Visual Core Description

1. Overview

Visual Core Description Application aims to edit Visual Core Description (VCD) data of depth series in multi column. Procedure of description by the application is, (1) choose objective site/hole/core/section and data columns (See "choose objective site/hole/core/section and open" and "hire columns..." buttons), (2) read description from database to memory of client PC if already described, (3) edit description in the diagram and editors (See editor columns "graphic representation", "VCD slide", "lithology-distribution", "summarized-lithounit", "structure-distribution", "drilling-disturbancen" and "general comment"), and (4) write description in memory of client PC to database by the "write to database" button (Fig. 1.1). While step (3), the user can discard edited data and read from database again by the "reload" button. Edited data are also discarded when the user switches objective site/hole/core/section by "choose objective site/hole/core/section and open" button or by the "up/down core/section" buttons without writing to database.

Fig. 1.1. Unified Modeling Language (UML) activity diagram to show procedure of the application.

Data edited in the diagram and the editors are recorded only in memory of client PC and are not written to database until user writes them to database by the "write to database" button. Data entered by the application are browsable by using CompositeLogViewer.

2. Login

2.1. User authentication

After starting the application, the Login dialog (Fig. 2.1) will appear and prompt you to enter your login id and password.

Fig. 2.1. Login dialog.

Only sedimentologist, petrologist, and structural geologist can use the application. (See 2.2. Qualified User Role for more information on available user roles and functions.)

After logging in, the main window will open. If the entered Login ID or/and Password are invalid or if the user doesn't have permission to use the application, an error dialog (Fig. 2.2, Fig. 2.3) will appear and request that you login again.

Fig. 2.2 Login failure dialog - invalid Login ID or Password

Fig. 2.3 Login failure dialog - user doesn't have permission

2.2. Qualified User Role

This application authorizes sedimentologists, petrologists and structure geologists to log in. Availability of respective VCD columns is different between these three scientist roles as following;

2.3. Changing your password

To change your password, click the button at the bottom right of the Login dialog. The Change Password dialog will be displayed (Fig. 2.4).

Fig. 2.4 Change Password dialog

Type your login ID, your current password, a new password, and retype the new password. After filling all fields, click the "OK" button. When your password is accepted, the Login dialog will be activated. Otherwise an error dialog will be displayed.

3. Main window

Main window of the application consists of single diagram (left) and editor area (right)(Fig. 3.1). The two line toolbar is upon the diagram. "choose objective site/hole/core/section and open", "reload", "hire columns...", "up/down core/section", "choose template", "template manager", "edit selectee..." and "info" are on the first line, and "horizon/interval editor" "undo/redo" and "write to database" are on the second line (see below).

Fig. 3.1. An example of main window of the application.

The application does not have more than one window, which does not have more than one diagram. That is because multi diagram destroy data under editing in memory of client PC.

The diagram of the application has a similar user interface as that of CompositeLogViewer. By the specification of objective site/hole/core/section, the user can edit one or more depth series data. All depth series in columns shown in the diagram constantly share the sole depth axis. Consequently, by the specification of depth interval, all depth series are shown in the same depth interval. The diagram in the main window contains one or more columns. Columns can be hired or fired, and the order of columns and widths of columns are changeable by mouse drag-and-drop operation on column header and column header boundaries, respectively.

By pressing the "choose objective site/hole/core/section and open" button , a dialog will appear, which allow the user to specify objective site/hole/core/section and columns (Fig. 3.2). If a diagram has been existed already, this will be discarded. Before discarding, a confirmation dialog appears if unsaved edit is contained in the diagram. The application does not have more than one window, which does not have more than one diagram. That is because multi diagram destroy the data under editing. In this dialog, the user is requested to specify, (1) objective site, hole, core or section, (2) columns to hire (they can be fired or hired later) and (3) templates to use. By clicking the "OK" button, diagram containing the columns for chosen objective is prepared (See CompositeLogViewer, Selecting objective for more detail).

Fig. 3.2. Dialog to choose objective site/hole/core/section and columns.

Columns contained in the diagram are re-read their data from database by the "reload" button . If the edited data are still remained unsaved before reloading, a confirmation dialog appears. Even immediately after write, the reloaded data can differ from those having been in diagram, because the edits by other users had been made on the same data at the same objective.

The button "hire columns..." shows column selection dialog (Fig. 3.3). The application can hire VCD editor column and CompositeLogViewer columns. VCD editor columns cannot be hired multiple to avoid data destroy. The "hire" button hires the chosen columns to the diagram in the main window.

Fig. 3.3. Dialog to hire columns.

The up/down core/section buttons (up and down pointing black solid triangles) enable the user to navigate among cores/sections. Objective core/section is changed to just above and below currently displayed core/section by the "up" and "down" buttons, respectively. On the left of the buttons, current objective core/section identifier is shown. Before up/down, a confirmation dialog appears if unsaved edit is contained in the diagram.

