Layout Assistance Method Using Shape-Based Visual Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing layout generation system does not provide an efficient method for users to select a layout candidate that matches their intended arrangement of articles.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that displays a list of articles and layout information using shapes corresponding to the articles, allowing users to easily select a layout candidate by associating shapes with articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If layout information is generated and outputted to terminal, then layout generation capability is provided, but user selection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout generation capabilityVSAvoidlayout selection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies of articles as shapes within layout templates. Each article is represented by a corresponding shape in the layout information, allowing users to visually match articles with their intended positions without manually checking individual layout configurations. This visual copying mechanism simplifies the selection process while maintaining automated layout generation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Quantity of substance

If individual layout information pieces are imported to text editing software, then layout data is provided, but selection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout data volumeVSAvoidselection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments layout information into visually distinct templates, each representing a different layout candidate. By dividing the layout data into separate, visually identifiable templates with article arrangements clearly shown, users can quickly scan and select from multiple layout options without having to examine each layout piece in detail, thereby reducing selection time while handling multiple layout candidates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs visual differentiation through shapes and their arrangements to represent different layout candidates. Each layout template uses visual characteristics (shapes, positions, arrangements) to distinguish between different layout options, enabling users to rapidly identify and select desired layouts based on visual cues rather than detailed inspection, thus reducing selection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250061265A1Information processing apparatus, layout assistance method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 NEC CORP

AI summary

In order to easily select a candidate from among layout candidates, the candidate conforming with the intention of a user, an information processing apparatus (1) includes: a display control section (11) for displaying, on a display, (i) a list of articles to be arranged in a layout and (ii) pieces of layout information in each of which an arrangement of the articles in a corresponding one of candidates for the layout is represented with use of respective shapes corresponding to the articles, the list and the pieces of layout information being displayed such that the shapes are associated with the articles in the list; and an accepting section (12) for accepting a selection made by a user with respect to the candidates.