Time-series data display device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a data display device that allows for easy visualization of the degree of interrelationship between multiple types of time-series data. [Solution] The system determines the position for one type of time-series data on the display screen of a personal computer, mobile device, etc., and displays the corresponding data values ​​of other types of time-series data at the same time on this determined position. The other types of data are represented by different display units such as brightness and darkness, color, shape, or size, depending on the data value. The display can be switched between a planar display mode and a three-dimensional display mode, and it can also be switched between a Cartesian coordinate system and a polar coordinate system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data display device for making the degree of mutual correlation of multiple types of time series data easily visible.

Background Art

[0002] In order to clearly present two or more types of time series data that are mutually related, it is common to display them as a line graph by changing the color and type of the line for each data type. Alternatively, they may be shown as separate line graphs for each data. In the former case, it becomes difficult to view when the number of data types increases. In the latter case, it is inconvenient to compare the values of data at the same timing. Prior Patent Documents 1 and 2 attempt to solve these problems.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2l]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Prior Patent Document 1 merely arranges the graphs for each of a plurality of data vertically. Prior Patent Document 2 displays the graph for each data inside a cylinder, which is novel in the way of display, but requires the imagination of the viewer to understand the mutual relevance of the data. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to display at least two types of time series data so that the degree of mutual correlation (present, slightly present, absent, etc.) can be understood. Although there may be almost no recognized correlation in some cases, in this case, the fact that there is no correlation is also useful information. Furthermore, the system should be capable of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional displays, allowing users to switch between them. The goal is to ensure that both displays are visually appealing and allow users to immediately grasp changes in data values. While experts might be able to identify trends and make insights simply by looking at the data values, for most laypeople, knowing the numerical accuracy of a series of numbers is meaningless. For example, even if it means exaggerating and emphasizing changes in certain important ranges, a rough visual understanding of the trend is sufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A time-series data display device for solving the problems of the present invention is, Determine the position on the display screen where one type of time-series data will be placed. This system is characterized by its ability to plot display units corresponding to the data values ​​of other types of time-series data at the same time point at the determined position, and to switch between two-dimensional and three-dimensional display modes.

[0006] This allows multiple types of time-series data to be displayed on the same planar graph. For example, when graphing temperature changes over time, a line graph is typically used, where time is plotted on the horizontal axis, the temperature corresponding to that time is plotted on the vertical axis, and the points are connected by lines. If you also want to graph changes in humidity in addition to temperature, you would need to display them on the same graph, but with different line colors and types (solid, dashed, double, etc.). However, this invention allows for the clear display of two types of time-series data on the same plane. Furthermore, this planar display can be switched to a three-dimensional display, which deepens the viewer's understanding of the interrelationship between the two types of data. This allows different types of time-series data to be displayed on the same graph, making it easier to compare them.

[0007] The aforementioned other types of time-series data should be represented by different display units depending on the data value, such as brightness and darkness, color, or shape (e.g., equilateral triangle, square, regular hexagon, circle). The aforementioned other types of time-series data may be represented by two-dimensional shapes of different sizes or three-dimensional shapes of different sizes and depths (spheres, hemispheres, disks, etc.) as display units, depending on the data values. In a two-dimensional graph, time is represented on one axis, making it difficult to display two different types of data in relation to each other. Simply showing each type of data on separate line graphs makes it difficult to understand the correlation between the two types of data. However, in this invention, one of the two types of data is represented using display units with different colors and sizes, making it possible to roughly estimate whether or not there is a correlation.

[0008] In the aforementioned three-dimensional display mode, for example, three-dimensional shapes (spheres, hemispheres, disks, etc.) of different sizes corresponding to the other data value can be placed in the depth direction of the position where one data point is placed, making it possible to view them from different directions. Compared to a normal three-dimensional graph, changes in data are easier to understand and more visually appealing.

