JP2007164685A - Information processing apparatus, data output control method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire user desired output results in which the number of pages is user desirable one and extra margins do not exist without changing appearance, such as character size or line spacing, with performing appropriate break processing corresponding to a use environment, improving data visibility and maintaining sorting convenience without useless print out. <P>SOLUTION: Limiting conditions (limitations for margins and the number of pages) for output pages to be generated by executing break processing corresponding to data changes in prespecified data items are configured for data that consists of a plurality of data items. If generated output pages satisfy the specified output page limiting conditions, form creation application programs 121 change data items to determine changes of the data and generate output pages applied with break processing corresponding to data changes in data items to determine changes of the changed data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a data output control method capable of controlling a page break when outputting form data or the like.

  Conventionally, when outputting a form or the like, an output form can be obtained by flowing specified data into a predetermined portion (field) of a form file (template) indicating the layout of the output form. A break process (for example, a page break or line feed process, also referred to as a break process) is performed in response to recognizing a data change of a specific item in designated data. This break processing improves data visibility.

  However, since this break process is performed every time the data of a specific item determined in advance is changed, if the user does not recognize the contents of the data to be flowed, an output result unintended by the user may occur. was there.

  As a technique for preventing such output contrary to the user's intention, Patent Document 1 is disclosed in a technical field different from a form.

In Patent Document 1, in order to create a document with a specified number of pages, whether or not parameters can be automatically adjusted, priorities, and adjustment ranges are set in advance. If it is determined that the number of pages of the document data is larger than the number of pages specified by the user, a process for decreasing the parameter value is executed based on the set information, and the number of pages of the document data specified by the user It is described that it fits in a number.
JP-A-10-105548

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, a result desired by the user can be obtained for the number of pages of output results. However, since the character size and the width of the line spacing are changed, there is a problem that the portion that affects the appearance is large, and as a result, a printed matter that is not intended by the user is generated.

  In the conventional break process, the predetermined break process that has been set is executed in response to data changing in a predetermined data item that has been set in advance.

  Therefore, in the conventional break process, a fixed break process that is set in advance is executed, which may result in an output result that is not intended by the user.

  For example, if page breaks are executed by break processing in an environment where it is desired to save the number of pages, such as test printing, the number of pages of output results may be enormous. In addition, in the case where a document for distribution is created, even if the number of pages becomes enormous, a print result with improved visibility is desired by performing a page break process.

  As described above, although the output result desired by the user differs depending on the user's usage environment, the conventional fixed break processing cannot execute the break processing according to the usage environment.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can obtain an output result desired by a user without improving data visibility or performing unnecessary print output by performing an appropriate break process according to the use environment. It is.

  The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that generates an output page by executing a delimiter process in response to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data composed of a plurality of data items. A setting means for setting a condition; a control means for changing a data item for determining a change in the data when the generated output page satisfies a restriction condition of the output page set by the setting means; and the control means And generating means for generating an output page to which a delimiter process is applied in accordance with the data change in the data item for determining the change in the data changed by the above.

According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus that generates an output page by executing a delimiter process according to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data including a plurality of data items, the generated output page It is determined that a data change has occurred in the predetermined data item by the setting means for setting the constraint condition, the data determination means for determining the data change in the predetermined data item, and the data determination means. When the separation processing execution means for executing the separation processing and the output page generated by executing the separation processing by the separation processing execution means meets the output page restriction conditions set by the setting means, Control means for changing the processing content of the separation processing, and the separation changed by the control means It characterized in that it has a generating means for generating an output page based on the processing content of the processing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to output an output result desired by the user without performing data visibility improvement or wasteful print output by performing an appropriate break process according to the use environment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to a form print processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a host computer as an information processing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 101 includes a central processing unit using a CPU 10, a main storage unit using a ROM 11 / RAM 12, an external storage unit using an FD (flexible disk) drive 13, an HD (hard disk) drive 15, and the like. Further, the host computer 101 includes an input device using a pointing device such as a keyboard 16 and a mouse 18 and a display device using a CRT display 17 or the like. Furthermore, the host computer 101 includes a network interface card (NIC) 19 that can communicate with a printing apparatus such as a printer or a plotter via a network. Instead of the NIC 19, another interface such as a USB, a Centronics interface, or a SCSI may be provided to connect a printing apparatus. Moreover, the structure provided with a printing apparatus like a word processor exclusive apparatus etc. may be sufficient.

  The host computer 101 is a computer system whose main part is composed of the above devices and a system bus 20 connecting them, and a plurality of the computer systems are connected to each other by a network bus (not shown). .

  The host computer 101 operates when the CPU 10 executes a basic I / O program, an OS (operation system), and a program. The basic I / O program is written in the ROM 11 and the OS is written in the HD 15.

  When the host computer 101 is turned on, the OS is read from the HD 15 into the RAM 12 by the IPL (Initial Program Loading) function in the basic I / O program, and the operation of the OS is started.

  In the case of this embodiment, the control program and related data of this embodiment are recorded in the FD 14, and the configuration of the recorded contents is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium (recording medium) that stores various data processing programs and related data that can be read by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, 31 is volume information and 32 is directory information. 33 is an execution file of the control program of the present embodiment, and 34 is a related data file of the control program 33. The control program 33 is a program code based on a flowchart showing a control procedure to be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control program 33 and the related data 34 recorded in the FD 14 can be loaded into the computer system via the FD drive 13 as shown in FIG.

  When the FD 14 is set in the FD drive 13, the control program and related data are read from the FD 14 under the control of the OS and the basic I / O program, and are loaded into the RAM 12 to be operable. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a memory map in a state where the control program 33 shown in FIG. 2 is loaded into the RAM 12 and becomes executable.

  In FIG. 3, 41 is a basic I / O program and 42 is an OS. 43 corresponds to the control program 33 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 44 corresponds to the control program related data file 34 shown in FIG. 45 is a work area.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, an example in which the control program 33 and related data 34 are directly loaded from the FD 14 into the RAM 12 and executed. However, in addition, the program and related data from the FD 14 may be temporarily stored (installed) in the HD 15 and loaded from the HD 15 into the RAM 12 when the program is operated.

  The medium for recording the control program 33 may be a CD-ROM, an IC memory card, or the like in addition to the FD 14. Furthermore, it is also possible to record this program in the ROM 11, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 10.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for printing data such as a form.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 100 denotes a form print processing system. In the host computer 101, 121 is a form creation application program (FORM EDITING APPLICATION) corresponding to the control program 33 shown in FIG. The form creation application program 121 typically resides in the FD drive 13 or the HD drive 15 and is executed, read, and controlled by the CPU 10.

  The form creation application program 121 includes two software components. The first of these components is a library (LIBRARY) component 105 (hereinafter referred to as a library). The library 105 is a software component that performs processing such as overlay printing processing. The overlay printing process refers to a process of laying out predetermined content data in a predetermined area of form data and printing it out. In the overlay printing process of this embodiment, a page break process is executed when data changes in a specified item.

  The second component is a user interface (USER INTERFASE) component (hereinafter, UI component) 103. The UI component 103 provides a mechanism that allows a user to create a form or a setting file. The UI component 103 and the library 105 communicate via a communication channel 123. That is, the UI component 103 included in the form creation application 121 performs control related to the setting part described in the present embodiment. The value set by the user is held in the RAM 12 or the like.

  Then, the library 105 refers to the setting information held in the RAM 12 and executes a layout process (a process for inserting content data into the form data or a dynamic break process described later) based on the setting information.

  The host computer 101 can access the database 119, the file server 115, and the print server 109 in the database server 117 via the network 107. The host computer 101 can execute print processing using the printer 113 via the print server 109. Reference numeral 111 denotes an interface between the print server 109 and the printer 113.

  Hereinafter, a process of inserting content data into form data will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a process of inserting content data into form data.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes form data. Form data 501 includes “part”, “section”, and “name” as items. Reference numeral 502 denotes content data that is inserted into the form data 501. In the present embodiment, the process of flowing content data into form data is a process of flowing content data 502 into form data 501 as indicated by 503.

  Next, the dynamic break process of this embodiment will be described.

  First, before describing the dynamic break process, the break of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the term “break” means that data changes in data of a certain item in the table (for example, column data). For example, in the column data in which “Tokyo” continues in the item “location”, a break occurs when data “Osaka” comes. Processing that is executed in response to changes in data is called break processing. In the present application, the break process may be described as a break process, which means the same meaning. Break processing (separation processing) refers to page break processing and line feed processing, for example.

  In the form 503, when the break key (item for performing break determination) is “part” or “section”, a break occurs at 504 and 505. In fact, at 504, the data of “section” changes from “1” to “2”. In 505, the “part” data changes from “A” to “B”, and the “section” data also changes from “2” to “3”.

  By performing page breaks at the break points 504 and 505, it is possible to generate printed matter with good data separation.

  Further, the dynamic break refers to dynamically changing whether or not to enable a break at a break location according to a preset dynamic break condition. The dynamic break condition indicates a setting as to whether or not to execute a dynamic break. Conditions that can be set here are broadly divided into a margin area specification and a page number specification.

  Hereinafter, setting of the dynamic break condition will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic break key selection UI according to the present embodiment. This UI is displayed on the display 17 by the control of the UI component 103 shown in FIG. 4 executed by the CPU 10 shown in FIG. 1, and is controlled so that an input instruction can be given by the keyboard 16 or the mouse 18. Also, the setting by the UI is held in the RAM 12 or the like.

  Furthermore, this UI is displayed on the display 17 under the control of the UI component 103 when a form (for example, 501 in FIG. 5) is selected from the keyboard 16 or the mouse 18 and a predetermined operation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the dynamic break key selection UI is for selecting and adding a key (item) to be made a dynamic break key among the break keys. That is, a plurality of data items for determining break locations are set with priorities. This dynamic break key can be selected for each form data.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1701 denotes a break key display field, which displays a break key of a corresponding (selected) form. The break key is selected and set from a UI (not shown) in which the form creation application 121 extracts and displays the item name of the form data selected in advance, and is held in the RAM 12.

