Building perceptual textures to visualize multidimensional datasets
Christopher G. Healey, James T. Enns · 1998
This paper presents a new method for using texture to visualize multidimensional data elements arranged on an underlying threedimensional height field. We hope to use simple texture patterns in combination with other visual features like hue and intensity to increase the number of attribute values we can display simultaneously. Our technique builds perceptual texture elements (or pexels) to represent each data element. Attribute values encoded in the data element are used to vary the appearance of a corresponding pexel. Texture patterns that form when the pexels are displayed can be used to rapidly and accurately explore the dataset. Our pexels are built by controlling three separate texture dimensions: height, density, and regularity. Results from computer graphics, computer vision, and cognitive psychologyhave identified these dimensions as important for the formation of perceptual texture patterns. We conducted a set of controlled experiments to measure the effectiveness of these di...