JPH07200220A - Data output device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] If multiple areas partially overlap, you can delete any desired data without deleting the data in the areas that you do not want to output to the overlapping areas. Only the data in the area is output to the overlapping portion. [Structure] The area data storage unit 6 stores area data indicating an output range of data. When a plurality of areas overlap each other, the CPU 1 detects the overlapping portion and writes it in the overlapping area storage unit 8 and also displays an area selection screen to allow the user to select an area to be output to the overlapping portion. At the time of data output, the CPU 1 outputs the document data and the like in the actual data storage unit 5 in association with the region in the region data storage unit 6, and at that time, the overlapping portion is stored in the region selected on the region selection screen. Output only data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data output device for outputting document data, image data or the like in a word processor, a personal computer or the like in association with an area previously designated as a data output range.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a word processor or the like, when the created document data or image data is output in association with a region designated in advance as a data output range,
When a plurality of regions partially overlap on the output medium, the output result is extremely difficult to see because the data in the plurality of regions are OR-combined and output at the overlapping portions. In such a case, conventionally, each area position is edited again so that a plurality of areas do not overlap each other, or other overlapping areas are output in order to output only the data in one area to the overlapping area. The data of the part in the area was deleted.

[0003]

However, this kind of editing work is extremely difficult, and if the data in the duplicated portion is deleted, it is necessary to input the data when restoring it to the original data. There was a drawback that you had to start over from the beginning. The problem to be solved by the present invention is, in the case where a plurality of areas are partially overlapped with each other, if the data in the area where the output to the overlapping portion is not desired is not deleted in advance in the desired arbitrary area. That is, only the data can be output to the overlapped portion.

[0004]

The means of the present invention are as follows. (1) The area storage means stores an area indicating the output range of data. In this case, coordinate values and the like for identifying the area are stored for each area. (2) When the plurality of areas stored in the area storage means overlap each other on the output medium, the detecting means detects the overlapping portions. (3) The selecting means selects the area to be output to the overlapping portion detected by the detecting means. The area selection means may select an area arbitrarily designated on the area selection screen. (4) The output control means outputs the data in association with the area in the area storage means, and outputs the data corresponding to the area selected by the selection means when outputting the data to the overlapping portion. Data is output to a part, and data output to that part is prohibited for other overlapping areas.

[0005]

The operation of the means of the present invention is as follows. Now, if it is assumed that a plurality of regions that have been arbitrarily set in advance partially overlap with each other, the detection means detects this overlapping portion. Here, for example, an arbitrary area is designated on the area selection screen, and the area is selected as an area to be output to the overlapping portion. Then, the output control unit outputs the data in association with each area, and when outputting the data to the overlapping portion, outputs the data corresponding to the preselected designated area to the overlapping portion, and the other overlapping portions. Output to that area is prohibited. Therefore, when a plurality of areas are partially overlapped with each other, only the data in any desired area need not be deleted without previously deleting the data in the area where output to the overlapping portion is not desired. It is possible to output to the overlapping part.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a word processor. The CPU 1 is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of this word processor according to various programs stored in the ROM 2 and the like, and the document data input from the key input unit 3 and the image data input from the image data input unit 4 Is stored and stored in the actual data storage unit 5. The actual data storage unit 5 is a random access memory that stores and saves document data and image data.
U1 outputs the document data and the image data in association with a preset area (area indicating the output range of each data) in the area data storage unit 6.

