JPH0413139A - Layout processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To achieve automatic allotment by the use of a computer without a position specifying work by an operator by generating a reference point, which has a prescribed positional-relation to a standard point defined on an allotment frame, inputting the reference point together with an original-pattern as picture data, and positioning the pattern. CONSTITUTION:The referece point R, which has the prescribed positional-relation to the standard point S defined on each of the allotment frames a1 and a2, is generated. A reference mark r1 indicating the reference point R is outputted on an original- sticking sheet C. Therefore, when an original-pattern is inputted as picture data by means of an input scanner 31, the position of the reference point R is fetched together with the pattern, as a pat of the picture data. In addition, the allotment frames a1 and a2 are inputted as graphic data by a graph inputting means 20 (plotter); however, the position of the standard point S on each of the allotment frames a1 and a2 is also inputted. In such a manner, the patterns are positioned in their respective allotment frames a1 and a2 so that the positions of the reference point R and standard point S, inputted in the computer 10 (automatic allotment processing means), establish the prescribed positional-relation. Thus, allotment can be automatically performed by the computer, without the position specifying work by the operator.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a layout processing device, and more particularly to a layout processing device that can automatically layout document images captured by a scanner using a combination printer.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, in the printing and plate-making fields, plate-making apparatuses called total scanners that utilize computers have been commonly used. In this device, on the one hand, a picture such as a photo manuscript is imported into a computer as image data using a scanner, and on the other hand, a layout frame drawn on a designated layout sheet is imported into a computer as graphic data using a graphic input device such as a drawing machine. Both of the imported data will be displayed on the display and the layout work will be performed.

The operator only has to perform the task of determining at what magnification, at what angle, and at what position the picture should be laid out in the layout frame while looking at the display screen.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-9500 discloses a method for performing the above-mentioned work more efficiently. In the method disclosed herein, since the magnification and angle at which documents are to be laid out are measured in advance using a magnification angle measuring device, the operator only has to determine the position of the layout on the display.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] If the above-mentioned computer-based plate making device is used,
The plate-making process becomes considerably more efficient. However, as described above, the current situation is that the operator still positions the image of the imported document with respect to the layout frame by trial and error while looking at the display. In normal printed matter, it is necessary to allocate a large number of patterns to various locations, and it takes a considerable amount of time to position each pattern one by one.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a layout processing device that can automatically allocate pictures imported into a computer within layout frames.

[Means to solve the problem]

In the present invention, in a layout processing device, a layout designation sheet on which a predetermined layout frame is drawn is placed on a two-dimensional coordinate plane, a pattern of a document is projected onto the sheet, and the projected image of the pattern is placed on a desired layout sheet within the layout frame. a magnification angle measuring machine that inputs the layout frame and the projected outline figure of the original document as figure data on a two-dimensional coordinate plane together with a projection magnification m while being projected at a position at a desired angle and in a desired size; a reference point generating means that generates a reference point in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a reference point defined at a predetermined position on the layout frame as graphic data on a two-dimensional coordinate plane; and a document input to the magnification angle measuring machine. a document pasting sheet creating means for creating a manuscript pasting sheet by reducing the coordinate system to 1/m and outputting a reference mark indicating a reference point generated by the contour figure and reference point generating means on a sheet; An input scanner that inputs the image of the original pasted according to the contour figure on the pasting sheet as data on a first coordinate system together with a reference mark, and a second coordinate system that inputs the layout frame on the layout designation sheet along with the reference point. a figure input means for inputting data on the system; a reference point position on the first coordinate system;
By aligning the two seat threads so that the reference point position on the second coordinate system satisfies the aforementioned positional relationship, the first
automatic allocation processing means for allocating the picture on the coordinate system within the allocation frame on the second coordinate system;

[For production]

