JP4145765B2 - Layout system, program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and program for laying out posted information such as documents and images, and in particular, a layout system and program suitable for realizing a good-looking layout even when a margin is set in a character information storage frame. About.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a digital content distribution system that provides digital content such as news to users. In the digital content distribution system, digital content is generally obtained from a content registration database (hereinafter, the database is simply abbreviated as DB). Some are read, the read digital content is edited, and the edited digital content is distributed to the user. In the editing process of digital content, the digital content is laid out so that it is easy for the user to see. As a technique for performing this layout, for example, there is a document allocation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example).

  The first conventional example includes a flow area generation unit that adjusts the start position of the next flow target area so that it matches the final position of the current flow target area, and the character size and line of each sentence. An area state update unit that changes the size of the area that is currently the flow target with reference to the interval, so that when a sentence that spans two areas is flown, the line spacing between the areas becomes constant To.

  As a result, even when the character size or line spacing is changed for each paragraph, a natural and easy-to-read layout result can be obtained.

JP-A-6-28344

Thus, in the first conventional example, the size of the area is changed with reference to the character size and line spacing. However, if margins are set in the character information storage frame, which is an area into which text is poured, it is difficult to make the line spacing between the character information storage frames constant by simply changing the size of the character information storage frame. There was a problem. Some character information storage frames can be set with an outer margin provided on the outer side along the outer periphery of the character information storage frame and an inner margin provided on the inner side along the outer periphery of the character information storage frame. For example, if the outer margin or inner margin of the character information storage frame is set to be greater than or equal to the desired line spacing, the size of the character information storage frame may be changed to bring the character information storage frames closer to each other. Due to the presence of the internal margin, the character information storage frame does not become the desired line spacing.
Even if the outer margin or inner margin of the character information storage frame is set to be greater than the desired line spacing, the character information storage frames are overlapped by ignoring the margin setting and overlapping the character information storage frames. However, overlapping the character information storage frames may affect other information storage frames. For example, the first character information storage frame and the other information storage frame are arranged side by side with their upper ends aligned, and the second character information storage frame is disposed above the first character information storage frame and the other information storage frame. If the size of the second character information storage frame is enlarged downward and overlapped with the first character information storage frame, the second character information storage frame overlaps with other information storage frames.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and realizes a good-looking layout even if a margin is set in the character information storage frame. It is an object of the present invention to provide a layout system and a layout program suitable for the above, and a layout method.

[Invention 1] In order to achieve the above object, a layout system of Invention 1 comprises:
A layout unit for laying out character information, wherein the layout unit performs layout by storing the character information in a character information storage frame arranged in a predetermined layout area;
In the character information storage frame, a margin for securing an interval with another information storage frame can be set.
When the layout means stores the character information in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, an interval between rows of the plurality of character information storage frames in which adjacent rows are continuous And an arrangement position adjusting means for adjusting an arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames so that line intervals in the character information storage frames are the same or substantially the same, and a new space between the plurality of character information storage frames. And a character information storage frame inserting means for inserting a character information storage frame.

  With such a configuration, the layout unit performs layout by storing character information in a character information storage frame arranged in a predetermined layout area. When character information is continuously stored in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other when layout is performed, the layout means causes a row to be continued in the adjacent portion of the plurality of character information storage frames. The arrangement position adjusting means adjusts the arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames so that the intervals between them and the line intervals in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, and the character information storage frame insertion means inserts the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame is newly inserted between the character information storage frames.

  Thereby, the space | interval of what a line continues in the adjacent part among several character information storage frames and the line space | interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if a margin is set in the character information storage frame, it is possible to achieve a layout that is relatively attractive compared to the conventional case.

  Here, as the margin of the character information storage frame, for example, an external margin provided on the outer side along the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, an inner margin provided on the inner side along the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, and other blanks Is included. The same applies to the layout system of the invention 2, the layout program of the invention 12, and the layout method of the invention 13.

  The shape of the character information storage frame is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a polygon other than a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, or other geometric shapes. The same applies to the layout system of the invention 2, the layout program of the invention 12, and the layout method of the invention 13.

  The layout means, for example, a display layout when the layout is performed for the purpose of displaying on the screen, and a print layout when the layout is performed for the purpose of printing on the paper. The same applies to the layout system of the invention 2, the layout program of the invention 12, and the layout method of the invention 13.

  Further, the present system may be realized as a single device, terminal, or other device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of devices, terminals, or other devices are communicably connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any one of a plurality of devices and the like as long as they are connected so as to communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the same applies to the layout system of the second aspect.

[Invention 2] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 2 includes:
A posting information storage means for storing a plurality of posting information consisting of character information, a posting information selection means for selecting the posting information from the posting information storage means, and a layout of the posting information selected by the posting information selection means Layout means for performing layout by storing the posting information in a character information storage frame arranged in a predetermined layout area,
In the character information storage frame, a margin for securing an interval with another information storage frame can be set.
The layout means, when storing the posting information continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, an interval between adjacent ones of the plurality of character information storage frames in the adjacent portion And an arrangement position adjusting means for adjusting an arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames so that line intervals in the character information storage frames are the same or substantially the same, and a new space between the plurality of character information storage frames. And a character information storage frame inserting means for inserting a character information storage frame.

  With this configuration, the posting information is selected from the posting information storage means by the posting information selection means, and the posting information is stored in the character information storage frame arranged in the predetermined layout area by the layout means. Thus, layout is performed. When publishing information continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other when performing layout, the layout means that rows are consecutive in the adjacent portion of the plurality of character information storage frames The arrangement position adjusting means adjusts the arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames so that the intervals between them and the line intervals in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, and the character information storage frame insertion means inserts the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame is newly inserted between the character information storage frames.

  Thereby, the space | interval of what a line continues in the adjacent part among several character information storage frames and the line space | interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if a margin is set in the character information storage frame, it is possible to achieve a layout that is relatively attractive compared to the conventional case.

  Here, the posting information storage means is for storing the posting information at any time and at any time, and may be stored in advance, or without storing the posting information in advance. The posting information may be stored by an external input or the like during operation of the system.

[Invention 3] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 3 is the layout system of Invention 2,
The layout means includes character information storage frame dividing means for dividing a character information storage frame overlapping with other information storage frames so that the information storage frames do not overlap, and the posting information selected by the posting information selection means. Character information division storage means for continuously storing the character information storage frame divided by the character information storage frame division means;
The arrangement position adjusting means adjusts the arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames divided by the character information storage frame dividing means, and the character information storage frame inserting means is a plurality of character information storage frame dividing means divided by the character information storage frame dividing means. A character information storage frame is newly inserted between the character information storage frames.

  With such a configuration, when the character information storage frame overlaps with other information storage frames, the character information storage frame is divided by the character information storage frame dividing means so that the information storage frames do not overlap, A plurality of characters are arranged by the arrangement position adjusting means so that the interval between adjacent lines in a plurality of divided character information storage frames and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same. The arrangement position of the information storage frame is adjusted, and a character information storage frame is newly inserted between the plurality of character information storage frames by the character information storage frame insertion means. On the other hand, the selected posting information is continuously stored in the divided character information storage frame by the character information division storage means.

  As a result, when the character information storage frame overlaps with other information storage frames depending on the content, information amount or logical structure of the posted information, the character information storage frame can be divided to eliminate the overlap and The intervals between the subsequent character information storage frames and the line intervals in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if the character information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame, it is possible to achieve a relatively good-looking layout.

[Invention 4] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 4 is the layout system of Invention 1,
The margin is an external margin provided outside the character information storage frame along the outer periphery thereof.

  With such a configuration, among the plurality of divided character information storage frames, the interval between adjacent lines in the adjacent portion and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, The arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames is adjusted by the arrangement position adjusting unit, and the character information storage frame is newly inserted between the plurality of character information storage frames by the character information storage frame insertion unit.

  Thereby, even if an external margin is set in the character information storage frame, the interval between the character information storage frames and the line interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if an external margin is set in the character information storage frame, it is possible to achieve a relatively good-looking layout.

[Invention 5] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 5 is the layout system of Invention 1,
The margin is an internal margin provided inside the character information storage frame along the outer periphery thereof.

  With such a configuration, among the plurality of divided character information storage frames, the interval between adjacent lines in the adjacent portion and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, The arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames is adjusted by the arrangement position adjusting unit, and the character information storage frame is newly inserted between the plurality of character information storage frames by the character information storage frame insertion unit.

  Thereby, even if an internal margin is set in the character information storage frame, the interval between the character information storage frames and the line interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if an internal margin is set in the character information storage frame, a relatively good-looking layout can be realized.

