A Library for Declarative Resolution-Independent 2D Graphics

The design of most 2D graphics frameworks has been guided by what the computer can draw efficiently, instead of by how graphics can best be expressed and composed. As a result, such frameworks restrict expressivity by providing a limited set of shape primitives, a limited set of textures and only affine transformations. For example, non-affine transformations can only be added by invasive modification or complex tricks rather than by simple composition. More general frameworks exist, but they make it harder to describe and analyze shapes. We present a new declarative approach to resolution-independent 2D graphics that generalizes and simplifies the functionality of traditional frameworks, while preserving their efficiency. As a real-world example, we show the implementation of a form of focus+context lenses that gives better image quality and better performance than the state-of-the-art solution at a fraction of the code. Our approach can serve as a versatile foundation for the creation of advanced graphics and higher level frameworks

A Library for Declarative Resolution-Independent 2D Graphics

htmlabstractThe design of most 2D graphics frameworks has been guided by what the computer can draw efficiently, instead of by how graphics can best be expressed and composed. As a result, such frameworks restrict expressivity by providing a limited set of shape primitives, a limited set of textures and only affine transformations. For example, non-affine transformations can only be added by invasive modification or complex tricks rather than by simple composition. More general frameworks exist, but they make it harder to describe and analyze shapes. We present a new declarative approach to resolution-independent 2D graphics that generalizes and simplifies the functionality of traditional frameworks, while preserving their efficiency. As a real-world example, we show the implementation of a form of focus+context lenses that gives better image quality and better performance than the state-of-the-art solution at a fraction of the code. Our approach can serve as a versatile foundation for the creation of advanced graphics and higher level frameworks

Bringing the Advantages of 3D Distortion Viewing into Focus

Some recent developments in the area of multi-scale viewing have concerned the creation of such views from magnification factors as input. We present an algorithm in which magnification factors are used directly to control the creation of a multiscale view in a 3D based distortion viewing. Our algorithm relies on the basic geometry of a perspective view volume, the properties of which provide a single step conversion between magnification and transformation. 1 Introduction Research in effective use of screen space now offers a variety of methods for providing single image multi-scale visual exploration environments [2, 5]. Furnas and Bederson's introduction of Space Scale Diagrams [4] showed how conceptualizing these transformations in 3D facilitate greater understanding. This paper explains how a 3D framework can exploit the properties of a single point perspective projection to create multi-scale views directly from magnification specifications. Figure 1: Single focus multi-scale ..

Designing the Unexpected : Endlessly Fascinating Interaction for Interactive Installations

This research was supported in part by SSHRC, NSERC, SMART Technologies, AITF, SurfNet and GRAND.We present A Delicate Agreement, an interactive art installation designed to intrigue viewers by offering them an unfolding story that is endlessly fascinating. To achieve this, we set our story in the liminal space of an elevator, and populated this elevator with a set of unique characters. Viewers watch the story unfold through peepholes in the elevator’s doors, where in turn their gaze can trigger changes in the storyline. This storyline’s interactive response was created via a complex adaptive system using simple rules based on Goffman’s performance theory.Postprin

Creation and collaboration: engaging new audiences for information visualization

In recent years we have seen information visualization technology move from an advanced research topic to mainstream adoption in both commercial and personal use. This move is in part due to many businesses recognizing the need for more effective tools for extracting knowledge from the data warehouses they are gathering. Increased mainstream interest is also a result of more exposure to advanced interfaces in contemporary online media. The adoption of information visualization technologies by lay users – as opposed to the traditional information visualization audience of scientists and analysts – has important implications for visualization research, design and development. Since we cannot expect each of these lay users to design their own visualizations, we have to provide them tools that make it easy to create and deploy visualizations of their datasets