  Reference numeral 1702 denotes an add button. When this button is designated, the break key selected in the break key display field 1701 is selected as the dynamic break key and displayed in the dynamic break key display field 1704. A plurality of dynamic break keys can be selected.

  1705 is a dynamic break key order change button. When a plurality of dynamic break keys are selected, when this button is designated, the priority order of the dynamic break keys in the dynamic break key display field 1704 is changed. Is done. In the present application, priority is given to the top item from the top.

  Reference numeral 1703 denotes a delete button. When this button is designated, the dynamic break key selected in the dynamic break key display field 1704 is deleted and displayed in the break key display field 1701.

  Reference numeral 1706 denotes an OK button. When the OK button 1706 is instructed, the setting value by the UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the UI shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The setting by the UI is held in the RAM 12 or the like while maintaining the order structure of the priority order.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic break operation condition setting UI (user interface) in the present embodiment. Note that the UI of the present application is displayed on the display 17 under the control of the UI component 103 shown in FIG. 4 executed by the CPU 10 shown in FIG. In the present application, the setting by the UI is held in the RAM 12 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the dynamic break operation condition indicates restrictions and conditions of an output page (output result) generated by overlay processing, and can be set for each form. The dynamic break operation conditions include “margin area designation” setting 1001, “page number limit” setting 1002, and “no” setting 1003.

  The “ratio specification” 1004 of the “margin area specification” setting 1001 is a setting for calculating a blank area when a break occurs, and executing a dynamic break when the blank area matches the specified value of 1005. is there. For example, a value of “50% or less” or “50% or more” can be set in the item 1005 of FIG. “Specify number of lines” 1006 is a setting in which a dynamic break is executed when there are more than 1007 specified blank lines in one page. When the “detail area” setting 1001 is selected and the details button 1010 is instructed, the UI shown in FIG. 14 is displayed under the control of the UI component 103.

  A “page number limit” setting 1002 is a setting for executing a dynamic break so as to match the setting value of the item 1008. Examples of values that can be set in the item 1008 include “2 pages or more” or “3 pages or less”. 11 is displayed under the control of the UI component 103 when the detail button 1011 is instructed in a state where the “limit page number” setting 1002 is selected.

  A “No” setting 1003 is a setting that does not execute a dynamic break.

  Reference numeral 1009 denotes an OK button. When an “OK” button 1009 is instructed while the “margin area designation” setting 1001 or the page number limit setting 1002 is selected, the UI setting value is saved in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103. A UI shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic break setting UI according to the present embodiment.

  This dynamic break setting UI is for setting a condition for designating a break of data to be released as a dynamic break setting.

  As shown in FIG. 8, there are the following three items that can be designated as the dynamic break setting.

  First, the “cancel all selected break key settings” setting 1101 relates to a break key selected according to FIG. 6 and held in the RAM 12 as a designated break key (hereinafter, designated break key). Is a setting that does not break. For example, when the break key “section” of the form 503 shown in FIG. 5 is selected as the designated break key, the break is not performed at the break location 504. That is, a data item for determining a break location to be released is set as a break key. Note that the selected break key is selected using a UI (not shown) displayed by instructing the selection button 1104. This UI displays, for example, a break key selected in FIG. 6 and held in the RAM 12, and allows the user to select a designated break key from the break key. The designated break key selected by this UI is also held in the RAM 12.

  The “first break key priority” setting 1102 is a setting in which the break is released from the last item. This process is an effective process when, for example, the break process is executed and the number of pages cannot be accommodated.

  Finally, the “end break key priority” setting 1103 is a setting in which the break is released from the top item. This process is effective when, for example, it is desired to increase the number of pages because the number of pages is small even when the break process is executed.

  Reference numeral 1105 denotes a detailed setting button. When the detailed setting button 1105 is instructed, the setting value by the UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the UI shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dynamic break execution time processing UI according to the present embodiment. The form creation application includes a process of inserting a blank line at a position where the delimiter process input in the UI of FIG. 9 is canceled, a process of changing the attribute of the position where the delimiter process is canceled, and a process of not inserting anything. Set one of them.

  Then, the form creation application 121 generates an output page based on the processing set in FIG. 9 for the location where the delimiter processing is canceled by changing the data item for determining data change.

  As shown in FIG. 9, there are roughly three types of settings for dynamic break execution time processing.

  First, the “fixed blank line insertion” setting 1201 is set such that when a dynamic break is executed, page breaks are not performed at the break, and the empty matrix designated by 1204 is changed between tables (ie, a dynamic break location). (Location where page break is released)).

  Further, the “ruled line change” setting 1202 changes the ruled line attribute of the joint part (that is, the dynamic break part) to the attribute specified in 1205 when the tables are merged when the dynamic break is executed. It is a setting.

  Finally, the “none” setting 1203 is a setting for combining the tables without performing any particular processing (nothing is inserted at the dynamic break location) when the dynamic break is executed.

  Reference numeral 1206 denotes an OK button. When this OK button 1206 is instructed, the setting value by this UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the UI shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dynamic break key detailed setting UI according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the following three items are set in the dynamic break key detailed setting UI.

  First, the “dynamic break count” setting 1301 is a setting for designating the number of times of performing page control, and it is possible to select and set either no designation or designation. If “specified” is specified, the number of times is specified in 1304.

  Further, the “dynamic break execution target area” setting 1302 is a setting for designating a data area for which it is determined that a dynamic break has occurred. If there is a change compared to the previous line, before execution / 1305 is designated. If there is a change in the number of lines, either execution can be selected and set.

  Finally, “dynamic break key insertion timing” setting 1303 is a setting for comparison of the entire character string designated by the dynamic break key or partial comparison, and if there is a change by comparing the whole, it is inserted. / If there is a change by comparing a part, one of insertion can be selected and set. When “partially compare and insert if there is a change” is selected, the number of characters from the head for comparing the character strings designated by the dynamic break key in 1306 is designated.

  Reference numeral 1307 denotes an OK button. When this OK button 1307 is instructed, the setting value by the UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the setting of the dynamic break key condition is completed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page number setting UI according to the present embodiment.

  This page number setting UI can be set when the “page number limit” setting 1002 is specified in the dynamic break operation condition UI shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1401 denotes “default page number designation”. In the dynamic break operation condition UI shown in FIG. 7, “page number limit” setting 1002 is designated, and the number of pages 1008 is not designated. In this case, this number of pages is used as a default value. That is, the form creation application program 121 performs control based on the default value specified in the default page number specification 1401 when the “page number limit” setting 1002 is specified and the number of pages 1008 is not specified. I do.

  1402 is “overflow processing designation”, and the dynamic break is executed in a state where the “page number limit” setting 1002 is designated in the dynamic break operation condition UI of FIG. 7, but it does not fit within the designated number of pages. Is defined as either “output” / “error”. “Output” is a setting for outputting as it is even when it overflows, and “Error” is a setting for not outputting when an overflow occurs.

  Reference numeral 1405 denotes an OK button. When this OK button 1405 is instructed, the setting value by this UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the display returns to the UI in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the output setting UI according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, there are three output setting options at the time of overflow.

  First, a “warning dialog display” setting 1501 is a setting for setting a warning when an overflow occurs. Further, a “log output display” setting 1502 is a setting for performing a warning setting when an overflow occurs. Finally, a “do nothing” setting 1503 is a setting in which nothing is done at the time of overflow.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes an OK button. When the OK button 1504 is instructed, the setting value by the UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the display returns to the UI in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error setting UI according to the present embodiment. It is displayed on the display 17 under the control of the UI component 103 shown in FIG. 4 and executed by the CPU 10 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, there are three error setting options for overflow.

  First, an “error dialog display” setting 1501 is a setting for displaying an error dialog when an overflow occurs. The “minimum page number display” setting 1502 is a setting for displaying the minimum page number (the number of pages that can contain all pages) at the time of overflow. Finally, a “do nothing” setting 1503 is a setting in which no error processing is performed when an overflow occurs.

  Reference numeral 1604 denotes an OK button. When the OK button 1604 is instructed, a setting value by the UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the display returns to the UI in FIG. In other words, the form creation application, for example, when setting the page number limit, even if the data item that determines the data change based on the page number limit is changed, the number of output pages generated exceeds the page number limit. FIG. 13 is displayed in order to set the processing in the case where the error occurs. Note that the processes that can be set in FIG. 13 include a process of outputting as it is or a process of making an error. If the form creation application determines that the number of output pages exceeds the page number limit even if the data item for determining the data change is changed by the output page number determination in S42 described later, in FIG. An output page is generated based on the set information.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a margin area setting UI according to the present embodiment.

  In this margin area setting UI, the break release is executed when “Blank area designation” 1001 is designated and dynamic break is executed under the dynamic break operation condition UI shown in FIG. When the break key is changed, the UI is used to set a process when it is determined that the data before the data change cannot be stored in a predetermined area in the changed break key item. . The process that can be set is the “output as it is” 1801 process for outputting as it is in a predetermined output area, or the “output to the maximum print area” 1803 process for outputting to an output possible area including the predetermined output area. . Furthermore, “break” 1802 for performing a normal break process without executing a dynamic break can be selected.

  The form creation application 121 determines, based on the data change in the data item after the change of the data item for determining the data change, whether or not the data before the data change can be contained in the predetermined area. Here, when it is determined that the image cannot be contained within the predetermined area, the output is made based on the contents set in FIG. For example, when a process for outputting up to an outputable area is set in the UI of FIG. 14, an output page in which data consisting of a plurality of items is arranged up to an outputable area is generated.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 1801 denotes an “output as it is” setting, which is a setting for outputting the data as it is when the result data extends over a plurality of pages when the break is released.

  Reference numeral 1804 denotes an OK button. When this OK button 1804 is instructed, the setting value by this UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103, and the display returns to the UI of FIG. It should be noted that margin area processing, which will be described later, is executed in accordance with the margin setting shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, dynamic break setting in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 20, the break key release operation when the “release all breaks for only selected break key” setting 1101 is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. To do.

