JP2017182472A - Character editing server and character editing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character editing server and a character editing system that can design a printed matter even when a client has not character font data.SOLUTION: A character image processing server 1 comprises a request data reception unit 11 that receives image request data including text data, font designation data and an imaging instruction from a Web server 5, an editing data generation unit 13 that generates character image data in which font data of a font DB 21 corresponding to a text of text data acquired is imaged, according to the font DB 21 storing a plurality of kinds of font data, and font designation data received by the request data reception unit 11, and a data storage control unit 18 that stores the generated character image data in a file server 4 being accessible from the Web server 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a character editing server and a character editing system.

  Conventionally, a user edits a design of a printed matter such as a flyer or a pamphlet using a client. Regarding character design, a character can be designed with a favorite font by selecting a character font (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-14124

  However, if it is desired to use character font data that does not exist in the client, it is necessary to prepare the character font data on the client side.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a character editing server and a character editing system capable of designing a printed matter without having character font data in a client.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this. In addition, the configuration described with reference numerals may be improved as appropriate, or at least a part thereof may be replaced with another configuration.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image request receiving means (11) for receiving image request data including character data, font designation data for designating a character font, and an imaging instruction from a client (5), and a plurality of types of fonts. Character image data obtained by imaging the font data of the font data storage unit corresponding to the character of the acquired character data in accordance with the font designation data received by the image request receiving unit and the font data storage unit (21) for storing data The image generation means (13) for generating the image data, and the data storage control means (18) for storing the character image data generated by the image generation means in the storage area (4) accessible from the client. A character editing server (1).
According to a second aspect of the invention, in the character editing server (1) of the first aspect, the image request data received by the image request receiving means (11) is XML format data, and the data storage control means (18) Is a character editing server characterized in that the position of the storage area to be stored is designated.
According to a third aspect, in the character editing server (1) of the first or second aspect, the printed matter request receiving means (11) for receiving printed matter request data including a printed matter creation instruction from the client (5); Based on the printed matter request data received by the printed matter request receiving means, printed matter data in which an image corresponding to the character image data is arranged at the same arrangement position as the character image data on the editing screen arranged by editing with the client. Printed matter data generating means (16) to be generated, and printed matter data output means for storing the printed matter data generated by the printed matter data generating means in a storage area (4) that can be output to a printing machine (3) that performs commercial printing. (17) and a character editing server.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the character editing server (1) of the third aspect, the printed matter request data received by the printed matter request receiving means (11) is XML format data, and the data storage control means (18) The data storage control means stores the print data generated by the print data generation means in the storage area (4) accessible from the client (3). This is a character editing server characterized by the above.
The fifth invention mediates between any of the character editing servers (1) from the first invention to the fourth invention, the editing terminal (7), the character editing server, and the editing terminal. An intermediary server (5), wherein the intermediary server is stored in the storage area in a layout area (31) of an edit screen editable by the editing terminal. A character editing system comprising an edit screen output means (54) for outputting character image data.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the character editing system (100) of the fifth aspect, the editing terminal (7) includes the character data, the font designation data, the position data in the layout area (31), The mediation server (5) receives the imaging instruction, and the mediation server (5) sends the character data received by the editing terminal, the font designation data, and the imaging instruction to the character editing server (1). An image request transmitting means (52) for transmitting is provided, and the editing terminal outputs the character image data output by the editing screen output means (54) of a mediation server to a position of the layout area corresponding to the position data. Is a character editing system characterized by
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the character editing system (100) of the fifth or sixth aspect, the mediation server (5) stores the font data storage unit (21) for each editing terminal (7). Font setting value requesting means (51) for requesting a setting value corresponding to the stored font data to the character editing server (1), and the editing screen output means (54) of the mediation server includes: By receiving the set value from a character editing server, the editing screen (30) outputs a character input area and a font designation area for displaying font type data in a selectable manner. It is a character editing system.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a character editing server and a character editing system capable of designing a printed matter without having character font data in the client.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the character image processing server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of image DB of the file server which concerns on this embodiment, and the image corresponding table of an editing terminal. It is a figure which shows the functional block of the web server and editing terminal which concern on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the edit screen output process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the edit screen data generation output process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the edit terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the character edit process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the edit terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the edit terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the display magnification change process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display with the edit terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the trimming process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image edit with the edit terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the print data generation process in the character image processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image generation process in the character image processing server which concerns on this embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this.
(Embodiment)
<Entire Configuration of Character Image Processing System 100>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
The character image processing system 100 edits the design of a printed matter (for example, a printed matter used in a business such as a catalog, a flyer or a pamphlet, or a printed matter used for business) printed by using a printer 3 (printing machine) for commercial printing. 7 is a system for generating print data (printed material data). The character image processing system 100 is a system that generates image data to be arranged on the editing screen while editing with the editing terminal 7. In the character image processing system 100, a plurality of clients (for example, companies) use the editing terminal 7, respectively.

The character image processing system 100 includes a character image processing server 1 (character editing server, image processing server), a printer 3, a file server 4, a Web server 5 (mediation server), and an editing terminal 7. The client is a concept including the Web server 5 and the editing terminal 7.
The character image processing server 1, the printer 3, the file server 4, and the Web server 5 are communicable via a communication network N1. The communication network N1 is, for example, a dedicated line or a VPN (Virtual Private Network), and is a network that cannot be accessed from the outside.
Further, the Web server 5 and the editing terminal 7 can communicate with each other via the communication network N2. The communication network N2 is, for example, an internet line.

