JPH0339745A - Layout device for leaflet and catalog and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To arrange and lay out the plural pieces of information on goods or to easily lay out the information at specified intervals by superposing and displaying a cyclic pattern on a display device with an arranged image. CONSTITUTION:The cyclic pattern 32 is superposed and displayed on the display device 10 with the arranged image 33. Since the cyclic pattern 32 is displayed in a display form different from the arranged image 33(for example, in different colors), confusion is not caused in a layout operation. An operator performs the layout operation by taking the cyclic pattern as a guide. Thus, the plural pieces of information on the goods are arranged and laid out or easily laid out at the specified intervals.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a leaflet/catalog layout device, and more particularly to a leaflet/catalog layout device that uses a computer to handle product information as digital data.

[Conventional technology]

In order to print flyers and catalogs, it is necessary to allocate information such as photos, explanatory text, and ratings regarding the products to be published on a flat surface. This layout requires placing information about each product in a well-balanced manner while looking at the overall composition, and at present, the final layout must be done manually. However, C
As technology such as AD devices improves, devices have been developed that import product information into a computer as digital data, display a layout screen on a display device, and allocate product information based on instructions input by an operator. . With this type of layout device, the operator can perform layout work by interacting with a computer while looking at a display screen, and can perform efficient layout.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Although the above-mentioned computer-based layout device for leaflets and catalogs enables fairly efficient work, there is an inefficiency in the work of allocating information regarding a large number of products. For example, since there is no guideline for allocating product information, it is difficult to allocate information about multiple products or allocate them at equal intervals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flyer/catalog layout device that can efficiently layout information regarding a large number of products.

[Means to solve the problem]

(1) The first invention of the present application is a product information input device for inputting product information regarding products to be allocated, in a leaflet/catalog layout device that layouts information regarding products to be published in leaflets/catalogs on a flat surface. a first memory unit that stores input product information as data; a second memory unit that stores as data a periodic pattern that serves as a guide for the layout work; and a layout image formed as a result of the layout work. a third memory section for storing the periodic pattern and the layout image as data; a display device for superimposing and displaying the periodic pattern and the layout image; and a first display device for displaying the periodic pattern stored in the second memory section. a periodic pattern display device that displays a layout image stored in a third memory section in a second display format different from the first display format on a display device; an instruction input device for inputting an allocation instruction from the instruction input device; and an instruction input device for importing predetermined product information in the first memory section according to the allocation instruction from the instruction input device, forming an allocation image based on this imported information, and displaying the formed layout image. A layout execution device for storing an image in a third memory section;

(2) A second invention of the present application is a device according to the first invention described above, in which identical rectangles are arranged vertically and horizontally as a periodic pattern.

When an instruction is input from the instruction input device to indicate a specified position as a position to which specified product information is to be allocated, the rectangle closest to this specified position is selected from the periodic pattern, and The system further includes a position correction device that corrects the instruction input so that the product information is allocated within the selected rectangle.

(3) A third invention of the present application is a device according to the first invention described above, in which a pattern in which identical rectangles are arranged vertically and horizontally through vertical and horizontal boundary bands of a predetermined width is used as the periodic pattern. , When an instruction input indicating a predetermined specified position as a position to allocate a predetermined ruled line is given from the instruction input device, the intersecting area closest to the specified position among the intersecting areas of the vertical border band and the horizontal border band is The system is further provided with a position correction device that corrects the instruction input so that the selected position of one point in the intersection area is used instead of the specified position to allocate the ruled line.

[For production]

(1) According to the present invention, the periodic pattern is displayed on the display device in an overlapping manner with the layout image. Since this periodic pattern is displayed in a display format different from that of the layout image (for example, in a different format), there is no confusion in the layout work. Since the operator can perform the allocation work using this periodic pattern as a guide, it becomes possible to easily allocate a plurality of pieces of product information or allocate (-f digits) at predetermined intervals.

