Scatterplot Opacity Engine for Dynamic Over-Plotting Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scatterplots suffer from over-plotting as the number of data points increases, leading to occlusion and loss of information, which is difficult to address through manual opacity adjustments requiring trial and error.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method automatically sets opacity levels for scatterplot charts by determining a mean opacity level of utilized pixels (MOUP) to dynamically improve readability, using an opacity engine that calculates and adjusts opacity based on over-plotting factors and distribution types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of data points in a scatterplot increases, then the dataset comprehensiveness is improved, but over-plotting occurs causing data point occlusion and information loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies opacity adjustments to data points in the scatterplot, transforming their visual transparency properties. By dynamically modifying the opacity level of data points based on over-plotting detection, the system enables visibility of underlying data points while maintaining the ability to display large quantities of data, thus resolving the contradiction between data quantity and information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visual parameters of data points by adjusting opacity levels dynamically. The system detects over-plotting conditions and modifies the opacity parameter of affected data points to prevent occlusion, allowing comprehensive data display without information loss even when numerous data points are present
2Loss of information
If manual opacity adjustment is used to reduce over-plotting, then data point visibility is improved, but time consumption increases due to trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic opacity adjustment mechanism that detects over-plotting conditions and independently adjusts data point opacity without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors data point density, identifies over-plotted regions, and dynamically modifies opacity levels to optimize visibility, thereby eliminating time-consuming trial and error while maintaining improved data point visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the scatterplot for over-plotting conditions and automatically adjusts opacity levels in response. This closed-loop approach detects visibility issues and applies corrective opacity modifications, eliminating manual trial and error while ensuring optimal data point visibility is maintained
Data Source
AI summary
An opacity engine for automatically and dynamically setting an opacity level for a scatterplot based on a predetermined value for a mean opacity level of utilized pixels (MOUP) in the scatterplot. The opacity engine may automatically set the opacity level for the scatterplot to produce the predetermined MOUP value in the scatterplot. A utilized pixel in the scatterplot comprises a pixel displaying at least one data point representing data. The MOUP value in the scatterplot may be equal to the sum of the final opacity levels of all utilized pixels in the chart, divided by the number of utilized pixels in the chart. The predetermined MOUP value may be between 35%-45%, such as 40%. The opacity engine may adjust the determined opacity level for charts having relatively low over-plotting factors.