[0009] The aforementioned time-series data may be arranged from one end of a row or column in a Cartesian coordinate system to the other. Alternatively, the passage of time can be represented by the polarity of the polar coordinate system. For example, if you want to graph the changes over a day every hour, you can use a representation where the polarity is 15 degrees per hour and the radius vector completes one rotation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The data values ​​of two types of time-series data at the same time point can be clearly displayed on the same plane or in the same three-dimensional space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates a user input screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of data used in embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4]A planar display with the passage of time taken horizontally, which is a diagram that varies the state of the display unit according to the second data value. [Figure 5] A planar display with the passage of time taken horizontally, which is a diagram that varies the size of the display unit according to the second data value. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a three-dimensional display obtained by switching the planar display of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a planar display in two-dimensional polar coordinates.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The functional block configuration of the display device 1 used in this embodiment will be described according to FIG. 1. The display device 1 is an information processing device such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal, and includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and the like.

[0014] The storage unit 11 is composed of a memory, a built-in hard disk, an external USB memory, etc., and stores a computer program for executing time-series data display, which is the main function of the display device 1, and the values of measurement data that are time-series data.

[0015] The control unit 12 is realized by expanding the computer program stored in the storage unit 11 onto the memory and having the CPU execute it. The control unit 12 includes a data acquisition unit 12A, a data reading unit 12B, a user input acquisition unit 12C, a display data creation unit 12D, a created data output unit 12E, and the like

[0016] The data acquisition unit 12A directly acquires data from sensors or devices inside or outside the display device 1, and the acquired data is appropriately stored in the storage unit 11. In the present invention, not only the past data that has been stored can be displayed, but also the acquired data can be displayed in real time. The data reading unit 12B reads data for multiple items that occurred at the same time and are stored in the storage unit 11. The user input acquisition unit 12C acquires user instructions input via the input unit 13, such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. The display data creation unit 12D creates data for displaying the data read by the data reading unit 12A in two or three dimensions. The created data output unit 12E outputs the created data to an output unit 14 such as a display or printer.

[0017] The user can make various selections and give instructions via the input unit 13. Figure 2 shows an example of a user input screen. Select data using the selection button btn1. In Figure 2, you can select any two of the data items A, B, and C. Select the time series data using the selection button btn2, and choose whether to arrange it horizontally in Cartesian coordinates or clockwise (or counterclockwise) in polar coordinates. Select the two-dimensional or three-dimensional display using the selection button btn3.

[0018] The following describes the processes primarily executed by the display data creation unit 12C. This section explains how to display multiple data values, such as Data A and Data B, that occurred in parallel on the same time series. Data A and Data B are data measured by different devices, such as temperature and blood pressure, or humidity and heart rate. However, Data A and Data B must be measured at the same time. It is unclear whether A and B are strongly related. However, by using the representation provided by this invention, it is possible to estimate whether there is a strong relationship, a weak relationship, or no relationship at all. Even if the degree of relationship differs from subject to subject, the degree of relationship for at least a specific individual can be determined.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the data values ​​used for the following explanation. In this example, the range of values ​​for data A is 21 to 28, and the minimum value is set to 20 and the maximum value to 30 to match the vertical length of the graph. The range of values ​​for data B is 2 to 5.

[0020] In this embodiment, time changes from left to right parallel to the horizontal axis of the graph. First, let's explain how to display it in a two-dimensional format. As shown in Figure 4(b), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the value of data A.

[0021] The values ​​of data A corresponding to time are plotted. Since the data exemplified in Figure 3 includes data from time t1 to t8, points corresponding to the eight values ​​of data A are found, and these points are connected to obtain a line graph. This shows the changes in the time-series data A. Appropriately shaped and sized display units (small circles in this embodiment) are drawn at the positions of these eight points.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4(a), the minimum and maximum values ​​of the pre-determined possible values ​​of data B are set as the bottom layer dl and the top layer ul. Multiple surfaces ml1, ml2, ... are provided at equal intervals between these two layers. A display unit is assigned to the surface closest to the value of data B corresponding to each time. Each layer is assigned different colors, brightness, etc., depending on its depth from the top layer. As shown in Figure 4(b), the value of data A is represented by the position of a small circle, which is the display unit, corresponding to time, and this display unit is distinguished by the color and brightness / darkness of the layer to which data B belongs. This clearly shows the correspondence between the value of data A at a given time and the value of data B at the same time. Normally, representing time and three types of values ​​(data A and data B) would require either a three-dimensional representation or two two-dimensional graphs. However, in this embodiment, it can be represented with a single two-dimensional graph.

