outstanding” are included. The user can select any one of these using an input device such as a mouse. Currently, “Simple” is selected.

  Reference numeral 3504 denotes a “content” group including HTML parts of a plurality of check boxes for selecting contents. In the figure, six check boxes of “digital camera”, “analog camera”, “MFP”, “printer”, “accessory”, and “consumable” are included. The user can select a plurality of these using an input device such as a mouse. Currently, only “digital camera” is selected.

  Reference numeral 3505 denotes an “output type” group including an HTML part of a plurality of radio buttons for selecting an output type. In the figure, two radio buttons of “PDF format document” and “Adjustable document (SVG)” are included. The user can select any one of these using an input device such as a mouse. Currently, “Adjustable Document (SVG)” is selected.

  Reference numeral 3506 denotes an HTML part of a submit button for transmitting the contents of the form.

  The user of the Web client 3402 can use the HTML form 3502 to specify a document template, content, and document format as parameters of a document to be distributed.

[Document delivery processing in Web system]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing document distribution processing in the Web system according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The user of the Web client 3402 accesses a predetermined URL address of the Web server 3401 using the Web browser 3501 (step S3601).

  The Web server 3401 transmits the designated HTML form 3502 to the Web client 3402 (step S3602).

  The Web client 3402 receives the HTML form 3502 from the Web server 3401 and displays it on the Web browser 3501 (step S3603).

  On the HTML form 3502, the user of the Web browser 3501 designates a document template from the “template” group, a content from the “content” group, and a document format from the “output type” group. As a result, the parameter of the document to be distributed is selected from the Web server 3401.

  Next, the Web client 3402 determines whether or not parameter selection has been completed (step S3604). If parameter selection has not been completed (NO in step S3604), the process waits until completion. On the other hand, if completed (YES in step S3604), it is determined whether or not the user of the web browser 3501 has pressed the submit button 3506 (step S3605).

  If the submit button 3506 is not pressed (NO in step S3605), the process waits until it is pressed. On the other hand, if pressed (YES in step S3605), the web browser 3501 transmits a document delivery request to the web server 3401 together with the parameters specified on the HTML form 3502 (step S3606).

  The Web server 3401 determines whether a document distribution request transmitted from the Web browser 3501 of the Web client 3402 is received together with parameters (step S3607). If not received (NO in step S3607), the process waits until it is received. On the other hand, if it is received (YES in step S3607), the document template data is acquired from the file server 115 or the like according to the parameter contents. Further, content data is acquired from the record data in the database 3406 (step S3608).

  The Web server 3401 specifies the document format of “output type” in the acquired document template data, content data, and parameters in the document distribution request. Then, it instructs the layout generation application 3404 to generate a document (step S3609).

  Based on the instruction from the Web server 3401, the layout generation application 3404 inserts the designated content into the designated document template and executes dynamic layout (step S3610).

  Next, the interactivity setting for each content is executed in accordance with the document format of “output type” (step S3611). At the same time, output (document format conversion) to the designated document format is executed (step S3612).

  The Web server 3401 transmits the document (for example, FIG. 32) generated by the layout generation application 3404 to the Web client 3402 that made the document distribution request (step S3613). The web browser 3501 displays document data, which is a response from the web server 3401, on the web browser 3501 (step S3614). An example of the display at this time is as shown in FIG.

[Content adjustment permission selection setting file (server)]
In the document distribution process in the Web system of FIG. 36, the interactivity setting in step S3611 by the layout generation application 3404 is substantially the same as the interactivity setting process of FIG. Further, the document format conversion in step S3612 by the layout generation application 3404 is substantially the same as the document format conversion process in FIG.

  However, unlike the layout editing application 121, the layout generation application 3404 does not have a user interface function. Therefore, unlike the layout editing application 121, there is no function for displaying the dialog window 2811 for content adjustment permission selection setting shown in FIG.

  Instead, the layout generation application 3404 has a function of setting content adjustment permission selection in a setting file 3801 as shown in FIG. The setting file 3801 is held in the storage device 139 of the Web server 3401, and the setting is changed by a server administrator or the like.