According to the apparatus of the present invention, a reference point having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a reference point defined on the layout frame is generated, and a reference mark indicating this reference point is output on the document pasting sheet. . Therefore, when a document pattern is input as image data using an input scanner, the reference point position is also captured as part of the image data along with the pattern. Furthermore, although the layout frame is input as graphic data by the graphic input means,
The reference point position on this allocation frame will also be input. In this way, the picture is positioned within the layout frame so that the reference point position input to the computer and the reference point position have a predetermined positional relationship. Since such positioning can be performed uniquely, automatic assignment by a computer is possible without any position designation work by an operator.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described below based on illustrated embodiments. 1st
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a layout processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The central part of this device is the automatic allocation processing means 10. This is actually configured by a computer, and its basic function is to input the layout frame drawn on the layout designation sheet A to the graphic input means 20.
The image data on the document B is input as image data by the scanner device [30], and the input image is automatically allocated within the input layout frame. Specifically, the graphic human power means 20 is a drawing machine such as a digitizer. Further, the scanner device 30 includes an input scanner 31, an output scanner 32, and a scanner interface 33. Automatic allocation processing means 1
0 further includes a storage means 40 (
(Specifically, a memory), a display 50 for displaying various displays to the operator, and input means 60 (specifically, a keyboard and a mouse) for inputting various instructions from the operator are connected. In addition, automatic allocation processing means 1
In order to carry out a preparation stage for inputting data to the computer 0, a magnification angle measuring device 70, a reference point generating means 80, and a document pasting sheet creating means 90 are provided. The magnification angle measuring device 70 is a known device that projects the image of the document B onto the layout designated paper A and measures the magnification, angle, etc. for layout. The reference point generating means 80 is constituted by a computer, and the document pasting sheet creating means 90 is constituted by an XY block that operates according to instructions from this computer, and has a function of creating a document pasting sheet C. In this embodiment, the automatic allocation processing means 10 and the reference point generation means 80 are each constructed from separate computers, but it is also possible for the same computer to serve as both. In the block diagram of FIG. 1, solid line arrows indicate data transfer between each device, and broken line arrows indicate the work of physically setting each material in each device.

The operation of this apparatus will be explained below based on a specific example of plate-making work. It is now assumed that a layout designation sheet A as shown in FIG. 2 is prepared, and layout frames gl and a2 are drawn on it. Allocation frames al and a2 are figures that specify the positions to which images are to be allocated, and usually contain rough sketches of the images to be allocated (indicated by broken lines in the figure).
is depicted. Here, it is assumed that the picture to be laid out in the layout frame al is prepared as a photographic original B as shown in FIG. Note that, normally, the size of the original B is much smaller than the designated layout paper A, and when the original B is enlarged several times, it becomes large enough to fit the layout frame a1.

First, layout designation paper A and original document B are set in the magnification angle measuring device 70, and the magnification and angle are measured. The magnification angle measuring machine 70 is a device as shown in FIG. 4, and a data tablet 72 is placed on a workbench 71. The surface of the data tablet 72 forms a two-dimensional coordinate plane, and arbitrary coordinate values on this coordinate plane can be input using the cursor 73. A support 74 is provided to extend vertically upward with respect to this coordinate plane, and a projection device 75 is provided to slide on this support 74. When a document B is set on the projection device 75, a projected image BP of the document B is obtained on the surface of the data tablet 72.

The projection magnification m can be changed by moving the projection device 75 up and down, and the projection position and projection angle can be changed by adjusting the set position and angle of the document B. The operator can provide various commands from the operating control panel 76. The projection magnification m can be determined from the position of the projection device 75 with respect to the support column 74.

The magnification m thus determined and the coordinate values input manually from the data tablet 72 are sent via the cable 77 to the computer constituting the reference point generating means 80.

The magnification angle measuring work by the magnification angle measuring device 70 is performed as follows. First, the layout designation paper A is placed on the data tablet 72, and the document B is set on the projection device 75. Then, the image of the original B is projected onto the designated layout paper A. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing this projection state. In this FIG. 5, allocation frame a1. a2 is the figure actually drawn on the designated layout paper A, but the other designs are the projected image BP of the original B.
shows. The operator adjusts the setting position, angle, and projection magnification of the document B, so that the design of the projected image BP is aligned with the allocation frame a1.
so that it can be laid out at a desired position, at a desired angle, and in a desired size. When the desired projection image BP is thus obtained, the projection magnification m at that time is measured. Next, the operator uses the cursor 73 to select the allocation frames al,
a2 and the contour figure b1 of the projected image BP are input as figure data. Such input can be easily performed, for example, by specifying the coordinates of each vertex for a rectangular figure, and by specifying the center point position and radius for a circular figure. In the case of a figure with an arbitrary shape, the outline is traced with the cursor 73.

The graphic data and projection magnification m input in this way are given to the reference point generating means 80. The graphic data is information indicating the layout position and angle of the document B, and the projection magnification m is information indicating the layout size.

