Ying Lu, Shu Xinhuan, Deng Dazhen, Yang Yuchen, Tang Tan, Yu Lingyun, Wu Yingcai
IEEE Trans Vis Comput Graph. 2023 Jan;29(1):331-341. doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3209447. Epub 2022 Dec 16.
Glyph-based visualization achieves an impressive graphic design when associated with comprehensive visual metaphors, which help audiences effectively grasp the conveyed information through revealing data semantics. However, creating such metaphoric glyph-based visualization (MGV) is not an easy task, as it requires not only a deep understanding of data but also professional design skills. This paper proposes MetaGlyph, an automatic system for generating MGVs from a spreadsheet. To develop MetaGlyph, we first conduct a qualitative analysis to understand the design of current MGVs from the perspectives of metaphor embodiment and glyph design. Based on the results, we introduce a novel framework for generating MGVs by metaphoric image selection and an MGV construction. Specifically, MetaGlyph automatically selects metaphors with corresponding images from online resources based on the input data semantics. We then integrate a Monte Carlo tree search algorithm that explores the design of an MGV by associating visual elements with data dimensions given the data importance, semantic relevance, and glyph non-overlap. The system also provides editing feedback that allows users to customize the MGVs according to their design preferences. We demonstrate the use of MetaGlyph through a set of examples, one usage scenario, and validate its effectiveness through a series of expert interviews.
基于符号的可视化与全面的视觉隐喻相结合时，能实现令人印象深刻的图形设计，这些隐喻通过揭示数据语义帮助受众有效地理解所传达的信息。然而，创建这样基于隐喻符号的可视化（MGV）并非易事，因为它不仅需要对数据有深入理解，还需要专业的设计技能。本文提出了MetaGlyph，一个用于从电子表格生成MGV的自动系统。为了开发MetaGlyph，我们首先进行定性分析，从隐喻体现和符号设计的角度理解当前MGV的设计。基于这些结果，我们引入了一个通过隐喻图像选择和MGV构建来生成MGV的新颖框架。具体而言，MetaGlyph基于输入的数据语义从在线资源中自动选择带有相应图像的隐喻。然后，我们集成了一种蒙特卡洛树搜索算法，该算法在考虑数据重要性、语义相关性和符号不重叠的情况下，通过将视觉元素与数据维度相关联来探索MGV的设计。该系统还提供编辑反馈，允许用户根据自己的设计偏好定制MGV。我们通过一组示例、一个使用场景展示了MetaGlyph的使用，并通过一系列专家访谈验证了其有效性。
