Program and editing method

Abstract

Improve the visibility of the area where objects are placed. [Solution] The program is a program that causes a computer to place a horizontal guide line, and it performs a display process that displays an editing screen including a paper area, a starting point reception process that receives an instruction to specify the starting point of the horizontal guide line in response to user operation, and an ending point reception process that receives an instruction to specify the ending point of the horizontal guide line within the paper area in response to user operation, and displays the horizontal guide line including the ending point between the starting point and the ending point on the editing screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the case of editing the layout of a design.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of arranging a guide line limited to a local area of an arrangement area (editing screen).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A guide line is used for the purpose of arranging an object at a position desired by the user. When a plurality of guide lines drawn from the upper end to the lower end of the editing screen and a plurality of guide lines drawn from the left end to the right end of the editing screen are arranged respectively, guide lines that are not used for aligning the position of the object in the area where the layout of the object is desired are also displayed. When guide lines that are not used for aligning the position of the object are also displayed, the visibility decreases. Therefore, it is required to improve the visibility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to place a horizontal guide line, characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a display process that displays an editing screen including a paper area, a starting point reception process that receives an instruction to specify the starting point of the horizontal guide line in response to user operation, and an ending point reception process that receives an instruction to specify the ending point of the horizontal guide line within the paper area in response to user operation, and displays the horizontal guide line including the ending point between the starting point and the ending point on the editing screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the visibility of the area where the object layout is desired can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the layout of the editing screen. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of horizontal guide lines. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of vertical guide lines. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how to change the length of a hidden area. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows an example of the information handled during the editing process. [Figure 7A] This is part of a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of steps for positioning guide lines. [Figure 7B] This is another part of a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of steps for positioning guide lines. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example where the specified position is in contact with a nearby guide line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [Embodiment] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 1. A printer 2, which acts as a printing device, is connected to the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 can perform editing processing to edit the layout of a design. The information processing device 1 can also create print data that can be handled by the printer 2 based on the data obtained through the editing processing, and transmit said print data. The printer 2 can record an image based on the print data transmitted from the information processing device 1 onto a recording medium.

[0010] The information processing device 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a communication interface 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, communication interface 14, operation unit 15, and display unit 16 are connected to a bus 17.

[0011] The CPU 11 is a processing unit for realizing various functions of the information processing device 1. The CPU 11 includes at least one processor. The CPU 11 performs various processes by executing a program or starting hardware. Program execution is performed by loading the program into RAM 13. The processing by the CPU 11 includes editing processing to edit the layout of the design. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes creation processing to create print data that can be handled by the printer 2 based on the data obtained from the editing processing. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes transmission processing to send the print data created from the creation processing to the printer 2. At least one of the editing processing, creation processing, and transmission processing may be performed in cooperation with a GPU (not shown).

[0012] The ROM 12 stores various data. For example, the ROM 12 stores a program for the CPU 11 to execute processing. This program includes an operating system, device drivers, and the like. Also, the ROM 12 stores data necessary for the operation of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0013] The RAM 13 is used as a work area for the CPU 11. That is, data necessary for the execution of processing by the CPU 11 is stored. This data also includes programs. The RAM 13 can also be used as a temporary storage area for data.

[0014] The communication interface 14 connects the information processing apparatus 1 and the printer 2 through a communication path. The communication path may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. The communication interface 14 transmits information mutually between the information processing apparatus 1 and the printer 2. For example, the communication interface 14 transmits print data from the information processing apparatus 1 to the printer 2.

[0015] The operation unit 15 includes operation devices (input devices) such as a mouse and a touch panel. The operation unit 15 can receive an input based on a user's operation on the operation unit 15. One of the user's operations on the operation unit 15 is drag and drop. For example, when the operation unit 15 includes a mouse, dragging is an operation of moving the mouse while pressing the left button of the mouse. Dropping is an operation of releasing the left button of the mouse after dragging. When the operation unit 15 includes a touch panel, dragging is an operation of moving a finger while touching the touch panel. Dropping is an operation of releasing the finger after dragging.

[0016] The display unit 16 includes a display. The display unit 16 displays various information according to the control of the CPU 11. When the CPU 11 executes editing processing, an editing screen is displayed on the display unit 16.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the editing screen 20. The editing screen 20 is a screen for editing the layout of a design. The editing screen 20 is displayed on the display unit 16 together with the pointer 21 by the CPU 11. The pointer 21 is a mark that moves in conjunction with the operation (movement) of the operation unit 15. The editing screen 20 is provided with a paper area 22, a horizontal ruler 23, and a vertical ruler 24.