The area data storage unit 6 is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, the area data storage unit 6 corresponds to the area number, the data type (“1” for character data, “0” for image data) to be output in the output area, and the upper left corner of the area. Upper left coordinate (X
1, Y1), lower right coordinates (X2, Y
2) and an actual data address (top address) indicating where in the actual data storage unit 5 the data to be output in the area are stored.
The data type, the upper left coordinates and the lower right coordinates in this area data storage unit 6 are set arbitrarily from the key input unit 3 when setting the area, and the actual data address is obtained by inputting document data or image data. When stored in the actual data storage unit 5, the storage position of the actual data storage unit 5 is set as the actual data address in association with the corresponding area. In this way, if the area indicating the output range of the data is arbitrarily set in advance in association with the document data or the image data, the CPU 1 checks whether or not the areas partially overlap each other, and if they overlap, the The overlapping portion is detected, and the display unit 7 is caused to display and output the area selection screen accordingly. This area selection screen is a screen for selecting in which area only the data in the overlapping part is to be output. When the user specifies an arbitrary area according to this selection screen, the CPU 1 creates the overlapping area data accordingly. Then, it is set in the overlapping area storage unit 8.

The overlapping area storage section 8 is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, in the overlap area storage unit 8, the area No. in the area data storage unit 6 is set as the overlap area No in order to specify a plurality of areas that overlap each other.
In order to specify the range of the overlapping portion in the overlapping area storage unit 8 corresponding to this overlapping area No, the upper left coordinates (X3, Y3) corresponding to the upper left corner of the overlapping area and the right corresponding to the lower right corner. The lower coordinates (X4, Y4), the “output area number”, and the “output area No” are stored. Here, FIG.
In the overlapping area storage unit 8 shown in FIG. 3, the case where the number of overlapping areas is 2 is shown. When the number of overlapping areas is 2,
The “number of output areas” indicates whether or not the data in both areas is OR-combined and output in the overlapping portion as usual, or only one of the preselected areas is output, or both are not output. "Number of output areas" is "2"
In the case of, it indicates that both should be output, in the case of "1", it indicates that only one of the arbitrarily selected areas should be output, and in the case of "0", both should output. Indicates that it is not. The "output area number" is the area number selected as the output target.

The work memory 9 is an A register 9-
1, a B register 9-2, an area number counter 9-3, and the like, and when the area is set, the overlapping area is detected, or the content of the actual data storage unit 5 is associated with a predetermined area, the display unit 7 is provided. It is used as necessary when outputting data to be output from the print unit 10.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a general flowchart for explaining the outline of the entire operation. The area setting process (step A1) is the flowchart of FIG. 5, the data input process (step A2) is the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the overlapping region detection process (step A3). ) Corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. 7, respectively. First, the area setting process (step A
1) is performed. In this area setting process (step A1), the content of the area No counter 9-3 is set to "0" as shown in FIG.
After performing an initialization process (step B1) for setting, the user specifies the upper left position from the key input unit 3 in order to specify the area to output the data.
PU1 detects this coordinate position and stores the upper left coordinates (X1, Y1) in the area data storage unit 6 corresponding to the area No. “0”.
Is set (step B2). Similarly, when the user specifies the lower right position from the key input unit 3, the CPU 1 causes the area No.
The lower right coordinates (X2, Y2) are set in the area data storage unit 6 corresponding to "0" (step B3). In this way, after identifying an arbitrary area by associating it with the area No. “0” and then specifying the type of data to be input in this area, the CPU 1 stores this data type in the area data storage unit 6. The value is set in association with "0" (step B4).
Next, in step B5, "1" is added to the area number counter 9-3 to update the area number, and then it is checked whether an end command for ending the area setting is input from the key input unit 3 (step B6). ), If the end of setting is not instructed, the process returns to step B2, and thereafter, the same processing is performed for each output area.

Next, the document data and the image data to be output are input in the areas in association with the areas arbitrarily set in this way. Step A2 shows the data input process in this case. First, as shown in FIG. 6, an initialization process for setting an initial value "0" to the area No counter 9-3 is performed (step C1). Next, it is checked whether the area designated by the value of the area No counter 9-3 is a document area for inputting document data (step C
2) In the case of the document area, the document data input from the key input unit 3 is stored in the actual data storage unit 5 and the input processing of the document data is performed (step C3). For example, the image data input process of storing the image data input from the image data input unit 4 in the actual data storage unit 5 is performed (step C4). Then, by such an input process, the top address of the data stored in the actual data storage unit 5 is extracted, and this address is set as the actual data address in the region data storage unit 6 in association with the region number "0" ( Step C5). Then, it is checked whether the value of the area No. counter 9-3 is equal to the final area No. in the area data storage unit 6 (step C6). If the value has not reached the final area No., the process proceeds to step C7 and the area No. counter 9 -3 is added with "1" to update the area number, and then the process returns to step C2,
Hereinafter, the same operation is repeated.

