Flow Contours for Layout Space Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing presentation systems face inefficiencies in handling flow layout due to computationally expensive fully recursive processes, which hinder higher-level layout algorithms and require an all-or-none approach.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of flow contours, which organize layout space by representing collections of left-floating and right-floating objects, allowing for efficient layout processing and assisting content measuring and insertion algorithms by computing dimensions and positioning objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fully recursive processes are used to conduct flow layout, then layout completeness is ensured, but computational expense increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the layout processing into distinct phases: contour construction phase and content insertion phase. The contour construction phase builds flow contours representing collections of floating objects, while the content insertion phase inserts content between these contours. This segmentation allows the system to avoid fully recursive processing while ensuring layout completeness, as content is systematically inserted between constructed contours rather than through exhaustive recursion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by constructing flow contours before inserting content. The flow contours are built in advance to represent the spatial arrangement of floating objects, creating a structured framework that guides subsequent content insertion. This preliminary contour construction eliminates the need for recursive re-evaluation during content insertion, significantly reducing computational expense while maintaining layout completeness.
2Manufacturing precision
If fully recursive processes are used for flow layout, then accurate flow layout is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the layout process into contour construction and content insertion segments. Flow contours are constructed once to capture the precise spatial relationships of floating objects, then content is inserted between these pre-defined contours. This segmentation maintains flow layout accuracy by preserving the hierarchical structure of floating objects while reducing processing time through non-recursive content insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow contours as an intermediary structure between floating objects and content insertion. These contours serve as mediators that encode the spatial constraints imposed by floating objects, allowing content to be positioned accurately without requiring recursive evaluation of all floating object relationships. The contours act as a pre-computed guide that maintains precision while accelerating the insertion process.
3Reliability
If fully recursive layout processing is used, then complete layout is achieved, but system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments layout processing into independent phases: contour construction and content insertion. This segmentation enables the system to handle different content types and insertion strategies flexibly within the content insertion phase, while the contour construction phase provides a stable framework. The system can adapt to various content requirements without re-evaluating the entire layout recursively, thus maintaining both completeness and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic content insertion between pre-constructed flow contours. While the contour structure provides a stable framework ensuring layout completeness, the content insertion process can dynamically adapt to different content types, sizes, and positioning requirements. This dynamic insertion approach allows the system to flexibly handle varying content needs without compromising the overall layout structure or requiring full recursive re-processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments introduce the notion of a flow contour that is utilized to conduct layout processing. Flow contours are utilized to organize layout space in the presence of floating objects or geometries. In at least some embodiments, objects can float to the left and/or right in the layout space. Flow contours are abstractions that then represent collections of left-floating and/or right-floating objects.