[0018] The paper area 22 is an area that can be printed on the paper set in the printer 2. The paper area 22 may correspond to the shape and size of the paper set in the printer 2. In the example of FIG. 2, the paper area 22 is rectangular, but it may have a shape other than rectangular. The paper area 22 is located approximately in the center of the editing screen 20.

[0019] The horizontal ruler 23 is a ruler arranged in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is the direction along the left - right direction of the editing screen 20. The horizontal ruler 23 is formed, for example, in a bar shape. The horizontal ruler 23 is located outside the paper area 22 at an interval from the paper area 22. In the example of FIG. 2, the horizontal ruler 23 is located at the upper end of the editing screen 20. The horizontal length of the horizontal ruler 23 is larger than the horizontal length of the paper area 22.

[0020] The horizontal ruler 23 is also the area where the guide lines are to be placed. The horizontal ruler 23 is divided into a left area 231, a horizontal central area 232, and a right area 233. The left area 231 is the area to the left of the horizontal central area 232. The right area 233 is the area to the right of the horizontal central area 232. The horizontal central area 232 is located between the left area 231 and the right area 233. The horizontal central area 232 corresponds to the horizontal direction of the paper area 22. That is, the horizontal central area 232 overlaps with the paper area 22 in the vertical direction. The left edge of the horizontal central area 232 and the left edge of the paper area 22, and the right edge of the horizontal central area 232 and the right edge of the paper area 22 coincide in the vertical direction. The direction of the imaginary line connecting the left edge of the horizontal central area 232 and the left edge of the paper area 22 is vertical. Similarly, the direction of the imaginary line connecting the right edge of the horizontal central region 232 and the right edge of the paper area 22 is vertical.

[0021] The vertical ruler 24 is a ruler positioned vertically. The vertical direction is along the vertical direction of the editing screen 20. The vertical ruler 24 is formed, for example, in the shape of a bar. The vertical ruler 24 is positioned outside the paper area 22, with a gap between them. In the example in Figure 2, the vertical ruler 24 is located at the left edge of the editing screen 20. The vertical length of the vertical ruler 24 is greater than the vertical length of the paper area 22.

[0022] The vertical ruler 24 is also the area where the guide lines are to be placed. The vertical ruler 24 is divided into an upper area 241, a vertical central area 242, and a lower area 243. The upper area 241 is the area above the vertical central area 242. The lower area 243 is the area below the vertical central area 242. The vertical central area 242 is located between the upper area 241 and the lower area 243. The vertical central area 242 corresponds to the vertical direction of the paper area 22. That is, the vertical central area 242 overlaps with the paper area 22 in the horizontal direction. The upper end of the vertical central area 242 and the upper end of the paper area 22, and the lower end of the vertical central area 242 and the lower end of the paper area 22 coincide in the horizontal direction. The direction of the imaginary line connecting the upper end of the vertical central area 242 and the upper end of the paper area 22 is horizontal. Similarly, the direction of the imaginary line connecting the lower edge of the vertical central region 242 and the lower edge of the paper area 22 is horizontal.

[0023] The horizontal ruler 23 and the vertical ruler 24 are each provided with scales. The intervals between the scales on the horizontal ruler 23 and the vertical ruler 24 are the same, but they may be different.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of the horizontal guide line 30. In the example in Figure 3, the horizontal guide line 30 is arranged in response to the user's mouse operation, but is not limited to mouse operation. The horizontal guide line 30 is placed on the editing screen 20 by the CPU 11. The horizontal guide line 30 placed on the editing screen 20 is a straight line that extends horizontally from one end (left end) of the editing screen 20 to the other end (right end) of the editing screen 20.

[0025] When placing the horizontal guide line 30, the user drags and drops it from the left area 231, the horizontal center area 232, or the right area 233. In other words, the left area 231, the horizontal center area 232, and the right area 233 are the areas where the placement of the horizontal guide line 30 begins, respectively.

