Page Layout Policy Using RL and Imitation Learning Rules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic page layout technologies struggle to generate layouts that conform to both layout rules and user aesthetics, particularly when dealing with multiple page elements, often resulting in overlapping or improperly placed elements.

Innovation Solution

A page layout method utilizing reinforcement learning to enforce layout rules and imitation learning to enhance aesthetics, combining a first-priority hard rule with a second-priority soft rule, and incorporating user interaction to optimize the layout process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If random layout mode is used to deploy page elements, then the layout process is simple and fast, but the generated layouts do not conform to layout rules and elements may overlap or be improperly placed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout speedVSAvoidlayout rule conformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The layout process is segmented into two distinct phases: reinforcement learning phase for generating candidate layouts that satisfy hard rules, and imitation learning phase for optimizing aesthetic quality. This segmentation allows each phase to focus on specific requirements without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement learning algorithm performs preliminary action by generating candidate layouts that satisfy hard layout rules before the imitation learning phase optimizes aesthetic quality. This preliminary constraint satisfaction ensures rule conformity is built into the foundation of the layout process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the quantity of page elements and page size increase, then the layout complexity increases, but the likelihood of generating non-conforming layouts with overlaps or boundary violations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of page elementsVSAvoidlayout rule satisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement learning algorithm incorporates feedback mechanisms where the environment evaluates each layout action against hard rules and provides reward signals. This continuous feedback ensures that even as element quantity increases, the algorithm learns to maintain rule conformity through iterative optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by using different reward functions and state representations that scale with the number of elements. The reinforcement learning algorithm adapts its policy based on changing parameters such as element count and page dimensions, maintaining reliability through dynamic parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If only reinforcement learning is used for page layout, then layout rules are enforced, but user aesthetic preferences are not adequately considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout rule enforcementVSAvoidaesthetic preference alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges reinforcement learning and imitation learning into a unified two-stage framework. Reinforcement learning enforces hard rules while imitation learning adapts to user aesthetic preferences, combining the strengths of both approaches to achieve both rule conformity and aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imitation learning component acts as an intermediary between the reinforcement learning algorithm and user aesthetic preferences. It translates subjective aesthetic criteria into learnable patterns from demonstration data, mediating between rule-based generation and preference-based optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If manual design work is replaced by automatic layout, then labor consumption and training time are reduced, but generating layouts that conform to rules becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic layout generationVSAvoidlayout rule conformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical design work with an automated intelligent system combining reinforcement learning and imitation learning. This substitution maintains high rule conformity by using algorithmic constraint satisfaction rather than human judgment, achieving both automation and precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The automated layout system uses a composite approach by combining two different learning paradigms (reinforcement learning and imitation learning) into a single system. This composite structure allows the system to simultaneously achieve rule enforcement and aesthetic quality, overcoming the limitations of using either approach alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12561509B2Page layout method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 HUAWEI CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • US12561509B2 patent drawing
  • US12561509B2 patent drawing
  • US12561509B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A page layout method includes obtaining page information, element information of at least one page element to be laid out, and a layout rule; obtaining at least one candidate page layout policy based on the page information, the element information, and the layout rule using a reinforcement learning algorithm; and determining a target page layout policy from the at least one candidate page layout policy using an imitation learning algorithm.