For example, the Web server 5 is provided for each client, and a plurality of servers are prepared. The editing terminal 7 is used by a client employee (for example, a company employee). Therefore, the editing terminal 7 does not need to be a dedicated terminal in the character image processing system 100, and may be a terminal owned by each client.
Hereinafter, as an example, a case where a company (client) operating a retail store (for example, a supermarket) having a plurality of stores designs a flyer will be described as an example. An employee (hereinafter also referred to as a “user”) operates the editing terminal 7 and differs in each store with respect to what has been previously designed in common (hereinafter also referred to as a “template”). It is assumed that a flyer is created by adding a part of the design. Here, there is a need for a person who supervises all stores (such as a corporate headquarters) to create a flyer with a unified design. On the other hand, there is a need for each store to add an original design at each store, such as the store address and the features of each store. Therefore, in the character image processing system 100, a part of the common design can be edited at each store.

<Character image processing server 1>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the character image processing server 1 according to the present embodiment.
The character image processing server 1 generates image data from character data or print data in response to request data received from the Web server 5.
The character image processing server 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, and a communication interface unit 29.
The control unit 10 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire character image processing server 1. The controller 10 executes various functions in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing an operating system (OS) and application programs stored in the storage unit 20.

  The control unit 10 includes a request data receiving unit 11 (image request receiving unit, printed product request receiving unit), an image data generating unit 12, an image data extracting unit 15 (image data extracting unit), and a print data generating unit 16 (printed material). A data generation unit), a print data output unit 17 (printed data output unit), and a data storage control unit 18 (data storage control unit).

The request data receiving unit 11 receives character image request data (image request data) from the Web server 5. The character image request data is data requesting that the text of the text data (character data) is converted into an image with a specified font. The character image request data includes edit content data, resolution designation data (resolution designation information), an output position designation, and an image ID (IDentifier) (image designation information). The editing content data includes text data, font designation data, and imaging instructions.
Further, the request data receiving unit 11 receives print request data (printed matter request data) from the Web server 5. The print request data is data for requesting generation of print data for printing by the printer 3. The print request data includes design data of all designs related to the printed material edited by the editing terminal 7, a printed material creation instruction, and designation of an output position.
Further, the request data receiving unit 11 receives designated image request data (image request data) from the Web server 5. The designated image request data is data requesting a designated image and resolution image data. The designated image request data includes an image ID, resolution designation data, and designation of an output position when an image has already been generated and image data having a different resolution is requested. In addition, when the designated image request data does not generate an image and the image data is generated based on the designated image request data, in addition to the image ID, the resolution designation data, and the output position designation, the editing is performed. Edited image content data (edited content data) relating to the edited image.

The image data generation unit 12 includes an editing data generation unit 13 (image generation unit, multiple image generation unit) and a low resolution data generation unit 14 (low resolution image generation unit, multiple image generation unit).
The edit data generation unit 13 generates image data (character image data) obtained by imaging font data corresponding to text based on the character image request data received by the request data reception unit 11. Here, the font data refers to character data expressed in a designated font.
The edit data generation unit 13 generates image data based on the edit image content data when the designated image request data received by the request data reception unit 11 includes the edit image content data.
The low resolution data generation unit 14 generates low resolution image data from data used when creating high resolution image data.
Further, the low resolution data generation unit 14 generates low resolution image data in which the resolution of the image data generated by the editing data generation unit 13 is lowered.

When the designated image request data received by the request data receiving unit 11 does not include the edited image content data, the image data extracting unit 15 reads the image ID from the image DB (database) 45 (image storage unit) of the file server 4. And image data corresponding to the resolution designation data are extracted.
The print data generation unit 16 generates print data based on the print request data.
The print data output unit 17 outputs the print data generated by the print data generation unit 16 to a storage area that can be acquired by the printer 3 in the file server 4.
The data storage control unit 18 stores the extracted and generated image data and the generated print data in a storage area accessible from the Web server 5 in the file server 4.
Details of each function will be described later.

The storage unit 20 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 10 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 20 includes a font DB 21 (font data storage unit) and a user DB 24.
The font DB 21 is a database that stores font data that can be used in printed materials. The font DB 21 stores font data corresponding to a plurality of types of fonts.
The user DB 24 can identify the type of font that can be used by the user in association with the user ID, and stores a setting value corresponding to the font data. The user ID is identification information for identifying the user.

The communication interface unit 29 is an interface for performing communication with the file server 4 and the Web server 5.
The computer refers to an information processing device including a control unit, a storage device, and the like. The character image processing server 1 is an information processing device including the control unit 10, the storage unit 20 and the like, and is included in the concept of a computer. It is.

<Printer 3>
A printer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is a printing apparatus for commercial printing. The printer 3 acquires print data stored in the file server 4, performs print processing, and outputs a printed matter.

<File server 4>
A file server 4 shown in FIG. 1 is a data server that stores image data generated by the character image processing server 1 and print data. Further, the file server 4 stores template data and cassette data used in the design of printed matter.
The file server 4 includes an image DB 45.

Here, the image DB 45 will be described.
FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the image DB 45 of the file server 4 according to the present embodiment.
The image DB 45 stores image data used for generating print data used by the character image processing server 1. The image DB 45 stores image data having two different resolutions, that is, high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data for an image ID that specifies one type of image. The high-resolution image data is image data used when the display magnification is high when print data is generated or edited by the editing terminal 7. On the other hand, the low-resolution image data is image data used when the display magnification is low during editing by the editing terminal 7.