[0023] As a display unit for different states, different colors or different levels of brightness may be used to distinguish it from other data values, or the size of the small circle used as the display unit may be changed. As shown in Figure 5(a), data located on the top layer surface ul is represented by the circle with the largest diameter, data located on the bottom layer dl is represented by the circle with the smallest diameter, and for intermediate layers, the diameter of the circle should be progressively smaller as it moves away from the top layer. Figure 5(b) is a graph in which the values ​​of data B corresponding to data A are represented by circles of different diameters. Furthermore, different color and size combinations may be used as units to indicate different states.

[0024] In addition to the two-dimensional display described above, a three-dimensional display is also acceptable. Figure 6 is a representation of Figure 5(b) in a virtual three-dimensional space. Time is plotted on the X-axis, data A on the Y-axis, and data B is plotted as a circle corresponding to the depth on the Z-axis as the value decreases. Here, instead of circles, spheres, hemispheres, or disks of the same diameter may be plotted. The user can change the viewpoint or instruct rotation via an input device such as a mouse using known image processing techniques to display the 3D model from various directions. This method of display combines clarity with visual appeal. In addition to changing the diameter, you may also change the color coding or brightness / darkness corresponding to the surface to which data B belongs.

[0025] In the above explanation, the values ​​of data A and data B were read from the storage unit 11, meaning they were displayed by referencing past data. However, data A and data B may also be displayed in real time while being measured. In this case, it goes without saying that the display device 1 would need an interface unit (not shown) for receiving data from external measuring instruments.

[0026] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the coordinates were displayed in two dimensions (x, y) or three dimensions (x, y, z), but in this embodiment, they are displayed in two dimensions (r, th) or three dimensions (r, th, ph)

[0027] First, let's explain how to display it in a two-dimensional format. As shown in Figure 7, the center of the circle is determined on the screen. For example, if you want to display data every 5 seconds for 5 minutes, move the radial vector r so that the angle th changes counterclockwise by 6 degrees every 5 seconds. This change in the angle th represents the passage of time.

[0028] Based on the minimum and maximum values ​​that can be assumed in advance for data A, the position where the display unit is placed on the radial axis r is determined. The minimum value is a position close to the center of the circle (a position that is visible and does not overlap with the center of the circle, for example, 1 cm from the center), and the maximum value corresponds to the radius of the circle.

[0029] A display unit (a circle in this embodiment) corresponding to the value of data B is drawn at the position of data A. The determination of color and brightness / darkness is the same as in the first embodiment (see Figure 4(a)). Furthermore, the circles do not necessarily have to be of the same diameter; they can also be circles with diameters corresponding to the values ​​of data B (see Figure 5(a)).

[0030] Here, we can fill the inside of the large circle, which is the outline of the graph, with small circles, and we can add color and brightness / darkness to the inside of the small circles that are closest to the combination of time, represented by the argument th, and the value of data A whose display position is determined on the radial r. If all the small circles are initially filled with the same dull color, the differences in color and brightness will become clearer. Some designers may create graphs that are as beautiful and captivating as mandalas.

[0031] Here, a three-dimensional display is also possible, similar to the first embodiment. The depth from the maximum value to the minimum value of data B is defined as the ph component. Alternatively, a curved surface passing through each display unit corresponding to each time t1, t2, t3, ... may be displayed. In addition to being able to switch between two-dimensional and three-dimensional displays, it may also be possible to switch between representing the change in time as a linear line, as in the first embodiment, or as a change in the angular deviation, as in this embodiment. In short, the present invention is characterized by its ability to represent two types of time-series data in a way that makes changes and relationships easily recognizable, and by allowing users to choose how the data is displayed.

