Patent Application
20060103667
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods, systems and computer readable code for the layout of objects including graphical layout objects in visual media including but not limited to advertisements.
Product oriented ads are often implemented in free-standing-inserts, flyers, coupons-sheet, catalogs and shelf-talkers, and are widely produced by retailers, manufacturers and distributors on reoccurring bases. These advertisements are sale aimed; they consist of product information, copy, images, graphics, promotion details, logos, prices and other marketing related information.
The ads are distributed through several distribution channels including newspapers, newsletters, print, web, video, email, cellular devices and more. Each channel has its own presentation factors. One exemplary presentation factor is the page size, which imposes constraints on the page layout and the ad layout.
As the customer facing information is changing frequently, publishers & advertisers create a large number of variations or versions of each advertisements with a given corpus of advertisements. For example, many supermarket chains produce slightly different variations of essentially the same store flyer for a variety of stores, where there could be for example slight discrepancies in the number of featured products. Another example is a merchandiser that produces different versions of the same catalogue, where the actual products, number of products, and prices may change between catalogues, but there is a need to preserve the graphical “look and feel”
When there is a need to distribute an ad using several different presentation media or several versions of the same ad in a single presentation media, the page and the ad must be built several times, each time with different presentation factors such as size parameters.
Today the demand for customization and personalization of the advertisements as well as web sites such as corporate web sites increases while the production time frame is getting shorter and, there is a need for tools that can automate the creation of the content, and the page or ad layout.
One motivating factor driving the need for this customization and personalization is that many organizations have large amounts of textual and graphical data resident in databases that needs to be layout in appropriate graphical media.
Existing Solutions
Static layout templates are a common solution employed by many applications. Static layout templates automate final advertisement production according to a predefined design, and thus reduce the cost of manually layout of advertisements.
One problem with the static layout templates is that static template based ads have a rigid size and look resulting in technical appearance rather than a desired promotional appearance. This is due to a tendency to place graphical elements only according to size and location specified in the static layout template.
Another limitation of that solution is that page size and ad sizes must be determined in advanced, this avoid the use of templates in situations where ad or page size are not known in advance or might frequently change.
It is common for merchants or other entities to distribute A3 or tabloid free-standing-inserts, where each page might include several sub pages (such as several sections or departments in one page) each sub-page with its own ads, look & feel, headers footers etc. The partition of the page into several sub-pages, and the size of each sub-page are determined according to the number of ads and the size of each ad in each sub-page. As a result, there is a need to rearrange and to resize elements of the page, the sub-pages and the ads according to size that is dynamically changed.
Another problem with static layout templates arises in case where one can predict the different sizes needed, and must satisfy a rich look & feel publication with many different ad models. The number of templates needed is the multiplication of the number of ad sizes (N), by the number of ad models (M), resulting in N×M static layout templates. When the number templates needed is high, or when ad size or ad model is frequently changes, then the creation and maintenance of templates is a costly issue that renders the use of static layout templates difficult to manage and cost-prohibitive. In the preceding paragraph, it is understood that this can apply to any graphical or textual element, and is not intended to be limited to advertisements.
In order to overcome these limitations there is a need for easy method to resize a layout templates. Resizing static templates by using a photographic scale-up or scale-down operator often yield poor results, as it does not preserve the text readability or the creative concept or “look and feel” of the template.
This problem is not limited to print ads. It is known in the art that views of web page receive a different image depending on the screen resolution or the dimensions allotted to a certain graphical layout region. In certain cases, producers of graphic-rich web sites prepare a number of versions of the same web page or web site, with each version providing optimal view for one or more screen resolution settings, or for one or more external dimensions allotted to a graphical frame, with an unfortunate drain of resources. There is an ongoing need for techniques and systems for automatically and semi-automatically producing from a single web page a series of web pages, with each web page optimized for viewing with different screen resolution parameters.
This problem is not limited to print ads. It is known in the art that views of web page receive a different image depending on the screen resolution or the dimensions allotted to a certain graphical layout region. In certain cases, producers of graphic-rich web sites prepare a number of versions of the same web page or web site, with each version providing optimal view for one or more screen resolution settings, or for one or more external dimensions allotted to a graphical frame, with an unfortunate drain of resources. There is an ongoing need for techniques and systems for automatically and semi-automatically producing from a single web page a series of web pages, with each web page optimized for viewing with different screen resolution parameters.
The aforementioned needs are satisfied by several aspects of the present invention
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method to automatically resize layout of templates, final pages, sub-pages and ads in manner that preserve the creative concept of the designer.
