JPH0877331A - Automatic page up device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide an automatic page-up device capable of automatically performing accurate page layout processing. [Structure] Functionally, it comprises a layout unit 11, a command storage unit 12, a command processing unit 13, a display unit 14, and an instruction input unit 15. The instruction input unit 15 has an operated part and supplies operation data corresponding to the operation content of the operator to the layout unit 11. The layout unit 11 performs the layout process and the parameter notification process by executing the function represented by the operation data and the command information supplied from the command processing unit 13, and displays the page on which the layout process is performed. It is displayed by the means 14. The instruction processing unit 13 sequentially executes the series of scripts stored in the instruction storage unit 12 based on the acquired parameters.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic page-up device for automatically laying out layout data representing images, characters, etc. on a page to create a page layout.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system for creating a page layout (page up) on a computer has been known. As shown in FIG. 10, a system of this type usually includes a computer 4 having a CPU 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3 and various interfaces, a display device 5 such as a display, a storage device 6 such as a hard disk, an instruction input such as a keyboard and a mouse. The device 7 and the like.

The ROM 2 or the storage device 6 has a so-called DTP (Desk Top Publi) for performing layout processing.
shing) software is stored, and image data or character data to be laid out is already stored in the storage device 6 as layout target data. The image data mentioned here is bitmap data, and also includes data obtained by expanding bitmap data of graphic data represented in vector format.

Of the data to be laid out, the image data is, for example, data obtained by scanning a photograph or the like with an image scanner, using desired image processing software stored in the ROM 2 or the storage device 6 in advance. Created by trimming. Alternatively, for example, the desired CA
Created using D software and data format conversion tools. The character data is created using, for example, desired word processor software. Of course, data created by another system may be read out via a modem, a floppy disk or the like and stored in the storage device 6 as layout target data.

An example of processing for creating a page layout in such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step SA1, the operator creates a page layout to be obtained on the desk. At this time, what is laid out is not the actual layout target data but a frame (hereinafter referred to as a display frame) representing a display area of the layout target data. In this way, by temporarily determining the page layout on the desk, provisional coordinate values (that is, size and position) of the end points of each display frame can be obtained.
The coordinate values obtained here are, for example, strict ones in units of points.

Next, when a predetermined instruction is input from the keyboard, the DTP software is executed in the computer 4, and the process proceeds to step SA2. Step SA
In 2, the computer 4 first displays the page on which the layout process is performed on the display device 5. Here, it is assumed that a new page layout is created, and the display device 5 displays
It is assumed that a page on which layout data is not arranged is displayed.

Next, in step SA3, a layout process is performed according to the operator's instruction input through the instruction input device 7. Specifically, the operator inputs an instruction for creating a display frame to the computer 4 via the instruction input means 7 so as to satisfy the temporary coordinate value obtained by the temporary determination on the desk. As a result, a display frame is created and displayed on the display device 5. Then, the operator rotates / scales and allocates the layout target data to the created display frame. As a result, in the display frame displayed on the display device 5, the image / character represented by the layout target data allocated to the display frame is displayed. This processing is performed for all display frames on the same page. In addition,
In this step, layout data may be associated with each display frame every time one display frame is created, or layout data may be created for each display frame after all display frames are created. You may make it allocate.

Next, in step SA4, when a predetermined instruction is supplied via the instruction input device 7, the computer 4 saves the created page layout in the storage device 6. Then, the process ends. The page layout stored in the storage device 6 is later converted into a data format that can be used by a phototypesetting machine or the like and used in a printing process. The page layout may be created by trial and error by starting the process from step S2 without performing the layout process on the desk in step SA1.

[0009]

As described above, in the conventional page-up process, the operator who visually recognizes the display device 5 actually creates the display frame even if the desk layout is performed in advance. is there. In addition, in a later step, the display frame needs to be accurately created point by point so that it can be used as a plate for printed matter.
It is necessary to carefully operate the instruction input device 7 to create the display frame while visually checking the coordinates of the cursor. Further, when the layout process is performed with the display frame having the wrong coordinates, it may be necessary to change not only the display frame but also the coordinates of other display frames. As described above, there are drawbacks that a careful and complicated work is required, and at least one operator is required during the page-up process.

