JP3527615B2 - Layout typesetting method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a layout typesetting technique using a computer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic typesetting method using a computer system called layout typesetting is frequently used for leaflets and catalogs. Layout typesetting is a typesetting method in which a template for arranging a character string or a pattern is created, the template is copied at a plurality of positions on one page image, and similar arrangement of the character string and the pattern is repeated. The template includes a graphic used as a reference when arranging a character string (hereinafter, referred to as “arrangement reference graphic”). The placement reference figure is also called a "flowing figure". A character string is placed on the placement reference figure according to a preset placement mode. Examples of such an arrangement mode include a mode in which character strings are simply sequentially arranged inside a rectangular arrangement reference figure, and an arrangement reference figure is arranged while adjusting the character size so that the character string fills the inside. There are modes to go. The command for executing the typesetting process in these arrangement modes is also called a "typesetting command".

[0003]

In the conventional layout composition, since only one layout mode can be set for the layout reference figure included in the template, there is a problem that the flexibility of layout of character strings is low. It was

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a layout typesetting technique capable of increasing flexibility regarding arrangement of character strings.

[0005]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, a method of the present invention is a layout typesetting method using a computer system, comprising : (a) the computer system Creating a template including a plurality of placement reference figures for arranging the character strings in a plurality of different placement modes using (b) the computer system, (C) inputting a character string to be arranged in each of the plurality of template objects by using the computer system , by creating a plurality of template objects by copying to the position of ) According to the placement mode for each placement reference figure , the computer system Arranging the character string in a plurality of placement reference figures respectively included in the plurality of template objects , wherein the step (a) is performed for each placement reference figure.
Select one of the multiple placement modes.
Including the step of determining .

According to the above method, different placement modes can be assigned to a plurality of placement reference figures included in the template, so that a plurality of character strings placed in various placement modes are included in the same template. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to realize a layout typesetting in which the arrangement of character strings is highly flexible.

The method further comprises: (e) selecting one of the plurality of template objects using the computer system, and selecting one of the plurality of placement reference figures included in the selected template object. It is preferable to include a step of changing the arrangement state of the character strings in all of the plurality of template objects by changing the arrangement mode for at least one of the arrangement reference graphics of to another arrangement mode.

In this way, the character string arrangements in all template objects can be changed simply by changing the arrangement mode in one template object, so that the character string arrangements of the entire one-page image can be easily and uniformly made. It has the advantage that it can be changed.

Further, in the above method, it is preferable that the template includes fixed characters.

This makes it possible to easily arrange fixed characters commonly used in each template object.

Further, in the above method, the plurality of layout modes are (1) according to a typesetting style including a typeface of the character string, a character size, and an arrangement direction when the layout reference graphic is a closed graphic. A first arrangement mode in which character strings are sequentially arranged inside the closed figure; and (2) when the arrangement reference figure is a closed figure, the character string is irrespective of the character size specified in the composition style. A second arrangement mode in which the character size of each character is adjusted and arranged so as to fill the inside of the closed figure, and (3) the character string is sequentially arranged on the line forming the arrangement reference figure according to the typesetting style. A third arrangement mode for arranging, and (4) when the arrangement reference figure is a closed figure, the height of the character string is the same as the height of the closed figure, regardless of the character size specified in the typesetting style. And a fourth arrangement mode in which the height and width of each character are adjusted so that the entire length of the character string is equal to the length of the closed figure. It is preferable to include one.

In the step (b), a step of designating the number of repetitions in the row direction and the column direction for arranging the plurality of template objects in a matrix on the one-page image, and the one-page image While specifying the coordinates of the first repeat reference point for defining the positions of the plurality of template objects on the above,
A step of setting candidate coordinates of a second repeat reference point; and a plurality of the plurality of elements arranged in a matrix based on a difference between the coordinates of the first repeat reference point and the candidate coordinates of the second repeat reference point. Calculating the pitches of the template objects in the row direction and the column direction, and arranging and displaying the figures showing the positions of the plurality of template objects on the one-page image at the calculated pitches. It is preferable to provide.

