JPH09270020A - Automatic editing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform editing in a short time without requiring skillfulness or intuitioon for the editing by arranging a block as a publishing frame for an article in a virtual layer and pasting an image and characters of the article to a document corresponding to a paper surface according to position data on the block. SOLUTION: An input device 13 performs block coordination on a DB palette 22B, style setting, and the specification of the article to be published, and also inputs setting data to a block arrangement simulation device 23. The block arrangement simulation device 23 generates data on the position where a block read out of a local DB 22 is arranged and stores the data in a memory 24. Then when the arrangement state of the block displayed on a display device 12 by simulation needs to be corrected, correcting operation is performed by a correcting device 27. An automatic pasting/updating device 28 updates respective blocks in the document finally and pastes images into those respective blocks.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for automatically editing printed matter in desktop publishing (DTP).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of this type of desktop publishing (DTP). Photo (image) data obtained by an image scanner as material data, C
There are illustration (CAD) data created by AD (Computer Aided Design) and character data of keyboard input. These data are individually input to the editing layout device 11 and individually stored in the internal memory having three storage areas. The display video signal is created one by one based on these data, and the three data are superimposed and displayed on the display device 12 in real time. If it is judged from the display that editing is necessary, use the input device (keyboard and mouse) 13 to lay out the illustrations and photos at appropriate positions as shown on the monitor screen, and Lay out the letters "Apple". The edited data is updated and stored in the internal memory.

When the editing is completed in this way, the image is printed out by the printer 14 for final confirmation, and if it is OK, the data stored in the internal memory is registered in the hard disk drive (HDD) 15. After this, H
The image data registered in the DD 15 is read out and converted by the RIP developing device 16 into image data in the bitmap format for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), and the film recording device. Stored in 17.
After that, a YMCK four-color platemaking film is created based on the image data for each color.

An editing tool is indispensable for efficiently performing the above-described layout work. In FIG. 1, for example, "Q" which is software released by Quark Co. is used as the editing tool.
uarkXPress ”is adopted. Here, the work of posting a photograph of a product, a product name, a price, etc. in a leaflet advertisement using the editing function of the tool will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the size (A3, A4, etc.) of the document corresponding to the advertisement page is set. Then, based on the layout instruction, at a predetermined place in the document,
Create a text box of the desired size as an area for writing the product name and price (text data), and then
An image box for pasting (image data) is laid out near the text box. This image box can also be embedded in the text box.

[0006] By the above work, a posting frame for one product is secured, and this work is repeated for each posted product to arrange a required number of posting frames in the document. If the posting frame is the same size for each product, use the "copy" command to copy the posting frame on the document, or if the posting frames are arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal or vertical direction, repeat You can use the "array" command. To do so, the image box and the text box (there may be a plurality of text boxes) are combined into one library by using the "group" command. Hereinafter, this integrated one is called a block. The block thus created can be registered as a library in preparation for the subsequent work.

Next, one box on the document is designated (activated), and an image file corresponding to the posted product (this is read from the database in advance, HD
By specifying (registered as an image file in D15), the image data is pasted in the image box in the box. For text data such as product names and prices, print out the contents of the database and enter them from the keyboard while viewing the product list.

The conventional editing tools including “QuarkXPress” introduced here have the following problems. (1) Skill required for layout work: When arranging blocks on a document, the size and the number of blocks to be arranged must be taken into consideration in practice, so skill and feeling are required. And (2) It takes a lot of work and time to finish: When you make a correction after pasting a publication containing an image on a document, the only commands for correction are "delete" and "move". , When one publication is deleted, in order to arrange the remaining publications in a well-balanced manner, individual publications must be moved one by one, and when two publications A and B are replaced, How to move one publication A to another place, move the publication B to the original position of the publication A, and finally move the publication A to the original position of the publication B In addition, a large number of steps must be taken, and the moving speed is extremely slow because the image data having a large amount of data is included when moving. Also, in general, it will be checked after proceeding to the final process,
It is not possible to correct the trajectory on the way, so the correction and change contents will expand at the final stage.
The amount of work for correction is doubled. (3) Data access to the database is indispensable for this kind of work, but the work is not easy: To paste an image into each block placed in the document, call the desired image data from the database beforehand and Save as an image file in a storage device (HDD etc.),
It is necessary to call again the desired image data from the image file, paste it, and manually input the text data. That is, it is not possible to access the database from the conventional editing tool and directly paste the image or text data, so the workability is poor.

From such a background, "DBPress" (Co., Ltd.)
Denki Systems Co., Ltd.) and "Harerupat" (released by the applicant)
Tools are provided for automatic layout of.

[0010]

In "DBPress", the blocks and data are automatically pasted into the document. However, (4) In this system, even if blocks of various sizes are arranged and text data is output in various styles, since the entire surface of the paper is arranged under a constant arrangement condition, the arrangement becomes monotonous. It is undeniable, therefore, the degree of appeal to the reader is low, and it is not suitable for making paper such as leaflet advertisements.

In "Harerupat", a window called a database (DB) pallet is displayed on the screen, necessary data is transferred from an external database to the DB pallet in advance, and the product displayed on the DB pallet is displayed. When a desired product is designated from the inside, the text data and image data of the product are directly pasted to the placed blocks. In other words, this "Harerupat"
Then, it can be said that a database local to this system was built in memory and only the pasting of data was automated. However, the work of arranging product blocks and the work of setting various styles for text data is performed using "QuarkXPres
It has to be performed using the function of "s", that is, it is necessary to open a predetermined window each time each work is performed, which is unsatisfactory in terms of usability.

[0012]

Therefore, the present invention is based on (1)
It does not require skill or feeling to edit it, and (2) it can be done in a short time with less labor, and (3) local database
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic editing system in which the database function is enhanced in (DB pallet) and (4) it is possible to create a variety of paper surfaces such as manual editing.

[0013]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic editing system according to claim 1, wherein a block serving as a frame for placing a product is arranged in a computer in which a layout work for pasting photographs and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer. It is arranged in a virtual layer, and based on the block position data at this time, the image of the product and the characters are attached to the document corresponding to the above-mentioned paper surface.