  15 to 20 are diagrams for specifically explaining the break key release operation in the case where the “release all breaks for only selected break key” setting 1101 is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. is there. Detailed description will be given later.

  In FIG. 15, 2801 is an example of form data in the present embodiment. In the present application, a variable table as shown in FIG. 15 is assumed as form data. In the variable table, the data in the table increases in accordance with the number of input records. Also. The record described in the present application is a combination of data of each item. For example, in the example of 502 in FIG. 5, one line composed of a combination of “A, 1, ah” is one record.

  In FIG. 16, reference numeral 2901 denotes an example of content data to be overlaid on the form data 2801 shown in FIG.

  The overlay refers to a process of laying out predetermined content data in a predetermined area of form data. Further, in the overlay process of this embodiment, a page break process is executed when data changes in an item specified by the UI shown in FIG.

  17, reference numerals 3001 to 3004 denote overlay processing results in which the content data 2901 shown in FIG. 16 is arranged in the form data 2801 shown in FIG.

  Here, as the operation break setting shown in FIG. 8, when the dynamic break process is executed in a state where the “release all breaks for only selected break key” setting 1101 is selected, the following is shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. become.

  Then, when “section” is deleted (released) from the break key and the overlay process is executed, the blank area that has occurred almost half of the sheet shown in FIG. 17 disappears, and cost reduction can be realized.

  Note that reference numerals 3303 and 3304 in FIG. 20 indicate joint portions where the dynamic break is executed and the tables are merged. The example shown in FIG. 20 corresponds to the case where the “none” setting 1203 is set in the dynamic break execution processing UI shown in FIG. Therefore, no particular treatment is applied to the joint portions 3303 and 3304 where the tables are merged.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, the break key releasing operation when the “first break key priority” setting 1102 is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 21 to FIG. 23 are diagrams for specifically explaining the break key release operation when the “first break key priority” setting 1102 is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. Details will be described later.

  Note that reference numerals 3603 and 3604 in FIG. 23 indicate joint portions where the dynamic break is executed and the tables are merged. The example of FIG. 23 corresponds to the case where the “change ruled line” setting 1202 is set in the dynamic break execution processing UI shown in FIG. Therefore, the ruled lines of the joint portions 3603 and 3604 where the tables are merged are changed (in this case, changed to thick ruled lines), and differentiated from other ruled lines.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24 to FIG. 26, the break key release operation when the “end break key priority” setting 1103 is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. Detailed description will be given later.

  In addition, 3904 of FIG. 26 shows the junction location by which the dynamic break was performed and the table | surface and the table | surface were united. The example of FIG. 21 corresponds to the case where the “fixed blank line insertion” setting 1201 is set in the dynamic break execution processing UI shown in FIG. Therefore, a blank line is inserted at the joint 3904 where the tables are merged.

  Hereinafter, the blank area processing in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIGS. 27 to 33 are diagrams for specifically explaining the margin area processing in the present embodiment.

  In the data as shown in FIG. 27, when “part” and “section” are designated as break keys, there are two break points 2101 and 2102. When a page break is performed at these break locations 2101, 2102, the page is divided into three pages 2201, 2202, 2203 as shown in FIG.

  Here, if the first page 2201 has a margin equal to or greater than the ratio specified in the margin area designation shown in FIG. 7, and “first break priority” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. As described above, the break key is selected sequentially from the end, and the break process is canceled. In other words, in the “part” and “section” that are the designated break keys, the break processing that occurs in the “section” item at the end is ignored.

  As a result, as indicated by 2301 in FIG. 29, the number of breaks is one, and the data arranged in the second page in FIG. 28 is arranged in the first page.

  At this time, a process of determining whether the data arranged on the second page can be accommodated in the blank area generated on the first page is performed. Note that FIG. 30 shows a case where the data overflows from the page because the data to be newly arranged is larger than the margin area.

  When the margin area cannot be accommodated (when page overflow occurs), a UI as shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. This UI is displayed on the display 17 when the CPU 10 shown in FIG. 1 executes the form creation application program 121 shown in FIG. 4, and is controlled so that an input instruction can be given by the keyboard 16 or the mouse 18.

  In the UI shown in FIG. 31, whether to continue the selected dynamic break process or to change the dynamic break can be selected using a “continue” button 2401 and a “change” button 2402.

  Here, when the “Continue” button 2401 is selected in the UI of FIG. 31, a countermeasure against the page overflow that has been set in the margin area setting UI shown in FIG. 14 is executed. In addition, when the “change” button 2402 is selected in the UI of FIG. 31, the dynamic break setting UI shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and it is possible to select which dynamic break processing is executed again. It becomes.

  If the “Continue” button 2401 is selected in the UI of FIG. 31 and the “output as it is” setting 1801 is set in the margin area setting UI shown in FIG. 14, the result is as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 32, data is arranged up to the margin area 13201 set for the page, and the remaining data is arranged on the next page. If the blank area generated in FIG. 32 matches the value set in FIG. 7, the data to be arranged on the third page is arranged on the second page 3202. However, in the case of FIG. 32, the break key item of data newly arranged on the second page 3202 has changed from “A” to “B”. In such a case, the following process may be executed by inquiring the user. In FIG. 32, the third page (2203) of FIG. 28 is omitted.

  If the “Continue” button 2401 is selected in the UI of FIG. 31 and the “break” setting 1802 is set in the margin area setting UI shown in FIG. 14, the break in which the dynamic break processing is disabled is set. Execute the process. Therefore, it becomes as shown in FIG.

  If the “Continue” button 2401 is selected in the UI shown in FIG. 31 and the “output to the maximum print area” setting 1803 is set in the margin area setting UI shown in FIG. It becomes like this. That is, as shown in FIG. 33, the blank area set for the page is ignored, the data is arranged up to the printable area 3301, and the remaining pages are arranged to the next page. In FIG. 33, the third page (2203) of FIG. 28 is omitted.

  Hereinafter, various control processes in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 34 to 39.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, which corresponds to the entire processing when the blank area condition is set. The processing of the flowchart of the present application is realized by the CPU 10 of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1 executing the form creation application program 121 shown in FIG. Moreover, in FIG. 34, S41-S46 shows each step. Furthermore, before the execution of this flowchart, the settings using the various UIs shown in FIGS. 7 to 14 have been completed, and each set value is held in the RAM 12 or the like. Note that the information processing apparatus of the present application can generate an output page by executing a separation process in accordance with a change in data in a predetermined data item in data including a plurality of data items.

  When a form and content are specified and an instruction to start output processing (print output processing to the printer 113, display output processing to the display 17, etc.) is given, the processing of this flowchart is started.

  First, in step S41, the form creation application 121 executed by the CPU 10 checks whether “blank area designation” is selected as the dynamic break condition. Specifically, since the setting of the dynamic break condition is set in advance by the UI shown in FIG. 7 and held in the RAM 12 or the like, the form creation application 121 can be confirmed by referring to the RAM 12. That is, the form creation application 121 sets a constraint condition for the generated output page.

  If “blank area designation” is not selected as the dynamic break condition in step S41, the form creation application 121 ends the process as it is.

  On the other hand, if “blank area designation” is selected as the dynamic break condition in step S41, the form creation application 121 advances the process to step S42. Then, the form creation application 121 determines whether the output page generated as a result of the overlay processing is a value (output page restriction condition) set in the UI of FIG. For the overlay processing, the user sets which content data is laid out for which form data, and this setting information is stored in the RAM 12. Therefore, the form creation application 121 reads out the content data to be processed with respect to the designated form data in accordance with the contents stored in the RAM 12, and executes overlay processing. Further, the form creation application 121 generates output data based on the overlay processing result and stores it on the RAM 12. An example of the determination process of S42 is a process of determining a margin size in which no data is arranged in each page of the output page. Then, by this determination processing, the form creation application 121 changes the data item for determining data change when the determined margin size exceeds the margin area limitation of the output page set in the UI of the figure. The process proceeds to S43. Alternatively, an example of the determination process of S42 is a process of determining the number of output pages. Then, by this determination process, the form creation application 121 advances the process to S43 in order to change the data item for determining the data change when the number of output pages determined exceeds the page number limit. Note that, for example, a blank area restriction or a restriction on the number of output pages as a restriction condition, which is a criterion of the determination process, can be set using the UI of FIG.

  The overlay refers to a process of laying out predetermined content data in a predetermined area of form data. When the dynamic break process is not set, the form creation application 121 executes the page break process when the data changes in the designated item.

  For example, in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the item “part” is a designated item. In the vertical column of “part” in FIG. 27, the data changes between the seventh and eighth rows. Therefore, data up to the seventh line is arranged on the first page, and data after the eighth line is arranged on the second page.

  Then, as a result of executing the overlay process as described above, the form creation application 121 calculates the amount of margin generated in each page. As an example of the calculation method, the form creation application 121 recognizes the height of one form line. Then, when the number of data lines to be flown before the page break process occurs is determined, the overlay processed form size can be recognized by calculating “the number of data lines × the height of one form line”. The margin size is determined by subtracting the recognized form size after overlay processing from the paper size. Then, by comparing the determined margin size with a margin size threshold value (based on the UI setting value of FIG. 7 held in the RAM 12) set to execute the dynamic break process, the process of step S42 is performed. It becomes possible.

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S42 that the generated output page matches the value set in the UI of FIG. 7 (output page constraint), the process ends. In this case, the form creation application 121 controls the output data held on the RAM 12 to be output to the printer 113, the display 17, or the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the form creation application 121 does not match the generated output page with the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S43, and the selected dynamic break is selected. Branch the process according to the method. As shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic break method includes break setting release, head break priority, and tail break priority. That is, the form creation application 121 sets a value input via the UI of FIG. 7 as a method for changing a data item for determining data change. In the process of shifting to S43, which will be described later, the form creation application 121 changes the data item for determining the data change based on the method for changing the data item for determining the set data change.