Returning to FIG. 1, the file server 4 stores template data and various image data in advance.
The template is a model and is prepared in advance and stored in the file server 4 for common use in a plurality of stores. In the template, a plurality of images are laid out on a sheet. In each store, a template is called to correct only a part of the store name, address, and the like. By doing so, it is possible to create a leaflet with a sense of unity as a whole.

  The image data may be cassette data in which a plurality of image data are integrated. The cassette data is, for example, a picture image and a character image integrated together. For example, an image of a melon picture shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, used for a retail store advertisement or the like, an image of a character of “melon”, and an image of a character of “500 yen” create various flyers. These images can be used as a unit, and these images are easier to use as a unit. If the price is to be changed, only the character image of “500 yen” needs to be changed. In this way, the cassette data is a collection of a plurality of image data used as a unit in advance.

<Web server 5>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the Web server 5 and the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.
The Web server 5 is a server that mediates between the editing terminal 7 and the character image processing server 1.
The web server 5 includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 60, and a communication interface unit 69.
The control unit 50 is a CPU that controls the entire Web server 5. The control unit 50 reads out and executes the OS and application programs stored in the storage unit 60 as appropriate, thereby executing various functions in cooperation with the hardware described above.

The control unit 50 includes a setting request data transmission unit 51 (font setting value request unit), an image request data transmission unit 52 (image request transmission unit), and an edit screen data output unit 54 (edit screen output unit).
The setting request data transmission unit 51 transmits a request for font data to the character image processing server 1.
The image request data transmission unit 52 transmits character image request data and designated image request data to the character image processing server 1.
The edit screen data output unit 54 outputs image data to be output to the edit screen to the editing terminal 7.

The storage unit 60 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 50 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 60 stores a user authentication DB 61. The user authentication DB 61 is a DB that stores a user ID that can use the Web server 5 and a password.
The communication interface unit 69 is an interface for communicating with the character image processing server 1 and the file server 4 via the communication network N1 and communicating with the editing terminal 7 via the communication network N2. .

<Editing terminal 7>
The editing terminal 7 is a terminal for a user to design a printed material on the Web. The editing terminal 7 is a terminal represented by, for example, a PC (personal computer) or a tablet terminal.
The editing terminal 7 includes a control unit 70, a storage unit 80, a display unit 85, an input unit 86, and a communication interface unit 89.
The control unit 70 includes an editing operation receiving unit 71 (editing operation receiving unit), an image determination unit 72 (determination unit), a screen editing unit 73, and a server communication unit 74.
The editing operation accepting unit 71 accepts an editing operation from the input unit 86.
The image determination unit 72 determines the resolution corresponding to the display mode of the editing screen.
The screen editing unit 73 edits the editing screen and outputs it to the display unit 85.
The server communication unit 74 performs control related to data transmitted to and received from the Web server 5.

The storage unit 80 is a storage area such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory element for storing programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 70 to execute various processes.
The storage unit 80 includes an image correspondence table 81.
Here, the image correspondence table 81 will be described.
FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the image correspondence table 81 of the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.
The image correspondence table 81 is a table used to determine the resolution of the image output from the editing terminal 7, and stores the display magnification and the type of the selected image in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 3B, if the display magnification is less than 200%, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 selects a low resolution image, and if the display magnification is 200% or more, the control unit 70 A high resolution image will be selected.
Returning to FIG. 4, the storage unit 80 further stores a browser and Flash (registered trademark) software (both not shown).
The editing terminal 7 uses a browser and Flash stored in the storage unit 80 to communicate with the Web server 5 by using a design program that operates with these software, and an editing screen for designing a printed matter Is output.

The display unit 85 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.
The input unit 86 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse.
The display unit 85 and the input unit 86 may be a device having both functions such as a touch panel display, for example.
The communication interface unit 89 is an interface for performing communication with the Web server 5 via the communication network N2.

  The computer refers to an information processing device including a control unit, a storage device, and the like. The Web server 5 and the editing terminal 7 are information processing devices each including a control unit, a storage unit, and the like. Included in the concept.

Next, processing in the character image processing system 100 will be described.
<Edit screen output processing>
First, processing for displaying an editing screen on the editing terminal 7 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing editing screen output processing in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing edit screen data generation / output processing in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example on the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.

For example, when the user selects an icon (not shown) of a design program displayed on the display unit 85, the design program is started, and step S in FIG. 5 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “S”). ) 10, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) of the editing terminal 7 accesses the Web server 5.
In S11, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 outputs a login screen (not shown), and in S12, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 causes the display unit 85 to display the login screen. The login screen is a screen for inputting a user ID and a password for using the design program.
Then, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 receives an operation of transmitting the input user ID and password, and the control unit 70 transmits the user ID and password to the Web server 5 in S13.
In S <b> 14, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 performs user authentication with reference to the user authentication DB 61. If the user authentication is successful, the control unit 50 refers to the file server 4 to generate a list of templates that can be used with the user ID and outputs the template list to the editing terminal 7 in S15. If the user authentication is not successful, the Web server 5 outputs a message indicating that the login has failed to the editing terminal 7 and does not perform the subsequent processing.

  Here, the template is stored in the file server 4 as described above, but the file server 4 manages the data by dividing the accessible folder for each requester. By doing so, image data and templates that can be used for each client can be appropriately managed.

In S <b> 16, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 displays a template list on the display unit 85.
In S <b> 17, the control unit 70 receives an operation for selecting a template by the user and transmits a request for editing screen data together with the selected template information to the Web server 5. In S <b> 18, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5. Performs editing screen creation processing. Since the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 transmits a request for editing screen data even when the user accepts an operation for opening the editing screen without selecting a template, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 Perform screen creation processing.

