In virtually all current document layout systems column width in a table, figure placement and size and placement of images ignores the precise details of the associated text layout. Rather these are computed in an initial layout phase and then text is placed in the remaining space.

In an ideal document layout system details of text layout would also be taken into account when determining the page and table layout. For instance, the width of table columns should adjust to the text, providing good utilisation of screen space while ensuring reasonable layout.

In addition we would like to be able provide alternative content. For example, using larger images if space allows or a link if there is little room. We might also use abbreviations in text if this leads to better layout.

In this project we are investigating how to provide such capabilities in table and page layout. We are modeling these problems using mixed integer programming and using branch and bound algorithms to solve them. And for interactive text layout we are investigating