US Patent 7315305 Method for visualizing data

A system and method for visualizing data. Data are provided either in the form of data values of a data array or in the form of a geometric representation. A data array may be, for example, a sparse matrix. A geometric representation, may be, for example, an integrated circuit layout coded in a geometric description language. Data provided in the form of data values are associated with geometric shapes placed on a grid. Information placed on the grid is then reported to a user. If data are provided in the form of a geometric representation, then data values are extracted from the geometric representation. A graphic representation is generated from the extracted data values. The graphic representation is exhibited to a user.