A template can be selected from the drop-down menu which is located at the top left corner of the CLV/SVG window. See Templates for CLV and SVG for more details about template.

The horizon/interval editor is put on the toolbar. The top and bottom depths of chosen lithology-distribution, summarized-lithounit, structure-distribution and drilling-disturbance are shown in those fields. And the depth of chosen boundary of lithology-distribution and summarized-lithounit is also shown in the above field. Clicking up/down triangle makes its depth shallower/deeper. Clicking ✓ button fixes editing and sets its values to chosen object.

Some editing operations are undoable by the "undo" button . After undoing, the button changes to the "redo" button , and enables redoing. There are other operations which are unable to be undone.

Data edited in the diagram will be written to database by pressing the "write to database" button . Error dialog(s) will appear if error(s) occur while writing. Unless the operation, the changes in the diagram will be lost, and will not be recorded to database.

Button "edit selectee..." opens application "selectee editor" to edit selectees (e.g. lithology rough classification, sediment roundness, hard rock freshness...).

By pressing "info" button , a dialog will appear to display this document in web browser. Prior to display, the user is required to specify web browser to use. This function is unavailable on Mac OS X platform.

4. VCD editor columns

The application hires some VCD editor columns, in addition to those of CompositeLogViewer, in the diagram area. Descriptions are written by using these columns and editors kicked by these columns. As mentioned already, some editing operations can undo/redo by the undo/redo button. Edited descriptions are stored only in memory of client PC, and discardable by the "reload", the "choose objective site/hole/core/section and open" button , or the "up/down core/section" buttons and writable to database by the "write to database" button.

On the each VCD editor column, editing data at the same scale (Site, Hole, Core and Section) is exclusive. When a user is editing data on some column at some scale, no user can do it on the same column at the same scale (and sometimes additionally the subscales; e.g. all Cores recovered from a Hole and all Sections curated from the Cores). It is because that editing data on the column at the scale is `exclusive'. This exclusion control prevents generating broken data by simultaneous editing by multiple users. Under the exclusion control of editing, users, who want to edit the data on the column at the scale where the other user already started editing, have to wait for the preceding user to finish editing (Fig. 4). The state of the exclusion control is updated by clicking the "reload" button , so that users can make sure if data are ready to edit or not.

There are two rules of exclusion. The first rule is to exclude users at just the objective scale. This rule is applied to the lithology - distribution editor column and the general comment editor column. The second rule is to exclude users at not only the objective scale but also the all subscales of the objective scale. This rule is applied to the other VCD editor columns.

Fig. 4. An example of the uneditable state of a column. In this example, editing on the lithology - distribution editor column is not available, because the other user whose name is `Harrison Ford' is editing data at the same scale.

The registration information dialog will also be shown as like as the CompositeLogViewer. In addition to the dialog on the CompositeLogViewer, the dialog on this application can shows data, which is not synchronized with the database, by using the special notation of "modified" and "not registered" (Fig. 4.1). The notation of "modified" indicates that the data is already recorded on the database, but it has been edited and modified by the user at the time. The notation of "not registered" indicates that the data is not recorded on the database yet.

Fig.4.1. An example of the registration information dialog.

4.1. Columns "graphic representation editor"

The column of "graphic representation editor" aims to hand-draw graphic representation. The columns for roles of sedimentologist, petrologist, and structural geologist are available only for corresponding users, and only when a core or section is chosen to describe. Core image is also necessary to be recorded for chosen core/section to use the column.

In the diagram area of the column (Fig. 4.1.1), the user may draw graphic representation image by mouse similar to using pen and eraser. Core image underlies graphic representation image.

Fig. 4.1.1. Column "graphic representation editor" (using pen and eraser; left and right, respectively).

The column contains the "configure..." button at the bottom. By pressing the button, a configuration dialog will appear (Fig. 4.1.2). To assign modifier key(s) for pen and eraser, click the buttons of "pen" and "eraser" with pressing preferred modifier key(s).

Fig. 4.1.2. Dialog to configure modifier keys of "graphic representation editor" column.

A single stroke (from press to release of mouse button) of pen/eraser are undoable.

Aspect ratio of recovered core/section is kept to original one constantly; narrower for longer core/section. As mentioned already, all the columns contained in the main window share one common depth axis. This means graphic representation image can be zoomed in/out by changing depth interval for display (See change of depth interval ).

On Mac OS X, the column works very slowly.

4.2. Column "VCD slide editor"

The column "VCD slide editor" aims to describe microscope slides of VCD ("SS", "STS", "TSB" samples).

The horizons where the slides were taken are shown by left pointing triangles in the diagram area of the column, and texts of lithology name (if already described), horizon, and descriptor (if already described) are connected to the triangles (Fig. 4.2.1).

