JPH05273734A - Layout simulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To lighten the burden imposed on a worker and to shorten the time of delivery due to the improvement of workability by providing a reference point data addition means, a data generation means and a data output means. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with the reference point data addition means 1c which adds optional one point on a photographic original to image data as reference point data at the time of fetching the image data. It is provided with the data generation means 1D for a layout scanner which generates the layout data for a layout scanner 7 based on the layout data concerning the image data of layout design decided by layout simulation and the reference point data added by the means 1c. Furthermore, the data output means 1E1 and 1E2 which output the layout data generated by the means 1D to a CTS device 6 and the layout scanner 7 are added.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a layout simulation device for taking in at least image data of a photographic original, displaying the image data on a monitor device, simulating its layout, and determining a desired layout design. The present invention relates to a layout simulation device that enables layout data obtained by a layout simulation regarding image data captured by an input unit to be effectively diverted to a plate making process which is a post process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, at the design stage in a planning process, a designer performs a layout design of a printed matter such as a catalog based on a photograph manuscript, a character manuscript, and a basic layout plan (line drawing, division number, etc.). There is.

However, the designer is
The design decision by arranging the copy of the text manuscript on the paper surface while considering the basic layout plan requires enormous labor and time when producing a catalog with a large number of pages. ..

Therefore, recently, a method has been proposed in which a layout design at the design stage is simulated on a display screen. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-148574 discloses the following simulation system.

That is, this simulation system causes a display means such as a CRT display device to display a layout of a catalog based on composition information stored in advance, and displays the layout at a desired portion of the layout displayed on the display means. The image data stored in advance is scaled, rotated, moved, and trimmed to the desired size, then displayed to simulate the layout, and the basic layout pattern is changed to make the final text and photo. The layout is determined, an output command is input from the input unit, and the image is output from the image output unit.

When the layout design is determined in the planning process in this way, the process proceeds to the plate making process. In this plate making process, data on the layout design decided in the planning process is required.

Therefore, conventionally, from the data obtained in the planning process, character data and layout data required in the plate making process are input to a CTS device (computer typesetting) for character plate making by input means such as a digitizer or a keyboard. Machine),
And the operator separately inputs to the layout scanner for photoengraving.

That is, since the image data used in the layout simulation and the data used in the photolithography usually have different resolutions, even if the image data used in the layout simulation is directly input to the layout scanner, it is practically used. It is not possible to obtain a photolithographic film with a possible quality. This is because in the layout simulation, it is only necessary to determine the layout, and in order to reduce the memory capacity, movement, and load in the scaling process, low-resolution data with a small amount of data is used. Therefore, it is necessary to separately issue a layout instruction or the like in order to scan the photographic document again with the layout scanner device and capture the image data.

However, as described above, if the operator separately inputs the layout data by the input means such as a digitizer or a keyboard, the workability is very poor. Therefore, the workability is improved. A device for outputting character data and layout data from the data obtained by the layout simulation and diverting it to the next plate making process has already been filed by the applicant as, for example, "Japanese Patent Application No. 63-222479". There is.

However, in the layout simulation apparatus that outputs the character data and the layout data described above, there is a problem in that the layout data output from the apparatus cannot be effectively used as it is in the plate making process. That is, if the image used for the layout simulation and the image used for the layout scanner are different, unless both data have the same reference point, the image data of the other is used as the basis for the other image data. This is because the pages cannot be laid out at the same position on the page.

Further, in general, when the same photograph original having a large number of photographs such as a catalog or a leaflet is used repeatedly, the image data once scanned may be saved and reused. If this idea is pushed forward, the image data of the photographic manuscript that seems to be necessary for the layout is scanned according to a predetermined rule,
It is possible to create a database.

Then, in the above-mentioned case, when the layout simulation apparatus decides to determine the layout design, the following steps are performed. That is, after inputting a photographic manuscript existing in the database or not existing in the database by the image inputting means provided in the layout simulation device, the layout is simulated to determine the layout.

Next, considering that the layout design determined by the layout simulation device is to be passed to a plate making process which is a post process, it is necessary to be able to output layout data for a layout scanner.

Even in such a case, as described above, since the image data used in the layout simulation device and the image data used in the layout scanner are different, a layout scanner that can be commonly used among different image data. Although it is necessary to have a means for creating layout data for use in the device and a means for outputting the layout data, it is the actual situation that such a device has not been realized at present.

