JPH03107156A - Layout device for printing plate making - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow the easy and exact execution of the operation to layout image data in the central position of graphics for layout by providing a central layout function. CONSTITUTION:Inputting of data is executed in accordance with a layout sheet by using a plotter 10. Namely, the layout sheet is placed in the plotting region 11 of the plotter 10 and the inputting of the graphics for layout is executed by a pointing device 13. The inputting of the graphics for layout and characteristic points is executed at this time and designs (original) are inputted by using an input scanner 20. The operation to determine the positions of the taken-in graphics for layout and the images of image data is executed by a controller 40. Namely, a screen display on a display device is executed by the controller 40 and an operator determines the position by using a mouse as an input device 40. The processing to compute the layout is then executed. Namely, only the range enclosed by the graphics for layout positioned from respective sets of the image data stored in a memory 50 is segmented and is disposed to the assigned position of the layout sheet. The image thereof is outputted in the form of a film by an output scanner 3D.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a layout device for printing plate making, and more particularly to a layout device for printing plate making that outputs a film for printing plate making based on a layout mount and an image original.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, electronic layout systems using computers have come to be widely used for layout processing of image data in printing plate making. In such a system, a printing plate-making film is output based on a layout board on which a plotter is drawn and image data of a document to be laid out in the plotter. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-239664 discloses a layout device for printing plate making using a drawing machine and a scanner device. In such a system, data is input into a computer by a method such as setting a layout board on the drawing machine and tracing the drawing with the drawing machine. On the other hand, image data is captured as data into a computer by setting a document on an input scanner and scanning the document with the input scanner. Therefore, within the computer, the relative positional relationship between the imported drawing device and image data is not defined. Therefore, in these systems, the imported plotter and image data are superimposed and displayed on the screen of the display device, and the plotter or image data is moved on the screen to determine the allocation position of the image data to the plotter. are doing. In this way, usually for multiple sets of drawing machines and image data,
The allocation positions will be determined sequentially. When the layout positions for all the sets are determined, an image is generated in which each image data is laid out in each drawing machine arranged based on the layout mount, and this is outputted to film by an output scanner.

The output scanner generates a sharp image and outputs it to film using an output scanner.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the above-described conventional layout device for printing and plate making, the relative positional relationship between the plotter and the image data is determined by moving the plotter or the image data on the screen.

However, when there is a request to allocate image data to the center of the plotter, the operator needs to visually judge whether the image data has been placed at the center of the plotter on the screen.

Such work places a heavy burden on the operator and makes it difficult to perform accurate allocation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a layout device for printing plate making that can easily and accurately perform operations such as allocating image data to the central position of a drawing machine.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention provides a layout device for printing plate making that outputs a film for printing plate making based on a layout mount on which a plotting machine is drawn and image data of a document to be laid out in the plotting machine. A drawing machine that stores data related to the drawing machine, an input scanner that stores image data from the manuscript, a storage means that stores data input from the drawing machine and the input scanner, and a display that displays the drawing machine and image data. a storage device for inputting data input by an operator;
Any 2 related to layout figures and image data
The positions of points A and B and any two points C and D related to the drawing machine
By specifying the position of and on the screen of the display device,
A control device having a function of determining the t-eye position of the pattern and the drawing machine so that the section AB is located at the center position of the section CD in a predetermined direction.

[For production]

According to the layout device for printing plate making of the present invention, by specifying arbitrary two points A and B related to image data and arbitrary two points C and D related to the drawing machine, section AB can be changed to section CD. The layout is performed so that the images are placed at the center position in a predetermined direction.

Therefore, for example, in the horizontal direction, if you designate both end points of a pattern as points A and B, and designate both end points of the drawing machine as points C and D, the image data will automatically move in the horizontal direction within the drawing machine. will be assigned to the central position.

