JP2003122737A - Digital contents creation system, digital contents creation program and digital contents creating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital contents creation system suitable for preventing a damage of layout intended by a designer. SOLUTION: In a layout definition file, an allowable range of values regarding parameters for influencing stored information quantity of a character information storage frame and the parameters regarding font size or the number of lines can be set. A contents distribution terminal 100 is constituted so as to adjust the stored information quantity of the character information storage frame by changing the values of the parameters regarding the font size or the number of lines within the allowable changing range.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system, a program, and a method for creating digital contents for output, and more particularly to a digital contents creating system and a digital contents creating system suitable for preventing a layout intended by a designer from being impaired. The present invention relates to a digital content creation program and a digital content creation method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a digital content distribution system for providing digital content such as news to users. In the digital content distribution system, a content registration database (hereinafter, the database is simply abbreviated as DB). ), Read some digital contents, edit the read digital contents, and deliver the provided digital contents completed by the editing to the user. In the editing process of digital contents, the layout of the digital contents is performed so that the contents are easy for the user to see. For example, a general method is to arrange a plurality of information storage frames for storing publication information (information such as images and documents) that make up digital content in a layout area and store the publication information in those information storage frames. Is.

However, in such a layout process, there is a case where the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame and overflows depending on the information amount of the posting information. As a technique for preventing this overflow, for example, the document editing method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-240968 (hereinafter referred to as the first conventional example) and the document processing disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-070068. A device (hereinafter, referred to as a second conventional example), an automatic character spacing document processing device (hereinafter, referred to as Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-188557)
This is called the third conventional example. ), And a document processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-096157 (hereinafter referred to as a fourth conventional example).

In the first conventional example, a determination unit for determining the fit of an input document in an information storage frame set to an arbitrary size, and a line spacing, a character pitch, or a character spacing according to the determination result of the determination unit. At least one of the font sizes is changed, and the number of lines in the information storage frame, the number of characters per line, or both are changed. The editing unit edits the input document into the information storage frame. It is supposed to fit.

The second conventional example has a layout structure,
In a document processing apparatus that creates and processes a mixed mode communication document in which character information and image information are laid out based on layout information, a display unit that displays an information storage frame, an area of the information storage frame, and an input to accommodate the area And a changing unit for automatically changing the area of the information storage frame so that the content can be accommodated in the area. As another configuration, the display unit is compared with the area of the information storage frame and the content area of characters, images, etc. input to be stored therein, and the content is stored in the area of the information storage frame. In order to be able to do so, it has been proposed that it is configured with a shaping section that automatically changes the character spacing, line spacing, and enlarges or reduces the image.

In the third conventional example, an input section for inputting document data including a special line feed code, a storage section for storing format information at the time of outputting document data, and a case where a special line feed code is input by the input section Is a determination unit that refers to the format information and determines whether the document data input between the special line feed code and the special line feed code before that or the normal line feed code is within a predetermined number of lines. When the determination unit determines that the number of characters does not fit within the predetermined number of lines, the calculation unit that calculates the inter-character pitch that can fit within the predetermined number of lines and the character information related to the corresponding line of the format information in the storage unit. The changing unit changes the pitch to the inter-character pitch calculated by the calculating unit.

In the fourth conventional example, when the number of characters exceeds the number of characters that can be input in the area, the line spacing is automatically
The number of characters that can be input in the area is increased by changing the font size and the graphic area size.

[0008]

In the editing process of digital contents, the layout may be mechanically performed, which may significantly impair the visibility and appearance. For example, a designer may design some layout templates in advance. Then, a measure is taken such as editing the digital content so that the designer has the intended layout based on the layout template. In this case, it is desired that the digital content can be edited so that the layout is generally intended by the designer regardless of the content, the amount of information, and the logical structure of the information to be published.

However, in any of the latter configurations of the first, third or fourth conventional examples or the second conventional example, if the information to be stored cannot be stored in the information storage frame, Since the configuration is such that the posting information is stored in the information storage frame by automatically changing the format such as the font size and the number of lines without changing the shape or placement position of the storage frame.
Regarding the shape and placement position of the information storage frame, it can be expected that the layout will be intended by the designer to some extent.
Regarding the format such as the font size and the number of lines, the format may be changed depending on the information amount of the posted information, which may impair the layout intended by the designer.

Also, in the former configuration of the fourth conventional example or the second conventional example, if the information to be stored cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the font size of the information storage frame and Since the information stored in the information storage frame is stored by automatically changing the shape and the layout position without changing the format such as the number of lines, the format such as the font size and the number of lines can be adjusted to some extent. The layout can be expected to be designed by the designer, but the shape and layout position of the information storage frame may change depending on the amount of information in the posted information, which may impair the layout intended by the designer. There was a nature.

Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to such unsolved problems of the conventional technique, and is suitable for preventing the layout intended by the designer from being impaired. An object is to provide a creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a digital content creating system according to a first aspect of the present invention determines an output layout of a selected digital content and creates an output digital content. A content creating means for creating the output digital content by storing the posting information constituting the digital content in an information storage frame arranged in a layout area, A parameter change allowable range can be set for a parameter that may affect the amount of information stored in the information storage frame, and the content creation means can specify the change allowable range of the parameters. Store the information by changing the parameter value within the change allowable range And adjusts the stored information volume.

With such a configuration, when the digital content is selected, the publication information that constitutes the selected digital content is
It is stored in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in the layout area, and thereby digital contents for output are created. In the layout process, the value of the specific parameter is changed within the change allowable range by the content creating means to adjust the stored information amount of the information storage frame.

Here, the parameter is a parameter that may affect the amount of information stored in the information storage frame, and includes, for example, the font size of the information storage frame, the number of lines, and per line. The parameters include the number of characters, the pitch between lines or the pitch between characters, or the parameter regarding the size, shape or arrangement position of the information storage frame. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

The parameter has a property of independently affecting the amount of stored information in the information storage frame, and the value of another parameter that does not independently affect the amount of stored information in the information storage frame. Including those that have the effect of being combined with. Hereinafter, a digital content creation system according to claim 2, a digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and claim 2.
The same applies to the digital content creation methods described in 0 and 21.

Further, when the change allowable range is set for a plurality of parameters, the change allowable range may be set for each of the plurality of parameters, or the plurality of parameters may be shared with some or all of the parameters. An allowable range may be set. In the latter case, for example, when it is desired to limit the number of lines in the information storage frame and the number of characters per line to 30 or more and 40 or less, a parameter related to the setting of the number of lines and a parameter related to the setting of the number of characters per line. For, it is possible to set one change allowable range in the range of 30 or more and 40 or less. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

As for the allowable change range, the upper limit value and the lower limit value can be set, or only the upper limit value or the lower limit value can be set. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

The amount of information stored in the information storage frame is adjusted so that the information stored in the information storage frame can be stored as much as possible when the information stored in the information storage frame cannot be stored. In addition to adjusting the amount of information stored in the information storage frame, conversely, because the amount of information in the publication information is small, it is possible to store the publication information in the information storage frame, but when there is a margin in the information storage frame. , And adjusting the amount of information stored in the information storage frame so that the margin is as small as possible. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

The information storage frame may be arranged in the layout area dynamically, for example, when the digital contents are laid out. Alternatively, a layout defining a state in which a plurality of information storage frames are arranged in the layout area is defined. The definition information may be prepared in advance and may be performed based on the layout definition information. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

Further, the posted information includes character information, image information and other information. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21. The present system may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of terminals are communicatively connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any of the plurality of terminals as long as they are communicably connected. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2.

Further, the output layout means, for example, when the output digital content is created for the purpose of displaying on the screen, the output layout is the output digital content for the purpose of printing on the paper surface. When created, it means the print layout. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to claim 2, the digital content creation program according to claims 18 and 19, and the digital content creation method according to claims 20 and 21.

Further, the digital content creation system according to claim 2 of the present invention comprises a content storage means for storing digital content, and a content selection means for selecting the digital content from the content storage means. Content producing means for deciding an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selecting means and producing digital content for output, the content producing means arranging publication information constituting the digital content in a layout area. A system for creating the digital content for output by storing it in a stored information storage frame, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of stored information in the information storage frame is set. Is possible The content production means is adapted to adjust the storage information amount of the information storage frames with modification within the change tolerance values for specific parameters the change allowable range is set among the parameters.

With such a configuration, the content selecting means selects the digital content from the content storing means, and the content creating means outputs the publication information constituting the selected digital content.
It is stored in a plurality of information storage frames arranged in the layout area, and thereby digital contents for output are created.

In the layout process, the value of the specific parameter is changed by the content creating means within the change allowable range, and the amount of information stored in the information storage frame is adjusted. Here, the content storage means stores digital content by any means and at any time,
The digital content may be stored in advance, or the digital content may be stored by an external input or the like when the present system operates without storing the digital content in advance. The same applies to the digital content creation program described in claim 19 and the digital content creation method described in claim 21.

Further, in the digital content creating system according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the digital content creating system according to claim 2, the change allowable range can be set for each of the plurality of parameters, and the content creating The means is capable of placing the posted information in the information storage frame, with a limit of the stored information amount when the stored information amount of the information storage frame is the maximum among all allowable changes of the parameter changes. In order to store the data as much as possible, the parameter having a lower importance of holding the value among the plurality of specific parameters is preferentially changed in its change allowable range.