An automatic editing system according to a second aspect is an automatic editing system in which a layout work for pasting a photograph and a character of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, and grids are set in virtual layers at arbitrary intervals.
Using the grid as a key, a block is placed in a simulation by a grid arrangement for arranging blocks that will be the frame for placing products, or by setting an area of arbitrary shape in the virtual layer, and a shelf arrangement in which the blocks are packed in order in that area. Based on the block position data obtained by the simulation arrangement, the product image and the character are pasted on the document corresponding to the paper surface.

An automatic editing system according to a fourth aspect is an automatic editing system in which a layout work for pasting photographs and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, and grids are set at arbitrary intervals in a document corresponding to the paper surface. Then, using that grid as a key, a grid arrangement that arranges the blocks that will be the frame of the product, or
It is characterized in that areas of arbitrary shape are set in the document, the blocks are arranged in a simulation by a rack arrangement in which the blocks are sequentially packed in the area, and thereafter, an image of a product and characters are attached to each block.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in an automatic editing system in which a layout work of pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, data can be easily transferred from an external database to this system. , A DB palette displayed on the work screen, this DB palette is provided with an area for displaying a product name and the like, and another image window for displaying image data for one product name. By specifying the product name to be displayed in the column, the corresponding image data is pasted to the block that is the posting frame arranged in the virtual layer or the document, and the previously created block is displayed in the image window, It is also possible to specify the displayed block and associate the desired block with the product Characterized in that so as to perform through B pallet.

In the automatic editing method according to the fourteenth aspect, when the layout work of pasting the photograph and the character of the product on the paper is performed on the computer, the client side is a block which becomes a frame for displaying the product on the virtual layer. Is arranged, and the contractor who receives the block arrangement data performs the work of pasting the image data and text data of each product on the document corresponding to the above-mentioned sheet based on the position data. And

[0018]

If the image of the product sample itself is placed in the document, that is, the completed image, the correction work becomes difficult as described above. Therefore, in claim 1, only the block not including the image is When arranging in a virtual layer in advance and making corrections or changes in that arrangement, make the corrections on the virtual layer and paste the corresponding image to the above document based on the position data of the arranged block. I am trying to add (called update). At the stage of simulation arrangement, since only blocks are arranged and an image having a large amount of data is not handled, blocks can be easily moved or modified. Also, this means that even if the image data of all the products to be posted is not prepared, it is possible to quickly arrange only the blocks and it is possible to receive a check from the client side at that stage. After all, the editing work can be completed in a short period of time.

In order to arrange the blocks on the virtual layer, the automatic arrangement described in claim 2 is preferable, but when there is a block of a special size or a special arrangement form is desired, the arrangement of the blocks is arranged. In some cases it may be appropriate to do the work manually. In that case, even if you roughly arrange the blocks manually and need to modify them, the modification work such as moving the blocks is easy at the stage of temporary allocation to the virtual layer. The amount of work is significantly reduced as compared with the case where the layout device corrects the image data directly after pasting it on the document.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the system according to the first aspect, the block is attached to the virtual layer by a grid arrangement in which blocks are arranged by using a grid set in the virtual layer as a key, or a book is packed on a shelf. Any of the rack arrangements for arranging the blocks is adopted so that the blocks are automatically arranged, and the editing work can be performed efficiently in a short time without requiring skill and feeling.

In the system according to claims 1 and 2,
The advantage is that the layout status can be checked when the blocks are placed on the virtual layer. However, when the number of posted items is large, it is convenient to display each block with a product name, as the correspondence with the product cannot be known only by displaying the block (simple frame). .

In the system according to the second aspect, blocks are arranged in a simulation in a virtual layer. However, if it can be predicted that the simulation arrangement does not require correction, the simulation arrangement is omitted and the document is arranged according to the grid arrangement or the shelf arrangement described above. It is also possible to directly attach the image, and the system is claimed in claim 4.

In the grid arrangement according to the fifth aspect, as will be described in detail later, since the blocks are arranged using the grid as a key, when the shapes of the blocks are different in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction (preferably an integral multiple). ) Is also suitable for
In addition, the interval between blocks is basically less than the grid interval, and by using this together with the function of centering, the blocks can be arranged in a well-balanced and efficient manner.

In the rack arrangement according to the sixth aspect, when the blocks have the same shape, or when the blocks are arranged in the horizontal (vertical) direction, the size in the horizontal (vertical) direction may be arbitrary, and this rack arrangement is also possible. Allows you to easily adjust the spacing between blocks.

This system allows automatic placement of blocks, but as in the case of the DBPess described above, since the entire surface of the paper is arranged under a fixed arrangement condition, the arrangement is monotonous. Therefore,
Virtual layer in claim 7 (document in claim 8)
Is divided into a plurality of areas, and the blocks can be arranged under different arrangement conditions for each of the divided areas. As a result, blocks of arbitrary size can be automatically arranged in various formats, and therefore, it is possible to create a paper surface with a great variety.

Further, as described in claim 9, most of the work such as image data acquisition from an external database, block correspondence to each product, and style setting of text data is performed on the work screen. It is possible to do it through the DB palette displayed in the window, and since this DB palette was constructed as a local database dedicated to this system, it is easy to use and the operability is increased.

The automatic editing system according to the present invention is set forth in claim 11.
To a floppy disk, C
Since it is supplied as file data downloaded through DROM or public line, small-scale DTP
It can be applied to the system at low cost.

In the automatic editing method of the present invention, the layout work of the block, which is largely intended by the client side, is performed by the client side, and the expert performs the image pasting work and the like which requires specialized technology. In this way, since a series of layout work is divided among appropriate persons to carry out the division of labor processing, inconvenient correction work can be avoided and efficient editing can be performed.

[0029]

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of DTP to which the automatic editing system of the present invention is applied. This figure 2
In FIG. 3, the same elements as those in FIG. Reference numeral 21 is a database that stores the image data of each product. Here, it is constructed using the commercially available database software "File Maker Pro", but it is possible to pass the stored data to the outside. Any database will do.