Fig. 4.2.1. Column "VCD slide editor".

When too many slides are in the column, texts for deeper slides are not shown. By expanding the width of the column, they may appear. If not yet, try to change depth interval for display (See change of depth interval ).

By mouse clicking on triangle or text, the user may choose the slide, and the editor for chosen slide will appear in editor area (right of the window). If a slide is chosen when another editor occupies the editor area and some unapplied changes are in the editor, a confirmation dialog will appear before the editor appears for chosen slide. The user can drag vertical slider between diagram and the editor to expand/condense diagram/editor.

4.2.1. Editor of microscope slide

The editor of microscope slide aims to describe lithology and manage photographs of a microscope slide. This editor consists of the two tabbed pane named "lithology" and "microscope images" (Fig 4.2.1.1). The "lithology" pane is used to describe lithology and contains the "lithology name" field with the "rough classification" button, the "comment" text area, and the radio buttons "sediment" and "hard rock" (upper to lower, Fig 4.2.1.1). The "microscope images" pane is used to manage photographs (see the appendices for more details).

Fig. 4.2.1.1. Editor of a microscope slide.

The "apply" button concretes the changes in the editor, and applies the changes to the column "VCD slide editor". The applying operation is unable to be undone. By pressing the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and the description is reset by that contained by the VCD slide editor column.

The lithology name (rock name) is to be entered to the "lithology name" field. The "rough classification" button toggles to show a tree of lithology classification (Fig. 4.2.1.2). By toggle off of the button after selection in the tree, rough classification is done and displayed in the button, and the tree will disappear. The classification is in order to enhance reusability of the description data in database, and is also used to draw diagrams of lithology-distribution. And by a mouse cursor is moved to a lithology classification above in the tree, the definition of the selecee is shown by the pop-up window. But if a definition is not set up, it is shown "(empty)".

Fig. 4.2.1.2. Tree of rough classification.

Comments on the lithology are entered on the "comment" text area.

By choice either from radio buttons "sediment" or "hard rock", the editors to describe sediment or hard rock lithology are shown below the radio buttons. The user can drag the horizontal divider between comment text area and these editors to expand/condense the text area and the editors.

4.2.1.1. Sediment

The editor of sediment lithology consists of combo boxes of "consolidation", "fabric", "roundness", "sorting" (upper, upper to lower), " (sediment) components" editor tree (lower left), and " (sediment) texture" composition editor tree (lower right)(Fig. 4.2.1.1.1). The user can drag the horizontal divider between combo boxes and composition editor trees to expand/condense the area of combo boxes and the area of composition editor trees. And by a mouse cursor is moved to a selectee item above in each area, the definition of the selecee is shown by the pop-up window. But if a definition is not set up, it is shown "(empty)".

Fig. 4.2.1.1.1. Editor for sediment lithology.

Combo boxes enables the user to select one from the item contained in consolidation, fabric, roundness, and sorting, or to select "unspecified" not to describe.

Composition editor trees of " (sediment) components" and " (sediment) texture" contains tree (left), spinner fields with the clear button (black cross) corresponding to tree items (right), and the "total to 100 %" button (bottom right).

Mouse clicking on spinner buttons enables the user to enter percentage values of components, and the values can be cleared by the clear buttons. Components shown here are prepared hierarchically, and the percentage values are also treated hierarchically.

• Example A: percentage of "Calcareous skeletons" is the sum of those of "Nannofossils" and "Foraminifers". When values of 10 and 5 are entered for "Nannofossils" and "Foraminifers", respectively, 15 is shown in spinner field of "Calcareous skeletons" as a dimmed value indicating the value is derived by percentage values of other components.

  

• Example B: When a value had been entered for "Calcareous skeletons", the value is cleared by enter of percentage value for "Nannofossils", and sum of percentage value of "Nannofossils" and "Foraminifers" (i.e. value of "Nannofossils", in this case) are shown for "Calcareous skeletons" as a dimmed value. By this operation, the user quantifies for more detailed classification of component.

  

• Example C: When values had been entered for "Nannofossils" and "Foraminifers", these values are cleared by enter of percentage value for "Calcareous skeletons". By this operation, the user quits classification of "Calcareous skeletons", i.e. distinction between "Nannofossils" and "Foraminifers".

  

By "total to 100 %" button, values in spinner fields are normalized to be total 100 %. This normalization may cause error since values are treated as integer number, e.g. a normalization of values 10, 10, and 10 yields 33, 33, and 33 (total 99).