[Invention 6] The layout system of Invention 6 is the layout system of Invention 3,
The character information storage frame is a rectangular information storage frame for storing character information in a horizontal writing format, and the character information storage frame located near the upper end of the layout area among the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame at a position far from the upper end of the layout area adjacent to the first character information storage frame and the first character information storage frame is used as a second character information storage frame.
The arrangement position adjusting unit is configured such that a height of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of a line feed and a height of the original character insertion area of the first character information storage frame. The lower side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted so that the upper side position of the character insertion region of the first character information storage frame and the character insertion region of the second character information storage frame The height between the upper side position is an integral multiple of the line feed, and the height of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. The upper side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted to be equal to or less than the height,
The character information storage frame insertion means uses the lower side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means as the upper side position, and the second character information adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means The upper side position of the character insertion area of the storage frame is the lower side position, and the left side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is the farther from the left end of the layout area of the character information storage frame. A left side position is a left side position, and a right side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is a right side position of a right side position of the character information storage frame farther from the right end of the layout area. It is designed to insert a 3-character information storage frame,
The character information division storage means stores the posting information selected by the posting information selection means in the first character information storage frame, and stores the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame in the third character information storage frame. A continuation of the posted information stored in the frame and stored in the third character information storage frame is stored in the second character information storage frame.

With such a configuration, the height of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of the line feed and the original character of the first character information storage frame by the arrangement position adjusting means. The lower side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted so as to be equal to or less than the height of the flow region, and the upper side position of the character flow storage region of the first character information storage frame and the character flow region of the second character information storage frame The height between the upper side position is an integral multiple of the line feed, and the height of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to or less than the height of the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. Thus, the upper side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted.
Then, the character position in the second character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjusting unit is set as the upper side position by using the character information storage frame inserting unit as the lower side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjusting unit. The upper side position of the flow area is the lower side position, the left side position of the character flow area of the first and second character information storage frames is the left side position of the character information storage frame farther from the left end of the layout area, and the first side position is the first side position. A third character information storage frame is inserted in which the right side position of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is set to the right side position of the character information storage frame farther from the right end of the layout area.
Then, the selected posting information is stored in the first character information storage frame by the character information division storage means, and the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame is stored in the third character information storage frame. The continuation of the posted information stored in the frame is stored in the second character information storage frame.

  When posting information is stored in the horizontal writing format, the height of the character insertion area where the character string is actually inserted, excluding the margin of the character information storage frame, is an integer multiple of the line feed including the line height and the line spacing. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of unnecessary blanks being generated in the character insertion area. However, when making the height of the character insertion area an integral multiple of the line feed, if it is larger than the height of the original character insertion area, there is a possibility of overlapping with other information storage frames. The character information storage frame should be reduced so that:

  However, if the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame are reduced, a blank area is generated between the adjacent character information storage frames, and the line information between the character information storage frames is stored as character information. Since it becomes larger than the line spacing in the frame, the layout is damaged.

  In the present invention, the above-described problem is solved by newly inserting a third character information storage frame between the character information storage frames. At this time, since the third character information storage frame is arranged so as not to overlap with other information storage frames, the appearance of the layout is not deteriorated by overlapping the information storage frames.

[Invention 7] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 7 is the layout system of Invention 3,
The character information storage frame is a rectangular information storage frame for storing character information in a vertical writing format, and the character information storage frame located near the right end of the layout area among the plurality of character information storage frames. As a first character information storage frame, a character information storage frame at a position far from the right end of the layout area adjacent to the first character information storage frame as a second character information storage frame,
The arrangement position adjusting means is configured such that the width of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of line feed and equal to or less than the width of the original character insertion area of the first character information storage frame. The left side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted such that the right side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame and the right side position of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame And the width of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to or smaller than the width of the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. The right side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted as follows,
The character information storage frame insertion means sets the left side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means as a right side position, and the second character information adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means The right side position of the character insertion area of the storage frame is set as the left side position, and the upper side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is farther from the upper end of the layout area. The upper side position is the upper side position, and the lower side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is the lower side position of the lower side of the character information storage frame farther from the lower end of the layout area. It is designed to insert a 3-character information storage frame,
The character information division storage means stores the posting information selected by the posting information selection means in the first character information storage frame, and stores the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame in the third character information storage frame. A continuation of the posted information stored in the frame and stored in the third character information storage frame is stored in the second character information storage frame.

With such a configuration, the width of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of the line feed and the original character insertion of the first character information storage frame by the arrangement position adjusting means. The left side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted so as to be equal to or smaller than the width of the region, and the right side position of the character insertion region of the first character information storage frame and the right side position of the character insertion region of the second character information storage frame So that the height between the second character information storage frame and the width of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to or less than the width of the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. The right side position of the character information storage frame is adjusted.
Then, the character information storage frame insertion means uses the left side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means as the right side position, and the character in the second character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means. The right side position of the flow area is the left side position, the upper side position of the character flow area of the first and second character information storage frames is the upper side position of the upper side of the character information storage frame far from the upper end of the layout area, A third character information storage frame is inserted in which the lower side position of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is the lower side position of the character information storage frame farther from the lower end of the layout area.
Then, the selected posting information is stored in the first character information storage frame by the character information division storage means, and the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame is stored in the third character information storage frame. The continuation of the posted information stored in the frame is stored in the second character information storage frame. In the present invention, the character information storage frame that is close to the right end of the layout area is set as the first character information storage frame, so that the layout of the language in which the line progress direction flows from right to left as in vertical Japanese writing. Is optimal.

  When posting information is stored in the vertical writing format, the width of the character insertion area into which the character string is actually inserted, excluding the margin of the character information storage frame, is an integer multiple of the line feed including the line width and line spacing. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of unnecessary blanks being generated in the character insertion area. However, when making the width of the character flow area an integer multiple of the line feed, if it is larger than the width of the original character flow area, it may overlap with other information storage frames, so it is less than the width of the original character flow area. Therefore, the character information storage frame should be reduced.

  However, if the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame are reduced, a blank area is generated between the adjacent character information storage frames, and the line information between the character information storage frames is stored as character information. Since it becomes larger than the line spacing in the frame, the layout is damaged.

  In the present invention, the above-described problem is solved by newly inserting a third character information storage frame between the character information storage frames. At this time, since the third character information storage frame is arranged so as not to overlap with other information storage frames, the appearance of the layout is not deteriorated by overlapping the information storage frames.

[Invention 8] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 8 is the layout system of any one of Inventions 3 to 7,
Further, an outer periphery determination unit that determines an outer periphery of a combined area formed by combining a plurality of character information storage frames divided by the character information storage frame dividing unit, and the combination based on a determination result of the outer periphery determination unit And an outer periphery drawing means for drawing the outer periphery of the region.

  In such a configuration, the outer periphery determination unit determines the outer periphery of the combined area formed by combining the plurality of divided character information storage frames, and the outer periphery drawing unit combines based on the determination result. The outer periphery of the area is drawn.

  As a result, since the outer periphery of the combined area is drawn, there is also an effect that it is easy to visually recognize that the plurality of divided character information storage frames are logically integrated.

  Here, the determination by the outer periphery determination unit may be performed before the storage by the character information division storage unit, or may be performed after the storage by the character information division storage unit. . The same applies to the case where drawing is performed by the outer peripheral drawing means.

[Invention 9] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 9 is the layout system of Invention 8,
The outer periphery determining means is configured to select a side of the outer periphery of the character information storage frame that overlaps with the other character information storage frame from a candidate for an edge that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. Excluded from the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, with respect to the side that partially overlaps with another character information storage frame, the corresponding part of the side is a candidate for the side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area For the sides that do not overlap with other character information storage frames in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, the sides are candidates for sides that form the outer periphery of the connection region, and the combined region is configured The outer periphery of the combined area is determined based on the edge candidates obtained for all the outer periphery of the character information storage frame to be performed.

  With such a configuration, the outer periphery determination means uses the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, and for the side that overlaps with the other character information storage frame, that side overlaps the outer periphery of the combined area. It is excluded from the candidates for the side to be formed. In addition, for a side that partially overlaps another character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, the corresponding part of the side is excluded from the candidates for the side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. Is done. In addition, regarding a side that does not overlap another character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, that side is a candidate for a side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. Then, the outer periphery of the combined region is determined based on the edge candidates obtained for all the outer periphery of the character information storage frames constituting the combined region.

  Thereby, the effect that the outer periphery of a joint area | region can be determined comparatively correctly is also acquired.

[Invention 10] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 10 is the layout system of any one of Inventions 2 to 9,
Furthermore, a user information storage means for storing user information about the user is provided,
The posting information selection means is configured to select the posting information from the plurality of posting information based on user information stored in the user information storage means.

  If it is such composition, publication information will be chosen from a plurality of publication information by publication information selection means based on user information of user information storage means.

  Thereby, since the user's unique information or the user's designation information is referred to regarding the selection of the posting information, it is possible to obtain the effect that the posting contents relatively in line with the user's desire can be created.

  Here, the user information includes, for example, the user's age, sex, interest preference, address, name, or usage environment related to the user terminal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the layout system of the eleventh aspect.

  The user information storage means stores the user information at any time and at any time, and may store user information in advance, or may store the user information in advance without storing the user information in advance. User information may be stored by external input or the like during system operation. Hereinafter, the same applies to the layout system of the eleventh aspect.

[Invention 11] Furthermore, the layout system of Invention 11 is the layout system of any one of Inventions 2 to 9,
Furthermore, a user information storage means for storing user information about the user is provided,
The layout means lays out the posting information selected by the posting information selection means based on user information stored in the user information storage means.

