About sensor data visualization

In the current day and age we have the possibility to measure, store and process an incredible amount of data. A common way of obtaining this data is by using sensors. Whether it’s a levee, a ship or a bridge; by using the right sensors we are able to get an accurate (and often real-time) insight into the current state of the object at hand.

There is one problem however: humans are not very well equipped for handling large amounts of numbers, let alone make something useful of it. This is exactly the reason why visualization techniques like graphs and plots are a common tool in our every day work. But what happens when you face the daunting task of monitoring thousands of sensors over a long period of time. All of a sudden graphs and plots become highly inefficient. We are convinced that by combining real-time interaction with advanced visualizations we are able to take sensor visualization to a completely new level.

Powered by Cannibal: C-Cube

C-Cube international is a service provider to companies that are involved in the maintenance and construction of large industrial structures. What makes C-Cube very special is that they have developed a sensor to measure the quality of coatings and the state of corrosion.

We recently developed a prototype for a project that C-Cube was working on: measuring the coating quality of tanks situated on a large oil terminal in the Netherlands. Our advice was actually quite simple: take the measured data and present it in the context of the terminal itself.

The resulting prototype showed a simplified version of the terminal where the viewer can freely look around and select any tank for a closer inspection. In this view, the sensors data is shown on the surface of the tank, corresponding to the location of the measurement. By using a simple sliderbar, the viewer is able to go forward or backward in time, which updates the sensor data in real-time. This combination of real-time interaction and advanced visualization allows the viewer to quickly observe and interpret the large amount of available data.

Both C-Cube and their customer were very impressed by the prototype. We are therefore currently looking at how we can expand our collaboration.

Latest news

Aug 24, '11

Visualization of bridge coating quality

Based on the successful prototype we created with C-Cube earlier this year, we are ready to take the next step. This time, the goal is to create an interactive and insightful visualization of the coating quality across the surface of a real bridge.

Jun 8, '11

C-Cube and customer impressed

About a week ago we first showed C-Cube a prototype for a radically new visualization of data generated by their corrosion sensors. By providing an advanced visualization and real-time interactivity we have been able to take their sensor visualization to a completely new level. Both C-Cube and their customer were very impressed by the prototype. We are looking forward to see where this collaboration can take us in the future.