With this configuration, the user can easily set the preferable positions of the plurality of template objects from the positions of the figures arranged in a matrix on the screen.

[0014]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention also includes the following other embodiments. A first aspect is a layout typesetting device using a computer system, and a template creating means for creating a template including a plurality of placement reference figures for placing a character string in a plurality of different placement modes, and Copying means for creating a plurality of template objects by copying the template at a plurality of positions on a one-page image, and character writing means for inputting a character string to be arranged in each of the plurality of template objects. And a typesetting executing means for arranging the character string in a plurality of arrangement reference figures respectively included in the plurality of template objects according to an arrangement mode for the arrangement reference figure.

A second aspect is a recording medium recording a computer program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the steps or means of the invention described above. The recording medium is a computer-readable portable storage medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, an internal storage device (memory such as RAM or ROM) of the computer system and an external storage device, or another computer. Various media that are readable by a computer system and that are programs recorded media can be used.

A third aspect is a program supply device for supplying a computer program, which causes a computer to execute the functions of the steps or means of the invention described above, via a communication path.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. First Example: Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic typesetting system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. This electronic typesetting system includes a CPU 20 and a main memory 22.
The computer system includes a keyboard 24, a mouse 26, a hard disk 28 as an external storage medium, and a graphic display 30. Various interface circuits are omitted.

In the main memory 22, a computer program functioning as the typesetting means 40 and the character-writing data 42.
A typesetting command 44, template data 46,
The typesetting information 48 is stored. The typesetting means 40 is a computer program that realizes the functions of various means used for typesetting processing, such as a creating means, a copying means, a character writing means, and a typesetting executing means. The character collection data 42 is a character code representing a character string to be arranged. Typesetting command 44
Includes a plurality of commands that the user can select to specify a plurality of types of arrangement modes described below. The template data 46 is data representing a template that is repeatedly arranged on a one-page image, including an arrangement reference figure when arranging a character string. The typesetting information 48 is information representing an image (called a “one-page image”) as a result of typesetting.

The computer program for realizing the function of the typesetting means 40 is a flexible disk or a CD-
It is provided in the form of being stored in a portable recording medium such as a ROM, and transferred from the recording medium to an external storage device of the computer system. Alternatively, the computer program may be supplied to the computer system from the program supply device via a communication path. Then, at the time of execution, the computer program is transferred from the external storage device to the main memory and stored therein. In this specification, a computer system means a device that includes hardware and an operating system and that operates under the control of the operating system. The application program causes such a computer system to realize the functions of the respective units described above. Note that some of the functions described above may be realized by the operating system instead of the application program.

In the present invention, the "recording medium" is not limited to the above-mentioned portable recording medium, but various RAMs.
It also includes an internal storage device such as a ROM and a ROM in the computer, and an external storage device fixed to the computer such as a hard disk. That is, the "recording medium" of the present invention
Includes various computer-readable media.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the overall procedure of layout typesetting processing in the embodiment. Step S
1 to S4 are processes for creating a template. First, in step S1, the user creates a plurality of flow-in figures for a template. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how a template is created. This template TP includes three flow-in figures (arrangement reference figures) FG1, FG2, FG3 for arranging character strings, and a picture frame PF for arranging pictures. The character strings "ai ..." and "12 ..." arranged in the flow-in figures FG1 and FG2 are drawn for convenience of illustration, and these characters are not displayed in steps S1 to S4. . Further, the design in the design frame PF is also for convenience and is not displayed in steps S1 to S4.

A tool palette 50 and a typesetting palette 52 are displayed on the screen of the graphic display 30. The tool palette 50 has a plurality of buttons for selecting various tools used for electronic typesetting work. In the example of FIG. 3A, a button for selecting a mouse pointer, a button for selecting a rectangular figure creating tool, a button for selecting a circular figure creating tool, and a pattern pasting tool are selected. Button,
A button for selecting a character input tool (writing method) is included. The typesetting palette 52 will be described later.