If it is desired to utilize the data stored in the database 21, as described above, the read data can be used, for example, in the hard disk drive HDD1 of the present system.
It is necessary to register a file in 5, and select a desired one from the registered files, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. In order to solve this problem, this automatic editing system uses a local database to facilitate the passing of data.
(Database) 22 is being constructed. When the target product name and its image data are read from the database 21 into the local DB 22, the product name is displayed in a list on the DB palette 22A described above, and the image window 22B provided in the DB palette 22A is displayed. Since the image of the product for which the cursor is currently indicated is displayed on the screen, the user can directly read the image data of the product by designating the desired product name using the input device 13 while checking the image. ing.

This function is realized by the above-mentioned "Harerupat", but in this local DB22, in addition to this, the block setting for each product and the style indicating the font etc. when outputting the text data of each product are also used. Can be set, and thus most work can be efficiently performed via the local DB 22.

The input device 13 associates blocks on the DB palette 22B, sets styles and specifies products to be posted, and at the same time, the block layout simulation device 2
Input the setting data for the block arrangement to No. 3.
The block layout simulation device 23 uses the local D
For the blocks read from B22, position data for arranging the blocks is created based on the setting data. In addition, when the product name is added to each block and displayed, the product name data is read from the local DB 22 together with the block data.

A memory 24 stores the position data created by the block layout simulation device 23 together with the product name and the block data. Based on the data stored in the memory 24, the block layout status is displayed as a simulation on the simulation window 60 in the display device 12, and the simulation result is printed out by the printer 14 if necessary. Also, the memory 2
Data stored in 4 (simulation result) is HDD15
Can be stored in.

When it is determined in this simulation that the block layout needs to be corrected, the correction device 27 performs the correction work.
It is. With this modification, when the arrangement of the blocks is OK, the automatic pasting / updating device 28 finally updates each block to the document and pastes the image in each block. That is, the product name from the memory 24,
By reading out the position data, supplying the position data to the editing layout device 11, and sending each item name to the local DB 22, block data set for each item name is sent to the editing layout device 11. Then, first, by reading the block data, the text data, the image data and the style from the local DB 22, the editing layout device 11 arranges the blocks in the document based on the position data by the function of this device, and A corresponding image is pasted in each block of, and the item name and price are displayed in the specified style. The pasting result is displayed on the display device 12, and can be printed out by the printer 14 or finally stored in the HDD 15. The stored data is then supplied to the RIP developing device. Here as the editing layout device 11, Q
Although uarkXPress has been illustrated, the invention is not limited to this as long as it has a function of pasting an image or text data at a specified position.

The schematic configuration of this system has been described above.
The detailed operation will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6 and the drawings.

In step S1 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not to newly create the DB palette 22A. If newly created, the process proceeds to step S2, and the input device 13 accesses the DB 21 through the local DB 22 to make it a target. The image data and the text data of the product are taken into the local DB 22 individually or collectively.

In step S3, it is determined whether the above-mentioned block is to be created. If it is to be created, step S3 is executed.
At 4, the required number of blocks having the desired shape are created as shown in the following table. This creation is performed using the function of the edit layout device 11. These blocks are registered in the local DB 22 as a block library as shown in FIG. In each block of FIG. 7, the upper frame I is an image box, and the horizontally long frame T located below the image box is a text box.

[0038]

[Table 1] NO Size 1 Basic 2 Horizontal fold 3 Horizontal 4 fold 4 Vertical fold 5 Double fold 6 Vertical fold Horizontal 3 fold ::

In step S5, it is determined whether or not to create the above-mentioned style. When creating, each style is created using the input device 27 in step S6 and registered in the local DB 22. The style is created as shown in the following table.

[0040]

[Table 2] NO font Decoration 1 Gothic 9 Red / Italic font 2 Hosho Mincho 12 Black / Normal 3 Gothic 14 Black / Normal ::

With the above, the previous work is completed, and then the actual editing work is started. In step S7, as shown in FIG. 8, the document 52 corresponding to the advertisement sheet is designated on the display screen 51 of the display device 12, and in step S8, the block of the desired size is stored in the document size 52. Areas 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D and 52E are created. The area 52F is the headline of this advertisement, and the area 52 located in the block area 52A.
A'is an area for posting articles other than products in this block area 52A. For example, as shown in the figure, if a seasonal product is to be featured in that area, to write that feature. Articles and advertisements will be posted. These are created in advance using the editing function of the editing layout device 11.

In step S9, as shown in FIG. 9, the DB palette 22A is displayed on the display screen 51 as a window. In the DB pallet 22A, the previously read product names are displayed in a list. Incidentally, the simulation window 60 is not yet displayed at this stage.

In step S10, the DB palette 22A
The work of associating an appropriate block No. with each product displayed in. FIG. 10 shows details of the DB pallet 22A, and the products displayed in the product name column are those read from the DB 21 in step 2. Here, if a "block & style setting key" (not shown) is turned on, "block" and "style set" are displayed in the menu items. If you specify (click with the mouse) the "Block" menu, the block setting mode will be entered. Current,
The cursor K is located at the item name "Ramen", and by clicking the up and down arrows of the scroll bar 22C displayed next to the image window 22B in this state, block samples are displayed one by one in the image window 22B. The name of the block being displayed is displayed in the upper display field 22D.
As shown in the drawing, when the "double double" block is displayed, by turning on the "capture key", the "double double" block is set for the "ramen".

FIG. 11 shows a modification of the block setting. In the block setting mode, the window 22E of the block library is separately displayed in a predetermined part of the DB palette 22A, and the desired block is referred to by referring to the window 22E. Set. In this case, the image of the product at the cursor position is displayed on the image window 22B. Since the block library window 22E is displayed in the DB palette 22A, only three blocks are displayed in the window, but the block library window 22E is displayed.
7 is displayed outside the DB palette 22A, FIG.
Like, you can display the window of the block library that displays the total number of blocks.

