THE USE OF INTERACTIVE RASTER GRAPHICS IN THE DISPLAY AND MANIPULATION OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL DATA
Abstract
Techniques for the review, display, and manipulation of multidimensional data are developed and described. Multidimensional data is meant in this context to describe scalar data associated with a three dimensional geometry or otherwise too complex to be well represented by traditional graphs. Raster graphics techniques are used to display a shaded image of a three dimensional geometry. The use of color to represent scalar data associated with the geometries in shaded images is explored. Distinct hues are associated with discrete data ranges, thus emulating the traditional representation of data with isarithms, or lines of constant numerical value. Data ranges are alternatively associated with a continuous spectrum of hues to show subtler data trends. The application of raster graphics techniques to the display of bivariate functions is explored. An experimental data display and review tool is described, and examples of displays of several types of engineering data are shown. The ability to access raw numerical information associated with a complex data display is demonstrated as an integral part of the data display package. The utility of interactive, analyst controlled alterations of erroneous or questionable data in the creation of meaningful displays is also demonstrated.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering|Computer science
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