4.2.1.2. Hard rock

The editor of hard rock lithology consists of "freshness (alteration)" combo box, "primary lithology" field, combo boxes of "vesicularity", "crystallinity", "granularity (and grain size)" (upper left; upper to lower), "(hard rock) texture" check boxes in list (upper right), and the editor of mineral composition (lower)(Fig. 4.2.1.2.1). User can drag the horizontal divider above the editor of mineral composition to expand/condense the area of combo boxes, "primary lithology" field, and "(hard rock) texture" list, and the editor of mineral composition , and by a mouse cursor is moved to a selectee item above in each area, the definition of the selecee is shown by the pop-up window. But if a definition is not set up, it is shown "(empty)".

Fig. 4.2.1.2.1. Editor for hard rock lithology.

Combo boxes enables the user to select one from the items contained in freshness (alteration), vesicularity, crystallinity, and granularity (and grain size) or to select "unspecified" not to describe. The primary lithology name can be entered in the "primary lithology" field. Some (no, one, two, ... all) textures are selected by check boxes in "(hard rock) texture" list. User can drag the vertical divider between the area of the combo boxes and the "primary lithology" field, and "(hard rock) texture" list, to expand/condense these areas.

The editor of mineral composition consists of a table of mineral components (upper) and the buttons "add..." and "delete" (upper right). The table of mineral components contains row(s) which indicate mineral components.

By pressing the "add..." button, "mineral" list (left), combo boxes of "occurrence" and "mineralogenesis" (upper right; upper and lower, respectively), and "add" button (bottom right) will appear below the table (Fig. 4.2.1.2.2). Mouse click on "add" button after selection in "mineral" list and combo boxes of "occurrence" and "mineralogenesis", a mineral component is added to the table. The selections of mineral, occurrence, and mineralogenesis, are unchangeable after addition to the table. and by a mouse cursor is moved to a selectee item above in each area, the definition of the selecee is shown by the pop-up window. But if a definition is not set up, it is shown "(empty)".

Fig. 4.2.1.2.2. User interface to add hard rock mineral component.

Selection of an existing or newly added row in the table shows the editor of mineral component below the table. The editor of mineral component consists of spinner fields of the "present" and "original" "modal percentage", "average", "minimum" and "maximum" "size" (upper left; left to right), the "comment" text area (lower left), and "morphology" check boxes in list (right)(Fig. 4.2.1.2.3).

Fig. 4.2.1.2.3. User interface to edit hard rock mineral component.

The numerical values are to be entered in the spinner fields. Comments on mineral component are editable in the "comment" text area. Some (no, one, two, ... all) morphologies are selected by the check boxes in "morphology" list.

The user can drag the horizontal divider between the table and the editor of mineral component (or area to add mineral component) to expand/condense them.

By pressing the "delete" button, mineral component of selected row will be deleted.

4.3. Column "lithology-distribution editor"

The column "lithology-distribution editor" aims to describe lithology-distribution. The column is available when a hole, core, or section (not site) is chosen for description, and user is sedimentologist or petrologist (not structural geologist).

4.3.1. Data structure

Data structure of lithology-distribution is complicated, and understanding of data structure is necessary to use the column. There are three most important natures of data structure.

Firstly, lithology-distribution is described for each scale, hole, core, section, and the description for different scale are independent from each other even for the same depth (e.g. descriptions for Hole A, Core A-1H, Section A-1H-1). This design is done to conform to actual geological lithology description; geologist draws some different lithology diagrams of different scales for single objective. This nature is quite different from most other data measured for core.

Secondly, description of lithology is separated from distribution of lithology (lithology-distribution; a distribution of a lithological feature) (Fig. 4.3.1.1). Lithology of lithology-distribution is assigned (1) by description of microscope slide taken from the lithology-distribution, (2) to be the same as previously described another lithology-distribution, (3) visually, (4) to be a gradation, or (5) to be an alternation. In this column, these two properties of lithology-distribution can be edited independently.

Fig. 4.3.1.1. Data structure of lithology-distribution. An example is shown by object diagram of Unified Modeling Language (UML).

Lastly, lithology-distribution must not overlap with any other lithology-distribution. In other words, an arbitrary point (horizon in hole) is always able to correspond to single or no (less than two) lithology-distribution. This means distribution of a lithology-distribution limits distributions of some other lithology-distributions. Therefore, the change of distribution of a lithology-distribution can change distributions of other lithology-distributions, and can remove other lithology-distributions.

4.3.2. Diagram

The diagram area of the column shows lithology-distributions and their boundaries (Fig. 4.3.2.1). A lithology-distribution is shown by a rectangle filled by a pattern or patterns (See rough classification of lithology). If lithology of lithology-distribution is assigned to be a single lithology, the rectangle is filled by a pattern (1st rectangle from the bottom in the right panel of Fig. 4.3.2.1). If lithology of lithology-distribution is assigned to be a gradation, the rectangle is filled by two patterns forming a vertical gradation (2nd rectangle from the top in the right panel of Fig. 4.3.2.1). If lithology of lithology-distribution is assigned to be an alternation, the rectangle is divided into compartments of alternation members (1st rectangle from the top in the right panel of Fig. 4.3.2.1). Compartments are layouted based on the thickness ratio between members. Boundary of lithology-distribution is shown by horizontal line or horizontally repeating pattern of described boundary. Left pointing triangles are attached to boundaries, and enables vertical move (for describing scale) or copy of description (from referred scale to editing scale) by mouse drag-and-drop.

