JP2009070405A - Information processing method, device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain layout adjustment so that the area size of each part is optimized according to an amount of data inserted, each time in layout editing processing, by arranging partial areas. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of partial areas into which content data are run are arranged in a predetermined area, the minimum value and the maximum value are set as reference distance and a change range between two partial areas as constraint between the two partial areas of the plurality of arranged partial areas; and the size of the two partial areas is determined, based on the content data input in the two partial areas. Here, when a first value which is the sum of the length of the two partial areas with the determined size in the horizontal direction, and the length of the reference distance is not settled in a second value which is the length of the predetermined area in the horizontal direction; the distance between the partial areas is reduced to the set minimum value so that the first value is under the second value; and when the first value is not settled in the second value, even when the distance between the partial areas is reduced, the two partial areas will be reduced equally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for generating, editing, and printing a document composed of text and images, and more particularly, suitable for generating, editing, and printing a variable data document.

  In recent years, the need for CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and One-to-One marketing has attracted attention due to factors such as the shortening of product life due to the increase in product variety and the orientation of consumer customization services due to the widespread use of the Internet. Has been. These methods are very effective for the purpose of increasing customer satisfaction and aiming to develop and lock in customers.

  One-to-One marketing is a type of database marketing that creates a database of personal attribute information such as customer age, gender, hobbies, preferences, purchase history, etc., analyzes the content, and makes proposals that meet customer needs As a representative concrete method, variable printing can be cited. In particular, recently, with the advancement of DTP (desktop publishing) technology and the spread of digital printing apparatuses, variable print systems that customize and output documents for each customer have been developed. In such a variable print system, it is required to create a customized document in which different amounts of content are optimally laid out for each customer.

  Generally, when creating such a customized document in the variable print system, a container is laid out on the document. A container is a partial area for drawing content (drawing contents), and is sometimes called a field area. That is, a customized document (document) is created by laying out such a container on a document and associating the database with the layout (associating each content of the database with each container). In this specification, such a document is referred to as a variable data document.

  In such a variable print system, different contents can be poured into each laid-out container depending on the customer. Therefore, the size of data to be flowed into the content is variable. On the other hand, if the size of the container is fixed, the following problem occurs. For example, when text data having a size larger than the size of the container is inserted, all text cannot be displayed in the container. Alternatively, when image data having a size larger than the size of the container is inserted, a part of the image is lost. Such a problem is called overflow.

  If the content is image data, it may be possible to reduce the image and draw it in the container. However, there is a possibility that the image may become extremely small. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which, when text data that does not fit in a fixed-size container is inserted, the font size of the text is reduced and all text can be displayed in the container. However, when the font size is adjusted in this way, the font size becomes too small, resulting in a problem that the balance of the entire document is lost or difficult to read.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing the size of an adjacent container in order to maintain a distance from the adjacent container when the size of a certain container is increased as an automatic layout technique for solving such a problem. It is disclosed in “Layout Design Device”.
JP 7-129658 A (0049, FIG. 8)

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, the interval between adjacent containers is fixed. In this specification, the association between adjacent containers is referred to as a link, and the interval (distance) between the adjacent containers is referred to as a link length. When a link is stretched between containers and the length of the link is fixed as in Patent Document 1, when trying to enlarge both containers to the optimum size, the link is stretched between the containers. Depending on the length of the fixed link, the container may not be the ideal size. The link is intended to eliminate the adverse effect of overlapping each container when it is expanded to an optimum size according to the amount of data to be poured into each container. However, since the length of this link is fixed, for example, even when trying to enlarge each of the containers A and B where the links are set to the optimum size, the link length is always It exists between containers A and B. Therefore, the expansion of the containers A and B is prevented to some extent from the relation with the size of the area of the page in which the containers A and B are stored.

  Conversely, when the amount of data entering each container is small, the distance between containers A and B is fixed by a fixed-size link. May become larger than necessary. That is, the size of the container cannot be optimized, and for example, when the ratio is maintained with an image or the like, the container may be enlarged carelessly. Also, for example, when text with a size smaller than the size of the container (the number of characters is less than expected) is poured, characters are placed in a smaller area than the container area, resulting in an empty container. In other words, there is a problem that the layout looks worse.

  As described above, the user may prioritize the optimal size of each container, and may expect an automatic layout in which the link length between containers is narrowed or expanded to some extent. However, such an automatic layout cannot be realized with the above-described prior art in which the link length is fixed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by making it possible to flexibly change the distance (link length) between partial areas (containers) for displaying an image based on assigned data, An object is to realize automatic layout adjustment so that the size of each partial area is appropriate according to the amount of data inserted at that time.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes the following arrangement. That is,
Arrangement means for arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
Setting means for setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial areas as a constraint condition between two partial areas of the plurality of partial areas arranged by the arrangement unit;
Determining means for determining the size of the two partial areas based on the content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the horizontal direction of the two partial areas of the size determined by the determining means and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the horizontal direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set by the setting means so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. Layout control means for uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value.

An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is,
Arrangement means for arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
Setting means for setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial areas as a constraint condition between two partial areas of the plurality of partial areas arranged by the arrangement unit;
Determining means for determining the size of the two partial areas based on the content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the vertical direction of the two partial areas of the size determined by the determining means and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the vertical direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set by the setting means so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. Layout control means for uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value.

  According to the present invention, the distance (link length) between the partial areas (containers) for displaying the image based on the assigned data can be flexibly changed. Accordingly, automatic layout adjustment can be realized so that the size of each partial area becomes appropriate.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
<System configuration>
First, the configuration of the variable print system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a variable print system 100 for printing a variable data document. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. The variable print processing described in the present embodiment is executed by the host computer 101 (configured by a general-purpose computer module) that is a layout adjustment apparatus. The layout editing application program 121 (layout adjustment program of the present invention) that can be executed on the system 100 is executed entirely or partially by the host computer 101. In particular, the layout editing process and the variable data document printing process are realized by software executed by the host computer 101.

  The layout editing application program 121 is stored in a computer-readable medium, loaded from the computer-readable medium into the memory 136 of the host computer 101, and executed. A computer readable medium storing such software or computer program is a computer program product. By using the computer program product in a computer, an apparatus suitable for document layout editing and variable printing is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a keyboard 132 and a pointing device such as a mouse 133 are connected to the host computer 101 via an input / output interface 143 as input devices. Further, a display device 144 as an output device is connected via a video interface 137. Furthermore, a local printer 145 or the like can be connected via the input / output interface 138. The input / output interface 138 also has a function of connecting the computer module 101 to the network 107. As a result, the host computer 101 can be connected to other computer devices in the system 100 via the network. Typical examples of the network 107 include a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the host computer 101 includes at least one processor unit 135, for example, a memory unit 136 composed of a semiconductor random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The storage device 139 includes a hard disk drive 140 and a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 141 that can exchange data with a computer-readable medium that stores programs and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a magnetic tape drive or the like can be used as the storage device 139. The CD-ROM drive 142 is provided as a non-volatile data source (of course, a computer program may be provided by a CD-ROM).