With such a configuration, the content creation means limits the stored information amount when the stored information amount of the information storage frame is the maximum among all the allowed changes among the parameter changes. In order to store the posted information in the information storage frame as much as possible, the value of the parameter having the lower importance among the plurality of specific parameters is preferentially changed within the change allowable range.

Here, all the allowable changes among the parameter changes are all the changes that can be made within the change allowable range for the specific parameter, and other restrictions for the parameters other than the specific parameter. Without it, it means all changes that can be made within the entire range, and if there are other constraints, all changes that can be made within the range. Another constraint is that one information storage frame and another information storage frame are not arranged in an overlapping area, or even if they are arranged in an overlapping area, the overlapping portion is as small as possible. An example is to limit the range of change of the size, shape or arrangement position.

Therefore, the stored information amount when the stored information amount in the information storage frame is the maximum among all the allowed changes among the parameter changes, is as described above.
When all possible changes are made for a specific parameter and other parameters, the amount of information stored in the information storage frame will change with each change. Is the amount of stored information when the amount of stored information is maximum.

Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 4 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to claim 3, wherein the publication information is character information, and is one of the plurality of specific parameters. One of them is to include a font parameter relating to the setting of the font size of the information storage frame, and a lower limit value is set as an allowable change range of the font parameter.

With such a configuration, with respect to the font size, the value of the font parameter is changed within a predetermined lower limit so that the content creating means can store the character information in the information storage frame as much as possible. It Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 5 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to claim 4, wherein one of the plurality of specific parameters is the number of rows of the information storage frame or 1 A character spacing parameter relating to the setting of the number of characters per line is included, and an upper limit value is set as a permissible range for changing the character spacing parameter.

With such a configuration, the number of lines or the number of characters per line is determined by the content creating means.
In order to store character information as much as possible in the information storage frame,
The value of the character spacing parameter is changed up to a predetermined upper limit. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 6 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to claim 3, wherein the posted information is character information, and one of the plurality of specific parameters is A character spacing parameter relating to the setting of the number of lines in the information storage frame or the number of characters per line is set, and an upper limit value is set as an allowable change range of the character spacing parameter.

With such a structure, the number of lines or the number of characters per line is determined by the content creating means.
In order to store character information as much as possible in the information storage frame,
The value of the character spacing parameter is changed up to a predetermined upper limit. Further, in the digital content creation system according to claim 7 of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to claim 5, the font parameter is designated as a parameter having a lower importance than the character spacing parameter. .

With such a configuration, the content creating means changes the font parameter value preferentially over the character interval parameter value so that the character information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible. It Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 8 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to claim 7, wherein the content creation means changes any of the font parameters within a change allowable range. When the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the value of the character spacing parameter is increased by a predetermined value to change the value of the font parameter.

With such a configuration, if the content creation means cannot store the posted information in the information storage frame by any change that can be made within the allowable change range of the font parameter, the value of the character interval parameter is increased by a predetermined value. Then, the value of the font parameter is changed. Further, in the digital content creation system according to claim 9 of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to claim 5, the character spacing parameter is designated as a parameter having lower importance than the font parameter. .

With such a configuration, the value of the character spacing parameter is preferentially changed over the value of the font parameter by the content creating means so that the character information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible. It Further, the digital content creating system according to claim 10 of the present invention is the digital content creating system according to claim 9, wherein the content creating means changes any of the character spacing parameters within a change allowable range. Also, when the publication information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the value of the font parameter is lowered by a predetermined value and the value of the character spacing parameter is changed.

With such a configuration, if the content creation means cannot store the posted information in the information storage frame due to any possible change in the character spacing parameter within the allowable change range, the value of the font parameter is lowered by a predetermined value. Then, the value of the character spacing parameter is changed. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 11 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to claim 5, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the user information is the The content creating means includes importance degree specifying information for specifying one of the font parameter and the character spacing parameter as the low importance degree parameter, and the content creating means is based on the importance degree specifying information included in the user information of the user information storage means. Thus, the value of either the font parameter or the character spacing parameter is preferentially changed.

With such a configuration, if a font parameter is designated in the importance degree designation information as a parameter having a low degree of importance, the content degree creating means causes the content creating means to include the importance degree designating information included in the user information in the user information storage means. Based on the above, the value of the font parameter is preferentially changed over the value of the character spacing parameter so that the character information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible. Further, if a character spacing parameter is designated in the importance degree designation information as a parameter having a low degree of importance, the content creation means stores the information in the information storage frame based on the importance degree designation information included in the user information of the user information storage means. The value of the character spacing parameter is preferentially changed over the value of the font parameter so that the character information can be stored as much as possible.

Here, the user information storage means stores the user information by any means and at any time, and may store the user information in advance, or may store the user information in advance. Alternatively, the user information may be stored by an input from the outside when the system is operated. Hereinafter, claims 12 to 1
The same applies to the digital content creation system described in No. 5.

[0039] Further, a digital content creating system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the digital content creating system according to the fifth aspect, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information regarding a user. Includes range designating information for designating a lower limit value of the font parameter as the change allowable range, and the content creating unit, based on the range designating information contained in the user information of the user information storing unit,
The value of the font parameter is changed.

With such a configuration, when the lower limit value of the font parameter is designated in the range designation information, the font size is determined by the content creation means by the range designation information included in the user information in the user information storage means. Based on the above, the value of the font parameter is changed within a predetermined lower limit so that the character information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible.

Furthermore, a digital content creation system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to the fifth aspect, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information regarding the user, wherein the user information is stored. Includes range designation information for designating an upper limit value of the character spacing parameter as the change allowable range, and the content creation unit, based on the range designation information included in the user information of the user information storage unit,
The value of the character spacing parameter is changed.

With such a configuration, if the upper limit value of the character spacing parameter is specified in the range designation information, the content creation unit determines the number of lines or the number of characters per line by the user of the user information storage unit. Based on the range designation information included in the information, the value of the character spacing parameter is changed within a predetermined upper limit so that the character information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible.

Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 14 of the present invention is defined by claim 2 through claim 10.
In the digital content creation system according to any one of the items, a user information storage unit for storing user information about a user is provided, and the content selection unit is based on the user information in the user information storage unit.
The digital content is selected from the content storage means.

With such a configuration, the content selection means selects the digital content from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, the user information includes, for example, the user's age, sex, interests and preferences, address, name, or usage environment related to the user terminal. The same applies to the digital content creation system according to claims 15 to 17 below.

Further, the digital contents creating system according to claim 15 of the present invention is defined by claims 2 to 10.
In the digital content creation system according to any one of the items 1 to 5, a user information storage unit for storing user information about a user is provided, and the content creation unit is based on the user information in the user information storage unit.
The output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined.

With such a configuration, the content creation means determines the output layout of the selected digital content based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, as the output layout is determined based on the user information, when the user information includes an age, if the user is a relatively old person, a layout with a relatively large font size may be adopted. . Further, when the user information includes a gender, if the gender is female, it may be possible to adopt a layout of a circular character font. Further, when the user information includes interests and preferences, it is possible to adopt a layout like a magazine for children, sports newspapers, or technical documents, depending on the interests and preferences. If the user information includes an address,
It is conceivable to adopt a layout with a landscape image specialized for the land where the address is located as a background. Further, when the user information includes a name, it is conceivable to adopt a layout having the name as a title. Further, when the user information includes a usage environment related to the user terminal, it is conceivable to adopt a layout in which an image having a large data capacity is not used as much as possible when the RAM capacity of the user terminal is small. The same applies to the digital content creation system described in claim 17 below.

Further, the digital content creation system according to claim 16 of the present invention is defined by claim 11 through claim 1.
In the digital content creation system according to any one of 3), the content selection means selects the digital content from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means.

With such a configuration, the content selection means selects the digital content from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means. Furthermore, the digital content creation system according to claim 17 of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the content creation means is based on user information in the user information storage means. Then, the output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined.

With such a configuration, the content creation means determines the output layout of the selected digital content based on the user information in the user information storage means. On the other hand, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a digital content creation program according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention provides a processing implemented as the content creation means to the digital content creation system according to the first claim, which is a computer system. A program to be executed, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of information stored in the information storage frame can be set, and the content creation means is The value of the specific parameter for which the change allowable range is set is changed within the change allowable range to adjust the amount of information stored in the information storage frame.

With such a configuration, the program is read by the digital content creation system,
When the digital content creation system executes the processing according to the read program, the same operation as the digital content creation system according to the first aspect can be obtained. Further, a digital content creation program according to claim 19 of the present invention is a program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 2 comprising a computer system to execute a process realized as the content creation means. , The change allowable range of the value of the parameter that may affect the stored information amount of the information storage frame can be set, and the content creation unit sets the change allowable range of the parameters. The value of the specific parameter is changed within the change allowable range to adjust the amount of stored information in the information storage frame.

With such a configuration, the program is read by the digital content creation system,
When the digital content creating system executes the process according to the read program, the same operation as the digital content creating system according to the second aspect can be obtained. On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the digital content creating method according to claim 20 of the present invention includes a content creating step of determining an output layout of the selected digital content and creating the output digital content, The content creating step is a method of creating the output digital content by storing the posting information constituting the digital content in an information storage frame arranged in a layout area, and storing information in the information storage frame. It is possible to set a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount, and the content creating step allows the change of the value of a specific parameter in which the change allowable range is set. Change the stored information amount of the information storage frame by changing within the range To integer.

