Showing papers in "IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications in 2012"
TL;DR: How literary and theatrical narrative conventions can inform the design and presentation of visualizations, and the challenges of adapting scientific visualizations for broader audiences are discussed.
Abstract: Scientists frequently tell stories using visualizations of scientific data, in the process of disseminating findings to peers and the general public. However, techniques and methods for effective scientific storytelling have received little attention so far. This article explores how literary and theatrical narrative conventions can inform the design and presentation of visualizations, and discusses the challenges of adapting scientific visualizations for broader audiences. It also summarizes recent workshops' findings on the role of storytelling in visualizations, and presents several examples of successful scientific-storytelling production teams. The conclusion is that scientific storytelling deserves greater support and recognition by the visualization community.
152 citations
TL;DR: A team of scientists and researchers discusses the top 10 challenges in extreme-scale visual analytics, evaluating the problems and challenges from both technical and social perspectives.
Abstract: A team of scientists and researchers discusses the top 10 challenges in extreme-scale visual analytics (VA). The discussion covers applying VA technologies to both scientific and nonscientific data, evaluating the problems and challenges from both technical and social perspectives.
113 citations
TL;DR: A proposed rule-based editing metaphor intuitively lets artists create buildings without changing their workflow, and opens new possibilities, from model verification to model editing through graph rewriting.
Abstract: A proposed rule-based editing metaphor intuitively lets artists create buildings without changing their workflow. It's based on the realization that the rule base represents a directed acyclic graph and on a shift in the development paradigm from product-based to rule-based representations. Users can visually add or edit rules, connect them to control the workflow, and easily create commands that expand the artist's toolbox (for example, Boolean operations or local controlling operators). This approach opens new possibilities, from model verification to model editing through graph rewriting.
59 citations
TL;DR: Recent research on individual differences in visualization and human-computer interaction is reviewed, showing that both cognitive abilities and personality profiles might significantly affect performance with these tools.
Abstract: Visualization is often seen as a tool to support complex thinking. Although different people can have very different ways of approaching the kind of complex task that visualizations support, as researchers and designers we still rarely consider individual differences in creating and evaluating visualizations. This article reviews recent research on individual differences in visualization and human-computer interaction, showing that both cognitive abilities and personality profiles might significantly affect performance with these tools. The study of individual differences has led to the conclusion that advances in this important area in visualization will require more focused research. Specifically, we must isolate the cognitive factors that are relevant to visualization and the design factors that make one visualization more suited to a user than another. In doing so, we could increase our understanding of the visualization user and reshape how we approach design and evaluation.
50 citations
TL;DR: The Beaming project recreates, virtually, a real environment; using immersive VR, remote participants can visit the virtual model and interact with the people in the real environment.
Abstract: The Beaming project recreates, virtually, a real environment; using immersive VR, remote participants can visit the virtual model and interact with the people in the real environment. The real environment doesn't need extensive equipment and can be a space such as an office or meeting room, domestic environment, or social space.
48 citations
TL;DR: Compressive displays aim to create flexible optical systems that can synthesize a compressed target light field through compression and tailored optical designs, where fewer display pixels are necessary to emit a given light field than a direct optical solution would require.
Abstract: Light fields are the multiview extension of stereo image pairs: a collection of images showing a 3D scene from slightly different perspectives. Depicting high-resolution light fields usually requires an excessively large display bandwidth; compressive light field displays are enabled by the codesign of optical elements and computational-processing algorithms. Rather than pursuing a direct “optical” solution (for example, adding one more pixel to support the emission of one additional light ray), compressive displays aim to create flexible optical systems that can synthesize a compressed target light field. In effect, each pixel emits a superposition of light rays. Through compression and tailored optical designs, fewer display pixels are necessary to emit a given light field than a direct optical solution would require.
41 citations
TL;DR: The experience of using Google Chart Tools and Google Maps in a data visualization course at Georgia State University found them easy to use for creating a variety of interactive data visualizations.
Abstract: This article reports the experience of using Google Chart Tools and Google Maps in a data visualization course at Georgia State University. These visualization toolkits have many benefits but haven't been widely used in such courses. Students found them easy to use for creating a variety of interactive data visualizations.
41 citations
TL;DR: The proposed framework consolidates unorganized points through an iterative procedure of interlaced downsampling and upsampling that improves the uniformity of points by moving the downsampled particles and refining point samples.
Abstract: Unorganized point clouds obtained from 3D shape acquisition devices usually present noise, outliers, and nonuniformities. The proposed framework consolidates unorganized points through an iterative procedure of interlaced downsampling and upsampling. Selection operations remove outliers while preserving geometric details. The framework improves the uniformity of points by moving the downsampled particles and refining point samples. Surface extrapolation fills missed regions. Moreover, an adaptive sampling strategy speeds up the iterations. Experimental results demonstrate the framework's effectiveness.