Further, when allocating the character data to the display frame, the character data should be in a desired format (for example,
The operator adjusts the number of characters, the space between characters, the space between characters, etc. while referring to the display device 5 so that the tab positions and the prices such as “¥” and “,” are aligned. This process is performed based on a preset rule. For example, the operator who refers to the display device 5 determines whether or not the character data is contained in the display frame. The correction process based on the rule is also performed by the operator who understands the rule.

Further, the processing of rotating / magnifying the image data and applying a halftone screen is also performed by the operator operating the instruction input device 7 while referring to the display device 5. As described above, conventionally, the entire page layout process cannot be batch-processed and automatically performed, and it has been difficult to realize labor saving and work efficiency improvement. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic page-up device capable of automatically performing accurate page layout processing.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic page-up apparatus which issues layout instructions to layout data representing images or characters and a display frame for arranging the layout data on a page. A layout unit that performs a layout process according to the layout function and returns parameters required for the layout function, an instruction script corresponding to the layout instruction, a function script corresponding to the layout function, and the instruction script. And an execution order of the function scripts, and a command storage unit that stores a series of scripts including a command script and a control script that sets an argument of the function script based on a parameter returned from the layout unit; From the above series The layout script and the layout function are supplied to the layout means by reading out the script and executing the series of scripts, and the control script is based on the parameters returned from the layout means in correspondence with the layout function. And a series of scripts stored in the command storage unit are described such that a page layout is created by satisfying a preset rule.

The automatic page-up apparatus according to claim 2 is the automatic page-up apparatus according to claim 1,
The control script includes a multiplication script for generating a new script based on the parameters returned from the layout means and adding it to the series of scripts, and the instruction processing unit sequentially executes the series of scripts. At the same time, if the control script to be executed is the proliferation script, a new script corresponding to the proliferation script is generated and added to the series of scripts.

Furthermore, the automatic page-up device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the automatic page-up device according to the first or second aspect, in which it is checked whether or not the layout data is overflowing from the corresponding display frame in the function script. Script for
It is characterized in that the layout data is described so as not to overflow the corresponding display frame by using a script for checking whether or not the layout data overflows the corresponding display frame.

Further, the automatic page-up apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the automatic page-up apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the instruction processing unit outputs error information generated by executing a script. It is characterized in that it is stored in the instruction storage unit so that the execution of the series of scripts is not interrupted by an error.

[0016]

According to the automatic page-up device of the present invention, the command processing unit reads from the command storage unit a series of scripts described so as to create a page layout satisfying a preset rule, Layout commands and layout functions are provided to the layout means by executing a series of scripts. The layout means performs layout processing according to the layout command on layout data representing images or characters, and a display frame for arranging the layout data on a page to create a page layout, and Returns the parameters required by the layout function. Further, the instruction processing unit, based on a parameter returned from the layout means in correspondence with the layout function, an execution order of an instruction script corresponding to the layout instruction and a function script corresponding to the layout function, and the instruction script. And executing a control script that sets the arguments of the function script based on the parameters returned from the layout means. As described above, since the processing is performed based on the parameters, if sufficient information is described in a series of scripts, accurate page layout processing is automatically performed.

According to another aspect of the automatic page-up device of the present invention, the instruction processing section sequentially executes the series of scripts, and if the control script to be executed is the multiplication script, the instruction script corresponds to the multiplication script. A new script is generated and added to the series of scripts. Further, according to the automatic page-up device of claim 3, the instruction processing unit executes a script for checking whether or not the layout target data overflows from the corresponding display frame, and based on the execution result, Operates so that the layout data does not overflow from the corresponding display frame. Also,
According to the automatic page-up device of the fourth aspect, the instruction processing unit does not interrupt the execution of the series of scripts due to an error.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an automatic page-up apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic page-up apparatus shown in this figure creates a page layout based on preset rules (page-up). ). In FIG. 1, 11 is a layout unit, 12 is a command storage unit, 13 is a command processing unit, 14 is a display unit, and 15 is an instruction input unit. Instruction input means 15
Has an operated part and supplies operation data corresponding to the operation content of the operator to the layout means 11.