Further, in the digital content creating method according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a content selecting step of selecting the digital content from the content storing means and an output layout of the digital content selected in the content selecting step are provided. A content creation step of determining and creating output digital content, wherein the content creation step stores the posting information constituting the digital content in an information storage frame arranged in a layout area to output the publication information. A method of creating digital content, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of stored information in the information storage frame can be set, and the content creating step includes home The value of a specific parameter whose serial change allowable range is set by changing within the change allowable range for adjusting the stored information of the information storage frames.

[0053]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 21 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method according to the present invention.

The present embodiment provides a digital content creation system, a digital content creation program, and a digital content creation method according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the content distribution terminal 100, digital content such as news is sent to the user terminal 2
This is applied to the case of delivery to 00. First, the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

[0055] Internet 199, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n to provide a digital content, and collecting and storage of digital contents provided from the contents providing terminal S ₁ to S _n And a content distribution terminal 100 for distributing content,
A user terminal 200 used by the user is connected. Although only one user terminal 200 is shown in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, a plurality of user terminals are actually connected to the Internet 199.

The content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _n are CPUs,
It is configured to have the same function as a general computer in which ROM, RAM, I / F, etc. are connected by a bus. When digital content is created, the category number for identifying the category of digital content In addition to digital contents, the contents distribution terminal 100
It is designed to be sent to. The category No. will be described in detail later.

The user terminal 200 has a CPU, a ROM, and an R.
It is configured to have the same functions as a general computer in which AM and I / F are connected to the bus, and WWW (World Wi
de Web) browser, and the WWW browser is used to access the content distribution terminal 100.
Next, the functional outline of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution terminal 100 inputs an XML parser 11 that analyzes a content data file 10 in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format and a content data file 10 that is analyzed by the XML parser 11. A data file input unit 12, an XML parser 14 that analyzes the layout definition file 13 in XML format, a layout definition file input unit 15 that inputs the layout definition file 13 analyzed by the XML parser 14, and input by the input units 12 and 15. A layouting unit 16 that performs layout based on the created content data file 10 and the layout definition file 13, and an XML parser 18 that analyzes the drawing specification file 17 in the XML format from the layouting unit 16.
And the drawing specification file 17 analyzed by the XML parser 18.
PDF (Portable Doc) by drawing based on
and a rasterization unit 19 that creates a file 20 in the Ument Format format. The present embodiment is characterized by the layouting part 16 among these components.

Next, the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution terminal 100 is a CP that controls arithmetic operations and the entire system based on a control program.
U30, a ROM 32 in which a control program of the CPU 30 is stored in a predetermined area in advance, a RAM 34 for storing data read from the ROM 32 and a calculation result necessary in the calculation process of the CPU 30, and data for an external device. I / F38 that mediates input / output of
These are the bus 3 which is a signal line for transferring data.
9 are connected to each other and can exchange data.

The I / F 38 includes, as external devices, a user information registration DB 40 for registering user information, a content registration DB 42 for collecting and storing digital contents provided from the content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _n, and the Internet 199. The signal line for connection is connected. Next, the data structure of the user information registration DB 40 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user information registration DB 40 stores a user profile table 300 for registering user information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of the user profile table 300. The user profile table 300, as shown in FIG.
One or more records can be registered for each user. Each record has a field 302 for registering a user ID for identifying a user, a field 304 for registering a distribution destination address of digital contents,
A field 306 for registering a category number, a field 308 for registering a keyword, a field 310 for registering a distribution date, and a field 31 for registering a distribution time.
2 and a field 314 for registering the layout number,
And a field 316 for registering the maximum number of pages.

In the field 308, when a digital content including a keyword designated by the user is selected as a distribution target, that keyword is registered. As the keyword, for example, a keyword that is likely to appear frequently in articles of a category in which the user is interested is given. In the example of FIG. 4, “processor” is registered in the first row of the field 308, and “OS (Operating System)” is registered in the second row of the field 308.

In the field 310, the delivery date on which the user wishes to deliver the digital content is registered. As the distribution date, for example, specify "every day" if you want to distribute digital contents every day, specify "weekday" if you want to distribute only on weekdays, or "weekend" if you want to distribute only on weekends. Is specified. In the example of FIG. 4, “every day” is displayed in the first row of the field 310,
"Weekdays" are registered in the second row of each.

In the field 312, the distribution time when the distribution of digital contents is desired on the distribution date designated by the user is registered. As the delivery time, for example, any time when one day is expressed by a 24-hour time from 0:00 to 23:00 is designated. In the example of FIG. 4, 5 o'clock is registered in the first row of the field 312, and 11 o'clock is registered in the second row of the field 312.

The field 314 has a layout number for specifying the output layout of the digital contents.
To register. The layout number is, for example, a layout for specifying the output layout desired by the user.
Specify No. In the example of FIG. 4, layout No. 2 is registered in the first row of the field 314, and layout No. 5 is registered in the second row of the field 314. The layout number will be described in detail later.

In the field 316, the maximum number of pages that is the upper limit when digital content is displayed or printed is registered. As the maximum number of pages, for example,
In addition to specifying the maximum number of pages as the upper limit, it is possible to specify that the upper limit is not set by the notation "u". In the example of FIG. 4, the first row of the field 316 has 2
In the page, “u” is registered in the third row of the field 316.

Further, the user information registration DB 40 has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in, multiple layout definition files form01 to form that define the output layout of digital contents
06, and a layout number correspondence table 330 showing a correspondence relationship between layout definition files form01 to form06 and layout numbers are stored. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of the layout definition file and the layout number correspondence table 330.

Layout definition files form01 to form06
Is, for example, the size and arrangement position of the information storage frame for storing character information and image information. For the character information storage frame, in addition to the size and arrangement position, font size, font type, font color, line The number (or pitch between lines) and the number of characters per line (or pitch between characters) are defined for the image information storage frame, in addition to the size and arrangement position, the number of images, quality and aspect ratio. Etc.

The layout No. correspondence table 330 contains
As shown in FIG. 5B, one record is registered for each layout number. Each record is configured to include a field 332 in which the layout number is registered and a field 334 in which the file name of the layout definition file is registered. In the example of FIG. 5B, "1" is registered as the layout number and "form01" is registered as the layout definition file name in the first record, and the second record is registered in the second record. , Layout No.
"2" as the layout definition file name "fo
rm02 ”is registered respectively.

Next, the layout definition files form01-fo
The data structure of rm06 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the data structure of the layout definition file. In addition, each layout definition file fo
rm01 to form06 have different data structures, but here, layout definition files form01 to form06
I will explain by taking up typical ones from 06.

The layout definition file form01 has a layout area 360 for each page, of which, for example, the layout area 360 of the first page has title information for storing title information as shown in FIG. 6A. A storage frame 362, a character information storage frame 364 for storing character information, an image information storage frame 366 for storing image information, an image information storage frame 368, and a character information storage frame 370 are arranged. It is configured. Then, "World" is attached as an ID to the character information storage frame 364.

Further, for example, in the layout area 360 of the fifth page, as shown in FIG.
The character information storage frame 372 is configured by arranging 72.
Is attached with the same “World” as the ID attached to the character information storage frame 364. This is because the character information storage frame 364 and the character information storage frame 372 are associated with each other by an ID, and when the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame 364 and overflows, the character information is stored in the character information storage frame 364. Flow objects that could not be filled
This means storing in the character information storage frame 372.
Here, the flow object refers to character information and other overflow information that cannot be stored in the character information storage frame on the current page or the previous page. same as below.

In the example of FIG. 6, the character information storage frames are associated with each other by adding IDs, but this is merely an example. For example, when storing a flow object in the layout process, An unused character information storage frame may be used as a character information storage frame for storing the flow object. In addition, the layout definition file form01, for each character information storage frame,
As parameters that affect the amount of information stored in the character information storage frame, it is possible to set parameters related to character format settings and character allocation settings. FIG. 7 is a data list showing a part of the contents of the layout definition file form01 described in XML.

In FIG. 7, a parameter 380 relating to character format setting and a parameter 382 relating to character allocation setting are set. In the example of FIG. 7, the parameter 380 has a font type of “MS Gothic”.
However, "13 points" is set as the initial value of the font size.
However, "10.5 points" is set as the lower limit of the font size. If the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame, the font size will be 13 points. If the text information cannot be stored in the storage frame, set the font size to 1
This means that you may reduce it to 0.5 points. Further, in the parameter 382, “center” is used as the character alignment method, “3 lines” is used as the upper limit value of the number of lines, and “value of the number of lines” is set as the one having the higher importance among the font size and the number of lines. Are set respectively. This is
If the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame,
This means that the number of lines may be increased to three.
However, since the importance of the number of lines is set higher than the font size, when increasing the number of lines, even if the font size is reduced to 10.5 points, it is still stored in the character information storage frame. It's when I can't do it.

In the example of FIG. 7, the importance of the number of lines is set higher than the font size. Of course, the importance of the font size may be set higher than the number of lines. it can. Which is to be given priority can be freely set by the designer based on the layout concept. Further, in the user information registration DB 40, a flow management table 400 for managing flow objects is generated and stored as shown in FIG. 8 when laying out digital contents. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of the flow management table 400.