39 citations
TL;DR: Recommendations for using color in visualization rarely address the issue, or even recognize it, and the goal is to keep the user focused on the data, with color simply one of many tools used toward problem solving and discovery.
Abstract: In designing colors for digital visualization systems. one of the most critical factors is the interaction between size and color appearance. Whereas artists and visual designers understand this, recommendations for using color in visualization rarely address the issue, or even recognize it. The goal is to keep the user focused on the data, with color simply one of many tools used toward problem solving and discovery.
39 citations
TL;DR: Analysts were asked to use an incremental visualization system and report on their results, and their feedback provides suggestions for alternative visualizations to represent a query still in progress.
Abstract: Large datasets can mean slow queries, for which users must wait. Incremental visualization systems can give faster results at a cost of accuracy. This article asked analysts to use one and report on their results. Their feedback provides suggestions for alternative visualizations to represent a query still in progress.
37 citations
TL;DR: The NPSGD (Natural Phenomena Simulation Group Distributed) framework makes light transport models easily accessible for online use and demonstrates that the reproducibility of research results through model transparency is feasible.
Abstract: Light transport models are employed in applications in such varied areas as realistic image synthesis, noninvasive treatment of diseases, and remote sensing of natural resources. Openly accessible research resources can lead to significant advances involving these applications by fostering the cross-fertilization of different scientific disciplines. However, few light transport models have their source code openly available for download. Moreover, simply making the code available might not be enough; these models' complexity usually prevents their use beyond the research groups that developed them. The NPSGD (Natural Phenomena Simulation Group Distributed) framework makes light transport models easily accessible for online use. NPSGD acts a front end, connecting model implementations to the Web. It lets researchers perform predictive and time-intensive light transport simulations in a user-friendly, fault-tolerant way. More important, as a proof of concept, NPSGD demonstrates that the reproducibility of research results through model transparency is feasible. Such reproducibility can result in fruitful collaborations between model developers and users, regardless of their field of expertise.
TL;DR: The current and future roles of information visualization, semantics visualization, and visual analytics in policy modeling are looked at.
Abstract: This article looks at the current and future roles of information visualization, semantics visualization, and visual analytics in policy modeling. Many experts believe that you can't overestimate visualization's role in this respect.
TL;DR: It uses a constrained graph-layout algorithm first, to preserve image similarities and keep important parts visible, and then a constrained Voronoi tessellation algorithm to locally refine the layout and tile the image plane.
Abstract: ImageHive communicates information about an image collection by generating a summary image that preserves the relationships between images and avoids occluding their salient parts. It uses a constrained graph-layout algorithm first, to preserve image similarities and keep important parts visible, and then a constrained Voronoi tessellation algorithm to locally refine the layout and tile the image plane.
TL;DR: Streamit incorporates incoming documents from a continuous source into an existing visualization context with automatic grouping and separation based on document similarities to allow in-depth data analysis.
Abstract: Streamit lets users explore visualizations of text streams without prior knowledge of the data. It incorporates incoming documents from a continuous source into an existing visualization context with automatic grouping and separation based on document similarities. A powerful user interface allows in-depth data analysis.
TL;DR: Density map creation involves aggregating smoothed trajectories in a density field and then visualizing the field, which then combines these density fields into a new density field or visualizes them and then combines them.
Abstract: Trajectories capture the movements of objects with multiple attributes. A visualization method called density maps shows trends in these trajectories. Density map creation involves aggregating smoothed trajectories in a density field and then visualizing the field. Users can explore attributes along trajectories by calculating a density field for multiple data subsets. The method then either combines these density fields into a new density field or visualizes them and then combines them. Using an interactive distribution map, users can define subsets and, supported by graphics hardware, get fast feedback for these computationally expensive density field calculations. Given the generic method and the lack of domain-specific assumptions, this method might also be applicable for trajectories in other domains.
TL;DR: A proposed modeling framework applies sparse coding to synthesize 3D expressive faces, using specified coefficients or expression examples, and robustly recovers facial expressions from noisy and incomplete data.
Abstract: Computer animation researchers have been extensively investigating 3D facial-expression synthesis for decades. However, flexible, robust production of realistic 3D facial expressions is still technically challenging. A proposed modeling framework applies sparse coding to synthesize 3D expressive faces, using specified coefficients or expression examples. It also robustly recovers facial expressions from noisy and incomplete data. This approach can synthesize higher-quality expressions in less time than the state-of-the-art techniques.
TL;DR: An interactive framework prepares raw computed-tomography and magnetic-resonance-imaging scans for courtroom presentations and makes use of combined computer graphics and computer vision techniques to enable a forensic case analysis workflow.