  The host computer 101 is an operating system such as GNU / LINUX or Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), or a computer system typically formed in accordance with the operating system or known in related technology. The components 135 to 143 of the computer module 101 that communicate via the interconnection bus 134 are used in a conventional manner of operation mode. That is, the above-described components indicated by 135 to 143 are communicably connected via the bus 134 and are used by an operating system installed in the host computer 101.

  As an example of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 2, an IBM compatible PC, a SUN Sparcstation, or a computer system including them can be considered.

<Outline of layout editing application>
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the layout application program 121 is resident in the hard disk drive 140 and execution and reading are controlled by the processor 135. Data fetched from the media storage device of the program of the layout editing application 121 and the network 107 uses the semiconductor memory 136 in response to the hard disk drive 140.

  In one example, the encoded program of the layout editing application 121 is stored on a CD-ROM or floppy (registered trademark) disk, read through the corresponding drive 142 or 141, and installed in the hard disk drive 140. Alternatively, the layout editing application program 121 may be read from the network 107 into the host computer 101 and installed in the hard disk drive B 140 as another example. In addition, the software can be on a magnetic tape or ROM or integrated circuit, a magneto-optical disk, or a wireless communication such as infrared between the host computer 101 and other devices, a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card, and an email communication or WEB site. It may be loaded into the host computer 101 from another appropriate computer including the Internet or an intranet having the recorded information. These are examples of computer readable media and it will be appreciated that other computer readable media may be used.

  In FIG. 1, a layout editing application 121 according to the present invention causes a computer to perform variable printing (also referred to as variable data printing (VDP)), and includes two software components, that is, a layout engine 105 and a user interface 103. Yes. The layout engine 105 reads one record at a time from the variable data stored in the database 119 according to the size and position restrictions given to the container (rectangular range) that is the partial area, Is a software component that calculates the size, position, etc. of the container into which the read data is poured. In this embodiment, the layout engine 105 further performs processing for drawing data assigned to a container and generating an image of a variable data document. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the layout engine 105 operates as an application for determining the size and position of each partial area (container), and outputs the drawing information to a printer driver (not shown), so that the printer driver May perform image drawing processing of a variable data document to generate print data. The user interface 103 enables the user to set the layout and attributes of the container, and allows the user to create a document template. The user interface 103 also provides a mechanism for associating each container in the document template with a data source. The user interface 103 and the layout engine 105 communicate via a communication channel 123.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the outline of variable data printing according to the present embodiment. A user interface module 103 (hereinafter referred to as user interface 103) of the layout editing application 121 arranges a plurality of containers 181 to 183 on a page in accordance with an operation instruction from a user, and places constraints on positions and sizes in each container. By assigning, a document template 180 is generated. The user interface 103 associates the document template 180 with the data source 190 and further associates each container with each data field in the data source 190. Association information indicating the association between each container and each data field in the data source 190 is described in a document template, and the document template is stored in the HDD 140. The data source 190 is a file in which item data is described in units of records, and is stored in the HDD 140. In response to a print instruction or a preview instruction from the user, the layout engine 105 reads data associated with the association information from the data source 190 into each of the containers 181 to 182 of the document template, and flows it in record units (for example, data records 1 data fields A to C are flowed into the containers 181 to 183), and the size and the like of each container are adjusted (layout adjustment) according to the flowed data. In the case of a preview instruction, a document image whose layout has been adjusted is generated and output to be displayed as a preview on the screen of the video display 144. In the case of a print instruction, a document image generated using the layout engine 105 or the printer driver is output as print data to the print server 109. By sequentially processing the data records 1, 2, 3,..., Variable data printing is realized.

  The data source (190) for document generation may be, for example, a general database 119 on a database server 117 configured by another computer running a database application. In this case, the host computer 101 can communicate with the database server 117 via the network 107 and acquire a data source. The document template (180) for variable data printing generated by the layout editing application 121 is stored in the file server 115 constituted by the host computer 101 or another computer. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the layout engine 105 of the layout editing application 121 generates a variable data document configured by a document template merged with data. These documents are stored in the local file system of the host computer 101, stored in the file server 115, or transmitted to the printer 113 and printed. The print server 109 is a computer for providing a network function to a printer that is not directly connected to the network. The print server 109 and the printer 113 are connected via a general communication channel 111.

<Other system configuration examples>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram similar to FIG. 1, but with an engine server 227 added. The layout engine 225 stored in the engine server 227 is a separated version of the layout engine 105. A general computer is used for the engine server 227. The layout engine 225 combines the document template stored in the file server 115 and the data stored in the database 119 in order to generate a variable data document according to printing or other purposes. Such an operation is requested via the user interface 103.

<Description of layout editing application>
Hereinafter, the layout editing application 121 will be described.

[Main window]
The user interface 103 causes the video display 144 to display a user interface screen formed by the application window 301 as shown in FIG. This window 301 has a menu bar 302, a tool bar 303, a work area 306, and an optional palette 311. The menu bar 302 and the tool bar 303 can be hidden or moved to various places on the screen. The work area 306 can be moved by operating the mouse 133. A palette 311 is an option, and a cursor / pointer device 313 represents a position pointed to by the mouse 133.

  The menu bar 302 has a number of menu items 304 that extend below the menu options hierarchy, as is known in the art.

  The toolbar 303 has a number of tool buttons and widgets 305 that can be hidden or displayed depending on a special mode of the application.

  Ruler 308 is optional and is used to indicate the position of a pointer, page, line, margin guide, container or object within the work area.

  The palette 311 is used to access additional functions such as a variable data library. The palette 311 has a window control 312 for moving, resizing, and closing. The palette 311 is optional and is displayed in front of the work area or hidden behind the object. The palette 311 is restricted from being displayed only within the range of the application window 301, or is allowed to display part or all of the palette 311 outside the application window 301.

The tool bar 303 has “buttons” selectable by the user as shown in FIG.
(1) Selection tool button 403: Used for selecting, moving, resizing, resizing, and locking / unlocking a container edge. Container selection is done by dragging a selection box around the container. A plurality of containers can be selected by performing a selection operation on the plurality of containers while pressing the CTRL key.
(2) Text container tool button 404: used to create a container having static or variable text.
(3) Image container tool button 404: used to create a container having a static or variable image.
(4) Link tool button 406: used to create a link for associating containers, and also used to control the distance of the link.

  The application window 301 shown in FIG. 5 of the layout editing application 121 can determine a basic layout by laying out containers and links in a page. The basic layout is a basic layout for variable data printing. If each container in the basic layout is a fixed container, the layout of the print results of all records is the same. In addition, when each container in the basic layout is a variable container described later, the size and position of each container varies within the constraints described later depending on the amount and size of data read in units of records. Therefore, the document template created by the layout editing application 121 determines the basic layout to the last, and when a variable container is included, the layout of the final printed matter is adjusted by the read data. .