As shown in FIG. 8, the flow management table 400 registers one record for each flow object. In each record, a field 402 for registering an article number for identifying a flow object and a field 404 for registering the start position (overflow position) of the flow object in the character information.
And a field 408 for registering the page number (page number of the overflow source) to which the text information storage frame in which the flow object has occurred, and the page number to which the text information storage frame in which the end of the flow object is stored (flow object storage page A field 410 for registering a number) and a field 412 for registering a processed flag indicating whether or not the flow object is unprocessed.

According to the flow management table 400, the flow object is processed by the FIFO (First In First Out) method. That is, the record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400 for the flow object having the first overflow count, and the unprocessed flow objects are processed in order from the beginning of the flow management table 400. However, as a result of processing an unprocessed flow object, if it cannot be stored in a new information storage frame and overflows again, that record is exceptionally registered at the beginning of the flow management table 400. To be done. This is to prevent the content of the article from being distributed over a wide number of pages by registering at the head and processing it preferentially.

Next, the data structure of the content registration DB 42 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The content registration DB 42, as shown in FIG. 9, stores the digital contents provided from the contents providing terminal S ₁ to S _n, and the category correspondence table 340 showing the correspondence between the main category and sub-category and category No. Has been done. FIG. 9 shows digital contents and category numbers.
It is a figure which shows the data structure of the correspondence table 340.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the digital contents provided from the content providing terminals S _{1 to} S _{n are} provided with an article number and a category No. Based on No.
Digital contents are classified into categories and registered in the contents registration DB 42. When registering, the category
By referring to the No. correspondence table 340, in addition to the article number and category No., the main category and sub-category are added to the digital contents and registered. Also,
The digital content is configured as one article including title information indicating the title of the article, image information regarding the image of the article, and character information regarding the text of the article.

In the category number correspondence table 340, as shown in FIG. 9B, one record is registered for each main category and sub category. Each record is configured to include a field 342 in which a category number is registered, a field 344 in which a main category is registered, and a field 346 in which a sub category is registered. In the example of FIG. 9B, the record in the first row is
"1102" is registered as the category number, "World News" is registered as the main category, and "America" is registered as the sub category. In the sixth record, "2010" is registered as the category number and the main category is registered. “Sports” is registered as, and “baseball” is registered as a subcategory.

Next, the configuration of the CPU 30 and the processing executed by the CPU 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. The CPU 30 is composed of a micro processing unit MPU or the like, and activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, and according to the program, executes user registration processing and content distribution processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively. It is designed to be executed in divisions.

First, the user registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the user registration process. The user registration process is a process of requesting a user who has accessed to input necessary user information such as a user ID, and registering the input user information in the user profile table 300.
When executed in 30, first, as shown in FIG. 10, the process proceeds to step S100. In addition, hereinafter, all input in each step is performed by interactive communication with the user.

In step S100, the main category and sub-category are input, the process proceeds to step S102, the user ID and password are input, and step S1 is entered.
Move to 04, input the delivery destination address, and step S
The process proceeds to step 106, the delivery date and the delivery time are input, and the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the layout number is input, the process proceeds to step S110, the maximum number of pages is entered, the process proceeds to step S114, and the user information input in steps S100 to S110 is registered in the user profile table 300. The series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

Next, the content distribution process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the content distribution process. The content distribution process is a process of distributing digital contents to the user terminal 200 with reference to the user profile table 300, and when executed in the CPU 30, first, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the process proceeds to step S200. Note that, hereinafter, the processing of each step is processing for one record of the user profile table 300. Actually, the user profile table 3
The processing of each step is executed by the number of records registered in 00.

In step S200, the delivery date and delivery time are read from the user profile table 300,
When the process proceeds to step S202, it is determined whether the digital content should be distributed based on the read distribution date and distribution time, and when it is determined that the digital content should be distributed (Yes), , Step S
Move to 204, but when it is determined that it is not (No)
Moves to step S200.

In step S204, the category number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S206, the digital content in the content registration DB 42 is searched based on the read category number, and the category number is retrieved. The digital contents with the matching category number are searched for, and step S208 is performed.
Move to.

In step S208, the layout number is read from the user profile table 300, the process proceeds to step S210, the layout number correspondence table 330 is referenced, and the layout definition file corresponding to the read layout number is set in the user information. It is read from the registration DB 40, the process proceeds to step S212, and based on the read layout definition file, step S206
An automatic layout process is executed to determine the output layout for the digital content searched for in step S6 and create the digital content for provision, and the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, the delivery destination address is read from the user profile table 300, and the flow advances to step S216 to deliver the created digital content for provision to the read delivery destination address, and the series of processes is completed. Return to the original processing. Next, the automatic layout process of step S212 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the automatic layout process.

The automatic layout process is performed in the above step S2.
When it is executed in 12, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the process proceeds to step S300. In step S300, the first page of the layout area 360 of the layout definition file read in step S210 is set as a processing target, and step S3
02, the position of the fixed line fixedly arranged in the page is determined, the process proceeds to step S304, and the shape and position of the fixed character information fixedly arranged in the page is determined. In step S306, the shape and position of the fixed image information fixedly arranged in the page is determined,
The process moves to step S308.

In step S308, the shape and position of the character information storage frame for storing the flow object is determined,
The process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame is executed, the process proceeds to step S310, and the articles to be arranged in the layout area 360 from the digital contents searched for in step S206 based on a predetermined priority order. Is selected, and the process proceeds to step S312.

In step S312, step S310.
The shape and position of the title information storage frame is determined on the basis of the selected article selected in, and the process of storing the title information included in the selected article in the title information storage frame is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S314, and the selected article is selected. The shape and position of the image information storage frame is determined based on the image information storage frame, the process of storing the image information included in the selected article in the image information storage frame is executed, the process proceeds to step S316, and the text information based on the selected article is executed. A process of determining the shape and position of the storage frame, storing the character information included in the selected article in the character information storage frame, and proceeding to step S318.

In step S318, the layout area 3
When it is determined whether there is an unprocessed information storage frame in 60, and it is determined that there is no unprocessed information storage frame (N
o) shifts to step S320 and proceeds to step S210.
It is determined whether or not the processes of steps S302 to S318 have been completed for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step S3, and if it is determined that the processes have been completed for all the pages (Yes), the process proceeds to step S322. , Executes processing for posting an unprocessed flow object, ends the series of processing, and returns to the original processing.

On the other hand, in step S320, step S2
When it is determined that the processing of steps S302 to S318 has not been completed for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step 10 (No), the process proceeds to step S324, and the layout area of the layout definition file read in step S210. The next page of 360 is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S302.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S318 that there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S310. Next, the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S316 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S316.

The process of storing new character information in the character information storage frame is a process of storing new character information in the character information storage frame. When executed in step S316, as shown in FIG. 13, first, step S400 is performed. It is designed to move to. In step S400, a process of analyzing the sentence structure of the character information included in the selected article is executed. The sentence structure analysis process includes a morpheme analysis process and a line feed candidate position calculation process.

The morphological analysis process divides the character string included in the selected article into morphemes by morphological analysis. For example, if the selected article contains the character string "A traditional hand-held boat races in a fishing port under the summer sky (Itoman Harley)," if you perform morphological analysis on that character string, this character string Uses the symbol “|” as a morpheme delimiter, and uses “Summer Sky | Lower |, | Traditional |
(| Itoman | Harley |) ”. Furthermore, if you exclude the morpheme delimiters that violate the prohibition in line composition when you break the line at that delimitation, you can say "Summer sky | below, | traditional |
The inside of the fishing port will be called "competition row | (Itoman | Harley)". For morphological analysis, a conventional general technique can be adopted.

The line feed candidate position calculation process calculates, as a line feed candidate position, a position where the sentence is unlikely to be read even if a line feed is made, based on the analysis result of the morpheme analysis process.
Specifically, the end of each morpheme divided by the morpheme analysis process is calculated as a line feed candidate position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to set a priority at the line feed candidate position depending on the content of the morpheme. FIG. 14 is a table showing the correspondence between the contents of morphemes and the priorities of the line feed candidate positions.

In the example of FIG. 14, when the morpheme is a punctuation mark, "9" is the highest as the priority of the line feed candidate position.
When the morpheme contains an adjunct word, “8” is the second highest priority of the line break candidate position, and when the morpheme is a noun, the third highest priority of the line break candidate position is “8”. 7 ", if the morpheme is a noun, set the fourth highest priority" 6 "for the line break candidate position, and if the morpheme is in parentheses, the priority of the line break candidate position. Is subtracted by "5". This means that when a morpheme is a punctuation mark, a line feed is most preferentially performed at the end of the morpheme. The reason why the line feed candidate position has a low priority for the morphemes in the parentheses is that the morphemes in the parentheses tend to have strong semantic connections.

Therefore, referring to the table of FIG. 14, when the priority is assigned to the character string after the above prohibition processing,
"Under the summer sky ｜ (8) ｜｜ (9) Traditional ｜｜ (8) Handrails ｜ (6) Ships ｜ (8) Inside the fishing port ｜ (8) Competitive rowing ｜ (6) (Itoman ｜ (1 ) Harley) "
And so on. The parentheses indicate the priority of the line feed candidate position. Next, the process proceeds to step S402, the amount of character information included in the selected article is calculated, and step S402 is performed.
In step 404, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the calculated amount of information, and in step S406, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame. In step S404, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is specifically determined so as not to overlap with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined. For example,
If it overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined, transform the character information storage frame to a movable direction.
By moving it, it will not overlap with other information storage frames. At this time, in order to prevent the layout intended by the designer from being impaired as much as possible, it is preferable to perform transformation or movement so that the degree of transformation or movement of the character information storage frame is minimized. The direction of deformation or movement may be determined dynamically or may be determined in advance.