Fig. 4.3.2.1. Column "lithology-distribution editor" (for hole, core and section; left to right).

When a core or a hole is selected to describe, the column contains two or three diagrams; descriptions of core and section scales, or hole, core, and section scales, respectively. These descriptions of sub-scales are shown here in order to be referred; e.g. to assign lithology of a lithology-distribution of core scale by another already described lithology-distribution of section scale, and to copy description of a boundary of core scale to another boundary of hole scale under description.

The depth interval which sample is lacked because of core gap, void/exotic material and whole-round sampling are represented by special distributions shown in Table 4.3.2.1.

Table 4.3.2.1 The legends of the lack of samples

core gap	void / exotic material	whole-round sampling

Core gaps and void/exotic materials can't have lithology distributions in their depth interval. On the contrary, whole-round sampled has an ability to have them. In this case, the lithology distributions in the depth interval of whole-round sampling is half transparent and overwritten by a cross mark.

4.3.3. Operation

The column enables to add and remove lithology-distribution, assigns lithology of lithology-distribution, and describes boundary between lithology-distribution.

4.3.3.1. Addition of lithology-distribution

By mouse clicking the "add lithology-distribution..." button at the bottom of the column, the button is toggled on and ready to add. To toggle off the button, click the button again.

By mouse dragging while the "add lithology-distribution..." button is toggled on, newly adding lithology-distribution are shown its distribution by a rectangle with red dotted line (Fig. 4.3.3.1.1). The distribution is concreted by releasing mouse button, and new lithology-distribution is added. Adding operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.3.3.1.1. Addition of lithology-distribution.

This operation can change distributions of previously described other lithology-distributions when newly added distribution overlaps partially on other lithology-distributions, remove lithology-distributions when newly added distribution covers completely over other lithology-distributions, split a lithology-distribution when newly added distribution is within another lithology-distribution, and remove descriptions on boundaries between lithology-distributions when newly added distribution covers described boundaries (Fig. 4.3.3.1.2).

Fig. 4.3.3.1.2. Distribution changes and removals of previously existing lithology-distributions caused by addition of lithology-distribution.

If another lithology-distribution is chosen prior to the adding operation, lithology assignment is copied from chosen lithology-distribution to newly added lithology-distribution.

The newly added lithology-distribution is chosen after the addition, and an editor for describing the lithology-distribution will appear.

4.3.3.2. Assignment of lithology for lithology-distribution

4.3.3.2.1. Copy of lithology assignment between lithology-distributions

By mouse drag-and-drop, assignment of lithology is copied between lithology-distributions if scale of drop target lithology-distribution is under description (Fig. 4.3.3.2.1.1). Drag source can be lithology-distributions of either scale under description or scale referred. This operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.1.1. Drag-and-drop between lithology-distributions (grab, drag and drop; left to right).

Lithology assigner of drop target lithology-distribution is changed to (1) drag source lithology-distribution when the lithology-distribution is assigned its lithology by slide or visually, or (2) lithology-distribution which assigns lithology of drag source lithology-distribution.

The drop target lithology-distribution is chosen after coping, and an editor for describing the lithology-distribution will appear.

4.3.3.2.2. Editor of lithology-distribution

By mouse clicking on rectangle of a lithology-distribution, the user can choose the lithology-distribution, and the editor for the lithology-distribution will appear in the editor area (right of the window) if scale of chosen lithology-distribution is under description (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.1). If a lithology-distribution is chosen when another editor occupies the editor area and some unapplied changes are in the editor, a confirmation dialog will appear before lithology-distribution editor appears for chosen lithology-distribution. The user can drag vertical slider between diagram and editor to expand/condense diagram/editor.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.1 Editor of lithology-distribution.

The editor of lithology-distribution aims to describe a lithology-distribution, and contains the set of radio buttons "microscopy", "pre-described lithology-distribution", "macroscopy","gradation", "alternation" (upper). By the radio buttons, the user can choose how to assign lithology to the lithology-distribution; "microscopically", by "pre-described lithology-distribution" whose lithology is the same as the currently describing lithology-distribution , by describing "macroscopically" its lithology , by describing "gradation" or by describing "alternation" (Fig. 4.3.1.1).