  With such a configuration, the selected posting information is laid out by the layout unit based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit.

  As a result, the user's specific information and the designation information by the user are referenced with respect to the layout, so that an effect that a layout result that is relatively in line with the user's wishes can be created is also obtained.

  Here, as the layout based on the user information, when the user information includes an age, if the user is a relatively elderly person, a layout having a relatively large font size may be adopted. In addition, when the user information includes gender, if the gender is female, it may be possible to adopt a circular font layout. If the user information includes interests and preferences, it is possible to adopt a magazine-like layout for children, a sports newspaper style, or a technical document-like layout according to the interests and preferences. In addition, when the user information includes an address, it is conceivable to adopt a layout with a background of a landscape image specialized for the land with the address. When the user information includes a name, it is possible to adopt a layout with the name as the title. In addition, when the user information includes the usage environment related to the user terminal, it may be possible to adopt a layout in which an image with a large data capacity is not used as much as possible when the RAM of the user terminal is small.

[Invention 12] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the layout program of Invention 12 includes:
A program for causing a computer to execute processing realized as the layout means in the layout system of the invention 1,
In the character information storage frame, a margin for securing an interval with another information storage frame can be set.
When the layout means stores the character information in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, an interval between rows of the plurality of character information storage frames in which adjacent rows are continuous And an arrangement position adjusting means for adjusting an arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames so that line intervals in the character information storage frames are the same or substantially the same, and a new space between the plurality of character information storage frames. And a character information storage frame inserting means for inserting a character information storage frame.

  With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as the layout system of the first aspect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 19 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a layout system, a layout program, and a layout method according to the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the layout system, the layout program, and the layout method according to the present invention are applied to the case where digital content such as news is distributed to the user terminal 200 in the content distribution terminal 100 as shown in FIG. Is. In the present embodiment, the horizontal writing format is set in the character information storage frame, and the character information is stored in the horizontal writing format.

  First, the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet 199 includes a plurality of content providing terminals S1 to Sn that provide digital contents, and digital content provided from the content providing terminals S1 to Sn (hereinafter, provided from the content providing terminals S1 to Sn). The content distribution terminal 100 that collects, stores, and distributes the collected digital content may be referred to as article information or article) and the user terminal 200 that is used by the user are connected. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, only one user terminal 200 is shown, but actually, a plurality of user terminals are connected to the Internet 199.

  The content providing terminals S1 to Sn are configured to have the same function as a general computer in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / F, and the like are connected by bus. When digital content is created, the digital content category Is added to the digital content and transmitted to the content distribution terminal 100. The category number will be described in detail later.

  The user terminal 200 is configured to have the same function as a general computer in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / F, and the like are connected by a bus, and has a WWW (World Wide Web) browser. The distribution terminal 100 is accessed.

  Next, an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution terminal 100 inputs an XML parser 11 that analyzes a content data file 10 in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format, and a content data file input that inputs the content data file 10 analyzed by the XML parser 11. Unit 12, an XML parser 14 that analyzes an XML format layout definition file (referred to as a page template and a template application rule described later) 13, and a layout definition file input unit that inputs a layout definition file 13 analyzed by the XML parser 14 15, a layouting unit 16 that performs layout based on the content data file 10 and the layout definition file 13 that are input through the input units 12 and 15, and an XML format drawing designation file 1 from the layouting unit 16. An XML parser 18 for analyzing, and a rasterizing section 19 to create a PDF (Portable Document Format) format of the file 20 by performing drawing based on the drawing specified file 17 analyzed by the XML parser 18. This embodiment is characterized by the layouting portion 16 among these components.

  Next, the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the content distribution terminal 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution terminal 100 reads out from the CPU 30 that controls the calculation and the entire system based on the control program, the ROM 32 that stores the control program of the CPU 30 in a predetermined area, and the ROM 32. It is composed of a RAM 34 for storing data and calculation results required in the calculation process of the CPU 30, and an I / F 38 for mediating input / output of data to / from an external device. These are used for transferring data. The buses 39 as signal lines are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange data.

  The I / F 38 includes, as external devices, a user information registration DB 40 for registering user information, a template registration DB 42 for registering a page template that defines a layout framework for a layout area in units of pages, and content providing terminals S1 to Sn. A content registration DB 44 for collecting and storing the provided digital content and a signal line for connecting to the Internet 199 are connected.

  Next, the data structure of the user information registration DB 40 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the user information registration DB 40 stores a user profile table 300 for registering user information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the user profile table 300.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the user profile table 300 can register one or a plurality of records for each user. Each record includes a field 302 for registering a user ID for identifying a user, a field 304 for registering a distribution destination address of digital contents, a field 306 for registering a category number, a field 308 for registering a keyword, A field 310 for registering a delivery date, a field 312 for registering a delivery time, a field 314 for registering a layout number, a field 316 for registering the maximum number of pages, and a field 318 for registering a font size. Has been.

  In the field 308, when digital content including a keyword specified by the user is selected as a distribution target, the keyword is registered. As a keyword, for example, a keyword that appears frequently in articles in a category in which the user is interested is given. In the example of FIG. 4, “processor” is registered in the first level of the field 308, and “OS (Operating System)” is registered in the second level of the field 308.

  In field 310, a distribution date for which the user desires to distribute digital contents is registered. For example, if you want to distribute digital content every day, specify "Daily". If you want to distribute only on weekdays, specify "Weekday". If you want to distribute only on weekends, select "Weekend". Is specified. In the example of FIG. 4, “daily” is registered in the first row of the field 310, and “weekday” is registered in the second row of the field 310.

  In the field 312, a distribution time at which distribution of digital contents is desired on the distribution date designated by the user is registered. As the delivery time, for example, any time when a day is expressed by a 24-hour system time from 0:00 to 23:00 is designated. In the example of FIG. 4, 5 o'clock is registered in the first row of the field 312 and 11 o'clock is registered in the second row of the field 312.

  In the field 314, a layout number for specifying the output layout of the digital content is registered. As the layout number, for example, a layout number for specifying the output layout desired by the user is designated. In the example of FIG. 4, layout No. 2 is registered in the first level of the field 314, and layout No. 5 is registered in the second level of the field 314. The layout number will be described in detail later.

  The field 316 registers the maximum number of pages that is the upper limit when digital content is displayed or printed. As the maximum number of pages, for example, in addition to specifying the maximum number of pages as an upper limit, it is possible to specify not to set an upper limit by the notation “u”. In the example of FIG. 4, two pages are registered in the first row of the field 316, and “u” is registered in the third row of the field 316.

  In the field 318, the font size when the digital content is displayed or printed is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, “small” is registered in the first row of the field 318, and “normal” is registered in the third row of the field 318.

  Next, the data structure of the template registration DB 42 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The template registration DB 42 stores a plurality of different page templates. The configuration of the page template will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a layout state defined by the page template.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the page template stores a rectangular title information storage frame 362 for storing title information, a rectangular character information storage frame 364 for storing character information, and image information. A layout state in which a rectangular image information storage frame 366, an image information storage frame 368, and a character information storage frame 370 are arranged in the layout area 360 is defined. In the character information storage frame, a horizontal writing format is set, and character information is stored in a horizontal writing format. Note that FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the shape, size, number, and arrangement position of the information storage frame in the layout area 360 are different for each page template.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of the information storage frame and its margin.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the information storage frame includes an outer margin M provided on the outer side along the outer periphery of the information storage frame and an inner margin I provided on the inner side along the outer periphery of the information storage frame. It can be set. The outer margin M defines the interval between the outer periphery of the information storage frame and the outer periphery of another information storage frame, and the inner margin I is the outer periphery of the rectangular content area C and the outer periphery of the information storage frame. The interval is defined.

  The template registration DB 42 stores a plurality of different template application rules form01 to form06 as shown in FIG. The configuration of the template application rule will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing the data structure of the template application rule.

  The template application rule prescribes a rule for a template to be applied to each layout area 360 on the assumption that the layout result extends to a plurality of layout areas 360. As shown in FIG. Register one record. Each record includes a field 350 for registering a page number and a field 352 for registering a template number for specifying a page template.

  In the example of FIG. 8, “1” is registered as the page number and “1” is registered as the template number in the first record. This means that the page template with the template number “1” should be applied to the layout area 360 of the first page.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the template registration DB 42 stores a layout number correspondence table 330 indicating the correspondence between the template application rules form01 to form06 and the layout numbers. The configuration of the layout number correspondence table 330 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the layout number correspondence table 330.

  In the layout number correspondence table 330, as shown in FIG. 9, one record is registered for each layout number. Each record includes a field 332 for registering a layout number and a field 334 for registering a template application rule name.

  In the example of FIG. 9, “1” is registered as the layout number and “form01” is registered as the template application rule name in the first row record, and the layout number is registered in the second row record. “2” is registered as “.” And “form02” is registered as the template application rule name.