In step S1 of FIG. 2, the user selects one of the graphic creation tools to create a plurality of flow-in graphics FG1 to FG3 having a desired shape. In particular,
First, the shapes of the three figures FG1 to FG3 are input with the figure creation tool, and then information that is a "flowing figure" is assigned to these figures. Of course, using the dedicated flow figure creation tool, the flow patterns FG1 to FG3
It is also possible to create.

When the flow patterns FG1 to FG3 are created, the flow pattern information as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is created. The flowed figure information includes a figure ID, a figure attribute, and shape data. The figure ID indicates the type of figure (rectangle, circle, arbitrary polygon, etc.). The graphic attribute indicates whether or not the pouring of a character string into the graphic is prohibited. When the figure attribute is set to "flow prohibited", the character string is arranged so as to avoid the figure. For example, the third flow figure FG3 in FIG.
Is set to this pouring prohibited figure. Such a pouring prohibited figure is used in combination with another pouring figure to arrange a character string in various special modes. The shape data is data for indicating the shape of a figure, and its content differs depending on the type of figure. For example, when the flow-in figure is a rectangle, the shape data is as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), the coordinates of two points on the diagonal of the rectangle are included. When the flow-in figure is circular, the shape data includes the center and radius of the circle, as shown in FIG. 4 (B).

In step S2, the user arranges the picture frame FP. Specifically, first, the shape of the picture frame PF is input with the figure creation tool, and then information that is a "picture frame" is assigned to this figure. Of course, it is also possible to create the picture frame PF using a dedicated picture frame creation tool. The graphic data representing the picture frame PF has the same structure as the flow-in graphic information shown in FIG. 4 described above, but the fact that "picture pasting" is registered in the graphic attribute.

It is preferable that the plurality of figures (flowing-in figure and picture frame) forming the template TP are displayed in a mutually distinguishable manner. For example, the flow-in figures FG1 to FG3 and the picture frame PF may be displayed by lines of different colors. Alternatively, by displaying characters such as "picture" and "flow" near each figure, the use of each figure may be displayed in a distinguishable manner. Furthermore, a plurality of flow patterns FG1 to F
It is preferable to display the characters G3 so that they can be distinguished from each other by adding characters such as "flow 1" and "flow 2". In this way, the user can easily recognize the purpose of each figure only by looking at the screen.

In step S3, a flow pattern (flow pattern in a narrow sense) FG1 and F for which flow is not prohibited.
A typesetting style of a character string and a typesetting command for designating an arrangement mode are assigned to each of G2. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the typesetting palette 52 used for this allocation. The typesetting palette 52 is
Typeface setting field 60 for setting the typeface of the character string
And a character size setting field 62 for setting the size of the character string, and the arrangement direction of the character string (horizontal composition or vertical composition)
And a typesetting command selection button 66 for selecting one of four typesetting commands indicating four arrangement modes.

When setting the composition style, the user has three fields 60, 62, 6 in the composition palette 52.
4 is used to set the typesetting style for each of the flow-in figures FG1 and FG2. The typesetting style is shown in Figure 5.
As shown in (B), the typeface name of the character string to be arranged, the character size, and the combination direction are included. Also, the typesetting style may include the color of characters.

When setting the typesetting command, the user uses the typesetting command selection button 66 of the typesetting palette 52 to select and assign the typesetting command to each of the flow-in figures FG1 and FG2. FIG. 5C shows four typesetting commands that can be selected. In this embodiment, as the typesetting commands, "area text", "area fit text", "line text", and
Four types of "fit text" are prepared. The names, icons, processing contents, etc. of these typesetting commands are stored in the typesetting command 44 in the main memory 22 shown in FIG.
Is remembered as

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing four arrangement modes executed according to these four types of typesetting commands. In the area text mode shown in FIG. 6 (A), the character string “ai ... ko” is sequentially arranged in the flow-in graphic FG according to the specified typesetting style (FIG. 5 (B)).
Therefore, in the area text mode, depending on the number of characters and the character size of the character string, there may be a blank space in the flow-in graphic FG or a character that cannot be arranged in the flow-in graphic FG.

In the area fit text mode shown in FIG. 6B, the character string is arranged while adjusting the character size so that the inside of the flow-in figure FG is filled with the character string. In addition, if necessary, the space between characters (called the "character filling amount") is also adjusted.

