Aesthetically-driven layout engine

Abstract

A novel Aesthetically-Driven Layout (ADL) engine for automatic production of highly customized, non-flow documents is proposed. In a non-flow document, where each page is composed of separable images and text blocks, aesthetic considerations may take precedence over the sequencing of the content. Such layout methods are most suitable for the construction of personalized catalogues, advertising flyers and sales and marketing material, all of which rely heavily on their aesthetics in order to successfully reach their intended audience. The non-flow algorithm described here permits the dynamic creation of page layouts around pre-existing static page content. Pages pre-populated with static content may include reserved areas which are filled at run-time. The remainder of a page, which is neither convex, nor simply-connected, is automatically filled with customer-relevant content by following the professional manual design strategy of multiple levels of layout resolution. The page designers preference, style and aesthetic rules are taken into account at every stage with the highest scoring layout being selected.