After all, in the case of the above example, as shown in FIG.
l, a2 and the contour figure b1 are input as figure data. Note that, in reality, the same magnification angle measurement work is performed for the document to be allocated within the layout frame a2, and the contour figure b2 for this document is also input.
For convenience of explanation, only the allocation work for the allocation frame a1 will be described here.

Now, as shown in FIG. 7, the reference point generating means 80 generates a cross-shaped reference mark "1" around the allocation frame a1.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 7. This reference mark r
1 is a distance of 1/m outside the allocation frame a1 in this embodiment.
It is used as a double mark with only one side left behind. Here, g is a predetermined constant, and m is the input projection magnification. The function of such reference marks is to indicate the position of the reference point. In this embodiment, the reference point R is the upper left intersection of the reference mark "1", as shown in FIG.

What is important is that the reference point R must be defined as a point in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a predetermined reference point S (in this example, the upper left corner point) on the allocation frame al. That's true. That is, in this example, the reference point R is a distance fJ/m to the left from the reference point S, and a distance 1/m upward.
It is defined as points that are separated by m. Therefore, theoretically, it is not necessary to use such a cross-shaped mark as a reference mark, and in an extreme example, a mark consisting of a point for indicating the position of the reference point R may be used. However, in later processing, it is necessary for the computer to recognize this reference point R from the image data.
It is preferable to use a mark that is easily recognized by the combinator as much as possible.

In that sense, using such parallel cross marks as reference marks is one of the preferred embodiments. Another advantage of parallel cross marks is that any of the four candidates may be used as a reference point.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper left intersection is used as the reference point, but there are also intersections at the upper right, lower left, and lower right, and any of them may be used as the reference point. In this case, the reference points on the allocation frame al may be the lower right corner, lower left corner, and lower right corner of the frame corresponding to this reference point. In the following explanation, an example in which reference points and reference points are taken as shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In this case, the reference point generation means 80 may be programmed to recognize the point at the upper left corner of the allocation frame as a reference point, and to generate a cross reference mark located outside the allocation frame by a distance of D/m. .

Subsequently, the layout frames al, a2, outline figure b1, and generated reference mark "1" as shown in FIG. 7 are outputted by the original pasting sheet creating means 90.

As mentioned above, the original pasting sheet creating means 90 is specifically an XY plotter, and this XY plotter
A figure like the one shown in the figure will be drawn on a blank sheet of paper.

However, at this time, the dimensions are reduced to 1/m. 7th
The outline figure b1 of the original shown in the figure was obtained based on the projection image BP magnified by m times, so by reducing it to 1/m, it can match the original size outline of original B. become. The original pasting sheet C is drawn using the XY plotter in this manner. The operator cuts out this original pasting sheet C along the layout frame a1 and opens a rectangular window. Then, the actual original B is pasted onto the original pasting sheet C from the back side. At this time, the outline of the original B is pasted in alignment with the outline figure b1. Therefore, from the front side of the original pasting sheet C, the pattern of the original B is seen through the window corresponding to the layout frame a1.

In fact, it is preferable to cut out a window that is slightly larger than the layout frame a1 in order to prevent the image from being missing near the contour line.

As shown in FIG. 1, after the original B is pasted on the original pasting sheet C, this original pasting sheet C is set on the input scanner 31. When the original pasting sheet C is set in the regular position (straight and correct position) with respect to the input scanner 31, the original B will be set in the scanner with an inclination of the desired angle set in the magnification angle measuring device 70. Become.

The input scanner 31 performs an image input operation at a magnification m measured by the magnification angle measuring device 70 for at least a region including the reference mark r1. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the input area (indicated by the - dotted chain line) containing the reference mark r1 is scanned, and the image in the input area I (the hatched area indicates the exposed part of the document B) is scanned. Import as image data. The image data captured in this way is transferred to the scanner interface 33.
and stored in the storage means 40 via the automatic allocation processing means 10. In this example, an image as shown in FIG. 10 will be saved as data. Here, the image inside the allocation frame al is an image obtained from the actual document B, and the image outside of it is an image obtained by scanning the blank portion of the document pasting sheet C. However, in this blank section,
A reference mark r1 is drawn.