Here, the edit screen creation processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In S <b> 20 of FIG. 6, the control unit 50 (setting request data transmission unit 51) of the Web server 5 requests font data together with the user ID from the character image processing server 1. Here, usable fonts are set for each user.
In step S <b> 21, the control unit 10 of the character image processing server 1 refers to the user DB 24, acquires setting values of font data usable by the user from the font DB 21, and transmits them to the web server 5. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process. With this process, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the set value of the font data. The set value of the font data is used when displaying the character editing screen of the character editing process (FIG. 8 described later).
In S22, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 determines whether or not a template is selected in the editing terminal 7 (see S17). This can be determined by whether the control unit 50 includes template information in the data received from the editing terminal 7. When the template is selected (S22: YES), the control unit 50 moves the process to S23. On the other hand, when the template is not selected (S22: NO), the control unit 50 moves the process to S24a.

In S23, the control unit 50 acquires the corresponding template from the file server 4 based on the template information.
In S <b> 24, the control unit 50 (editing screen data output unit 54) outputs editing screen data including a template to the editing terminal 7. Thereafter, the control unit 50 shifts the processing to FIG.
On the other hand, in S24a, the control unit 50 (editing screen data output unit 54) outputs editing screen data not including the template to the editing terminal 7. Thereafter, the control unit 50 shifts the processing to FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in S <b> 19, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74, screen editing unit 73) of the editing terminal 7 receives the editing screen data output from the Web server 5 and displays the editing screen 30. Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends this process.

Here, the editing screen 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
The edit screen 30 is a screen on which the user actually edits the design of the printed material. On the edit screen 30, a layout area 31, an edit area 32, and a header area 33 are arranged.
The layout area 31 is an area where the user directly designs the layout of the printed material.
When the editing screen data received from the Web server 5 includes a template, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 applies a standard display magnification (for example, 80%) on the sheet 31s to display the entire appearance of the printed matter. A template is arranged and output to the layout area 31. The sheet 31s is a mount. Then, the image on the sheet 31s is finally printed. The image data included in the template has a resolution corresponding to a standard display magnification. When the standard display magnification is 80%, the image data is low-resolution image data (see FIG. 3B).
The edit area 32 is an area for displaying edit items. When an edit item is selected, a screen corresponding to the edit item is displayed. This point will be described later.
The header area 33 is an area in which a display magnification section 33a for designating the display magnification of the layout area 31 and an end button 33b for ending editing are arranged.

The user operates the editing screen 30 using the editing terminal 7 to design a printed material.
The editing screen 30 shown in FIG. 7 displays a template for designing a flyer of a certain retail store in the layout area 31. Here, the user can designate a campaign period, enter a store name, or enter a comment. The image 31t is cassette data indicating a retail store logo.

<Character editing process>
Next, processing for character editing which is one of editing processing will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing character editing processing in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
9 and 10 are diagrams showing display examples on the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.
The character editing process described below is a process for newly arranging a character in the layout area 31 or correcting the arranged character.
In S <b> 30 of FIG. 8, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 displays a character editing screen 32 a in the editing area 32.
This process can be performed when the user selects a “character” button 32x (see FIG. 7) arranged in the editing area 32 of the editing screen 30 when creating a new character. In addition, when the user corrects the character already displayed in the layout area 31, the user can select the character image displayed in the layout area 31 of the editing screen 30. When the user corrects a character already displayed in the layout area 31, a character (text) included in the image of the selected character is displayed in the character input unit 32b (FIG. 9).

In the character editing screen 32a shown in FIG. 9, the user inputs a character in the character input unit 32b (character input region) or edits an already input character, and operates the property setting unit 32c (font specification region). Then, font selection, character size, character color, etc. are performed. The user can select various fonts by selecting the font of the property setting unit 32c from the pull-down menu.
When outputting the character editing screen 32a, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) receives a font data setting value from the Web server 5, and uses a property setting unit in a pull-down format for usable fonts based on the setting value. To 32c. Therefore, the font output to the property setting unit 32c can be specified even if the editing terminal 7 does not have it.

In S <b> 31, the user operates the layout area 31 to specify the character placement position and size, so that the control unit 70 (editing operation reception unit 71) acquires the character placement position and size. The designation of the arrangement position and the size may be an operation of selecting an area by dragging with the input unit 86, for example. When the character arrangement position and size are designated, a character arrangement designation area 31a is displayed in the layout area 31, as shown in FIG.
In S32, the control unit 70 (the editing operation receiving unit 71, the server communication unit 74) sends the editing content data to the Web server 5 in response to receiving the selection of the “OK” button 32d on the character editing screen 32a. And the image ID are transmitted. The edited content data includes text data input to the character input unit 32b, resolution designation data corresponding to the display magnification in the display magnification unit 33a, and an imaging instruction. The image ID is the image ID of the original image when the user corrects the already displayed character. In addition, when creating a new character, the image ID is newly assigned a non-overlapping image ID.

On the other hand, when the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the editing content data and the image ID in S <b> 40, the control unit 50 (image request data transmission unit 52) causes the character image processing server 1 to process a character image. The request data is transmitted to the character image processing server 1. The character image request data is XML format data.
In S41, when the control unit 10 (request data receiving unit 11) of the character image processing server 1 receives the character image request data, the control unit 10 (editing data generating unit 13) generates character image data. Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires, from the font DB 21, font data in which text is designated as a specified font from editing content data included in the character image request data. Then, the control unit 10 converts the acquired font data into an image and generates character image data. The character image data generated here is high-resolution image data.
In S42, the control unit 10 (low resolution data generation unit 14) generates low resolution image data in which the resolution of the generated character image data is coarse. Note that the image data generated by the control unit 10 in the processing of S41 and S42 is PNG format data.

