|
|
|
|
 |
|
Spring 2004, Volume 3, Number 1, Pages 1-18
|
|
|
|
|
Table of contents Previous Full text Next PDF
|
|
|
|
| Original Article |
|
| Dynamic query tools for time series data sets: Timebox widgets for interactive exploration |
|
| Harry Hochheiser1 and Ben Shneiderman1,2 |
|
1Human-Computer Interaction Lab & Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, U.S.A
2Institute for Systems Research and Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, U.S.A
|
Correspondence to: Harry Hochheiser, Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute of Aging, 333 Casell Drive, Suite 3000, Baltimore, MD 21224, U.S.A. Tel: +1 410 558 8046, E-mail: hsh@nih.gov |
|
|
| Abstract |
| Timeboxes are rectangular widgets that can be used in direct-manipulation graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to specify query constraints on time series data sets. Timeboxes are used to specify simultaneously two sets of constraints: given a set of N time series profiles, a timebox covering time periods x1¼x2 (x1 x2) and values y1¼y2 (y1y2) will retrieve only those nÎN that have values y1yy2 during all times x1xx2. TimeSearcher is an information visualization tool that combines timebox queries with overview displays, query-by-example facilities, and support for queries over multiple time-varying attributes. Query manipulation tools including pattern inversion and 'leaders & laggards' graphical bookmarks provide additional support for interactive exploration of data sets. Extensions to the basic timebox model that provide additional expressivity include variable time timeboxes, which can be used to express queries with variability in the time interval, and angular queries, which search for ranges of differentials, rather than absolute values. Analysis of the algorithmic requirements for providing dynamic query performance for timebox queries showed that a sequential search outperformed searches based on geometric indices. Design studies helped identify the strengths and weaknesses of the query tools. Extended case studies involving the analysis of two different types of data from molecular biology experiments provided valuable feedback and validated the utility of both the timebox model and the TimeSearcher tool. Timesearcher is available at http://www.cs.umd.edu/hcil/tim
esearcher
Information Visualization (2004) 3, 1-18. doi:10.1057/palgrave.ivs.9500061 |
|
| Keywords |
| TimeSearcher; timeboxes; dynamic query; visual query; angular queries; time series; temporal data; bioinformatics; graphical user interfaces |
| Received 3 June 2003; revised 16 October 2003; accepted 16 October 2003 |
|
|
Table of contents Previous Full text Next PDF
|
|
|
|
|