When the document data and the image data are input in association with each area set in the area data storage unit 6 in this way, the CPU 1 executes the next overlapping area setting process (step A3). First, as shown in FIG. 7, the initial value "0" is set in the A register 9-1 and the initial value "1" is set in the B register 9-2 in the work memory 9 (step D1). Here, the A register 9-1 and the B register 9-2 are set with an area number in order to sequentially detect whether or not overlapping areas partially overlap each other. In this embodiment, attention is paid to one area. However, since the overlap area is detected while sequentially comparing this area of interest with other areas, the area number of the area of interest is stored in the A register 9-1.
Is set, and the area number of the comparison target is set in the B register 9-2.
Is set.

Now, the A register 9-1 and the B register 9-
In the state where the initial value is set to 2, the overlap area calculation is performed in the next step D2. In this case, the area
The upper left coordinates (X1, Y1) and the lower right coordinates (X2, Y2) corresponding to No "0" are read from the area data storage unit 6 and the coordinate range of the attention area is obtained from the two-point coordinates. Next, the upper left coordinates (X1, Y1) and the lower right coordinates (X2, Y2) corresponding to the area No. “1” are read from the area data storage unit 6 and the four corner coordinate points of the comparison area are obtained from the two point coordinates. . Then, it is checked whether or not one point (first upper left coordinate point) of the comparison target area is included in the coordinate range of the target area, and then the next point (lower left coordinate point) of the comparison target area is the coordinate of the target area. Check whether it is included in the range. Similarly, it is sequentially checked whether the next point (upper right coordinate point) of the comparison target area and the next point (lower right coordinate point) are included in the coordinate range of the target area. In this way, the overlap region arithmetic processing is performed by four comparison operations to determine whether the region of interest and the comparison target region overlap each other.

Here, FIG. 9 shows a setting state of an area arbitrarily set in advance, which is associated with the contents of the area data storage unit 6 shown in FIG. 2, and the area No. in the area data storage unit 6 is shown. “0” is the image data area, area No “1” is the document data area, area No “2” is the image data area, area No “3” is the image data area, area No.
"4" corresponds to the document data area.

Now, as a result of performing the overlap area calculation with the image data area of the area No. "0" as the area of interest and the document data area of the area No. "1" as the comparison area, both areas do not overlap. In the next step D3, it is detected that the comparison target area is not an overlapping area with respect to the target area, the process proceeds to step D5, and it is checked whether the area No. in the B register 9-2 has reached the final area No.
In this case, since NO is determined in step D5, the process proceeds to the next step D6 to update the area number indicating the comparison area by adding "1" to the value of the B register 9-2, and then to step D2. Return to. As a result, this time the area No. “2” for the area of interest (image data area)
The overlap area calculation is performed by using the image data area of (3) as a comparison target area. In this case, since the overlapping area is detected in step D3, the output area selection process (step D4) is performed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing in detail this output area selection processing. This output area selection processing is processing for allowing the user to select which area of data is to be output to the overlapping portion when the two areas overlap each other. First, the output area selection processing is preset in the area data storage unit 6. Each area is displayed in a layout (step E1), the overlapping portion is displayed in a shaded area (step E2), and a guide display for selecting which area is to be output as data (area) (Selection display)
Is performed (step E3).