The layout means 11 has an instruction input means 15
The layout process and the parameter notification process are performed by executing the function represented by the operation data supplied from the command processing unit 13 and the command information supplied from the command processing unit 13. The layout process is a process of arranging layout target data consisting of image data or character data on a desired page, creating a display frame of a desired size and arranging the display frame at a desired position on the page. This means all the operations that rotate and scale layout data and allocate it to the display frame. Further, the parameter notification process is executed when the command information supplied from the command processing unit 13 is a layout function (details will be described later) for obtaining a parameter indicating the status of the page on which the layout process is being performed. This is a process of notifying the parameter required for the function to the instruction processing unit 13.

The layout processing performed by the layout means 11 includes generation / deletion / selection of display frames, character insertion / deletion / change instructions, layout / rotation / magnification of layout data, and font / size of designated characters. For example, changing attributes such as size and assigning layout data to display frames. The layout unit 11 also causes the display unit 14 to display the page for which the layout process has been performed.

The command storage unit 12 stores a series of scripts (command statements satisfying a predetermined language specification, which will be described in detail later with an example) describing the contents of the layout process performed by the layout unit 11. There is. The instruction processing unit 13
Each script is sequentially read from the series of scripts stored in the command storage unit 12, and if the read script is a command script (described later) or a function script (described later), the script is converted into command information. Are sequentially supplied to the layout means 11. When the read script is a control script that is neither an instruction script nor a function script, the instruction processing unit 13 performs the processing represented by the control script based on the acquired parameters. The control script is a script for changing the reading order of the scripts and generating a new script.

From the above, the command information supplied from the command processing unit 13 to the layout means 11 includes the layout command for executing the function for realizing the layout process and the status of the page on which the layout process is performed. It is roughly classified into a layout function for notifying the parameters to be expressed. The layout command is set corresponding to all the functions provided by the layout unit 11 to perform the layout process, and the layout processing unit 1 sends the layout command to the layout unit 1.
By supplying the layout command to 1, the operator can perform all the layout processing performed by operating the instruction input means 15.

Plural types of layout functions are prepared so that all information (parameters) necessary for automatically performing layout processing based on a preset rule can be obtained. In this embodiment, a parameter indicating whether or not the character data overflows the display frame, a parameter indicating whether or not one line of character data fits in one line within the display frame, and the character size of the character data reaches the lower limit. A layout function is provided for obtaining a parameter indicating whether or not the size of the image represented by the image data has reached the lower limit, and the like.

In order to realize such a functional structure, the automatic page-up device according to this embodiment has a structure shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the automatic page-up device according to the present embodiment, and parts common to FIG. 10 are given the same reference numerals. The automatic page-up device shown in FIG. 2 differs from the conventional system shown in FIG. 10 in that a storage device 6 ′ is used instead of the storage device 6.

Like the storage device 6, the storage device 6 ′ is composed of a hard disk or the like, a plurality of layout target data files, and a DTP (Desk) which constitutes the layout means 11 (see FIG. 1) when executed by the CPU 1. Top Pub
lishing) software and remember. Storage device 6
The difference between the storage device 6 and the storage device 6 is that it has a function as an instruction storage unit 12 (see FIG. 1), and at least one script file and the computer 4 configure the instruction processing unit 12 to be executed. The point is that it stores the interpreter software. The script file is a file in which the series of scripts described above are described. The device may be configured to store the DTP software and the interpreter software in the ROM 2.

The computer 4 reads the DTP software from the storage device 6'and executes it according to the instruction supplied from the instruction input device 7, and the layout means 11 (see FIG. 1).
See)). When a predetermined instruction is supplied from the instruction input means 7 while the computer 4 is executing the DTP software, the computer 4 reads the interpreter software from the storage device 6 ′ and executes the interpreter software to execute the instruction processing unit 13.
Is configured. At this time, the instruction processing unit 13 is incorporated as one function of the layout means 11. That is, control is passed to the instruction processing unit 13 while the interpreter software is being executed, and control is returned to the layout means 11 when the interpreter software has finished executing.