On the other hand, in the layout scanner, in consideration of imposition on the printing plate, the plate may be collected in a page-imposed state. In this case, layout data for the layout scanner in the page-imposed state is used. The need to output

That is, this is because in the layout scanner, it is necessary to handle a plurality of pages of manuscripts submitted in page units or two-page spread units (in a page-imposed state), and page imposition is performed in this way. This is because by handling the data in the state, it is possible to output a film corresponding to the time of printing in consideration of the binding style, the development of signatures, and the like.

As described above, it is more efficient to handle the data by imposition on the actual printing plate and output the film.
Since the layout simulation device is a device for determining a layout design, it often handles an image in a two-page spread state and has a low processing capability in terms of function, and thus is difficult to handle by imposition. Further, there is a problem in terms of time and quality to rotate and move the data again after creating the plate-collecting data in page units or in 2-page spread units by the layout scanner.

Further, due to the restrictions of the printer and the like included in the layout simulation apparatus, the layout simulation apparatus may not be able to perform the layout design unless the plate collection unit in the layout scanner is divided. In such a case, it is necessary to output the layout data for the layout scanner in which the layout design unit of the layout simulation device is arranged so as to be the plate collection unit of the layout scanner. The actual situation is that the device has not yet been realized.

[0019]

As described above, in the conventional layout simulation apparatus, the layout data obtained by the layout simulation regarding the image data captured by the input means can be effectively used for the plate making process which is the subsequent process. There was a problem that I could not.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and layout data by layout simulation relating to image data captured by the input means is effectively diverted to a plate making process which is a post process, and work is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an extremely reliable layout simulation device that can significantly reduce the burden on the staff and can significantly shorten the delivery time by improving the workability.

[0021]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, first, in the invention described in claim 1, at least image data of a photographic original is captured, and the image data is displayed on a monitor device and its layout is displayed. In a layout simulation apparatus configured to simulate a desired layout design and determine a desired layout design, reference point data adding means for adding any one point of a photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is taken in,
Layout data concerning the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation,
A data creating means for creating layout data for the layout scanner based on the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means; and a data output means for outputting the layout data created by the data creating means. I am configuring.

On the other hand, according to the second aspect of the invention, the layout is such that at least the image data of the photographic original is fetched, the image data is displayed on the monitor device, the layout is simulated, and a desired layout design is determined. In the simulation device, a reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photographic document as reference point data to the image data when capturing the image data, and a surface for inputting imposition information for the layout design unit in the layout simulation device main body. The additional information input means, the layout data regarding the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and the imposition information input by the imposition information input means. Zui and constitute comprises a data generation means for generating layout data for layout scanner, and a data output means for outputting the layout data generated by the data generating means.

[0023]

Therefore, in the layout simulation apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, any one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as the reference point data when the image data is captured, and the image data is displayed on the monitor device. When the layout design is simulated and the desired layout design is determined, layout data such as position data of image data, trimming data, magnification data, and angle data is obtained. Then, using the obtained layout data and the reference point data, the layout data for the layout scanner is created by the data creating means, and is output as the layout data for the layout scanner.

Thus, the layout data of the image data taken in by the input means can be effectively used for the plate making process which is a post process.

On the other hand, in the layout simulation apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, any one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as reference point data when the image data is taken in, and the image data is displayed on the monitor device. When the layout design is simulated and the desired layout design is determined, layout data such as position data of image data, trimming data, magnification data, and angle data is obtained. Further, the imposition information input means inputs the imposition information for each layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body. Then, using the obtained layout data and the reference point data and the imposition information, the layout data for the layout scanner is created by the data creating means in a state where the layout design unit is impositioned,
It is output as layout data for the layout scanner.

Thus, the layout data of the image data taken in by the input means can be effectively used for the plate making process which is a post process.

[0027]

First, the concept of the present invention will be described.

Now, consider creating layout data for a layout scanner. The layout data includes position data, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, etc., but any reference point data on the photographic original that should be a reference point is required for its creation. For example,
From the trimming data, it is understood that the trimming range cannot be uniquely determined unless one arbitrarily determined point on the photo original is used as a reference.