(2) According to the second invention of the present application, the position correction device corrects the layout position, and as a result, the product information is divided into one rectangle that constitutes the periodic pattern and is neatly arranged. This makes it possible to make the following assignments. Since the position is corrected, the operator does not need to specify the position accurately, and the operability of position specification is significantly improved.

(3) According to the third invention of the present application, the position correction device corrects the allocated positions of the ruled lines, and as a result, the ruled lines are allocated around the rectangles forming the periodic pattern. Since the position is corrected, the operator does not have to specify the position accurately, which greatly improves the operability of specifying the position.

〔Example〕

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below based on illustrated embodiments. 1st
The figure is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a leaflet/catalog layout device according to the present invention. First, I will briefly explain the outline of this device.

The display 10 is a general display device for a computer, and in the device of this embodiment, it is composed of three display areas. The first display area is a product information display screen 11, the second display area is a layout screen 12, and the third display area is a command input screen 13.

Images are displayed on the screens 11 and 1-2 by display devices 21-23. Each of the display devices 21 to 23 performs display based on data in the memory 30. That is, the product information display device 2] displays the product information data 3 in the memory 30.
The periodic pattern display device 22 displays the basic pattern on the layout screen 12 based on the periodic pattern data 32 in the memory 30, and displays the basic pattern on the layout screen 12 based on the periodic pattern data 32 in the memory 30. The display device 23 displays the layout image on the layout screen 12 based on the layout image data 33 in the memory 30.]7 Therefore,
Two types of images will be displayed overlappingly on the same screen on the layout screen 12, but the periodic pattern is displayed in the first color and the layout side (the elephant is displayed in the second color, so The operator can distinguish and recognize the two.

In this embodiment, the product information data 31 is derived from image data and character data ε. (Elephant data is data created based on product photos and sketches.
Character data is data expressed in characters, such as product descriptions and prices. Image data is input by an image input device 41, and character data is input by a character input device 42. The allocation execution device 50 is a device that executes actual allocation work based on an operator's allocation instruction given via the instruction input device 43. That is, data related to the product designated by the operator is extracted from the product information data 31, and layout image data 33 is created so that the data can be displayed at the position on the screen designated by the operator.

Note that the instruction input device 43 displays a display for inputting a command on the command input screen 13, and the operator performs input by indicating this display portion with a pointing device such as a mouse. The position correction device 60 is a device that corrects the specified position given from the instruction input device 43 based on the periodic pattern data 32, and
0 is not the specified position input by the operator, but the position corrected by the position correction device 60 can be used to execute the allocation.

The outline of the device has been briefly explained above. In practice, this device is formed using a computer.

That is, the memory 30 is a memory in the computer used, and each of the display devices 21 to 23 is realized by hardware and software responsible for the image display portion of this computer. An external input device such as a scanner is used as the image input device 41, and an external input device such as a word processor is used as the character input device 42, which are connected to the computer. Also, as the instruction input device 43, a keyboard or a mouse is used. It is possible to use an input device such as by connecting it to a computer.Allocation execution device 50
has a function of allocating predetermined image data to a predetermined screen position, and is realized by hardware and software responsible for the image processing part of this computer. Further, the position correction device 60 has a function of performing coordinate calculation based on the periodic pattern data 32, and this is also realized by computer hardware and software.

Basic Operation of the Apparatus Next, the functions of each component will be explained in detail while explaining the operation of this apparatus. First, information about the products to be published is input for each product.

For example, a photographic image of a product as shown in FIG. 2 is input as image data into the memory 30 from the image input device 41, and a character string as shown in FIG.
2 is input into the memory 30 as character data. In this way, product information data for all products to be posted are stored in the memory 30.