  If the form creation application 121 determines that “release all breaks for only the selected break key” is set in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic break processing at break release (step S44) FIG. 36) is controlled to be executed. Then, after the break breaking dynamic break process in step S44 is completed, the process of this flowchart is terminated. In other words, the method of changing the data item for determining the data change specifies the data item for which the delimiter processing is to be canceled, and the delimiter processing according to the data change in the data item designated to cancel the delimiter processing The method of canceling is mentioned. When “release all breaks only for the selected break key” is set, the form creation application 121 cancels the separation process according to the data change in the data item designated to cancel the break process.

  If the form creation application 121 determines that “first break key priority” is set in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic break process at the time of the first break priority in step S45 (FIG. 37). ) Is executed. Then, after the head break priority time dynamic break process in step S45 is completed, the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  If the form creation application 121 determines that “end break key priority” is set in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic break process at the end break priority in step S46 (FIG. 38). ) Is executed. Then, after the end break priority dynamic break process in step S46 is completed, the process of this flowchart is terminated. In this case, the form creation application 121 controls the output data held on the RAM 12 to be output to the printer 113, the display 17, or the like.

  In other words, the method of changing the data item for determining the data change specifies the priority order of the data item for determining the data change, and performs the delimiter processing according to the data change in the data item in the order based on the priority order. The method of canceling is also mentioned. Note that the priority order described here is also the order set in the UI of FIG. 6. When the top break priority is set, the top item has a higher priority. On the other hand, when the tail break priority is set, the priority is higher in the tail item. That is, the form creation application 121 cancels the separation process according to the data change in the data item in the order based on the priority order.

  That is, when the output page generated in S42 does not meet the output page restriction condition set by the setting UI in FIG. 7, the form creation application 121 determines the data change using the processing from S44 to S46. Change the data item.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, which corresponds to the overall processing when the page number designation condition is set. Moreover, in FIG. 35, S51-S56 show each step. Furthermore, before the execution of this flowchart, the settings using the various UIs shown in FIGS. 7 to 14 have been completed, and each set value is held in the RAM 12 or the like.

  First, in step S51, the form creation application 121 executed by the CPU 10 checks whether “limit page number” is selected as the dynamic break condition. Specifically, since the setting of the dynamic break condition is set in advance by the UI shown in FIG. 7 and held in the RAM 12 or the like, the form creation application 121 can be confirmed by referring to the RAM 12.

  If it is determined in step S51 that “limit page number” is not selected as the dynamic break condition, the form creation application 121 ends the process as it is.

  On the other hand, if “page number limit” is selected as the dynamic break condition in step S51, the form creation application 121 advances the process to step S52. Then, the form creation application 121 determines whether the output page generated as a result of the overlay processing is a value (output page restriction condition) set in the UI of FIG. Since the overlay process has been described above, it will be omitted. Then, the form creation application 121 calculates the number of pages of the output data and compares it with the limited number of pages in the RAM 12, thereby enabling the processing of S52.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the number of pages after overlay processing matches the value set in the setting UI of FIG. 7, the processing is terminated. In this case, the form creation application 121 controls the output data held on the RAM 12 to be output to the printer 113, the display 17, or the like.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S52 that the number of pages after overlay processing does not match the value set in the setting UI of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the form creation application 121 branches the process in accordance with the selected dynamic break method. As shown in FIG. 8, the dynamic break method includes break setting release, head break priority, and tail break priority. Note that the processing from S53 to S56 is the same as the processing from S43 to S46 in FIG.

  In step S57, the form creation application 121 checks whether the value specified in FIG. 7 is applicable as a result of the dynamic break process. The process in step S57 is the same as the process in step S52.

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S57 that the number of pages after the dynamic break process is applicable to the value set in the setting UI of FIG. 7, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S57 that the number of pages after the dynamic break process does not match the value set in the setting UI in FIG. 7, the process at the time of data overflow is performed. Specifically, the form creation application 121 performs processing according to the output setting shown in FIG. 12 when the overflow processing setting set in the UI of FIG. 11 is “output”. For example, if the output setting “Warning Dialog Display” is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 controls the display 17 to display a warning dialog (not shown). If the “log output” output setting is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 controls the output of the log to the HD drive 15. In addition, when the “do nothing” output setting is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 does not perform any particular processing.

  On the other hand, when the overflow processing designation shown in FIG. 11 is “error”, the processing is performed according to the error setting shown in FIG. For example, when the error setting “error dialog display” is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 controls display of an error dialog (not shown) on the display 17. Further, when the “minimum page number display” of the error setting is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 controls the display 17 to display a dialog (not shown) that displays the minimum page number (page number at the time of overflow). To do. If the error setting “Do nothing” is set to be valid, the form creation application 121 does not perform any particular processing.

  If the process specification at overflow is “output”, the form creation application 121 controls the output data stored in the RAM 12 to be output to the printer 113, the display 17, or the like after the processing of this flowchart is completed. On the other hand, when the processing specification at overflow is “error”, the form creation application 121 does not output the output data held in the RAM 12 to the printer 113, the display 17, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 35, when the overlay processing result does not apply to the value specified in FIG. 7 (S52-No), the dynamic break processing is executed to dynamically change the item to be paged. Changing The output result can be changed. Further, when the output result desired by the user cannot be obtained even when the dynamic break process is executed (S57-No), the data overflow process is executed. In this way, by using the two-stage determination process, the content data is arranged so as to fit in the number of pages specified by the user as much as possible, so that the possibility of wasting resources can be reduced.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing procedure in the present invention, and the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S44 of FIG. 34 corresponds to the break breaking dynamic break processing when the blank area is designated. . Moreover, in FIG. 36, S61-S6b show each step.

  First, in step S61, the form creation application 121 analyzes the designated break key that has been set. The designated break key is selected and set by the UI displayed in advance by instructing the UI selection button 1104 shown in FIG. Therefore, the form creation application 121 can analyze the designated break key by referring to the RAM 12.

  Next, in step S <b> 62, the form creation application 121 determines whether the designated break key is stored in the RAM 12. If the form creation application 121 determines in step S62 that the break key does not exist, it ends the processing of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that a break key exists, in step S63, the form creation application 121 registers all the specified break keys in the break key table in the RAM 12 for releasing the break.

  Next, in step S64, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not a break key is registered (exists) in the break key table to be broken.

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S64 that the break key is not registered in the break key table to be released, the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a break key is registered in the break key table to be released in step S64, the form creation application 121 selects one break key to be released from the break key table in step S65. More specifically, the form creation application 121 displays the break key registered in the break key table to be released on the display 17 and allows the user to select a break key. Then, when the form creation application 121 recognizes the break key selected by the user, the process of step S65 is executed.

  Next, in step S66, the form creation application 121 cancels all the page breaks in the break key selected in step S65. That is, the form creation application 121 edits the output data held in the RAM 12 in S42 of FIG. 34, and inserts a page break inserted at the break point generated by the item data belonging to the break key selected in Step S65. Release (delete) all. That is, in the data to be output, the page break location is changed. Thus, even if a break occurs in the data in the break key item selected in step S65 (there is a place where the data is changed), the page break process associated with the occurrence of the break is not performed.

  In step S67, the form creation application 121 determines whether dynamic break execution time processing is designated. The specification of the dynamic break execution time process is performed by the UI shown in FIG. 9 and stored in the RAM 12, so that the process of S67 can be performed when the form creation application 121 refers to the RAM 12. .

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S67 that the dynamic break execution time process is not specified, the process proceeds to step S69.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S67 that the dynamic break execution time process is designated, the process proceeds to step S68, and the dynamic break execution time process is performed according to the setting of the dynamic break execution time process. Perform break execution processing. Specifically, if “fixed blank line insertion” is specified in the dynamic play execution process, the form creation application 121 sets the specified number of lines at the position where the page break is canceled in step S66 from the output data in the RAM 12. Edit control to insert blank lines. An example of the result is shown in FIG. In addition, when “change ruled line” is designated in the dynamic play execution process, the form creation application 121 changes the ruled line at the position where the page break is canceled in step S66 from the output data in the RAM 12 to the designated ruled line. Control to edit. An example of the result is shown in FIG. In addition, when “none” is specified in the dynamic play execution process, the form creation application 121 does not perform any particular process (an example of the result is FIG. 20).

  In step S69, the form creation application 121 deletes the break key selected in step S65 from the break release table.

  Next, in step S6a, the form creation application 121 re-edits all pages of the output data in the RAM 12 based on the page break release result in step S66 and the dynamic break execution time processing result in step S68. . In this re-editing process, problems caused by executing the processes of S66 and S68 are corrected. For example, in the case where a difference from the total page number information or the like is generated by the processes of S66 and S68, the information is updated on the RAM 12. With this process, even if a break occurs in the data belonging to the break key selected in step S65, the output data on which the page break process associated with the break is not executed is held on the RAM 12.

  Next, in step S6b, the form creation application 121 calculates a blank area of each output page as a result of the re-editing in step S6a, and determines whether the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG.

  In step S6b, if the form creation application 121 determines that the output page of the re-edit result in step S6a does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S64. Then, the processes of steps S64 to S6b are repeated.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S6b that the output page of the re-edit result in step S6a matches the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is. .

  Note that the dynamic break processing at break release when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S54 of FIG. 35 is the number of pages is changed to step S6b of the flowchart shown in FIG. 36 as follows. Become. For example, the form creation application 121 calculates the number of pages of the re-edit result in step S6a, and determines whether the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG. If the form creation application 121 determines that the re-edit result in step S6a does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S64. Then, the processes in steps S64 to S6b are repeated until the value set in the UI of FIG. On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines that the re-edit result in step S6a does not exceed the number of pages specified in the dynamic break operation condition, the form creation application 121 ends the process of the flowchart as it is. Due to the above changes, the flowchart of FIG. 36 can be applied to the dynamic break process at break release when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S54 of FIG.

  A specific example of the break break dynamic break process will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20 described above.