  Next, the data structure of the content registration DB 44 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the content registration DB 44 stores a digital content provided from the content providing terminals S1 to Sn, and a category number correspondence table 340 indicating a correspondence relationship between the main category, the sub category, and the category number. Has been.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of the digital content and category number correspondence table 340. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, article numbers and category numbers are assigned to the digital contents provided from the content providing terminals S1 to Sn, and the content distribution terminal 100 is based on the category numbers. The digital content is classified into categories and registered in the content registration DB 44. At the time of registration, referring to the category number correspondence table 340, in addition to the article number and category number, the main category and subcategory are added to the digital content for registration. The digital content is configured as one article including title information indicating the title of the article, image information relating to the image of the article, and character information relating to the sentence of the article.

  In the category number correspondence table 340, as shown in FIG. 10B, one record is registered for each main category and sub category. Each record includes a field 342 for registering a category number, a field 344 for registering a main category, and a field 346 for registering a subcategory.

  In the example of FIG. 10B, “1102” is registered as the category number, “World News” is registered as the main category, and “USA” is registered as the subcategory in the first record. In the row record, “2010” is registered as the category number, “Sports” is registered as the main category, and “Baseball” is registered as the subcategory.

  Next, the configuration of the CPU 30 and the processing executed by the CPU 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

  The CPU 30 includes a microprocessing unit MPU and the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, and performs user registration processing and content distribution processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively according to the program. It is designed to run in splits.

  First, the user registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing user registration processing.

  The user registration process is a process for requesting a user who has accessed to input necessary user information such as a user ID and registering the input user information in the user profile table 300, and is executed in the CPU 30. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the process proceeds to step S100. In the following, all input in each step is performed by interactive communication with the user.

  In step S100, the main category and subcategory are input, the process proceeds to step S102, the user ID and password are input, the process proceeds to step S104, the distribution destination address is input, the process proceeds to step S106, the distribution date Then, the distribution time is input, and the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the layout number is input, the process proceeds to step S110, the maximum number of pages is input, the process proceeds to step S112, the font size is input, the process proceeds to step S114, and steps S100 to S112 are performed. The input user information is registered in the user profile table 300, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.

  Next, the content distribution process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing content distribution processing.

  The content distribution process is a process of distributing digital content to the user terminal 200 with reference to the user profile table 300. When the content distribution process is executed in the CPU 30, first, as shown in FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step S200. It has become. Hereinafter, the process of each step is a process for one record of the user profile table 300. Actually, the process of each step is executed by the number of records registered in the user profile table 300.

  In step S200, the distribution date and distribution time are read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S202, and it is determined whether or not the digital content should be distributed based on the read distribution date and distribution time. If it is determined that the date and time when the digital content should be distributed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. If not (No), the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S204, the category number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S206, the digital content in the content registration DB 44 is searched based on the read category number, and the category that matches the category number. The digital contents with No. are searched and the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the layout number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S210, and the template application rule corresponding to the read layout number is read from the template registration DB 42 with reference to the layout number correspondence table 330. Then, the process proceeds to step S212, on the basis of the read template application rule, automatic layout processing is executed for determining the output layout for the digital contents searched in step S206 and creating the providing digital contents, and the process proceeds to step S214. To do.

  In step S214, the distribution destination address is read out from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S216, the created digital content for distribution is distributed to the read out distribution destination address, the series of processing ends, and the original processing is performed. Return to.

  Next, the automatic layout process in step S212 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the automatic layout process.

  When the automatic layout process is executed in step S212, the process proceeds to step S300 as shown in FIG.

  In step S300, the layout area 360 of the first page is set as a processing target, the process proceeds to step S302, the page template is read from the template registration DB 42 based on the template application rule read in step S210, and the process proceeds to step S304. Then, the read page template is applied to the current layout area 360, and the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the position of the fixed line fixedly arranged in the page is determined, and the process proceeds to step S308 to determine the shape and position of fixed character information fixedly arranged in the page, and step S310. Then, the shape and position of the fixed image information fixedly arranged in the page are determined, and the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, based on the predetermined priority order, an article to be placed in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents searched in step S206, and the process proceeds to step S314. Based on the predetermined priority order, An information storage frame is selected from the layout area 360 that is the current processing target (hereinafter simply referred to as the current layout area 360), and the process proceeds to step S316.

  In step S316, the information storage frame (hereinafter referred to as the confirmed storage frame) in which the article is stored and the arrangement is fixed, and the information storage frame selected in step S314 (hereinafter simply referred to as the selected information storage frame). Are determined, and when it is determined that the confirmed storage frame and the selection information storage frame overlap (Yes), the process proceeds to step S318, and the article selected in step S312 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “required information storage frame”). A first storage process for storing the selected article in the selection information storage frame is executed, and the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the current layout area 360. If it is determined that there is no unprocessed information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S322. Then, it is determined whether or not an unpublished article exists in the digital content searched in step S206. If it is determined that there is no unpublished article (No), the series of processing is terminated and the original content is terminated. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S322 that an unpublished article exists (Yes), the process proceeds to step S324, the layout area 360 of the next page is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S302.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S320 that there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the current layout area 360 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S312.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S316 that the confirmed storage frame and the selection information storage frame do not overlap (No), the second storage process for storing the selected article in the selection information storage frame is executed, and the process proceeds to step S320. Transition. Specifically, the second storage process in the information storage frame is a process of storing the selected article in the selection information storage frame, and is different from the first storage process in step S318 in that the selected article is stored in the selection information storage frame. The selected article is stored as it is in the selection information storage frame without dividing the selection information storage frame unless it can be stored.

  Next, the first storage process in the information storage frame in step S318 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the first storage process in the information storage frame.

  In the first storage process to the information storage frame, the character information storage frame of the selection information storage frame is divided so as not to overlap with the confirmed storage frame, and the selected article is continuously added to each divided character information storage frame. When the storage process is executed in step S318, the process first proceeds to step S400 as shown in FIG.

  In step S400, it is determined whether or not the selection information storage frame is a character information storage frame. When it is determined that the selection information storage frame is a character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S402 to select the selection information storage frame. The information storage frame is divided so as not to overlap the confirmed storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, the line feed 1h is calculated based on the height of the character designated in the divided character information storage frame (hereinafter simply referred to as the division information storage frame) and the pitch between lines, and the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, the first character information storage frame is selected from the plurality of division information storage frames. Specifically, in step S406, if the article is not stored in all the division information storage frames, the information storage frame that is closest to the upper end of the layout area 360 is selected from the division information storage frames. Select as the first character information storage frame. If an article is stored in one of the divided information storage frames, the one in which the information storage frame is closest to the upper end of the layout area 360 is selected from among the divided information storage frames in which no article is stored. Select as the first character information storage frame.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S408, and the second character information storage frame is selected from the plurality of division information storage frames. Specifically, in step S408, among the divided information storage frames in which articles are not stored, the selected article to store the continuation of the article stored in the first character information storage frame is set as the second character information storage frame. select.

  Since the horizontal writing format is set in the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame, the arrangement relationship in the layout area 360 is the second character information storage frame below the first character information storage frame. Is located. That is, the lines are continuous in the vicinity of the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S410, where the first character information storage frame content area height is an integral multiple of the line feed 1h and less than the original content area height of the first character information storage frame. The position of the lower side of the one-character information storage frame is adjusted, and the process proceeds to step S412.

In step S412, the height between the upper side position of the content area of the first character information storage frame and the upper side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame is an integral multiple of the line feed 1h, and the second character information is stored. The upper side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted so that the height of the content area of the frame is equal to or less than the height of the original content area of the second character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S414.
In step S414, the lower side position of the content area of the first character information storage frame adjusted in step S410 is set as the upper side position, and the upper side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame adjusted in step S412 is set as the lower side position. The left side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame is the left side position of the character information storage frame farther from the left end of the layout area 360, and the right side of the content area of the first and second character information storage frames A third character information storage frame is inserted whose right side is the right side position of the character information storage frame whose position is far from the right end of the layout area, and the process proceeds to step S416.
In step S416, the article is stored in the first character information storage frame, and in step S418, the continuation of the article stored in the first character information storage frame is stored in the third character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S420.

In step S420, it is determined whether or not the processing in steps S406 to S418 has been completed for all the divided information storage frames. If it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the divided information storage frames (Yes), step S422 is performed. Then, the second divided article is stored in the second character information storage frame, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S420 that the processing has not been completed for all the divided information storage frames (No), the process proceeds to step S406 and the first character information storage frame is selected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S400 that the selection information storage frame is not a character information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S424 so that the size of the selection information storage frame does not overlap the determined storage frame. Then, the process proceeds to step S426, the selected article is stored in the selection information storage frame, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a case where information necessary for distributing digital contents is registered will be described.

  When the user wishes to distribute digital content, the user accesses the content distribution terminal 100 through the WWW browser at the user terminal 200 and inputs a user registration request.

  In the user terminal 200, when a user registration request is input, a request for inputting necessary user information is made to the user through communication with the content distribution terminal 100. Here, when the user inputs the main category, subcategory, user ID, password, delivery destination address, delivery date, delivery time, layout number, maximum page number, font size as user information in response to the input request. The user information is transmitted to the content distribution terminal 100.

  In the content distribution terminal 100, when user information is received in response to a registration request, the received user information is registered in the user profile table 300 through steps S100 to S114.

