Design Element Layout by Overlap Grouping and Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer applications face challenges in efficiently arranging multiple design elements within a confined space, particularly when aligning and positioning them neatly, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for arranging design elements by allocating them to collections based on overlap dimensions, distributing and aligning elements within these collections, and determining optimal arrangements into rows or columns to minimize superimposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual arrangement of design elements is performed, then precise positioning control is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidarrangement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service arrangement by automatically detecting element overlaps and computing optimal positions without requiring manual intervention. The computer processing system performs the entire arrangement process autonomously, from identifying overlapping elements to calculating and applying position adjustments, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining precise positioning control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual dragging and positioning process with an automated computational system. Instead of users manually moving elements, the computer processing system uses algorithms to detect overlaps, determine arrangement directions, and automatically reposition elements, substituting human mechanical actions with automated digital processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If existing alignment functions are used, then some organization is achieved, but comprehensive arrangement capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement easeVSAvoidarrangement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to different design scenarios by automatically detecting the specific arrangement needs of each element set. It determines the appropriate arrangement direction based on the detected overlaps and element configurations, allowing the arrangement capability to adapt dynamically to various layouts, element types, and design contexts rather than applying fixed alignment rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal arrangement system that handles multiple types of design elements (images, text, shapes) and various overlap configurations through a single automated process. The system can arrange elements in different directions (horizontal, vertical) and works with any number of overlapping elements, providing comprehensive arrangement capability that supersedes limited alignment functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If elements are arranged in confined space, then design density is increased, but arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement densityVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex arrangement problem into manageable steps: first detecting individual overlaps between elements, then determining arrangement directions for each overlap, and finally computing positions sequentially. This segmentation of the arrangement process reduces complexity by breaking down the overall task into discrete, automated sub-tasks that can be processed systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that mediates between the elements and their final positions. The system uses detected overlaps as intermediate information to determine arrangement directions, which then guide the position calculation process. This intermediary processing step simplifies the overall arrangement complexity by providing a structured approach to handling multiple overlapping elements in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12614325B2Systems and methods for arranging design elements
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 CANVA PTY LTD
  • US12614325B2 patent drawing
  • US12614325B2 patent drawing
  • US12614325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Computer processing systems and computer implemented methods for determining an arrangement of elements of a design are described. The arrangement may be into rows or columns. Collections of elements for rows and/or columns are determined based on overlap of the elements along a dimension prior to arrangement. Each collection may be arranged within an area of the design into a row or column. In some embodiments an initial arrangement into both rows and columns is determined and a final arrangement is determined based on which arrangement results in a least total overlap area of the elements.