In step S11, a desired style is associated with the text data such as the product name and price for each product. Also in this case, when the column displayed as "Style Set" is clicked, the mode is set to the style setting mode, the scroll bar 22C scrolls the style name in the display window 22D, and if the desired style name is clicked, The style is set.

When the blocks and styles are set, the block layout mode is set, and as shown in FIG. 12, "price" and "image file name" are displayed in the menu column of the DB palette 22A, and each item name is displayed. Listed separately.

In step S12, for example, the block area 52 is used as the block area in which the pasting work is performed first.
A is selected, and in step S13, when the blocks are automatically arranged in the block area 52A, either "grid arrangement" or "shelf arrangement" is selected. When the grid arrangement is selected, step S in FIG.
In step 21, the vertical and horizontal intervals of the grid, the grid use direction when arranging the blocks, the presence / absence of centering, and the like are set.

In the upper diagram of FIG. 13, three block areas are set in the document. As shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 13, in the block area 1, the grids G ₁₁ and G ₁₂ are moved to the right from the “upper left end”. ... are set, in the block area 2, grids G ₂₁ , G ₂₂ ... are set downward from the "upper left end", and in the block area 3, grids G ₃₁ , G ₃₂ ... are set leftward from the "upper right end". Has been done. The distance between these grids is the grid interval, and the arrows in the figure indicate the grid use order. Block area 5 in Figure 8
For 2A, the block was used in the left direction.

In step S22, a mask area is set in the block area if necessary. If there is a region 52A in which no block is arranged like the block area 52A shown in FIG. 8, the simulation window 60
Set the mask area (hatched area) at the corresponding position above.
In step S23, the products to be displayed in the block area 52A are specified from the products displayed in the DB pallet 22A, and in step S24, the order of insertion is specified if necessary. In step S25, it is determined whether the block is directly arranged in the document and the text data and the image data are simultaneously pasted in the placed block, or only the block is simulated and placed in the virtual layer, and the block is directly pasted. Goes to step S70, but if the simulation is to be arranged, the process goes to step S26, and the simulation window 60 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display screen 51 at this time. However, at this point, nothing is displayed in the simulation window 60.

In step S27, the block layout is instructed, and in step S28, the presence / absence of page connection is designated. In "with inter-page connection", the same block area created in the previous step S8 is set for each of multiple pages, and after arranging the blocks in the block area specified on the first page, the subsequent pages and subsequent pages are dealt with. It is arranged so that it can be automatically moved down to the block area and is suitable for creating catalog magazines.
If the target is one page like a leaflet advertisement,
Since no such function is required, specify "no inter-page connection".

Now, in step S29, as described in the memory 24 of FIG. 2, the position data of the block of the product to be posted is created based on the grid, and based on the position data, it is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. The blocks arranged in the simulation are displayed on the simulation window 60. Since only the frame of the block is displayed here, the correspondence with the product is unknown, so the corresponding product name (a part of the product name depending on the display ratio of the simulation window) is displayed in each block. It is also displayed.

A block arrangement based on this grid is shown in FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to 3. When the blocks are arranged in the downward direction like the block area 2, the upper left end of each block is the arrangement origin O, and the first block B ₂₁ is arranged so that the arrangement origin O coincides with the grid G _{21. 21} are placed. If the length of the block B _{21 in} the vertical direction is shorter than the block interval (G ₂₁ -G ₂₂ ), the block B ₂₁ is arranged in one grid area partitioned by each grid G. In other words, this block B ₂₁ occupies one grid G ₂₁ ,
The grids G ₂₂ , G _23, ... Are empty grids. Therefore, in the second block B ₂₂ , the arrangement origin O is the grid G.
_The block B ₂₂ is arranged so as to match ₂₂ . If shorter than the block interval (G ₂₁ -G ₂₂₎ vertical length of all the blocks arranged here, as shown, each block occupies one grid, where each The block will be located in the upper left position within each grid area. If centering is set here, each block is centered in each grid area.

On the other hand, when the blocks are arranged in the left direction like the block area 3, the upper right end of each block is the arrangement origin O, and the arrangement origin O of the first block B ₃₁ coincides with the grid G ₃₁ . Block B ₃₁ is arranged so as to do so. The width of this block B ₃₁ is the grid interval (G ₃₁
-G ₃₂ ), this block B ₃₁ occupies two grids G ₃₁ , G ₃₂ . Therefore, the second block B ₃₂ is arranged so that its arrangement origin O coincides with the third grid G ₃₃ . Also in this case, if the centering is set, for example, the block B ₃₁ occupying the two squares is set as the centering arrangement within the two squares as one area.

Finally, the block arrangement for the block area 1 in which the grids are vertically and horizontally arranged in a grid will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. In this case, the arrangement origin O of each block is the upper left corner.

In FIG. 14, the grid G ₁₁ in the first row,
For G ₁₂ , G _13, ... Four blocks are arranged according to the same procedure as in the case of the block area 3. The fifth block is arranged based on the grid G ₁₆ in the second row. This block arrangement eliminates the empty grid in the second row, so the sixth block is arranged based on the grid in the third row.

In FIG. 15, three blocks are arranged based on the grid in the first row, and the two grids G ₁₆ and G _{17 in} the second row are occupied by the first block. The fourth block to be placed on is placed based on the third grid.

The block layout algorithm used here is as follows. The grid G ₁₁ is the coordinate origin in this block area 1, and the Y coordinate is the smallest first.
(First row) grids G ₁₁ , G ₁₂ , G ₁₃ ... are selected, and a vacant grid having the smallest X coordinate is selected as a candidate, and whether a block can be arranged for that grid , If it cannot be arranged based on the block size and the grid spacing in the vertical and horizontal directions, 2
Second, an empty grid with the smallest X coordinate is selected as a candidate. When the blocks cannot be arranged in the grid of the first row, or when there is no empty grid, the same processing is performed on the grid having the second smallest Y coordinate (second row). In this grid arrangement, the blocks are arranged using the grid as a key, so it is suitable even when the shapes of the blocks are different in the vertical and horizontal directions. Also, the intervals between the blocks are basically less than the grid intervals. If the centering function is used together with, it can be arranged in a well-balanced and efficient manner.