  Next, a case where digital content is distributed with reference to the user profile table 300 will be described.

  In the content distribution terminal 100, when it is time to distribute digital content with reference to the user profile table 300, the category number is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S204 and S206, and the read category number is read out. The digital content in the content registration DB 44 is searched based on the. And the digital content with the category number that matches the category number is retrieved. Next, through steps S208 to S212, a layout number is read from the user profile table 300, and a template application rule corresponding to the read layout number is registered as user information with reference to the layout number correspondence table 330. Based on the read template application rule, the output layout is determined for the retrieved digital content, and the providing digital content is created.

  The layout process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  In the layout process, first, through steps S300 to S304, the layout area 360 of the first page is set as a processing target, and a page template is read from the template registration DB 42 based on the read template application rule. The read page template is applied to the current layout area 360. Next, through steps S306 to S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a layout state in which the information storage frames are arranged so as to overlap each other.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the confirmed storage frame Pf and the character information storage frame P overlap each other. In the example of FIG. 15, the right center area of the character information storage frame P and the left half area of the confirmed storage frame Pf overlap. In FIG. 15, M and I are the outer margin and the inner margin of the character information storage frame P, and Mf is the outer margin of the confirmed storage frame Pf.

  Here, the arrangement position of the character information storage frame P is (Pt, Pb, Pl, Pr), and the arrangement position of the confirmed storage frame Pf is (Pft, Pfb, Pfl, Pfr). Pt is the Y coordinate of the upper side of the character information storage frame P, Pb is the Y coordinate of the lower side of the character information storage frame P, Pl is the X coordinate of the left side of the character information storage frame P, and Pr is the character information storage frame P Is the X coordinate of the right side of. The same applies to Pft, Pfb, Pfl, and Pfr.

  The outer margin M is (Mt, Mb, Ml, Mr), and the outer margin Mf is (Mft, Mfb, Mfl, Mfr). Mt is the length from the upper side of the character information storage frame P to the upper end of the upper outer margin, Mb is the length from the lower side of the character information storage frame P to the lower end of the lower outer margin, and Ml is the character information storage frame P , Mr is the length from the right side of the character information storage frame P to the right end of the right side external margin. The same applies to Mft, Mfb, Mfl, and Mfr.

  Further, the inner margin I is (It, Ib, Il, Ir). It is the length from the upper side of the character information storage frame P to the lower end of the upper internal margin, Ib is the length from the lower side of the character information storage frame P to the upper end of the lower internal margin, and Il is the character information storage frame P , Ir is the length from the right side of the character information storage frame P to the left end of the right side internal margin.

  In the case of overlapping in this way, through steps S312 and S314, based on a predetermined priority, an article to be placed in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents searched in step S206, and the current layout is selected. A character information storage frame P is selected from the area 360.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a layout state when the character information storage frame P is divided.

  In the case of the layout of FIG. 15, first, through steps S400 and S402, the character information storage frame P is divided so as not to overlap the confirmed storage frame Pf. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the character information storage frame P is divided into three character information storage frames P0 to P2. The character information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf are arranged side by side with their upper and lower ends aligned, and the character information storage frame P0 is disposed above the character information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf. A character information storage frame P2 is arranged below the information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf. Here, the selected articles are continuously stored in the horizontal writing format in the order of the character information storage frames P0 to P2.

  Next, through step S405, the line feed 1h in each character information storage frame P0 to P2 is calculated based on the height of the character specified in the character information storage frame and the pitch between lines.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where the line feed 1h is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 17, the line feed 1h can be calculated by the following expression (1), where the character height is ch and the pitch between lines is cs.
1h = ch + cs (1)

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a case where the arrangement positions of the character information storage frames P0 and P1 are adjusted.

  First, after steps S406 and S408, as shown in FIG. 18, the character information storage frame P0 is selected as the first character information storage frame, and the character information storage frame P1 is selected as the second character information storage frame.

Next, through step S410, the lower side position of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted such that the height of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is the line feed 1h. In order to obtain the lower side position of the character information storage frame P0, first, the height of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is calculated. The height h0 of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is the placement position of the character information storage frame P0 (P0t, P0b, P0l, P0r), and the internal margin I0 of the character information storage frame P0 is (I0t, I0b, I0l, I0r), it can be calculated by the following equation (2). Then, the size of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted so that the height of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is h0.
h0 = (P0b−P0t−I0t−I0b) / 1h × 1h (2)

  However, in the above equation (2), (P0b−P0t−I0t−I0b) / 1h is calculated as an integer value obtained by rounding down the decimal part. That is, the height of the adjusted content area is equal to or less than the height of the original content area. By doing in this way, possibility that P0 will overlap with the confirmed area | region Pf is reduced.

  Next, the lower side position of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted. The lower side position P0b ′ of the character information storage frame P0 can be calculated by the following equation (3).

  P0b ′ = P0t + I0t + h0 + I0b (3)

Next, through step S412, the upper side position of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted. At that time, the height between the upper side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 and the upper side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P1 is an integral multiple of the line feed h, and the content area of the character information storage frame P1. The upper side position of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted so that the height of the character information storage frame P1 is equal to or less than the height of the original content area. The position P1t ′ on the upper side of the character information storage frame P1 is the placement position of the character information storage frame P1 (P1t, P1b, P1l, P1r), and the internal margin I1 of the character information storage frame P1 is (I1t, I1b, I1l, I1r). ), It can be calculated by the following equation (4).
P1t ′ = (P0t + I0t) +
{(P1t + I1t) − (P0t + I0t)} / 1h × 1h−I1t (4)

  Next, through step S414, a character information storage frame P3 is newly inserted between the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1. The character information storage frame P3 is a character information storage frame for compensating for an empty area that may occur between the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1, and the upper side position of the character information storage frame P3 is the character information storage frame P0. It is equal to the lower side position of the content area, the lower side position is equal to the upper side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P1, and the left side position is the left side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1. The left side position of the content area of the character information storage frame farther from the left end of the area 360 (in this embodiment, either P0 or P1) is the left side position, and the right side position is the character information storage frame P0 and character information storage. A sentence having the right side position of the content area of the character information storage frame of the character information storage frame of the one farther from the right end of the layout area 360 (in this example, P1 corresponds) as the right side position of the content area of the frame P1 It is an information storage frame. The margin sizes of the upper and lower sides of the character information storage frame P3 are set to zero, and the margin sizes of the left and right sides are set to the same size as the margins of the character information storage frame P0 or the character information storage frame P1.

  Then, the article is stored in the character information storage frame P0 through step S416, and the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P0 is stored in the character information storage frame P3 through step S418.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a case where the arrangement positions of the character information storage frames P1 and P2 are adjusted.

Next, through steps S406 and S408, as shown in FIG. 19, the character information storage frame P1 is selected as the first character information storage frame, and the character information storage frame P2 is selected as the second character information storage frame.
Next, in the same manner as before, the lower side position of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted through step S410 so that the height of the content area of the character information storage frame P1 becomes the line feed 1h. The position of the upper side of the information storage frame P2 is adjusted, and a character information storage frame P4 is newly inserted between the character information storage frame P1 and the character information storage frame P2 through step S414.

  Then, the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P3 is stored in the character information storage frame P1 through step S416, and further the article stored in the character information storage frame P1 in the character information storage frame P4 through step S418. Is stored.

  Then, through steps S420 and S422, the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P4 is stored in the character information storage frame P2.

  When the selected information storage frame is an information storage frame other than the character information storage frame such as the image information storage frame, the size of the selection information storage frame overlaps with the determined storage frame through steps S424 and S426. The selected article is stored in the selection information storage frame.

  Then, when articles are arranged in the layout area 360 of all pages and the output layout of digital contents is determined, the delivery destination address is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S222 and S224, and read out. The provided digital content for distribution is distributed to the distribution destination address.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, when the content distribution terminal 100 stores the selected article continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, the content distribution terminal 100 approaches the character information storage frames. The arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames are adjusted so that the interval between successive lines and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, and the plurality of character information storage frames A character information storage frame is newly inserted in between.

  Thereby, the space | interval between character information storage frames and the line space | interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if a margin is set in the character information storage frame, it is possible to realize a layout having a relatively good appearance as compared with the conventional case.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 divides the character information storage frame that overlaps with the other information storage frames so that the information storage frames do not overlap with each other. Adjust the arrangement position of multiple character information storage frames so that the interval between consecutive lines and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or nearly the same, and between the multiple character information storage frames After the character information storage frame is newly inserted, the selected articles are continuously stored in the character information storage frame.

  As a result, when the character information storage frame overlaps with other information storage frames depending on the content of the article, the amount of information or the logical structure, the character information storage frame can be divided to eliminate the overlap, and The intervals between the character information storage frames and the line intervals within each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if the character information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame, a relatively good-looking layout can be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 searches for digital content from the content registration DB 44 based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40.

  As a result, the user's unique information and the designation information by the user are referred to regarding the selection of the digital content, so that it is possible to create digital content for provision that is relatively in line with the user's wishes.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the output layout of the digital content based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40 and creates the providing digital content.

