Multi-Dimensional Dataset Visualization Transfer Function Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for visualizing multi-dimensional datasets are not user-friendly in adjusting display-values and opacity values, limiting intuitive control over the visualization process.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for individually adjustable control sets defining relationships between data-values, display-values, and opacity values using a transfer function, enabling users to modify specific control sets independently without affecting others, with options for interpolation and boundary settings to refine the visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer function with multiple trapezia is used to control transparency and color values, then the visualization can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes complex and not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of visualizationVSAvoiduser-friendliness of adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer function is divided into multiple control sets, each associated with specific data-value ranges. Each control set can be independently adjusted to modify the transfer function's behavior in specific regions, making the complex adjustment process more manageable and user-friendly while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If control sets are defined with independent adjustability, then user control over visualization is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over visualizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the transfer function into independent control sets, each manageable separately. This segmentation allows users to exercise fine-grained control over specific data-value ranges without needing to manage the entire transfer function at once, reducing the perceived complexity while enhancing user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables independent adjustment of parameters (display-value and opacity-value) for each control set. By allowing parameter changes at the control set level rather than requiring global adjustments, the system provides intuitive user control while maintaining manageable complexity through localized modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9092902B2Visualization of a rendered multi-dimensional dataset

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method of visualization of a multi-dimensional dataset of data-elements involves a rendering process in which a display-value and an opacity value are assigned to individual data-elements. One or several control sets are defined comprising respective datavalues, display-values and opacity values related according to the transfer function and for individual control set(s) the opacity value is adjustable independently of the opacity values of other control set(s). The individually and independently adjustable control sets enable the user to adjust the transfer function in a very intuitive way.