In S43, the control unit 10 (data storage control unit 18) receives the image data having the resolution based on the resolution designation data included in the character image request data in accordance with the designation of the output position included in the character image request data. 4 is stored.
In S <b> 44, the control unit 10 transmits the processing result data to the Web server 5. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process.
In S <b> 45, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the processing result data and transmits the processing result data to the editing terminal 7.

In S <b> 33, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) of the editing terminal 7 transmits image acquisition request data to the Web server 5 in response to receiving the processing result data.
In S <b> 46, the control unit 50 (editing screen data output unit 54) of the Web server 5 acquires character image data from the file server 4 and outputs it to the editing terminal 7 in response to receiving the image acquisition request data. . Thereafter, the control unit 50 ends this process.
In S <b> 34, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74, screen editing unit 73) of the editing terminal 7 outputs the character image data received from the Web server 5 to the arrangement position acquired in S <b> 31. Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends this process.
FIG. 10B shows the editing screen 30 after the character editing process is performed. Character image data generated by the character image processing server 1 is added to the character arrangement designation area 31a.

  As described above, the character image processing server 1 generates the character image data by inputting the text and specifying the font in the editing terminal 7, and thus can generate the character image data of various fonts. The font data of the fonts that can be specified need only exist in the character image processing server 1 and do not need to exist in the editing terminal 7. Therefore, the cost related to the font can be suppressed.

  In the above description, the editing terminal 7 transmits the editing content data to the Web server 5 after the control unit 70 receives the designation of the arrangement position. However, designation of the arrangement position may be accepted after the editing content data is transmitted. By doing so, the web server 5 transmits the character image request data to the character image processing server 1 while the control unit 70 accepts the designation of the arrangement position, so that the character image processing server 1 Can be generated, and the processing result can be transmitted to the Web server 5. Therefore, since the character image data is generated while the user who is using the editing terminal 7 is designating the arrangement position, it is possible to prevent the user from waiting for the image generation process as much as possible, which is efficient. Processing can be performed.

  Further, since the editing terminal 7 has information regarding the arrangement position, for example, in the process of changing the arrangement position of the image, communication with the Web server 5 is not performed. Therefore, in the process of changing the arrangement position of the image, the editing terminal 7 only needs to perform the process in the editing terminal 7, and there is no need to transmit data to the Web server 5 or the character image processing server 1. If the position of the image is moved in the editing terminal 7 with the character image data selected, the position of the character image data can be moved. The information related to the arrangement position is information including data related to coordinates (X coordinate and Y coordinate) and data related to size (width and height).

<Display magnification change processing>
Next, processing when the user changes the display magnification on the editing screen will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing display magnification change processing in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example on the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.
In S50 of FIG. 11, the control unit 70 (editing operation receiving unit 71) of the editing terminal 7 receives a change in display magnification. Specifically, the control unit 70 receives an operation of the display magnification unit 33a arranged in the header area 33 of the editing screen 30 illustrated in FIG.

  In S51, the control unit 70 (image determination unit 72) refers to the image correspondence table 81 (FIG. 3B) and determines whether or not the image needs to be changed. The control unit 70 refers to the image correspondence table 81, and if the image resolution at the current display magnification and the image resolution at the changed display magnification are the same, the image change is not necessary. Judge that there is no. Further, the control unit 70 determines that the image needs to be changed when the resolutions of the two images are different. When the image needs to be changed (S51: YES), the control unit 70 moves the process to S52. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to change the image (S51: NO), the control unit 70 moves the process to S58.

In S <b> 52, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) of the editing terminal 7 transmits image change request data to the Web server 5. The image change request data includes the image IDs of all the images displayed in the layout area 31 at the display magnification after the change, and resolution designation data.
In S <b> 53, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the image change request data, and the control unit 50 (image request data transmission unit 52) transmits the designated image request data to the character image processing server 1. The designated image request data is data in XML format, and includes the image IDs of all the images displayed in the layout area 31 at the display magnification after change, resolution designation data, and designation of output positions.

In S54, the control unit 10 (request data reception unit 11) of the character image processing server 1 receives the designated image request data, and the control unit 10 (image data extraction unit 15) is based on the image ID and the resolution designation data. Image data is extracted from the image DB 45.
In S55, the control unit 10 (data storage control unit 18) causes the file server 4 to store the generated image data in accordance with the designation of the output position included in the designated image request data.
In S <b> 56, the control unit 10 transmits the processing result data to the Web server 5. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process.
In S <b> 57, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the processing result data, acquires the image data from the file server 4, and outputs it to the editing terminal 7. Thereafter, the control unit 50 ends this process.

In S58, the control unit 70 (screen editing unit 73) of the editing terminal 7 changes the layout area 31 to the display magnification accepted in S50. At that time, when image data is received from the Web server 5, the image data with the matching image ID is changed to the received image data and output. Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends this process.
FIG. 12B shows the editing screen 30 after changing the display magnification. The images 31x, 31y, and 31z displayed in the layout area 31 are all changed to high-resolution image data. Therefore, a clear image can be displayed even when enlarged display is performed.

  In S51 of FIG. 11, even when the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 determines that the image change is not necessary (S51: NO), the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) Data may be transmitted to the Web server 5. For example, the case where there is not one image data of all the images displayed in the layout area 31 at the display magnification after the change, such as when the display is reduced. In that case, the processing after S52 is the same as the case where it is determined that the image needs to be changed.

