Data Visualization Environment with DataFlow Processing, Web, Collaboration, Advanced User Interfaces, and Spreadsheet Visualization
A method for interactive data visualization to perform data analysis comprising dataflow processing of information and utilizing mathematical operations designed to accept, operate on, and produce numerical data within the universal range of numbers such as the interval [0,1] or [−1,+1]. In an implementation, visual effects responsive to data values and interactive control produces computer graphics instructions that can be rendered as graphics in a browser and transmitted over a network. Interactive control can also be transmitted over a network so as to provide web access and a collaboration environment. In an implementation the selection of function blocks and the general connectivity among them can be specified by using a drawing tool and a palette of function blocks, and clicking on each function block would cause dialog windows to appear that can be used for setting parameters.
1 . A method for interactive data visualization to perform data analysis the method comprising:
specifying a data source to provide data for analysis;
specifying a plurality of mathematical operations to be performed on the specified data, wherein each of the plurality of mathematical operations calculates resultant numerical data within a specified range of numbers;
specifying an interconnection network determining dataflow paths among the plurality of mathematical operations;
specifying at least one initial function parameter to at least one of the plurality of mathematical operations to calculate resultant numerical data from the specified data;
obtaining data from the data source;
computing the resultant numerical data responsive to the at least one initial function parameter and the specified, wherein the resultant numerical data is at least one visual parameter;
creating computer graphics instructions responsive to the at least one visual parameter; and
rendering the selected data and displaying the selected data on a computer display according to the at least one visual parameter.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the computer graphics instructions are rendered as graphics in a browser.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the computer graphics instructions are transmitted over a network.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one initial function parameter is changed by the user using an interface device.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein a display of the selected data changes responsive to the change in the at least one initial function parameter.
6 . The method of claim 4 wherein changes to the at least one initial function parameter are transmitted over a network.
7 . The method of claim 4 wherein changes to the at least one initial function parameter are provided by any one of a plurality of computing devices, each computing device operated by an associated user, each computing device having received the computer graphics instructions.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the computer graphics instructions are transmitted over a network.
9 . The method of claim 1 wherein specifying the interconnection network is accomplished by selecting function blocks using a palette of function blocks and by connecting function blocks using a drawing tool.
10 . The method of claim 9 wherein selecting on each function block causes at least one dialog windows to appear for setting parameters associated with the function block.