FIG. 10A shows a display state in this case. That is, this is the case where it is detected that the image data area which is the attention area and the image data area which is the comparison target area overlap each other. In such a case, as shown in FIG. Area name (image data area, image data area) that overlaps with overlapping display as area selection display
A guide display of “output” or “not output” indicating whether or not the area is to be output in association with is displayed. Here, a rectangular cursor is displayed in this guide display, and the area is selected by moving this cursor position. The cursor default value corresponding to each area name is displayed as the cursor output value in both positions. Is being done.

In this state, in the next step E4, the cursor key is operated to designate and input the area to be selected.
Here, when the image data area is output to the overlapping portion and the image data area is not output, the cursor keys as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C are operated.
That is, from the state shown in FIG. 10A, the down cursor key is operated once to select the next area name "image data area", and then the right cursor key is operated once to "not output". Select. Then, the process proceeds to the next step E5, and one record of data to be written in the overlap area storage unit 8 is created and set in the overlap area storage unit 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the overlapping area numbers are “0” and “2”, and the upper left coordinates (X3, Y3) of the overlapping portion are “210, 39”.
“0”, lower right coordinates “560, 440”, output area number “1”, and output area No. “2” are set.

Such output area selection processing (step D
4) is completed, the B register 9 is provided on condition that the value of the B register 9-2 has not reached the final area No. as shown in FIG.
The value of -2 is updated. As a result, the image data area corresponding to the area No. “3” becomes the comparison area, and in this case as well, the overlap with the image data area is detected, so the same output area selection processing (step D4) as described above is performed. . FIG. 11 shows the area selection screen in this case.
When the right cursor key is operated once as shown in FIG. 11B from the initial screen state shown in FIG. 1A, the image data area is not output to the overlapping portion, and the area selection for outputting the image data area is performed. Then, the second record is set in the overlapping area storage unit 8 as shown in FIG.

Such operation is performed in step D5 of FIG.
It is repeated until the value of the register 9-2 reaches the final area No. That is, the attention area is fixed to the area No. “0”, and the other areas (area Nos. “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4”) are sequentially specified as the comparison target, and the above-mentioned final area is displayed. The operation is repeated. Here, when the final area is reached, the process proceeds to step D7 to check whether the area next to the attention area is the final area. Since the next area is the area No. “1”, the value of the A register 9-1 is incremented by “1” to update the area of interest to the area No. “1” (step D8) and the updated area of interest. Area No. “2” next to B register 9-2
(Step D9). And step D2
Then, the above operation is repeated. Therefore,
This time, the attention area is fixed to the area No. “1”, and the overlap area calculation (step D2) is performed with other areas (area Nos. “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4”) as comparison targets. But now
Since the document data area, which is the area of interest, does not overlap any other area, the execution of the output area selection process (step D4) is skipped. Hereinafter, the operation of FIG. 7 is repeated until the attention area reaches the final area.

Next, the data output processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When a display command or a print command is input from the key input unit 3, the CPU 1 executes a data output process of outputting the document data or image data in the actual data storage unit 5 to the corresponding area. First, an initial value "0" is set in the area No counter 9-3 (step E1). Next, the actual data address corresponding to this area No. “0” is read from the area data storage unit 6, and the actual data storage unit 5 is accessed at this address, so that the actual data corresponding to the image data area is obtained. Temporarily store in (Step E
2). In this state, it is checked whether or not this area number "0" is set in the overlap area storage unit 8, that is, whether the image data area overlaps with another area (step E3). Area No. as shown in
Since "0" is set in the first record in the overlapping area storage unit 8, the process proceeds to step E4, and the overlapping area storage unit 8
Check whether it is the output target area by referring to. Here, the output area No. of the first record in the overlapping area storage unit 8 is “2”, and therefore, it is not an output target, so NO is determined in step E4, the process proceeds to the next step E5, and the work memory 9 Remove the duplicated part from the actual data of. Since the overlapping portion is specified by the upper left and lower right coordinates in the overlapping area storage unit 8, only this overlapping portion is cut from the actual data. Next, it is checked whether or not there is another overlapping portion (step E6). In this case, since the area No. "0" is not set in another record in the overlapping area storage unit 8, the process proceeds to step E7. , Display / print out the actual data in the work memory 9. Next, area No.
It is checked whether the value of the counter 9-3 has reached the final area No. Since it is judged "NO" now, step E
In step 9, the area number counter 9-3 is incremented by "1" to update the area number to "1", and then the process returns to step E2.