〔Example〕

Basic structure of the device The present invention will be explained below based on an illustrated embodiment. 1st
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a layout device for printing plate making according to an embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus is composed of a drawing machine 10, a storage scanner 20, an output scanner 30, a control device 40, a memory 50, a display device 60, and a storage means 70. In this embodiment, the drawing machine 10 is constituted by a digitizer, and the input surface of the digitizer is provided with a drawing area 11 and a command area 12. Using the pointing device 13, the drawing area 1 is
By specifying one point within 1, the coordinate values of this specified position can be stored, and by specifying one of the command displays within command area 12, a specific command can be input. This drawing machine 10 is used to store layout data based on a layout board, as will be described in detail later. The input allocation data is taken into the control device 40 and further stored in the memory 50.

The storage scanner 20 is a device that, when a document 21 such as a photograph is mounted on a drum at a predetermined angle, inputs it into the control device 40 as digital data at a predetermined magnification. The original is color separated, and each color component is captured as image data and stored in the memory 50. The control device 40 performs layout processing based on the layout data and image data stored in the memory 50. After the layout is completed, the image is output for each color component onto a film mounted on the drum of the output scanner 30. Layout processing by the control device 40 is performed by presenting a processing screen to the operator on the display device 60 and storing data input by the operator from the storage device 70. The operator, while looking at the screen displayed on the display device 60,
Data input for layout is provided through the storage means 70, and layout work is performed. Control device 4
0 and the memory 50 are specifically constituted by a computer and memory used therein, the display device 60 is a display device connected to this computer, and the storage means 70 is a storage device such as a mouse and a keyboard connected to this computer. Consisted of.

In the above-described configuration, the drawing machine IO and the control device 40 are connected online, but data may be transferred between them using offline means such as a floppy disk.

Basic Operation of the Device Next, the basic operation of this device will be explained. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of layout work using this device. First, in step S1, layout data is input. This is an operation in which data is input using the drawing machine 10 based on the layout sheet. The layout mount 80 is
It is usually prepared by a designer, and for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a drawing machine 81 and a pattern 82 are drawn on a single sheet of paper. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the drawing machine 81 is shown with a broken line and the pattern 82 is shown with a solid line to distinguish them, but in reality, it is not necessary to make such a distinction on the layout board 80. The drawing machine 81 indicates how and where each picture should be trimmed and laid out on the entire paper surface, and must be accurately drawn on the layout board 80. On the other hand, the pattern 82 merely indicates what kind of pattern will be allocated in each drawing machine, and may be a simple sketch.

stomach.

After preparing such a layout mount 80, insert it into the drawing machine 1.
0 within the drawing area 11, and point the pointing device 1.
3 to memorize the drawing machine.

Although this input may be made by tracing the figure as it is with the pointing device 13, a command for inputting a representative figure in the command area 12 is prepared, and in addition to specifying this command, the figure to be input is In order to specify the position and size of the drawing area 11, a predetermined point within the drawing area 11 may be specified. For example, the third
If you want to memorize the diagram drawing machine 81, command area 1
After storing the command "Rectangle" in 2, it is sufficient to specify the three vertices of the figure 81. This device has a function for inputting feature points as well as input to a plotter. This feature point is a means used to facilitate the positioning operation in the subsequent image positioning operation.

The operator designates one point in the pattern drawn on the layout board 80 as a feature point. For example, assume that one point Q in the pattern 82 shown in FIG. 4 is designated as a feature point.

The drawing machine 10 can take in the coordinate values of this feature point Q along with the coordinate values of the rectangle that constitutes the drawing machine 81.

The operator writes a mark at the position of the feature point Q on the layout board 80 and records this as a feature point.

A total of six drawing machines are depicted on the layout board shown in FIG. In the layout data storage stage of step S1, all of these six drawing machines are input, and the feature points of the patterns are also input for each. Note that it is preferable that the six drawing machines be identified by inputting these together with the numbers.

It is preferable to do so.

In the following step S2, original input is performed.