By pressing the "apply" button, the changes in the editor will be concreted, and applied to the lithology-distribution editor column. The applying operation is unable to be undone. By the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and description will be reset by that contained by the lithology-distribution editor column.

When the "microscopy" radio button is chosen, a table of microscope slide description(s) will appear, and the user can choose a slide to assign lithology of the lithology-distribution from the table (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.2). The table contains slide(s) whose horizon(s) are within the depth interval of the lithology-distribution and which are at the same site as that of the lithology-distribution.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.2 Lithology assignment of lithology-distribution by microscope slide.

By choosing the "pre-described lithology-distribution" radio button, a table, which contains (1)microscopically or macroscopically described to lithologies which are assigned to the lithology of pre-described lithology-distribution other than the editing one, the bottom end or the top end of a gradation, a massive alternation member and the bottom end or the top end of a gradated alternation member, (2)gradation or (3)alternation , will be displayed (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.3). Users can choose one in the table to describe lithology of the editing lithology-distribution is same as the choice. Describing lithology-distributions with 2 or more holes/cores/sections at a time rarely collapses references to another lithology-distribution. Re-describe should be required to resume them. To learn more about this, see appendix A.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.3 Lithology assignment of lithology-distribution by another lithology-distribution.

The "macroscopy" radio button shows an editor to describe lithology (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.4), and works similar to editor of microscope slide.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.4 Visual lithology assignment of lithology-distribution.

By choosing the "gradation" radio button, an editor to describe gradation, which consists of two icon labels with a "..." button, will be displayed (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.5). On the middle of the two labels, a right pointing arrow is placed. The label at the left side of the arrow indicates the bottom end lithology and the another indicates the top end lithology of the gradation. By clicking one of two "..." buttons, another editor will appear and cover the currently displayed editor. User can describe lithology of the bottom end or the top end of the gradation by this editor.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.5 Lithology assignment of lithology-distribution to be its lithology is gradated.

By choosing the "alternation" radio button, an editor to describe alternation, which consists of buttons of "massive", "gradated", "trash", "up" and "down" at the upper part and a list of alternation members at the lower part, will be displayed (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.6). This list is to edit members of the alternation. There are two types of alternation member. One is "massive" whose lithology and thickness is constant within whole range of the editing lithology-distribution. The another is "gradated" whose lithology and thickness gradates from the top end to the bottom end of the editing lithology-distribution. By clicking "massive" button, a new massive member will be created and appended to the list. A massive member is displayed by a widget consists of an icon label with a "..." button and a number field with spinner buttons. By clicking "..." button, another editor will appear and cover the currently displayed editor. describe lithology of the massive member, and the number field will be used to input thickness value. A gradated member is displayed by two widgets placed at the both sides of right pointing arrow. Each widget is same as that of massive member both in appearance and in functionality. The widget at the left side of the arrow is used to describe lithology and thickness of the bottom end of the member, and the another is for the top end.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.6 Alternation lithology assignment of lithology-distribution.

4.3.3.2.3. Editor for describing lithology of gradation ends or alternation members

The editor to describe lithology of gradation ends or alternation members is same as that of lithology-distribution (Fig. 4.3.3.2.2.3) both in appearance and in functionality, excepting following points; (1)Assemblage of available lithology assignment method is different. There is no "gradation" and "alternation" button in this editor (Fig. 4.3.3.2.3.1). (2)Lithologies described as gradation and alternation are not contained by the table which is displayed when the "pre-described lithology-distribution" radio button chosen (Fig. 4.3.3.2.3.2). (3)"OK" button and "Cancel" button substitute "Apply" button and "Revert" button respectively at the bottom end of the editor.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.3.1 An example of choosing lithology assignment method for the bottom end of a gradation.

Fig. 4.3.3.2.3.2 An example of choosing lithology from a list of pre-described lithologies for the bottom end of a gradation.

4.3.3.3. Change of distribution of lithology-distribution

By drag-and-drop operation of left pointing triangle attached to a lithology-distribution boundary of scale under description, the horizon of the boundary can be moved vertically, and lithology-distribution(s) above and below the boundary can be changed their distribution (Fig. 4.3.3.3.1). The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.3.3.3.1 Change of distribution of lithology-distribution (drag and drop; left and right, respectively).

This operation also can change distributions of another distribution not just above or below the boundary when the dropped horizon is within distribution of another lithology-distribution, remove lithology-distributions when lithology-distribution just above or below the boundary stretches to cover completely over other lithology-distributions, and remove descriptions on boundaries between lithology-distributions when stretched distribution covers described boundaries.

Boundary can not be moved to the horizon where any cores are not recovered, i.e. core gap, above uppermost core top in a hole, and below lowermost core bottom.

4.3.3.4. Removal of lithology-distribution

By pressing the "remove lithology-distribution" button at the bottom of the column, the chosen lithology-distribution will be removed (Fig. 4.3.3.4.1). The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.3.3.4.1. Removal of lithology-distribution.