  As a result, the unique information of the user and the designation information by the user are referred to regarding the determination of the output layout, so that the providing digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's wishes.

  In the first embodiment, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means of the invention 10 or 11, the content registration DB 44 corresponds to the posting information storage means of the invention 2, and step S206 is the invention 2 It corresponds to 3, 6, 7, 10 or 11 posted information selection means. Step S212 corresponds to the layout means of Inventions 1 to 3, 11 or 12, Step S402 corresponds to the character information storage frame dividing means of Invention 3, and Steps S410 to S412 correspond to Inventions 1 to 3, 6 Alternatively, step S414 corresponds to the character information storage frame insertion unit of the first to third, sixth, or seventh aspects.

  In the first embodiment, steps S416, S418, and S422 correspond to the character information division storage unit of the invention 3, 6 or 7, and the articles are inventions 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 or 11 of the invention. Corresponds to the posted information.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 20 to 23 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of a layout system, a layout program, and a layout method according to the present invention. Hereinafter, only different parts from the first embodiment will be described, and overlapping parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the layout system, the layout program, and the layout method according to the present invention are applied to the case where the content distribution terminal 100 distributes digital content such as news to the user terminal 200. The difference from the embodiment is that the vertical writing format is set in the character information storage frame, and the character information is stored in the vertical writing format. Here, an embodiment in the case of a vertical writing format in which a line proceeds from right to left will be described, but the present invention can be easily applied to a case in which the line proceeds from left to right.

  The CPU 30 executes the first storage process in the information storage frame shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 instead of the first storage process in the information storage frame shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the first storage process in the information storage frame.

  The first storage process in the information storage frame is a process of dividing the character information storage frame of the selected information storage frame so that it does not overlap with the confirmed storage frame, and continuously storing the selected articles in each divided information storage frame However, when it is executed in step S318, the process first proceeds to step S500 as shown in FIG.

  In step S500, it is determined whether or not the selection information storage frame is a character information storage frame. If it is determined that the selection information storage frame is a character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502 to select the selection information storage frame. The information storage frame is divided so as not to overlap the confirmed storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, the line feed 1h is calculated based on the character width specified in the division information storage frame and the pitch between lines, and the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the first character information storage frame is selected from the plurality of division information storage frames, and the process proceeds to step S508 to select the second character information storage frame from the plurality of division information storage frames. Specifically, in step S506, if the article is not stored in all the division information storage frames, the information storage frame that is closest to the right end of the layout area 360 is selected from the division information storage frames. Select as the first character information storage frame. If an article is stored in one of the divided information storage frames, the one in which the information storage frame is closest to the right end of the layout area 360 is selected from among the divided information storage frames in which no article is stored. Select as the first character information storage frame.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S508, and the second character information storage frame is selected from the plurality of division information storage frames. Specifically, in step S508, among the divided information storage frames in which articles are not stored, the selected article to store the continuation of the article stored in the first character information storage frame is set as the second character information storage frame. select.

  Since the vertical writing format is set in the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame, the arrangement relationship in the layout area 360 is the second character information on the left side of the first character information storage frame. The storage frame is located. That is, the lines are continuous in the vicinity of the first character information storage frame and the second character information storage frame.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S510, in which the first character information storage frame has a content area whose width is an integer multiple of line feed 1h and equal to or less than the original content area width of the first character information storage frame. The position of the left side of the information storage frame is adjusted, and the process proceeds to step S512.

In step S512, the height between the right side position of the content area of the first character information storage frame and the right side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame is an integral multiple of the line feed 1h and the second character information storage. The right side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted so that the width of the content area of the frame is equal to or less than the width of the original content area of the second character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S514.
In step S514, the left side position of the content area of the first character information storage frame adjusted in step S510 is set as the right side position, and the right side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame adjusted in step S512 is set as the left side position. The upper side position of the content area of the second character information storage frame is the upper side position of the upper side of the character information storage frame far from the upper end of the layout area 360, and the lower side of the content area of the first and second character information storage frames A third character information storage frame is inserted with the lower side position being the lower side position of the character information storage frame whose position is farther from the lower end of the layout area, and the process proceeds to step S516.
In step S516, the article is stored in the first character information storage frame, and in step S518, the continuation of the article stored in the first character information storage frame is stored in the third character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S520.

In step S520, it is determined whether or not the processing of steps S506 to S518 has been completed for all the divided information storage frames. If it is determined that the processing has been completed for all the divided information storage frames (Yes), step S522 is performed. Then, the second divided article is stored in the second character information storage frame, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S520 that the processing has not been completed for all the divided information storage frames (No), the process proceeds to step S506, and the first character information storage frame is selected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S500 that the selected information storage frame is not a character information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S524 so that the size of the selected information storage frame does not overlap the determined storage frame. Then, the process proceeds to step S526, the selected article is stored in the selection information storage frame, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the layout process, first, through steps S300 to S304, the layout area 360 of the first page is set as a processing target, and a page template is read from the template registration DB 42 based on the read template application rule. The read page template is applied to the current layout area 360. Next, through steps S306 to S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a layout state in which the information storage frames are arranged so as to overlap each other.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 21, it is assumed that the confirmed storage frame Pf and the character information storage frame P overlap each other. In the example of FIG. 21, the confirmed storage frames Pf overlap in the central area of the character information storage frame P. In FIG. 21, M and I are the outer margin and the inner margin of the character information storage frame P, and Mf is the outer margin of the confirmed storage frame Pf.

  Here, the arrangement position of the character information storage frame P is (Pt, Pb, Pl, Pr), and the arrangement position of the confirmed storage frame Pf is (Pft, Pfb, Pfl, Pfr). Pt is the Y coordinate of the upper side of the character information storage frame P, Pb is the Y coordinate of the lower side of the character information storage frame P, Pl is the X coordinate of the left side of the character information storage frame P, and Pr is the character information storage frame P Is the X coordinate of the right side of. The same applies to Pft, Pfb, Pfl, and Pfr.

  The outer margin M is (Mt, Mb, Ml, Mr), and the outer margin Mf is (Mft, Mfb, Mfl, Mfr). Mt is the length from the upper side of the character information storage frame P to the upper end of the upper outer margin, Mb is the length from the lower side of the character information storage frame P to the lower end of the lower outer margin, and Ml is the character information storage frame P , Mr is the length from the right side of the character information storage frame P to the right end of the right side external margin. The same applies to Mft, Mfb, Mfl, and Mfr.

  Further, the inner margin I is (It, Ib, Il, Ir). It is the length from the upper side of the character information storage frame P to the lower end of the upper internal margin, Ib is the length from the lower side of the character information storage frame P to the upper end of the lower internal margin, and Il is the character information storage frame P , Ir is the length from the right side of the character information storage frame P to the left end of the right side internal margin.

  In the case of overlapping in this way, through steps S312 and S314, based on a predetermined priority, an article to be placed in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents searched in step S206, and the current layout is selected. A character information storage frame P is selected from the area 360.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a layout state when the character information storage frame P is divided.

  In the case of the layout of FIG. 21, first, through steps S500 and S502, the character information storage frame P is divided so as not to overlap the confirmed storage frame Pf. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the character information storage frame P is divided into three character information storage frames P0 to P2. The character information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf are arranged vertically with the right end and the left end aligned, and the character information storage frame P0 is arranged to the right of the character information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf. A character information storage frame P2 is arranged on the left side of the character information storage frame P1 and the confirmed storage frame Pf. Here, the selected articles are continuously stored in the vertical writing format in the order of the character information storage frames P0 to P2.

  Next, through step S505, the line feed 1h in each character information storage frame P0 to P2 is calculated based on the character width specified in the character information storage frame and the pitch between lines.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a case where the line feed 1h is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 23, the line feed 1h can be calculated by the following equation (8), where the character width is ch and the pitch between lines is cs.
1h = ch + cs (8)

  First, through steps S506 and S508, the character information storage frame P0 is selected as the first character information storage frame, and the character information storage frame P1 is selected as the second character information storage frame.

Next, through step S510, the position of the left side of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted so that the width of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is the line feed 1h. In order to obtain the position of the left side of the character information storage frame P0, the width of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is first calculated. The width w0 of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is such that the arrangement position of the character information storage frame P0 is (P0t, P0b, P0l, P0r), and the internal margin I0 of the character information storage frame P0 is (I0t, I0b, I0l, I0r). ), It can be calculated by the following equation (2). Then, the size of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted so that the width of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 is w0.
w0 = (P0r−P01−I0r−I01) / 1h × 1h (2)

  However, in the above formula (2), (P0r-P01-I0r-I01) / 1h is calculated as an integer value obtained by rounding down the decimal part. That is, the width of the adjusted content area is equal to or less than the width of the original content area. By doing in this way, possibility that P0 will overlap with the confirmed area | region Pf is reduced.

