Device and method for layout of a structured document using multi-column areas

摘要

A document layout processing device for the layout of a structured document is disclosed wherein a logical structure of a document is stored in the device; the logical structure has a preselected specific page format with a plurality of columns; document contents corresponding to each of the components of the logical structure; and a layout directive information indicating whether the components of the logical structure should be laid out in a single column or in a multi-column area, whereby a content layout method lays out the document in one of the columns or in the multi-column area according to the logical structure while referring to the layout directive information; and a method of using the device for generating a multi-column area that extends over a number of columns including a specific column.