In accordance with several embodiments of the present invention, it has been observed that certain types of graphical media, particularly printed product oriented advertising flyers and product catalogs, exhibit certain recurring often surprising graphical patterns.
Study of graphical media including advertising flyers, newspapers, product catalogues and web sites has revealed to the present inventors a set of recurring graphical motifs. Exemplary graphical media studies is provided in
It is now disclosed for the first time a system for graphical layout comprising
In some embodiments, the re-size parameter interface operative to define at least the following four re-size parameters for a given graphical object: delta scale, proportional (%) scale, delta shift and proportional (%) shift.
According to some embodiments, at least one said graphical object is a placeholder having inner graphical objects embedded therein, and said layout engine is operative to recursively effect a hierarchical re-sizing of said inner graphical objects in accordance with inner re-size parameters of said inner graphical objects relative to said re-sized placeholder.
According to some embodiments, the presently disclosed system further comprises a reference point interface for defining a reference point of at least one of said model outer frame and said graphical object, wherein said layout engine performs at least one of said shifting and said scaling in accordance with said defined reference point.
According to some embodiments, said reference point interface is operative for selecting said reference point from a plurality of discrete reference points.
According to some embodiments, said re-size parameter interface is operative to define variable re-size parameters whose value depends on a relation between dimensions of said model outer frame and said re-sized outer frame.
According to some embodiments, said layout engine is operative to perform re-sizing of static content (e.g. non-video still graphics). Alternatively or additionally, said layout engine is operative to perform re-sizing of video content.
According to some embodiments, one said re-sized graphical object is a placeholder having inner graphical objects embedded therein, and the system further comprises an alignment definition interface (e.g. one dimensional or multi—(e.g. two)—dimensional) for defining an alignment of said inner graphical object within said placeholder.
According to some embodiments, said layout engine is further operative to layout at least one said graphical object in accordance with layout score and optionally a disqualifier, and said layout score is determined by at least one of an object overlap parameter, a text background transparency status, an layout rotation angle (e.g. a re-orienting of the graphical object with respect to the outer bounding frame), a ventilation parameter, and a location of a weighted center of said graphical object relative to a center of a bounding frame (e.g. including but not limited to a rectangular frame).
It is now disclosed for the first time a system for layout of a target graphical object within a bounding frame, the system comprising:
According to some embodiments, said layout parameter calculation is performed for a plurality of putative layout configurations (selected in any manner known in the art, including but not limited to genetic algorithms), and the system further comprises selection engine for selecting configurations to score.
According to some embodiments, for a given putative layout configuration, said layout parameter calculation engine calculates a plurality of said layout parameters, said system further comprising:
According to some embodiments, said layout engine is operative to prefer (for example, by assigning higher scores to) larger scalings of said target graphical object.
According to some embodiments, said layout parameter calculation engine is operative to calculate a re-orientation parameter of the target graphical object within said bounding frame, and said layout engine is operative to re-orient said target graphical object within said bounding frame.
According to some embodiments, said layout parameter calculation engine is operative to calculate at least one additional layout parameter selected from the group consisting of an object overlap parameter, a text background transparency status, relative color status (e.g. similarilty of hue, so, for example, black and white have an opposite color status which allows more overlap, while light red and pink have a more similar color status which precludes more overlap) of the target graphical object and a background (e.g. a background of the bounding frame or a local background of a region where a target graphical object is putatively placed) and said layout engine is further operative to perform said layout of said target graphical object within said bounding frame in accordance with a said calculated additional layout parameter.
It is now disclosed for the first time a system for graphical layout comprising:
According to some embodiments, said graphical objects include a first and second placeholder, each said placeholder having a respective group of inner graphical objects embedded therein, each said respective group of said inner graphical objects having a different set of inner re-size parameters, each said placeholder being subjected to a different re-sizing, and said layout engine is operative to recursively effect a hierarchical re-sizing of said respective inner graphical objects within each said respective placeholder in accordance with said respective inner re-size parameters.
According to some embodiments, said graphical objects include a first and second placeholder, each said placeholder having respective inner graphical objects embedded therein, each said placeholder being subjected to a different re-sizing, and said layout engine is operative to layout said inner graphical objects within each placeholder in accordance with at least one factor selected from the group consisting of an object overlap parameter, a text background transparency status, an orientational deviation between a putative orientation and a default or pre-assigned orientation, a ventilation parameter, and a location of a weighted center of said graphical object relative to a center of a bounding frame (including but not limited to a rectangular frame) and a relative color status of the target graphical object and a background (e.g. a background of the bounding frame or a local background of a region where a target graphical object is putatively placed).