On the other hand, the operator uses the graphic input device 20 to input the layout frame on the layout designation sheet A as graphic data. In this embodiment, the graphic input device 20
For this purpose, a drawing machine with a digitizer is used. The operator places the layout designation paper A on this digitizer,
Input the allocation frame as graphic data. As a result, the 11th
Graphic data as shown in the figure is obtained, and this graphic data is stored in the storage means 4o via the automatic allocation processing means 10.

In this way, image data as shown in FIG. 10 and graphic data as shown in FIG. 11 are stored in the storage means 40. Here, both data are input separately, and are defined in separate coordinate systems. However, due to the work using the magnification angle measuring device 70, there is a common factor between the two. That is, there are factors related to the layout magnification and factors related to the layout angle. Regarding the allocation magnification, since the projection magnification m has already been measured and the image data corresponding to the measurement magnification has been input during the input process, the first
It matches the actual size of the graphic data shown in Figure 1. Also, as shown in Figure 9, when inputting image data with a scanner,
Since the document B is tilted by a desired angle, the image data shown in FIG. 10 can be laid out within the figure shown in FIG. 11 without rotating it. Therefore, the first
The work of allocating the image data shown in FIG. 0 into the figure shown in FIG. 11 can be done by providing a common factor regarding the position between the two. In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-9500, the figure of the layout frame shown in FIG. 11 and the layout target image shown in FIG. 10 are displayed on the display 50, and the operator moves both in parallel. The method used was to determine the optimal allocation position. However, performing such positioning work for each pattern poses a problem of lowering the overall work efficiency.

The key point of the present invention is that a common factor for this position is automatically given, and automatic assignment by a computer is possible without any positioning work by an operator.

The common factor for position is given by reference mark r1 in FIG. Since the layout frame a1 is a cutout line serving as a window, if the background part of the pattern is whitish, it will be assimilated with the blank part of the layout designation sheet A, making it unsuitable as a target for pattern recognition by a computer. On the other hand, the reference mark r1 is a mark drawn on a blank portion of the layout designation sheet A, and is therefore a mark that is very suitable for pattern recognition by a computer. in particular,
It is sufficient if the reference point R on the reference mark r1 can be recognized. 1st
If the reference point R can be recognized on the image of Figure 0, the reference point S can be recognized as a point separated by a distance g in both the vertical and horizontal directions. On the other hand, the reference point S can also be recognized on the graphic in FIG. When inputting the allocation frame a1 using the graphic input means 20, the positions of its four vertices are designated as described above. Therefore, the reference point S can be recognized as the apex position of the upper left corner of the layout frame. In this way, the reference point S is located between the image data shown in FIG. 10 and the graphic data shown in FIG.
A common factor regarding the position can be obtained. Therefore, by moving the reference points S in parallel so that they overlap, automatic allocation becomes possible without any positioning work by the operator.

To recognize the reference point R on the image shown in FIG. 10, the following method may be used, for example. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the upper left part of the reference mark r1. As image data, this reference mark r1 is a set of pixels arranged in a cross-shaped band. Therefore, the pixels are scanned along the scanning line k shown by the dashed line in the figure, and the density difference between each pixel and the pixels adjacent to the left and right is determined. Then, the first
A density difference graph like the one shown in Figure 3 should be obtained. That is, above the scanning line, a remarkable density difference appears at the left boundary position xl of the reference mark "1," and a remarkable density difference appears again at the right border position x2. Therefore, the peak position of this density difference is defined as xl and x2. and its intermediate value x
The position of O can be taken as the X coordinate value of the reference point R. In terms of actual numbers, if the thickness of the ballpoint pen used in the XY plotter is approximately 0.2 mm and the resolution of the scanner is approximately 14 lines/square, the thickness of the line of reference mark r1 is approximately 3 pixels. Therefore, it is sufficient to take the central pixel among these. More precisely, the same thing is done along several scanning lines parallel to scanning line k, and the average value of the intermediate values XO obtained for each scanning line is used as the X coordinate value of reference point R. It is preferable to do so. Similarly, a density difference graph can be obtained along the scanning line j, and the position of the intermediate value yO between the peak value positions y1 and y2 can be set as the Y coordinate value of the reference point R. In this way, the position of the reference point R can be determined as the coordinates (xOlyo).

When automatic allocation by the automatic allocation processing means 10 is completed as described above, the allocated image data is provided to the output scanner 32 via the scanner interface 33 and output on film.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a film output in this manner.