In step S1 described above, the drawing machine 81 and the feature points Q are input, but the pattern 82 itself is not input at all. In step S2, a pattern is stored using the input scanner 20.

This picture is prepared as a manuscript 21 such as a photograph. As shown in FIG. 5, the operator attaches this document 21 to the drum 22 of the input scanner 20. As shown in FIG. The input angle of the original is determined by the pasting angle, and the input magnification of the original is determined by the set magnification of the scanner. The input angle and input magnification may be set arbitrarily, but in order to reduce the rotation processing and magnification work in later steps, measure based on the layout mount and set the input angle based on this measured value. It is preferable to set the storage angle and input magnification using the following steps. That is, the angle is set using the four sides of the layout mount 80 as a reference, and the magnification is set using the picture drawn thereon as a reference of the actual size.

Subsequently, when the drum 22 is rotated in the main scanning direction and gradually moved in the sub-scanning direction, the document in the reading area 23 on the document 21 is transferred to the control device 40 as image data 83.
The data is taken into the memory 50 (here, a magnetic disk) via the. At this time, the original is color-separated and loaded into the memory 50 as image data for each color. When the import work for all manuscripts (six manuscripts in this example) is completed, step S2 ends. Note that when a plurality of originals are imported in this manner, it is preferable to attach an identification number to each original and then import them.

The image positioning operation in the subsequent step S3 is a feature of the present invention. In the aforementioned step S1, the drawing machine is loaded into the memory 50 as layout data, and in step S2, the document is loaded into the memory 50 as image data. The correspondence between the drawing machine and the image data can be recognized by the identification number assigned at the time of storage. The work in step S3 is a work for positioning both. In the above example, six plotters and six image data are imported, and alignment will be performed for each set one by one. In addition, in step S2, if the image (image data) has not been imported with the correct input angle and input magnification, rotation processing and scaling work are performed beforehand to correct the image data in the memory 50. need to be added.

In the image positioning operation, the control device 40 first displays the drawing machine and image data to be aligned on the display device 60.
to be displayed. FIG. 6 shows an example of the display screen of the display device 60. In this device, the display screen is a layout area 61
It is divided into two areas: and a command area 62. The layout area 61 is an area for displaying the drawing machine and image data, and is used as a work area for positioning operations.
The command area 62 is an area for inputting various commands necessary for positioning operations. In the apparatus of this embodiment, a mouse is used as the storage means 70, and a cursor is displayed in the layout area 61 and command area 62 as the mouse is moved.

Therefore, the operator can use the mouse to specify any one point within the layout area 61 or any command displayed within the command area.

In the layout area 61 shown in FIG. 6, a drawing machine 81 to be aligned (as described above, shown by broken lines in this specification for convenience) and image data 83 are displayed. Specifically, this display is obtained by the control device 40 as follows. First, the image data 83 is captured as image data in step S2 described above. Therefore, the captured images of one screen are displayed in the layout area 61 at once. That is, the outlines of the layout area 61 and the image data 83 match. In other words, the outline of the reading area 23 of the image original 21 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to match the outline of the layout area 61 in FIG. 6. In reality, the resolution of the input scanner 20 is higher than the resolution of the display device 60, and the image data stored in the memory 50 is extremely high-definition data. Therefore, based on this high-definition image data, the layout area 61
When displaying an image, a reduction process is performed to thin out pixels. The reduction ratio at this time can be uniquely determined by the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the high-definition image data and the number of vertical and horizontal pixels forming the layout area 61. On the other hand, the display magnification of the plotter 81 is determined based on the display magnification of the image data 83. That is, according to the pattern 82 drawn on the layout board 80 and the actual size of the drawing machine 81 shown in FIG.
Since they are each stored in the memory 50, once the display magnification of the image data is determined, the display magnification of the drawing machine can also be uniquely determined. The display angle is also determined. However, the display location has not yet been determined. Even though a common magnification scale has been determined between the drawing machine stored in step S1 and the image data input in step S2, the positional relationship is still undetermined. The image positioning operation is nothing but the work of determining this positional relationship.Therefore, the control device 40 displays the drawing machine, whose size and angle are determined, at an arbitrary position within the layout area 61.FIG. This state is shown.In step S1, since the feature point Q is input together with the plotter 81, this feature point Q can be displayed together.The feature point Q is relative to the plotter 81. Since this is a point whose position is defined, when the display position of the plotter 81 is determined, the display position of the feature point Q is also uniquely determined.