Then, the process proceeds to step S408, it is determined whether or not the character information included in the selected article has been stored in the character information storage frame, and the character information has been stored in the character information storage frame (no flow). ) Is determined (No), the series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S408 that the character information included in the selected article cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (the flow is Yes), the process proceeds to step S410, and the parameters of the character information storage frame are set. Based on the setting of, it is determined whether the importance of font size is set higher than the number of lines, and when it is determined that the importance of font size is set higher (Yes), The process proceeds to step S412, in which the initial value of the font size is retained as much as possible, and the character information is stored in the character information storage frame by adjusting the amount of information (hereinafter referred to as the font size priority type storage process). .) Is executed, and the process proceeds to step S413.

In step S413, step S41
2, when it is determined whether or not the character information is completely stored in the character information storage frame by the process of S416, and it is determined that the character information is completely stored in the character information storage frame (not the flow) (N
o) ends the series of processing and returns to the original processing,
If it is determined not to be (flow), (Yes),
In step S414, overflow processing is executed for the flow object, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S410 that the importance of the number of lines is set higher than the font size (No), the process proceeds to step S416, and the initial value of the number of lines can be set. As much as possible, the process of storing the character information in the character information storage frame by adjusting the amount of information (hereinafter referred to as the line number priority type storage process) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S413.

Next, the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S308 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the storage processing in the character information storage frame in step S308. The process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame is a process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame. When executed in step S308, as shown in FIG. 15, first, the process proceeds to step S504. Has become.

In step S504, the flow object is read by referring to the corresponding record, and in step S5
In step S05, the same text structure analysis process as in step S400 is executed. In step S506, the information amount of the read flow object is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount, the process proceeds to step S510, the read flow object is stored in the character information storage frame, and step S5
In step S514, the process proceeds to step S12, in which the stored page number of the flow object is set to the current page number and the processed flag is set in the corresponding record.
Move to.

When the flow object is determined to have been stored in the character information storage frame (not the flow) by determining in step S514 whether or not the read flow object has been stored in the character information storage frame (No) is
The series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that the read flow object cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (that is, a flow) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S516 to set the parameter of the character information storage frame. On the basis of the number of lines, it is determined whether the importance of the font size is set higher, and when it is determined that the importance of the font size is set higher (Yes), step S518 Then, the font size priority type storage process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S519.

In step S519, step S51
8, it is determined whether or not the flow object is completely stored in the character information storage frame by the processing of S522, and when it is determined that the flow object is completely stored in the character information storage frame (not a flow) (No), a series of The process is finished and the process is returned to the original process, but when it is determined that it is not (the flow) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S520, the overflow process is executed for the flow object, and a series of processes. Ends and returns to the original processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S516 that the importance of the number of lines is set higher than the font size (No), the process proceeds to step S522 and the line number priority type storage process is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S519.
Next, the flow processing of steps S414 and S520 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow process.

The flow processing is the same as steps S414 and S above.
When executed in 520, as shown in FIG. 16, first, the process proceeds to step S600. In step S600, the start position of the flow object in the character information is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S602.
It is determined whether or not a record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered exists in the flow management table 400, and it is determined that there is no record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered. When (N
In step o604, the process moves to step S604, a record for the flow object is generated, the generated record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400, and a series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. In step S604, specifically, the article number of the flow object is registered in the field 402, the head position calculated in step S600 is registered in the field 404, the current page number is registered in the field 408, and the processed flag is cleared. By doing so, a record for the flow object is generated. This is the same in the process of step S606.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S602 that a record in which the processing flag is cleared and the same article number is registered exists in the flow management table 400 (Y
es) moves to step S606, generates a record for the flow object, executes the same processing as step S514 for the corresponding record, registers the generated record at the beginning of the flow management table 400, and The process of is ended and the original process is restored.

Next, the font size priority type storage processing of steps S412 and S518 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a font size priority type storage process. When the font size priority type storage process is executed in steps S412 and S518, as shown in FIG. 17, first, the process proceeds to step S700.

In step S700, the initial value of the font size and the initial value of the number of lines are acquired from the parameters of the document information storage frame, and the acquired initial values are set as the current font size and the number of lines, respectively, and the process proceeds to step S702. Then, the lower limit value of the font size and the upper limit value of the number of lines are acquired from the parameters of the document information storage frame, and step S704
Move to.

In step S704, it is determined whether or not the current font size is less than the lower limit value. If it is determined that the current font size is greater than or equal to the lower limit value (No), the process proceeds to step S706. If it is determined whether or not the current number of lines exceeds the upper limit value, and it is determined that the current number of lines is less than or equal to the upper limit value (No), the process proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, step S40
0, the process of performing a line feed based on the analysis result of S505 is executed, the process proceeds to step S710, it is determined whether or not the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame, and the character information is stored in the character information storage frame. When it is determined that the processing has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S712, the success of the storage of the character information is returned to the original processing, the series of processing is terminated, and the processing is returned to the original processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S710 that the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S714, the number of lines is increased by 1, and the process proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, in step S706,
When it is determined that the number of lines exceeds the upper limit value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S716, the font size is reduced by one, and the process proceeds to step S718 to set the current number of lines to the initial value. , And proceeds to step S704.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S704 that the font size is less than the lower limit value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S720 to return to the original process that the storage of the character information has failed, and a series of The process is terminated and the original process is restored. Next, the row number priority type storage processing of steps S416 and S522 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the row number priority type storage processing.

The number-of-rows priority type storing process is performed in the above step S4.
When it is executed in S16 and S522, as shown in FIG. 18, first, the process proceeds to step S750. In step S750, the initial value of the font size and the initial value of the number of lines are acquired from the parameters of the document information storage frame, the acquired initial values are set as the current font size and the number of lines, respectively, and the process proceeds to step S752.
The lower limit value of the font size and the upper limit value of the number of lines are acquired from the parameters of the document information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S754.

In step S754, it is determined whether or not the current number of lines exceeds the upper limit value. When it is determined that the current number of lines is less than or equal to the upper limit value (No), the process proceeds to step S756, It is determined whether or not the current font size is less than the lower limit value, and when it is determined that the current font size is not less than the lower limit value (No), the process proceeds to step S758.

In step S758, step S40
0, the process of performing a line feed based on the analysis result of S505 is executed, the process proceeds to step S760, it is determined whether the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame, and the character information is stored in the character information storage frame. When it is determined that it is possible (Yes), the process proceeds to step S762, the fact that the storage of the character information is successful is returned to the original process, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is returned.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S760 that the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S764, the font size is decreased by one, and the process proceeds to step S756. On the other hand, step S
If it is determined in 756 that the font size is less than the lower limit value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S766, the number of lines is increased by 1, and the process proceeds to step S768, where the current font size is set to the initial value. The setting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S754.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S754 that the number of lines exceeds the upper limit value (Yes), step S77.
The process shifts to 0, returns to the original process that the storage of the character information has failed, ends the series of processes, and returns to the original process. Next, the line feed processing in steps S708 and S758 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the line feed processing.

The line feed processing is performed in steps S708 and S7 described above.
When it is executed in 58, as shown in FIG. 19, first, the process proceeds to step S800. In step S800, it is determined whether or not the line widths are aligned so that the character information can be evenly stored in all the lines. When it is determined that the line widths are aligned (Yes), the process proceeds to step S802, and the character information The number of characters per line is calculated by dividing the number of characters by the current number of lines, and step S40
0, of the line feed candidate positions divided in S505, a line feed is performed at a position closest to a position that is an integer multiple of the calculated number of characters, and the character information is stored in the character information storage frame.
Move to 804. In the figure, in step S802, s indicates the number of characters of the character information, and l indicates the current number of lines.

In step S804, it is determined whether or not the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame. When it is determined that the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S806. The success of storing the character information is returned to the original processing, the series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is returned. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S804 that the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (No), the failure of the storage of the character information is returned to the original process, and the series of processes is ended to return to the original process. Return to.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S800 that the line widths are not uniform so that the character information can be evenly stored in all lines (No), a predetermined line feed candidate position among the line feed candidate positions divided in steps S400 and S505 is determined. The number of characters (for example,
A line feed is performed at a position closest to a position that is an integer multiple of the initially set number of characters per line), the character information is stored in the character information storage frame, and the process proceeds to step S804.

Next, the processing of the unprocessed flow object in step S322 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing of an unprocessed flow object. When the processing of the unprocessed flow object is executed in step S322, as shown in FIG. 20, first, the processing moves to step S900.

In step S900, the flow frame management table 400 is searched in order from the beginning to determine whether or not there is a record whose processed flag has been cleared. There is a record whose processed flag has been cleared. If so (Yes), the process proceeds to step S902,
When it is determined that it is not (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is resumed.

In step S902, a layout area 360 of a new page is added, the process proceeds to step S904, and similarly to step S308, the shape and position of the character information storage frame for storing the flow object is determined, and the flow object is determined. Is stored in the character information storage frame, the process proceeds to step S906, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360, and there is an unprocessed information storage frame. Then, when it is determined (Y
es) moves to step S904, but if not (No), moves to step S900.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a layout result. First, a case of registering information necessary for distributing digital contents will be described. When the user wants to distribute the digital content, the user accesses the content distribution terminal 100 with the WWW browser at the user terminal 200 and inputs a user registration request.

