Data input for scientific visualization

Mathers, Christian

Abstract

Since the development of the modular visualization environment, the users of such gen­eral software have had to face the problems of file input Simply put, the range and complexity of different file formats has prevented the developers of visualization systems from creating an individual solution for every format. This has left a gap, where users are left to fend for themselves by either extending the system to their needs, or using a format capable of being described by one of the input tools offered by such systems. Neither of these options is particularly easy, and the use of field dependent terminology can hamper such efforts.

This thesis proposes a model, architecture and methodology, for importing uncommon file formats and data into scientific visualization systems by way of interpretation. Using interpretation we are able to describe many file formats in a general manner, enabling further development of simple methods to aid users in solving their data input problems. The utility of these concepts is illustrated through the Interactive File Input Toolkit (IFIT), which allows users to solve their file input problems in a flexible manner. This tool is illustrated by a range of examples and test cases, and unlike other solutions it has the ability to discover as well as describe the content of a file. Finally, this thesis presents work towards an automatic method for determining a file’s input parameters.

Citation

Mathers, C. Data input for scientific visualization. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222475

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 29, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Computer science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222475
• Additional Information: Department of Computer Science, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Aug 1, 2004