Automated Document Layout Design Using Convex Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document layout design techniques fail to effectively incorporate object content-dependent constraints, leading to suboptimal aesthetic measures and inefficient layout adjustments, particularly when scaling, cropping, and repositioning document image objects.

Innovation Solution

A convex optimization framework is employed to compute an optimal document layout by defining constraints and an objective function that incorporate both initial placement positions and attributes derived from individual objects, including aesthetic measures like alignment and centering, using open-source software like CVXOPT for solving the optimization problem.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing layout techniques (SmartNails, genetic algorithms) are used to reposition document objects, then layout adjustment capability is improved, but object content-dependent constraints are not incorporated leading to suboptimal aesthetic measures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout adjustment capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic measure optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the layout optimization problem into a parameter optimization problem by representing object positions and sizes as variables in a convex optimization framework. This allows systematic adjustment of layout parameters while incorporating content-dependent constraints, resolving the contradiction between layout flexibility and aesthetic optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/layout adjustment methods (greedy algorithms, genetic algorithms) with a mathematical optimization approach using convex optimization and linear programming. This substitution enables precise control over aesthetic measures while maintaining layout adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If initial rectangle positions are fixed and cannot be altered, then container placement simplicity is improved, but layout optimization flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer placement simplicityVSAvoidlayout optimization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by allowing rectangle positions and sizes to be variables that can change during optimization, rather than fixed parameters. The convex optimization framework dynamically adjusts container placements based on content requirements and aesthetic constraints, resolving the contradiction between initial simplicity and final flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If content is fitted to pre-chosen rectangles, then content placement efficiency is improved, but object content influence on aesthetic measures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent placement efficiencyVSAvoidcontent-dependent aesthetic optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary content analysis to extract content-dependent constraints and attributes before the optimization process. This preliminary action enables the subsequent optimization to efficiently adjust layouts while respecting content-specific requirements, resolving the contradiction between placement efficiency and aesthetic precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7788579B2Automated document layout design

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus for automated document layout creation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a first layout of document image objects and creating a second layout of document image objects subject to placement constraints corresponding to placement of document image objects, at least one of the placement constraints being based on object content in one or more of the document image objects.