  In FIG. 38, reference numeral 3802 denotes a setting entry for selecting content adjustment permission. In the setting entry 3802, the same setting as that in the dialog window 2811 for setting the content adjustment permission selection is possible. That is, in the setting entry 3802, “content adjustment permission value is applied” (value “LIMITED”), “content adjustment is not permitted” (value “NO”), “content is freely adjusted” (value “UNLIMITED”) The value of can be set.

  The layout generation application 3404 refers to the setting entry 3802 when performing the interactive setting in step S3611, and executes the process of step S3612 corresponding to the document format conversion process of FIG. 29 based on the setting value.

[Adjusting content and printing documents on the client]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing document content (object) adjustment and printing processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  This processing is executed by an operation on the document displayed on the Web browser 3701 (FIG. 37) of the Web client 3402 by the document distribution processing in the Web system of FIG.

  In describing this process, a document (for example, an SVG document) displayed on the Web browser 3501 shown in FIG. 37 will be described.

  In FIG. 37, reference numeral 3701 denotes a Web browser. Reference numeral 3702 denotes a display screen of a program (SVG document display program) that can interpret, display, and print an SVG document plugged into the Web browser 3701. In this example, the screen displayed by the SVG document display program 3702 is embedded in the display area of the Web browser 3701.

  Reference numeral 3703 denotes an SVG document displayed by the SVG document display program 3702. Reference numeral 3704 denotes a tool button for user operation provided by the SVG document display program 3702, and is effective when an object for which the interactive setting is made is included in the SVG document.

  Reference numeral 3705 denotes a document printing tool button provided by the SVG document display program 3702, and prints the displayed SVG document using WYSIWYG ("What You See is What You Get"). Reference numeral 3706 denotes a mouse pointer.

  In FIG. 39, the Web browser 3701 of the Web client 3402 determines whether or not the data of the SVG document distributed from the Web server 3401 is displayed according to the document distribution processing in the Web system of FIG. If not displayed (NO in step S3901), the process waits until it is displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is displayed (YES in step S3901), it is determined whether or not there is an operation start instruction for the SVG object (SVG interactive object) for which the interactiveness setting has been made. If there is no operation start instruction (NO in step S3901), the process waits until there is an operation start instruction.

  Here, an operation example for the SVG document 3703 shown in FIG. 37 will be described. This document is generated by the layout generation application 3404 of the Web server 3401 when the value of the content adjustment permission selection setting entry 3802 in FIG. 38 is “Apply content adjustment permission value” (value “LIMITED”). Suppose that

  Then, the user of the Web browser 3501 clicks the tool button 3704 for user operation using the mouse pointer 3706. As a result, an operation start instruction for enabling the operation of the SVG interactive object on the SVG document 3703 is issued to the SVG document display program 3702 (YES in step S3902).

  The SVG document display program 3702 enables an operation on the SVG interactive object on the SVG document 3703 to be displayed within the range set for each object (step S3903).

  This range is the content adjustment permission range described in the document format conversion process in FIG. 29 and the interactiveness setting process in FIG. In particular, here, the SVG document 3702 is set by the layout generation application 3404 of the Web server 3401 based on the “apply content adjustment permission value” setting of the setting file 3801.

  The user of the Web browser 3501 performs a position change operation and a size change operation on the SVG interactive object by using the mouse pointer that is used for the object operation handle by the tool button 3704. At this time, the layout can be adjusted by freely performing within the limit range set for each SVG interactive object.

  Here, an example of layout adjustment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 40 shows an example of the resizing operation of the SVG interactive object as the layout adjusting operation.

  In FIG. 40, reference numeral 4006 denotes a mouse pointer for an object operation handle. Reference numeral 4007 denotes an SVG interactive object. Reference numeral 4008 denotes an SVG interactive object whose size has been changed by a resize operation of the SVG interactive object 4007.