When the block layout is completed, it is confirmed whether the block layout displayed in the simulation window 60 of FIG. 9 is acceptable. If it is determined that the block layout needs to be modified, the process proceeds from step S30 to step S31 and the modification device 27 is used. , Move, swap, delete, add blocks and resize block areas. Here, the block replacement is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 shows two blocks 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), 2 is moved 1 grid down, and the area (block 3 in the shaded area and the blank area) exchanged with this movement matches in size,
Exchange is allowed as in (C). When the blocks 1 and 2 shown in (A) of FIG. 17 are moved two grids to the right as shown in (B), the blocks 1 and 2 of the movement source and the area to be exchanged as shown in (C) are Although they do not match, the movement is permitted because there is no inconvenience even if the movement is as shown in (D).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, if blocks 1 and 2 in (A) are moved to the right by 3 grids, as shown in (B),
In this case, movement is prohibited because one of the moved blocks protrudes from the block area. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, when the block 1 of (A) is moved 3 grids to the right and 1 grid below as shown in (B), the size of the block 4 located in the area to be replaced is Because it is big, (D)
It is also prohibited in this case as it protrudes from the block area.

FIG. 20 shows the change of the block area. In the left figure, when eight blocks B are arranged in the initially set block area A ₁ , a blank space for one block is generated. Therefore, as shown in the right figure, if the block area is resized like A ₂ , the blocks B are evenly arranged without a blank space.

As described above, in the present system, the block in which the image data is packed is not directly pasted on the document, but the layout state of only the block is known in advance.
The empty blocks are tentatively arranged on the virtual layer. Therefore, the window 60 for performing this work is called a simulation window, and this block arrangement is called a simulation arrangement.

Since the block layout in the virtual layer is executed based on the command from the block layout simulation device 23, that is, the layout of each block is under the control of the software, the block layout Modifications such as movement can be easily performed by software commands, and only blocks are moved here.
Since the data is light, the correction work becomes easier. If the appropriate block arrangement is performed by such a correction, it is keyed that the correction is not necessary, and the process proceeds from step S30 to step S61.

On the other hand, when the rack arrangement is designated in step S13, step S13 in FIG. 3 to step S4 in FIG.
1, where the flow direction of the blocks within each block area, the left and right of the blocks, the vertical spacing, the initial alignment,
Alignment settings such as even layout are set. As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 21, block areas 1, 2, and 3 are set, and as the block flow direction for those block areas, as shown in the middle figure, two rows are flowed rightward, one column is flowed downstream, and one row is flowed leftward. When set, as shown in the figure below, in the block area 1, the blocks are arranged in two rows from the left end to the right, in the block area 2, the blocks are arranged in one column in the downward direction, and in the block area 3, Has blocks arranged in one row from the right end to the left.

In the upper diagram of FIG. 22, the block area 1 is shown in the upper right.
Is set, and the remaining “L” -shaped area is set as the block area 2. In this case, as shown in the middle diagram,
For the block area 2, “plurality of lines flow right” is set. As for the block arrangement in the block area 2, as shown in the following figure, since the block is arranged and the block cannot be arranged on the right side of the block, the block is arranged on the second line and the block is arranged on the third line. , And in the 4th row, blocks ,,,, are arranged in that order. Although the arrangement of the blocks in such an L-shaped area has been described as the shelf arrangement, it goes without saying that the previous grid arrangement can be applied.

Since the blocks are arranged in one direction in the block area like books are arranged in order on the bookshelf, this arrangement is called a shelf arrangement. Next, the previously set "spacing" and "alignment arrangement" will be described in detail with reference to FIG. (A) shows a state in which blocks 1, 2, and 3 are arranged in the block area Q in a one-step rightward flow. The interval G between the blocks is the block interval, and a blank space J occurs at the right end. There is. In this case, since the first block 1 is located at the left end, it is called “beginning alignment”. On the other hand, as shown in (B), the margin J is set at the left end and the last block 3 is positioned at the right end is called end alignment, and the arrangement in which the margin J is distributed at both ends is as shown in (C). It is called center alignment, and as in (D), the blank space J is divided into two block intervals to eliminate the blank spaces at both ends, which is an even arrangement.

In the next step S42, the product names to be displayed in the block area 52A are designated through the DB pallet 22A, as in the grid arrangement, and in step S43, the posting order is designated if necessary. In step S44, it is determined whether the block is directly pasted together with the text data and the image data in the document or only the block is simulated. If the block is directly pasted, the process proceeds to step S70, but if the simulation arrangement is performed, the process proceeds to step S45. Then, the simulation window 60 is displayed on the document as a window.

In step S46, the block layout is instructed, and in step S47, the presence / absence of linking between pages is designated. In step S48, block layout data based on the column layout is created for the previously designated product. Based on the arrangement data, the blocks are automatically arranged based on the step arrangement as shown in the simulation window 60 of FIG.

If it is determined that the block layout requires correction, the process proceeds from step S49 to step S50, and the correction device 27 is used to move, replace, delete, add blocks, and change the setting conditions for the column layout. I do. If the appropriate block arrangement is performed by such a correction, the key input that correction is unnecessary is performed, and step S
It progresses from 49 to step S61.

This shelf arrangement is suitable when the blocks have the same shape, or when the blocks are arranged in the horizontal (vertical) direction and only the horizontal (vertical) direction is different from the basic size (preferably an integral multiple). Moreover, in this shelf arrangement, the blocks can be easily exchanged.

In step S61 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether the block arrangement in all the block areas is completed. If there is a block area in which the block arrangement is not completed, the process returns to step S12. Therefore, although the next block area is selected here, the shelf arrangement is selected for the block area, or the grid arrangement is selected again, the setting condition of the grid arrangement is changed from the last time in step S21. As a result, blocks of arbitrary size can be automatically arranged in various formats, and therefore, it is possible to create a paper surface with a great variety. If all the processes have been completed, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is determined whether or not it is necessary to print out the simulation results in which the blocks are arranged in all the block areas.
As a result, the data stored in the memory 24 is printed out.

