Method and system for layout of objects within a perimeter using constrained interactive search
US6380954B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/103
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer-based method and system for guiding a user through the process of positioning a set of graphical components within a container in a manner that guarantees that a satisfactory layout will be obtained if such a layout is possible, no matter what placements are selected by the user. This method and system provide an interactive and automated page layout that is generated without trial and error on the part of the user, while allowing the user to exercise choice when such choice is not in conflict with the goal of obtaining a satisfactory layout, where a satisfactory layout is defined as one for which i) no components overlap, ii) the entire area available within the container is occupied by the components, iii) the constraints on size associated with each individual component are satisfied, and iv) the non-constraining preferences regarding size and location that are associated with each component are respected whenever they are not in conflict with user choices and component constraints.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.