Large-scale comparative visualisation of sets of multidimensional data

Abstract

We present encube-a qualitative, quantitative and comparative visualisation and analysis system, with application to high-resolution, immersive three-dimensional environments and desktop displays. encube extends previous comparative visualisation systems by considering: (1) the integration of comparative visualisation and analysis into a unified system; (2) the documentation of the discovery process; and (3) an approach that enables scientists to continue the research process once back at their desktop. Our solution enables tablets, smartphones or laptops to be used as interaction units for manipulating, organising, and querying data. We highlight the modularity of encube, allowing additional functionalities to be included as required. Additionally, our approach supports a high level of collaboration within the physical environment. We show how our implementation of encube operates in a large-scale, hybrid visualisation and supercomputing environment using the CAVE2 at Monash University, and on a local desktop, making it a versatile solution. We discuss how our approach can help accelerate the discovery rate in a variety of research scenarios.

Bento Box: An Interactive and Zoomable Small Multiples Technique for Visualizing 4D Simulation Ensembles in Virtual Reality

“…Comparing this as well as related ensemble visualization tools that include some form of juxtaposed comparison, for example World Lines and follow-on systems (Waser et al, 2010(Waser et al, , 2014), a key difference with Bento Box is supporting not just comparison via overview thumbnails in the top row of the widget, but also detailed comparisons of even subtle variations across multiple volumes that can all be viewed simultaneously from multiple vantage points in VR. Vohl et al (2016) have done some of the most impressive work in ensemble visualization from a systems perspective, multiple data instances may be displayed juxtaposed for collaborative analysis using an ecosystem of displays (desktop, mobile, and VR); in VR/large-screen mode the system uses a handheld tablet as a display controller. In contrast, Bento Box is optimized for VR and introduces a bimanual user interface for not just rotating data and assigning data instances to specific sub-displays but also for selecting sub-volumes of interest in 3D space and reframing the virtual display for comfortable viewing.…”

“…Vohl et al ( 2016 ) have done some of the most impressive work in ensemble visualization from a systems perspective, multiple data instances may be displayed juxtaposed for collaborative analysis using an ecosystem of displays (desktop, mobile, and VR); in VR/large-screen mode the system uses a handheld tablet as a display controller. In contrast, Bento Box is optimized for VR and introduces a bimanual user interface for not just rotating data and assigning data instances to specific sub-displays but also for selecting sub-volumes of interest in 3D space and reframing the virtual display for comfortable viewing.…”

“…Analyzing these ensembles is a challenging task that involves not just understanding specific data values and trends but also making comparisons. Visualization can help, and recent ensemble visualization research has made it possible to: (1) manage and render some of the large datasets that are encountered with ensembles (Vohl et al, 2016 ); (2) use interactive techniques to navigate through large ensemble parameter spaces (Sedlmair et al, 2014 ), including using both local-to-global (Coffey et al, 2013 ) and global-to-local approaches (Bruckner and Moller, 2010 ); and (3) use simulation steering to explore “what if” scenarios (Waser et al, 2010 , 2014 ). Unfortunately for scientists and engineers, much work remains—successful ensemble visualization requires not just a minor adjustment of the traditional visualization pipeline but rather a significant reworking.…”

Imaging and printing in plastic and reconstructive surgery part 2: emerging techniques

“…55 Recently, researchers in Australia have developed a high-resolution, immersive 3D AR and VR environment using integrated supercomputers and multiple projectors with a cylindrical matrix of stereoscopic panels. 56 This bespoke CAVE2TM (Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia) consists of 80 high-resolution, stereocapable displays producing an 8-metre diameter, 320-degree panoramic view (see Figure 2). Medical images can be processed relatively easily by a dedicated laboratory technician and the clinician can view them realistically in a 3D manner as if they are 'walking through' the anatomy.…”

3D-Stereoscopic Immersive Analytics Projects at Monash University and University of Konstanz

“…To better cope with these limitations, we developed encube [36] -a visual analytics framework, with application to high-resolution, immersive 3D environments and desktop displays. encube extends previous comparative visualization systems with:…”