Multidimensional Visualization

1
Multidimensional Visualization

• David Yucht
• ICS 280
• Spring 2001

2
The Problem at Hand

• How do we work with the constraints of our
  reality (3 Spatial Dimensions Time/Motion) in
  order to visualize data sets containing
  potentially infinite numbers of attributes
  (n-Space)?

3
Potential Solutions

• Question is moot for lt 3 attributes
• For gt 3 attributes
• Use complex 2D displays
• Use multiple 3D displays
• Add other distinguishing image properties
• Use another medium such as sound

4
Why use 3D?

• Utilizes all Euclidian spatial dimensions
• Humans have an innate ability to process 3D
  images quickly without much effort
• Images can be enriched with other properties
• Time/Motion (4D)
• Color
• Texture
• Shape

5
Problems with 3D

• Computationally expensive
• True 3D Output Interaction requires special
  equipment
• Navigation can be difficult
• Data with gt 3 attributes require multiple 3D
  images and/or additional properties
• Depth Occlusion

6
Early Test Systems

• W. Wright Information Animation Applications in
  the Capital Markets
• Feiner Beshers Worlds Within Worlds Metaphors
  for Exploring n-Dimensional Virtual Worlds

7
Information Animation

• 4D System for visualizing financial markets
• Displays Equity Bond markets in real-time
• Scalable from 1 stock to entire markets
• Allows for querying of in-depth information upon
  request
• Utilizes movement/animation to alert users to
  events and give a feel for the market

8
Information Animation (2)

• Animation takes advantage of human visual
  processing
• 4 systems within visual cortex
• 1 handles motion
• 1 handles color
• 2 handle object form
• The system thus uses motion, colors, shapes, and
  sizes to represent information

9
Financial Properties - Equity

• Price
• Net changes (days, weeks, quarters, etc.)
• Trading Volume
• Volume at a Price
• Trades at bid
• Trades at offer

10
Financial Properties Bond

• Price
• Net changes
• Trading Volume
• Interest Rates
• Yield curve (instantaneous historical)

11
Significance of Info Animation

• 3D can hold 10x or more data than 2D
• 3D allows users to more quickly see market trends
• 4D allows users to examine spreads as they occur
• Eases interaction dimensional transformation
  problems by allowing queries
• Avoids occlusion problem by relying on display
  design and image arrangement

12
n-Vision

• Testbed system for representing n-Dimensions
• Uses true 3D imaging for display interaction
• Stereoscopic shutter glasses
• VR DataGlove
• Handles n-Space to Euclidian spatial
  transformation by nesting 3D images within one
  another

13
n-Vision (2)

• Does utilize motion can be considered a 4D
  system
• Does not utilize other image properties such as
  texture and color to represent attributes

14
Nesting Worlds

• n-Vision nests multiple 3D images in order to
  perform dimensionality reduction it slices away
  dimensions
• Each 3D image is displayed on top of another,
  with reference marks to illustrate the values
  where that particular slice lies
• Uses recursive parent-child relationships to
  display control multiple images

15
The Significance of n-Vision

• Provides a metaphor for gt 4D visualizations
• Sidesteps the occlusion problem with true 3D
  interaction
• Users can grab and rearrange images
• Stereoscopic images give accurate representation
  of depth
• Provides other tools such as the dipstick and
  waterline to further reduce occlusion and user
  confusion