Here, the script converted into the command information by the computer 4 which executes the interpreter software and the contents of the processing performed corresponding to the script will be specifically described by way of an example. here,
The scripts are classified into command scripts converted into layout commands, function scripts converted into layout functions, and control scripts, and the respective scripts will be described.

[Instruction Script] First, the instruction script will be described. Hereinafter, a specific script example of the instruction script and the processing content corresponding to the script example will be described with reference to examples of. Script example: readPic (pic1) Description: Reads the image data "pic1" from the image data file specified by the preset path name (consisting of device name, directory name, and file name). Script example: putPic (pic1, top, left, bottom, righ
t, picBox1) Contents: (top, left) is the coordinate of the upper left corner, (bottom, right)
A display frame "picBox1" having coordinates at the lower right corner is created, and image data "pic1" is placed in this display frame "picBox1". Script example: readText (text) Description: Reads the character data "text" from the character data file specified by the preset path name. Script example: putText (text, tBoxName, picBox1) Content: Create a display frame "tBoxName" below the display frame "picBox1" that reaches the bottom of the page and the horizontal frame aligns with the display frame "picBox1". , This display frame "tB
Pour character data “text” into oxName ”Script example: putCR (text) Content: Insert a line feed code in the character data so that the character data“ text ”is at the beginning in the display frame Script example: smallText ( text) Content: Character size of character data "text" (number of points)
Is small. Script example: changeLmt (lmt) Description: Change the lower limit "lmt" value.

[Function Script] Next, the function script will be described. Hereinafter, a specific script example of the function script and the processing contents corresponding to the script example will be described with reference to examples of. Script example: overFlow (tBoxName) Content: In the display frame “tBoxName”, returns “true” if the character data overflows, otherwise returns “false”. Script example: oneLine (text) Description: Returns "true" if the character data "text" of one line fits on one line in the display frame selected in advance, and returns "false" otherwise. Script example: cmpLmt (text, lmt) Contents: Character size of character data “text” is lower limit “lmt”
If true is reached, "true" is returned; otherwise, "false" is returned. Script example: cmpLmt (pic, lmt) Content: Returns "true" if the size of the image represented by the image data "pic1" has reached the lower limit "lmt", and returns "false" otherwise. .

[Control Script] As described above, the control script is a script (propagation script) for changing the reading order of the scripts and generating a new script. For changing the script reading order, for example, IF-THEN-
Scripts having the same functions as statements in other programming languages such as ELSE are prepared. In addition, the newly generated script is added or inserted at the end of the script file or at a predetermined position indicated by the control script. That is, the script file itself can be changed based on a parameter indicating the status of the page and a preset rule.

Regarding the flow of processing for creating a page layout by the automatic page-up device having such a configuration,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example,
Every time one display frame is created, layout target data is assigned to the display frame. FIG. 3 is a process diagram for explaining an outline of a process for creating a page layout using the automatic page-up device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, first in step SB1, the operator creates layout data (character data or image data) and a script file.
It is stored in the storage device 6 '. The layout data may be created in this apparatus using an image scanner or image processing software (not shown), or may be created in another apparatus and this apparatus is created via a floppy disk or modem (not shown). May be input to. Next, when the operator operates the instruction input device 7 to cause the computer 4 to execute the DTP software, the layout means 11 becomes operable, and the process is performed in step S.
Go to B2.

At step SB2, the operator operates the instruction input device 7 to activate the command processing unit (interpreter) 13 registered as one function of the layout means 11. That is, the computer 4 reads the interpreter software stored in the storage device 6'and enables the interpreter to operate. Next, the process is step S
Go to B3.

In step SB3, the operator operates the instruction input device 7 so that the computer 4 reads out a desired script file from the script files stored in the storage device 6 '. Then, the series of scripts in the read script file is the instruction processing unit 13
Are executed sequentially. As a result, the layout process described in the series of scripts is performed, and the page layout is created. Then, when the execution of the series of scripts is completed, the control is returned to the layout means 11 (DTP software main body), and the processing ends.