It is now disclosed for the first time a method of graphical layout comprising:
It is now disclosed for the first time a method of layout of a target graphical object within a bounding frame, the system comprising:
It is now disclosed for the first time a method of graphical layout comprising:
The numerous innovative teachings of the present application are described below with particular reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily delimit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others.
Assuming an advertisement composed of one or more visible elements, such as title, description, Logo, Icon, image, table, Cell, and graphic, on a page organized and sized according to a graphic design made by a graphic designer, then changing the ad or page size might require changes in position and size of the visible elements of the ad or the page.
According to specific embodiments, the size of the ad or of the page changes with or without changing the aspect ratio of the ad or page. According to specific embodiments, this size change reflects differently on each object contained in that ad or page. Most well designed advertisements layouts are done by a human graphic designer, using design layout software, with respect to corporate identity and predefined graphic rules embedded into each advertisement. In specific embodiments, these relations should be preserved after the size and/or layout of various layout elements changes.
In certain embodiments of the present invention, at least some parameters define how to apply size change to each layout element according to a size change of its container. In this way, a hierarchical mechanism is defined and enables the creation and layout of complex multi-level content at many different sizes derived from page size or grid size or ad size all the way down up to the lowest level of layout element in an ad.
It is noted that the term “placeholder” is defined as a visible or invisible frame (e.g. including but not limited to a rectangular frame) within an outer frame containing graphical objects embedded therein. A placeholder, even an invisible placeholder directly or indirectly containing at least one visible graphical object, is also defined to be an example of a “graphical object” in addition to what are conventionally defined as graphical objects.
Both the placeholder 112 and the outer frame 110 are each associated with a locator or “reference” point. Generally, the reference point of the outer frame 110 is arbitrarily chosen to be the upper left hand corner 114, as is shown in
As shown in
Although it is appreciated that any reference point may be chosen for either the placeholder 112 and the outer frame 110, throughout this disclosure the upper left corner (e.g. alignment value of “1”) will always be selected for the outer frame 110. The specific reference point for the placeholder 112 will vary depending on what is selected, and selection of the particular reference point 112 is operative to select re-sizing properties of the placeholder 112.
In some embodiments, the reference point of the outer frame 110 and or the placeholder 112 may be selected through a user interface. Furthermore, although any location may appropriately be selected for the reference point of the placeholder 112, throughout this disclosure the reference point will be selected from the nine possible points disclosed in
Generally, one or more internal graphical objects (for example, 118 or 116 as illustrated in
As used herein, an “internal graphical object” is a graphical object embedded within a placeholder that is embedded with an outer frame 110. The placeholder has “re-sizing parameters” defining how the placeholder is re-sized relative to the outer frame 110, while the internal graphical object optionally has “inner re-size parameters” or “internal re-size parameters” defining how the internal graphical object is re-sized within the placeholder.
In the event that the inner graphical object is itself a placeholder (e.g. “inner” placeholder 116), this inner placeholder 116 is re-sized (e.g. shifted and scaled) in accordance with the re-size parameters of the inner placeholder 116. Furthermore, it is noted that there may be inner graphical (or text) objects embedded within this inner placeholder 116. Thus, in the event that the inner placeholder 116 is scaled (e.g. the dimensions are modified), the inner placeholder 116 functions as an outer frame for re-sizing the graphical objects embedded within the inner placeholder 116. Thus, it may be said that one feature provided by some embodiments of the present invention is hierarchical resizing of objects embedded within re-sized placeholders, and hierarchical re-sizing of objects embedded within placeholders embedded within placeholders. This hierarchical re-sizing is performed in accordance with the re-sizing parameters.
Mathematical definitions of exemplary re-size parameters will now be given.
Definitions of Variables
Please note that Lx denotes the length of outer frame 110 in the x-dimension before the change in dimensions, and L′x denotes the length of outer frame 110 in the x-dimension after the change in dimensions. Please note that Ly denotes the length of outer frame 110 in the y-dimension before the change in dimensions, and L′y denotes the length of outer frame 110 in the y-dimension after the change in dimensions. Similar definitions exist in other dimensions.