In the user terminal 200, when a user registration request is input, the user is requested to input necessary user information by communicating with the content distribution terminal 100. Here, in response to the input request, the user inputs the main category, the sub category, the user ID, the password, the delivery destination address, the delivery date, the delivery time, the layout number, and the maximum number of pages as the user information. Information is content distribution terminal 100
Sent to.

When the content distribution terminal 100 receives the user information in response to the registration request, steps S100-
The received user information is registered in the user profile table 300 via S114. Next, a case where digital content is distributed with reference to the user profile table 300 will be described.

The content distribution terminal 100 refers to the user profile table 300, and when the date and time at which the digital content should be distributed is reached, steps S204, S
After 206, the category No. is read from the user profile table 300, digital contents in the content registration DB 42 are searched based on the read category No., and the category No. matching the category No. is found. The attached digital content is searched. Then
The layout number is read from the user profile table 300 through steps S208 to S212, and the layout definition file corresponding to the read layout number is read from the user information registration DB 40 by referring to the layout number correspondence table 330. Based on the read layout definition file, the output layout is determined for the retrieved digital content, and the digital content for provision is created.

In the layout process, step S300
Through S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on a predetermined priority, step S2
An article to be arranged in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents retrieved in 06. If the selected article includes title information, the title information included in the selected article is stored in the title information storage frame through step S312. Specifically, the information amount of the title information included in the selected article is calculated, the shape and position of the title information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount, and the title information included in the selected article is the title information. It is stored in the storage frame.

If the selected article includes image information, the image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame through step S314. Specifically, the information amount of the image information included in the selected article is calculated, and the shape and position of the image information storage frame is determined based on the calculated information amount so as not to overlap with other information storage frames. The image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame.

If the selected article includes character information, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame through step S316. Specifically, through steps S400 to S406, the information amount of the character information included in the selected article is calculated, and the character information storage frame is based on the calculated information amount so as not to overlap with another information storage frame. Is determined and the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame. At this time,
If it is determined that the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, either the font size priority type storage process or the line number priority type storage process is performed, and the character information storage frame stores the character information as much as possible. The amount of information is adjusted so that it can be done.

The font size priority type storage process is performed when the importance of the font size is set higher than the number of lines in the character information storage frame. When the font size priority type storage process is performed, steps S700 and S
Through 702, the initial value of the font size and the initial value of the number of lines are acquired, the acquired initial values are set as the current font size and the number of lines, respectively, and the lower limit value of the font size and the upper limit value of the number of lines are acquired. To be done.

Then, steps S706, S708, S
After repeating 710 and S714, the storage of the character information is tried until the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame while increasing the number of lines by one with the acquired upper limit as a limit. When the number of lines reaches the upper limit and still cannot be stored, the font size is decreased by one, and the storage of the character information is retried while increasing the number of lines by one from the initial value to the upper limit. This iterative process is performed in step S706.
After repeating S716 and S718, the process is performed until the font size reaches the acquired lower limit value. That is, in the font size priority type storage process, FIG.
As shown in, it tries to store the character information while increasing the number of lines, and reduces the font size only when it cannot be stored, giving priority to keeping the initial value of the font size as much as possible. .

If the font size reaches the lower limit and still cannot be stored, steps S408 and S41 are performed.
4, through S600 to S604, the record for the flow object is registered at the end of the flow management table 400. On the other hand, the line number priority type storage process is performed when the importance of the line number is set higher than the font size in the character information storage frame. When the line number priority type storage process is performed, the initial value of the font size and the initial value of the number of lines are acquired through steps S750 and S752, and the acquired initial values are set as the current font size and the number of lines, respectively. , The lower limit of the font size and the upper limit of the number of lines are acquired.

Then, steps S756, S758, S
After repeating 760 and S764, while decreasing the font size by 1 with the lower limit value obtained as the limit,
Storage of the character information is tried until the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame. If the font size reaches the lower limit and still cannot be stored, the number of lines is increased by 1, and the storage of the character information is retried while reducing the font size by 1 from the initial value to the lower limit. This repetitive processing is performed until the number of rows reaches the acquired upper limit value by repeating steps S756, S766, and S768. That is, in the row number priority type storage processing, FIG.
As shown in, by trying to store the character information while reducing the font size and increasing the number of lines only when it cannot be stored, it is prioritized to keep the initial value of the number of lines as much as possible. .

If the number of rows has reached the upper limit but cannot be stored, steps S408, S414 and S600 are performed.
Through S604, the record for the flow object is registered at the end of the flow management table 400. Then, the storage processing in the title information storage frame, the storage processing in the image information storage frame, and the storage processing in the character information storage frame are repeated until there is no unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360. To be executed. As a result, the article is arranged in the layout area 360 of one page.

Next, when the unprocessed information storage frame does not exist in the layout area 360, the next page of the layout area 360 of the layout definition file read in step S210 through step S324. With respect to the layout area 360 of the page set as the processing target, the storage processing in the character information storage frame for storing the flow object is executed, the storage processing in the title information storage frame, the storage processing in the image information storage frame, and the characters. Similar to the above, the storage processing in the information storage frame is repeatedly executed until there is no unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360.

In the flow object storage processing, if a flow object exists, step S308.
After that, the flow object is stored in the character information storage frame. Specifically, the flow object is read through steps S504 to S510, the information amount of the read flow object is calculated, and based on the calculated information amount, it does not overlap with other information storage frames. Thus, the shape and position of the character information storage frame are determined, and the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame.
At this time, if it is determined that the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, the processing goes through steps S518 and S522,
Either the font size priority type storage process or the line number priority type storage process is performed, and the amount of information is adjusted so that the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame as much as possible. The amount of information is adjusted in the same manner as above.

If the font size reaches the lower limit value in the font size priority type storage process, but the line number reaches the upper limit value in the line number priority type storage process, but still cannot be stored, Steps S519, S520, S60
After 0, S602, and S606, the record for the flow object is registered at the head of the flow management table 400.

On the other hand, the process of storing the flow object in the character information storage frame, the process of storing the title information storage frame, the process of storing the image information storage frame, and the process of storing the flow information in the character information storage frame are repeated. The process is step S
This is executed for all pages of the layout definition file read out at 210. As a result, the article is arranged in the layout area 360 of all pages, and the output layout of the digital content is determined. When the output layout is determined, steps S222 and S22 are performed.
4, the distribution destination address is read from the user profile table 300, and the created providing digital content is distributed to the read distribution destination address.

After processing the layout area 360 for all the pages of the layout definition file read in step S210, if there is an unprocessed flow object, until there are no unprocessed flow objects. , Steps S902 to S906
The layout area 360 of the new page
Is added, a character information storage frame for storing the flow object is arranged in the new layout area 360, the shape and position of the character information storage frame is determined based on the amount of information of the flow object, and the flow object stores the character information. It is stored in the storage frame.

In this way, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 adjusts the amount of information stored in the character information storage frame by changing the value of the parameter relating to the font size or the number of lines within the change allowable range. It is like this. As a result, if the designer sets the change allowable range for the parameter that affects the amount of stored information in the character information storage frame, if the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, Since the value of the parameter is changed within the change allowable range and the amount of stored information in the character information storage frame is adjusted, the layout does not deviate from the designer's intention due to the amount of character information, and It is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is damaged. In particular, the font size and the number of lines can reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the parameter relating to the font size is designated as the parameter having a lower importance than the parameter relating to the number of lines, the content distribution terminal 100 can provide the character information in the character information storage frame. The value of the parameter relating to the font size is preferentially changed within the change allowable range so that it can be stored as much as possible.

With this, the maintenance of the number of lines can be prioritized over the font size, and thus the possibility that the layout intended by the designer with respect to the number of lines can be further reduced can be further reduced. Furthermore, in the present embodiment,
When the parameter relating to the number of lines is designated as a parameter having a lower degree of importance than the parameter relating to the font size, the content distribution terminal 100 sets the parameter relating to the number of lines so that the character information can be stored in the character information storage frame as much as possible. The value of is preferentially changed within the change allowable range.

As a result, the font size can be maintained with priority over the number of lines, so that it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer with respect to the font size will be impaired. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 uses all the layout areas 3 defined by the layout definition file.
If an unprocessed flow object exists when an article is placed in No. 60, a new layout area 360 is added, a text information storage frame is placed in the added new layout area 360, and the placed text information is stored. An unprocessed flow object is stored in the frame.

This makes it possible to reduce the omission of digital contents to be posted. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to repeatedly add a new layout area 360, arrange flow objects, and store flow objects until there are no unprocessed flow objects. .

This makes it possible to further reduce the leakage of digital contents to be posted. further,
In the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 does not overlap the character information storage frame storing the flow object when the character information storage frame storing the flow object and another information storage frame overlap each other. In addition, the shape and position of other information storage frames are determined.

As a result, the flow objects can be arranged with priority over the arrangement of the information stored in other information storage frames. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is designed to search for digital content from the content registration DB 42 based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40.

As a result, since the unique information of the user and the information specified by the user are referred to for the selection of the digital content, it is possible to create the digital content for providing having the content relatively in line with the user's wishes.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100
Is based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40,
The output layout of the digital content is decided to create the digital content for provision.

As a result, since the unique information of the user and the information designated by the user are referred to in determining the output layout, it is possible to create the provided digital content with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's wishes. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 1
00 determines the shapes of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame so that the size is the minimum necessary for storing the title information, the image information, or the character information. .