Simulation result on the display device 12,
Alternatively, by checking the printed contents, it is determined whether the current block layout is acceptable, and if correction is required, the correction is made in step S64 (the contents are shown in step S30 of FIG. 4,
(Step S49 of FIG. 5) is performed, and if the block arrangement is OK by this modification, the process proceeds from step S65 to step S66, it is determined whether or not to save the simulation result, and when it is saved, step S67 is performed.
Then, the data in the memory 24 is stored in the HDD 15. This completes the simulation work, and then pastes the image into the document. If the simulation result is stored in the HDD 15 and the process ends at this point, the simulation result is read out from the HDD 15 next time, so that it is possible to proceed to the image pasting.

Now, in step S70, if an instruction is made to paste an image into the document window, step S71
At this time, based on the above simulation result, the position data of the block for each product is supplied to the editing layout device 11 from the automatic pasting / updating device 28, while the product name data is supplied to the local DB 22, The image data is read out together with the block data related to the product name, the text data such as the price, and the style, and sent to the editing layout apparatus 11. As a result, the blocks are pasted on the document 52 based on the position data by the function of the editing layout apparatus 11, and as shown in FIG.
Images, product names, prices, etc. are automatically pasted. At this stage, the image is pasted in all the block areas in the document 52, but in FIG. 24, only the block area 52A is shown in order to clearly show the correspondence between the simulation window 60 and the block areas. The image is pasted on.

In case of printing out the pasted result, the process proceeds from step S72 to step S73, and is printed out by the printer 14. In step S74, it is determined whether the current pasting result is good, and if it is determined that the correction is necessary, the process proceeds to step S68. This step S6
At 8, it is determined whether the correction involves moving or deleting a block or only text data or image data. If it is a correction that does not move the block,
In step S69, the correction device 27 corrects the text data and style, and thereafter, the process proceeds from step S70 to step S71, where the automatic paste /
The correction device 28 sends a correction signal based on the correction contents to the editing layout device 11 to correct and update the current pasting result.

On the other hand, when the block is moved, the process returns from step S68 to step S12 to correct the block which does not include the image on the simulation window 60. After this step S7
When the process proceeds to step 1, the automatic pasting / correcting device 28 automatically moves only the block including the image data to be moved on the document 52 based on the position data of the moved block. In addition, at the time of such correction, the block is arranged again on the simulation window 60,
After that, there is also a method of pasting an image or the like, but as described above, moving only the block to be moved can be processed in a shorter time. Also, if some text data is modified on the document, if you place the blocks from the beginning, such modified parts will be cleared, so you should move only the target block. Can be said to be an effective process.

As a result of these corrections, if it is determined that no further correction is necessary, it is determined in the next step S75 whether or not to save the current pasted result.
At 76, the pasting result is stored in the HDD 15.
The pasted result is read from the HDD 15 through the editing layout device 11 and sent to the RIP expanding device.

Incidentally, at a later date, in step S76, the memory 24 is modified so that another modification (that is, modification after returning to the simulation window 60) can be performed on this pasting result while moving the block. The block position data is also stored in the HDD 15 at the same time.

By the way, while repeating the operation of automatically arranging the blocks based on the grid arrangement or the step arrangement described above, what kind of block is arranged under what kind of condition, an appropriate arrangement without correction is made. You will be able to predict to some extent. Further, even if the blocks to be arranged have the same size, the correction is unnecessary in most cases. If it can be determined in advance that no correction is required, the block simulation placement on the virtual layer is omitted, and
6 from step S24 of FIG. 5 or steps S44 of FIG.
Alternatively, the image and text data may be directly pasted onto the document based on the block position data obtained when the simulation layout is executed by skipping step S70.

FIG. 25 shows a system in which the automatic editing system shown in FIG. 2 is realized by a personal computer. 100 is a personal computer, an external HDD is used as the external database 21, a keyboard and a mouse are used. Is an input device 13 and a correction device 27
Is equivalent to FIG. 26 shows a functional block diagram of the personal computer 100.

In the CPU 101 of the personal computer 100 shown in FIG. 26, an editing layout section corresponding to the editing layout apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2, a local database 22, a block layout simulation apparatus 23 and an automatic pasting apparatus 28 are main elements. An automatic editing unit corresponding to the automatic editing system of the present invention is incorporated. These are the floppy disk FD shown in FIG.
Alternatively, the program stored in the CDROM is generated by being installed through the floppy disk drive (FDD) 102 or the CDROM drive 103. The RAM 104 is responsible for the memory required by the memory 24 and the local database 22 of FIG. The system introduced here has a RAM capacity of 24MB and a built-in H
The DD is 1 GB and the CPU clock is 100 MHz, which is generally used for personal use.

As described above, the automatic editing system of the present invention is assumed to be provided in the form of being stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk, but other than this, it is provided by the method shown in FIG. 27, for example. It is also possible.

In FIG. 27, the program is, for example, HD of the personal computer 201 of the host station 200.
It is stored in D, and the user who wants to use it accesses the host station using the dialing function of the personal computer 211 at home 210, and then transmits the number of the credit card he or she owns. Host station 2 that received this
00 confirms with the card company whether the credit number is valid by the card matching device 202, and if the card is valid, downloads the program and sends it to the applicant as file data together with the ID. The file usage fee will be settled later by a credit card. In this embodiment, since a manual for the automatic editing system cannot be attached, if a "help" menu that explains how to use the program is provided and the content of the help is displayed on the monitor screen or printed out by the user. Good.

The embodiment described above is an example in which the contractor who receives a request for creating an advertisement consistently performs from the arrangement of blocks (posting frames) to the pasting of images, but the layout of blocks is requested. Since the intention of the client side is large, it is possible to perform a more appropriate layout if the client side performs it. However, it is difficult for the client side to attach the image to the block because a specialized technique such as color tone adjustment is required. Therefore, if the simulation placement of the block is performed by the client side and the image pasting and the subsequent work are performed by the contractor side, correction work can be avoided and efficient editing can be performed. For that purpose, system diagrams on the requester side and the contractor side are shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, and in these figures, the same elements as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by common reference numerals.