Please note the lx is the length of the placeholder 112 (or in the event that there is no explicit placeholder 112, the length of the minimal containing rectangle) in the x dimension before re-scaling. In the event that re-scaling is performed in the x direction, then l′x is the length of the placeholder after re-scaling. Similar definitions exist in the y dimensions or other dimensions.
Please note that x is the position of a reference point 120 of a placeholder 112 (or in the event that there is no explicit placeholder 112, the position of a reference point 120 of the minimal containing rectangle) in the x dimension relative to an axis origin (a reference point of the outer frame 110, such as reference point 114) before a shift transformation. In the event that a shift transformation is performed in the x direction, then x′ is the position of the reference point of the placeholder 110 after re-scaling. Similar definitions exist in the y, z dimensions or other dimensions.
Definition of Re-Scalings and Shifts of Placeholders and/or Graphical Objects
In the examples of
In the examples of
A) re-scaling of the placeholder 112 (e.g.
Two types of re-scaling are presented:
B) shifting of the placeholder 112 (e.g.
Thus, it is noted that for some examples, the actual “size” of a “re-sized” shifted graphical element may not change (e.g. when there is no concomitant re-scaling), yet for the purposes of this disclosure, “re-sizing” also includes shifting locations of graphical elements that retain their size in at least one dimension.
Two types of placeholder 112 shift are presented, and illustrated by the examples of FIGS. 3-4:
For the examples illustrated in
As shown in the example of
In both
Thus, in
Returning to
While
Because
In
It is noted that the “ballooning” re-scaling of FIS. 5-6 (e.g. re-scaling where the dimensions are the object are defined by the equations above, but where other aspects are defined at least in part by the location of a reference point of the placeholder 112 or a reference point of any other object within the external frame 110 being scaled) is not a limitation of the present invention.
The examples of
Returning to the example of
For the examples of
It is noted that for the exemplary re-sizings (e.g. shifts and re-scalings) of
Thus, as used herein, deltaXY scale (or % XY scale) denotes re-scaling as presented in the example of
Furthermore, it is noted that the examples presented herein are two dimension examples of re-sizing, though it is appreciated that the same re-sizing operations may be performed on three-dimensional graphical objects associated with a three-dimensional container (e.g. including but not limited to a bonding rectangular prism).
Furthermore, although the examples presented herein provide re-sizing parameters (e.g. deltaXY shift, delta XY scale, % X shift, etc) do not depend on the extent to which one or more dimensions of the external container (e.g. the external frame 110) are modified, this is not a limitation of the present invention. Thus, in one example, a certain object within a bounding external frame 110 is assigned the re-size parameter “deltaX scale” in the event that the X dimension of the external frame or container 110 changes by less than 250% (or, say, less than 12 cm), and % X in the event that the X dimensions changes by more than 250% (or, say, more than 12 cm). This principle is generalized to re-sizing parameters dependent on intervals or ranges.
In the aforementioned examples, and throughout this document, examples of re-sizing of static pictures are presented, though it is understood that the scope of the present invention includes re-sizing of video content. In one example, videos of store circulars including graphical element embedded in external frames and placeholders are presented in a retail outlet on a plurality of video screens. These video graphical elements are re-sized appropriately on each screen in accordance with the dimensions of each video screen.
In
In
It is appreciated that in some examples that are different from those of
The tables below contain data specifying the re-sizings defined in
Resize Parameters for
Discussion:
By choosing both the Scale XY and Shift XY for the placeholder of Image 222, the bottom right corner of the Image Placeholder shifts with the bottom right corner of the outer frame 220. The %_X (proportional shift in the X direction) maintains the text placeholder substantially centered in the X dimension. Note that the text placeholder 228 is scaled but the text maintains it size. In some embodiments of the present invention, the default behavior of objects (e.g. graphical and/or text objects) embedded within a placeholder and without explicit inner re-size parameters is to not scale the object whatsoever, though this is not a limitation. Typically, for text object this default behavior is operative. Another possible “default” behavior for objects (e.g. graphical and/or text objects) embedded within a placeholder without explicit inner re-size parameters is for % scale in all re-sized directions.
With regards to the price 224, the D_Y shift is operative to maintain the price in at the bottom of the enclosing frame.
It is noted that the logo placeholder, which is near the upper left corner of the original model
Discussion:
Sometimes a user (e.g. graphical artist) prefers to associate the logo in placeholder 226 of the brand with the price. By choosing a delta_Y this brings the logo close to the bottom left corner near the price, and because in the model ad there was no overlap between the logo placeholder and the price placeholder, there is no overlap in the re-sized ad. More specifically, because both implement a D_Y (or DELTA_Y) re-size, the distance between the logo placeholder 226 and the Price 224 placeholder is preserved.
