Development of a Data Sonification Tool to Transcend Standard Visualization Analyses

Presenter

Jacob Elbirt

Campus

Worcester State University

Sponsor

Ali Al-Faris, Department of Computer Science, Worcester State University

Schedule

Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A15, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Data manipulation and analysis are critical for companies, researchers, and universities to identify trends and aggregate additional information from existing numerical data.
Data normalization and logarithmic transformations are standard alterations used to improve data readability in graphs, charts, and other representations.

Spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple Numbers provide tools for addressing these tasks but quickly become cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring considerable understanding and experience with spreadsheet applications, data formatting and chart generation. While visual representations with their variations are common in spreadsheet applications, audio analysis and representation are largely untapped resources in this capacity and may provide new and enhanced perspectives on datasets. 

This work presents an approach to sonifying numerical datasets received in spreadsheet format and transforms the data into audio representation that plays during chart generation. The approach involves developing a full-stack application in the Java programming language, using JSwing to develop Graphical User Interfaces. Application design strategy focused on intuitive design while maximizing elasticity and scalability to be as versatile as possible across research disciplines. This software is also relevant in providing a unique opportunity to express datasets and trends to individuals who are blind or otherwise visually impaired.

Keywords

Software Development, Data Analysis, Full-Stack Application (Java, JSwing), Data Sonification

Research Area

Computer Science

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