An intellectual structure for displaying multi-dimensional data which is represented as a computer generated model or plot of data space in parallel or non-orthogonal coordinates, wherein the data space is presented in a display space which facilitates relative motion of an observer with respect thereto. Accordingly, the essence of the invention is to create motion of the observer with respect to the data space because it significantly facilitates and enhances comprehension of relationships, structures, patterns or trends within the data space. This is accomplished by creating an n-dimensional data display utilizing parallel coordinates to view the resulting data space using observer-based motion.
A method for utilizing an intellectual structure for visualizing a system of multi-variate data points in a parallel coordinate system, identifying an area of interest within the system, and then transforming a selected portion of the system for visualization in single-point representations of n-dimensional points using broken-line parallel coordinates, where the n point representations of conventional parallel coordinates are brought back into a single point representation that is the single point vector resultant of n dimensional spaces viewable in familiar three dimensional display space.
Control and output-quality variables of a process plant (1) are plotted against parallel axes in a display unit (7). Convex hulls between pairs of variables are calculated from sets of the variable-values accumulated historically in stores (7, 9) during successive runs of the process, and hulls (HH; TC, BC) between successive axis-pairs are displayed. New variable-values for process optimization are fixed for the variables taken in turn, each selection being made within displayed ranges (Rn--Rn) derived from the hulls effective between the respective variable and the variables already fixed. A display unit (13) provides on-line parallel-axis display of variable-values from the plant (1), showing alarm carets (DC, UC) where values violate limits (UL, LL) determined by the convex hulls, and allowing variation in the displayed-value for observing the resultant effect in avoiding alarm situation and towards optimization.
Control of a multi-variable process involves multi-dimensional representation of the values (Qa-Qh) of the process variables according to individual coordinate axes (Xa-Xh), and response based on sets of values for the process-variables accumulated from multiple, earlier operations of the process. An acceptable range (UL-LL) for each process variable due to the current values of the other variables is defined from the accumulated values, and the existence of an alarm condition in which the current value (Qg) of a variable lies outside the range defined for it, is detected and displayed (UC) on the relevant axis (Xg). The change of the values (Qa,Qb) of one or more of the manipulatable variables (a-c) required to rectify the alarm condition is determined iteratively, and implemented by operator or automated response.
A system for discerning and displaying relational structure and conceptual similarities among items in a target group of data items. Root terms are extracted from descriptions of the data items, and are used to generate similarity measures among all data items in the group. The invention uses a combination of mathematical operations to transform the similarity measures into Euclidean coordinates such that all data items and all root terms can be simultaneously plotted as visual objects in a computer-simulated three-dimensional space. Interpoint distances between data objects and root term objects correspond to the measures of associative similarity between those points. Three-dimensional graphics and movement simulation allow the data display to be presented and viewed from an unlimited number of perspectives. Users can access detailed information about displayed data items, including hyperlinks and URL links which serve to connect the user immediately to the original data sources represented by is objects in the visual plot. The invention can be applied across a broad range of circumstances in which surfacing of the implicit conceptual and relational structure among a group of data items is desired.
A method and computer program for simultaneously displaying very large sets of quantitative data. The method and computer program permit the display of quantitative data without first standardizing the data. The method and computer program also permit an observer to display the data space under user controlled color mappings, to select color spectrums to emphasize or hide certain data or certain characteristics, and to move over and fly through the data space to identify and analyze areas of interest.