Next, the processing according to the series of scripts performed in step SB3 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining a process performed when the layout target data is character data in the process of step SB3 of FIG.
As shown in this figure, first, in step SC1, the computer 4 creates a character display frame of an arbitrary size and arranges this display frame at an arbitrary position. Actually, since the size and arrangement position of the display frame are described in a series of scripts, the display frame corresponding to the script is created and arranged. The display frame created and arranged here is displayed by the display device 5.

Next, in step SC2, the computer 4 allocates arbitrary character data to the display frame created in step SC1. The character data assigned here is also described in a series of scripts, and the correspondence between the display frame and the character data is the relationship described in the script.

Next, in step SC3, the computer 4 pours the character data assigned in step SC2 into the display frame created in step SC1. The script executed at this time has attributes and sizes of each character,
The contents that specify the arrangement position and the like are described, and a character string that reflects such contents is displayed on the corresponding display frame.

Next, in step SC4, the computer 4 determines whether or not the character string displayed on the display device 5 overflows the display frame. If this determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step SC5, where a new script is created and the newly created script is executed so that the character string does not overflow from the display frame. Then, the process returns to step SC4. That is, while the character string overflows the display frame, step SC4
The processing of SC5 is repeated.

The processing performed in steps SC4 to SC5 is based on a preset rule. Although this rule can be set arbitrarily, the processing performed in steps SC4 to SC5 will be described below by citing three examples. As a first example, the following steps 1 to
A process of putting the character string in the display frame based on the rule of 2 is conceivable. Step 1: Multiply the lengthwise character until the character has a predetermined aspect ratio. Step 2: If the display frame overflows even with a predetermined aspect ratio, the point number of the character is reduced by one step, and the process returns to step 1.

As a second example, the following step 1
A process of putting the character string in the display frame based on the rule consisting of ~ 2 can be considered. Step 1: The flat body is gradually applied until the characters have a predetermined aspect ratio. Step 2: If the display frame overflows even with a predetermined aspect ratio, the point number of the character is reduced by one step, and the process returns to step 1.

As a third example, it is conceivable to increase the size of the display frame so that the characters do not overflow. However, in some cases, it may be difficult to make the display frame large. Therefore, a similar display frame may be created in another location and the character data overflowing the display frame may be poured. Of course, the script is not limited to these examples, and a script that allows the character string to fit within the display frame may be described based on an arbitrary rule. Usually, these rules are preset between the publisher and the printer.

By the way, when the character string falls within the display frame and the result of the determination in step SC4 is "NO", the processing for this display frame ends. In this way, the allocation of the character data to one display frame is completed. of course,
When there are a plurality of display frames to which the character data should be assigned, the above-mentioned processing is repeated as many times as necessary.

FIG. 5 is a process diagram for explaining the process performed when the layout target data is image data in the process of step SB3 of FIG. As shown in this figure, first, in step SD1, the computer 4 creates an image display frame of the size instructed by the script, and arranges this display frame at the position instructed by the script. The display frame created and arranged here is the display device 5
Displayed by.

Next, in step SD2, the computer 4 reads out the image data to be assigned to the display frame created in step SD1 from the storage device 6 '. The image data to be read is described in a series of scripts, and is read by being rotated by the angle described in the series of scripts. Next, in step SD3, the computer 4 scales the image data read in step SD2 according to the size of the display frame created in step SD1. Of course, all such instructions are described in a series of scripts. Then, the process for one display frame ends. Of course, when there are a plurality of display frames to which the image data should be allocated, the above-mentioned processing is repeated as many times as necessary.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a process for specifically creating a page layout using the apparatus having the above-described configuration.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and 7 are process diagrams for specifically explaining the process of creating the page layout shown in FIG. The page layout shown in FIG. 9 is a modification of the page layout shown in FIG. Therefore, the flow of processing will be described below with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that FIGS. 6 and 7 are connected at A and B in the figure to form one processing diagram.

Before the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the contents of the character data and the script file in the storage device 6'are changed so that the page layout shown in FIG. 9 can be created. To do. That is, in the character data, "1994 type", "Vehicle inspection February 9", "300"
The words "0 Km", "blue", and "fog lamp" are added, and the script file stores a series of scripts re-created in consideration of the following rules 1 to 4. -Rule 1 The character string of the underlined part (1) in FIG. 8 is put in one line.・ Rule 2 Do not allow line breaks in words. -Rule 3 The size of the image may be changed as necessary.・ Rule 4 Each character of the price shall be greater than 24 points.