Discussion:
It is noted that in the original model ad, the logo placeholder is substantially in the top left corner. This quality is preserved by using a %_Y re-size, and thus the affect of drawing the logo close to the price (e.g.
Discussion:
By using the “none” re-size parameter in the X direction for the Price Placeholder 224, the absolute distance between the upper left corner and the price placeholder 224 remains preserved. This is also the case for the logo placeholder 226. Thus, logo and price objects give the appearance of moving to the upper left corner without clashing, thereby providing another method of drawing the logo and price closer.
Similary, the text is aligned in alignment point (grid parameter) 1 (top left), drawing the text closer to the logo. Thus, the effect created is to have the bread image (e.g. in placeholder 222) on one side of the frame (e.g. the right side), and to have all labeling object (e.g. the text, the logo, and the price) and the other side (e.g. the left side).
Discussion:
By using D_XY re-size parameter for the logo 226, the logo drifts to the center/center bottom/center righjt of the bounding frame, which is effective for providing a label on the image itself. It is noted tghat used of %_XY instead of D_XY would have had a much lesser impact (e.g. less shifting down and to the right, less increase in size).
Discussion:
The is an example of an invalid or illegal re-size parameter due to wrong choise of reference point of the image placeholder 222 (e.g. choosing 5).
Discussion:
The logo is increased in size and the position maintained in the upper left corner.
Discussion:
Use of delta re-size parameters to scale the logo creates an even larger logo than in
Discussion:
In this example, a %_XY scale is chosen for the Image placeholder 222 rather than the delta D_XY scale of earlier examples. Furthermore, the shift parameter is “NONE”, thereby preserving the distance between the upper left corner (e.g. reference point 1) of the image placeholder 222 and the upper left corner of the bounding frame 220. Use of %_XY increases the size of the image placeholder 222 less than use of a D_XY would have increased the placeholder. Thus, in many applications, it is preferred to use D_XY scaling for the image placeholder 222 as described earlier.
Discussion:
Examples of
Discussion of 9B vs. 9C:
In 9B, the scaling is proportional, and 9C the scaling is delta, and thus 9C has the effect of enlarging the image placeholder 242 (and in this case this embedded image) to a greater extent.
Discussion of
It is noted that in this example, in many commercial applications, Ad A and Ad D achieve the desired “look and feel” preserving effect.
Ad A—the re-size values of image placeholder (kneaded bread) is Scale D_XY, Shift None. This is effective to allow the image to grow to the right while maintaining a fixed spatial relation with the left edge of the add.
Ad B—the re-size values of the image placeholder (e.g. cake) is “Scale None”, “Shift None”—thus the ad grows to the right while the image maintains its size and spatial relation to the left side of the ad.
Ad C—the re-size parameters are “shift none” and D_XY scale (which increases the size of the image). Choosing an alignment parameter of 9 shifts the image to the far right side of the ad frame.
Ad D—re-size parameters are like A. It is noted that because of the aspect ratio of the prezels (e.g. much wider in the X direction than the height in the Y direction) increases—this produces a pleasing effect because the aspect ratio was greater than one in the model image on the right side.
In some embodiments, a “best fitting algorithm” is used to place a target graphical object (e.g. the rolls 302 of
It is now disclosed for the first time a “best fitting” algorithm for sizing, shifting and/or optionally orienting a graphical object within a bounding frame. According to some embodiments, for each putative configuration (e.g. position, orientation, scaling/size) of the target object is given a score.
Sometimes it is desired to maximize a size of an object scaled within the frame. As seen in
Thus, while having a larger object scale can increase the score, other factors, such as overlap between the object and non-target objects within the frame (e.g. price explosion object 305, labeling text 306) can either reduce the score (e.g. reduce the desirability of a configuration with these properties) or can be eliminated without being officially scored.
In some embodiments, a plurality of putative configurations of the target graphical object are scored and/or eliminated (configuration includes position within the frame, scaling and optionally orientation), and the highest scoring configuration is selected. The target object is layed out in the selected configuration within the bounding frame.
Below is a list of parameters used to score putative layout configurations of the target object. The best fit algorithm is using the following set of rules (e.g. scoring rules and/or elimination/rejection rules for eliminating a putative configuration).