The display position of point Q is also uniquely determined.

When the control device 40 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display M60, the operator can use the mouse as the storage means 70 to perform positioning operations. That is, by allowing the plotter 81 to move on the screen in accordance with the movement of the mouse, the operator can find a position where the relative positional relationship between the image data 83 and the plotter 81 is optimal. Once the drawing machine 81 has been moved to the optimum position, the relative positional relationship between the two can be determined by specifying a position determination command field (not shown) in the command area 62. In addition, in this positioning operation, the operation can be simplified by using the feature point Q. As mentioned above, the feature point Q is
Since this is a point whose relative position with respect to point Q is defined, when the plotter 81 is moved within the screen, the feature point Q will also move together. Therefore, the operator recognizes the feature points marked on the layout mount 80 in the image data displayed on the screen, and moves the drawing machine 81 within the screen so that the feature points Q are aligned with the feature points. In this embodiment, the drawing machine is moved for convenience, but the image data may also be moved.

Furthermore, this movement is intended to clarify the positional relationship between the image data and the drawing machine, and does not change the coordinate values of the drawing machine. In the example of FIG. 6, the feature point Q is
If the drawing machine 81 is moved so that Q matches the feature point Q' of the image data 83, the positioning operation is completed. It is.

When the positioning operations have been completed for all sets of corresponding image data and plotting machines, layout calculation processing in step S4 is performed.

This layout calculation process cuts out from each image data stored in the memory 50 only the range surrounded by the drawing machine positioned in the positioning operation in step S3, and places this at the position specified on the layout board 80. This is the process of placing it in For example, when the positioning is performed in the state shown in FIG.
Only the part enclosed by the image will be cut out. In this example, this cutting process is performed for each of the six image data, and the cut out images are placed at the position of the drawing machine 81 shown on the layout board 80 shown in FIG.

Finally, in step S5, image output is performed. That is, the image obtained as a result of the layout arithmetic processing in step S4 is output to film by the output scanner 30 for each color component.

Reduced display function Although the basic operation of the apparatus of this embodiment has been explained above, the unique function of this apparatus can be utilized in the image positioning operation in step S3 described above. One of these unique functions is a reduced display function, and this reduced display function will be explained below.

As described above, in step S3, as shown in FIG.
will be displayed. At this time, regarding the image data 83,
As described above, the input image is displayed so as to fill the entire screen, and the drawing machine 81 displays the image data in accordance with the display magnification of this image data. However, as shown in FIG. 6, if the plotter 81 is smaller than the displayed image, there is no problem, but as shown in FIG.
is larger than the display image, the layout area 61
The drawing machine 81 will protrude from the edge. In FIG. 7, the drawing machine 81 is also shown in the protruding part.
In reality, the portion that protrudes from the layout area 61 will not be displayed. In this way, unless the entire drawing machine 81 is displayed, it is difficult to perform correct positioning operations.

Correct positioning operation is difficult unless the entire graphic 81 is displayed.

Therefore, this device is equipped with a reduced display function. That is, if a part of the drawing machine 81 protrudes as shown in FIG. 7, when the operator instructs the reduced display command (not shown) in the command area 62 with the mouse, the drawing machine 81 will be displayed as shown in FIG. , the entire screen will be displayed in a reduced size. As a result, the drawing machine 8
1 is displayed in its entirety, and adjacent drawing machines are also displayed around it. Note that the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 8 indicates the outline of the image data 83. In the normal display shown in FIG. 7, this image data 83 matches the outline of the layout area 61.

