Automated Slide Layout Using Annotation-Based Spatial Conflict Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current slide presentation applications are cumbersome and lack precision in creating slides with consistent design layouts, often relying on manual positioning and subjective decisions, leading to imprecision and poor quality slides, especially when incorporating content from other applications like PDFs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented slide creation system that automatically generates presentation slides by retrieving user-selected templates and converting user annotations from various file formats into slide elements, using a graphics engine to detect and avoid spatial conflicts, and optimize the arrangement of slide elements based on programmable spatial rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning and subjective decisions are used in slide creation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprecision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects spatial conflicts and adjusts slide element positions without requiring manual intervention. The conflict detection system autonomously identifies overlapping elements and resolves them by repositioning, scaling, or removing elements based on predefined rules, eliminating the need for users to manually position elements while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computational system. The conflict detection mechanism uses algorithms to calculate spatial relationships between elements and automatically adjusts positions, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical-like precision through software-based spatial management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated slide generation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the slide creation process into distinct functional modules: template selection, element extraction from annotations, spatial conflict detection, and automatic resolution. Each module handles a specific aspect of the workflow, allowing the complex automated generation process to be managed through segmented, independent components that can be processed sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary conflict detection system that acts as a mediator between the automated element placement and the final slide layout. This intermediary layer analyzes spatial relationships and coordinates adjustments between elements, managing the complexity of automated generation by providing a structured intermediate processing stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If spatial conflict detection is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprecisionVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual spatial management with an automated conflict detection system that uses computational algorithms to analyze and resolve spatial relationships. The system automatically detects overlapping elements and applies resolution rules, substituting complex human judgment and manual adjustment with streamlined automated spatial management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If automated element arrangement is used, then loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetimeVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic spatial conflict resolution without requiring user intervention. The conflict detection and resolution mechanisms autonomously adjust element positions and configurations, eliminating the time users would spend manually resolving spatial issues while maintaining operational simplicity through automated self-adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10460023B1Systems, methods, and computer readable media for creating slide presentations for an annotation set

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 SHRIVER MATTHEW CONNELL

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided that relates to the field electronic slide presentation applications. Improvements to add new features and functionality in that field are illustratively described. In some embodiments, an automated feature is provided that generates high-quality presentation slides from source content. Other features are contemplated including features related to security, GUIs, smart templates, and others.