In such a state, the DTP software and the interpreter software are made operable so that the layout means 11 and the instruction processing section 13 can be operated.
The computer 4 that realizes (1) reads the recreated script file in response to the operator's instruction supplied from the instruction input device 7, thereby executing a series of scripts in the script file. As a result, the process proceeds to step SE1 in FIG. Note that in FIGS. 6 and 7, a script for executing the process shown in each step is described near each step. In each step, the main body that executes the processing represented by the script is the instruction processing unit 13 and the layout unit 11.

First, in step SE1, the script "readPic (pic1)" for reading the image data is executed, and the image data file with the path name "pic1" is read from the storage device 6 '. Next, in step SE2, a script "putPic (pic1, top, left, bottom, right, script for creating an image display frame and allocating image data.
picBox1) "is executed. As a result, an image display frame" picBox1 "is created, and the image data" pic1 "read in step SE1 is scaled so that it fits within the frame. Therefore, the display device 5 displays the display frame “picBox1” and the image represented by the image data “pic1”.

Next, in step SE3, the script "readText (text)" for reading the character data is executed, and the character data file having the path name "text" is read from the storage device 6 '. Next, in step SE4, the script "putText (text, tBoxName, picBox1)" for creating the image display frame and allocating the image data is executed. As a result, a character display frame "tBoxName" is created below the image display frame "picBox1", and the character data "text" read in step SE3 is poured into this display frame. At this time, each character is cast with a preset attribute (typeface, size, etc.).

Next, in step SE5, a script "overflow (tBoxName)" for determining whether or not the character data overflows the display frame "tBoxName" is executed. This script is a function script, and its return value (parameter) is "true" if the character data overflows the display frame, and "false" if the character data is within the display frame. Next, the control script is executed, and the position where the script is read is changed according to the parameter obtained by executing the function script. Specifically, if the parameter is “false”, the process proceeds to step SE.
If it is "true", the process proceeds to step SE8. Here, since some character strings are added to the character data, the character data overflows the display frame. Therefore, the determination result in this step is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step SE8 (see FIG. 7).

In step SE8, first, a function script "cmpLmt (text" for determining whether or not the size of each character of the character string "text" representing the price is less than or equal to a preset lower limit value "lmt" , lmt) ”is executed. In this example,
"Lmt" is 24 points. Next, the control script is executed, and the position where the script is read is changed according to the parameter obtained by executing the function script. Specifically, if the parameter is "true", the determination result in this step is "YES", and the process proceeds to step SE10. On the contrary, if the parameter is “false”, the determination result in this step is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step SE9.

At step SE9, the character "te" indicating the price is displayed.
The instruction script "smallText (text)" that reduces the number of points for each character of "xt" by one step is executed. This expands the area where characters (text) other than the price character can be poured. . And the processing is step SE
Return to 4. On the other hand, the determination result in step SE8 is "YE
S ”, and if the number of points of each character of the character string representing the price cannot be made small, it is determined in step SE11 whether the number of points of the character of the text can be changed.

Specifically, a function script "cmpLmt (text, lm) for determining whether or not the number of points of each character of the text" text "is less than or equal to a preset lower limit" lmt "
t) ”is executed. Next, the control script is executed and
The position where the script is read is changed according to the parameter obtained by executing the above function script. That is, if the parameter is "true", the determination result in this step is "YES", and the process proceeds to step SE12. On the contrary, if the parameter is “false”, the determination result in this step is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step SE.
Proceed to 11.

In step SE11, the number of points of each character of the text is reduced by one step, as with each character of the price in step SE9. This reduces the area required to pour the text. Then, the process returns to step SE4. On the other hand, when the result of the determination in step SE10 is "YES" and the number of points of each character in the text cannot be reduced, it is determined in step SE12 whether or not the size of the image display frame can be changed. It

Specifically, the function script "cmpLmt (pic1, lmt)" for determining whether or not the size of the image data "pic1" is less than or equal to the preset lower limit "lmt" is executed. To be done. Next, the control script is executed, and depending on the parameters obtained by executing the above function script,
The position to read the script is changed. That is, if the parameter is "true", the determination result in this step is "YES", and the process proceeds to step SE14.
On the contrary, if the parameter is “false”, the determination result in this step is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step SE13.