As a result, the title information, the image information or the character information can be efficiently stored in the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame or the character information storage frame. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is
The shape and position of the information storage frame are determined in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame.

As a result, the layout can be determined in the order in which the layout should be emphasized, so that the provided digital contents can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the character information cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, the content distribution terminal 100 registers the article number and the overflow position of the flow object in the flow management table 400 to store the flow object. When storing in the character information storage frame, the article number and the overflow position are read from the flow management table 400, and the flow object is stored in the character information storage frame based on the read article number and the overflow position.

As a result, the flow objects can be arranged in a regular manner to some extent, so that the provided digital contents can be created with an output layout that is easier to see. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 registers in the flow management table 400 from the end and reads from the flow management table 400 from the head.

As a result, the flow objects can be arranged more regularly, so that the provided digital contents can be created with an output layout that is easier to see. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to register the same character information in the flow management table 400 from the beginning for flow objects registered for the second time and thereafter. Has become.

As a result, flow objects that have been registered a second time or later for the same character information can be preferentially arranged, so that the contents of the character information can be prevented from being dispersedly arranged over a wide number of pages to some extent. it can. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 sets the processed flag when storing the end of the flow object in the character information storage frame, and sets the processing flag when storing the flow object in the character information storage frame. The article number and the overflow position of the record with the completed flag cleared are read from the flow management table 400.

This makes it relatively easy to process the flow object using the flow management table 400.
In the above embodiment, the digital content for provision corresponds to the digital content for output according to claim 1, 2, 20 or 21, and the character information corresponds to one of claims 1 to 4,
Corresponding to the posted information of 6, 8, 10, 20 or 21
The character information storage frame corresponds to the information storage frame described in claims 1 to 6, 8, 10, 18 to 21. The parameters relating to the font size and the number of lines correspond to the specific parameters described in claims 1 to 6 and 18 to 21, and the parameters relating to the font size are claimed in claims 4, 7 and 1.
0 corresponds to the font parameter, and the parameter related to the number of lines corresponds to the character spacing parameter described in claims 5 to 10.

Further, in the above embodiment, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means described in claims 14 to 17, and the content registration DB 42 stores the content stored in claim 2, 14, 16 or 21. Corresponding to the means, step S206 comprises steps 2, 14 to 17
It corresponds to the content selection means described or the content selection step described in claim 21. Also, step S
Reference numeral 212 corresponds to the content creating means according to claims 1 to 3, 8, 10, 15, 17 to 19, or the content creating step according to claim 20 or 21.

In the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to specify either the font size parameter or the line number parameter as a parameter of low importance in the layout definition file. However, the user profile table 300 may be designated. That is, the user information includes importance degree designation information that designates one of the parameter relating to the font size and the parameter relating to the number of lines as a parameter having a low degree of importance, and is based on the importance degree designation information included in the user information of the user information registration DB 42. Then, the value of one of the parameter relating to the font size and the parameter relating to the number of lines is preferentially changed.

As a result, it is possible to create the digital content to be provided with an output layout relatively in accordance with the user's wish while reducing the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired. In this case, the parameter regarding the font size corresponds to the font parameter according to claim 11, and the parameter regarding the number of lines is
Corresponding to the character spacing parameter described in claim 11, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means described in claim 11, and step S212 corresponds to the content creation means described in claim 11.

Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to specify the lower limit value of the font size in the layout definition file, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user profile table 300 is not limited thereto.
May be configured to specify. That is, the user information includes range specification information that specifies the lower limit value of the parameter relating to the font size as the change allowable range,
The value of the parameter relating to the font size is changed based on the range designation information included in the user information of the user information registration DB 42.

As a result, it is possible to create the provided digital content with an output layout that is relatively in accordance with the user's wishes regarding the font size. In this case, the parameter relating to the font size corresponds to the font parameter described in claim 12, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means described in claim 12, and step S212 is the content described in claim 12. Corresponds to the creation means.

In the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to specify the upper limit value of the number of lines in the layout definition file, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user profile table 300 may be specified. You may comprise. That is, the user information is
The user information registration DB 40 includes range specification information that specifies the upper limit value of the parameter related to the number of lines as the change allowable range.
The value of the parameter relating to the number of lines is changed based on the range designation information included in the user information of.

As a result, the digital content for provision can be created with an output layout relatively in line with the user's wishes regarding the number of lines. In this case, the parameter relating to the number of lines corresponds to the character spacing parameter described in claim 13, the user information registration DB 40 corresponds to the user information storage means described in claim 13, and step S2
Reference numeral 12 corresponds to the content creating means according to claim 13.

Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to change the value of the parameter relating to the font size or the number of lines, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one line per line of the character information storage frame is used. Change the number of characters, the pitch between lines or the pitch between characters, or the value of the parameter related to the size, shape, or position of the information storage frame (character information storage frame, image information storage frame, or other information storage frame). You may comprise.

Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to preferentially change the value of one of the parameters relating to the font size or the number of lines, but the present invention is not limited to this, and those parameters It may be configured to change the value without superiority or inferiority. Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to change the value of the parameter related to the font size or the number of lines, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only the value of the parameter related to the font size or the number of lines is related. You may comprise so that only the value of a parameter may be changed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 stores the character information storing the flow object when the character information storing frame storing the flow object and the other information storing frame overlap each other. The shape and position of the other information storage frame are determined so as not to overlap with the frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the character information storage frame storing the flow object and the other information storage frame may overlap. In such a case, the shape and position of the character information storage frame storing the flow object may be determined so as not to overlap with another information storage frame. Specifically, in step S508, the same process as in step S404 may be executed.

As a result, it is possible to preferentially arrange the information to be stored in the other information storage frame over the flow object. Further, in the above embodiment,
In the process of layout, if the information storage frame overflows because it cannot be completely stored, the information storage frame in which the overflow has occurred is not configured to display that overflow has occurred, but is not limited to this. Guidance information for referencing the flow object in the overflow information storage frame (for example, if the flow object storage frame is on page 3, "Continue
d To Page 3 ”). Further, in this case, the link destination information indicating the link destination to the flow object storage frame storing the flow object may be stored together with the guide information.

As a result, when the user who receives the distribution of the digital contents clicks the guidance information with the mouse or the like, he / she can jump to the position corresponding to the position of the flow object based on the link destination information and refer to it. it can. Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the information storage frame cannot be completely stored and overflows during the layout process, the overflow object is displayed in the flow object storage frame in which the flow object is stored. However, the flow information storage frame storing the flow object is not limited to this, but guidance information for referring to the object in the information storage frame in which the overflow has occurred (for example, the information storage frame in which the overflow has occurred) If it is on one page, "Continued From Page 1") may be stored. Further, in this case, the link destination information indicating the link destination to the information storage frame in which the overflow has occurred may be stored together with the guide information.

As a result, when the user who receives the distribution of the digital content clicks the guide information with the mouse or the like, based on the link destination information, the user jumps to the position corresponding to the position of the object in the information storage frame where the overflow has occurred. And can refer. Further, in the above embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is configured to handle character information as a flow object, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to handle title information or image information. However, since it is not desirable that the title information or the image information overflows the title information storage frame or the image information storage frame, it may be preferable in terms of layout not to perform overflow processing such as character information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the shape and position of the information storage frame are determined in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the shape and position of the information storage frame may be determined in any order. Further, the order of determining the shape and the position may be registered in the user profile table 300 as user information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the layout is performed while dynamically determining the shape and position of the information storage frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all the information storage frames in the layout area 360 are not limited to this. Alternatively, the information may be stored once, and the layout may be performed by determining the shape and position of each information storage frame. Further, in the above embodiment, the output layout of the digital content is determined based on the user information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images included in the digital content or the character information included in the digital content is not limited thereto. May be configured to determine the output layout of the digital content based on the amount of

As a result, even if the number of images included in the digital content or the amount of character information included in the digital content is large or vice versa,
The output layout can be relatively easy to see. Further, in the above embodiment, the layout process of step S212 is configured to be executed by the content distribution terminal 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the layout process may be configured to be executed by the user terminal 200. .
This can reduce the concentration of processing load on the content distribution terminal 100.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when executing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13 or 15 to 20, the control program stored in the ROM 32 is executed. Although described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program may be read into the RAM 34 from a storage medium in which the program showing these procedures is stored and executed.

Here, the storage medium includes a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM and ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD and HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD and DVD, and MO and the like. The magnetic storage type / optical reading type storage medium includes any storage medium as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium regardless of a reading method such as electronic, magnetic, or optical.