[Document Template]
In FIG. 5, a work area 306 is used to display / edit the design of a document template (180: basic layout). This allows the user to be presented with an overview of the document to be printed in the process of designing the document template. Thus, the user can easily understand how the document merged with the data source (190) changes based on the amount and size of the variable data.

  When the data source is associated with the document template, the corresponding variable text or image is displayed in each laid out container so that the current document can be previewed.

  Visual clues (such as container borders, anchors, sliders, links, etc.) that describe the document structure and variable data container in the document template are always displayed when creating the document template, and visual clues when previewing the variable data. The clue is displayed when the cursor is moved over the container or when a container is selected.

  The work area 306 includes a scroll bar 307, an optional ruler 308, and a document template 309. The document template 309 can indicate that there are a plurality of pages. The document template 309 displays the document template 180 shown in FIG.

  The page size of a given document template is specified by the user using well-known techniques. For example, by selecting “Page Setup” from “File” in the menu, a dialog for setting the page size is displayed, and the page size specified by the user is reflected there. The actual number of pages in each document can vary depending on the variable data in the associated data source. This is because when a variable size is set in the document template, such as a variable table, when the variable data that cannot fit the variable data is read in one page, an additional page is added. Is created automatically.

  The border 310 shown in each page is an arbitrary page margin that indicates the maximum width of a printable object on the page.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of objects that can be displayed on the document template 309 of one page. Such objects include containers 407 and 408, an anchor icon 409 to be arbitrarily applied, fixed sides 411 and 414, non-fixed sides 410, links 412, and a slider 413. The anchor icon 409 can be set at a corner of the container rectangle, a side, or the center of the container. When the anchor icon 409 is set, the position of the set location is fixed. That is, in the example of FIG. 6, since the anchor icon 409 is set at the upper left corner of the container 407, when the variable data is poured into the container 407 and the image size or text amount of the variable data is large, the right direction And it shows that it can be expanded downward. When the anchor icon 409 is set to a side, the side is fixed and can be enlarged in each of the other three sides. When the anchor icon 409 is set at the center of the container, the center position of the container is fixed and can be expanded in four directions so that the center position of the container rectangle does not change. Although the link 412 will be described in detail later, it indicates that the container 407 and the container 408 are associated with each other, and the container 408 moves in the right direction while maintaining the length (range can be specified) set in this link. It shows that it is possible. The slider 413 indicates that it can move in the horizontal direction with respect to the set side.

[container]
Here, the container will be described. A container is a space (called a partial area) in which a fixed or variable text / image is poured from a variable data file into a document template, and is drawn together with other containers and objects as shown in FIG. Laid out. The container is moved, adjusted in size, and recreated by operating the mouse 133 in accordance with an operation instruction from the user via the user interface screen.

  More precisely, a container has a collection of settings, a visual representation, and interaction and editing operations. The following is a definition of a container according to this embodiment.

  (1) A container has fixed or variable contents. The variable content can be said to be dynamic in the sense that the data acquired from the data source may be different for each document, that is, for each record. However, the variable content of the present embodiment is not intended here because the animated content or the content that changes with time by another method is not suitable for printing. Similarly, fixed content is displayed in the same way for all documents generated using the container. However, when the variable content and the link are set, the position of the fixed content may be different in each document due to the influence of the variable content.

  (2) The container has a decoration function similar to the text setting such as the background color, border, font style applied to the content. Such a setting is called a container attribute. The container attribute can be set for each container, but it is also possible to set the same container attribute as a certain container.

  (3) The container is merged with data from the data source when generating the document. The decoration function is visible in the printed output, as is any fixed content. Variable content provides an indication of specific data from a data source. This representation of the container can be printed or displayed on the screen of the video display 144, or both.

  (4) The container has a user interface as a visual clue as shown in FIG. For example, it has an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) for container editing and display settings. Each element of the GUI is displayed on the screen of the video display 144, but is not printed as a document. The user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 displays some of the container decoration functions such as the background color and font, and further has a function for enabling the editing and display of the container settings.

[Container constraints]
Containers have restrictions on controlling how the content displayed in each document is linked. These constraints (including linking fixed / variable content with containers) are the primary way for users to control multiple document generations from a single document template. One example of a constraint is “the content height of this container is a maximum of 4 inches”. Another example of the constraint is “the left edge of the contents of the container must be displayed at the same horizontal position in each document”. The contents described here are various methods for displaying and editing such constraints using a GUI.

  Content placeholders that specify the placement of fixed content so that the image has a defined location on the page are well known in digital printing technology. Containers have a position and a size, which are edited and displayed in a manner known in the art. Therefore, the following description focuses on display / editing in a method specialized for variable data printing.

  By using the container, the user can specify the size (drawing size) and position of the content in the document. Since many types of documents are generated from a single document template, many possibilities and restrictions are set in the container, and a predetermined user interface is used for setting (designating) and displaying these. .

  An edge of one container defines a virtual border where the associated content is displayed in the document. Thus, discussing the left side of the container is the same as discussing the leftmost side in the area where the associated content is displayable in each document. Similarly, discussing container height is understood as discussing content height constraints associated with the generated document. In the present specification, this distinction will be clarified when the sides or sizes of the container are discussed with reference to the user interface 103.

  In the following description, the term “fixed” that defines a value used to limit the display of content is the same for all documents.

  (1) When the width of the container is fixed, the width assigned to the associated content is the same for all documents.

  (2) If the height of the container is fixed, the height assigned to the associated content is the same for all documents.

  (3) When the distance (link length) is fixed, the specified distance becomes a constraint in all documents.

  (4) When the left and right sides of the container are fixed, it means that the horizontal position of the side regarding the page is the same in all documents. However, the height or vertical position of the container may change. For example, if the left side of a container is fixed, the display position of the associated content is the same horizontal position in all documents, but in some documents it is displayed at the top of the page, In the document, it may appear at the bottom of the page.

  (5) When the upper and lower sides of the container are fixed, it means that the vertical position of the side in the page is the same in all documents. However, the width or horizontal position of the container may vary from document to document.

  (6) The vertical axis of the container is a virtual vertical line that is parallel to the right side and the left side of the container and located between them. If the vertical axis of the container is fixed, the average horizontal position of the left and right sides of the container (ie, the left and right center position) is the same for all documents. Under this constraint, the width of the container can change. However, the vertical axis is the same horizontal position in all documents, with the left and right sides from the furthest to the most vertical axis. Note that the height and vertical position of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (7) Similarly, if the horizontal axis is fixed, the average of the upper and lower sides of the container is placed at the same vertical position. However, the width and horizontal position of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (8) When both the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are fixed, it means that the center position of the container is fixed. However, the width and height of the container are not affected by this restriction.