Next, the position of the left side of the character information storage frame P0 is adjusted. The left side position P01 'of the character information storage frame P0 can be calculated by the following equation (3).
P0l '= P0r-I0r-w0-I0r (3)

Next, through step S512, the right side position of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted. that time,
The width between the right side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 and the right side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P1 is an integral multiple of the line feed 1h, and the width of the content area of the character information storage frame P1 is The right side position of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted to be equal to or less than the width of the original content area. The position P1r ′ on the right side of the character information storage frame P1 is the placement position of the character information storage frame P1 (P1t, P1b, P1l, P1r), and the internal margin I1 of the character information storage frame P1 is (I1t, I1b, I1l, I1r). ), It can be calculated by the following equation (4).
P1r ′ = (P0r−I0r) −
{(P0r−I0r) − (P1r + I1r)} / 1h × 1h + I1r (4)

  Next, through step S514, a character information storage frame P3 is newly inserted between the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1. The character information storage frame P3 is a character information storage frame for compensating for an empty area that may occur between the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1, and the right side position thereof is the character information storage frame P0. It is equal to the left side position of the content area, the left side position is equal to the right side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P1, and the upper side position is laid out by the upper side position of the content area of the character information storage frame P0 and the character information storage frame P1. The upper side position of the content area of the character information storage frame farther from the upper end of the area 360 (which may be either P0 or P1 in this embodiment) is the upper side position, and the lower side position is the character information storage frame P0 and character information storage. A sentence with the lower side position of the content area of the character information storage frame of the character information storage frame of the one farther from the lower end of the layout area 360 (in this example, P1 corresponds). It is an information storage frame. Further, the margin sizes of the left and right sides of the character information storage frame P3 are set to zero, and the margin sizes of the upper and lower sides are set to the same size as the margins of the character information storage frame P0 or the character information storage frame P1.

  Then, the article is stored in the character information storage frame P0 through step S516, and the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P0 is stored in the character information storage frame P3 through step S518.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a case where the arrangement positions of the character information storage frames P1 and P2 are adjusted.

Next, through steps S506 and S508, as shown in FIG. 22, the character information storage frame P1 is selected as the first character information storage frame, and the character information storage frame P2 is selected as the second character information storage frame.
Next, similarly to the previous step, the position of the left side of the character information storage frame P1 is adjusted through step S510 so that the width of the content area of the character information storage frame P1 is line feed 1h, and the character information is stored through step S512. The right side position of the storage frame P2 is adjusted, and a character information storage frame P4 is newly inserted between the character information storage frame P1 and the character information storage frame P2 through step S514.

  Then, the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P3 is stored in the character information storage frame P1 through step S516, and further the article stored in the character information storage frame P1 in the character information storage frame P4 through step S518. Is stored.

  Then, through steps S520 and S522, the continuation of the article stored in the character information storage frame P4 is stored in the character information storage frame P2.

  Then, when articles are arranged in the layout area 360 of all pages and the output layout of digital contents is determined, the delivery destination address is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S222 and S224, and read out. The provided digital content for distribution is distributed to the distribution destination address.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, when the content distribution terminal 100 stores the selected article continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, the content distribution terminal 100 approaches the character information storage frames. The arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames are adjusted so that the interval between successive lines and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or substantially the same, and the plurality of character information storage frames A character information storage frame is newly inserted in between.

  Thereby, the space | interval between character information storage frames and the line space | interval in each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if a margin is set in the character information storage frame, it is possible to realize a layout having a relatively good appearance as compared with the conventional case.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 divides the character information storage frame that overlaps with the other information storage frames so that the information storage frames do not overlap with each other. Adjust the arrangement position of multiple character information storage frames so that the interval between consecutive lines and the line interval in each character information storage frame are the same or nearly the same, and between the multiple character information storage frames After the character information storage frame is newly inserted, the selected articles are continuously stored in the character information storage frame.

  As a result, when the character information storage frame overlaps with other information storage frames depending on the content of the article, the amount of information or the logical structure, the character information storage frame can be divided to eliminate the overlap, and The intervals between the character information storage frames and the line intervals within each character information storage frame can be made substantially constant. Therefore, even if the character information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame, a relatively good-looking layout can be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 searches for digital content from the content registration DB 44 based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40.

  As a result, the user's unique information and the designation information by the user are referred to regarding the selection of the digital content, so that it is possible to create digital content for provision that is relatively in line with the user's wishes.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the output layout of the digital content based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40 and creates the providing digital content.

  As a result, the unique information of the user and the designation information by the user are referred to regarding the determination of the output layout, so that the providing digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's wishes.

  In the second embodiment, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means of the invention 10 or 11, the content registration DB 44 corresponds to the posting information storage means of the invention 2, and step S206 is the invention 2 It corresponds to 3, 6, 7, 10 or 11 posted information selection means. Step S212 corresponds to the layout means of inventions 1 to 3, 11 or 12, step S502 corresponds to the character information storage frame dividing means of invention 3, and steps S510 to S512 are inventions 1 to 3, 6. Alternatively, step S514 corresponds to the character information storage frame insertion unit of the first to third, sixth, or seventh aspects.

  In the second embodiment, steps S516, S518, and S522 correspond to the character information division storage means of the invention 3, 6 or 7, and the articles are inventions 2, 3, 6, 7, 10 or 11 of the invention. Corresponds to the posted information.

  In the first and second embodiments, there has been no particular description about drawing the outer periphery of the combined area formed by combining the divided information storage frames. However, as shown in FIGS. The outer periphery of the combined area composed of the character information storage frames P0 to P2 can be drawn.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a case where the outer periphery of each character information storage frame P0 to P4 is drawn.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a case where the outer periphery of the combined area including the character information storage frames P0 to P4 is drawn.

  If the outer periphery of each character information storage frame P0-P4 is drawn, as shown in FIG. 24, a straight line is drawn also in the part in which the character is stored, and there exists a possibility that a layout may be impaired. In the example of FIG. 24, a part of the lower side of the character information storage frame P0, an upper side and a lower side of the character information storage frames P1, P3, and P4, and a part of the upper side of the character information storage frame P2 correspond to this.

  In this case, it is desirable not to draw a portion belonging to another character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame. Specifically, when drawing the outer periphery of the combined area, the process proceeds to the first step, the outer periphery of the combined area formed by combining the divided information storage frames is determined, and the process proceeds to the second step. Based on the determination result, the outer periphery of the combined area is drawn.

  The first step excludes a side that overlaps with the other character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame from the candidates for the side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. In addition, with respect to a side that partially overlaps another character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, the corresponding part of the side is excluded from the candidates for the side that forms the outer periphery of the combined region. . In addition, for a side that does not overlap another character information storage frame in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, that side is set as a candidate for a side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. Then, the outer periphery of the combined area is determined based on the edge candidates obtained for all the outer periphery of the character information storage frames constituting the combined area.

  As a result, only the outer periphery of the combined area including the character information storage frames P0 to P4 is drawn as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, since the outer periphery of the combined area is drawn, it is easy to visually recognize that the divided information storage frames are logically integrated. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the coupling area can be determined relatively accurately.

  In this case, steps S402 and S502 correspond to the character information storage frame dividing means of the invention 8, the first step corresponds to the outer periphery determining means of the invention 8 or 9, and the second step is an outside of the invention 8. It corresponds to the peripheral drawing means.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the character information storage frame overlaps with one determined storage frame has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of character information storage frames are determined. The same process can be performed when the storage frame overlaps. In this case, for example, the character information storage frame is divided into one determined storage frame, and the next determined storage frame overlaps with the divided information storage frame for a plurality of divided information storage frames after the division. It can be realized by repeatedly performing the process of further dividing the division information storage frame.

  In the first and second embodiments, the inner margin size of the character information storage frame is adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer margin size of the character information storage frame is adjusted. It can also be configured.

  In the first and second embodiments, the character information storage frame having the structure shown in FIG. 6 is handled. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure (CSS2 ( Cascading Style Sheets level 2) box model) character information storage frame can also be handled.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the structure of the information storage frame and its margin.

  In the first and second embodiments, character information and image information are adopted as article information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, moving image information, audio information, and other multimedia data are used as article information. Can be adopted.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the layout is performed while dynamically determining the shape and position of the information storage frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information storage frame may be configured to store information once and then determine the shape and position of each information storage frame to perform layout.

  In the first and second embodiments, the output layout of the digital content is determined based on the user information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images included in the digital content or the digital content is determined. The output layout of the digital content may be determined based on the amount of character information included in the content.

  Thereby, even if the number of images included in the digital content or the amount of character information included in the digital content is large or conversely small, an output layout that is relatively easy to view can be achieved.

  In the first and second embodiments, the layout process in step S212 is executed by the content distribution terminal 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the layout process is executed by the user terminal 200. You may comprise. As a result, the concentration of processing load on the content distribution terminal 100 can be reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the control program stored in advance in the ROM 32 is executed in the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 14 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the program may be read from the storage medium storing the program showing these procedures into the RAM 34 and executed.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the control program stored in advance in the ROM 32 is executed when executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 has been described. It is also possible to read the program from the storage medium storing the program shown in FIG.

  Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the layout system, the layout program, and the layout method according to the present invention are applied to a network system including the Internet 199 has been described. For example, you may apply to what is called an intranet which communicates by the same system as the internet 199. Of course, the present invention is not limited to a network that performs communication in the same manner as the Internet 199, and can be applied to a normal network.