Therefore, according to the present invention, firstly, at the time of importing image data, an arbitrary one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as reference point data, and the reference point data and the layout determined by the layout simulation are added. The layout data for the layout scanner is created and output using the layout data relating to the image data of the design.

Secondly, according to the present invention, at the time of importing image data, any one point of the photographic original is added to the image data as reference point data, and the imposition information for the layout design unit is input. The layout data for the layout scanner is created and output using the reference point data and the imposition information and the layout data regarding the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation.

An embodiment of the present invention based on the above concept will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention. That is, the layout simulation apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, has a storage unit 1A, a layout simulation unit 1B, a reference point data addition unit 1C, a layout scanner data creation unit 1D, and a CTS described later.
A layout simulation apparatus body 1 including data output means 1E1 and 1E2 corresponding to the apparatus and the layout scanner; a flatbed scanner 2 for inputting image data such as a photographic document to the layout simulation apparatus body 1; It consists of a tablet, digitizer, mouse, keyboard, etc.
Consists of an interactive input means 3 for inputting graphic data and basic layout data, a CRT 4 which is a monitor device, a printer 5 which outputs a simulated layout design as a hard copy, a CTS device 6 and a layout scanner 7. is doing.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of the layout simulation apparatus. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 15 is a keyboard, 16 is a tablet, and 17 is a mouse, which constitute the interactive input means 3.

Here, the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is for storing each data input from the flatbed scanner 2 and the interactive input means 3.

Further, the layout simulation means 1B of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 causes the CRT 4 to display the basic layout pattern previously stored in the storage section 1A, and based on the command signal input from the interactive input means 3, It has a function of displaying and controlling image data, character data, and graphic data at a predetermined portion of the basic layout pattern.

Further, the reference point data adding means 1C of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 has a function of adding one arbitrary point of the photo original as reference point data to the image data of the photo original read by the flatbed scanner 2. I have.

The layout scanner data creation means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 adds the layout data concerning the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation in the layout simulation means 1B and the reference point data addition means 1C. It has a function of creating layout data for the layout scanner, that is, position data, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, ruled line data, and the like, based on the generated reference point data.

Further, the data output means 1E1 and 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 respectively output the layout data for the layout scanner created by the layout scanner data creation means 1D to C
It has a function of outputting to the TS device 6 and the layout scanner 7.

Furthermore, the CTS device 6 and the layout scanner 7 are connected to the layout simulation device main body 1 through a predetermined communication means, and the layout scanner 7 is based on the input image data and layout data. The layout is edited, and a color-separated plate-making film is output.

Next, the operation of the layout simulation apparatus of this embodiment constructed as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 1, the flatbed scanner 2
And the image data to which the reference point data is added by the reference point data adding means 1C, and the interactive input means 3
The basic layout data, the character data, and the graphic data input in step 3 are stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1. In this case, as a method of adding the reference point data to the image data, for example, a method of automatically adding the data using an arbitrary vertex (upper left vertex or the like) of the contour line of the photographic image as a reference point, or an operator on the monitor Since various methods such as a method of pointing a reference point using a mouse are already known, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, in the layout simulation means 1B of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, the basic layout data is called by the command signal from the interactive input means 3, and the layout pattern corresponding to the called basic layout data is written in the CRT 4. Is displayed.

Next, a layout simulation is performed with respect to the basic layout pattern displayed on the CRT 4 by using the interactive input means 3 to instruct the size and parts of the characters, photographs, etc. to be displayed. For example, the layout design as shown in FIG. 3 is determined. In FIG. 3, 11 is a photographic image of a trimmed photographic document, 12 is a flat halftone area, and 13 and 14 are character images.

When the layout design is determined in this way, the position data of the photographic image 11 and the character image 13 and 14, the magnification of the photo original, the angle, the trimming data, the ruled line data, the flat screen and gradation data, the color data, etc. Layout data is obtained. As the ruled line data, there are color ruled lines that color the edges 11a of the photographic image 11 and ruled lines that specify the edges of the area 12 to be covered with the flat screen. Then, the layout data is stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1.

Next, in the layout scanner data creating means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1,
By using the layout data stored in the storage unit 1A of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 and the reference point data, layout data used in the layout scanner 7, that is, photograph position data, trimming data, magnification data, angle data, Ruled line data and the like are created.