  (9) When the corner position of the container, the intermediate position of the container side, or the center position of the container is fixed, the respective positions are the same in all documents. For example, if the upper left corner of the container is fixed, it means that the upper left position of the arranged container is the same for all documents.

  (10) The vertical side or the vertical axis can be fixed in association with the left or right side of the page, the left page margin or the right page margin, or another horizontal position. Similarly, the horizontal side or horizontal axis can be fixed in association with the top or bottom side of the page, the top and bottom page margins, or other vertical positions.

  The opposite of “Fixed” is “Variable” which means that the sides, axes, corners, intermediate positions of the container, or document constraints may change between documents (between records). For example, in a page, it is expected that the layout will be changed dynamically depending on the size and amount of variable data, but for specific containers, the size and position may be fixed, or the corner of the page It may be desired that the four corners be fixed. For this reason, the layout editing application 121 can appropriately set whether to fix or change the sides, axes, corners, intermediate positions, and the like for each container (partial region). Thereby, when determining the basic layout of the document template 180, the user can create the basic layout as desired by the user.

[Container display / edit]
-How to create a new container-
Containers are described in two types: text containers and image containers. A text container has text and an embedded image. An image container has only images.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a new text container or image container is displayed on the document template 309 by clicking the text container tool 404 or the image container tool 405 with the mouse 133 and dragging a rectangle onto the document template 309. To be created.

  Alternatively, the container may be created by simply clicking on the document template 309 after activating the appropriate tool 404, 405. In this case, a default size container is inserted on the template in response to a click operation of the mouse 133, and a dialog box or other prompt for setting the dimensions of the new container is provided. It should be noted that the size of the container may be automatically defined in advance, or various methods are conceivable, such as creation and arrangement based on a calculated schema. A container property dialog is displayed by selecting the generated container with an input means such as a mouse and performing an operation such as instructing a property by right-clicking, and the constraints of the container can be set. In the container property dialog UI (corresponding to the partial area setting means), the above-described various restrictions can be set. In the container property dialog, you can determine the size (width, height) and position of the container. To change the size, set the basic pattern (basic size and reference position) of the container. The maximum container size (width and height) and the minimum container size (width and height) can be set.

[Container display method]
(A) to (D) of FIG. 7 exemplify display rules related to the sides of the container.

  The application 121 represents a side using a solid line (item 503) or a dotted line (504) to represent the state of the side of the container, and is indicated by an anchor (506, 507, 509 drawn near the side). Lines, shapes, icons), handles (control points drawn on or near the side of the area to move and modify, 502), sliders (short parallel lines drawn on both sides of the side, 413 in FIG. 6) ), Enlargement / reduction icon (505), and color.

The rules for the container display method shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D are as follows.
(1) Draw with solid lines to fix each side.
(2) When the width is fixed, the left and right sides are drawn with solid lines.
(3) When the height is fixed, the upper and lower sides are drawn with solid lines.
(4) The axes are not drawn.
(5) An enlargement / reduction icon is drawn near each side not drawn by (1) to (3), and those sides are drawn by dotted lines.
(6) For each pair of vertical side and horizontal side, or vertical axis and horizontal axis, if both are fixed, an anchor is drawn at the intersection.
(7) For each fixed side, if no anchor is drawn anywhere on the side, a slider is drawn at the center of the edge.
(8) If anchors and sliders are not drawn on each pair of vertical and horizontal sides or vertical and horizontal axes, a handle is drawn at the intersection of them.

  The lines defined by the rules (1), (2), and (3) are drawn as solid lines because they are fixed or restricted as described above. As in rule (5), the variable side is drawn with a dotted line. Fixed points defined in rules (6), (7), and (8) display anchors, some fixed edges display sliders, and others display handles.

  The above rules are given priority over constraints set later by the user. That is, when another constraint is set later, if the above rule affects the side to be drawn, the drawn content of the solid line or the dotted line is changed.

  The location where the variable side is drawn depends on the content of the container. As will be explained later, “dynamic proofing” is used, which means that content is merged into a document template and made visible in the user interface. Alternative implementations can be used in the content area of a container that is averaged over all documents, or in other means of determining where variable edges should be laid out in the user interface.

These content representations provide a graphical means for displaying the state of each side of the container. The interpretation of the expression is as follows.
(1) Like the side 410 in FIG. 6, the dotted line means that the position of the side in the document changes depending on the contents of the container.
(2) The solid line is limited because it is fixed (side 414) or the width and height of the container are fixed (in container 408, four sides are solid lines and both are fixed) Means an edge.
(3) The anchor means that the place where the side and the axis intersect is fixed. Therefore, the anchor point appears at the horizontal and vertical positions of all documents. The anchor is naturally fixed. The icon 409 in FIG. 6 is an example of an anchor icon that means that the position where the sides 414 intersect is fixed.
(4) The slider has a fixed side length, which means that it may move in parallel. For example, in FIG. 6, slider 413 may display the contents of container 408 to the left or right of the position represented by a particular diagram in the document. For example, when the image size or the amount of text of data to be flowed into the container 407 associated with the container 408 (linked) is small, the size of the container 407 is small, so the container 408 slides leftward. (Parallel movement) will be laid out and displayed. On the other hand, when the size of the container 407 increases, the container 408 is laid out by sliding in the right direction.

  Some or all of these icons / edges may or may not be drawn depending on which tool, which container is selected, highlighted or activated. In general, the sides and icons of a container are not drawn on a printed matter because they help to design a document template.

  As described above, the basic pattern setting of the basic value, minimum value, and maximum value of the width / height of the container is displayed in a secondary dialog window.

  In FIG. 7A, the width and height of the container 501 are not fixed (variable). The fixed side 503 is represented by a solid line, and the variable side 504 is represented by a dotted line. The enlargement / reduction icon 505 indicates that the adjacent side 504 is variable. Other forms of indicators may be used instead or additionally.

  In FIG. 7B, the width and height of the container 501 are variable. An anchor icon 506 has been added to explicitly indicate that the corner positions of both intersecting sides 503 are fixed.

  In FIG. 7C, the container 501 shows a state in which both the width and height of the container are variable, and the container 501 spreads evenly around the center point as indicated by an arbitrary anchor icon 507. That is, the container 501 can be enlarged or reduced around the anchor icon 507. In this enlargement / reduction, the layout is adjusted so that the position of the anchor icon 507 always becomes the center point of the container 501.

  In FIG. 7D, the container 501 has a fixed upper side 508, but both width and height are variable. An anchor icon 509 positioned and shown at the center of the upper side 508 is fixed. The left and right sides (502) of the container 501 are enlarged / reduced around the vertical central axis (vertical axis) through the anchor icon 509.

[Link setting method]
Next, setting of a link for associating containers will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a link setting method. 9A to 9C show transition examples of the user interface (UI) at the time of link setting. A method for setting a link in a container will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S601, the layout editing application 121 displays the document template selected for editing on the work area 306 of the user interface screen. In order to set a link, containers (at least two) for setting a link need to be created on the document template. 9A to 9C show transition examples of user interfaces when two containers are created and links are set in step S1601.