Abstract: An interactive framework prepares raw computed-tomography and magnetic-resonance-imaging scans for courtroom presentations. The framework makes use of combined computer graphics and computer vision techniques to enable a forensic case analysis workflow.
TL;DR: Equinome, a user-centric visual-analytics system, supports research on decision-making in public health, particularly evaluation of information search strategies, and facilitates investigation of scripted high-fidelity large-scale simulated disease outbreaks.
Abstract: Early detection and rapid response to infectious-disease outbreaks rely on effective decision making based on information from disparate sources. To improve decision-making in outbreak detection and response, it's important to understand how public health practitioners seek relevant information. Epinome, a user-centric visual-analytics system, supports research on decision-making in public health, particularly evaluation of information search strategies. Epinome facilitates investigation of scripted high-fidelity large-scale simulated disease outbreaks. Its dynamic environment seamlessly evolves and adapts as the user's tasks and focus change. This video shows how the Epinome system facilitates interactive simulations of disease outbreaks.
TL;DR: A VR-based simulator helps trainees develop skills for catheterization, a fundamental but difficult procedure in vascular interventional radiology, and employs geometrically and topologically accurate vascular models based on improved parallel-transport frames, and it implements efficient collision detection.
Abstract: A VR-based simulator helps trainees develop skills for catheterization, a fundamental but difficult procedure in vascular interventional radiology. A deformable model simulates the complicated behavior of guide wires and catheters, using the principle of minimum total potential energy. A fast, stable multigrid solver ensures realistic simulation and real-time interaction. In addition, the system employs geometrically and topologically accurate vascular models based on improved parallel-transport frames, and it implements efficient collision detection. Experiments evaluated the method's stability, the solver's execution time, how well the simulation preserved the catheter's curved tip, and the catheter deformation's realism. An empirical study based on a typical selective-catheterization procedure assessed the system's feasibility and effectiveness.
TL;DR: A new test methodology analyzes graphics performance across RIA frameworks and browsers, revealing specific performance outliers in existing frameworks and pointing toward a future in which all online experiences might be GPU accelerated.
Abstract: Rendering performance for rich Internet applications (RIAs) has recently focused on the debate between using Flash and HTML5 for streaming video and gaming on mobile devices. A key area not widely explored, however, is the scalability of raw bitmap graphics performance for RIAs. Does Flash render animated sprites faster than HTML5? How much faster is WebGL than Flash? Answers to these questions are essential for developing large-scale data visualizations, online games, and truly dynamic websites. A new test methodology analyzes graphics performance across RIA frameworks and browsers, revealing specific performance outliers in existing frameworks. The results point toward a future in which all online experiences might be GPU accelerated.
TL;DR: This method improves control, ease of implementation, parallelism, and speed, enabling real-time visual feedback and creation of vivid flowing animations.
Abstract: In this paper, the proposed method takes a mathematical approach with closed-form expressions to simulate marbling. This method improves control, ease of implementation, parallelism, and speed, enabling real-time visual feedback and creation of vivid flowing animations. Users can start designs from a blank sheet, raster images, or videos.
TL;DR: Visual analytics-the fusion of analytical reasoning and computational data analysis with rich, interactive visual representations-promises to provide many relevant techniques for business-ecosystem-intelligence systems requires the careful curation of complex, heterogeneous, and distributed data.
Abstract: Visual analytics (VA)-the fusion of analytical reasoning and computational data analysis with rich, interactive visual representations-promises to provide many relevant techniques for business-ecosystem-intelligence systems. However, the effectiveness of such systems requires the careful curation of complex, heterogeneous, and distributed data; an in-depth understanding of the business ecosystem context and end-user domain; and the corresponding design of relevant visualizations and metrics.
TL;DR: A mesh-based framework combined with mean value coordinates (MVC) interpolants efficiently renders diffusion curve images on a CPU, using a visibility algorithm to efficiently find and sort neighboring curve nodes for each vertex.
Abstract: Diffusion curves are a new kind of primitive in vector graphics, capable of representing smooth color transitions among boundaries. Their rendering requires solving Poisson's equation; much previous research relied on traditional solvers, which commonly require GPU acceleration to achieve real-time rasterization. This obviously restricts deployment on the Internetaamp;#x2014;for example, as rich Internet applications, in which various computing environments are involved. Diffusion effects are similar to locally defined interpolation with a particular orientation and magnitude. Inspired by that observation, a mesh-based framework combined with mean value coordinates (MVC) interpolants efficiently renders diffusion curve images on a CPU. This method employs a visibility algorithm to efficiently find and sort neighboring curve nodes for each vertex. It then assigns the vertex colors according to MVC interpolation with the neighboring curve nodes. Experiments produced rendering results comparable to traditional solvers, but this method is computationally more efficient and runs much faster on a CPU.
