Rule-based Database Visualization
Yingcai Xiao
Introduction
Framework and System Design
Implementation
Case Study
Summary and Future Work
Information Visualization:
• data abstract
• not continuous
• application dependent
• hard to find a mapping into (x,y,z,v)
Example:
Database visualization with a real world application.
Database Visualization: to map non-graphical data stored
in databases into graphical elements for the purpose of
visual representation and visual analysis.
Variables <A1, A2, …, An> and Values <V1, V2, …, Vn>
G=M(D)
Generic Visualization Techniques : Curves, Surfaces, Charts
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Generic Visualization Techniques:
Data-independent Representations
In-depth Visualization Needs:
Data-dependent Representations
Collision Diagram: An Example of Data-dependent Representation
Data-independent Systems
for
Data-dependent Representations
G=M(D,R,T)
Graphics
Engine
Database
Engine
Rule
Interpreter
Data
Records
Data-dependent
Rules
Data-dependent
Graphics Templates
Rule Base
Graphics Base
Database
Graphical
Representation
Rules
<rule>
::= <premise> <action>
<premise> ::= ($AND <condition> … <condition>)
<condition> ::= ($OR <condition> … <condition>) |
($RELATION <variable> <value>)
$RELATION ::= < | > | = | >= | <=
<action>
:: = (SELECT <template>)
$AND, $OR and $RELATION:
functions returning True or Nil.
Graphics Template = Basic Shape + Attributes
Attributes :
location
size
orientation
color
style
...
Attribute Value = f (A1, A2, …, An)
(Attribute Rule)
RbDbVis
Data
Records
Database
Schema
Data
Reader /
Type
Converter
Data
Type
Dictionary
Rule
Interpreter
Datadependent
Rules
Graphics
Engine
Datadependent
Graphics
Templates
RbVis
Graphical
Representations
Template Editor
Rule Editor
Rule Interpreter
Selection Rule:
<rule> ::= <premise> <action>
(1) Use SQL engine to execute the premises.
select * from data where <premise>
(2) If (result-set not empty)
select <template> for each record
Attribute Rule:
Continuous:
Attribute Value = f (A1, A2, …, An)
Discrete:
Table: Field Value -> Attribute Value
Collision Diagram
Collision Diagram
 Rule-based Database Visualization: G=M(D,R,T)
 Data-dependent Rules and Templates
 Data-dependent In-depth Representations
 Data-independent Systems
 Need to Go 3D for Virtual Warehouses/Libraries
• "An Integrated Networking and Visualization Approach
to Crash Data Analysis", Ping Yi, Yingcai Xiao and
Saroja Devarakonda, Transportation Research Record
1768, 2001, 172-179. (Based on the following
conference paper.)
• "A Rule-based Model for Traffic Accident
Visualization and Analysis", with P. Yi, Yingcai Xiao, A.
Ciccolini, G. Frommer and T. Zhang, Journal of
Computing in Civil Engineering, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2001,
129-136.
• "Rule-based Database Visualization", Yingcai Xiao, P.
Yi, Proceedings of Visual Data Exploration and Analysis
VIII, San Jose, CA, January 22-23, 2001, 219-226.
This work was supported by a research grant from the
Ohio Department of Transportation and a Faculty
Research Fellowship from the University of Akron.