Sonification tools to supplement dataflow visualization

Visualization is a widely acknowledged discipline to explore vast numerical data by interactive analysis of their visual representations. General-purpose dataflow visualization systems haveproven their flexibility in many different application domains. Sonification - turning data into audible information - increases the bandwidth of man-machine-communication by one dimension towards a perceptualization platform, which allows the affection of all human senses. The integration of sonification tools in a dataflow visualization system unites the advantages of both directions to a powerful universal visual, aural or audiovisual environment. In this paper a detailled concept for the integration of sonification tools in dataflow systems is presented. An implementation within the apE system and several examples demonstrate the application of the introduced concepts and tools. As print media are ill-suited for aural presentations a video supplement of the results is provided and an integral par t of his work.