Now, the operator starts the actual allocation work while looking at the display 10. FIG. 4 shows the actual display screen of the display 10. In this embodiment, the display screen of the display 10 consists of three display screens: a product information display screen 11, a layout screen 12, and a command input screen 13. Various commands are displayed on the command input screen 13 by the instruction input device 43, and the operator selects the assignment execution device 50 by specifying the desired command with the mouse.
It is possible to give allocation instructions to Product information display screen 1
1, information about the products to be posted is displayed, as shown in FIG. Based on this display, the operator identifies the products to be allocated. Here, an image showing the product as shown in Fig. 2 or a description of the product as shown in Fig. 3 may be displayed, but in this example, it is simply a number attached to each product. Only (1 to 6) are displayed. In this case, the operator may say, for example, that number 1 is "apple".
, the number 2 is "banana", etc., and the customer must be aware of the correspondence between products and numbers.

The operator specifies one of the displays on the product information display screen 11 with the mouse to specify the product to be allocated. For example, if you specify the number 1 "apple", "apple"
The assignment work will begin. That is, an image of an "apple" is displayed around the point P specified by the operator with the mouse, as shown on the screen 12 of FIG. 4. If you move the designated point P with the mouse, the "apple"
The image also moves. When the image of the "apple" reaches a predetermined position (jγ), the operator can fix the image (elephant) at that position by pressing the mouse button.

In the apparatus of FIG. 1, this process is as follows.

First, if the operator specifies "apple", the allocation execution device 50 selects "apple" from the product information data 31.
Extracts image data about. Then, when the operator specifies the 11th point P, the allocation execution device 50 recognizes the coordinates of this point P, and uses this coordinate as the center to create an "apple".
The extracted image data of "apple" is incorporated into the layout image data 33 so that the image of "apple" is allocated.

Every time the coordinates of point P change, the layout image data 33 is updated so that the position where the "apple" image is installed changes, and when the mouse button is pressed, the data regarding the "apple" image is updated. If you stop, it will stay in that position. The operator can input an instruction to enlarge or reduce the allocated image (image), or can input an instruction to change the allocation angle. Allocation execution device 50
Based on the operator's instructions, performs processing such as modifying the allocation magnification and modifying the split (t g4/f), and each time,
The layout image data is updated, but since such processing is well known in general CAD devices, detailed explanation will be omitted here.

Operation unique to the present invention ``The double allocation operation is commonly performed in conventional devices, and is not new.

The key point of the present invention is that this allocation operation is performed within the screen on which the periodic pattern is displayed. The main points will be explained below. In this embodiment, a pattern as shown by the broken line in FIG. 5 is stored as the periodic pattern data 32. In other words, it is a pattern in which identical rectangles are arranged vertically and horizontally. The boundaries of each rectangle include a vertical boundary band B1 and (
By providing the yellow boundary band B2, a width of 17τ is formed between adjacent rectangles. Such a periodic pattern is displayed on the layerer j/screen 1 by the periodic pattern display device 22.
2. Therefore, on the layout screen 12,
This periodic pattern and the layout image will be displayed in an overlapping manner. For example, FIG. 6 shows the layout screen 12 in which an image of an "apple" is divided into 44 columns. An image of an "apple" is displayed around a point P specified by the operator with the mouse. Here, since the periodic pattern is displayed in a first color (indicated by a broken line) and the layout image is displayed in a second color (indicated by a solid line), the operator can distinguish and recognize the two.

The gist of the present invention is that, as shown in FIG. 6, when an operator is performing assignment work, a periodic pattern is displayed on the work screen. Actual allocation can be performed completely freely without being constrained by this periodic pattern, but since the operator can determine the arrangement using this periodic pattern as a guide, work efficiency is significantly improved.

For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the dashed rectangle is
First, an ``apple'' image is assigned to the connected area. As mentioned above, with the device of this embodiment, images can be enlarged or reduced, but when multiple products are allocated, if this rectangle is used as a size guide, the image of each product can be enlarged or reduced. They can be made to be approximately the same size. For example, in this example, the image of each product may be allocated at a magnification such that it fits into an area of two rectangles. Furthermore, if this rectangular periodic pattern is used as a guideline, it is extremely easy to arrange a plurality of product images in a line or to arrange them at regular intervals.