  Reference numeral 4009 denotes an object operation handle, which is displayed at the four corners of the SVG interactive object 4008 being resized. Reference numeral 4010 denotes a guide indicating the resize limit range of the SVG interactive object 4007.

  When the user of the Web browser 3701 clicks the tool button 3704 for user operation again after executing the layout adjustment, the mouse pointer is returned from the mouse pointer 4006 for object operation handle to the original mouse pointer 3706 (FIG. 37). .

  Now, the SVG document display program 3702 monitors this layout adjustment operation and determines whether or not the layout adjustment is completed (step S3904). If the layout adjustment has not ended (NO in step S3904), the process waits until it ends.

  Note that the end of layout adjustment is determined based on, for example, the state of the mouse pointer obtained by clicking the tool button 3704 for user operation. For example, it is determined that the state of the mouse pointer 3706 is before or after layout adjustment, and the state of the mouse pointer 4006 is determined to be during layout adjustment.

  Therefore, when the layout adjustment is completed in step S3904 (YES in step S3904), it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction (step S3805). If there is no print instruction (NO in step S3905), the process waits until there is a print instruction. On the other hand, if there is a print instruction (YES in step S3905), the SVG document 3703 is output to the printer.

  Whether or not there is a print instruction is determined based on whether or not the tool button 3705 is operated. That is, when the tool button 3705 is operated, a print instruction is issued to the SVG document display program 3702.

  As described above, the user can execute the adjustment operation of the SVG interactive object on the SVG document within a preset range.

  In the above description, the SVG document display program 3702 is provided separately from the Web browser 3701. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the Web browser 3701 may be configured to realize a configuration realized by the SVG document display program 3702 (a configuration capable of directly interpreting an SVG document and displaying, interactively supporting, and printing).

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to set the interactivity to the object configured on the document, the example using the SVG format document format and the scripting by Java (registered trademark) Script is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is not a thing. In other words, any configuration may be used as long as interactivity can be set for an object (container and contents (image, text, etc.) inserted in the object) configured on the document.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can operate the layout of the content (object) on the distributed document within the set range. Thereby, the layout adjustment according to each preference can be executed.

  In addition, the template editor and the document distributor can keep the modification of the distributed document by a third party within the predicted range. That is, a change that the template editor side wants to prohibit to a third party can be set so that the template editor side does not permit the change to the third party.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, and an optical disk. Further, as a recording medium, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), etc. is there.

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from a homepage of the connection destination to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the computer executing the read program. Further, based on the instructions of the program, an OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

  Further, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information processing system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the host computer which is one component of the information processing system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another structural example of the information processing system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the variable data printing of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the container in the user interface of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the display rule of the container of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the link of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the user interface at the time of the link setting of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the dynamic layout calculation process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the dynamic layout calculation process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the collection of the containers at the time of the dynamic layout calculation process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface in the dynamic layout calculation process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface for the setting of the variable link of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface which implement | achieves the link setting function of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the variable link of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the layout result at the time of using the link of the fixed size of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the layout result at the time of using the variable size link of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface which implement | achieves the container setting function of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the container property of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content adjustment permission value setting process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the edit screen of the layout edit application of embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the movable position range of the image container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the maximum size amount of the image container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the minimum size amount of the image container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the movable position range of the text container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the maximum size amount of the text container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the minimum size amount of the text container which the layout engine of embodiment of this invention calculated. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface which implement | achieves the content adjustment permission range setting function of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface which implement | achieves the content adjustment permission selection function of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the document format conversion process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the menu bar of the layout edit application of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the preview screen of the layout editing application of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an output result by the document format conversion process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the interactive property setting process of embodiment of this invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a configuration of a Web system that arranges document templates created by a layout editing application 121 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the web browser screen for displaying the HTML form of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the document delivery process in the Web system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the SVG document display screen with the web browser of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting file of the layout production | generation application of embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating document content (object) adjustment and print processing according to the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of resizing operation in the SVG document display program of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 Host Computer 103 User Interface 105, 255 Layout Engine 107 Network 109 Print Server 111 Communication Channel 113 Printer 115 File Server 117 Database Server 119 Database 121 Layout Editing Application 123 Communication Channel 227 Engine Server