When the image data 83 is stored in step S2, only the area within the reading area 23 of the document 21 is captured, and there is no data outside this area. Therefore, for example, in FIG. 8, no image data exists in the area inside the drawing machine 81 outside the image data 83 indicated by the dashed line.

Therefore, in such a case, in the layout calculation process in step S4, the drawing machine 81 out of the image data 83
It is necessary to crop only the parts related to the image and process the parts where image data is insufficient so that they have the same color as the background part.

It is preferable to prepare several levels of commands depending on the reduction ratio as commands for performing such reduced display. For example, a display in which one image data 83 fills the entire screen (normal display shown in FIG. 7) is set as a standard magnification of 1, and 3/4 times, 2/4 times, and 1/4 times It is a good idea to prepare a command to display a reduced display at a reduction ratio such as . The operator can select the reduced display magnification that is most convenient for the task. As mentioned above, the control device 4
0, the image data in the memory 50 is thinned out and the surface water device 6
It is displayed as 0. Therefore, when the reduced display command is executed, this thinned out image is further thinned out and displayed. For example, if the reduction rate is 3/4 times, 4
It is only necessary to thin out one pixel among the pixels, and if the reduction rate is 1/4, it is sufficient to thin out three out of four pixels.

In addition, if the control device 40 determines that the drawing machine will protrude from the screen without waiting for the operator to input a reduced display command, the control device 40 automatically adjusts the drawing machine to an optimum reduction magnification that will not cause the drawing machine to protrude from the screen. It is also possible to perform reduced display.

Wear.

In this way, by providing a reduced display function, the operator can understand the entire plotting machine on one screen.
Accurate positioning operation becomes possible.

Center Allocation Function Another unique feature of this device is the center allocation function. This function is a feature of the present invention,
This function will be explained below.

As mentioned above, in step S3, as shown in FIG.
is displayed, and the operator uses a storage device such as a mouse to move the drawing machine 81 to a desired position and position it. However, in general, in printed materials such as flyers and catalogs, it is often required to allocate a pattern to the center of the drawing machine. This center layout function is extremely effective when allocating image data at the center of the drawing machine in this way. Now, for example, as shown in FIG.
shall be displayed on the page.

Here, a case will be considered in which the section of point AB of the image data is allocated to the center position of the drawing machine 81 in the groove direction. In this case, the operator indicates the horizontal center layout command 62a in the command area 62 with the cursor, and also indicates points A and B with the cursor. Then, the control device 40
As a result, the drawing machine 81 is moved to the left, and the state shown in FIG. 10 is reached. In other words, the plotter 81 has been translated in the horizontal direction so that the distance a between the left end of the plotter 81 and point A is equal to the distance a between the right end of the plotter 81 and point B. . To allocate to the center position in the vertical direction, similarly use the vertical center allocation command 6.
2b, and then two points separated in the vertical direction.

Such a central allocation function is performed by the following calculation. For example, in the case of horizontal center layout, the coordinate values of two designated points A and B are determined. That is, point A (
Ax, Ay) and point B (Bx.

By) the XY coordinate values are obtained (B x >Ax). Next, the X coordinate value XL of the left side and the X coordinate value XR of the right side of the drawing machine 81 surrounding this are determined. Figure 11 shows
These are shown on the X axis. Here, the parallel displacement scale is determined by D-(IXR-Bxl-IXL-Axl)/2, and if D>0, the plotter 81 is moved in parallel by D to the left in the figure, and if D<0, If there is, it is sufficient to move the drawing machine 81 in parallel by D to the right in the figure. In the case of vertical center layout, the Y coordinate value is used to translate in the vertical direction.

