Automatic Data Plotting Method for Functions of Many Variables

A general method for automatically plotting a function of many variables is described. The variables, as analog signals, are sampled by a voltage-sensor circuit, and data are recorded only when the variables are at predetermined values. Presentation is on an intensity modulated X-Y oscilloscope. Thus if y = y(x
1
, x
2
, ..., x
n
), then graphical displays can be made of y versus any two variables, with the remaining variables at fixed predetermined values. Mathematical inversion is possible, and solutions obtained for x
p
(x
1
,..., x
p-1
, x
p+1
,...,x
n
, y) as a function of y and any one of the other variables, and the inversion need not be single valued. Examples of two-dimensional and three-dimensional displays are given, with the axes rotated and viewed from different ``perspectives.''