[0026] For example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is positioned in the horizontal central area 232. In this case, a horizontal virtual line (not shown) is displayed. The horizontal virtual line follows the downward movement of the pointer 21. The user moves the pointer 21 downward from the horizontal central area 232 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a horizontal guide line 301 is placed on the editing screen 20. The horizontal guide line 301 is a horizontal guide line 30 that is positioned starting from the horizontal central area 232. The horizontal guide line 301 passes through a designated position P1 specified within the frame of the paper area 22. The designated position P1 is a position specified in response to user operation on the operation unit 15. Specifically, the designated position P1 is the position where the user released the left mouse button 150. The horizontal guide line 301 is displayed in a way that is visible to the user across the entire horizontal area of ​​the paper area 22.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is located in the right-side area 233. In this case as well, a horizontal virtual line (not shown) that follows the downward movement of the pointer 21 will be displayed. The user moves the pointer 21 downward from the right-side area 233 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a horizontal guide line 302 is placed on the editing screen 20. The horizontal guide line 302 is a horizontal guide line 30 that is positioned with the right-side area 233 as the starting point. The horizontal guide line 302 has a display area 311, which is an area visible to the user, and a hidden area 312, which is an area not visible to the user. The display area 311 and the hidden area 312 are set relative to a specified position P1. The display area 311 of the horizontal guide line 302 includes the area between the specified position P1 and the left intersection point P11. The hidden area 312 of the horizontal guide line 302 includes the space between the designated position P1 and the right intersection point P12. The left intersection point P11 and the right intersection point P12 are the points where the horizontal guide line 30 intersects the vertical periphery of the paper area 22.

[0028] For example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is located in the left area 231. In this case as well, a horizontal virtual line (not shown) will be displayed that follows the downward movement of the pointer 21. The user moves the pointer 21 downward from the left area 231 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a horizontal guide line 303 is placed on the editing screen 20. The horizontal guide line 303 is a horizontal guide line 30 that is positioned with the left area 231 as the starting point. The horizontal guide line 303 has a display area 311 and a hidden area 312. The display area 311 of the horizontal guide line 303 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the right intersection P12. The hidden area 312 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the left intersection P11.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of vertical guide lines 40. In the example in Figure 4, the vertical guide lines 40 are arranged in response to the user's mouse operation, but are not limited to mouse operation. The vertical guide lines 40 are arranged on the editing screen 20 by the CPU 11. The vertical guide lines 40 arranged on the editing screen 20 are straight lines that extend vertically from one end (top end) of the editing screen 20 to the other end (bottom end) of the editing screen 20.

[0030] When placing the vertical guide line 40, the user drags and drops it from the upper area 241, the vertical center area 242, or the lower area 243. In other words, the upper area 241, the vertical center area 242, and the lower area 243 are the areas where the placement of the vertical guide line 40 begins, respectively.

[0031] For example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is positioned in the vertical central area 242. In this case, a virtual vertical line (not shown) is displayed. The virtual vertical line follows the rightward movement of the pointer 21. The user moves the pointer 21 to the right from the vertical central area 242 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a vertical guide line 401 is placed on the editing screen 20. The vertical guide line 401 is a vertical guide line 40 that is positioned starting from the vertical central area 242. The vertical guide line 401 passes through the specified position P1. The vertical guide line 401 is displayed so that the user can see it across the entire vertical area of ​​the paper area 22.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is located in the lower area 243. In this case as well, a virtual vertical line (not shown) that follows the rightward movement of the pointer 21 will be displayed. The user moves the pointer 21 to the right from the lower area 243 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a vertical guide line 402 is placed on the editing screen 20. The vertical guide line 402 is a vertical guide line 40 that is positioned with the lower area 243 as the starting point. The vertical guide line 402 has a display area 311 and a hidden area 312. The display area 311 of the vertical guide line 402 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the upper intersection point P21. The hidden area 312 of the vertical guide line 402 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the lower intersection point P22. The upper intersection P21 and the lower intersection P22 are the points where the vertical guide line 40 intersects the vertical periphery of the paper area 22.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, suppose the user presses the left mouse button 150 while the pointer 21 is located in the upper area 241. In this case as well, a virtual vertical line (not shown) that follows the rightward movement of the pointer 21 will be displayed. The user moves the pointer 21 to the right from the upper area 241 while holding down the left mouse button 150, and releases the left mouse button 150 at any position within the paper area 22. When the user releases the left mouse button 150, a vertical guide line 403 is placed on the editing screen 20. The vertical guide line 403 is a vertical guide line 40 that is positioned with the upper area 241 as the starting point. The vertical guide line 403 has a display area 311 and a hidden area 312. The display area 311 of the vertical guide line 403 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the lower intersection P22. The hidden area 312 includes the space between the specified position P1 and the upper intersection P21.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of changing the length of the hidden area 312. In the example in Figure 5, the user changes the length of the hidden area 312 by operating the mouse.

