An Information-theoretic framework for visualization

In this paper, we examine whether or not information theory can be one of the theoretic frameworks for visualization. We formulate concepts and measurements for qualifying visual information. We illustrate these concepts with examples that manifest the intrinsic and implicit use of information theor...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chen, Min (Author) , Leitte, Heike (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 24 October 2010
In: IEEE transactions on visualization and computer graphics
Year: 2010, Volume: 16, Issue: 6, Pages: 1206-1215
ISSN:1941-0506
DOI:10.1109/TVCG.2010.132
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVCG.2010.132
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Author Notes:Min Chen, Member, IEEE, and Heike Jänicke, Member, IEEE
Description
Summary:In this paper, we examine whether or not information theory can be one of the theoretic frameworks for visualization. We formulate concepts and measurements for qualifying visual information. We illustrate these concepts with examples that manifest the intrinsic and implicit use of information theory in many existing visualization techniques. We outline the broad correlation between visualization and the major applications of information theory, while pointing out the difference in emphasis and some technical gaps. Our study provides compelling evidence that information theory can explain a significant number of phenomena or events in visualization, while no example has been found which is fundamentally in conflict with information theory. We also notice that the emphasis of some traditional applications of information theory, such as data compression or data communication, may not always suit visualization, as the former typically focuses on the efficient throughput of a communication channel, whilst the latter focuses on the effectiveness in aiding the perceptual and cognitive process for data understanding and knowledge discovery. These findings suggest that further theoretic developments are necessary for adopting and adapting information theory for visualization.
Item Description:Gesehen am 03.03.2023
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1941-0506
DOI:10.1109/TVCG.2010.132