  Next, in step S602, the layout editing application 121 determines whether or not the above-described link tool has been selected (by clicking the button 406 in FIG. 6). If the link tool is not the selected upper body, other various processes are executed as necessary (step S609), and the process returns to step S602.

  In FIG. 9A, it is assumed that the containers 601 and 602 are all composed of fixed sides. 603 and 604 are the same as 409 in FIG. 6 and mean anchors. Reference numeral 605 denotes a mouse pointer. Now, while the link tool is in the selected state, the user clicks and selects one of the two containers for setting the link (referred to as container 601). In response to this operation, the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 recognizes that the first container has been designated (step S603), and retains information for specifying the selected container. Further, the locus corresponding to the subsequent movement of the mouse cursor is displayed on the screen (step S604). For example, a line segment 606 in FIG. 9B shows a line connecting the click position in the state of FIG. 9A and the current mouse cursor position, and a link is set at which position by this UI. Can be shown to the user.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the user moves the mouse pointer to the other container (container 602) and clicks. In response to this operation, the user interface 103 recognizes that the second container has been designated (step S605), and the layout editing application 121 recognizes the designation of the first container held in step S604 and the designation in step S605. A link is set with the second container that has been made (step S606).

  Thus, when a link is set between the two containers 601 and 602 selected by the user, the link UI 607 is displayed (step S607). Further, in response to this link setting, the display state of the container becomes the state shown in FIG. 9C (step S608). In other words, the container UI is automatically changed by setting the link. Here, the sides associated by the links are variable and are indicated by dotted lines. In FIG. 9C, reference numeral 608 denotes a side indicated by a dotted line, which indicates a variable side as described above.

  It should be noted that the change in the state of the container side as shown in FIG. 9C is automatically executed because it is necessary to make the container side variable by setting the link. The purpose is to prevent the occurrence of contradiction that all sides are fixed despite the setting. Reference numeral 609 is the same as 505 in FIG. 7, and is a mark that visually indicates to the user the direction in which the container can be changed by setting a link. Further, in the example of FIG. 9C, the right side of the left container and the left side of the right container have changed to a variable state, but this is an example. For example, the right container is indicated by 413 in FIG. You can change the setting to have a slider.

[Link settings with variable length]
FIG. 10 shows a user interface for setting a variable link. Similar to FIG. 6, there are an application window 301 and a toolbar 303. In the state of FIG. 10, a container 1203 and a container 1204 exist on the document template 309. Each container includes an anchor icon 1201, an anchor icon 1202, a fixed side 1205, and a side 1206. A variable-size link 1209 is provided between the containers 1203 and 1204 and connects the containers 1203 and 1204. Since a link is set between the container 1203 and the container 1204, the right side 1207 and the left side 1208 are represented by dotted lines. For this reason, an indicator 1210 and an indicator 1211 are displayed in each container, indicating that the sides 1207 and 1208 are variable, respectively.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a dialog window 701 for setting information of the link 1209, which is a user interface screen in the link setting means which is a characteristic configuration of the present application. This dialog is composed of a title bar 702, a tool button 703, a button 704 for opening / closing the dialog window, and an area 709 for setting various information. In this dialog window, an alternative selection can be made as to whether the link type is a variable length (707) link or a fixed length (706) link. When the link type is variable, a minimum value (Min.Distance 710), a maximum value (Max.Distance 712), and a reference value (Distance 711) of the link length can be set. The dialog 701 in FIG. 11 is displayed, for example, when a link is set between two containers by the link setting operation described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and then this link is selected by an operation such as clicking. The Alternatively, immediately after setting a link, a dialog window 701 regarding the link may be automatically displayed. Here, the reference value 711 of the distance between containers is the length of the link used when the size of each container is not changed when data is flowed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a variable link setting procedure by the user interface 103 of this embodiment. For example, when a link is established between the container A and the container B in FIG. 15 by the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a fixed-size link is first established. Then, by selecting this link and executing the processing shown in FIG. 12, the link can be changed from the state of the fixed-size link 1506 (FIG. 15) to the variable-size link 1209 (FIG. 10). .

  First, when a predetermined operation for displaying a link property is performed by selecting a desired link (for example, link 1506) with the mouse, the user interface 103 of the layout editing application 121 receives an input of a link property display instruction. Recognize (step S801). When the link property display instruction is recognized, a property dialog window 701 (FIG. 11) corresponding to the selected link (hereinafter referred to as the target link) is displayed. Next, the user interface 103 displays the link property (step S802). The link selection operation may be any operation such as a right mouse click or a specific key operation on the keyboard, as in the case of setting the basic pattern of the container.

  A dialog window 701 displayed in step S802 shows the current state of the selected link. In this example, since the link 1506 is selected, the link size is fixed at this stage. In the Link Type 705, the Fixed Length 706 indicating the fixed length is selected.

  In this dialog window 701, in order to change the link from a fixed size to a variable size, a flexible length 707 for setting the link size to be variable in the Link Type 705 is selected. As a result, Max. Distance 712, Min. Distance 710, and Distance 711 arranged in Link Distance 708 become valid, and numerical values can be set. In order to set the variable size of the link, the user sets the maximum value of the link length to Max. Distance 712, the minimum value to Min. Distance 710, and the current value to Distance 711.

  When the setting is completed, the user instructs application of the setting by a general dialog window open / close button 704. When the user interface 103 detects this instruction, the process proceeds from step S803 to step S804 and the subsequent steps, and the setting state is reflected on the target link.

  That is, first, in step S804, the layout editing application 121 determines whether the target link is a fixed size or a variable size. If the fixed size is designated, the process proceeds to step S808, the target link is set to “fixed size”, and the display state of the target link is set to “solid line” representing “fixed link” in step S807.

  On the other hand, if a variable size is specified in step S804, the process proceeds to step S805, and the layout editing application 121 sets the target link to “variable size”. In step S806, the current value (reference value), maximum value, and minimum value of the target link set in the dialog window 701 are registered. Thereafter, in step S807, the display state of the target link is set to “dotted line” representing “variable link”. As a result, the UI display of the link changes to a state as indicated by the link 1209 in FIG. 10 (step S1306). The setting information of the above dialog window 701 is stored in the memory.

  Note that the distance between containers arranged as the current layout may be automatically input as the default value for the current value set in Distance 711.

  The document template layout editing by the user interface 103 has been described above. The container layout adjustment process according to the data size (drawing size) when the data source is poured into each container will be described below.