[0035] The user can change the length of the hidden area 312 (or visible area 311) by dragging the designated position P1 horizontally. For example, when the left mouse button 150 is pressed while the pointer 21 is positioned at the designated position P1 of an already placed horizontal guide line 302, the designated position P1 becomes movable horizontally. In this state, if the user moves the designated position P1 in the direction in which the horizontal guide line 302 extends, the length of the hidden area 312 of the horizontal guide line 302 is changed. For example, if the user drags the designated position P1 to the right, the length of the hidden area 312 of the horizontal guide line 302 is shortened. On the other hand, if the user drags the designated position P1 to the left, the length of the hidden area 312 of the horizontal guide line 302 is extended. If the user drops the dragged designated position P1 at any re-designated position, the visible area 311 and the hidden area 312 are reset based on the re-designated position.

[0036] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the length of the hidden area 312 (Figure 3) of the horizontal guide line 303 can also be changed in the same way as the horizontal guide line 302 described above. In addition, although not shown in the diagram, the length of the hidden area 312 of the vertical guide line 402 (Figure 4) can also be changed by dragging the specified position P1 of the vertical guide line 402 in the vertical direction. Similarly, the length of the hidden area 312 of the vertical guide line 403 (Figure 4) can also be changed by dragging the specified position P1 of the vertical guide line 403 in the vertical direction.

[0037] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of information handled during the execution of the editing process. When the CPU 11 reads the program into RAM 13 and executes the editing process, various types of information are stored in RAM 13.

[0038] The CPU 11 can display the editing screen 20 on the display unit 16 based on the editing screen information 61, horizontal ruler information 62, vertical ruler information 63, paper area information 64, operation information 65, etc., stored in the RAM 13.

[0039] The editing screen information 61 includes information indicating the dimensions of the editing screen 20 (screen size in the diagram). The horizontal ruler information 62 includes information indicating the size of the left area 231, the horizontal center area 232, and the right area 233 (horizontal area size in the diagram). The horizontal ruler information 62 also includes information indicating the length of the scale interval of the horizontal ruler 23 (horizontal scale length in the diagram). The vertical ruler information 63 includes information indicating the size of the upper area 241, the vertical center area 242, and the lower area 243 (vertical area size in the diagram). The vertical ruler information 63 also includes information indicating the length of the scale interval of the vertical ruler 24 (vertical scale length in the diagram).

[0040] The paper area information 64 includes information indicating the dimensions (paper size in the diagram) of at least one type of paper area 22. The dimensions of the paper area 22 include its shape and size. The paper area information 64 also includes information indicating the placement position of the paper area 22 relative to the editing screen 20 (paper coordinates in the diagram). The paper area information 64 may also include information indicating the printable area within the paper area 22. The operation information 65 includes information indicating the current position of the pointer 21 (pointer position in the diagram). The operation information 65 also includes information indicating that drag and drop operations are being performed. The operation information 65 is acquired based on signals detected by a mouse, touch panel, etc., included in the operation unit 15.

[0041] The CPU 11 stores guide line information in RAM 13, associating it with the guide line list 66 based on user operations. If no guide lines are placed on the editing screen 20, no guide line information is associated with the guide line list 66. On the other hand, the amount (number) of guide line information associated with the guide line list 66 increases according to the number of guide lines placed on the editing screen 20.

[0042] The guide line information includes coordinates for identifying the aforementioned horizontal or vertical virtual line. It also includes information indicating whether the guide line is horizontal or vertical. Furthermore, it includes information indicating the starting position for placing the guide line. Specifically, this starting position is one of the following: the left region 231, the horizontal central region 232, the right region 233, the upper region 241, the vertical central region 242, or the lower region 243, as shown in Figure 2. Finally, the guide line information includes information indicating the designated position P1 (or re-designated position).

[0043] Figure 7A is a part of a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes for placing guide lines. Figure 7B is another part of a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes for placing guide lines. The series of processes shown in the flowchart is a line placement process for placing guide lines. This line placement process is performed after the display process for displaying the editing screen 20 has been performed. This line placement process and display process are realized by the CPU 11 reading a program stored in ROM 12 or the like into RAM 13 and executing it. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Figures 7A and 7B may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process means that it is a step in the flowchart.

[0044] The line placement process is initiated each time the editing screen 20 is displayed and an instruction to specify the starting point of a guide line is received. In the examples of Figures 7A and 7B, the CPU 11 receives an instruction to specify the starting point of a guide line in response to the operation of pressing the left mouse button 150. Specifically (see Figure 2), the operation of pressing the left mouse button 150 is performed when the pointer 21 is located in one of the left area 231, horizontal center area 232, right area 233, upper area 241, vertical center area 242, or lower area 243. In response to this operation, the CPU 11 receives an instruction to specify the starting point of a guide line.