Operation peculiar to the present invention (1) This device uses a rectangular periodic pattern to perform a function of automatically correcting character layout (orientation).

When you perform the divide (=I operation) in this automatic correction mode, the characters are always divided into one rectangle. Let's explain by taking as an example the case where the operator assigns an arbitrary point (
For example, when point P) is specified with the mouse, characters are neatly allocated within the rectangle Ll, as shown in FIG. Since the point P may be any point within the rectangle Ll, the operator does not need to specify the allocation position accurately.

Nevertheless, as a result, the characters are properly allocated within the rectangle Ll.

The operation in such an automatic correction mode is performed by the position correction device 60 in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as follows. First, position data regarding point P, that is, coordinate values (Xp, Yp) is provided from the instruction input device 43 to the position correction device 60.

The position correction device 60 refers to the periodic pattern data 32 and selects the rectangle closest to this point P.

As in the example in FIG. 7, if the point P is within a rectangle, that rectangle is passed as the closest rectangle, but the vertical boundary band B1
Alternatively, if the point is on the horizontal boundary band B2, the closest one is selected from among the adjacent rectangles. In the example of FIG. 7, a rectangle Ll is selected, and the position correction device 60 specifies the layout position to the layout execution device 50 so that the characters fit in a predetermined position within the selected rectangle. For example, if the layout execution device 50 is configured to layout character strings around a designated point, the layout operation will be as follows. First, the coordinate values of point P input by the operator are given to the position correction device 60 from the instruction input device 43.

The position correction device 60 selects the rectangle Ll as the rectangle closest to the point P based on the periodic pattern data 32. Then, the coordinate values of point Q, which is the center point of this rectangle Ll, are given to the allocation execution device 50. The allocation execution device 50 treats the point Q instead of the point P as a specified point and allocates character strings around the point Q, resulting in the allocation as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, in order to properly allocate character strings within the rectangle like this, it is necessary to use the product information data 31.
The character data within must be provided so that it fits within this rectangle.

By allocating the character strings of the product description within each rectangle in this way, a very orderly layout becomes possible. Moreover, the assignment position does not have to be specified accurately, so the operator's work is very easy.

Operation peculiar to the present invention ■ This device has a function of automatically correcting the layout positions of ruled lines using a rectangular periodic pattern.

When a ruled line creation operation is performed in this automatic correction mode, the ruled lines are always laid out so as to surround the rectangle.

Now, as shown in FIG. 9, consider a case where information regarding two products is allocated and a ruled line is to be created to surround these two products. With conventional devices, it is necessary to accurately specify the position where ruled lines are to be created. For example, for a rectangular ruled line, the diagonal positions must be specified accurately. However, when this device is operated in automatic correction mode, accurate ruled lines can be created without specifying exact positions.

For example, in FIG. 10, when the operator specifies points Pl and P2 with the mouse, as shown in FIG.
Ruled lines are created at positions surrounding the six rectangles.

The operation in such an automatic correction mode is performed by the position correction device 60 in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as follows. First, position data regarding point Pl, that is, coordinates lit (Xp 1. Yp
1) is provided to the position correction device 60. The position correction device 60 refers to the periodic pattern data 32 and determines this point P.
Select the intersection region closest to l. Here, the intersection area refers to the vertical boundary band B1 and the horizontal boundary band B2 in the periodic pattern.
This is a region where the two intersect with each other, for example, a region C shown by hatching in FIG. And this point P
The coordinate values of the center point Ql of the intersection area closest to l are given to the allocation execution device 50. Similarly, the coordinate values of the center point Q2 of the intersection closest to the point P2 are also given to the allocation execution device 50. The layout execution device 50 treats the points Ql and Q2 as designated points instead of the points PL and P2, and creates a ruled line with these two points as diagonals, resulting in a ruled line as shown in FIG. 11.