<Layout calculation processing by layout engine>
[Layout calculation method (overall flow)]
The layout editing application according to the present embodiment creates containers using the user interface 103, creates layouts by creating associations (link settings) between the containers, and creates data in the created layout using the layout engine 105. Each record of the source is inserted, and it is divided into a preview mode for previewing a layout result after the record is actually inserted. In this preview mode, an actual record is inserted, and the layout is calculated according to the above-mentioned priority order. However, the preview mode is a layout calculation on the display. Even in the actual printing, the layout engine 105 calculates the layout by inserting data into each container, and the calculation method at that time is the same as the preview mode.

  FIG. 13 shows a flow of layout calculation. First, the preview mode is selected (step S1001). In the preview mode, the layout editing application 121 causes the user to select a record to be previewed from the data source, and determines to insert each field data of the selected record into each container (step S1002). When the insertion of field data into each container is determined, the layout editing application 121 performs calculation for laying out the record, and performs layout adjustment as necessary (step S1003). Details of the layout calculation in step S1003 will be described later. The layout editing application 121 displays the layout calculated in step S1003 (step S1004). The layout editing application 121 determines whether or not to preview other records based on a user instruction (S1005). If it is determined in step S1005 that the other records do not need to be previewed, the preview mode ends (S1007). If a preview is to be performed for another record, the layout editing application 121 selects another record, performs layout calculation again, and performs a preview (step S1006).

  Note that when printing is performed instead of the preview mode, the layout is calculated in order for all records to be printed. Accordingly, step S1004 does not exist, and step S1005 determines whether all records to be printed have been processed. The result of layout calculation in step S1003 is drawn and output, and is generated as print data using a printer driver, and the print data is output to the printer. In this case, the process is terminated when the output of the print data is completed for all the records (all records designated to be printed).

[Layout Calculation Method (Details)]
Next, details of layout calculation in step S1003 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a layout calculation method when the layout priority is not set according to this embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a UI display example at that time. Since this figure is a flowchart for explaining only the layout calculation processing method, it corresponds to the layout calculation method for printing / previewing one record of variable data printing. In the case of multiple records, the following processing is repeated.

  First, the layout editing application 121 obtains a set of containers for calculating a layout (step S1101). In the layout calculation, the associated containers are calculated as one set. For example, referring to FIG. 15, four containers are laid out on the page, and an association is set for each container. In this case, container A and container B, and container C and container D are associated by a link. Therefore, containers A and B are set 1, and containers C and D are set 2. That is, the container group connected by the link is specified as one set. As described above, 1501 is an anchor, 1502 is a fixed edge, 1503 is a controller, 1504 is an arrow indicating a change direction of a variable edge, 1505 is a variable edge, 1506 is a link, and 1507 is a slider. ing.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 selects one for calculating a layout from the set of containers obtained in step S1101 (S1102). Then, the layout of the selected set of containers is calculated. First, for the two containers (A, B), which are variable elements included in the selected set of containers, the size when each container is not subject to any restrictions is calculated from the image size or text amount of the data to be sent. To do. Specifically, the layout editing application 121 determines whether the container A is an image data container or a text container. This determination can be made based on the attributes set for the container as described above. Next, the layout editing application 121 reads the data to be poured into the container A. When the container A is an image data container, the size (number of pixels of width, height, and resolution) of the image data is the container A. This is the size when not subject to the restrictions. When the container A is a text container, the text data is also stored on the basis of the number of characters and character attributes such as the font type, font size, character pitch, and line pitch specified in the container A container attribute. The amount of data to be fed into A can be calculated. Here, in the case of a text container, since the aspect ratio of the container A cannot be determined without considering the constraint, the constraint is applied. In the example of FIG. 15, since anchors are set at the upper left and lower left corners of the container A, the height (vertical direction) is fixed. Therefore, the layout editing application 121 determines whether or not characters of the calculated data amount (text amount) can be poured into the container A having the width (horizontal direction) set as the basic pattern of the container A. If it is determined that all can be poured, the size (width, height) of the container A is not changed in the basic pattern. If it is determined that all the containers cannot be poured, the container A has a fixed height due to the anchor setting, and thus extends in the horizontal direction. Here, the layout editing application 121 calculates the size of the container A by calculating how much the width of the container A can be filled with characters of the calculated data amount.

  Next, the layout editing application 121 optimizes the layout so that the size of the container to be laid out is as small as possible with the actual content size (S1103). Layout optimization is such that the difference between the size of the inserted content and the size of the layout is the same as much as possible in the associated containers so that the size can be changed dynamically. Done. The layout editing application 121 obtains the size of the set of containers calculated in step S1102, that is, the total size of containers A, B, and links 1506 (here, fixed links), and the total size and the set of the containers in the basic layout. (Corresponding to the distance between the anchor icons of container A and container B in the example of FIG. 15). If the width of container A or container B is increased, a difference value is generated if it is calculated in the previous step. The layout editing application 121 adjusts the layout by equally distributing the difference value to each element of the set of containers.

  The layout editing application 121 optimizes the layout. If the rule is violated, the layout editing application 121 performs calculation so as not to violate the rule again (S1104). The rules described here are restrictions set by the user at the time of layout creation, such as a variable range or position of the container size, and a change in the link length in the case of a variable link. Once the layout is calculated so that it does not violate the rules, the set layout is completed. Then, the processes in steps S1102 to S1104 are performed on all the sets on the page, and the layout editing application 121 calculates the layout of the entire page (S1105).

  Next, the layout calculation method using the variable link of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

  Now, assume that two containers are connected by a link, and the arrangement and size are set as shown in FIG. That is, the left side and upper and lower sides of the container 1701 are fixed, and the right side and upper and lower sides of the container 1702 are fixed. Accordingly, the overall lateral size D of the set of containers 1701 and 1702 is fixed. The link 1703 is set to be variable, the reference value (the value set as the current value of the dialog window 701) is set to Cs, and the variable range (the minimum value to the maximum value in the dialog window 701) is set to Cmin to Cmax. . Note that the variable ranges of the containers 1701 and 1702 are set to Amin to Amax and Bmin to Bmax, respectively, by a predetermined user interface. The layout calculation when content is poured into each container in this state will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in steps S1101 and S1102, a set including containers 1701 and 1702 is selected as a set to be calculated. Then, in steps S1103 and S1104, the layout is optimized within the constraint range set for the layout. Hereinafter, the layout optimization in the selected set in steps S1103 and S1104 will be described.

  First, the layout editing application 121 calculates an ideal size of a container when data is inserted into each container by the same calculation method as in FIG. 14 (step S1801). In the example of FIG. 16A, since the height of each of the containers 1701 and 1702 is fixed, a width required for the container (referred to as an ideal width) is calculated based on the content to be poured. For example, when the content is image data, the ideal value can be determined from the aspect ratio of the image when the image size is matched with the height of the container. When the content is text, the ideal value can be determined by arranging each row (from the beginning of the sentence to the line feed) in one column and narrowing the width of the container until it matches the height of the container. When the horizontal direction and the high direction of the container are variably set, when the content is image data, the ideal value is determined using the image size. When the horizontal direction and the high direction of the container are variable and the content is image data, the maximum horizontal width when the rows are arranged in one column is an ideal value. Then, the total width of the set based on the ideal widths of the containers 1701 and 1702 and the reference value of the link 1703 is compared with the set width D set for the set (step S1802).