  The form data 2801 in FIG. 15 includes “Center”, “Department”, “Section”, and “Name” as items. Here, “Department” is set as a break key by the dynamic break key selection UI shown in FIG. It is assumed that 2802, “section” 2803 is selected.

  Referring to the content data 2901 in FIG. 16, since a break (data change) has occurred at the position 2902, 2903, 2904 in the item corresponding to the specified break key 2802, 2803, page break processing is executed. Is done. Therefore, the result of overlay processing of the content data 2901 on the form data 2801 is as shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 17, as a result of the overlay processing, data for four pages 3001 to 3004 is generated. However, there is a risk of wasting costs because each page has a margin that is nearly half that of the paper.

  Here, the break breaking dynamic break process shown in FIG. 36 is executed. In step S65 of FIG. 36, the break key 2803 for the item “section” shown in FIG. 15 is selected as a break key to be released. In step S66, when all the page breaks of the selected break key are canceled, as a result, in the content data 3201, as shown in FIG. Become. Accordingly, the result of re-editing in step S6a is data for two pages 3301 and 3302, as shown in FIG. As a result, the blank area that has occurred in nearly half of the paper shown in FIG. 17 is eliminated, and cost reduction can be realized.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the dynamic break processing at the time of the first break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S45 of FIG. To do. In FIG. 37, S71 to S7c indicate steps.

  In step S71, the form creation application 121 holds the break keys in order from the top and holds them in the dynamic break key table. The head is a data item of form data, and the head item is specified according to a predetermined setting condition. For example, when the form data as shown in FIG. 15 is targeted, if the top item is specified from the left item, the top item is “center”, and “part”, “section”, “name” It continues with.

  Next, in step S72, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not a break key exists in the dynamic break table.

  In step S72, when the break key does not exist in the dynamic break table, the form creation application 121 ends the process of this flowchart as it is.

  On the other hand, if there is a break key in the dynamic break table in step S72, the form creation application 121 selects a break key stored as a tail break key in the dynamic break table in step S73. That is, in the example of FIG. 15, “name” corresponds to the end break key.

  In step S75, the form creation application 121 reads the content data to be arranged in the selected form data, analyzes the data to be poured into the item of the break key selected in step S73, and determines whether or not a break location exists. .

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S75 that the break location does not exist, the break key selected in step S73 is deleted from the table in step S74, and the process returns to step S72.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S75 that a break location exists, in step S76, the form creation application 121 executes a blank area process for any one break location confirmed in step S75. In this blank area processing, processing is performed when page overflow occurs by executing break release at the break location, and it is determined whether or not to perform break release at the break location. The blank area processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S77, the form creation application 121 determines whether to perform break release based on the blank area processing result in step S76.

  In step S77, when the form creation application 121 determines not to perform break release, the process proceeds to step S7c.

  On the other hand, in step S77, when the form creation application 121 determines to execute break release, the process proceeds to step S78.

  Next, in step S78, the form creation application 121 cancels one page break in the break key selected in step S73. In other words, the form creation application 121 edits the output data in the RAM 12 and cancels (deletes) one page break inserted in the break portion that has been subjected to the blank area processing in step S76. In other words, the part where the output data is to be paged is changed.

  In step S79, the form creation application 121 determines whether dynamic break execution time processing is designated. The specification of the dynamic break execution time process is performed by the UI shown in FIG. 9 and stored in the RAM 12, so that the process of S79 can be performed when the form creation application 121 refers to the RAM 12. .

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S79 that the dynamic break execution time process is not designated, the process directly proceeds to step S7b.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S79 that the dynamic break execution time process is designated, the process proceeds to step S7a, and the dynamic break execution time process is performed according to the setting of the dynamic break execution time process. Perform break execution processing. The details of S7a have been described in S68 of FIG.

  Next, in step S7b, the form creation application 121 re-edits all pages of the output data in the RAM 12 based on the processing results of steps S76, S78, and S7a. In this re-editing process, a problem caused by executing the processes in steps S76, S78, and S7a is corrected. For example, when the difference between the total page number information and the like is generated by the processes in steps S76, S78, and S7a, the information is updated on the RAM 12.

  Next, in step S7c, the form creation application 121 calculates a blank area of each output page of the re-edit result of step S7b, and determines whether or not the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG. Excluding end (last page)).

  In step S7c, when the form creation application 121 determines that the output page of the re-edit result in step S7b does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the next item is set as the break key. And In the example of FIG. 15, “name” is the first target, so “section” is the break key next. The process returns to step S75. Then, the processes in steps S75 to S7c are repeated until the value set in the UI of FIG. It should be noted that the break location existence determination process in step S75 does not include the break location that has been determined not to be released once in step S77.

  On the other hand, when the form creation application 121 determines in step S7c that the output page of the re-editing result in step S7b matches the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process of this flowchart is ended as it is. Let

  By executing the processing shown in FIG. 37 as described above, it is possible to eliminate the waste of the blank area generated by the page break processing while executing the break processing for the item desired by the user, and execute efficient processing. it can. Further, even if a page overflow as shown in FIG. 30 occurs due to the dynamic break process, the user can be notified of the page overflow, and when the user wants to prevent the page overflow, the user can change to a different dynamic break process. It becomes possible. Moreover, since the dynamic break process can be performed only by setting the top item as a priority and without setting each item one by one, this is convenient when, for example, form data with a large number of items is targeted.

  Note that the dynamic break processing at the time of the first break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S55 of FIG. 35 is the page number limit deletes steps S76 and S77 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The following changes will be made. For example, the form creation application 121 calculates the number of pages of the re-edit result in step S7b, and determines whether the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG. If the form creation application 121 determines that the re-edit result in step S7b does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S75. Then, the processes in steps S75 to S7c are repeated. On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines that the re-editing result in step S7b applies to the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is. With the above changes, the flowchart of FIG. 37 can be applied to the dynamic break process at the time of the first break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S55 of FIG.

  Thus, the break process for the item desired by the user can be made effective, and the specified number of pages can be limited, and an efficient process can be executed.

  In addition, in FIG. 37, the structure which cancels | releases one page break of the break key selected at step S73 in step S78 was demonstrated. However, in step S78, all page breaks of the break key selected in step S73 may be canceled.

  Hereinafter, the first break priority dynamic break process shown in FIG. 37 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 21, “part” 3402 and “section” 3403 are selected as break keys of the form data 3401 by the dynamic break key selection UI shown in FIG. 6, and “part” 3402 and “section” 3403 are selected. Assume that priorities are set in order. In the case of the “first break priority” setting, since the last break key is deleted (released), “section” 3403 is deleted.

  Therefore, since the break processing that occurs in the item “section” is ignored, the break point in the content data 3501 is one place 3502 as shown in FIG. As a result, when the dynamic break process is not executed, data for four pages is generated as shown in FIG. 17 described above, but by executing the dynamic break process with the “first break priority” setting, As shown by 3601 and 3601 in FIG. As a result, efficient printing processing can be executed.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the fifth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the dynamic break processing at the time of the last break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S46 of FIG. To do. In FIG. 38, S81 to S8c indicate steps.

  In step S81, the form creation application 121 holds the break keys in order from the end and holds them in the dynamic break key table. The end is a data item of form data, and specifies the top item according to a predetermined setting condition. For example, in the case of the form data as shown in FIG. 15, if the top item is specified from the left item, the top item is “name”, and “section”, “department”, “center” It continues with.

  Next, in step S82, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not a break key exists in the dynamic break table.

  In step S82, if the break key does not exist in the dynamic break table, the form creation application 121 ends the process of this flowchart as it is.

  On the other hand, if there is a break key in the dynamic break table in step S82, the form creation application 121 selects a break key stored as the first break key in the dynamic break table in step S83. In the example of FIG. 15, “center” corresponds.

  In step S85, the form creation application 121 reads the content data to be placed in the selected form data, analyzes the data to be flowed into the break key item selected in step S83, and determines whether a break location exists. .

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S85 that the break location does not exist, the break key selected in step S83 is deleted from the table in step S84, and the process returns to step S82.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S85 that a break location exists, in step S86, the form creation application 121 executes a blank area process for any one break location confirmed in step S85. The detailed description is the same as S76 in FIG.

  Next, in step S87, the form creation application 121 determines whether to perform break release based on the blank area processing result in step S86.

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S87 that break release is not to be executed, the process proceeds to step S8c.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S87 to execute break release, the process proceeds to step S78.

  Next, in step S88, the form creation application 121 cancels one page break in the break key selected in step S83. In other words, the form creation application 121 edits the output data in the RAM 12, and releases (deletes) one page break inserted in the break portion that has been subjected to the blank area processing in step S86. That is, the part where the output data is to be page-changed is changed.

  In step S89, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not dynamic break execution time processing is designated. Since the dynamic break execution time process is specified by the UI shown in FIG. 9 and stored in the RAM 12, the process of S89 can be performed by the form creation application 121 referring to the RAM 12. .

  If the form creation application 121 determines in step S89 that the dynamic break execution time process is not designated, the process directly proceeds to step S7b.

  On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines in step S89 that the dynamic break execution time process is designated, the process proceeds to step S8a, and the dynamic break execution time process is performed according to the setting of the dynamic break execution time process. Perform break execution processing. The detailed description has been given in S68 of FIG.

  Next, in step S8b, the form creation application 121 re-edits all pages of output data in the RAM 12 based on the processing results of steps S86, S88, and S8a. The process of S8b is almost the same as the process of S7b.

  Next, in step S8c, the form creation application 121 calculates the blank area of each output page of the re-edit result of step S7b, and determines whether or not the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG.

  In step S8c, if the form creation application 121 determines that the output page of the re-editing result in step S8b does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the next item is set as the break key. And the process returns to step S85. In the example of FIG. 15, since the first item “center” is the break key, the next item “part” is the break key. Then, the processes in steps S85 to S8c are repeated until the values set in the UI of FIG. Note that in the break location existence determination process in step S85, the break portion that has been determined not to be released once in step S87 is not included.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8c that the output page of the re-edit result in step S8b matches the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process of this flowchart is performed as it is. Terminate.

