System for Embedding Data Displays in Graphical Contexts

摘要

This report describes an interactive computer tool for data analysis that facilitates the graphical encoding of both the data and the domain-related cues. That is, the system allows the decision-maker to draw figures (e.g., schematics) that depict the problem domain, and to embed dynamic data displays within those figures. (For instance, the system enables the user to draw the schematic of a process and insert data displays -- dials, strip charts--at various points in the schematic.) These dynamic data displays can either be selected from a library of predefined display formats (e.g., bar chart), including several formats not usually found in graphing packages (e.g., face display), or they can be created interactively by the user. To accomplish the latter, the systems includes the ability to define dynamic attributes of graphical objects, where the attributes change as a function of the data being analyzed. (Author)