[0045] In S701, the CPU 11 determines whether the mouse down position is on the horizontal ruler 23 or the vertical ruler 24. The mouse down position is the position of the pointer 21 when the left mouse button 150 is pressed. The CPU 11 can recognize the mouse down position based on the operation information 65 stored in RAM 13.

[0046] If the determination result in S701 is that the mouse down position is on the horizontal ruler 23, the CPU 11 proceeds to S702. In S702, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the guide line is horizontal as the type of guide line in the guide line information. Then, in S703, the CPU 11 determines whether the mouse down position is in the left area 231. If the determination result is that the mouse down position is not in the left area 231, in S704, the CPU 11 determines whether the mouse down position is in the right area 233.

[0047] If the CPU 11 determines that the mouse down position is in the left region 231, it proceeds to process S705. In S705, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is left in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to process S714. The information indicating that the starting position is left indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is in the left region 231. In Figure 7A, the fact that the starting position is left is indicated as "Starting position = Left".

[0048] If the CPU 11 determines that the mouse down position is in the right-hand region 233, it proceeds to process S706. In S706, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is to the right in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to process S714. The information indicating that the starting position is to the right indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is in the right-hand region 233. In Figure 7A, the fact that the starting position is to the right is indicated as "Starting position = Right".

[0049] If the determination result is that the mouse down position is neither in the left region 231 nor the right region 233, the CPU 11 proceeds to S707. In S707, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is the center in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S714. The information indicating that the starting position is the center indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is the horizontal center region 232. In Figure 7A, the starting position being the center is indicated as "Starting position = None".

[0050] If the determination result in S701 is that the mouse down position is on the vertical ruler 24, the CPU 11 proceeds to S708. In S708, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the guide line is vertical as the type of guide line in the guide line information. Then, in S709, the CPU 11 determines whether the mouse down position is in the upper region 241 or not. If the determination result is that the mouse down position is not in the upper region 241, in S710, the CPU 11 determines whether the mouse down position is in the lower region 243 or not.

[0051] If the determination result is that the mouse down position is in the upper region 241, the CPU 11 proceeds to process S711. In S711, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is at the top in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to process S714. The information indicating that the starting position is at the top indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is in the upper region 241. In Figure 7A, the fact that the starting position is at the top is indicated as "Starting position = Top".

[0052] If the CPU 11 determines that the mouse down position is in the lower region 243, it proceeds to process S712. In S712, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is down in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to process S714. The information indicating that the starting position is down indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is in the lower region 243. In Figure 7A, the starting position being down is indicated as "Starting position = Down".

[0053] If the determination result is that the mouse down position is neither in the upper region 241 nor the lower region 243, the CPU 11 proceeds to S713. In S713, the CPU 11 registers information indicating that the starting position is the center in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S714. The information indicating that the starting position is the center indicates that the starting position where the guide line was placed is the vertical center region 242. In Figure 7A, the starting position being the center is indicated as "Starting position = None".

[0054] In S714, the CPU 11 obtains the position of the pointer 21 based on the signal detected by the mouse. Then, in S715, the CPU 11 determines whether the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714 has been updated. For example, if the comparison result between the current position of the pointer 21 stored in RAM 13 as operation information 65 and the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714 is different, the CPU 11 determines that the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714 has been updated. On the other hand, if the comparison result between the current position of the pointer 21 stored in RAM 13 as operation information 65 and the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714 is the same, the CPU 11 determines that the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714 has not been updated.

[0055] If the CPU 11 determines in S715 that the position of pointer 21 has not been updated, it proceeds to S728. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines in S715 that the position of pointer 21 has been updated, it proceeds to S716. In S716, the CPU 11 determines whether the type of guide line is horizontal or vertical based on the guide line information registered in S702 or S708.

[0056] If the CPU 11 determines in S716 that the type of guide line is horizontal, it proceeds to S717. In S717, the CPU 11 determines whether the starting position is to the left or not based on the information registered in the guide line information in S705, S706, or S707. If the CPU 11 determines that the starting position is not to the left, in S718, the CPU 11 determines whether the starting position is to the right or not based on the information registered in the guide line information in S705, S706, or S707.