TL;DR: This work states that for research in this field to progress, the imaging, modeling, and simulation communities will need to work together more closely.
Abstract: Medical-image analysis requires an understanding of sophisticated scanning modalities, constructing geometric models, building meshes to represent domains, and downstream biological applications. These four steps form an image-to-mesh pipeline. For research in this field to progress, the imaging, modeling, and simulation communities will need to work together more closely.
TL;DR: Sketch-n-Stretch lets novices quickly and easily create 2D animations that have been difficult with previous sketching approaches and employs visually integrated motion cues and supports several traditional animation effects.
Abstract: Sketch-n-Stretch lets novices quickly and easily create 2D animations The system has a seamless two-layer drawing interface that supports cutouts using a whiteboard metaphor Cutout animations serve as building blocks to help users construct sophisticated animations While manipulating cutout animations, users can draw and write text to create effects-such as articulated figures, multiple motions, and image objects-that have been difficult with previous sketching approaches An intuitive timeline interface employs visually integrated motion cues and supports several traditional animation effects Novices positively evaluated Sketch-n-Stretch's effectiveness in creating object motions, compared to an existing sketching tool They also used its advanced features to animate complete stories This video demonstrates the Sketch-n-Stretch tool for making sketch-based animations
TL;DR: Best practices are reported from a VA graduate course at Purdue University, where instructors leveraged challenges to their advantage instead of trying to mitigate them.
Abstract: Demand is growing in engineering, business, science, research, and industry for students with visual analytics expertise. However, teaching VA is challenging owing to the multidisciplinary nature of the topic, students' diverse backgrounds, and the corresponding requirements for instructors. This article reports best practices from a VA graduate course at Purdue University, where instructors leveraged these challenges to their advantage instead of trying to mitigate them.
TL;DR: Using measurements of real-world samples of metals, the proposed approach verifies predictions of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models using ellipsometry to verify both the actual polarizing effect and the overall reflectance behavior of the metallic surfaces.
Abstract: Using measurements of real-world samples of metals, the proposed approach verifies predictions of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models. It employs ellipsometry to verify both the actual polarizing effect and the overall reflectance behavior of the metallic surfaces.
TL;DR: This video shows an expository movie that combustion scientists have used when discussing their simulation results with colleagues, and employs visual analysis in both the physical space and phase space, with categorization driven by supervised learning.
Abstract: Simulations of turbulent flames have used particles to capture the dynamic behavior of combustion in next-generation engines. Each particle includes a history of its movement positions and changing thermochemical states. Analyzing such a set of many millions of particles helps scientists understand turbulence. A dual-space method enables effective visual analysis of both the spatial movement and attribute evolution of particles. A cluster-label-classify strategy categorizes particles' attribute evolution curves. Intuitive tools integrate users' domain knowledge to steer the classification. The dual-space method has been used to analyze particle data in combustion simulations and can be applied to other scientific simulations involving particle-data analysis. This video shows an expository movie that combustion scientists have used when discussing their simulation results with colleagues. This simulation employs visual analysis in both the physical space and phase space, with categorization driven by supervised learning.
TL;DR: A proposed system employs a scalable framework for investigating a multitude of characteristics from traced field lines that supports the examination of various neighborhood-based geometric attributes in concert with other scalar quantities.
Abstract: Interactive exploration of flow features in large-scale 3D unsteady-flow data is one of the most challenging visualization problems today. To comprehensively explore the complex feature spaces in these datasets, a proposed system employs a scalable framework for investigating a multitude of characteristics from traced field lines. This capability supports the examination of various neighborhood-based geometric attributes in concert with other scalar quantities. Such an analysis wasn't previously possible because of the large computational overhead and I/O requirements. The system integrates visual analytics methods by letting users procedurally and interactively describe and extract high-level flow features. An exploration of various phenomena in a large global ocean-modeling simulation demonstrates the approach's generality and expressiveness as well as its efficacy.
TL;DR: An overview of example-based motion transplantation techniques is provided and how they determine spatial and temporal alignment between the auxiliary and base motions is explained.
Abstract: During the past decade, researchers have developed several techniques for transplanting motions. These techniques transplant a partial auxiliary motion, possibly defined for a small set of degrees of freedom, on a base motion. Motion transplantation improves motion databases' expressiveness and allows more control in interactive applications by letting users synthesize body parts separately. However, the auxiliary motion must be properly aligned with the base motion, both temporally and spatially. This article provides an overview of example-based motion transplantation techniques and explains how they determine spatial and temporal alignment between the auxiliary and base motions. It also describes hybrid techniques that can transplant the motions resulting from procedural or physics-based techniques.