Distributed visual interfaces for collaborative exploration of data spaces

In our knowledge-based society, collaboration environments define a key Knowledge Management trend. The critical step in the implementation of this step is to capture the collaboration surrounding visual reports (e.g., charts) used in decision-making. Indeed, the ability to provide an accurate and integrated visualization of the data spaces in order to support organizational decision-making is a crucial component of modem information-rich enterprises. This ability can be significantly improved through the introduction of collaborative decision support tools tailored for visualization. This paper presents the development of a class of such tools, called DIVI (Distributed Intelligent Visual Interfaces). The DIVI approach is based on the application of distributed visualization nodes and a mechanism for visual information abstraction/generalization. DIVI technology is envisioned to have a major impact on those applications requiring information to be collected from different data sources for collaborative group decision-making. Typical applications include planning systems, logistics, computer-aided medical group diagnosis, and educational services.