In the line text mode shown in FIG. 6C, the character string is sequentially arranged on the line segment forming the flow-in figure FG according to the typesetting style information. For example, when the flow-in figure FG is a closed figure, the character strings are sequentially arranged along the circumference thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 6E, even when the flow-in figure FGa is a straight line or a curved line that is not a closed figure, the character strings are sequentially arranged on the line.

In the fit text mode shown in FIG. 6D, the height of the character string is adjusted to be equal to the height of the flow figure FG, and the entire length of the character string is the same as the length of the flow figure FG. The width of each character is adjusted to be equal. As a result, the string becomes long or flat,
It is arranged as a line of character strings that fills the inside of the flow-in figure FG.

In the example of FIG. 6, the three arrangement modes other than the line text mode can be selected only when the flow figure FG is a closed figure. On the other hand, the line text mode can be selected regardless of the figure of the flow-in figure. Although the four arrangement modes shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples, it is preferable that the plurality of arrangement modes that can be selected include at least one of them. The reason is that the four layout modes shown in FIG. 6 are layout modes that are frequently used in typesetting such as leaflets.

In the template TP shown in FIG. 3A, the area text mode is set for the first flow-in figure FG1 and the line text mode is set for the second flow-in figure FG2. As described above, in this embodiment, different layout modes can be assigned to the plurality of flow-in figures included in the template. Therefore, it is possible to relatively easily create a typesetting process that has high flexibility in the arrangement of character strings and that is interesting and novel.

In step S4 of FIG. 2, the template TP including the various figures thus created is defined as template data. Specifically, the user specifies a command to use the created graphic group as a template. As a result, the template data shown in FIG. 3B is created. This template data includes graphic data, picture data, and typesetting data. The graphic data is data representing a plurality of graphics FG1 to FG3, PF included in the template TP, and has the same configuration as the flow graphic information shown in FIG. The picture data is information including the picture name. The typesetting data includes the typesetting style information (FIG. 5B) of each flow-in figure, the typesetting command, and the character data. As described below,
When the template TP is copied to a plurality of positions in the one-page image, this template data is used as data representing the template object at each template position. The picture name in the picture data and the actual data of the character data in the typesetting data are not registered in the template data but are registered in each template object.

As can be seen from the example of FIG. 3, the template TP is a set of placement reference figure groups including figures serving as references for arranging character strings and patterns, and the actual character strings and patterns are templates. Not included in TP. Part or all of the plurality of figures included in the template TP may be used only as a reference for the arrangement of the character string or the pattern, and may not be reproduced on the printed matter. However, it is preferable that such a graphic is also displayed on the graphic display 30.

As will be described later, the template TP is 1
It is copied to a plurality of positions on the page image, and a character string or a pattern corresponding to each position is assigned. However, when the same character is used in a plurality of positions (for example, a character such as a leaflet price unit “yen”), the same character (called “fixed character”) should be included in the template TP. It is also possible to do so. By doing so, fixed characters do not have to be flowed in at each position, so that it is possible to simplify the process of character writing and the flow of characters.

In step S5 of FIG. 2, pouring data representing a pattern and a character string to be arranged at a plurality of template positions in one page image is created. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the flow data. The pouring data includes a picture name indicating a picture to be pasted in the picture frame FP of the template TP (FIG. 3A), and the pouring figure FG1,
FG2 and a character string code indicating each character string that is flown into FG2. The image data representing the picture is stored in the hard disk 28 separately from the pouring data. The picture name is information indicating this image data.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, one line of flow data corresponds to information for one template position.
If the template is copied to ten positions in the one-page image, ten pieces of pouring data are created. The user uses the keyboard 24 to input the picture name and the character code. Note that the input of the character string in the typesetting work is also called “typesetting”.

In step S6 of FIG. 2, the user places the template TP on the original (one-page image). FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S6. There are two methods of instructing the placement of the template: a file instruction using the file name of the template TP and an object instruction using the object (graphic group) of the template TP.