As explained already, lithology-distribution is removed not only by the button (See addition of lithology-distribution and change of distribution of lithology-distribution ).

4.3.3.5. Description of boundary between lithology-distributions

4.3.3.5.1. Copy of description between boundaries

By mouse dragging-and-dropping between left pointing triangles, description is copied between boundaries between lithology-distributions, if scale of drag source boundary is to be referred, and scale of drop target boundary is under description (Fig. 4.3.3.5.1.1). This operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.3.3.5.1.1. Drag-and-drop of lithology-distribution boundary (grab, drag and drop; left to right).

4.3.3.5.2. Editor of lithology-distribution boundary

The editor of lithology-distribution boundary aims to describe a boundary between lithology-distribution, and consists of the "boundary" combo box (upper), the "comment" text area (center), and the "plane orientation" editor (lower) (Fig. 4.3.3.5.2.1).

Fig. 4.3.3.5.2.1. Editor of lithology-distribution boundary.

The state of the contact surface of boundary can be selected one from the items contained in the "boundary" combo box. Or the user may select the "unspecified" if desired not to describe. Comments on the boundary can be edited in the "comment" text area.

In the plane orientation editor, the planner orientation of boundary can be entered by two ways.

The first way is to enter two apparent orientations by filling four spinner fields of azimuths (0--359 degree) and plunges (0--90 degree) of two apparent orientations (lower). By that, true orientation in core (center) is computed based on the two entered apparent orientation values as long as they are not parallel to each other. Two apparent orientations must never be parallel to each other excepting one particular case, that the both two apparent planges are 90 degree (e.g. [azimuth:0, plunge:90] and [azimuth:90, plunge:90]). In such case, users enter true orientation directory, or choose an other new cross-sectional surface to measure apparent orientations.

The other way is to enter true orientation directory by filling two spinner fields of azimuth and plunge (center). When the user takes the latter, spinner fields of apparent orientations are cleared.

By the "apply" button, the changes in the editor will be concreted, and will be applied to the lithology-distribution editor column. The applying operation cannot be undone. By the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and description is reset by that contained in the lithology-distribution editor column.

4.4. Column "summarized-lithounit editor"

The column "summarized-lithounit editor" aims to describe summarized-lithounit. The column is available when a site or a hole (not core and section) is chosen for description, and the user is sedimentologist or petrologist (not structural geologist).

Summarized-lithounit is lithounit summarized in view of site scale. Each of those is defined for a site, and a site has some summarized-lithounit. A definition of summarized-lithounit has some distributions in holes at the site for which the definition is done (Fig. 4.4.1). From another point of view, a relationship between distribution and definition of summarized-lithounit is not one-to-one. The user can edit summarized-lithounit definition and distribution in the column.

Fig. 4.4.1. Data structure of summarized-lithounit. An example is shown by object diagram of Unified Modeling Language (UML).

4.4.1. Diagram

The summarized-lithounits (distributions) and their boundaries are shown in the diagram area (Fig. 4.4.1.1). A summarized-lithounit is shown by rectangle filled by defined pattern. Left pointing triangles are attached to the boundaries, and vertical move can be made by mouse dragging-and-dropping.

Fig. 4.4.1.1. The column "summarized-lithounit editor" (for site and hole; left and right, respectively).

If either a site or a hole is chosen to describe, the diagrams for all the hole at the site (when a hole is chosen, site at which chosen hole is drilled) are shown in the column. Distributions at other holes than chosen hole are, however, uneditable when a hole is chosen to describe, and are shown here in order to use definitions of such distributions (See addition of summarized-lithounit).

4.4.2. Operation

The column enables to add and remove summarized-lithounit distribution, and edit summarized-lithounit definition.

4.4.2.1. Addition of summarized-lithounit

By mouse clicking on the "add summarized-lithounit..." button at the bottom of the column, the button is toggled on and ready to add. To toggle off the button, click the button again.

By mouse dragging on hole under description while the "add summarized-lithounit..." button is toggled on, newly adding summarized-lithounit distribution are shown its distribution by a rectangle with red dotted line (Fig. 4.4.2.1.1). The distribution will be concreted by releasing mouse button, and new summarized-lithounit distribution is added. Adding operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.4.2.1.1. Addition of summarized-lithounit.

This operation can change distributions of previously described other distributions when newly added distribution overlaps partially on other summarized-lithounit distributions, remove summarized-lithounit distributions when newly added distribution covers completely over other summarized-lithounit distributions, and split a summarized-lithounit when newly added distribution is within another summarized-lithounit (Fig. 4.4.2.1.2).

