Visualization of repetitive patterns in event traces

Abstract

Performance Tracing has always been challenged by large amounts of trace data. Software tools for trace analysis and visualization successfully cope with ever growing trace sizes. Still, human perception is unable to "scale up" with the amounts of data. With a new model of trace visualization, we try to provide less data but additional information or rather more convenient information to human users. By marking regular repetition patterns and hiding the inner details, less complex visualization can offer better insight. At the same time potentially interesting irregular sections are revealed. The paper introduces the origin of repetition patterns and outlines the detection algorithm used. It demonstrates the new visualization scheme which has also been incorporated into Vampir NG as a prototype. Finally, it gives an outlook on further development and possible extensions. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.