Reference numeral 151 is a floppy disk drive (FDD) for storing the simulation result stored in the memory 24, and 152 is a large-capacity storage suitable for storing all the data including the image data for the commercial product. This is a device and uses, for example, an MO (magneto-optical storage disk) as a storage medium. Here, the client does not paste an image or edit the document. Therefore, in FIG. 28, the editing layout device 11 or automatic paste /
It does not have the correction device 28.

On the other hand, in FIG. 29, as compared with FIG.
It has the DD 151 and the mass storage device 152, but does not have the input device 13 and the database 21.

First, the processing on the client side will be described with reference to FIGS.
~ It demonstrates with reference to FIG. Step S101 of FIG.
In steps S to S106, similarly to steps S1 to S6 in FIG. 3, the data of the article to be published is read from the database 21, blocks are created and registered, and styles are created and registered. In step S107, the simulation window 60 is opened, and in steps S108 to S113, block NO and style are set for each product through the DB pallet 22A, as in steps S8 to S13 of FIG.

In the case of grid arrangement, the process proceeds to FIG. 31, and in steps S121 to S124,
Similar to step S21 to step S24 in FIG. 4, setting for grid arrangement, mask setting, specification and sorting of posted products are performed, and steps S125 to S1.
In 29, similarly to steps S27 to S31 of FIG. 4, blocks are automatically arranged by the grid, and if correction is necessary, correction is performed.

On the other hand, in the case of the shelving arrangement, the process proceeds to FIG. 32, and in steps S141 to S143, the setting for the shelving arrangement, the designation and sorting of the posted products are performed as in steps S41 to S43 of FIG. After performing step S144 to step S148, step S in FIG.
Similarly to 46 to step S50, the blocks are automatically arranged by the shelf arrangement, and when the correction is necessary, the correction is performed.

After this, the process proceeds to FIG. 33, and if the above-mentioned grid layout or shelf layout block simulation layout is completed for all block areas, step S1 is performed.
In step S162, the simulation result is printed out in step S163. If this block layout is OK,
In step S167, the FDD 151 stores the simulation data on the floppy disk FD.

Since the contractor does not have the database 21 for storing the image data, all the data (images and text data) for the products to be posted are registered in the large-capacity MO in step S169. With this, the work on the client side is completed, and the FD storing the simulation data and the MO storing all the data including the image data are handed over to the contractor. All the data including the simulation data and the image data may be transmitted online to the contractor.

The contractor who received this FDD and MO
In step S171 of FIG. 34, FD is set to F of FIG.
The simulation data is read by inserting it into the DD 151, and in step S172, the MO is inserted into the large-capacity storage device 152 to read out all the data of the posted products and store them in the local database 22.

In the next step S176, a block pasting instruction is given based on the simulation data read from the FD. In step S177, the block is automatically placed in the document, and the image and text data are pasted in the block position. Be done.

The pasting result is printed out in step S179, if necessary. If it is determined that the correction is necessary by looking at the pasting result, the process proceeds to step S173, where it is determined whether the correction is accompanied by the block position change. If the correction is not accompanied by the block movement, at step S174. The correction device 27 corrects the text data and style, and then proceeds from step S176 to step S177 where the automatic pasting / correcting device 28 outputs a correction signal based on the correction content to the editing layout device. By being sent to 11, the current pasting result is corrected and updated.

On the other hand, if the block is to be moved, the block that does not include the image is corrected on the simulation window 60 in step S175.
After that, when the process proceeds to step S177, the automatic pasting / correcting device 28 moves the block including the image data on the document 52 based on the position data of the moved block. However, in this embodiment, since the client side arranges the blocks, such correction work is almost unnecessary.

After these corrections, when it is determined that the current pasting result is good, the pasting result is finally stored in the HDD 15 in step S182. In this embodiment, on the client side, the blocks are automatically arranged based on the grid arrangement or the shelf arrangement. However, since it is easy to correct only the blocks, it is possible to arrange them manually.

[0096]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, only blocks that do not include an image are arranged in a virtual layer, and if there is a correction, the correction is performed on the virtual layer, and then, based on the position data of each block, the document is written. Since the images and characters of the product are pasted on, it is easy to correct, and therefore the time required for all editing work can be shortened. According to the second aspect of the invention, the blocks are arranged in a simulation by a grid arrangement or a shelf arrangement. Therefore, the layout can be easily performed without depending on the skill and feeling. According to the invention of claim 4, the blocks are directly arranged on the document by using the grid arrangement or the shelf arrangement, and when it is determined in advance that the correction is unnecessary by the simulation,
If this method is adopted, the editing work time can be significantly reduced. As described in claims 7 and 8, the virtual layer or the document in which the blocks are arranged is divided into a plurality of block areas in advance, and the blocks are arranged under different arrangement conditions for each block area. It can be automatically arranged in various formats, and therefore, it is possible to create a variety of paper surfaces. According to the invention of claim 9, not only the image data is taken in through the DB pallet, but also the block correspondence to each product and the style setting of the text data can be performed, so that the usability is improved and the operability is further increased. Further, since the automatic editing system of the present invention is supplied as a floppy disk, a CDROM, or file data to be downloaded, it can be applied to a small-scale DTP system at low cost.
Further, according to the automatic editing method of the present invention, the layout work of the block, which is largely intended by the client side, is performed by the client side.
The expert will do the work of pasting images that require specialized technology, and in this way a series of layout work will be shared by the appropriate people, so you can avoid inconvenient correction work, Efficient editing is possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of DTP.

FIG. 2 is a DTP to which the automatic editing system of the present invention is applied.
Block diagram showing one embodiment of

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the automatic editing system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the automatic editing system of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the automatic editing system of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the automatic editing system of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a block library.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of block areas are set in a document on a display screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a pallet database and a simulation window are displayed on the display screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how blocks are set in the database palette.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how to perform another block setting work in the database palette.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing how blocks are arranged in the database palette.

