Patent ID: 7500179
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of allocating space within a table layout for a plurality of items to be placed therein, the table layout including a plurality of cells arranged in rows and columns, each item having a defined width and a defined location including a left-most column and a number of columns spanned from such left-most column, each column having a uniform width adjustable to accommodate the defined width of an item placed in such column, the method comprising, for each item at issue: determining the columns of the table layout spanned by the item at issue; determining whether any of the spanned columns do not serve as the left-most column for any other item for which space has already been allocated in the table layout; and if any spanned column does not serve as such a left-most column, expanding a right-most non-serving spanned column to provide space to accommodate the item at issue.