<Trimming>
Next, processing when the user performs trimming on an image on the editing screen 30 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the trimming process in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image editing example in the editing terminal 7 according to the present embodiment.
In S60 of FIG. 13, the control unit 70 (editing operation receiving unit 71) of the editing terminal 7 receives an image editing process.

Here, the image editing process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14A shows an image 40 displayed in the layout area 31. For this image 40, the user selects a cut icon (not shown) and performs an operation of cutting a region 40a, which is a partial region. By doing so, the control unit 70 can cut out the image 41 shown in FIG.
Further, the control unit 70 (the image determination unit 72) performs the drag and drop operation, for example, with the image 41 selected so that the image 41 illustrated in FIG. An enlargement operation is accepted.

Returning to FIG. 13, in S61, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 generates image editing request data. The control unit 70 acquires the image ID of the image 40 to be cut and the cut information. The control unit 70 (image determination unit 72) calculates the display magnification of the image 41 and refers to the image correspondence table 81 to determine the resolution of the image. Then, the control unit 70 generates image editing request data. The image editing request data includes an image ID of the original image, edited image content data including cutting information, and resolution designation data.
In S <b> 62, the editing terminal 7 (server communication unit 74) transmits the image editing request data and the newly assigned image ID to the Web server 5.
In S63, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the image editing request data and the image ID, and the control unit 50 (image request data transmission unit 52) sends the designated image request data to the character image processing server 1. Send. The designated image request data is data in XML format, and includes an image ID, edited image content data, resolution designation data, and designation of an output position.

In S64, the control unit 10 (request data reception unit 11) of the character image processing server 1 receives the designated image request data, and the control unit 10 (image data extraction unit 15) is based on the image ID and the resolution designation data. Image data is extracted from the image DB 45.
In S65, the control unit 10 (edit data generation unit 13) performs trimming processing on the extracted image data using the edit image content data.
In S66, the control unit 10 (data storage control unit 18) stores the edited image data after the trimming process in the file server 4 in accordance with the designation of the output position included in the designated image request data.
In S <b> 67, the control unit 10 transmits the processing result data to the Web server 5. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process.

In S <b> 68, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the processing result data, acquires the image data from the file server 4, and outputs it to the editing terminal 7. Thereafter, the control unit 50 ends this process.
In S <b> 69, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74, screen editing unit 73) of the editing terminal 7 outputs the image data received from the Web server 5 to the layout area 31. Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends this process.
FIG. 14C is an image 42 generated by the trimming process described above. Since the image 42 is image data having a resolution corresponding to the display magnification of the image, a clear image can be displayed.

  Note that when the user performs an editing operation using the editing screen 30, an appropriate operation is selected, so that the above-described character editing process (FIG. 8), display magnification changing process (FIG. 11), and trimming process are performed. (FIG. 13) is executed. When the user performs an editing operation using the editing screen 30, in addition to the above-described processing, cassette data and image data that can be used by the editing terminal 7 are acquired from the file server 4 and output. Processing is also performed as appropriate.

Next, processing when the user instructs creation of print data on the editing screen 30 will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing print data generation processing in the character image processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.
In S80, the control unit 70 (editing operation receiving unit 71) of the editing terminal 7 receives a print data creation instruction. Specifically, when the user selects the end button 33b (see FIG. 7) of the header area 33 on the editing screen 30, the control unit 70 displays an inquiry screen (not shown) regarding whether or not print data is created. Therefore, when the user selects to create print data, the control unit 70 receives an instruction to create print data. This creation instruction is an operation finally performed by the user after the user performs an editing operation using the editing screen 30.
In S <b> 81, the control unit 70 (server communication unit 74) transmits print generation request data to the Web server 5. The print generation request data is data for requesting generation of print data, and includes design data related to the design of the printed material edited on the editing screen 30 and a printed material creation instruction.

In S <b> 82, the control unit 50 (image request data transmission unit 52) of the Web server 5 transmits print request data to the character image processing server 1. The print request data is data in XML format, and includes designation of an output position in addition to the above-described design data and printed matter creation instruction.
In S83, the control unit 10 (request data receiving unit 11) of the character image processing server 1 receives the print request data, and the control unit 10 (print data generating unit 16) generates print data. Since the print data is data used by the printer 3, the control unit 10 generates each image included in the design data using the high resolution image data. In addition, the control unit 10 converts the print data into PDF format data.
In S84, the control unit 10 (data storage control unit 18) stores the generated print data in the file server 4 in accordance with the designation of the output position included in the designated image request data.
In S <b> 85, the control unit 10 transmits processing result data to the Web server 5. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process.
In S <b> 86, the control unit 50 of the Web server 5 receives the processing result data and outputs the processing result to the editing terminal 7. Thereafter, the control unit 50 ends this process.
In S <b> 87, the control unit 70 of the editing terminal 7 displays the processing result on the display unit 85. Thereafter, the control unit 70 ends this process.

  When the printer 3 performs print processing using print data, for example, the printer 3 accesses the file server 4 to acquire print data stored in a specified folder and perform printing. Good. By doing so, the printer 3 can print a high-resolution beautiful printed matter.

Next, image generation processing performed by the character image processing server 1 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing image generation processing in the character image processing server 1 according to this embodiment.
This process is a process performed for complementing image data when only one of high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data is stored in the image DB 45. And this process is suitably performed, for example in the time when the process of the character image processing server 1 is vacant.

