Layer Flattening Interface for Real-Time Graphic Design Preview
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing graphics for cutting or forming with manufacturing machines is challenging due to difficulties in visualizing the final design and reverting to previous stages, making it hard to ensure the design is correct before implementation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a graphical user interface that allows users to select, manipulate, and combine content objects on separate visual layers, automatically generating a flattened output layer for real-time visualization of the final design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple graphics or shapes are used to create a design, then design complexity and functionality are improved, but visualization of the final design and ability to revert to previous stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The design is divided into multiple visual layers, each representing a separate stage or element. Users can navigate between layers to view different design stages, maintaining visibility of previous work while building complex multi-element designs. Each layer can be independently managed, allowing selective viewing and editing of specific design components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple visual layers are used to manipulate content objects, then design flexibility and ease of manipulation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple visual layers are merged into a single flattened output layer that displays the complete design. This combining approach maintains the organizational benefits of multiple layers for manipulation purposes while presenting a unified, simplified view of the final design, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The flattened output layer serves as an intermediary between the multiple visual layers and the final design output. It consolidates information from multiple layers into a single representation that is easier to visualize and manage, while still allowing access to individual layers when needed.
3Productivity
If automatic layer flattening is implemented, then productivity and time efficiency are improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flattening operations automatically as users manipulate content objects on visual layers. By proactively combining layers in real-time rather than requiring manual flattening before output, the system maintains design accuracy while significantly improving productivity and reducing the time required to prepare designs for manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes executing a design generating program configured to display on a screen a graphical user interface having a virtual canvas window configured to present selected content objects to be incorporated into a unique design, and a content object selection window including available content objects to select from for presentation in the virtual canvas window. The program is configured to: receive, in the content object selection window, selection inputs indicating selection of first and second content objects and display the first and second content objects in the virtual canvas window. The program is further configured to receive, in the virtual canvas window, manipulation inputs to move the first content object to a target position relative to the second content object, and based on the first and second content objects overlapping, generate, for display in the virtual canvas window, the unique design.