  In the first and second embodiments, the layout system, the layout program, and the layout method according to the present invention are as shown in FIG. Although the present invention is applied to the case of distributing to the terminal 200, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the network system to which this invention is applied. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a content distribution terminal 100. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution terminal 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user profile table 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows the layout state which a page template prescribes | regulates. It is a figure which shows the structure of an information storage frame and its margin. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a template application rule. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a template application rule. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of a layout number correspondence table 330. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of digital content and the category number correspondence table 340. It is a flowchart which shows a user registration process. It is a flowchart which shows a content delivery process. It is a flowchart which shows an automatic layout process. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st storage process to an information storage frame. It is a figure which shows the layout state by which the information storage frame is arrange | positioned overlapping. It is a figure which shows the layout state in the case of dividing | segmenting the character information storage frame P. FIG. It is a figure which shows the case where line feed 1h is calculated. It is a figure which shows the case where the arrangement position of character information storage frame P0, P1 is adjusted and the character information storage frame P3 is inserted. It is a figure which shows the case where the arrangement position of character information storage frame P1, P2 is adjusted and the character information storage frame P4 is inserted. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st storage process to an information storage frame. It is a figure which shows the layout state by which the information storage frame is arrange | positioned overlapping. It is a figure which shows the layout state in the case of dividing | segmenting the character information storage frame P. FIG. It is a figure which shows the case where line feed 1h is calculated. It is a figure which shows the case where the outer periphery of each character information storage frame P0-P4 is drawn. It is a figure which shows the case where the outer periphery of the joining area | region which consists of character information storage frames P0-P4 is drawn. It is a figure which shows the structure of an information storage frame and its margin.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Content data file 11, 14, 18 ... XML parser, 12 ... Content data file input part, 13 ... Layout definition file, 15 ... Layout definition file input part, 16 ... Layouting part, 17 ... Drawing designation file, 19 ... Rasterize unit, 100 ... Content distribution terminal, 200 ... User terminal, S1 to Sn ... Content providing terminal, 30 ... CPU, 32 ... ROM, 34 ... RAM, 38 ... I / F, 40 ... User information registration DB, 42 ... Template registration DB, 44 ... Content registration DB, 300 ... User profile table, 330 ... Layout number correspondence table, 340 ... Category number correspondence table, 360 ... Layout region, 362 ... Title information storage frame, 364, 370 ... Character information Storage frame, 366, 368 ... Image information Frame, P, P0, P1, P2, Pf ... character information storage frame, C ... content area, M, M0, M1, M2, Mf ... external margin, I ... inner margin

Claims (7)

A posting information storage means for storing a plurality of posting information consisting of character information, a posting information selection means for selecting the posting information from the posting information storage means, and a layout of the posting information selected by the posting information selection means Layout means for performing layout by storing the posting information in a character information storage frame arranged in a predetermined layout area,
In the character information storage frame, a margin for securing an interval with another information storage frame can be set.
The layout means, when storing the posting information continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, an interval between adjacent ones of the plurality of character information storage frames in the adjacent portion And an arrangement position adjusting means for adjusting an arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames so that line intervals in the character information storage frames are the same or substantially the same, and a new space between the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame insertion means for inserting a character information storage frame into
The layout means includes character information storage frame dividing means for dividing a character information storage frame overlapping with other information storage frames so that the information storage frames do not overlap, and the posting information selected by the posting information selection means. Character information division storage means for continuously storing the character information storage frame divided by the character information storage frame division means;
The arrangement position adjusting means adjusts the arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames divided by the character information storage frame dividing means, and the character information storage frame inserting means is a plurality of character information storage frame dividing means divided by the character information storage frame dividing means. A character information storage frame is newly inserted between the character information storage frames,
The character information storage frame is a rectangular information storage frame for storing character information in a horizontal writing format, and the character information storage frame located near the upper end of the layout area among the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame at a position far from the upper end of the layout area adjacent to the first character information storage frame and the first character information storage frame is used as a second character information storage frame.
The arrangement position adjusting unit is configured such that a height of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of a line feed and a height of the original character insertion area of the first character information storage frame. The lower side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted so that the upper side position of the character insertion region of the first character information storage frame and the character insertion region of the second character information storage frame The height between the upper side position is an integral multiple of the line feed, and the height of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. The upper side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted to be equal to or less than the height,
The character information storage frame insertion means uses the lower side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means as the upper side position, and the second character information adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means The upper side position of the character insertion area of the storage frame is the lower side position, and the left side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is the farther from the left end of the layout area of the character information storage frame. A left side position is a left side position, and a right side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is a right side position of a right side position of the character information storage frame farther from the right end of the layout area. It is designed to insert a 3-character information storage frame,
The character information division storage means stores the posting information selected by the posting information selection means in the first character information storage frame, and stores the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame in the third character information storage frame. A continuation of the posted information stored in the frame and stored in the third character information storage frame is stored in the second character information storage frame;
A layout system characterized by A posting information storage means for storing a plurality of posting information consisting of character information, a posting information selection means for selecting the posting information from the posting information storage means, and a layout of the posting information selected by the posting information selection means Layout means for performing layout by storing the posting information in a character information storage frame arranged in a predetermined layout area,
In the character information storage frame, a margin for securing an interval with another information storage frame can be set.
The layout means, when storing the posting information continuously in a plurality of character information storage frames arranged close to each other, an interval between adjacent ones of the plurality of character information storage frames in the adjacent portion And an arrangement position adjusting means for adjusting an arrangement position of the plurality of character information storage frames so that line intervals in the character information storage frames are the same or substantially the same, and a new space between the plurality of character information storage frames. A character information storage frame insertion means for inserting a character information storage frame into
The layout means includes character information storage frame dividing means for dividing a character information storage frame overlapping with other information storage frames so that the information storage frames do not overlap, and the posting information selected by the posting information selection means. Character information division storage means for continuously storing the character information storage frame divided by the character information storage frame division means;
The arrangement position adjusting means adjusts the arrangement positions of the plurality of character information storage frames divided by the character information storage frame dividing means, and the character information storage frame inserting means is a plurality of character information storage frame dividing means divided by the character information storage frame dividing means. A character information storage frame is newly inserted between the character information storage frames,
The character information storage frame is a rectangular information storage frame for storing character information in a vertical writing format, and the character information storage frame located near the right end of the layout area among the plurality of character information storage frames. As a first character information storage frame, a character information storage frame at a position far from the right end of the layout area adjacent to the first character information storage frame as a second character information storage frame,
The arrangement position adjusting means is configured such that the width of the character insertion area excluding the margin of the first character information storage frame is an integral multiple of line feed and equal to or less than the width of the original character insertion area of the first character information storage frame. The left side position of the first character information storage frame is adjusted such that the right side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame and the right side position of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame And the width of the character insertion area of the second character information storage frame is equal to or smaller than the width of the original character insertion area of the second character information storage frame. The right side position of the second character information storage frame is adjusted as follows,
The character information storage frame insertion means sets the left side position of the character insertion area of the first character information storage frame adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means as a right side position, and the second character information adjusted by the arrangement position adjustment means The right side position of the character insertion area of the storage frame is set as the left side position, and the upper side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is farther from the upper end of the layout area. The upper side position is the upper side position, and the lower side position of the character insertion area of the first and second character information storage frames is the lower side position of the lower side of the character information storage frame farther from the lower end of the layout area. It is designed to insert a 3-character information storage frame,
The character information division storage means stores the posting information selected by the posting information selection means in the first character information storage frame, and stores the continuation of the posting information stored in the first character information storage frame in the third character information storage frame. A continuation of the posted information stored in the frame and stored in the third character information storage frame is stored in the second character information storage frame;
A layout system characterized by In either claim 1 or 2 ,
Further, an outer periphery determination unit that determines an outer periphery of a combined area formed by combining a plurality of character information storage frames divided by the character information storage frame dividing unit, and the combination based on a determination result of the outer periphery determination unit A layout system comprising an outer periphery drawing means for drawing an outer periphery of an area. In claim 3 ,
The outer periphery determining means is configured to select a side of the outer periphery of the character information storage frame that overlaps with the other character information storage frame from a candidate for an edge that forms the outer periphery of the combined area. Excluded from the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, with respect to the side that partially overlaps with another character information storage frame, the corresponding part of the side is a candidate for the side that forms the outer periphery of the combined area For the sides that do not overlap with other character information storage frames in the outer periphery of the character information storage frame, the sides are candidates for sides that form the outer periphery of the connection region, and the combined region is configured The layout system is characterized in that the outer periphery of the combined area is determined based on the side candidates obtained for all the outer periphery of the character information storage frame to be performed. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 ,
Furthermore, a user information storage means for storing user information about the user is provided,
The layout information selecting unit is configured to select the posted information from the plurality of posted information based on user information stored in the user information storage unit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 ,
Furthermore, a user information storage means for storing user information about the user is provided,
The layout system lays out the posting information selected by the posting information selection means based on the user information stored in the user information storage means. A program for causing a computer to function as the layout system according to claim 1.

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