When the template file is designated, as shown in step S10 of FIG. 8, the file name of the template data, the number of pages of the document (the number of one-page images), and the flow data (FIG. 7) are set. The user specifies the name and the number of times the template TP is repeated in the X and Y directions on the one-page image. FIG. 9 shows 1
It is explanatory drawing which shows the some template repeatedly copied on page image PP. In this example, six objects TP1 to TP1 copied from the same template TP
Two TPs 6 are repeatedly arranged in the X direction and three TPs are arranged in the Y direction.

When the object of the template TP is designated, in step S11 of FIG. 8, first, the object (group of figures) that is the template TP is designated on the screen. Next, in step S12, the number of pages of the document (the number of one-page images), the name of the flow data (FIG. 7), and the template T on the one-page images are set.
The user specifies the number of repeats Nx in the X direction and the number of repeats Ny in the Y direction.

In step S13 of FIG. 8, the position of the repeat reference point P1 is designated on the screen. As shown in FIG.
The repeat reference point P1 is a reference position of the first template position. That is, the first template position is determined so that a predetermined reference point of the template TP (for example, the upper left point of the circumscribed rectangle of the template TP) is located at this repeat reference point P1. Step S1 of FIG.
In S4 and S15, the movement amounts ΔX and ΔY in the X direction and the Y direction are designated, respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 9, according to these movement amounts ΔX and ΔY and the number of repetitions in each direction,
The same template TP will be repeatedly copied onto the one-page image.

In step S7 of FIG. 2, the typesetting means 40 repeatedly arranges the template TP on the one-page image and arranges the character string and the pattern at each template position according to the user's designation up to step S6. Performs typesetting processing. The typesetting result is displayed on the graphic display 30. The above-mentioned FIG. 9 is
Actually, the result of this step S7 is shown.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the detailed procedure of step S7. In step S21, it is determined whether the template placement instruction is an object instruction or a file instruction. If the template instruction is a file instruction, step S22 is executed. On the other hand, in the case of an object instruction, step S22 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S22, the template data is loaded on the page data representing one page image. In step S23, the template data is copied onto the one-page image with the designated Y-direction movement amount ΔY. Hereinafter, the objects (groups of figures) represented by the template data thus copied are referred to as “template objects”. As a result of step S23, first, the first template object TP1 shown in FIG. 9 is arranged on the one-page image PP.

In step S24, the pattern name is read from the flow-in data (FIG. 7) and stored in the pattern data of the template object copied in step S23. Further, in step S25, a character string is read from the flow-in data and stored in the typesetting data of the template object. As described above, the data representing the template object has the structure shown in FIG. In the configuration of FIG. 3B, the pattern name in the pattern data and the character data in the typesetting data are not registered in the template data, and steps S24 and S2 in FIG.
At 5, the template object is registered.

In step S26 of FIG. 10, the typesetting means 4
0 executes the actual typesetting process according to the typesetting command included in the typesetting data. That is, the pattern is attached to the pattern frame FP (FIG. 3A), and the flow-in figure F
A character string is arranged in each of G1 and FG2. On this occasion,
The character string in each flow figure is arranged according to the typesetting command assigned to each flow figure. For example, in the example of FIG. 3 (A), the first flow-in figure FG1
Area text (FIG. 6 (A)) is assigned to, and line text (FIG. 6 (E)) is assigned to the second flow-in figure FG2. Therefore, the character strings are arranged in the respective arrangement modes different for the flow-in figures FG1 and FG2.

In step S27 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the processing for the number of repetitions in the Y direction has been completed. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S23, and the processes of steps S23 to S26 described above are repeated. Figure 11
Shows a state in which a picture and a character string are respectively arranged on the three template objects TP1 to TP3 arranged along the Y direction.

When the processing for the specified number of repetitions in the Y direction is completed, the position of the template object on the one-page image is moved in the X direction by the unit movement amount ΔX in step S28. In step S29, X
It is determined whether or not the processing for the specified number of repetitions of the direction has been completed. If not, step S
23, the processes of steps S23 to S28 described above are repeated for the template object in the next column. On the other hand, when the processing for the specified number of repetitions in the X direction ends, the procedure of FIG. 10 ends. The relationship between the X-direction repeating routine and the Y-direction repeating routine can be reversed from that shown in FIG. That is, the Y-direction may be repeated after the X-direction is completed.