  Now, assuming that the ideal widths calculated for the container 1701 and the container 1702 are Ac and Bc, respectively, the reference value of the link 1702 (the value set in Distance 711 in the dialog of FIG. 11) is Cs. It is determined whether Ac + Bc + Cs is equal to D (step S1803). If they are equal, the layout editing application 121 determines a layout based on the widths Ac and Bc and the link length Cs (step S1804).

On the other hand, if Ac + Bc + Cs ≠ D, the layout editing application 121 equally distributes the difference to each container and variable link (step S1805). More specifically, the difference value δ from the set width D is
δ = (Ac + Bc + Cs) −D
The difference value δ is distributed to the two containers 1701 and 1702 and one link 1703. That is,
A ′ = Ac− (δ / 3)
B ′ = Bc− (δ / 3)
C ′ = Cs− (δ / 3)
Optimize the layout by calculating According to this optimization, the width of the container box and the length of the link are expanded and contracted so that the set width D is obtained. Although the difference is equally distributed to each element (each container and variable link) here, this is effective only in the horizontal direction, that is, when it can be considered in one dimension. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 16C, when considering the distribution of the difference in two dimensions from the anchor setting, the equal distribution is not performed in order to adjust the layout so as to maintain the basic layout determined by the user as much as possible. .

  In step S1104 in FIG. 14 and step S1806 in FIG. 17, the layout editing application 121 detects whether a rule violation has occurred. For example, the calculated A ′ to C ′ do not exceed the change range (Amax, Amin, Bmax, Bmin) of each container and the change range of link length (Cmax, Cmin) set at the time of layout setting. To check. If there is something exceeding the set range, the process returns to step S1103, and the layout calculation is performed again so as to conform to the rule. As one method of this calculation, the size of the element whose calculated size exceeds the set range is fixed within the set range, and the difference value is distributed to the remaining elements (steps S1807 and S1805). ). For example, if (Ac + Bc + Cs) is larger than the set width D and the difference value is distributed by the above equation, the obtained link length C ′ becomes smaller than the set minimum value Cmin as follows. To be processed.

First, the link length is determined to be the minimum value Cmin, and the difference value δ ′ is determined as
δ ′ = (Ac + Bc + Cmin) −D
Calculated by This δ ′ is distributed to the widths of the containers 1701 and 1702. That is,
A ′ = Ac− (δ ′ / 2)
B ′ = Bc− (δ ′ / 2)
C '= Cmin
To determine the size of each container and link.

  Although the horizontal layout calculation has been described above, it is obvious that the present invention can be similarly applied to the vertical layout calculation for a set of containers arranged in the vertical direction and variable links. Also, it can be easily expanded when three or more containers are arranged in the same direction (either in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction) and are connected by a link. That is, as shown in FIG. 16B, in the set composed of containers 1701, 1702, 1704 and variable links 1703, 1705, the container ideal width is Ac, Bc, Ec, and the link reference value Is set to Cs and Fs, the set width D of the set is compared with “Ac + Bc + Ec + Cs + Fs”, and if they do not match, the difference may be evenly distributed to each container and link to adjust the layout.

  Further, it can be easily expanded when a container or link whose size is fixed in the direction targeted by the calculation target layout calculation is included. In this case, it is only necessary not to distribute the calculated difference value to these fixed containers and links.

In the above description, the difference is equally distributed between the container and the variable link. However, a priority may be provided to the variable link and each container, and the difference may be preferentially distributed to a high priority area. For example, in the link property setting UI shown in FIG. 11, a check box “variable with priority over the container” is provided, and when this check box is checked, the difference is distributed with priority over the variable link. Become so. In this case, first, the length of the variable link is adjusted within the variable range so that the width of the set matches the set width. If the variable link does not become even setting width as the maximum or minimum value, and distributes the difference value to the container to adjust the layout. That is, one feature of the present embodiment is that it is important to adjust at least the length of the variable link in the layout adjustment, thereby achieving a layout with a good appearance.

  Furthermore, the container layout often handles a two-dimensional layout in the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, in the case of the layout as shown in FIG. 16C, containers 1701, 1702, and 1704 and links 1703 and 1705 are included in the set subject to layout adjustment. In the present embodiment, first, adjustment is performed in the horizontal direction, and then adjustment is performed in the vertical direction. That is, the layout adjustment may be performed between the containers 1701 and 1702 so as to be within the setting value D in the above-described procedure, and then the layout adjustment may be performed between the containers 1703 and 1704 so as to be within the setting G. However, with the adjustment method in which adjustment is performed in the horizontal direction and then in the vertical direction, a layout result deviating from the basic layout desired by the user is assumed. Therefore, for each container, the difference between the square of the width of the basic pattern and the width after layout adjustment, and the difference between the height of the basic pattern and the height after layout adjustment, so as not to deviate from the basic pattern (aspect ratio) as much as possible. The sum with the square is calculated and calculated for all containers. The layout editing application 121 may perform layout adjustment by calculating the width and height of each container so that the total sum of the squares of the containers is minimized. This method is called the least square method. When this least square method is used, the final layout which is balanced as a whole can be determined without greatly deviating from the basic layout initially set by the user.

  18A to 18C are UI examples at the time of layout without setting priority.

  FIG. 18A shows a state in which a certain record is inserted and a layout is determined. 1301 and 1302 are anchors, 1303 and 1304 are fixed sides, 1305 is a variable side, 1306 is an arrow indicating the change direction of the variable side, and 1308 is a link. In this state, the record is changed and contents of different sizes are inserted. FIG. 18B shows the new content size superimposed on the state of FIG. Reference numeral 1309 denotes the size of the content inserted in each container. Then, layout calculation is performed. FIG. 18C shows the result of layout calculation. The size of each container after the calculation is calculated so that there is a difference equivalent to the size of the content that is actually inserted, and is calculated so as not to violate the rules described above. As shown in FIG. 18C, the inserted content size (1309) shown in (B) and the calculated content size (1310) are equivalently different in both cases.

  Next, the effect of the variable link when the data inserted into the container is an image will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 shows a layout result when a fixed-size link is used. The layout calculation method is performed as described above. For example, consider a case where image data of different sizes are inserted into the container 1203 and the container 1204 in FIG. In this case, each container regards the data size as optimum, and the container 1203 moves rightward to approach the frame 804 (optimum container size) that becomes the inserted image size. Similarly, the container 1204 has the inserted image size. An attempt is made to change the size to the left in order to approach the frame 805 (optimum container size). However, the container 1203 and the container 1204 cannot move the left side 1212 and the right side 1213 by the anchor 1201 and the anchor 1202, respectively. If the size is changed as described above, the interval between the two sides must be reduced. However, a fixed-size link 803 is set between containers, and the length is maintained during layout calculation. Therefore, the sizes of the containers 1203 and 1204 are changed.