At step SE13, the image data "pic
1 ”and the size of the image display frame are reduced by a predetermined pitch, respectively. Instruction script“ smallPic (pic1, picB
ox1) ”is executed. As a result, the area into which the character data can be poured is expanded. Then, the process returns to step SE4. On the other hand, the result of the determination in step SE12 is“ YES ”, and the character and image When the size cannot be reduced, each lower limit value is changed in step SE14. The changing process of each lower limit value is performed by the instruction script "changeLmt ()". Then, the process returns to step SE8.

As described above, steps SE4 and S4 are performed until the character data added with the character string does not overflow the display frame.
The processing of E5 and SE8 to SE14 is repeated. Then, when the character data is contained in the display frame and the determination result in step SE5 of FIG. 6 is "NO", the process proceeds to step SE6.

In step SE6, the above-mentioned rule 1,
A decision based on 2 is made. That is, it is determined whether or not one delimited word (the word here is not a grammatical word, but a character string delimited by punctuation) is displayed in one line. This determination processing is performed by executing the control script based on the parameters obtained by executing the function script "oneLine (text)".
Specifically, if each word is displayed in one line, the determination result in this step is "YES", and the process ends. If the word is displayed over a plurality of lines, the determination result in this step is "NO", and the process proceeds to step SE7.

In step SE7, the instruction script "putCR (text)" for adding a line feed code is executed so that the first character of the word is at the beginning of the line. This causes the word to be displayed in one line. Then, the process returns to step SE4. By such processing, the page layout shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. Comparing this figure and FIG. 8, each character of the image of the automobile in FIG. 9 and the character string representing the price is smaller than that in FIG. Also, each word is displayed in one line without a line break in the middle. When an error occurs during the execution of a series of scripts, the error occurrence position in the script file and the error content are stored in the error file in the storage device 6 '.

As described above, when the character data or the image data overflows the display frame, the size of the character or the image is automatically corrected based on the preset rule. That is, the process of step SB3 in FIG. 3 is batch-processed, and the layout process which is conventionally performed by the operator is automatically performed. Further, since the coordinate values and the like of the display frame are described in advance in the script file based on the result of the desk layout, the display frame can be arranged accurately. Furthermore, since the language specification of the script is suitable for the layout process as described above, the script file can be created relatively easily. Since the instruction processing unit 13 is an interpreter, a new script can be created during script execution. Therefore, when the character data overflows from one display frame, a new display frame is created based on a preset rule, and the overflowed character data is automatically poured into the display frame. be able to.

Furthermore, by providing an error file so that the operation is not interrupted even if an error occurs, it is easy to find the error location in the entire script file. This method tends to make it difficult to find the error location when the number of errors increases,
In the present embodiment, it is premised that the layout processing is batch-processed. Therefore, rather than stopping the operation of the apparatus each time an error occurs, it is practical to see the error list after the layout processing is completed. It is.

Further, the DTP software that realizes the layout means 11 by being executed by the computer 4 is a socket (software cut-off) for incorporating an interpreter that executes a script as one function.
A commercially available product may be used as long as it is equipped with. Therefore, the apparatus can be easily configured, and the function of performing the complicated layout processing and the high-precision layout processing by the script as described above can be added as one function of the DTP software with which the operator is familiar.

In the above-described embodiment, some of the function scripts have been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and information on characters overflowing from the display frame (number of characters, position from the beginning,
To obtain information such as coordinates), image information that extends beyond the display frame (judgment mask area determination, etc.), current character attributes (typeface, number of points, style, etc.), current image size, magnification, cutout mask, etc. It may be created as necessary. The same applies to the instruction script and the control script. Further, the language specification of the script can be set arbitrarily, and is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Further, although it is impossible to generate and execute a new script during script execution, it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the instruction processing unit 13 for converting the script into command information is a compiler.