Finally, the layout output device 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus body 1 outputs the layout data for the layout scanner created by the layout scanner data creating device 1D to the layout scanner 7.

On the other hand, when the flatbed scanner 2 captures the image data of the photo original, the relative positional relationship between the photo original and the base line of the flatbed scanner 2 is the same as when the layout scanner 7 captures the same image data of the photo original. Must be equal to the relative positional relationship between the photo original and the baseline of the scan drum of the layout scanner 7. In addition, at least one reference point of the photo original must be determined for one photo original. Then, when the above two conditions are satisfied, the layout scanner 7 is based on the layout data output from the data output means 1E2 of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, and the layout scanner 7 also outputs the photographic originals already input. The following layout process is performed on the image data.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the layout of the image data 21 is determined on the layout screen 20 on the CRT 4, the layout scanner 7 displays the layout screen 2
Layout data for reproducing the 0 layout is created and output.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a photograph of the points A'and B'and the side L'of the image data 21 and the image data 21 input to the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 and the layout scanner 7. The points A and B of the original 23 and the side L correspond to each other, and the point A is used as reference point data in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1.

In this case, of the layout data, for example, the magnification data can be represented by the ratio of the line segment AB and the line segment A'B '. Also, the angle data is the baseline on the layout screen, that is, the baseline and side L of the original capture scanner.
It can be specified by the angle formed with ´. Further, the trimming range 22 corresponds to the trimming range 24, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, and the designation of the trimming range and whether to lay out the trimmed image at that position can be designated using the reference point A.

In this way, the layout is reproduced by the layout scanner 7 using the layout data obtained by the layout simulation, and the color-separated plate-making film is output.

As described above, in this embodiment, the image data of the photographic original is captured by the flatbed scanner 2, the image data is displayed on the CRT 4, the layout is simulated, and the desired layout design is determined. In the layout simulation apparatus described above, a reference point data adding unit 1C that adds any one point of a photo document as reference point data to the image data when the image data is captured, and a layout related to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation. A layout scanner data creating unit 1D that creates layout data for the layout scanner 7 based on the data and the reference point data added by the reference point data adding unit 1C, and a layout scanner data creating unit It is constructed by adding the data output unit 1E1 and 1E2 outputs the layout data created CTS device 6 and a layout scanner 7 by D.

Therefore, the reference point data is added to the image data of the photographic original input by the flatbed scanner 2 provided in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, and the layout data relating to the image data is laid out using the reference point data. It can be created and output as layout data for.

As a result, the layout data obtained by the layout simulation relating to the image data captured by the flatbed scanner 2 provided in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 can be effectively used as it is in the subsequent plate making process. The burden on the worker in the plate making process can be remarkably reduced, and the delivery time can be remarkably shortened due to the improvement of the workability, so that the layout simulation device having an extremely high reliability can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be carried out as follows.

(A) In the above embodiment, the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 has a function of adding one arbitrary point of a photographic document as reference point data to the image data of the photographic document captured by the flatbed scanner 2. The layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation in the layout simulation means 1B is provided in the layout scanner data creation means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 including the reference point data addition means 1C.
The case has been described in which the function to create layout data for the layout scanner is provided based on the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means 1C, but the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, the image data of the photo original captured by the flatbed scanner 2 is added to an arbitrary one of the photo originals.
A reference point data adding unit 1C having a function of adding points as reference point data is provided, and in addition to the character data, the graphic data, and the basic layout data from the interactive input unit 3 to the layout simulation apparatus main body 1, The imposition information for the layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is also input, and the layout scanner data creating means 1D of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 receives the layout design determined by the layout simulation in the layout simulation means 1B. Based on the layout data relating to the image data, the reference point data added by the reference point data adding means 1C, and the imposition information input by the interactive input means 3, the layout scanner layout Utodeta may be configured to have the ability to create.

In the layout simulation apparatus having such a configuration, the image data of the photo original captured by the flatbed scanner 2 is converted into any one of the photo originals.
The points are added as reference point data by the reference point data adding means 1C, and the image data is displayed on the CRT 4 (at this time,
On the screen of the CRT 4, as shown in FIG. 6, an upside down layout design is simulated, a desired layout design is determined, and layout data is obtained.