[0057] If the determination result is that the starting position is to the left, the CPU 11 proceeds to S719. In S719, the CPU 11 registers information indicating the position of the guide line being dragged, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, into the guide line information. That is, the CPU 11 registers the X and Y coordinates of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, and the X coordinate corresponding to the right edge of the editing screen 20, into the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0058] If the determination result is that the starting position is to the right, the CPU 11 proceeds to S720. In S720, the CPU 11 registers information about the position of the guide line being dragged in the guide line information, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714. Specifically, the CPU 11 registers the X and Y coordinates of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, and the X coordinate corresponding to the left edge of the editing screen 20, in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0059] If the determination result is that the starting position is neither left nor right, the CPU 11 proceeds to S721. In S721, the CPU 11 registers information about the position of the guide line being dragged in the guide line information, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714. Specifically, the CPU 11 registers the Y coordinate of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, the X coordinate corresponding to the left edge of the editing screen 20, and the X coordinate corresponding to the right edge of the editing screen 20 in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0060] If the CPU 11 determines in S716 that the type of guide line is vertical, it proceeds to S722. In S722, the CPU 11 determines whether the starting position is upward or downward based on the information registered in the guide line information in S711, S712, or S713. If the CPU 11 determines that the starting position is not upward or downward, in S723, the CPU 11 determines whether the starting position is downward or downward based on the information registered in the guide line information in S711, S712, or S713.

[0061] If the determination result is that the starting position is at the top, the CPU 11 proceeds to S724. In S724, the CPU 11 registers information indicating the position of the guide line being dragged, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, into the guide line information. That is, the CPU 11 registers the X and Y coordinates of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, and the Y coordinate corresponding to the bottom edge of the editing screen 20, into the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0062] If the determination result is that the starting position is at the bottom, the CPU 11 proceeds to S725. In S725, the CPU 11 registers information about the position of the guide line being dragged in the guide line information, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714. Specifically, the CPU 11 registers the X and Y coordinates of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, and the Y coordinate corresponding to the top edge of the editing screen 20, in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0063] If the determination result is that the starting position is neither above nor below, the CPU 11 proceeds to S726. In S726, the CPU 11 registers information about the position of the guide line being dragged in the guide line information, based on the position of the pointer 21 obtained in S714. Specifically, the CPU 11 registers the X coordinate of the pointer 21 obtained in S714, the Y coordinate corresponding to the top edge of the editing screen 20, and the Y coordinate corresponding to the bottom edge of the editing screen 20 in the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 proceeds to S727.

[0064] In S727, CPU 11 displays a virtual line on the editing screen 20. Specifically, if the type of guide line is horizontal, CPU 11 displays a horizontal virtual line on the editing screen 20. If the type of guide line is vertical, CPU 11 displays a vertical virtual line on the editing screen 20. After that, CPU 11 proceeds to S728.

[0065] In S728, the CPU 11 determines, based on the operation information 65 stored in RAM 13, whether the left mouse button 150 is still pressed. If the determination result indicates that the left mouse button 150 is still pressed, the CPU 11 has not received an instruction to specify the endpoint of the guide line. In this case, the CPU 11 returns to S714. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the left mouse button 150 is not still pressed, the CPU 11 has received an instruction to specify the endpoint of the guide line. In this case, the CPU 11 proceeds to S729.

[0066] In S729, the CPU 11 obtains the position (specified position P1) when it receives an instruction to specify the endpoint of the guide line, based on the operation information 65 stored in RAM 13. Upon obtaining the specified position P1, the CPU 11 registers the information indicating that specified position P1 in the guide line information. The CPU 11 then places the horizontal guide line 30 or the vertical guide line 40 on the editing screen 20 based on the guide line information. After that, the CPU 11 terminates the line placement process (series of processes).

[0067] The horizontal guide lines 30 and vertical guide lines 40, positioned in this manner, are used as reference points for placing objects such as images, text boxes, and shapes in the display area 311. It is also possible to use a function commonly known as snapping or snapping, in which reference points set at the four corners or center of an object move as if being attracted to the horizontal guide lines 30 or vertical guide lines. The hidden area 312 is not subject to snapping or snapping.

[0068] Therefore, adjusting the hidden areas 312 of the horizontal guide line 30 and the vertical guide line 40 at the designated position P1 can be said to be equivalent to positioning the horizontal guide line 30 or the vertical guide line 40 with the designated position P1 as its endpoint.

[0069] Note that the horizontal guide line 30 and the vertical guide line 40 are displayed on the editing screen 20, but they are not printed.

[0070] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to improve visibility. For example, the CPU 11 can place a horizontal guide line 301 (Figure 3) having a display area 311 and a non-display area 312. That is, in the line placement process, a guide line can be placed that includes a non-display area between a designated position (P1) specified within the frame of the paper area (22) and a first point (P11, P21), and a display area between the designated position P1 and a second point (P12, P22). This makes it possible to avoid displaying guide lines that are not used for aligning objects in the area where object layout is desired. As a result, even if guide lines are arranged in a grid pattern, it becomes possible to grasp the area where layout is desired at a glance.