  By executing the processing shown in FIG. 38 described above, it is possible to obtain the output result desired by the user while the break processing for the item desired by the user is valid.

  Note that the dynamic break processing at the end break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S56 of FIG. 35 is the number of pages is deleted in steps S86 and S87 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The following changes will be made. For example, the form creation application 121 calculates the number of pages of the re-edit result in step S8b and determines whether or not the value is set to the value set in the UI of FIG. If the form creation application 121 determines that the re-edit result in step S8b does not match the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process returns to step S85. Then, the processes in steps S75 to S7c are repeated until the values set in the UI of FIG. On the other hand, if the form creation application 121 determines that the re-editing result in step S8b applies to the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is. With the above changes, the flowchart of FIG. 38 can be applied to the dynamic break process at the time of tail break priority when the dynamic break operation condition shown in step S56 of FIG.

  Thus, the break process for the item desired by the user can be made effective, and the specified number of pages can be limited, and an efficient process can be executed.

  In FIG. 38, the configuration has been described in which one page break of the break key selected in step S83 is canceled in step S88. However, in step S88, all page breaks of the break key selected in step S83 may be canceled.

  Hereinafter, the tail break priority dynamic break processing shown in FIG. 38 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 24, “part” 3702 and “section” 3703 are selected as break keys of the form data 3701 by the dynamic break key selection UI shown in FIG. 6, and “part” 3702 and “section” 3703 are selected. Assume that priorities are set in order. When “end break priority” is set, “part” 3702 is deleted because it is deleted (released) from the first break key.

  Therefore, since the break processing that occurs in the item “part” is ignored, as shown in FIG. 25, there are two places in the content data 3501 that are 3802 and 3803. As a result, when the dynamic break process is not executed, the data for four pages is generated as shown in FIG. However, by executing the dynamic break process with the “first break priority” setting, it is possible to fit into three pages as in 3901, 3901, and 3903 in FIG. As a result, efficient printing processing can be executed.

  Therefore, the form creation application can generate an output page to which the separation process is applied according to the data change in the data item for determining the change in the data changed by executing any of the processes after S44. It becomes.

  In FIGS. 37 and 38, the first item and the last item are determined from the configuration of the form data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user can specify a priority item as shown in FIG. . As a result, when the first item priority is selected in a state where the priority order of each item is set, the break key is released from the item with the lower priority order. When the end item priority is selected, the break key is released from the item with the higher priority.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the blank area processing shown in step S76 in FIG. 37 and step S86 in FIG. In FIG. 39, S91 to S95 indicate each step.

  In step S91, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not the form data into which the content data has been inserted can be stored in each page by invalidating the break that occurs at the specified break location. Hereinafter, the process of step S91 will be specifically described. That is, the form creation application changes a data item for determining a change in data in data including a plurality of data items. As a result, the form creation application 121 determines, based on the data change in the changed data item, whether the data before the data change can be stored in a predetermined area. Note that the output processing contents when it is determined in S91 that the data before the data change cannot be accommodated in the predetermined area can be set in FIG. If the form creation application determines in S91 that the data before the data change cannot be accommodated in the predetermined area in accordance with the data change of the data item after the break key is changed, it is set in FIG. An output page is generated based on the output processing contents. Note that the break key change corresponds to a process of changing a data item for determining a data change.

  The form creation application 121 analyzes the data before the dynamic break process (output data held in the RAM 12 at this time). Then, the form creation application 121 stores, in the RAM 12, the blank area generated on the previous page of the page generated by the page break at the break location of the break key selected in S73 of FIG. 37 or S83 of FIG. . Subsequently, the form creation application 121 determines whether or not the page overflow occurs depending on whether or not the data until the next break can be stored in the blank area of the previous page of the page generated by the page break break. Determine whether or not. For example, in FIG. 30, it is assumed that the items “part” and “section” have been designated as break keys before the dynamic break process is performed. In that case, a break occurs at a location where the data changes from “1” to “2” in the “section” item, and page break processing is performed. That is, “A section 1 section ah” and “A section 1 section good” are arranged on the first page, and the subsequent data are arranged on the second page and thereafter. Here, the form creation application 121 calculates an area necessary for arranging “A section 1 section ah” and “A section 1 section good”. As an example of the calculation method, a size per line is set in advance, and a necessary area is calculated depending on how many lines of data are arranged. For example, in the case of FIG. 30, when the height of one row is set to 3 cm × width 9 cm, an area of 6 × 9 cm is required to arrange data for two rows. The margin area is calculated by using the calculation result and the paper size.

  Furthermore, since there are five rows of data until the next break occurs, the area required to arrange the data for these five rows is 15 × 9. Therefore, the calculated blank area is compared with the area necessary for arranging data until the next break occurs. As a result, the form creation application 121 can determine whether the data until the next break can fit in the margin area of the page. The form creation application 121 executes the above process and performs the determination process in step S91.

  In step S91, when the form creation application 121 determines that no page overflow occurs, in the step (not shown), information indicating that break release is to be executed is set on the RAM 12, and the process ends. Therefore, in this case, it is determined in step S77 in FIG. 37 and step S88 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S91 that the page overflow occurs, the form creation application 121 controls the display of the UI shown in FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that page overflow occurs and to select whether to continue the currently selected dynamic break process or to change to a different dynamic break process.

  When the “change” button 2402 of the currently selected dynamic break process is selected in the UI of FIG. 31, the form creation application 121 displays the dynamic break setting UI shown in FIG. 17 to display control. When the dynamic break setting is performed, the dynamic break setting is stored in the RAM 12 in a step (not shown), and the process is started again from step S42 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the “continue” button 2401 of the currently selected dynamic break process is selected in the UI of FIG. 31, the process proceeds to step S92.

  In step S92, the form creation application 121 analyzes with reference to the margin area setting set in advance in the UI of FIG. 14 in the RAM 12, and branches the processing.

  If it is determined in step S92 that “output as it is” is set as processing when page overflow occurs, in step S93, processing for output as it is is performed (that is, information that break release is executed). Is set on the RAM 12). Then, the process is terminated. Therefore, in this case, it is determined in step S77 in FIG. 37 and step S88 in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, data is arranged up to the margin area 13201 set in the page, and the remaining data is arranged and output to the next page.

  If it is determined in step S92 that “break” is set as processing when page overflow occurs, in step S94, the form creation application 121 performs processing for breaking. That is, information indicating that break release is not executed is set on the RAM 12. Then, the process is terminated. Therefore, in this case, in step S77 in FIG. 37 and step S88 in FIG. 38, it is determined not to execute break release. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28, the page break is output at each break location. The output result in this case is a layout result as shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S92 that “output to the maximum print area” is set as a process when a page overflow occurs, in step S95, the form creation application 121 outputs to the maximum print area. I do. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, the output data in the RAM 12 is edited so that the margin area set on the page is ignored and the data is arranged up to the maximum printable area, and the break release is executed. Is set on the RAM 12. Then, the process is terminated. Therefore, in this case, it is determined in step S77 in FIG. 37 and step S88 in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, the blank area set on the page is ignored, data is arranged up to the maximum printable area 3301, and the remaining data is arranged and output to the next page. become.

  As described above, by selecting the processing when the page overflow occurs, even if the page overflow occurs when the selected dynamic break processing is executed, the processing method desired by the user is processed. Is possible.

  By using the above processing, the output desired by the user based on the contents set by the user in the UI of FIG. 7 while maintaining the effectiveness of the break processing generated by the break key of the item desired by the user. The result can be obtained.

  Note that the blank area processing shown in FIG. 39 may be executed also in the break-breaking dynamic break processing shown in FIG. That is, control is performed between step S65 and step S66 in FIG. 36 so that blank area processing is executed for all break locations corresponding to the break key selected in step S65. Further, based on the margin area processing result, it is determined whether or not to perform break release. If it is determined that break is to be canceled, the process proceeds to step S66. If it is determined that break is not to be canceled, the process proceeds to step S6b. Control to proceed the process. You may comprise as mentioned above.

  Next, a process for executing the dynamic break process according to the printing purpose will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. FIG.

  FIG. 41 is a UI diagram for selecting a printing purpose, and it is possible to select either “trial printing” or “production printing”.

  Next, a flowchart when the printing purpose of FIG. 41 is set will be described with reference to FIG.

  The form creation application 121 analyzes the contents set in the setting UI of FIG. 41 and determines whether or not trial printing is set (S101).

  If the form creation application 121 determines that the trial printing is set in S101, the form creation application 121 determines whether the dynamic break process is set (S102). Specifically, when dynamic break processing is set, the contents set by the setting UI in FIG. 8 are stored in the RAM, and therefore, the form creation application 121 can determine by referring to the RAM.

  If it is determined in S102 that the break process is set, the process proceeds to S41. On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 that the break process is not set, the form creation application 121 displays FIGS. 7 to 14 as necessary and sets the setting values of the items necessary for the dynamic break process. Recognize (S103). Thereafter, the processing is taken over to S41 in FIG. In addition, although FIG. 42 demonstrated the process which sets a dynamic break process and changes a break item in S103, it does not restrict to this. For example, if the break processing content is a page break, the processing may be changed to the line break processing to save the number of pages. Detailed description will be given with reference to FIG.

  By executing the processing of FIG. 42, it is necessary to set the number of pages as much as possible in an environment where saving of the number of pages is desired, such as trial printing. Therefore, the layout editing application 121 displays the UIs of FIGS. 7 to 14 as necessary when it is determined as trial printing and execution of the dynamic break process is not set. Then, by executing the dynamic break process using the set value, it is possible to perform output reflecting the user's environment and purpose.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S101 in FIG. 42 that the print is not trial printing, that is, in the case of actual printing, the flowchart in FIG. 43 is executed.

