Hierarchical Object Layout to Protect Visible Design Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing design applications fail to prevent important information in underlying objects from being obscured by overlapping objects during the design process, compromising usability and intuitive operability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hierarchical arrangement where objects are set in a layered structure, with certain objects designated as upper objects, preventing other objects from overlapping on top of them, thus maintaining the visibility of important information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple objects are allowed to overlap freely in the design application, then the ease of operation and flexibility in layout is improved, but important information in underlying objects may be obscured by upper objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in layoutVSAvoidvisibility of important information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of important objects (such as text, QR codes, and barcodes) and pre-establishes their protection status before any overlapping occurs. When objects are arranged, the system checks in advance whether an important object will be obscured, and if so, automatically adjusts the arrangement or issues a warning to prevent information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the arrangement of objects and provides real-time feedback when an important object is at risk of being obscured. Users receive notifications or warnings when placing objects that may cover important information, allowing them to adjust the layout accordingly while maintaining flexibility in the design process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If objects are arranged in a hierarchical manner with upper objects designated, then the visibility of important information is maintained, but the complexity of object arrangement control increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of important informationVSAvoidcomplexity of object arrangement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying uniform protection rules to all objects, the system identifies and applies special protection only to local important objects (text, QR codes, barcodes) that are prone to obscuration. Normal graphical objects can overlap freely without restriction, while important objects receive automated protection, thus balancing information visibility with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies important objects and manages their protection status without requiring manual configuration from users. The automated detection and protection mechanisms handle the complexity of hierarchical arrangement control, allowing users to focus on design creativity rather than managing complex overlap rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250383826A1Control method, storage medium, and information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CANON KK

AI summary

A computer is caused to execute: arranging to perform hierarchical arrangement in which multiple objects are arranged in a hierarchical manner, setting an object arranged on a top hierarchy out of the multiple objects, on which the hierarchical arrangement is performed, as an upper object; and controlling a control not to allow a target object as an operation target to be operated out of the plurality of objects to overlap on top of at least a part of the upper object.