[0071] [About this disclosure] In the above embodiment, the position where the user released the left mouse button 150 was registered as the designated position P1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the vicinity of the position where the user released the left mouse button 150 may be registered as the designated position P1. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of fitting the designated position P1 to a nearby guide line. In the example in Figure 8, when a horizontal guide line 302 having a hidden area 312 is placed, a vertical guide line 401 exists near the designated position P1 of the horizontal guide line 302. In this case, the CPU 11 does not register the position where the user released the left mouse button 150 as the designated position P1, but rather the position that contacts the vertical guide line 401 as the designated position P1. That is, the CPU 11 automatically fits the designated position P1 of the horizontal guide line 302 to the vertical guide line 401 that is located near the position where the user released the left mouse button 150. This makes it possible to place guide lines without requiring precise operation from the user.

[0072] In the above embodiment (see Figure 3), when the placement of the guide line starts from the left region 231, the hidden area 312 is set to the left of the designated position P1, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the placement of the guide line starts from the left region 231, the hidden area 312 may be set to the right of the designated position P1. In this case, when the placement of the guide line starts from the right region 233, the hidden area 312 is set to the left of the designated position P1.

[0073] In the above embodiment (see Figure 4), when the placement of the guide line starts from the upper region 241, the hidden area 312 is set to be above the designated position P1, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the placement of the guide line starts from the upper region 241, the hidden area 312 may be set to be below the designated position P1. In this case, when the placement of the guide line starts from the lower region 243, the hidden area 312 is set to be above the designated position P1.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the horizontal ruler 23 (see Figure 3) or the vertical ruler 24 (see Figure 4) was the region where the guide lines were to be placed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the region where the guide lines were to be placed may be an icon provided on the editing screen 20, separate from the horizontal ruler 23 and the vertical ruler 24. Alternatively, the region where the guide lines were to be placed may be an item in the menu bar provided on the editing screen 20.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the software program for realizing the aforementioned display processing and linear arrangement processing was stored in the information processing device 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the program may be supplied to the information processing device 1 directly or remotely using information transmission means (storage medium, wired signals via lines / networks, or wireless signals such as light or radio waves). In this case, it can also be applied when the program is first installed in a storage device such as a hard disk from the information transmission means, and then read from that storage device into RAM 13 and executed.

[0076] This disclosure also includes program code installed on a computer to implement the functional processing described in the above embodiments. In other words, computer programs that implement the functions described in the claims of this disclosure are also included in this disclosure. The form of the program is not limited. Examples of program forms include object code programs that can be directly interpreted and executed by a processor, programs executed by an interpreter, and script data programs that run on an OS or application.

[0077] Furthermore, storage media for supplying programs include, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. Other storage media for supplying programs include optical discs, semiconductor storage, paper tape, and ROM. Examples of optical discs include magneto-optical discs such as MO and PD. Other examples of optical discs include CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Other examples of optical discs include DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW.

[0078] Furthermore, as a method of supplying programs via transmission signals, there is a process of downloading programs from a website or FTP server to a storage medium such as a hard disk. In this case, the program downloaded to the storage medium may be the computer program itself that implements the functions of this disclosure. Alternatively, the computer program that implements the functions of this disclosure may be compressed into a file that includes an automatic installation function.

[0079] Furthermore, if the program disclosed herein consists of multiple sub-program files, it can also be implemented by downloading each sub-program file from a different website or FTP server. For example, the disclosure may require sub-programs (such as dynamic link libraries or overlay programs) that work in conjunction with the main program. In this case, the sub-programs may be downloaded from a server on the internet. Also, since sub-programs are one of the elements constituting the disclosure, a network server that allows multiple users to download program files necessary to implement the functional processing of the disclosure on a computer may also be included in the disclosure. Note that sub-programs also include programs attached to emails.

[0080] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be implemented by encrypting the program, storing it on a storage medium, distributing it to users, and having them execute and install the encrypted program on their computers using decryption key information. This key information can be downloaded from a website or similar source via the internet to users who meet certain conditions.

[0081] Furthermore, this disclosure includes cases where the functions of the embodiments described above are realized by a computer executing a program read from a storage medium into RAM. For example, even if an OS or driver program running on a computer executes one of the elements constituting this disclosure, or some part or all of a group of elements, it is included in this disclosure if it realizes the functions of the embodiments described above.

[0082] This disclosure includes configurations represented by the following program examples and editing methods.