In S90, the control unit 10 of the character image processing server 1 searches the image DB 45.
In S91, the control unit 10 determines whether there is an image that has not been generated. Specifically, the control unit 10 has an image that has not been generated depending on whether both high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data are stored for each image ID included in the image DB 45. Determine whether or not. In the above-described trimming process (FIG. 13), image data having a resolution to be used is generated and stored in the image DB 45, and therefore only one of the high resolution image and the low resolution image may be stored. Even when cassette data or image data is newly stored in the image DB 45, only high-resolution images are stored. If it is determined that there is an image that has not been generated (S91: YES), the control unit 10 moves the process to S92. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no image that has not been generated (S91: NO), the control unit 10 ends this process.

In S92, the control unit 10 generates image data having a resolution that has not been generated. When the image data generated by the above-described trimming process (FIG. 13) is a low-resolution image, the control unit 10 generates high-resolution image data using the edited image content data. When cassette data or image data is newly stored in the image DB 45, the control unit 10 (low-resolution data generation unit 14) coarsens the resolution of the high-resolution image data to reduce the low-resolution image. Generate data.
In S93, the control unit 10 stores the generated image data with the resolution in the image DB 45 corresponding to the image ID. Then, the control part 10 complete | finishes this process.

  As described above, the image DB 45 can store the high-resolution image data and the low-resolution image data by generating the image data when the resources (such as the CPU) of the character image processing server 1 are available. it can. Therefore, in the editing process at the editing terminal 7, image data corresponding to the display magnification can be output with high response.

Thus, according to the character image processing system 100 of the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) Since the character image processing server 1 generates character image data using various types of font data that the character image processing server 1 has, the editing terminal 7 does not have various types of font data. I'll do it. Therefore, it is possible to save time and effort for the character image processing server 1 or the like to send font data to the editing terminal 7 or to store font data in the editing terminal 7.
Further, the character image processing server 1 can centrally manage font data and can be realized at low cost.
Since the character image processing server 1 stores the generated image data in the file server 4 accessible by the Web server 5, the editing terminal 7 can use the image data via the Web server 5.
Since the character image processing server 1 converts the text data into image data, the editing terminal 7 may display the image data. Therefore, the processing at the editing terminal 7 can be simplified to display image data.

(2) Since the request data transmitted from the Web server 5 to the character image processing server 1 is data in XML format, information to be processed by the character image processing server 1 can be directly described.
Further, since the storage position in the file server 4 is designated in the request data, the character image processing server 1 can store the generated image data in the designated position in the file server 4.
(3) By instructing creation of a printed matter from the editing terminal 7, the character image processing server 1 generates print data and sends the print data to the file server 4 connected to the printer 3 via the communication network N1. Can output.
Therefore, since the printed matter having the layout edited by the editing terminal 7 can be created using the printer 3 that performs commercial printing, a printed matter with high resolution can be created.
Further, since the character image processing server 1 creates a printed matter in which an image corresponding to the same arrangement position as the image data displayed in the layout area 31 of the editing screen 30 is arranged, the character image processing server 1 can be created according to the editing screen.
Furthermore, since the generated print data is stored in the file server 4, it can be referred to from the editing terminal 7 via the Web server 5. Therefore, it is possible to make the user confirm the contents of the printed matter that is actually created.

(4) Since the character image processing server 1 and the Web server 5 are provided, processing can be distributed.
For example, the Web server 5 mediates editing screen data output to the editing terminal 7, and the character image processing server 1 can specialize in processing related to generation such as generation of image data and generation of print data.
(5) Since the editing terminal 7 has data relating to the arrangement position in the layout area 31, the image data generated by the character image processing server 1 can be output to a designated position in the layout area 31 based on the data relating to the arrangement position.
(6) Selection of the font to be output to the editing screen 30 of the editing terminal 7 can be made to correspond to the character font data stored in the font DB 21 of the character image processing server 1. Further, the selection of the font to be output to the editing screen 30 of the editing terminal 7 can be changed for each user who uses the editing terminal 7.

(7) The character image processing server 1 causes the file server 4 to store image data in response to a request including an image ID and resolution designation data from the editing terminal 7. Therefore, the editing terminal 7 can display an image having a resolution suitable for the display mode.
Since the editing terminal 7 requests an image having a resolution suitable for the display mode, the character image processing server 1 only needs to transmit an image corresponding to the display mode on the editing terminal 7, and always transmits a high-resolution image. There is nothing. As a result, communication speed and display processing speed can be improved.
(8) The character image processing server 1 stores the high-resolution image to be printed on in the image DB 45 so that the character image processing server 1 has a low-resolution image whose resolution is coarsened from the data used to create the high-resolution image data. Data can be generated and stored in the image DB 45. Therefore, it is possible to always display image data with a resolution adapted to the display mode of the editing terminal 7.
(9) When the character image processing server 1 receives the request data including the edited image content data, the character image processing server 1 generates image data of a designated resolution and stores it in the file server 4. Therefore, the image data generated based on the edited image content data can have a resolution that is easy to see on the editing terminal 7.

