Data visualizations including interactive time line representations

Abstract

Interactive data visualization features are provided, including an interactive graphical data representation, but the embodiments are not so limited. An exemplary computer-implemented method provides an interactive data visualization interface that includes a graphical time line representation and a number of visual change indicators used in part to provide symbolic cues and highlight changes made to adjustable aspects of the graphical time line representation. An exemplary computing architecture includes at least one client and server including a data communication interface used in part to provide visualization data to display an interactive time line representation as part of providing an interactive data visualization tool. Other embodiments are included and available.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 displaying an interactive graphical representation comprising a time line visualization that displays data of one or more data types;   displaying modifications to the data displayed with the time line visualization based on one or more types of transactions; and   displaying a plurality of selectable data population options with the time line visualization including one or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast option, and a with changes option.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying potentially significant business events and/or parameters for a particular business scenario. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising interactively modifying one or more transactions in different periods of time. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising displaying consequences of various level adjustments without executing one or more corresponding business transactions. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying adjustable data points and providing automatic leveling adjustments based on adjustments of one or more of the data points. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising zooming to a different portion of the time line visualization. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising panning to a different portion of the time line visualization. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying the time line visualization on a handheld device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using the time line visualization to track one or more of projected inventory, profit, loss, gain, orders, and sales for a type of product or service. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving touch inputs to adjust aspects of the time line visualization. 
     
     
         11 . A handheld device operative to:
 display an interactive graphical representation comprising a time line visualization that displays data of one or more data types;   display modifications to the data displayed with the time line visualization based on one or more types of transactions; and   display a plurality of selectable data population options with the time line visualization including one or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast option, and a with changes option.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , further operative to adjust the display of the time line visualization based on one or more of a forward looking data value adjustment and backward looking data value adjustment 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , further operative to adjust the display of the time line visualization based on one or more of an upward data value adjustment and downward data value adjustment. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , further operative to display one or more visual change indicators each corresponding to an adjustment type. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , further operative to display the one or more visual change indicators including one or more of an increased value indicator, a decreased value indicator, an adjustable value indicator, and a non-adjustable value indicator. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , further operative to display and distinguish one or more of forecast values, booked transaction values, and change values. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , further operative to display potentially significant business events and/or parameters for a particular business scenario. 
     
     
         18 . An article of manufacture that includes instructions that, when executed, operate to:
 display an interactive graphical representation comprising a time line visualization that displays data of one or more data types;   display modifications to the data displayed with the time line visualization based on one or more types of transactions; and   display a plurality of selectable data population options with the time line visualization including one or more of a booked transactions option, a forecast option, and a with changes option.   
     
     
         19 . The article of manufacture of  claim 18 , wherein the instructions, when executed, operate further to display visual change indicators to indicate one or more of a data point moved forward in time, a data point moved backward in time, a data point moved to a higher value, and a data point moved to a lower value. 
     
     
         20 . The article of manufacture of  claim 18 , wherein the instructions, when executed, operate further to visualize comparisons with target levels including using adjustments to visualize change in level consequences.