As mentioned above, the images and text for each product are allocated using the rectangle as a guide, so the ruled line created at the position surrounding the rectangle will be a border that nicely encloses the image and text for each product. There are many things. Therefore, such ruled lines are extremely useful. Moreover, since the position where the ruled line is created does not need to be accurate, the operator's work is very easy.

An embodiment illustrating the present invention has been described above.
The key point of the present invention is to display a periodic pattern overlaid on a layout screen, but it can be implemented in various other ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the display format is changed by using different colors such as the periodic pattern in the first color and the layout image in the second color. You may change the display format by using methods such as displaying images in low brightness.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the first invention of the present application, since the periodic pattern is superimposed and displayed on the display device together with the layout image, the operator can perform the layout work using the periodic pattern as a guide, and can display multiple product information. It is now possible to easily allocate them in line or at predetermined intervals.

Furthermore, according to the second invention of the present application, the position correction device neatly divides the product information into one rectangle constituting the periodic pattern, so that the operator can specify the position accurately. This is no longer necessary, and the operability of position specification is greatly improved.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, since the ruled lines are allocated around the rectangles forming the periodic pattern by the position correction device, there is no need for the operator to specify the exact position, and one vertical position is specified. The operability is significantly improved.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the flyer/catalog layout device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of image data of products used in the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. A diagram showing an example of character data used in the device shown in the figure, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the screen of the display of the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the periodic pattern in the device shown in FIG. , FIG. 6 is a layout screen diagram showing the work of allocating product images using a periodic pattern as a guide in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
A layout screen diagram showing the work of allocating the characters of a product using the periodic pattern as a guide; FIG. FIG. 10 is a layout screen diagram showing a state in which fHJs for two products are assigned as a guide; FIG. FIG. 11 is a layout screen diagram showing the result of the work shown in FIG. 10. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Display, 11...Product information display screen, 12...Layout screen, 13...Command input screen, L, LL...Rectangle, B1...Vertical border band, 82
... Lateral boundary zone, C... Intersection area.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A flyer/catalog layout device that allocates information on products to be published in flyers/catalogs on a flat surface, comprising a product information input device for inputting product information regarding the products to be allocated, and the input products. A first memory unit that stores information as data; a second memory unit that stores as data a periodic pattern that serves as a guide for layout work; and a second memory unit that stores layout images formed as a result of layout work as data. a third memory unit for displaying the periodic pattern and the layout image in an overlapping manner; a display device for displaying the periodic pattern and the layout image in an overlapping manner;
a periodic pattern display device that displays a layout image stored in the third memory section on the display device in a first display format;
a layout image display device that displays a layout image in a display format; an instruction input device that inputs layout instructions from an operator; A layout device for leaflets and catalogs, comprising: a layout execution device that forms a layout image based on captured information and stores the formed layout image in the third memory section. (2) In the device according to claim 1, a pattern in which identical rectangles are arranged vertically and horizontally is used as the periodic pattern, and an instruction is input from the instruction input device to indicate a predetermined designated position as a position to which predetermined product information is to be allocated. If given, a rectangle closest to the specified position is selected from the periodic pattern, and correction is made to the instruction input so that the predetermined product information is allocated in the selected rectangle. A layout device for leaflets and catalogs, further comprising a position correction device. (3) In the device according to claim 1, the periodic pattern is a pattern in which identical rectangles are arranged vertically and horizontally through vertical and horizontal boundary bands of a predetermined width, and a predetermined ruled line is inputted from the instruction input device. When an instruction input indicating a predetermined specified position as an allocation position is given, the intersection area closest to the specified position is selected from among the intersecting areas of the vertical boundary band and the horizontal boundary band, and the intersection area of the specified position is selected. A flyer catalog further comprising a position correction device that corrects the instruction input so that the position of one point within the selected intersection area is used instead to allocate the ruled line. type of allocation device.