Automated Slide Layout Identification via Source Code Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual identification of slide layouts in presentation software is inefficient and error-prone, particularly when dealing with batch processing of slides, as existing methods rely on manual analysis rather than automated techniques.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and apparatus that analyze file source code to extract feature information of placeholders, such as number, size, type, position, and sequence, to determine the layout of a slide, allowing for the identification of layouts like step, cycle, summary-partition, comparison, pyramid, tree, and parallel styles, and matching them with stored templates for efficient layout modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual identification of slide layouts is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but efficiency and productivity are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide layout identification efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing slide file source code to extract placeholder feature information and determine layouts without requiring manual intervention. The automated layout identification system extracts features such as placeholder positions, sizes, and sequences, then matches them against stored templates to identify layouts, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability through intelligent analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of layout identification with an automated computational system. Instead of manual visual inspection and analysis, the system uses automated code parsing, feature extraction algorithms, and template matching mechanisms to identify slide layouts, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining flexibility through intelligent pattern recognition.

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

2Measurement precision

If manual analysis is used for slide layouts, then accuracy can be maintained through human judgment, but time consumption increases and batch processing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout identification accuracyVSAvoidtime for layout identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses template copying and matching by storing pre-defined layout templates with their characteristic feature information. The automated system extracts features from slide source code and compares them against stored templates to identify layouts, maintaining accuracy through precise pattern matching while reducing time consumption through automated comparison algorithms that can process multiple slides simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the layout identification problem into a parameter-based analysis by extracting specific feature parameters from slide source code, such as placeholder positions, sizes, sequences, and types. By converting visual layout analysis into quantitative parameter comparison against stored templates, the system maintains identification accuracy while enabling rapid automated processing and batch operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated layout identification is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebatch processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the layout identification process into distinct modular components: file source code parsing, placeholder feature information extraction, layout determination based on extracted features, and template matching. This segmentation allows the complex automated system to process slides in manageable stages, improving productivity through systematic batch processing while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional automated layout identification apparatus that can handle various slide layouts and formats through a single integrated system. By storing multiple layout templates and using universal feature extraction and matching mechanisms, the system can identify different layout types (such as step, cycle, summary-partition, comparison, pyramid, tree, and parallel styles) without requiring separate manual processes for each, thereby improving batch processing capability while managing complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3399430B1Method and apparatus for recognizing slide
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 BEIJING KINGSOFT OFFICE SOFTWARE INC
  • EP3399430B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3399430B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3399430B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application disclose a method and an apparatus for identifying a slide, which are applied to an electronic device. The method comprises: obtaining file source code of a slide to be identified (S101); obtaining feature information of objects in the slide to be identified from the file source code (S102); and determining a layout of the slide to be identified based on the obtained feature information (S103). In the present application, the electronic device can automatically obtain the feature information of the objects in the slide to be identified from the file source code of the slide. Therefore, compared to manual identification, the efficiency and accuracy of identifying the layout of the slide are significantly improved. Moreover, this makes it possible to perform subsequent automatic processes on the slide based on the layout of the slide.