As used herein, a “ventilation parameter” of a target object for a given configuration of the target object within a bounding frame (e.g. a given scaling, a given orientation, a given location) is calculated by slightly increasing the scale of a dimension (or both dimensions) (e.g. increasing by at least about 3% and at most about 7%) of the target object and measuring the value of the overlap of the enlarged target object with non-target objects in the frame. The overlap of the enlarged target object is the ventialation parameter. In general, configurations with more ventilation (e.g. smaller ventilation target parameters) are prefer because then the ad appears less crowded.
Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a “free frame” of the bounding frame. The free frame of the target frame is the subspace of the interior of the bounding frame that is not occupied by non-target objects. The “central location” or “center” of the free frame is the average or central position of the “free frame.”
A “free frame layout parameter” of a configuration (e.g. a putatitive configuration including a position within the frame) of a target graphical object is defined as a “a relation between a central location (e.g. a center) of the free frame and a central location (e.g. a center) of the target graphical object.”
In some embodiments, the target object has a default orientation within the frame (e.g. a default orientation specified, for example, in a “model” outer frame or placeholder). Thus, it is desired for this object to retain this orientation. Thus, although when examining possible layout configurations the target object may be allowed to deviate from the default orientation (e.g. to allow for a larger scale with more ventilation (e.g. smaller ventilation parameter) or less overlap), in some embodiments, the deviation from default orientation is punished with a smaller score (though not necessarily a smaller overall score). This is illustrated in
Additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be further discussed below, and definitions in accordance with these additional embodiments will be presented, without in any way limiting any embodiments already discussed. These exemplary embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only.
It is noted that
The dynamic layout template of
The resize parameters are identical throughout 19A, 19B and 19C. The only difference is the size of the external frame, and in the case of 19C, the size of the external frame and one level of dynamic layout template, namely subpage level.
It is noted that between
The Origin of the sub-page and the origin of every ad for the Example of
Description of the Balloons
Transformation of Content from
Balloon no 1: Sub-Page (Such as the Sub Page Provided in
Transformation from
Balloon no 2: Sub-Page Header Background Frame
Transformation from
Please note that the size of the “gutter” balloons 11,12 or white space between outside of the frame and the element defined by balloon 2 remain constant between
Balloon no 3: Sub-Page Header Title
Transformation from
Balloon no 4: Title of ad no 1
Transformation from
Balloon no 5: Graphic that Shows Explosion
Transformation from
Balloon no 6: A Placeholder for Pricing Details that are Part of a Lower Level Template
Transformation from
Balloon no 7, 7a: Product Image of ad no 1, Image Frame for ad no 1
Transformation from
Transformation from
Align the content within its placeholder frame and specifying origin point for scale transformation of placeholder frames in the above table is by using the following convention
Transformation of Content from
Please note that in
Balloon no 1: Sub-Page (such as the Subpage Provided in
Transformation from
Balloon no 2: sub-Page Header Background Frame
Transformation from
Please note that the size of the “gutter” or white space between outside of the frame and the element defined Ballon 2 remain constant between
Balloon no 3: Sub-Page Header Title
Transformation from
Balloon no 4: Title of ad no 1
Transformation from
Balloon no 5: Price Related Graphic of ad no 1 (Shows Explosion)
Transformation from
Balloon no 6: Promotion Pricing Details of ad no 1
Transformation from
Balloon no 7: Product Image of ad no 1
Transformation from
As used the term “look and feel” describes a consistency recurring of visual patterns or motifs on a page or throughout a plurality of pages. According to particular embodiments, human observers will notice that the sum aggregate of these motifs endows a printed page or computerized page with a certain appearance. Exemplary visual motifs include, but are not limited to placement of certain recurring graphical or textual items relative to each other both within a cell; a consistency of font sizes or styles, particularly related to a repetition of certain visual elements such as title bars, gutter areas devoid of text and/or graphics; page number placement, font, color and size; Logo, Icon or alike. More particularly, exemplary visual motifs include a pattern wherein the font size of the price of all items on a page or in a plurality of pages is the same or almost the same irrespective of the size of the item whose price is represented or the size of the unit cell in which the price appears; a pattern wherein a header text or footer text is always centered the same way or almost the same way among different regions, each region containing its own header or footer; a size consistency among graphical logos between unit cells of different size or wherein the size consistent graphical logos are juxtaposed next to other graphical images that vary in size; a gutter width that is consistent throughout a page or a sub page.
