Document processing apparatus, document processing method and computer program

Abstract

According to the present invention, a document processing apparatus capable of dynamically changing, according to contents data to be laid out, a layout on a template having an area where an extraction condition for extraction of the contents data from a database is set, the apparatus comprises an obtaining unit which obtains the contents data satisfying the extraction condition from the database; a determination unit which determines one or more of a plurality of sub-templates on which groups of contents data obtained by the obtaining unit should be laid out, from association information on association between the groups of contents data and the plurality of sub-templates for layout of the contents data; and a layout unit which lays out the groups of contents data in the area by laying out the groups of contents data on the one or more sub-templates determined by the determination unit, and which thereby produces output results.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a document processing apparatus and a document processing method using an automatic layout function to complete a document by laying out at predetermined positions fields of a record registered in a database for example. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In recent years, attention has been given to needs for customer relationship management (CRM) and one-to-one marketing because of shortening of the life cycle of commodities due to the increase in varieties of commodities, consumer's orientation toward customer services as a result of widespread use of the Internet, and other factors. These methods are aimed at increasing the degree of customer's satisfaction and obtaining and retaining customers. [0003] Customer relationship management is a method of improving the degree of customer's satisfaction and, hence, the profitability of a company by adopting measures according to individual needs on the basis of a customer da...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a document processing method and apparatus having, for the purpose of obtaining output results according to a user demand without reducing the size of data to be laid out, an automatic layout function of automatically generating a page having an area in a case where extracted records cannot be laid out within an area of the same kind.

[0021] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a document processing method and apparatus having a multi-record-compatible automatic layout function such as to be capable of improving the degree of freedom of insertion of a document break and thereby realizing an orderly layout or a layout in which a user's will is reflected.

[0028] According to the present invention, a conditional expression is set with respect to an area on a template, record data extracted on the basis of the conditional expression is laid out on a plurality of types of sub-templates, and the sub-templates are laid-out in a predetermined area, thereby making it possible to prepare various output results according to customer's tastes while maintaining suitable user operability.

[0029] According to the present invention, in a case where extracted records cannot be laid out within an area, a page having a corresponding area is automatically generated, thereby making it possible to prepare a laid-out document according to a user demand without reducing the size of data to be laid out.

[0030] Also, the degree of freedom of insertion of a document break is improved to realize an orderly layout or a layout in which a user's will is reflected.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, there is a problem that as the amount of text to be input is increased, the adjacent area is made smaller and smaller.

If, for example, the number of records is significantly large, the number of operations for such setting becomes considerably large as the number of record is increased, resulting in a reduction in user operability.

At the time of preparation of an ordinary pamphlet or a catalog, however, the number of records is supposed to be enormously large and an increased number of master components are used.

In such a situation, the procedure in which a user selects master components depending only on his / her memory cannot be said to be most suitable.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-48216 is unsatisfactory in terms of reliability with which records are contained in a designated layout area, depending on the number of records to be laid out in a layout area.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-48216, however, no description is given of processing in a situation where moving to the next candidate layout position cannot be performed.

As a result of this, a problem occurs that failure to lay out data cannot be avoided.

However, if the size of data to be laid out is changed, there is a possibility of failure to obtain the layout size according to a user demand.

In a case where a user prepares a pamphlet, a catalog and the like favorable to user's customers, techniques limited to the conventional art are not effective in preparing documents satisfying various customer's tastes while providing improved user operability.

That is, it is difficult to prepare an orderly document or a document with desired divisions.

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