Method for optimizing space allocation in table layout
US7500179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/177
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Space is allocated within a table layout for a plurality of items to be placed therein by application of a first rule in which each item is ordered according to increasing column span for the item. Thereafter, a second rule is applied for each ordered item. The second rule recognizes that space need not necessarily be added to the right-most column for an item at issue, and that space needed for the right-most column for an item at issue should be ‘borrowed’ from the next column to the right, presuming such space is available and would not impinge on any other item. Finally, the second rule recognizes that despite everything, situations can arise where there is no elegant way to allocate space for all items within a table layout. In such a circumstance, space is added to the right-most column for the item at issue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.