In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, it has been found that resizing various graphical and textual objects in graphical media, and altering the layout of specific graphical and textual elements while retaining certain visual motifs allows the altered graphical media to retain a visual layout with consistent graphical qualities or “look and feel qualities.” This in turn enables a single design to be implemented in a plurality of documents with different specific parameters such as number of adds per page, size of adds, size of page subsections, page size, etc. This obviates the need for human graphical designers to redesign each single page.
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate methods, systems and computer readable code for the automated and semi-automated layout (sizing and positioning) of elements in visual media including graphical layout elements, including advertisements. In certain embodiments, the layout is performed according to a specified dynamic template or existing ad, where the final result might be in different size from the specified dynamic template or from the existing ad, and there is a need to preserve the original look & feel of the creative art-work made by a human designer that created the template or the existing ad.
In particular embodiments, the invention provides a set of parameters that the designer can supply with a creative art-work or template, in order to enable automatic layout of final advertisement according to the above mentioned template and dynamic size requirements.
In particular embodiments, the above mentioned parameters are calculated from existing samples of artwork or template in different sizes.
While certain specific resize and other layout altering parameters are revealed herein, it is now disclosed for the first time that the process of deriving appropriate parameters is in itself automatable by instructing a computer to characterize physical parameters of graphical motifs, and then to use statistical or machine learning means for recognizing patterns for recurring motifs. Exemplary statistical or machine learning techniques include but are not limited to neural networks, expert systems, decision trees and markov models.
The current invention describes parameters denoted as “resize parameters” that enable to automatically change the size and the location of layout elements in graphical design media (such as an advertisement or a web page) in order to automatically adjust the graphical design media to altered external dimensions. In this way one can accommodate an advertisement to a new page size or to a new partition of the page into sub-pages or to a new layout of each sub-page and hierarchically go down to the ad level in a sub-page, the items level in an ad etc.
Embodiments of the present invention provide “resize parameters” designating scale and move transformations that can be applied to layout elements, each transformation is for certain embodiments applied independently on each dimension of the layout element,
In exemplary embodiments, the scale transformation is applied independently on the:
Other way to implement such approach is to create all the design models at the smallest predictable size, and then all the resizing parameters above mentioned are effecting grow change and not shrink changes. In that way it will be easier to the designer to specify the resize parameters.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, different resize parameters are applied according to different ranges of size change of the container.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the required above mentioned parameters are calculated automatically (instead of been entered by the designer) from 2 or more variants of the same advertisement where each variant is in a different size. This can be done by assigning a label to each layout element, so the system can track what are the changes in that affected each layout elements in each variant according to its size. The system then will categorize and quantify the changes according to the same parameters as above mentioned. An example of such variants of the same advertisement is provided in
D_X stand for Delta X—Delta change on the X axes as the change to the container
D_Y stand for Delta Y—Delta change on the Y axes as the change to the container
D_XY stand for Delta X and Delta Y—Delta change on the X and Y axes as the container
None indicates that no scale transformation is required for that layout element, when the container size is changed
Similarly—% instead of D will define that a proportional change is required instead of a Delta change
The “Content” check box, and the “Stroke” check box will indicate if content or stroke resize are required or not.
At
In some particular embodiments, one or more similar graphical media documents such as advertising flyers may be constructed from a single graphical media document by user inputted resizing parameters and/or other layout parameters.
In some particular embodiments, the resizing parameters and/or other layout parameters characterizing the transformation between two graphical media documents may be implicitly derived upon receipt of the two graphical media documents.
It is now revealed for the first time a method for the automatic or semiautomatic production of a plurality of page layouts derived from a single page or document containing graphical media.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides methods for the automatic creation of a page layout in a tabloid size free-standing-insert of a food chain. In such advertisements, the page might be partitioned to several sub-pages that accommodate several departments on the page. The size of each sub-page and each ad in the sub-page may be determined according to the number of ads in the relevant department, according to the number of columns or rows of the grid, the gutter width, the facing area of a department, titles headers, footers, ad model etc.
It is understood that embodiments of the present invention are equally applicable to graphical media other the advertising flyers including product catalogues, e-commerce sites, and corporate web sites.
According to certain embodiments, the user provides one or more templates characterizing one or more layout elements.
In particular embodiments, the user provides one or more templates from which a graphical media document is produced. In specific documents, the content of these templates are electronically stored in memory or on a storage media in a specific file format reflecting the program in which the template is created. Subsequently, a file is parsed, or the data structures representing the template are recreated, and appropriate transformations are applied to one or more templates to produce a graphical media document.
