Data visualization system and method

1. A method of data visualization comprising:

maintaining in a data value memory a finite set of data values;

generating a first representation at a first time interval and generating a second representation at a second time interval using a processor, wherein the first and the second representation include one or more contour lines representing a surface in which each data value is centered on respective data points, and each data point is displayed as a local maximum, wherein the surface has a cross-sectional shape of a bell-shaped curve in which each data point is displayed as an apex of the bell-shaped curve; and

displaying the first and second representations by superimposing the second representation over the first representation to generate an animated sequence.

2. A method of data visualization of claim 1 , further comprising:

maintaining in a memory an interaction database of interaction data representing interactions between customers and merchants;

retrieving from the interaction database data representing interactions between customers and merchants; constructing the finite set of data values from the retrieved data; and

storing the data values in the data value memory.

3. A method of data visualization of claim 2 , wherein the merchant operates from one or more commercial premises, the method further comprising displaying a graphical spatial representation of the premises of the merchant.

4. A method of data visualization of claim 3 , wherein the merchant sells a range of products to customers, each product having a product code, the method further comprising maintaining a product code for each interaction in the interaction data.

5. A method of data visualization of claim 3 , wherein the merchant operates a casino or gaming venue comprising one or more stations, each station having a station identifier, the method further comprising maintaining a station identifier for each interaction in the interaction data.

6. A method of data visualization of claim 3 , wherein the merchant comprises a wagering or betting service provider, the method further comprising maintaining a merchant identifier and a monetary value for each interaction in the interaction data.

7. A method of data visualization of claim 3 , wherein the merchant comprises a financial or insurance services provider comprising one or more business units, each business unit having a business unit identifier, the method further comprising maintaining a business unit identifier for each interaction in the interaction data.

8. A method of data visualization of claim 3 , wherein the merchant provides reservation of products or services, the method further comprising maintaining a merchant identifier and the time of the interaction for each interaction in the interaction data.

9. A method of data visualization of claim 1 , further comprising:

maintaining in a memory a manufacturing process database of data representing one or more manufacturing processes;

retrieving from the manufacturing process database data representing a manufacturing process;

constructing the finite set of data values from the retrieved data; and

storing the data values in the data value memory.

10. A method of data visualization of claim 9 , wherein the manufacturing process comprises one or more manufacturing stages, each stage having a stage identifier, the method further comprising maintaining a stage identifier for each interaction in the interaction data.

11. A method of data visualization of claim 2 , wherein the merchant comprises a telecommunications service provider operating a telecommunications network, the display further arranged to display a graphical spatial representation of a network or part of a network operated by a merchant.

12. A method of data visualization of claim 2 , wherein the merchant operates from one or more web sites which are accessed by customers over a computer network, the display further arranged to display a graphical representation comprising a graphical web site map of a merchant.

13. A method of data visualization of claim 2 , wherein the display means is further arranged to display an area map showing the origin of customers in merchant customer interactions.

14. A method of data visualization of claim 1 , further comprising:

maintaining in a memory a sports database of data representing one or more sports events;

retrieving from the sports database data representing a sports event;

constructing the finite set of data values from the retrieved data; and

storing the data values in the data value memory.

15. A method of data visualization of claim 14 , further comprising:

displaying a graphical representation of a sports venue at which the sports event is held; and

superimposing the contoured representation of the data values on the graphical representation of the sports venue.

16. A method of data visualization comprising:

maintaining in a data value memory a finite set of data values;

displaying a representation of each data value centered on respective data points; and

generating and displaying a contoured representation having a cross-sectional shape of a bell-shaped curve using a processor such that each data point is displayed as an apex of the bell-shaped curve.

17. A method of data visualization of claim 16 , further comprising:

maintaining in a memory an interaction database of interaction data representing interactions between customers and merchants;

retrieving from the interaction database data representing interactions between customers and merchants;

constructing the finite set of data values from the retrieved data using a processor; and

storing the data values in the data value memory.

18. A method of data visualization comprising:

maintaining in a data value memory a finite set of data values;

displaying a representation of each data value centered on respective data points; and

generating and displaying one or more contour lines at least partially around each data point or group of data points using a processor, each contour line representing data values that are less than the data value(s) of the data point(s) around which the contour line is displayed, and the contour lines form a surface having a cross-sectional shape of a bell-shaped curve with the data point(s) displayed as an apex of the bell-shaped curve.