In this way, while the template objects are copied in the Y and X directions, the pattern and the character string are arranged in each template object. Therefore, the result of performing the typesetting at each of the plurality of template positions on the one-page image is shown. Obtainable.

In step S8 of FIG. 2, the page counter indicating the page is advanced to a value indicating the next page. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for the designated total number of pages. If not completed, the process returns to step S7, and steps S7 and S8 described above are repeated. As a result, the one-page image having the designated number of pages is completed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of the page data thus completed. FIG. 12A shows the structure of one template object.
(B) shows page data for 10 pages. The page data of each page includes 6 template objects.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of data representing a template object. Since the graphic data is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 described above, its contents are omitted. The picture data includes the picture name, the lower left point of the picture, and the magnification of the picture (ratio between the pasted picture and the original picture). The magnification of the design can be designated by the user in advance, or can be automatically determined based on the ratio between the size of the original image of the design and the size of the design frame. The typesetting data includes data representing a character string arranged in each of the flow-in figures FG1 and FG2. This character string data includes a typesetting command (Fig. 5C) and a typesetting style (Fig. 5C).
(B)), the character code of each character, and the lower left point.

The page data shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is stored in the main memory 22 as typesetting information 48. In addition, the typesetting result is displayed on the graphic display 30 according to the page data. The user can change the composition by observing the displayed composition result and if the result is not satisfactory.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure for changing the composition. The typesetting change includes a batch change mode in which all template objects included in page data are executed, and an individual change mode in which one template is executed. In the batch change mode, the user selects a parent template object on the screen in step S31. The parent template object is a template object at a predetermined position, and for example, the first template object TP1 (FIG. 11) at the upper left corner of the first page may be initially set as the parent template object.

In step S32, the user gives an instruction to change the composition. The typesetting information that can be changed in the batch change mode is a figure (flowing figure, flow-inhibiting figure, picture frame), a typesetting style, a typesetting command, and a fixed character (a character that is commonly arranged for all objects). In step S33, the typesetting process for all template objects is re-executed according to the changed typesetting information. At this time, if the typesetting process is re-executed only for the portion related to the changed information in each template object, the typesetting process time can be shortened. For example, one flow figure F
When the typesetting command for G1 is changed, the arrangement of the character strings in this flow-in figure FG1 is changed in all template objects. Further, when the typesetting style is changed, the typeface, size, character color, etc. of the character string are collectively changed. When the picture frame is changed, each picture is displayed in the full picture frame after the change.
Formatting information is changed all at once. At this time, it is also possible to automatically enlarge / reduce the design (photograph or the like) according to the size of the design frame.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to collectively change all template objects by changing the typesetting information for the parent template object. It is possible to easily change the typesetting information so as to obtain a desired typesetting result with a relatively simple operation.

On the other hand, in the individual change mode, step S3
In 4, the user selects a template object to be changed on the screen. In step S35, the user gives an instruction to change the formatting. The information that can be changed here includes figures (flowing figures, pouring prohibited figures, picture frames), typesetting styles, typesetting commands, picture names and magnifications.
It is a character string. In step S36, the typesetting process relating to the template object to be changed is re-executed according to the changed typesetting information. At this time, if the typesetting process is re-executed only for the portion related to the changed information, the typesetting process time can be shortened. As described above, in this embodiment, the typesetting information can be changed for individual template objects as well, so that it is possible to easily change an error in a character string in some template objects. In addition, it is possible to easily create an object having a special aspect that stands out particularly among a large number of template objects.

As described above, in the above-described first embodiment, the template TP including a plurality of flow-in figures is created, and the template TP is copied to lay out a plurality of template objects in one page image. It is possible to easily create a one-page image such as a leaflet or a catalog. Further, different layout modes (composition commands) can be assigned to a plurality of flow-in figures included in the template TP, so that composition with high flexibility can be created. Further, since the part of the typesetting information can be changed after the typesetting process is once completed, the efficiency of the typesetting work can be greatly improved.