Specific embodiments of the present invention provide for receiving user-provided data or parameters from a dialog box embedded in the user interface of layout applications such as AutoCAD, Adobe Indesign, FreeHand, Quark xpress, Pagemarker etc. and to enable the user to define resizing and other layout parameters as described herein.
It is noted that in specific embodiments, layout elements are defined in a hierarchical form, wherein layout elements contain other layout elements. In one specific embodiment, a transformation based on resize and/or other layout parameters specified for a first layout element is recursively applied to layout elements contained in the first layout elements. In other embodiments, a given layout elements adapts the resize and/or other layout parameters of its parent layout element as a default setting. In further embodiments, the user is given an opportunity to override the default setting with a user provided resize and/or other layout parameter. In further embodiments, the resize and/or other layout parameters are provided as a result of a statistical or expert system calculation.
In specific embodiments, the present invention provides for the automatic detection of illegal resize parameters, and optionally provides for alerting the user of illegal resize parameters. Optionally, an embodiment of the present invention calculates illegal resize parameters, and through the user interface precludes the option of entering illegal resize parameters.
According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of sizing and placing a plurality of graphical elements in an external layout frame, the method comprising:
According to some embodiments, at least one said graphical element includes an internal layout frame associated with at least one internal graphical element, at least one internal layout template and optionally at least one internal resize parameter.
According to some embodiments, said internal layout template is a dynamical layout template.
According to some embodiments, the method further comprises placing and sizing at least one said internal graphical element within said internal layout frame according to said internal layout template and at least one said internal resize parameters.
According to some embodiments, external dynamic layout template or one said internal dynamic layout template is obtained by providing a set of external grid parameters, and fashioning said external dynamic layout template according to said grid parameters.
According to some embodiments, the external layout frame is part of a printed document.
According to some embodiments, the printed document is selected from the group consisting of product catalogue, advertising flyer, product catalogue, freestanding insert, shelf advertisement, in store signs, email newsletters, and advertising flyer.
According to some embodiments, the external layout frame is part of one or more web pages.
According to some embodiments, the external layout frame is displayed on a computer screen.
According to some embodiments, the resize or internal resize parameters are selected from the group consisting of absolute translation of location (move transformation/delta changes), relative translation of location within the external layout frame, a proportional change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, an absolute change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, a command to leave an element of the same size even when said dynamic template is resized, a command to apply a dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command to not apply dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command to align certain graphical or text elements or layout frame with other graphical or text elements or layout frame, a command to align certain graphical or text elements or layout frame in an absolute position within an external layout frame, a command to align certain graphical or text elements or layout frame in an relative position within an external layout frame.
According to some embodiments, the translations of location are relative to an origin.
According to some embodiments, the origin is affixed to said external layout frame.
According to some embodiments, said fixed origin is selected by a user.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provides for producing more than one version of page layout according to a plurality or page dimensions and/or dynamic layout templates.
According to some embodiments, updated dimensions of the external layout frame are provided, and subsequently at least some said graphical elements are sized and placed within the external layout frame according to said provided dynamical layout template and said resize parameters, wherein the external layout frame is sized according to the updated dimensions.
According to some embodiments, an updated dynamic layout template provided, and subsequently at least some said graphical elements are sized and placed within the external layout frame according to said updated dynamical layout template and said resize parameters, wherein the external layout frame is sized according to the provided dimensions.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of determining resize parameters for graphical elements sized and placed out within a layout frame comprising:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of determining resize parameters for graphical elements sized and placed out within a layout frame comprising:
It is noted that the present invention provides machine readable code for implementing any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the machine readable code provides user menus for specifying resize parameters and/or layout frames sizes and/or one or more dynamic and/or static layout templates.
According to some embodiments, resize parameters are selected from the group consisting of absolute translation of location (move transformation/delta changes), relative translation of location within the external layout frame, a proportional change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, an absolute change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, a command to leave an element of the same size even when said dynamic template is resized, a command to apply a dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command to not apply dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command.
According to some embodiments, resize parameters are selected from the group consisting of absolute translation of location (move transformation/delta changes), relative translation of location within the external layout frame, a proportional change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, an absolute change specifying a change in element size or aspect ratio, a command to leave an element of the same size even when said dynamic template is resized, a command to apply a dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command to not apply dynamic template resize to stroke width, a command to align certain graphical or text elements or layout frame in a relative or absolute position within an external layout frame.
In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.
The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art. The scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/622,585, filed on Oct. 28, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60622585 | Oct 2004 | US |