Claims (17)

An information processing apparatus for laying out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
Layout means for inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
First setting means for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout means is allowed;
Conversion means for converting a layout result by the layout means into a document of a specified document format;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a second setting unit configured to set an object on the document as an interactive object that permits adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value based on a selected adjustment method. The second setting means sets the movable position range and the size changeable amount indicated by the adjustment permission setting value as a movable position range and a size changeable amount allowed by the adjustment operation of the interactive object. Item 4. The information processing apparatus according to Item 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising third setting means for setting a movable position range and a size changeable amount of the field area. The information according to claim 3, wherein the first setting unit sets the adjustment permission setting value by adjusting the movable position range and the size changeable amount set by the third setting unit. Processing equipment. The field field includes two types: a dynamic field area having a movable position range and a resizeable amount, and a static field area having no movable position range and a resizeable amount. The information processing apparatus described. The first setting means adjusts the movable position range and the size changeable amount of the object as the adjustment permission setting value;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a designation unit that individually designates whether the adjustment by the adjustment unit is possible with respect to the movable position range and the size changeable amount. The adjustment method further includes selection means for selecting at least two types of adjustment modes: an adjustment permission mode that allows adjustment of an object on the document and an adjustment prohibition mode that prohibits adjustment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Object adjusting means for adjusting an object on the document set by the second setting means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing unit that prints the document. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising distribution means for distributing the document set by the second setting means to an external apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus via a network. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that lays out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
A layout step of inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
A first setting step for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout step is allowed;
A conversion step of converting the layout result of the layout step into a document of a specified document format;
And a second setting step of setting an object on the document as an interactive object that permits adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value based on the selected adjustment method. Method. A program for causing a computer to execute control for laying out a field area for inserting data of a selected data field from a record including a plurality of types of data fields in a document,
A layout step of inserting data into the field area laid out on the document and executing layout processing of the field area;
A first setting step for setting an adjustment permission setting value indicating a range in which adjustment of an object on a document obtained by the layout step is allowed;
A conversion step of converting the layout result of the layout step into a document of a specified document format;
A program that causes a computer to execute a second setting step of setting an object on the document as an interactive object that permits adjustment based on the adjustment permission setting value based on a selected adjustment method. Storage means for storing data in which content is laid out based on the attributes of the container;
Setting means for setting a content correction range based on the attribute of the container;
An information processing apparatus comprising: generating means for generating a document whose correction is restricted based on a content correction range set by the setting means. Storage means for storing data in which content is laid out based on the attributes of the container;
Setting means for setting a content movement permission area or a size change permission range based on the attribute of the container;
And a generation unit configured to generate a document whose content movement permission area or size change permission range is limited based on the content movement area or size change range set by the setting unit. apparatus. A document generation method for generating a document from data in which content is laid out based on a container attribute,
A setting step of setting a content correction range based on the attribute of the container;
A document generation method comprising: generating a document whose modification is restricted based on the content modification range set by the setting step. A document generation method for generating a document from data in which content is laid out based on a container attribute,
A setting step for setting a content movement permission area or a size change permission range based on the attribute of the container;
A document generation step for generating a document in which the content movement permission area or the size change permission range is limited based on the content movement area or the size change range set in the setting step. Method. A program for causing a computer to generate a document from data in which content is laid out based on a container attribute,
A setting step of setting a content correction range based on the attribute of the container;
A program causing a computer to execute a generation step of generating a document whose correction is restricted based on a correction range of the content set in the setting step. A program for causing a computer to generate a document from data in which content is laid out based on a container attribute,
A setting step for setting a content movement permission area or a size change permission range based on the attribute of the container;
Generating a document in which the content movement permission area or the size change permission range is limited based on the content movement area or the size change range set in the setting step. Program to do.

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