That will happen.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 12, if the plotter 81 is not rectangular, a circumscribed rectangle 84 for the plotter 81 may be considered, and the same process as described above may be performed for this circumscribed rectangle 84.

stomach.

FIG. 13 shows another center allocation method. In the method described above, the specified section is placed in the center of the drawing machine, but in the method shown in Figure 13, the specified section is placed in the center of the drawing machine. Assignment is possible.

A specific example of horizontal center layout will be explained with reference to FIG. In this method, the operator specifies four points. In the example shown here, in addition to points A and B, which are part of the image data, a point C and a dot are specified, as in the previous example. In this example, the point C and the dot are adjacent points on the drawing machine, but these may be completely arbitrary points.

In addition, to display adjacent drawing machines like this,
The aforementioned reduced display function may be used.

By specifying these four points, in the horizontal direction, the section C
The drawing machine 81 is translated in parallel so that the section AB is located at the center of D. Such a parallel movement function is performed by the following calculation. First, the coordinate values of the four designated points are determined. That is, point A (Ax, Ay), point B
(Bx, By), point C (Cx, Cy), point D (
Dx, Dy) xy coordinate values are obtained (Dx>Bx>
(Ax>Cx). Now, use the parallel translation scale). Here, the parallel displacement scale is D - (lDx-Bx l-1cx-Ax l) /2
If D) is 0, the plotter 81 should be moved in parallel by D to the left in the figure, and if D<0, the plotter 81 should be translated by D in the right direction in the figure. In the case of vertical center layout, the Y coordinate value is used to translate in the vertical direction.

That will happen.

In the above example, (the yellow center allocation and the vertical center allocation are performed in separate processes, a bidirectional center allocation command is provided, and after specifying this command, specify the necessary multiple points. Therefore, the center allocation in the groove direction and the center allocation in the vertical direction may be performed simultaneously.

In this manner, by providing the center layout function, the operator can easily and accurately position the drawing machine.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the layout device for printing plate making according to the present invention, since the central layout function is provided, the operator can easily and accurately position the drawing machine.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the layout device for printing plate making according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation procedure of the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is the device shown in FIG. 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the layout data entry work in the device shown in Figure 1, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the layout mount used for
6 is a diagram showing the image positioning work in the device shown in FIG. 1,
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an inappropriate screen display that occurred in the device shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 8 shows a state in which the inappropriate screen display in Fig. 7 has been corrected to an appropriate screen display using the reduced display function. Figures 9 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the operation for performing center layout using the apparatus shown in Figure 1, Figure 10 is a diagram showing the state in which center layout has been performed on the image shown in Figure 9, and Figure 11 Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the calculation method for center layout, Figure 12 is a diagram explaining center layout when the drawing machine is other than rectangular, and Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the operation for performing center layout for any section. It is a diagram. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Drawing machine, 11... Drawing area, 12... Command area, 13... Pointing device, 20
... Memory scanner, 21 ... Image original, 22 ... Drum, 23 ... Reading area, 30 ... Output scanner,
40... Control device, 50... Memory, 60... Display device, 61... Layout area, 62... Command area, 70... Storage means, 80... Layout mount, 8
1...Drawing machine, 82...Picture, 83...Image data, 84...Circumscribing rectangle. rectangle.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A layout device for printing plate making that outputs a film for printing plate making based on a layout board on which layout figures are drawn and a document to be laid out within the layout figures, the layout device comprising: a drawing machine that inputs data regarding the layout figure from the mount; an input scanner that inputs image data from the original; a storage unit that stores the data input from the drawing machine and the input scanner; and the layout figure and a display device for displaying the image data; an input device for inputting instructions from an operator; and an input device for controlling the display device and controlling the positions of arbitrary two points A and B related to the image data and the layout. By specifying the positions of arbitrary two points C and D related to the graphic for use on the screen of the display device, the image data is adjusted so that the section AB is located at the center position of the section CD in a predetermined direction. and a control device having a function of determining a relative position between the layout figure and the layout figure.