B. Second Embodiment: FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S6 of FIG. 2 in the second embodiment. FIG. 15 shows an instruction procedure for repeatedly arranging a plurality of templates on a document. Steps S13 to S15 in FIG.
It is replaced with 43. The other points of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In step S41, the repeat mode is designated. The repeat mode includes a uniform mode (first instruction mode) and a repeat mode (second instruction mode). These will be described later. The first repeat reference point is designated in step S42, and the second repeat reference point is designated in step S43.
Specify the repeat reference point of. FIG. 16 shows a screen display when designating the second repeat reference point in the two instruction modes in the second embodiment.

The unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY of the template object in the X direction (row direction) and the Y direction (column direction) are calculated from the difference between the coordinates of the first and second repeat reference points. The first repeat reference point P1 indicates the position of the upper left point of the circumscribed rectangle (shown by the broken line) of the template object TP1 existing at the upper left end of the document PP. The meaning of the second repeat reference point differs depending on the repeat mode.

In the uniform mode, the second repeat reference point is a template object (TP5 in the example of FIG. 16) which is adjacent to the first repeat reference point P1 diagonally below and to the right.
Is the upper left point of. At this time, the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY are
It is given by the following formula.

ΔX = X5-X1 ΔY = Y5-Y1

Here, X1 and Y1 are the coordinates of the first repeat reference point P1, and X5 and Y5 are the second repeat reference point P5.
Are the coordinates of. Thus, in the uniform mode, the difference between the coordinates of the first and second repeat reference points is used as being equal to the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY of the template object. As can be understood from the above description, the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY are the pitches in the X direction (row direction) and the Y direction (column direction) of the plurality of template objects arranged in a matrix.

On the other hand, in the repeat mode, the second repeat reference point becomes the upper left point of the template object (PT6 in the case of FIG. 16) at the lower right end which is repeatedly arranged. At this time, the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY are given by the following equations.

ΔX = (X6-X1) / Nx ΔY = (Y6-Y1) / Ny

Here, X6 and Y6 are the coordinates of the second repeat reference point P6, Nx is the repeat number in the X direction, and Ny is the repeat number in the Y direction. These repetition numbers Nx and Ny are
This is the value designated in step S10 or S12 of FIG. 15, and Nx = 2 and Ny = 3 in the example of FIG. As described above, in the repeat mode, a value obtained by dividing the difference between the coordinates of the first and second repeat reference points by the number of repeats in each direction is used as the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY.

In the second embodiment, when the user moves the mouse pointer on the screen when designating the second repeat reference point P5 (or P6), the second repeat reference point is set at the position of the mouse pointer. With P5 (or P6) positioned, the circumscribed rectangle of each template object is shown on the screen by a broken line. That is, when the first repeat reference point P1 and the second repeat reference point P5 (or P6) are designated, the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY calculated from the difference between these coordinates are used to determine the respective number of repetitions N.
The circumscribed rectangle of the template object repeatedly arranged by x and Ny is displayed on the screen. At this time, the first
The template object TP1 may also be displayed with only the circumscribing rectangle. Alternatively, the actual graphic shape of each template object can be displayed on the screen. However, by displaying only the circumscribing rectangle, the processing time required for display can be shortened.
There is an advantage that the display can be updated at higher speed according to the movement of the mouse pointer.

The user determines the position of the second repeat reference point P5 (or P6) with the circumscribed rectangle of the plurality of displayed template objects being arranged at a preferable position (for example, clicking a mouse button). Then, the typesetting means 40 calculates the unit movement amounts ΔX and ΔY according to the above-described formulas. Since the subsequent processing contents are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the position of the first repeat reference point P1 is designated, and the candidate position of the second repeat reference point P5 (or P6) is set by moving the mouse cursor. In response to this, a graphic (a circumscribing rectangle or the template object itself) showing the template objects repeatedly arranged in a matrix is displayed on the screen. Therefore, the user can interactively and easily set a preferable template object arrangement on the document.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. You may do it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic typesetting system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an overall procedure of layout typesetting processing in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how a template is created.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of flow-in graphic information.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a typesetting palette 52.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing four arrangement modes executed according to four types of typesetting commands.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of flow-in data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of step S6.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of templates repeatedly arranged on the one-page image PP.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S7.