[0064]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The instruction processing unit reads a series of scripts described so as to create a page layout satisfying a preset rule from the instruction storage unit, and executes the series of scripts to layout layout commands and layout functions. Supply to the means. The layout means performs layout processing according to the layout command on layout data representing images or characters, and a display frame for arranging the layout data on a page to create a page layout. Returns the parameters required by the layout function. Further, the instruction processing unit, based on a parameter returned from the layout means in correspondence with the layout function, an execution order of an instruction script corresponding to the layout instruction and a function script corresponding to the layout function, and the instruction script. And executing a control script that sets the arguments of the function script based on the parameters returned from the layout means. In this way, since the processing is performed based on the parameters, accurate page layout processing can be automatically performed by describing sufficient information in the series of scripts (claim 1).

Further, the instruction processing unit sequentially executes the series of scripts, and if the control script to be executed is the proliferation script, a new script corresponding to the proliferation script is generated to generate the series of scripts. Add. Therefore, for example, when the layout data overflows from the display frame, a new display frame is provided, and the layout data is divided and allocated to the original display frame and the new display frame. It is possible to automatically perform a process that cannot be realized only by changing the order (claim 2).

Further, the command processing unit executes a script for checking whether or not the layout data overflows the corresponding display frame, and based on the execution result, the layout data overflows the corresponding display frame. It works so as not to. Therefore, it is possible to automatically perform the determination process which is conventionally performed by a person so that the layout target data does not overflow from the display frame (claim 3). Further, the instruction processing unit does not interrupt the execution of the series of scripts due to an error. Therefore, complete unmanned operation can be performed (Claim 4).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an automatic page-up device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the automatic page-up device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a process diagram for explaining an outline of a process for creating a page layout using the automatic page-up device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a process diagram for explaining a process performed when the layout target data is character data in the process of step SB3 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a process diagram for explaining a process performed when the layout target data is image data in the process of step SB3 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a process diagram for specifically explaining a process for creating the page layout shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a process diagram for specifically explaining a process for creating the page layout shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a page layout.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a conventional system for creating a page layout.

FIG. 11 is a processing diagram for explaining a flow of page-up processing by a conventional system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 layout means 12 instruction storage section 13 instruction processing section 14 display means 15 instruction input means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Reference number within the agency FI Technical display location 9365-5H G06F 15/62 325 K (72) Inventor Jun Motohashi 1-5, Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo No. 1 Inside Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ken Shimozaki 1-5-1 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo Inside Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (72) In-house Takato Imai 1-5-1 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo No. Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiaki Mori 1-5-1 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (72) Daisuke Sashie 1-5-1 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo Toppan Imprint Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A layout process is performed in accordance with a layout command on layout data representing images or characters, and a display frame for arranging the layout data on a page to create a page layout.
Layout means for returning parameters required for the layout function, an instruction script corresponding to the layout instruction, a function script corresponding to the layout function, the instruction script and the execution order of the function script, and the instruction script and the An instruction storage unit that stores a series of scripts consisting of a control script that sets the arguments of the function script based on the parameters returned from the layout means, and reads the series of scripts from the instruction storage unit,
An instruction to supply the layout instruction and the layout function to the layout means by executing the series of scripts, and to execute the control script based on a parameter returned from the layout means corresponding to the layout function. And a series of scripts stored in the command storage unit,
An automatic page-up device characterized in that a page layout is described so as to satisfy a preset rule. 2. The control script includes a multiplication script for generating a new script based on a parameter returned from the layout means and adding the new script to the series of scripts, and the command processing unit includes the series of scripts. The automatic execution according to claim 1, wherein the scripts are sequentially executed, and if the control script to be executed is the multiplication script, a new script corresponding to the multiplication script is generated and added to the series of scripts. Page up device. 3. The function script includes a script for checking whether or not the layout data overflows a corresponding display frame, and the series of scripts includes a display frame corresponding to the layout data. 3. The automatic page-up device according to claim 1, wherein the layout target data is described so as not to overflow from the corresponding display frame by using a script for checking whether or not it overflows. 4. The instruction processing unit stores error information generated by executing a script in the instruction storage unit so that execution of the series of scripts is not interrupted by an error. The automatic page-up device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.