FIG. 13 is a diagram used for explaining grid arrangement.

FIG. 14 is a diagram used to explain a grid arrangement.

FIG. 15 is a diagram used for explaining grid arrangement.

FIG. 16 is a diagram used to explain block replacement in a grid arrangement.

FIG. 17 is a diagram used to explain the exchange of blocks in the grid arrangement.

FIG. 18 is a diagram used to explain the exchange of blocks in the grid arrangement.

FIG. 19 is a diagram used to explain block replacement in a grid arrangement.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a block arrangement when the block area is changed in the grid arrangement.

FIG. 21 is a diagram used for explaining shelf arrangement.

FIG. 22 is a diagram used for explaining the shelf arrangement.

FIG. 23 is a diagram used for explaining various alignment arrangements in the shelf arrangement.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state in which an image is pasted on a document.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an actual embodiment of the automatic editing system in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram of the personal computer shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of providing a plate inspection device of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a DTP system diagram on the client side to which the automatic editing method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 29 is a DTP system diagram on the contractor side to which the automatic editing method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the automatic editing method of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the automatic editing method of FIG. 28.

32 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the automatic editing method of FIG.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the automatic editing method of FIG. 28.

34 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the automatic editing method of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Editing Layout Device 12 Display Device 13 Input Device 14 Printer 15 Hard Disk Drive 21 Database 22 Local Database 22A Database Palette 22B Image Window 22C Scroll Bar 22D Display Column 22E Block Library Window 23 Block Layout Simulation Device 24 Memory 26 Save / Read Device 27 Modify Device 28 Automatic pasting / correcting device 60 Simulation window 100 Personal computer 101 CPU 102 Floppy disk drive 103 CDROM drive 104 RAM

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. In an automatic editing system in which a layout work for pasting a photograph and characters of a product onto a paper is performed on a computer, a block serving as a frame for displaying a product is arranged in a virtual layer, and position data of the block at that time is arranged. Based on the above, an automatic editing system characterized in that an image and characters of a product are attached to a document corresponding to the above-mentioned paper surface. 2. In an automatic editing system in which a layout work for pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, a grid is set in virtual layers at arbitrary intervals, and the product is posted by using the grid as a key. A grid arrangement for arranging blocks to be a frame, or an area of arbitrary shape is set in the virtual layer, and a shelf arrangement for sequentially packing the blocks in the area is used to arrange the blocks in a simulated manner. An automatic editing system characterized in that an image of a product and characters are pasted on a document corresponding to the above-mentioned sheet based on position data. 3. The automatic editing system according to claim 1, wherein the block placed in the virtual layer is displayed with a corresponding product name or a part of the product name. 4. In an automatic editing system for performing a layout work for pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper surface on a computer, a grid corresponding to the paper surface is set with a grid at arbitrary intervals, and the grid is used as a key. A block is placed in a simulation by placing a grid that arranges blocks that are the frames for placing products, or setting a region of arbitrary shape in the document and then packing the blocks in that region in order. An automatic editing system characterized by pasting images and characters. 5. The automatic editing system according to claim 2, wherein the grid layout setting conditions include grid intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions, a block use order when arranging blocks, and centering. 6. The shelving arrangement setting condition includes an arrangement arrangement such as a block flow direction in each area, a distance between blocks, and left alignment and right alignment. Editing device described. 7. The virtual layer is divided into a plurality of areas in advance, and the blocks are simulated and arranged in a grid-based arrangement or a shelf arrangement for each of the areas under desired setting conditions. The automatic editing system according to any one of 3, 3, 5 and 6. 8. The document according to claim 4, wherein the document is divided into a plurality of areas in advance, and the blocks are simulated and arranged in each area in a grid arrangement or a shelf arrangement under desired setting conditions. The automatic editing system described in Crab. 9. In an automatic editing system in which a layout work of pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper is performed on a computer, it is displayed on a work screen in order to easily transfer data from an external database to this system. A DB palette is provided. This DB palette has an area for displaying product names and the like, and another image window for displaying image data for one product name. By doing so, the corresponding image data is pasted on the block that is the posting frame arranged in the virtual layer or the document, and the block created in advance is displayed on the image window, and the displayed block is designated. Make it possible to associate desired blocks with products through the DB pallet Automatic editing system, characterized in that. 10. An automatic editing system in which a layout work of pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, and image data of each product read from an external database (21) and various sizes to be used as a posting frame. Local database that stores blocks as a library (22)
And a window (22A) prepared for the local database (22)
An input device (13) for associating the product with the block type above and specifying the posted product, and setting the placement condition when placing the block associated with the posted product in a virtual layer. A block placement simulation device (23) for simulating and placing each block of the posted product in the virtual layer based on the placement condition, a memory (24) for storing position data of each block placed in the simulation, and the memory ( Based on the stored contents of 24), a display device (12) for simulating and displaying the layout of blocks, and moving the blocks with respect to the above simulation layout,
A correction device (27) for making changes such as deletion, and based on the block position data obtained by the above-mentioned simulation, in order to paste the image into the document using the existing editing layout device (11), the posted product An automatic editing system comprising an automatic pasting device (28) for reading out text data such as the product name, block data and corresponding image data. 11. An automatic editing system, characterized in that the automatic editing system is provided by a floppy disk in which a program for executing the functions performed by the automatic editing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is written. 12. An automatic editing system, characterized by being provided by a CDROM in which a program for executing the functions performed by the automatic editing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is written. 13. A program for executing a function performed by the automatic editing system according to claim 1, which is provided as file data downloaded online from a host station. system. 14. An automatic editing method in which a layout work of pasting a photograph and characters of a product on a paper surface is performed on a computer, wherein a client side arranges a block to be a frame for displaying a product on a virtual layer. An automatic editing method characterized in that the contractor who receives the block layout data carries out a work of pasting image data and text data of each product on a document corresponding to the above-mentioned sheet based on the position data. .