[0083] <Structure 1> This is a program that causes a computer to position horizontal guide lines. Display process that displays the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the starting point of the horizontal guide line, An endpoint reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the horizontal guide line within the paper area, A program characterized by executing the following and displaying the horizontal guide line, which includes the endpoint, between the starting point and the endpoint on the editing screen.

[0084] <Structure 2> A program that causes a computer to position vertical guide lines, Display process that displays the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the starting point of the vertical guide line, An endpoint reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the vertical guide line within the paper area, A program characterized by executing the following and displaying the vertical guide line, which includes the endpoint, between the starting point and the endpoint on the editing screen.

[0085] <Structure 3> In the aforementioned editing screen, a ruler is placed outside the paper area. The program according to configuration 1, characterized in that the ruler includes a region for specifying the starting point.

[0086] <Structure 4> The program according to configuration 1 or 3, characterized in that, in response to user operation, the endpoint of the placed horizontal guide line is moved, and the horizontal guide line including the endpoint between the moved endpoint and the starting point is displayed on the editing screen.

[0087] <Structure 5> The program according to configuration 1, 3, or 4, characterized in that when the user specifies the endpoint, the program fits the endpoint onto a vertical guide line that has already been placed.

[0088] <Composition 6> In the aforementioned editing screen, a ruler is placed outside the paper area. The program according to configuration 2, characterized in that the ruler includes a region for specifying the starting point.

[0089] <Composition 7> The program according to configuration 2 or 6, characterized in that, in response to user operation, the endpoint of the placed vertical guide line is moved, and the vertical guide line including the endpoint is displayed on the editing screen between the moved endpoint and the starting point.

[0090] <Structure 8> The program according to configuration 2, 6, or 7, characterized in that when the user specifies the endpoint, the program fits the endpoint onto a horizontal guide line that has already been placed.

[0091] <Composition 9> A method for editing horizontal guide lines displayed on a computer, A display step that shows the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception step that receives an instruction from the user to specify the starting point of the guide line, An endpoint reception step that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the guide line within the paper area, A positioning step of arranging the guide line including the endpoint between the starting point and the endpoint, An editing method characterized by including

[0092] <Composition 10> A method for editing vertical guide lines displayed on a computer, A display step that shows the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception step that receives an instruction from the user to specify the starting point of the guide line, An endpoint reception step that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the guide line within the paper area, A positioning step of arranging the guide line including the endpoint between the starting point and the endpoint, An editing method characterized by including [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 11 CPU 12 ROM 13 RAM 15 Control section 16 Display section

Claims

1. This is a program that causes a computer to position horizontal guide lines. Display process that displays the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the starting point of the horizontal guide line, An endpoint reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the horizontal guide line within the paper area, A program characterized by executing the following and displaying the horizontal guide line, which includes the endpoint, between the starting point and the endpoint on the editing screen.

2. A program that causes a computer to position vertical guide lines, Display process that displays the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the starting point of the vertical guide line, An endpoint reception process that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the vertical guide line within the paper area, A program characterized by executing the following and displaying the vertical guide line, which includes the endpoint, between the starting point and the endpoint on the editing screen.

3. In the aforementioned editing screen, a ruler is placed outside the paper area. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the ruler includes a region for specifying the starting point.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, in response to user operation, the endpoint of the placed horizontal guide line is moved, and the horizontal guide line including the endpoint between the moved endpoint and the starting point is displayed on the editing screen.

5. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when the user specifies the endpoint, the program fits the endpoint onto a vertical guide line that has already been placed.

6. In the aforementioned editing screen, a ruler is placed outside the paper area. The program according to claim 2, wherein the ruler includes a region for specifying the starting point.

7. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that, in response to user operation, the program moves the endpoint of the placed vertical guide line, and displays the vertical guide line including the endpoint between the moved endpoint and the starting point on the editing screen.

8. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that when the user specifies the endpoint, the program fits the endpoint onto a horizontal guide line that has already been placed.

9. A method for editing horizontal guide lines displayed on a computer, A display step that shows the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception step that receives an instruction from the user to specify the starting point of the guide line, An endpoint reception step that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the guide line within the paper area, A positioning step of arranging the guide line including the endpoint between the starting point and the endpoint, An editing method characterized by including

10. A method for editing vertical guide lines displayed on a computer, A display step that shows the editing screen including the paper area, A starting point reception step that receives an instruction from the user to specify the starting point of the guide line, An endpoint reception step that receives instructions from the user to specify the endpoint of the guide line within the paper area, A positioning step of arranging the guide line including the endpoint between the starting point and the endpoint, An editing method characterized by including

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