Automated Publication Layout With Recursive 2D Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computerized and automated publication layout systems are computationally complex, requiring large resources and long processing times, often resulting in suboptimal layouts due to simplification of optimization objectives, which is problematic for high-frequency publications like daily newspapers.
Innovation Solution
An automated multi-page publication layout system using custom algorithms that solve the 2D packing problem of content placement as a convex optimization, employing a recursive greedy algorithm to determine optimal content placement on each page, considering layout parameters and rules, and using fit scores to balance optimization and computational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If computerized automated publication layout systems are used, then layout efficiency is improved, but computational complexity increases requiring large resources and long processing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-page publication layout problem into individual page-level optimization problems. Each page is processed independently with its own set of constraints and objectives, transforming a complex multi-page optimization problem into multiple simpler single-page problems that can be solved more efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the complex multi-objective optimization problem into a single-objective optimization problem by combining multiple layout objectives (aesthetic quality, space utilization, content priority) into a unified objective function with weighted parameters, simplifying the computational complexity while maintaining optimization quality
2Device complexity
If existing automated layout systems simplify optimization objectives, then computational complexity is reduced, but layout quality becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reformulates the optimization problem by changing the mathematical parameters and objective function structure. It uses a unified objective function that incorporates multiple layout criteria (aesthetic quality, space utilization, content priority) with adjustable weights, allowing the system to maintain high layout quality while reducing computational complexity through parameter optimization rather than complex multi-objective algorithms
3Manufacturing precision
If manual publication layout process is used, then layout quality can be optimized, but time consumption increases and bias is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated content selection and layout generation that operates independently without human intervention. The algorithm automatically evaluates content priority, selects appropriate articles, determines optimal placement positions, and generates the complete layout, eliminating manual labor while maintaining objective quality standards free from human bias
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an objective function that provides feedback on layout quality based on multiple criteria (aesthetic quality, space utilization, content priority). This feedback mechanism guides the optimization process to automatically adjust layout decisions and achieve high-quality results that would traditionally require manual expert judgment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an automated multi-page publication layout system and related methods. For a given page, one or more content items, a configuration for each of the selected content items, and a canvas layout are selected. A page configuration is generated by populating the selected canvas layout with the selected content items in the selected configuration. A fit score for the page variation is determined based on a set of rules that measure 2D packing efficiency and compliance with a plurality of presentation rules. This process is repeated for each configuration each canvas layout for the selected page. A page configuration having the highest fit score is selected for the selected page. The process is repeated for each page in the layout. A completed publication layout is output to a publisher system for publication, the publisher system publishing the multi-page publication.