Methods, apparatus and systems for data visualization and related applications

Abstract

In a data visualization system, a method of creating a visual representation of data, the method including the steps of providing instructions to an end user to assist the end user in: constructing multiple graphical representations of data, where each graphical representation is one of a predefined type and includes multiple layers of elements that contribute to the end user's understanding of the data; arranging multiple graphical representations of different types within the visual representation in a manner that enables the end user to understand and focus on the data being represented; and displaying the visual representation.

1 - 538 . (canceled) 
     
     
         539 . In a graphical analysis computing system, a method of arranging a data set for graphical analysis, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. a data retrieval engine retrieving data elements from a data store that forms part of or which is in communication with the graphical analysis computing system;   b. a processing module:
 i. carrying out a preliminary analysis of the retrieved data, 
 ii. forming an initial appropriate output style as a visual document framework, 
 iii. carrying out analysis of the retrieved data for periodic or repeating patterns and adjusting the visual document framework to emphasise desired visual attributes, and 
 iii. mapping the data on to the visual document framework; and 
   c. a rendering engine creating a visual document output display.   
     
     
         540 . The method of arranging a data set as claimed in  claim 539  wherein the default visual document framework is a spiral plot. 
     
     
         541 . The method of arranging a data set as claimed in  claim 539  wherein the desired visual attribute is clumping. 
     
     
         542 . The method of arranging a data set as claimed in  claim 539  wherein the desired visual attribute is contrast. 
     
     
         543 . The method of arranging a data set as claimed in  claim 540  wherein the desired visual attribute is radial concentration. 
     
     
         544 . The method of arranging a data set as claimed in  claim 540  wherein the desired visual attribute is radial sparseness. 
     
     
         545 . The method of  claim 539  wherein in the step of adjusting the visual document framework, the processing module carries out multiple iterations. 
     
     
         546 . The method of  claim 545  wherein the processing module carries out a primary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the primary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         547 . The method of  claim 546  having the further step of stepping the result back if the result has degraded. 
     
     
         548 . The method of  claim 546  having the further step of carrying out a secondary iteration of lower magnitude than the primary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the secondary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         549 . The method of  claim 548  having the further step of stepping the result back if the result has degraded. 
     
     
         550 . The method of  claim 548  having the further step of carrying out a tertiary iteration of lower magnitude than the secondary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the tertiary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         551 . The method of  claim 550  having the further step of stepping the result back if the result has degraded. 
     
     
         552 . The method of  claim 545  wherein the method has the further step of the processing module communicating the result after the final iteration in which there is no improvement to the rendering engine to create a visual document output. 
     
     
         553 . In a graphical analysis computing system, a method of graphically displaying a data set for graphical analysis, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. a data retrieval engine retrieving data elements from a data store that forms part of or which is in communication with the graphical analysis computing system;   b. a processing module:
 i. developing a plurality of spatial representations of the data elements wherein a dimension of each spatial representation has a different periodicity, 
 ii. determining visual attributes of the spatial representations, and 
 iii. selecting one or more spatial representations having visual attributes satisfying selection criteria; and 
   c. a rendering engine creating a visual document output display for the one or more selected spatial representations.   
     
     
         554 . The method of  claim 553  wherein in the step of adjusting the visual document framework, the processing module carries out multiple iterations. 
     
     
         555 . The method of  claim 554  wherein the processing module carries out a primary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the primary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         556 . The method of  claim 555  having the further step of carrying out a secondary iteration of lower magnitude than the primary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the secondary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         557 . The method of  claim 556  having the further step of carrying out a tertiary iteration of lower magnitude than the secondary iteration, and subsequent iterations of identical magnitude to the tertiary iteration, assessing the result after each iteration until there is no improvement in the result or the result degrades. 
     
     
         558 . The method of  claim 554  wherein the method has the further step of the processing module communicating the result after the final iteration in which there is no improvement to the rendering engine to create a visual document output.