  As a result, the container 1203 and the container 1204 cannot secure the optimum size according to the aspect ratio of the data, and finally smaller than the optimum size (frame 804, frame 805) as shown in FIG. turn into. That is, since the size of the link 803 is fixed, the containers 801 and 802 cannot achieve the optimum size (in FIG. 19, the range indicated by the one-point difference line in each container is the aspect ratio of the data).

  On the other hand, FIG. 20 shows a case where the link is made variable in the same state as FIG. In this case, in the above example, a variable-size link is set between the container 1203 and the container 1204 as illustrated. Therefore, when the sizes of the container 1203 and the container 1204 are changed, the size of the container 1203 and the container 1204 can be made larger than the example of FIG. 19 by reducing the link size. As a result, it is possible to achieve an optimum size according to the data size to be inserted, or to set a container frame closer to the insertion data size (optimum size). FIG. 20 shows this result, and the variable link 1209 is sized as shown by the variable link 903 as a result of layout calculation. In this case, each of the container 1203 and the container 1204 has an optimum size (a size suitable for the data size).

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, when a variable-size link is stretched between containers using the user interface 103, a fixed link is first set, and then a desired link is selected and a dialog as shown in FIG. Set. In the second embodiment, a modification of the user interface for setting a variable link is shown.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface according to the second embodiment, and a new link tool 407 is added to the user interface of FIG. The link tool 406 is a tool for setting a fixed link, and a procedure (first embodiment) as shown in FIG. 12 is required to change to a link having a variable size.

  On the other hand, the link tool 407 is different in that it is already variable at the time of establishing a link between containers. This has the effect of saving the trouble of opening a property dialog window and changing the setting from a fixed link to a variable link when it is desired to create a variable link from the beginning. The link setting method is performed according to the above-described method. However, it is assumed that a variable-size link placed between containers has a preset value (maximum value, minimum value, size at the time of linking). In addition to the above-mentioned effect, for example, when a link having the same variable area is to be extended between a number of containers, an effect that a link can be quickly established between containers can be expected by specifying a variable size once. As for the size (link size at the time of linking) set between the containers when using the link tool 407, it is preferable that the current distance between the containers is maintained as it is. This setting is generally set in advance in the property dialog window as described above in the description of FIG. 11, and when the link tool 407 is selected, the value set there is used as a default value to link between containers. It will be. Naturally, the UI display of the link created using the link tool 407 is distinguished from the fixed display as described above at the time of establishing the link between the containers. For example, the UI display of the link display 903 in FIG. In this way, it is displayed on the UI by displaying a dotted line indicating variable. Subsequent layout calculations are laid out according to the layout calculation rules described above.

  As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, the optimum size of the container can be prioritized, and the container can be laid out with a size closer to the ideal, and the layout result desired by the user can be provided. For this reason, for example, it becomes easy to avoid a non-optimal container size, and the link size is variable, so that the distance between containers can be changed according to the amount of data inserted at each time. The container size can be changed flexibly so that the optimum container size can be calculated even if different amounts of data come in, so that the optimal layout can be calculated for the user. Can be provided.

<Other embodiments>
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a variable print system according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of the host computer in FIG. It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of variable data printing. It is a figure which shows the other structure of the variable print system by embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface according to an embodiment including a menu bar, a toolbar, a work area, and a floating palette. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the container in a user interface. It is a figure explaining the container rule by embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the creation process of the link by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the user interface at the time of link creation. It is a figure which shows the example of a display in a user interface when a container is arrange | positioned by a variable link. It is a figure which shows the setting dialog window of a link by embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the process for setting a variable link by the user interface of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the layout calculation process by the layout engine of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the layout calculation process by the layout engine of embodiment. It is a figure explaining the set of containers at the time of layout calculation of an embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the layout calculation by embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the layout calculation process by embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the layout calculation process by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a layout result by a fixed link. It is a figure which shows the example of a layout result by a variable link. It is a figure which shows the container arrangement | positioning by the variable link tool of embodiment. It is.

Claims (6)

Arrangement means for arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
Setting means for setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial areas as a constraint condition between two partial areas of the plurality of partial areas arranged by the arrangement unit;
Determining means for determining the size of the two partial areas based on the content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the horizontal direction of the two partial areas of the size determined by the determining means and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the horizontal direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set by the setting means so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. An information processing apparatus comprising: a layout control unit that uniformly reduces the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value. Arrangement means for arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
Setting means for setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial areas as a constraint condition between two partial areas of the plurality of partial areas arranged by the arrangement unit;
Determining means for determining the size of the two partial areas based on the content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the vertical direction of the two partial areas of the size determined by the determining means and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the vertical direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set by the setting means so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. An information processing apparatus comprising: a layout control unit that uniformly reduces the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value. An arrangement step of arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
A setting step of setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial regions as a constraint between the two partial regions of the plurality of partial regions arranged by the arranging step;
A determination step of determining a size of the two partial areas based on content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the horizontal direction of the two partial areas of the size determined in the determination step and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the horizontal direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set in the setting step so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. A layout control step of uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value. An arrangement step of arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
A setting step of setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial regions as a constraint between the two partial regions of the plurality of partial regions arranged by the arranging step;
A determination step of determining a size of the two partial areas based on content data input to the two partial areas;
A first value that is the sum of the length in the vertical direction of the two partial areas of the size determined in the determination step and the length of the reference distance is a second value that is the length in the vertical direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set in the setting step so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. A layout control step of uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value. On the computer,
An arrangement step of arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
A setting step of setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial regions as a constraint between the two partial regions of the plurality of partial regions arranged by the arranging step;
A determination step of determining a size of the two partial areas based on content data input to the two partial areas;
The first value that is the sum of the length in the horizontal direction of the two partial areas of the size determined in the determination step and the length of the reference distance is the second value that is the length in the horizontal direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set in the setting step so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. A computer program that executes a process including a layout control step of uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value. On the computer,
An arrangement step of arranging a plurality of partial areas into which content data is poured in a predetermined area;
A setting step of setting a minimum value and a maximum value as a reference distance and a change range between the two partial regions as a constraint between the two partial regions of the plurality of partial regions arranged by the arranging step;
A determination step of determining a size of the two partial areas based on content data input to the two partial areas;
A first value that is the sum of the length in the vertical direction of the two partial areas of the size determined in the determination step and the length of the reference distance is a second value that is the length in the vertical direction of the predetermined area The distance between the partial areas is reduced to the minimum value set in the setting step so that the first value falls within the second value, and the distance between the partial areas is reduced. A computer program that executes a process including a layout control step of uniformly reducing the two partial areas when the first value does not fit in the second value.

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