Further, the interactive input means 3 inputs the imposition information for each layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1. In this case, the imposition pattern has various variations as shown in FIG. 7, for example, and an arbitrary pattern can be selected and input.

Next, the layout scanner data creating means 1D uses the layout data obtained by the layout simulation and the reference point data and the imposition information to lay out the layout scanner in the state in which the layout design unit is impositioned. Layout data is created. This can be done by converting the coordinate system of each page in the layout simulation device into the coordinate system in the state of being page-imposed on the layout scanner device. Since the layout data itself has a small amount of data, these conversions are It can be easily performed on the simulation device. Then, the layout data for the layout scanner is output to the layout scanner 7 by the data output means 1E2.

In this way, the layout is reproduced by the layout scanner 7 using the layout data obtained by the layout simulation, and the color-separated plate-making film is output.

Therefore, in the layout simulation apparatus of this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, since the layout scanner may perform plate collection in the page-imposed state, it is necessary to output the layout data for the layout scanner in the page-imposed state. The layout simulation apparatus creates and outputs layout data for the layout scanner with the layout design unit impositioned. As a result, it is possible to handle the data by imposition on the actual printing plate and efficiently output the film. Also, as in the past,
It is possible to solve problems in terms of time and quality due to rotation and movement of data by the layout scanner.

Further, due to the restrictions of the printer 5 and the like included in the layout simulation apparatus, it may be impossible to perform the layout design by the layout simulation apparatus unless the plate collection unit in the layout scanner is divided. The layout simulation apparatus according to the present embodiment can output layout data for a layout scanner in which the layout design unit of the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is arranged so as to be a plate collection unit of the layout scanner. It is valid.

(B) In the above embodiment, the case where the scanner included in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is a flatbed scanner has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the scanner included in the layout simulation apparatus main body 1 is a drum scanner. Also, if
By applying the present invention in the same manner, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least image data of a photographic original is captured, the image data is displayed on a monitor device, and its layout is simulated to determine a desired layout design. In the layout simulation device,
Reference point data adding means for adding any one point of a photographic manuscript as reference point data to image data when capturing image data, and (imposition information input for inputting imposition information for a layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body) Means), layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and (imposition information input by the imposition information input means). On the basis of the above, since it is configured to include the data creating means for creating layout data for the layout scanner and the data output means for outputting the layout data created by the data creating means, the layout simulation regarding the image data taken in by the input means is performed. The layout simulation device, which is highly reliable, can effectively divert layout data to the plate making process, which is a post-process, and can significantly reduce the burden on workers, and can significantly shorten the delivery time by improving workability. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration example of a layout simulation apparatus according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout design according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a layout of image data on a layout screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a correspondence relationship between laid out image data and a photo original according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display state of a CRT screen during layout simulation in another embodiment of the layout simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an imposition pattern according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Layout simulation apparatus main body, 1A ... Storage section, 1B ... Layout simulation means, 1C ... Reference point data adding means, 1D ... Layout scanner data creating means, 1E1, 1E2 ... Data output means, 2 ... Flatbed scanner, 3 … Interactive input means, 4… CR
T, 5 ... Printer, 6 ... CTS device, 7 ... Layout scanner, 20 ... Layout screen, 21 ... Image data, 2
2 ... Trimming range, 23 ... Photo original.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A layout simulation apparatus that captures at least image data of a photographic document, displays the image data on a monitor device, simulates its layout, and determines a desired layout design. Sometimes, a reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photographic document as reference point data to the image data, layout data relating to image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, and the reference point data addition A data creating unit for creating layout data for the layout scanner based on the reference point data added by the unit; and a data outputting unit for outputting the layout data created by the data creating unit. Layout simulation apparatus characterized and. 2. A layout simulation apparatus for capturing at least image data of a photographic document, displaying the image data on a monitor device to simulate the layout, and determining a desired layout design. Sometimes, reference point data adding means for adding any one point of the photo original as reference point data to the image data, and imposition information input means for inputting imposition information for a layout design unit in the layout simulation apparatus main body. Based on layout data relating to the image data of the layout design determined by the layout simulation, reference point data added by the reference point data adding means, and imposition information input by the imposition information input means. Then, a layout simulation apparatus comprising: a data creating unit that creates layout data for a layout scanner; and a data output unit that outputs the layout data created by the data creating unit.