As a result, the actual data of the document data area corresponding to the area No. "1" is set in the work memory 9, but since this area does not overlap with any other area at all, the process proceeds to step E7, and this document Display / print data as it is. Next, when the area number is updated to "2", the actual data of the image data area is set in the work memory 9. Here, first, 1 of the overlap area storage unit 8
This image data area is an overlapping area based on the contents of the record, but since it is detected that it is an output target area, the portion overlapping the image data area is not cut and is left as it is. Next, area No. "2"
Is also set in the second record of the overlap area storage unit 8, so that there is another overlap in step E6 and the process returns to step E4. In this case, it is detected that it is not an output target. Therefore, the portion overlapping the image data area is cut (step E5). Data is output by repeating such an operation up to the final area. FIG. 13 is an output state diagram in this case, in which only the area data is output in the overlapping portion with the image data area, and only the area data is output in the overlapping portion with the image data area. Become.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of areas partially overlap with each other, it is not necessary to previously delete the data in the area which is not desired to be output to the overlapping area. Only the data in the desired arbitrary area can be output to the overlapping portion. In this case, in the overlapping portion, the data in both areas is OR-combined as usual and is output, or the data in both areas is not output together is the "output area in the overlapping area storage unit 8". The number can be selected by arbitrarily setting "0", "1", "2".

Although the above embodiment has been described as an example only when two regions overlap each other, of course, it can be applied to a case where three or more regions overlap each other. Further, in the above embodiment, the shape of the area is rectangular, but it may be a shape such as a circle or a triangle, and the shape is not limited. Further, in the above-described embodiment, only the actual data is allocated and output in the corresponding area, but it is also possible to display / print out the ruled lines forming the area together with the actual data.

[0025]

According to the present invention, in the case where a plurality of areas partially overlap with each other, it is desired that the data in the area which is not desired to be output to the overlapping area be deleted in advance. Since only the data in an arbitrary area can be output to the overlapped area, it is not necessary to edit it again so that multiple areas do not overlap as in the past, and you can easily obtain the desired output and Compared with this, it is possible to significantly reduce time and labor.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a word processor.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an area data storage unit 6.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an overlap area storage unit 8.

FIG. 4 is a general flowchart showing an outline of the entire operation.

5 is a flowchart for explaining the area setting process (step A1) shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a data input process shown in FIG. 4 (step A2).
The flowchart for explaining.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the overlapping area detection processing shown in FIG.

8 is an output area selection process (step D shown in FIG. 7).
4 is a flowchart for explaining 4).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a region setting state when a plurality of regions are set to overlap each other.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an area selection screen and a key operation example when an arbitrary area on the screen is selected as an output target area.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another area selection screen and a key operation example when an arbitrary area on this screen is selected as an output target area.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a data output process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram exemplifying a data output result.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 Key Input Section 4 Image Data Input Section 5 Actual Data Storage Section 6 Area Data Storage Section 7 Display Section 8 Overlap Area Storage Section 9 Work Memory 9-1 A Register 9-2 B Register 9-3 Area No Counter 10 Printing section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An area storage means for storing an area indicating a data output range, and a detection means for detecting an overlapping portion when a plurality of areas stored in the area storage means overlap each other on an output medium. Selecting means for selecting an area to be output to the overlapping portion detected by the detecting means, and outputting data in association with each area in the area storing means and outputting data to the overlapping portion. And output control means for outputting the data corresponding to the area selected by the selection means to the overlapping portion and prohibiting the data output to the overlapping portion in the overlapping portion. Data output device. 2. The data output device according to claim 1, wherein the area selection means selects an area arbitrarily designated on the area selection screen.