Building dynamic 3D visualizations through ontology-guided interactions with domain knowledge and simulation models

Abstract

We need to find better ways of allowing non-computing experts to construct visualizations of dynamic models within familiar domain-specific contexts. Current methods used to construct these customized views, however, are expensive since content experts must employ engineers to code the mathematical model that defines the dynamic behaviour of the scenario. Engineers must then somehow visualize the output of the model. These tasks are typically performed with engineering software tools or just pure computer programming. We define an interface and interaction model that compresses this engineering overhead, thus narrowing the user interface gap between mathematical modelling and three-dimensional interactive visualization design and consumption. We present an interaction theory and corresponding software prototype. Both are discussed using a human cardiovascular system case study.