[0032] The two embodiments described above are merely illustrative. In each embodiment, we have described the process assuming that there are two types of data to be displayed simultaneously, but there may be three or more types of data. In this case, one type can be selected and plotted in chronological order, while the other multiple types can be coded and displayed in association with the selected data. For example, if there are four types of data (U, V, W, X), and the absolute value of the correlation coefficient between U and V (and similarly between R2 and R3) is R1, the correlation coefficient between U and W is R2, and the correlation coefficient between U and X is R3, then let Z be (V*R1+W*R2+X*R3) / (R1+R2+R3). In this case, U and Z can be displayed as two types of data in the same way as in the embodiment described above. Of course, the three sets of data, U and V, U and W, and U and X, can each be displayed as in the embodiment described above, and these three types of displays can be arranged vertically or horizontally on the screen. Alternatively, in the case of three or more types of displays, a single display unit may be represented by different attributes such as color, brightness, size, and depth.

[0033] One possible application of this invention is to graph data to explore the relationship between weather and vital signs. For example, temperature and heart rate could be represented on the same graph. Experts might be able to make some judgments just by looking at the numbers. However, for laypeople, the numbers are simply a series of dry values, making it difficult to understand their relationships or trends. This invention allows for a visual assessment of the degree of correlation.

[0034] The display method of the present invention can be used for any combination of time-series data, as long as the timing is correct. Incidentally, the inventor of this invention is one of the inventors of International Publication No. 2021 / 111965, in which the efficacy and use of ultra-low frequency vibrations were proposed. However, it is unclear whether the relaxation effect claimed as a benefit was actually caused by exposure to ultra-low frequency vibrations. Therefore, we considered whether it would be possible to measure vital data at three different time periods: a predetermined time before exposure to ultra-low frequency vibrations, during exposure, and a predetermined time after exposure, and display this data in the form of a figure or graph. The frequency of the ultra-low frequency vibrations at each of the above three time periods will be Data A, and the user's heart rate (blood pressure or respiration may also be used) will be Data B. Using this invention, we will try to find out whether there is a correlation between the frequency and the heart rate. If it is found that there is no correlation, that would also be progress, and we can move on to the next step of investigating whether the relaxation effect felt by the user was an illusion or whether there is another cause.

[0035] The apparatus of the present invention is a personal computer or mobile terminal on which a computer program that performs the display method described above is installed. The display target is assumed to be time-series data acquired by an application installed on the personal computer or wearable terminal. [Industrial applicability]

[0036] Because it allows users to observe and analyze data values ​​while having fun, this app, despite being a practical application for handling time-series data, is expected to be used in a way that adds an element of entertainment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1: Display device 11: Storage part 12: Control Unit 12A: Data acquisition unit 12B: Data reading unit 12C: User Input Acquisition Unit 12D: Display data creation unit 12E; Output section for created data 13: Input section 14: Output section

Claims

1. Determine the position on the display screen where one type of time-series data will be placed. A time-series data display device characterized by drawing a display unit corresponding to the data value of other types of time-series data at the same timing at this determined position, and being able to switch between a two-dimensional display mode and a three-dimensional display mode.

2. The time-series data display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other types of time-series data are represented by different display units such as brightness and darkness, color or shape, depending on the data value.

3. The time-series data display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other types of time-series data are displayed using shapes of different sizes as display units depending on the data values.

4. The time series data display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage of time in the aforementioned time series data is represented parallel to the axis, from one end of the horizontal axis or vertical axis of a Cartesian coordinate system to the other end.

5. The time series data display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage of time in the aforementioned time series data is represented by a change in the polar coordinate system's deflection angle.

6. Information processing device, A step of determining the position to place one type of time-series data among multiple types of time-series data on the display screen. The step of plotting the corresponding display units at the determined location, along with the data values ​​of other types of time-series data at the same time point. A step to enable switching between two-dimensional display mode and three-dimensional display mode. A method for displaying time-series data, characterized by performing the following:

Images