Zoomable presentation layout that auto-syncs hierarchy and path
A system that arranges slide-like content in a zoomable 2D space, derives a hierarchical structure and an ordered presentation path from that structure, and keeps the layout, hierarchy and path synchronized when the user edits any of them. Typical users are presenters and authors who build non-linear slide shows or spatial presentations.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The independent claims require: a recursively provided structure of presentation information (slides, text labels, graphical elements); an explicit hierarchy with levels; analysis of hierarchy levels to automatically generate a layout in a zoomable space in outline or nested-rectangular formats (either on provision or in real time); automatic synchronization between layout and structure; automatic updating of the hierarchy when the user edits the layout; and (in claim 15) creation of a presentation path from the structure and automatic updating of that path when the structure or layout is modified.
Distinguishing feature: Automatic bidirectional synchronization among a hierarchical structure, an automatically generated spatial layout in a zoomable canvas, and a derived sequential presentation path.
Novelty 4/5. At filing time spatial/zoomable canvases and slide thumbnails existed, but automatic real-time conversion between hierarchy, spatial nested grouping/outline layout and a sequenced presentation path was a new approach to non-linear slide authoring.
Implementation
A small team would store presentation nodes and hierarchy in JSON, render nodes on an HTML5/SVG zoomable canvas, implement a layout engine that maps hierarchy levels to nested rectangles or outline positions (Reingold-Tilford or simple recursive packing), and implement a path generator that traverses the hierarchy to produce an ordered list. Attach event handlers so edits to either the hierarchy or node positions update the other (and update the path). Persist with a backend or localStorage and provide keyboard/controller navigation for presenting.
Components: Zoomable 2D canvas (HTML5 canvas or SVG), data model for hierarchical nodes (JSON), layout engine (tree-to-rect or outline algorithm), path manager that sequences nodes and listens for edits.
Buildability 5/5. Main engineering work is UI and robust synchronization logic; no special hardware or datasets required.
Market demand
No demand check has been run for this patent. Likely search terms: zoomable presentation editor, spatial slide map, hierarchy-to-layout presentation. The links in the sidebar open these searches.
Buyers: Presenters, instructional designers, product teams.
Before manufacturing
No related continuation or divisional patents in force were found. Design patents, trademarks and unrelated patents may still cover the product.
Patent has lapsed; competing products and UX expectations are the practical risk rather than this patent; implementation must handle performance and conflict resolution for real-time edits.
This patent's full term ends on Oct 24, 2026. A patent that has run its full term cannot be revived. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.