(10) The editing terminal 7 requests the image data having the resolution corresponding to the display mode in accordance with the determination by the image determination unit 72, and outputs the image data according to the request to the editing screen. Therefore, the image displayed on the editing screen can be made to correspond to the display mode.
If the image needs to be updated depending on the display magnification, the editing terminal 7 requests image data from the character image processing server 1 via the Web server 5, but the image needs not to be updated. Does not request the character image processing server 1. Therefore, communication between the Web server 5 or the character image processing server 1 and the editing terminal 7 can be suppressed.
(11) When trimming is performed at the editing terminal 7, image request data including edited image content data and resolution designation data corresponding to the display magnification of the image data is transmitted. By doing so, the character image processing server 1 can generate image data having a resolution suitable for display by trimming.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. In addition, although embodiment mentioned above and the deformation | transformation form mentioned later can also be used in combination as appropriate, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Deformation)
(1) In this embodiment, an example of designing a leaflet of a retail store has been described, but what is designed by this character image processing system is not limited to this. For example, it may be a flyer of another client, or may be used for designing a pamphlet or the like over a plurality of pages.
(2) In this embodiment, when a trimming operation is performed at the editing terminal, the edited image content data is transmitted to the character image processing server, so that the character image processing server performs the trimming process and the result is edited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the trimming process may be performed only in the editing terminal. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the response on communication and the load on the character image processing server. If processing is performed only within the editing terminal, trimming processing may be performed by the character image processing server when print data is generated.

(3) In this embodiment, the character image processing server has been described as storing the generated print data in the file server. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The character image processing server may store the generated print data in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Then, when printing is performed by the printer 3, the print data may be created by downloading the print data stored in the storage medium and outputting the print data to the printer 3.
(4) In the present embodiment, description has been made assuming that usable font data is provided for each user, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided in the client unit to which the user belongs.

(5) In the present embodiment, an example of generating high-resolution and low-resolution image data in the character editing process has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the character editing process, only image data having a resolution corresponding to the display magnification may be generated, and image data having the other resolution may be generated by the image generation process.
(6) Although the present embodiment has been described as having an image DB in a file server, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a character image processing server may have.

(7) In the present embodiment, the example of generating character image data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even with graphic data such as a circle and a rectangle, image data with two different resolutions can be generated.
(8) Although the present embodiment has been described as generating image data having two different resolutions, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as an image can be clearly displayed regardless of the display magnification, image data with three or more different resolutions may be generated.

(9) In the present embodiment, an example in which the request data is XML format data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The request data may be data in a format in which image data can be generated by the image data generation unit. For example, data in CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format or JSON (Java Script (registered trademark) Object Notification) format data. It may be.
Further, the image data generated by the character image data is PNG format data, and the print data is PDF format data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, data in JPEG format, InDesign format, or the like may be used. However, the data must be in a format that can be used by the editing terminal 7 and the printer 3.

  (10) In the present embodiment, the client is described as including a Web server and an editing terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. A device (client) having both functions of a Web server and an editing terminal may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character image processing server 3 Printer 4 File server 5 Web server 7 Editing terminal 10, 50, 70 Control part 11 Request data receiving part 12 Image data generation part 13 Edit data generation part 14 Low resolution data generation part 15 Image data extraction part 16 Print data generation unit 17 Print data output unit 18 Data storage control unit 21 Font DB
30 Editing screen 45 Image DB
51 Setting Request Data Transmitting Unit 52 Image Request Data Transmitting Unit 54 Editing Screen Data Output Unit 71 Editing Operation Accepting Unit 72 Image Judgment Unit 81 Image Correspondence Table 100 Character Image Processing System N1, N2 Communication Network

Claims (7)

Image request receiving means for receiving image request data including character data, font specifying data for specifying a character font, and imaging instruction from the client;
A font data storage unit for storing a plurality of types of font data;
In accordance with the font designation data received by the image request receiving means, image generating means for generating character image data obtained by imaging the font data of the font data storage unit corresponding to the characters of the acquired character data;
Data storage control means for storing character image data generated by the image generation means in a storage area accessible from the client;
Character editing server with The character editing server according to claim 1,
The image request data received by the image request receiving means is data in XML format, and the position of a storage area to be stored by the data storage control means is designated,
Character editing server characterized by In the character editing server according to claim 1 or 2,
A printed matter request receiving means for receiving printed matter request data including a printed matter creation instruction from the client;
Printed matter data in which an image corresponding to the character image data is arranged at the same arrangement position as the character image data on the editing screen arranged by editing on the client based on the printed matter request data received by the printed matter request receiving means. Printed matter data generating means for generating
Printed matter data output means for storing the printed matter data generated by the printed matter data generating means in a storage area that can be output to a printing machine that performs commercial printing;
Providing
Character editing server characterized by The character editing server according to claim 3,
The printed matter request data received by the printed matter request receiving means is data in XML format, and the position of the storage area to be stored by the data storage control means is designated,
The data storage control unit stores the print data generated by the print data generation unit in a storage area accessible from the client;
Character editing server characterized by A character editing server according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An editing terminal,
An intermediary server that mediates between the character editing server and the editing terminal;
A character editing system comprising:
The mediation server comprises an edit screen output means for outputting the character image data stored in the storage area in a layout area of an edit screen editable by the editing terminal;
Character editing system characterized by The character editing system according to claim 5,
The editing terminal receives the character data, the font designation data, the position data in the layout area, and the imaging instruction;
The mediation server includes image request transmission means for transmitting the character data received by the editing terminal, the font designation data, and the imaging instruction to the character editing server,
The editing terminal outputs the character image data output by the editing screen output means of a mediation server to a position of the layout region corresponding to the position data;
Character editing system characterized by In the character editing system according to claim 5 or 6,
The mediation server includes font setting value requesting means for requesting the character editing server for a setting value corresponding to the font data stored in the font data storage unit for each editing terminal.
The editing screen output means of the mediation server receives the setting value from the character editing server, and displays a character input area and a font designation area on the editing screen in a manner in which font type data can be selected. Output,
Character editing system characterized by

Images