Techniques for Visualizing Big Data in a Two-Dimensional Chart

摘要

A technique is described for analyzing a dataset that includes many dataset objects by generating a hybrid chart. The hybrid chart is a two-dimensional chart that is divided up into multiple segments. Some segments are configured to present a color from a color scale that is used to represent the number of dataset objects that lie within the segment. Other segments are configured to present dataset objects within the segment by plotting the dataset objects. Depending on the number of dataset objects within the segment, one of these two approaches can be used. The chart offers interactivity like zooming and selecting a range of datasets. Furthermore the chart starts by offering a coarse overview while generating views with increasing granularity and more details over time. During this process the chart remains completely interactive.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:
receiving, by a processor, a dataset containing a plurality of dataset objects, each dataset object including a first variable and a second variable; determining, by the processor, boundaries of the dataset with respect to the first variable and the second variable; generating, by the processor, a first template for a two-dimensional chart according to the boundaries of the dataset, the first template having a plurality of segments that each represent an area within the boundaries, wherein the first variable is associated with a first dimension of the two-dimensional chart and the second variable is associated with a second dimension of the two-dimensional chart; and applying, by the processor, the dataset to the first template to generate the two-dimensional chart, wherein applying the dataset comprises for each segment of the first template:
identifying, by the processor, a plurality of dataset objects from the dataset located within a segment of the first template,shading, by the processor, the segment a color from a color scale when a total count of the plurality of dataset objects is greater than a predefined threshold, andplotting, by the processor, the plurality of dataset objects when the total count of the plurality of dataset objects is less than or equal to the predefined threshold.