FIG. 11 shows three template objects TP1 to T.
Explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the design and the character string were each arrange | positioned at P3.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of completed page data.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of data representing a template object.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for changing the formatting.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of step S6 in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of repeatedly arranging a plurality of templates on the one-page image PP in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ... CPU 22 ... Main memory 24 ... Keyboard 26 ... Mouse 28 ... Hard disk 30 ... Graphic display 40 ... Typesetting means 42 ... Character data 44 ... Formatting command 46 ... Template data 48 ... Typesetting information 50 ... Tool palette 52 ... Composition palette 60 ... Type setting field 62 ... Character size setting field 64 ... Direction setting field 66 ... Formatting command selection button

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 1/00 G06T 11/60-17/50 G06F 17/20-17/26 B41J 5/00-5 / 52 B42J 21/00-21/28

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A layout typesetting method using a computer system, comprising : (a) a template including a plurality of placement reference figures for placing a character string in a plurality of different placement modes using the computer system. And (b) the computer system creates a plurality of template objects by copying the template to a plurality of positions on a one-page image, and (c) using the computer system. , A step of inputting a character string to be arranged in each of the plurality of template objects, and (d) a plurality of arrangements respectively included in the plurality of template objects in the computer system according to an arrangement mode for each arrangement reference figure. A process for arranging the character string on the reference figure When, wherein the step (a), the plurality of types for each arrangement reference figure
A process that specifies one placement mode from among the placement modes
Layout typesetting method including steps. 2. The layout composition method according to claim 1, further comprising : (e) using the computer system to select one of the plurality of template objects, and to select the selected template object. Changing the arrangement state of the character strings in all of the plurality of template objects by changing the arrangement mode for at least one arrangement reference figure among the plurality of arrangement reference figures included therein to another arrangement mode. Prepare, layout typesetting method. 3. The layout typesetting method according to claim 1, wherein the template includes fixed characters. 4. The layout typesetting method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of layout modes include: (1) the character string when the layout reference graphic is a closed graphic. A first arrangement mode for sequentially arranging the character strings inside the closed figure according to a typesetting style including a typeface, a character size, and an arrangement direction; and (2) when the arrangement reference figure is a closed figure, A second arrangement mode in which the character size of each character is adjusted and arranged so that the character string fills the inside of the closed figure regardless of the character size specified in the composition style; and (3) the composition style According to the third arrangement mode of sequentially arranging the character string on the line forming the arrangement reference figure, (4) when the arrangement reference figure is a closed figure, the character size specified in the typesetting style is set. However, the height and width of each character are set so that the height of the character string is equal to the height of the closed figure, and the entire length of the character string is equal to the length of the closed figure. A layout typesetting method, including at least one of a fourth arrangement mode of adjusting and arranging. 5. The layout typesetting method according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) comprises arranging the plurality of template objects in a matrix on the one-page image. Specifying the number of repetitions in the row direction and the column direction, and specifying the coordinates of the first repeat reference point for defining the positions of the plurality of template objects on the one-page image, and A step of setting candidate coordinates of repeat reference points, and the plurality of template objects arranged in a matrix based on a difference between the coordinates of the first repeat reference points and the candidate coordinates of the second repeat reference points Calculating the pitches in the row direction and the column direction of the template, and And a step of arranging and displaying in the calculated pitch on the image, a layout typesetting methods. 6. A layout using a computer system.
This is a typesetting device that arranges character strings in different types of arrangement modes.
Create a template containing multiple placement reference shapes
Template creating means, and copying the template to a plurality of positions on one page image
Multiple template objects by
Copying means to be created and placed on each of the template objects
According to the placement mode for inputting the character string to be written and the placement mode for each placement reference figure,
Multiple template objects
And a forme execution means for arranging the character string in the arrangement reference figure, the template producing means for each arrangement reference figure
One of the multiple types of placement modes
Layout typesetting device that the user can specify.