After all, if this device is used, the assignment work after inputting data to the automatic assignment processing means 10 will be completely automated. Note that a display 50 and an input means 60 are connected to the automatic allocation processing means 10 in the apparatus of this embodiment so that the allocation status can be checked and the allocation can be corrected. , it is possible to confirm and correct the information.

In the above explanation, only the layout work within the layout frame al on the layout designation sheet A has been described, but normally, work on a plurality of layout frames on the same layout designation sheet A is performed in parallel. In the above example, a rectangular figure with no inclination with respect to the layout designation paper A was used as the layout frame a1, but the layout frame a2 shown in FIG. 14 or any other shape of layout frame may also be used. In this case, a circumscribed rectangle a3 as shown by a broken line in the figure may be defined, and the same process may be performed on this circumscribed rectangle a3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the original pasting sheet creating means 90
We have explained how to use an XY plotter to draw a layout frame a1 using this XY block, and have the operator cut out the original pasting sheet C along this layout frame a1 to open the window. However, if a plotter with a cutting function is used, , this cutting work can also be automated.

In the above example, a cross-shaped mark is used as the reference mark r1. Here, the upper left intersection of the parallel cross marks was used as the reference point, but any other intersection may be used as the reference point. Alternatively, more accurate alignment is possible if alignment is performed using multiple reference points. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to such cross-shaped reference marks; in short, any mark may be used as long as it is suitable for pattern recognition by a computer.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a method was shown in which an image is input based on reflected light from document B when inputting an image using an input scanner, but the present invention can also be applied when inputting an image based on transmitted light. is applicable. In this case, manuscript B
A transparent original is used as the document affixing sheet C, and a transparent sheet is used as the original pasting sheet C. Since there is no need to cut out a window on the original pasting sheet C, there is no need to draw the allocation frame a1 with an XY plotter. Further, since the reference mark will be drawn on the background part of the picture, it is preferable to form the reference mark with a density value or color as different as possible from the background part.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the layout processing device according to the present invention, a reference point having a predetermined positional relationship is generated with respect to a reference point defined on a layout frame, and this reference point is used as an image along with a picture of a document. Since positioning is performed by inputting data, automatic assignment by a computer is possible without the need for an operator to specify the position.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a layout processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing layout designation paper used in the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the magnification angle measuring machine in the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing graphic data input by the magnification angle measuring machine shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the reference point generation operation by the reference point generation means in the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the scanning area of the manual scanner in the device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing image data captured by the input scanner in the device shown in FIG. 1. , FIG. 11 is a diagram showing graphic data input by the graphic input means in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the image of FIG. 12 scanned. FIG. 14 is a graph of the density difference obtained in FIG. 1, which shows the film output from the output scanner in the apparatus shown in FIG. 70... Magnification angle measuring machine, 71... Workbench, 72...
...Data tablet, 73...Cursor, 74...
・Strut, 75... Projection device, 76 River operation control panel, 77
...cable, al, a2...allocation frame, a3...
Circumscribed rectangle, bl... Contour figure of the original, j9 k...
Scanning line, rl...Reference mark, ■...Input area, S
...Reference point, R...Reference point. Figure 1

Claims (1)

[Claims] Layout designation paper with a predetermined layout frame drawn on it is placed on a two-dimensional coordinate plane, the design of the original is projected onto it, and the projected image of the design is placed at a desired position within the layout frame. a magnification angle measuring machine that inputs the layout frame and the projected contour figure of the original document as figure data on the two-dimensional coordinate plane together with a projection magnification m in a state where the outline figure is projected at a desired angle and in a desired size; , a reference point generating means for generating a reference point in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a reference point defined at a predetermined position on the allocation frame as graphic data on the two-dimensional coordinate plane; and the magnification angle measuring device. A manuscript pasting sheet for creating a manuscript pasting sheet by reducing the coordinate system of the contour figure of the inputted manuscript and the reference mark indicating the reference point generated by the reference point generating means to 1/m and outputting it on the sheet. creating means; an input scanner for inputting the image of the original pasted in accordance with the contour figure on the original pasting sheet as data on a first coordinate system together with the reference mark; and an allocation frame on the layout designation sheet. the reference point position on the first coordinate system and the reference point position on the second coordinate system are inputted as data together with the reference point on a second coordinate system; automatic allocation processing means for allocating a picture on the first coordinate system within an allocation frame on the second coordinate system by aligning both coordinate systems so as to satisfy the positional relationship; Characteristic layout processing device.