In the above embodiment, the case where the digital content creating system, the digital content creating program, and the digital content creating method according to the present invention are applied to the network system including the Internet 199 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to, for example, a so-called intranet that communicates by the same method as the Internet 199. Of course, the present invention can be applied to not only a network that communicates in the same manner as the Internet 199 but also a normal network.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital content creating system, the digital content creating program, and the digital content creating method according to the present invention are implemented in the content distribution terminal 100 as shown in FIG. Although the present invention is applied to the case where the content is distributed to the user terminal 200, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0179]

As described above, according to the digital content creation system of claims 1 to 17 according to the present invention, the designer can determine the parameters that may affect the amount of information stored in the information storage frame. If a change allowable range is set, if the information to be stored cannot be stored in the information storage frame, or if there is a margin in the information storage frame, the value of such a specific parameter is within the change allowable range. Since the amount of information stored in the information storage frame is adjusted by changing the layout, the layout does not deviate from the designer's intention due to the amount of information posted, and the layout intended by the designer may be impaired compared to the past. It is possible to obtain the effect that it can be reduced.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of claims 3 to 13 of the present invention, when the posting information cannot be stored in the information storage frame, the values of the plurality of specific parameters are within the change allowable range. Since it is changed in the interior, the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired can be further reduced.
Further, if the designer sets the importance of the specific parameter, the parameter of low importance is changed preferentially, so that the intention of the designer can be easily reflected in the layout result.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer will be impaired with respect to the font size. Can also be obtained. Furthermore, claims 5 and 7 according to the present invention
According to the digital content creation system described in any one of 13 to 13, there is also an effect that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired in the number of lines or the number of characters per line.

Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired with respect to the number of lines or the number of characters per line. Can also be obtained. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of claim 7 or 8, the number of lines or the number of characters per line can be prioritized over the font size. With respect to the number of characters of, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, the font size can be maintained with priority over the number of lines or the number of characters per line. Also, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, while reducing the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired,
The effect that the output digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's wish is also obtained. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect that the output digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively in accordance with the user's desire regarding the font size.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of claim 13 of the present invention, the number of rows or 1
With respect to the number of characters per line, it is possible to obtain the effect that the output digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's wishes. Further, according to the digital content creation system of the fourteenth or sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the user's unique information and the user's designated information are referred to in selecting the digital content, the user's wishes are relatively satisfied. The effect that the digital content for output of the content can be created is also obtained.

Furthermore, claim 15 or 17 according to the present invention.
According to the described digital content creation system, since the user's unique information and the user's designated information are referred to in determining the output layout, it is possible to create the output digital content with an output layout relatively in accordance with the user's wishes. The effect that can be obtained is also obtained. On the other hand, according to the digital content creation program of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creation system of the first aspect can be obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creating program of claim 19 of the present invention, claim 2
The same effect as the described digital content creation system can be obtained. On the other hand, according to the digital content creating method of claim 20 of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creating system of claim 1 can be obtained.

Furthermore, according to the digital content creating method of the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the digital content creating system of the second aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution terminal 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user profile table 300.

[Figure 5] Layout definition file and layout number
It is a figure which shows the data structure of the correspondence table 330.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a data structure of a layout definition file.

FIG. 7: Layout definition file fo written in XML fo
It is a data list which shows a part of contents of rm01.

8 is a diagram showing a data structure of a flow management table 400. FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a data structure of a digital content / category number correspondence table 340. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a user registration process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a content distribution process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an automatic layout process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a storage process in a character information storage frame in step S316.

FIG. 14 is a table showing the correspondence between the content of morphemes and the priority of line feed candidate positions.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a storage process in a character information storage frame in step S308.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a font size priority type storage process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a row number priority type storage process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a line feed process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing of an unprocessed flow object.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a layout result.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 the content data file 11,14,18 XML parser 12 the content data file input unit 13 layout definition file 15 layout definition file input unit 16 layouting unit 17 drawing the specified file 19 rasterizing unit 100 the content distribution terminal 200 user terminal S ₁ to S _n Content providing terminal 30 CPU 32 ROM 34 RAM 38 I / F 40 User information registration DB 42 Content registration DB 300 User profile table 330 Layout No. correspondence table 340 Category No. correspondence table 400 Flow management table 360 Layout area 362 Title information storage frame 364, 370, 372 Character information storage frame 366, 368 Image information storage frame

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A content creating means for deciding an output layout of a selected digital content and creating an output digital content, wherein the content creating means places publication information constituting the digital content in a layout area. A system for creating the output digital content by storing the information in a stored information storage frame, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of stored information in the information storage frame is set. It is possible that the content creation means adjusts the amount of information stored in the information storage frame by changing the value of a specific parameter in the parameter in which the change allowable range is set within the change allowable range. A digital content creation system characterized in that 2. A content storage means for storing digital content, a content selection means for selecting the digital content from the content storage means, and an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means are determined. Content producing means for producing digital content for output by means of the content producing means, wherein the content producing means stores the publication information constituting the digital content in an information storage frame arranged in a layout area to output the digital content for output. A system for creating, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of information stored in the information storage frame can be set, the content creation means is Change allowance is set Digital content production system, characterized in that has a value of specific parameters to adjust the storage information amount of the information storage frames with modification within the change allowable range. 3. The change allowable range can be set for each of a plurality of the parameters according to claim 2, and the content creation unit stores the information among all the allowed changes of the parameter changes. The degree of importance of holding a value among the plurality of specific parameters so that the posted information can be stored in the information storage frame as much as possible, with the stored information amount being the maximum when the stored information amount of the frame is maximum. A digital content creation system characterized in that the lower the parameter, the more preferentially the value is changed within the allowable change range. 4. The font according to claim 3, wherein the posted information is character information, and one of the plurality of specific parameters includes a font parameter related to setting a font size of the information storage frame, A digital content creation system characterized in that a lower limit value is set as a parameter change allowable range. 5. The character spacing parameter according to claim 4, wherein one of the plurality of specific parameters includes a character spacing parameter relating to setting of the number of lines of the information storage frame or the number of characters per line. A digital content creation system characterized in that an upper limit value is set as an allowable change range. 6. The publication information according to claim 3, wherein the publication information is character information, and one of the plurality of specific parameters is the number of rows of the information storage frame or one.
A digital content creation system including a character spacing parameter relating to the setting of the number of characters per line, wherein an upper limit value is set as an allowable change range of the character spacing parameter. 7. The digital content creation system according to claim 5, wherein the font parameter is designated as a parameter having a lower importance than the character spacing parameter. 8. The character spacing parameter according to claim 7, wherein the content creating unit cannot store the posting information in the information storage frame due to any change in the font parameter within a change allowable range. Is increased by a predetermined value to change the value of the font parameter. 9. The digital content creation system according to claim 5, wherein the character spacing parameter is designated as a parameter having lower importance than the font parameter. 10. The font parameter according to claim 9, wherein the content creating unit cannot store the posted information in the information storage frame due to any possible change in the character spacing parameter within a change allowable range. Is reduced by a predetermined value to change the value of the character spacing parameter. 11. The user information storage unit according to claim 5, further comprising a user information storage unit for storing user information relating to a user, wherein the user information is defined by using one of the font parameter and the character spacing parameter as the parameter having low importance. The content creation unit preferentially assigns one of the values of the font parameter and the character spacing parameter based on the importance designation information included in the user information of the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system characterized in that it is designed to be changed to. 12. The user information storage unit according to claim 5, further comprising: user information storage means for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the user information includes range designation information for designating a lower limit value of the font parameter as the change allowable range. The digital content creating system, wherein the content creating means is configured to change the value of the font parameter based on range specification information included in the user information of the user information storage means. 13. The user information storage device according to claim 5, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the user information includes range designation information for designating an upper limit value of the character spacing parameter as the change allowable range. The digital content creating system is characterized in that the content creating means is configured to change the value of the character spacing parameter based on the range designation information included in the user information of the user information storage means. 14. The user information storage unit according to claim 2, further comprising a user information storage unit for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the content selection unit is based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system, characterized in that the digital content is selected from content storage means. 15. The user information storage unit according to claim 2, further comprising a user information storage unit for storing user information regarding a user, wherein the content creation unit is based on the user information stored in the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system characterized in that the output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined. 16. The content selection means according to claim 11, wherein the content selection means selects the digital content from the content storage means based on user information in the user information storage means. A digital content creation system characterized in that 17. The content creating means according to claim 11, wherein the content creating means determines the output layout of the digital content selected by the content selecting means, based on the user information stored in the user information storage means. A digital content creation system that is characterized by 18. A program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 1, which comprises a computer system, to execute a process realized as the content creation means, wherein the program stores the amount of information stored in the information storage frame. It is possible to set a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect, and the content creation unit changes the value of a specific parameter to which the change allowable range is set among the parameters within the change allowable range. A digital content creating program, characterized in that the amount of information stored in the information storage frame is adjusted. 19. A program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 2, which comprises a computer system, to execute a process realized as the content creation means, the program being for a stored information amount of the information storage frame. It is possible to set a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect, and the content creation unit changes the value of a specific parameter to which the change allowable range is set among the parameters within the change allowable range. A digital content creating program, characterized in that the amount of information stored in the information storage frame is adjusted. 20. A content creating step of deciding an output layout of the selected digital content to create digital content for output, wherein the content creating step arranges publication information constituting the digital content in a layout area. A method for creating the output digital content by storing the content in a stored information storage frame, wherein a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of stored information in the information storage frame is set. It is possible that the content creation step adjusts the amount of stored information in the information storage frame by changing the value of a specific parameter in which the change allowable range is set among the parameters within the change allowable range. Digital content creation method. 21. A content selecting step of selecting the digital content from the content storing means, and a content creating step of determining an output layout of the digital content selected in the content selecting step and creating an output digital content. In the method, the content creating step is a method of creating the output digital content by storing publication information that constitutes the digital content in an information storage frame arranged in a layout area. It is possible to set a change allowable range of a value of a parameter that may affect the amount of stored information, and the content creation step is to set the value of a specific parameter in which the change allowable range is set among the parameters. Allowable change range Digital content production method characterized by adjusting the storage information amount of the information storage frames in change.