  The form creation application 121 determines whether or not dynamic break processing is set (S110). Here, when the dynamic break process is not set, the normal break process is executed, so that it is output as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined in S110 that the dynamic break process is set, the form creation application 121 cancels the dynamic break process setting (S111).

  The form creation application 121 outputs the output page generated in S112.

  By executing the process of FIG. 43, for example, in an environment where high data visibility is required, such as production printing, a break process is performed in response to a change in data in an item designated in advance by the user. It is possible to obtain an output result with high visibility.

  As described above, by executing the processing of FIGS. 41 to 43, it is possible to perform output reflecting the environment and purpose of the user. In FIG. 41, test printing and actual printing are given as examples, but other items may be used.

  That is, the form creation application 121 determines the output setting information of the generated output page by using the processes in FIGS. 41 to 43. Specifically, it is determined whether the print is a production print or a test print. Then, when it is determined that the printing is the actual printing, the data item changing process for determining the data change is not executed. Or, the content of the break process is not changed. That is, the form creation application 121 generates an output page with a predetermined break key item set in advance and predetermined break processing content. On the other hand, when it is determined that the print is a test print, the form creation application 121 executes a data item change process for determining a data change. Or, the processing content of the break processing is changed.

  Also, the dynamic break process may be executed according to the distribution destination of the output result using the UI shown in FIG. In the UI of FIG. 44, “department manager” and “section manager” are displayed as distribution destinations. This may be arbitrarily registered by the user or may be registered by another method.

  Here, when the manager is selected, it can be assumed that a highly convenient output result can be obtained by performing the break processing in units of copies. Therefore, when the selected break keys are “part” and “section”, “first break key priority” is selected so that the dynamic break process is automatically executed in units of copies. On the other hand, when the section manager is selected, “tail break key priority” is selected so that the dynamic break process is executed in units of sections.

  When the output result generated by overlay processing does not meet the conditions set in the UI of FIG. 7 as in the first embodiment of the present application, the determination item (data item for determining data change) of the break processing is changed. To do. By this process, it is possible to obtain an output result that matches the conditions set by the user in the UI of FIG. 7 without changing the break processing content (for example, page break) specified by the user.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, when a predetermined condition (margin area restriction or page number restriction) is met, the determination item of the break process is changed to obtain an output result desired by the user. The second embodiment aims to obtain an output result desired by the user by changing the content of the break processing. Note that the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. Therefore, the content not described in the second embodiment may be processed using the content described in the first embodiment.

  It is assumed that the form creation application 121 has previously set values input to necessary items via the setting UIs shown in FIGS. Then, the form creation application 121 determines a change in data in a predetermined data item, and executes a separation process when it is determined that a data change has occurred in a predetermined data item. This process is a common process in the present application.

  FIG. 45 shows the processing contents of the form creation application 121 in the second embodiment.

  The form creation application 121 executes the overlay process described above (S121).

  The form creation application 121 determines whether or not the output page generated by the overlay matches the value set in the setting UI of FIG. 7 (S122).

If it is determined in S122 that the value does not apply to the value set in the UI of FIG. 7, the layout editing application 121 displays a UI as shown in FIG. Here, when the break process content change is selected, the detailed screen of FIG. 48 is displayed, and the break process content is changed according to the content set by the user (S123). 47 and 48 will be described. FIG. 47 shows a UI for setting whether or not to change the break processing. If the change is specified here, the UI of FIG. 48 is displayed, for example, “page break → line feed”. Yes. This is the display because the current break process is a page break. If the current break process is a line break, “new line → new page” may be displayed. Further, “new page → new line” and “new line → new page” may be displayed and selected. That is, the processing from S122 to S123 is performed by changing the processing content of the separation processing when the output page generated by executing the separation processing does not meet the output page restriction conditions set in the UI of FIG. is there. Then, the form creation application 121 generates an output page based on the changed content of the separation process. The delimiter process content is synonymous with the break process content.

  As described above, the break processing content is changed as necessary by executing the processing of FIG. Therefore, even if the output result desired by the user cannot be obtained as a result of the overlay process, the data item break process set in advance by the user is reflected, and high data visibility is maintained, so that unnecessary print output is performed. An output result desired by the user can be obtained without performing the operation.

  FIG. 46 shows the output result when the second embodiment is used. Note that. It is assumed that the form data uses the data shown in FIG. 15 and the data to be inserted uses FIG.

  First, when break processing is executed in the items of “part” and “section” which are designated break keys, an output result of 4 pages is obtained as shown in FIG. In addition, it is assumed that the user designates the “page number limit” within 2 pages using the UI of FIG. Also, FIG. 9 can be used at the time of line break, and in FIG. 46, it is assumed that blank line insertion is designated. Based on the above, the output result is changed as shown in FIG. 46 by applying the second embodiment.

  FIG. 49 is a screen for setting the processing content of the break processing. The same setting is made when selecting form data and data to be inserted into the form data in order to execute overlay processing. In FIG. 49, it is possible to set a page break or a line break.

  In the second embodiment, the margin size in which the data is not arranged can be determined for each page of the output page. When the margin size of each page exceeds the margin area limit of the output page set in the UI of FIG. 7, the form creation application 121 changes the processing content of the separation process. Similarly, the form creation application determines the number of output pages, and when the number of output pages exceeds the page number limit set in the UI of FIG.

  In addition, the form creation application 121 can change the processing content of the separation process from the page break process to the line feed process in S123. Then, the form creation application 121 generates an output page by applying the line feed processing changed according to the data change in the predetermined data item. In addition, when executing line break processing, processing for inserting a blank line, processing for changing the attribute of the portion where delimiter processing has been canceled, or anything inserted at the location for executing line breaking processing set via FIG. An output page is generated based on one of the processes that are not performed. In addition, when the form creation application sets the page number limit, even if the content of the separation process is changed based on the page number limit, the number of generated output pages exceeds the page number limit. The page number limiting process can be set via FIG. The setting contents include a process of outputting as it is and a process of making an error. If the form creation application 121 determines that the page number of the output page exceeds the page number limit even if the processing content of the separation process is changed, the form creation application 121, based on the information set in FIG. Generate an output page.

  Further, when a break occurs, the subtotal / aggregate may be output, and the subtotal / aggregate output may be dynamically changed so that display / non-display can be switched. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subtotal / total setting UI in the present embodiment. It is displayed on the display 17 by the control of the UI component 103 shown in FIG. 4 and executed by the CPU 10 shown in FIG. Also, the setting by the UI is held in the RAM 12 or the like.

  In this subtotal / total setting UI, a setting for displaying / not displaying the subtotal / total when a break occurs and a setting for displaying only the subtotal / total can be performed.

  In FIG. 40, 1901 is a setting for “display subtotal / total”, and is a setting for displaying the subtotal / total of result data at the time of a break. Reference numeral 1902 denotes a setting for “not displaying subtotal / total”, and a setting for not displaying subtotal / total for result data at the time of a break.

  Reference numeral 1903 denotes a “display only subtotal / total” setting for displaying only the subtotal / total of the result data during a break.

  Reference numeral 1904 denotes an OK button. When this OK button 1904 is instructed, the setting value by this UI is stored in the RAM 12 or the like under the control of the UI component 103.

  The form creation application 121 executes processing based on the subtotal / total setting set by the UI of FIG. 40 and held in the RAM 12 when the overlay processing shown in each flowchart is executed.

  That is, when the UI setting in FIG. 40 is “display”, the form creation application 121 calculates the subtotal / total of the form data at the break location when the break occurs. Then, the form creation application 121 edits and controls the output data in the RAM 12 so as to output (print or display) the calculated subtotal / total to the corresponding break location. On the other hand, when the UI setting in FIG. 40 is “not display”, the form creation application 121 controls to not output (print or display) the subtotal / total of the form data at the break location when the break occurs.

  Further, when the UI setting of FIG. 40 is “display only subtotal / total”, the form creation application 121 outputs the output data to the RAM 12 so that only the calculated subtotal / total is output (printed or displayed). Edit control within.

  That is, the form creation application 121 has a totaling processing unit that performs a totaling process based on a change in data in a data item for determining a change in data, and generates an output page including a totaling result by the totaling processing unit.

  With the above processing, not only the break is canceled, but also the subtotal / total output is dynamically controlled, so that the paper space can be further reduced.

  The output page generated by the form creation application includes a tabular output page generated by inserting data into the frame information.

  The host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1 may be a personal computer or a server computer.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described 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.

  As described above, the form creation application 121 determines whether the margin amount of the page generated by the break processing is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and performs dynamic break (change of the break key) if it is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Change the page break location. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the extra blank area and generate a printed matter on which only necessary data is described.

  Also, the form creation application 121 determines whether the number of pages generated by the break processing is greater than or equal to a threshold, and if it is greater than or equal to the threshold, performs a dynamic break (change of the break key) to dynamically change the page break location. Change control. Thereby, it is possible to fit the specified number of pages specified by the user without changing the appearance such as the character size and the line spacing.

  In this way, by applying conditions / constraints from the outside, it is possible to dynamically change the break setting based on the conditions / constraints and output the print result desired by the user.

  In each of the embodiments described above, overlay processing is executed to generate output data on the RAM 12, and the output data is edited based on the set dynamic break operation conditions, so that the break location and the output area are determined. The configuration to be changed is shown. As a result, it is possible to dynamically change the page where data is paginated and the output area. However, you may comprise as follows. First, based on the dynamic break operation condition, form data, and content data, a break change location to be executed, an output area change, and the like are determined, and the information is stored in the RAM 12. Then, an overlay process may be executed based on information such as a break change position to be executed and an output area change, and the output area may be dynamically changed at a page break position.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of the memory map of the storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus applicable to the form printing processing system according to the present invention will be described. explain.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  34, FIG. 35, FIG. 36, FIG. 37, FIG. 38, FIG. 39, FIG. 42, FIG. 43, and FIG. 45 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. Good. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of a program, the form of the program is not limited, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS.

  Examples of storage media for supplying programs include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, MOs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, the program can be supplied by connecting to a home page on the Internet using a browser of a client computer and downloading the program of the present invention from the home page to a storage medium such as a hard disk. It can also be supplied by downloading a file compressed from the home page and including an automatic installation function to a storage 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. In other words, a WWW server, an FTP server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  Further, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. Further, the user who has cleared the predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from the homepage via the Internet. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but it is needless to say that the following configurations are included. For example, an OS (operating system) operating on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

  Further, the program code read from the storage 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. Based on the instruction of the program code written in the memory, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is also included.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  While various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited to the specific descriptions in the present specification by those skilled in the art.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  As described above, the appearance of the character size, line spacing, etc. is not changed, and while maintaining the convenience of data sorting, the desired number of pages can be accommodated by the user and the extra blank area can be eliminated to obtain the desired output result. Can be able to.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus that can be applied to a form print processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium (recording medium) which stores the various data processing program and related data which can be read with the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map in a state where the control program shown in FIG. 2 is loaded into a RAM and becomes executable. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system which prints data, such as a form. It is a figure explaining the process which pours content data with respect to form data. It is a figure which shows an example of the dynamic break key selection UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the dynamic break operation condition setting UI (user interface) in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the dynamic break setting UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the process UI at the time of dynamic break execution in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the dynamic break key detailed setting UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the page number setting UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the output setting UI of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the error setting UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the margin area | region setting UI in this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “Release all breaks for only selected break keys” is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key releasing operation when “first break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key releasing operation when “first break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key releasing operation when “first break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “end break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “end break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram for specifically explaining a break key release operation when “end break key priority” setting is selected in the dynamic break setting shown in FIG. 8. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a figure which demonstrates concretely the blank area | region process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the subtotal / total setting UI in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of UI for setting the output objective in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a process when the trial printing of this invention is selected. It is a flowchart which shows a process when production printing of this invention is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of UI for designating the output destination of this invention. It is a flowchart which changes the break processing content of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the output result at the time of changing the break processing content of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the change setting UI about the break processing content of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the change content setting UI of the break processing content of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of UI which sets the break processing content of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 CPU
11 ROM
12 RAM
13 FD drive 14 FD
15 HD drive 16 Keyboard 17 Display 18 Mouse 19 NIC (Network Interface Card)
20 System bus 103 User interface (USER INTERFASE)
105 Library (LIBRARY)
121 FORM EDITING APPLICATION

Claims (25)

In an information processing apparatus that generates an output page by executing a delimiter process according to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data composed of a plurality of data items,
Setting means for setting constraints on the generated output page;
Control means for changing a data item for determining a change in the data when the generated output page does not satisfy the constraint condition of the output page set by the setting means;
Generating means for generating an output page to which delimiter processing is applied in accordance with data change in a data item for determining a change in the data changed by the control means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Each page of the output page has a margin size determining means for determining a margin size in which the data is not arranged;
The setting means can set a margin area limitation of the generated output page as a constraint condition,
When the margin size determined by the margin determination unit exceeds the margin area limit of the output page set by the setting unit, the control unit changes a data item for determining the change of the data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Output page number determination means for determining the number of pages of the output page;
The setting means can set a page number limit of the generated output page as a constraint condition,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the page number of the output page determined by the output page number determination unit exceeds the page number limit, the control unit changes a data item for determining the change in the data. The information processing apparatus described. A change method setting means for setting a method for changing a data item for determining a change in the data;
The said control means changes the data item which determines the change of the said data based on the method of changing the data item which determines the change of the said data set by the said change method setting means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3. The method of changing a data item for determining a change in the data specifies a data item for canceling the delimiter process, and performs a delimiter process according to a data change in the data item designated to cancel the delimiter process. Including a first method of releasing,
The control means, when the first method is set, cancels a delimiter process according to a change in data in a data item designated to cancel the delimiter process. 5. The information processing apparatus according to 4. The method of changing a data item for determining a change in the data specifies a priority order of the data item for determining a change in the data, and performs a delimiter process according to the data change in the data item in an order based on the priority order. Including a second method of releasing,
6. The control unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the second method is set, the delimiting process according to the data change in the data item is canceled in the order based on the priority order. The information processing apparatus described in 1. In the data composed of the plurality of data items, by changing the data item for determining the change of the data, the data before the change of the data can be determined based on the change of the data in the data item after the change. Data overflow judging means for judging whether or not the area can be accommodated,
Output processing in a case where it is determined that the data before the change of data cannot be stored in the determined area based on the change of data in the data item after the change of the data item for determining the change of the data An output content setting means for setting the content;
A data item for determining a change in the data by the data overflow determining means is determined according to a data change in the data item after the change, and the data before the data change cannot be accommodated in a predetermined area. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates an output page based on the output processing content set by the output content setting unit. . The output content setting means, as a process in the case where it is determined that the data before the change of the data can not fit in the determined area, as a process to output as it is in the determined output area, or It is possible to set the process to output up to the output possible area including the determined output area,
Based on the data change in the data item after the change of the data item for determining the data change by the data overflow determining means, it is determined that the data before the data change cannot be accommodated in the determined area And when the output content setting means sets the process to output to the output possible area, the generation means generates an output page in which the data consisting of the plurality of items is arranged up to the output possible area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7. A process for inserting a blank line at a location where the delimiter process is canceled by changing a data item for determining a change in the data, a process for changing an attribute of the location where the delimiter process is canceled, a process for not inserting anything, There is a delimiter processing location setting means that can set either of
The generating means generates an output page based on the processing content set by the delimiter processing location setting means for a location where the delimiter processing is canceled by changing a data item for determining the change in the data. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Page when the number of output pages to be generated exceeds the page number limit even when the data item for determining the change in the data is changed based on the page number limit when the page number limit is set As the number limiting process, there is an output setting means capable of setting a process for outputting as it is or a process for making an error,
If the output page number determination means determines that the page number of the output page exceeds the page number limit even if the data item for determining the change in data is changed, the output setting The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an output page is generated based on information set by the means. Output setting information determining means for determining output setting information of the output page generated by the generating means;
When the output setting information determined by the output setting information determining means is determined to be the first output setting information, the control means does not execute the data item changing process for determining the data change, and The data item changing process for determining a change in the data is executed when the output setting information determined by the output setting information determining means is determined to be the first output setting information. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 10. In an information processing apparatus that generates an output page by executing a delimiter process according to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data composed of a plurality of data items,
Setting means for setting constraints on the generated output page;
Data determining means for determining a change in data in the predetermined data item;
Separation processing execution means for executing the separation processing when it is determined by the data determination means that a data change has occurred in a predetermined data item;
Control means for changing the processing content of the delimiter process when the output page generated by executing the delimiter process by the delimiter process execution unit does not meet the output page restriction condition set by the setting unit;
Generating means for generating an output page based on the processing content of the separation process changed by the control means;
An information processing apparatus comprising: Each page of the output page has a margin size determining means for determining a margin size in which the data is not arranged;
The setting means can set a margin area limitation of the generated output page as a constraint condition,
The control means changes the processing content of the separation processing when the margin size determined by the margin determination means exceeds the margin area limit of the output page set by the setting means. 12. The information processing apparatus according to 12. Output page number determination means for determining the number of pages of the output page;
The setting means can set a page number limit of the generated output page as a constraint condition,
13. The information according to claim 12, wherein the control unit changes the processing content of the separation processing when the number of output pages determined by the output page number determination unit exceeds the page number limit. Processing equipment. A change method setting means for changing the content of the delimiter process from a page break process to a line feed process,
15. The generation unit according to claim 12, wherein the generation unit generates an output page by applying a line feed process changed by the change method setting unit according to a change in data in the predetermined data item. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims. There is a delimiter processing part setting means that can set either a process for inserting a blank line, a process for changing the attribute of a part for which the delimiter process has been canceled, or a process for not inserting anything at the position where the line feed process is executed. And
The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the generation unit generates an output page based on the processing content set by the delimiter processing location setting unit. When the page number limit setting is performed, even if the processing content of the separation process is changed based on the page number limit, the page number limit process when the page number of the generated output page exceeds the page number limit As an output setting means that can set a process to output as it is or a process to be an error,
The generation unit is set by the output setting unit when the output page number determination unit determines that the page number of the output page exceeds the page number limit even if the processing content of the separation process is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an output page is generated based on the processed information. Output setting information determining means for determining output setting information of the output page generated by the generating means;
When it is determined that the output setting information determined by the output setting information determination unit is the first output setting information, the control unit does not change the processing content of the separation process, and the output setting information determination unit 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when it is determined that the determined output setting information is the first output setting information, the processing content of the separation process is changed. .   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the generated output page includes a tabular output page generated by inserting data into frame information. Based on a change in data in the data item for determining the change in the data, comprising a tally processing means for tally processing;
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates an output page including a totaling result by the totaling processing unit. A tally processing means for tally processing according to the delimiter processing based on the changed delimiter processing content;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the generation unit generates an output page including a total result by the total processing unit. In a data output control method in an information processing apparatus for generating an output page by executing a delimiter process according to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data composed of a plurality of data items,
A setting step for setting constraints on the generated output page;
A change step of changing a data item for determining a change in the data when the generated output page does not satisfy the constraint condition of the output page set by the setting unit;
A generation step of generating an output page to which delimiter processing is applied in accordance with a change in data in a data item for determining the change in the changed data;
A data output control method comprising: In a data output control method in an information processing apparatus for generating an output page by executing a delimiter process according to a change in data in a predetermined data item in data composed of a plurality of data items,
A setting step for setting constraints on the generated output page;
A data determination step of determining a change in data in the predetermined data item;
When it is determined that a data change has occurred in the predetermined data item, a delimiter process execution step for executing the delimiter process;
A change step of changing the processing content of the delimiter process when the output page generated by executing the delimiter process does not meet the output page restriction condition set by the setting unit;
Generating means for generating an output page based on the changed processing content of the separation process;
A data output control method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the data output control method according to claim 22 or 23.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the data output control method according to claim 22 or 23.

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