Fig. 4.4.2.1.2. Change of previously described summarized-lithounit distributions caused by addition of summarized-lithounit distribution (See state before addition shown in Fig. 4.4.2.1.1).

If another summarized-lithounit distribution is chosen prior to the adding operation, definition of newly added summarized-lithounit distribution is set to that of chosen distribution. Otherwise, a summarized-lithounit definition is also newly added.

If summarized-lithounit distributions whose definition are the same contact each other by the addition, they fuse into one distribution (Fig. 4.4.2.1.3).

Fig. 4.4.2.1.3. Fusion of summarized-lithounit distribution after addition of summarized-lithounit distribution.

The newly added summarized-lithounit distribution is chosen after the addition, and the editor to edit the summarized-lithounit definition will appear.

4.4.2.2. Editor of summarized-lithounit definition

The editor of summarized-lithounit definition aims to define a summarized-lithounit, and consists of the "name" field (upper), the "comment" text area (center), and the "pattern" editor (lower)(Fig. 4.4.2.2.1).

Fig. 4.4.2.2.1. Editor for summarized-lithounit definition.

The name of summarized-lithounit definition can be edited in the "name" field. Comments on summarized-lithounit definition can be edited in the "comment" text area.

The "pattern" editor enables the user to edit image pattern (16x16 pixel) of summarized-lithounit definition, which is used to draw diagrams of summarized-lithounit. By mouse clicking on pixels in 16x16 grid (left), the pattern will be changed. By the "fill color" button (lower left), a dialog will be opened to select color with which background of the pattern is filled. Editing pattern is shown in preview area (lower right) by actual size. Previously entered patterns are available (upper right) to copy to currently editing pattern by mouse click.

By the "apply" button, the changes in the editor will be concreted, and will be applied to the summarized-lithounit editor column. The applying operation is unable to be undone. By the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and the definition is reset by that contained by the summarized-lithounit editor column.

4.4.2.3. Change of distribution of summarized-lithounit

By dragging-and-dropping operation of left pointing triangle attached to a summarized-lithounit distribution boundary at hole under description, the horizon of the boundary will be moved vertically (Fig. 4.4.2.3.1). The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.4.2.3.1. Change of depth interval of summarized-lithounit distribution (drag and drop; left and right, respectively).

As a result of the movement, summarized-lithounit distribution(s) above and below the boundary are changed their distribution. This operation also can change distributions of other distributions not just above or below the boundary when the dropped horizon is within distributions of other summarized-lithounit distributions, and remove summarized-lithounit distributions when summarized-lithounit distributions just above or below the boundary stretch to cover completely over other summarized-lithounit distributions.

If summarized-lithounit distributions whose definition are the same contact each other by the operation, they fuse into one distribution (Fig 4.4.2.3.2).

Fig. 4.4.2.3.2. Fusion of summarized-lithounit distributions caused by change of depth interval of summarized-lithounit distribution.

Boundary can not moved to horizon where no cores recovered, i.e. core gap, above uppermost core top in hole and below lowermost core bottom.

4.4.2.4. Removal of summarized-lithounit

By the "remove summarized-lithounit" button at the bottom of the column, the chosen summarized-lithounit distribution will be removed. The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.4.2.4.1. Removal of summarized-lithounit distribution.

As explained already, summarized-lithounit is removed not only by the button (See addition of summarized-lithounit and change of distribution of summarized-lithounit).

If the summarized-lithounit definition of removed distribution becomes not to have any distributions by removal of distribution, the definition is removed too.

4.5. Columns "structure-distribution editor"

The column of "structure-distribution editor" aims to describe structure-distribution. The columns for roles of sedimentologist, petrologist, and structural geologist are available only for corresponding users, and only when a hole or a core or section is chosen to describe.

4.5.1. Data structure

In the structure - distribution editor column, any number of structures can freely distribute at any depth interval.

4.5.2. Diagram

The structure-distributions are shown in the diagram area (Fig. 4.5.2.1). A structure-distribution is shown by a symbol of the structure at the middle and the two arrows pointing up and down spreading from the symbol. When the symbol is clicked, the structure-distribution comes into the chosen state. At the chosen state, the structure-distribution is red colored and two left pointing triangles are attached to the top and bottom of the distribution. By using the two triangles, vertical move can be made by mouse dragging-and-dropping.

Fig. 4.5.2.1. The column "structure-distribution editor".

4.5.3. Operation

The column enables to add , remove and change distributions and edit attributes of structures.

4.5.3.1. Adding a structure-distribution

According to the following procedure, structure-distribution can be added.

By mouse clicking the "open structure-selector-window..." button at the bottom of the column, "structure-selector-window" is opened. Please choose a structure which the user wants to describe. By mouse clicking the button in the title bar, the window is switched over (Fig. 4.5.3.1.1). And by a mouse cursor is moved to a selectee above in list, the definition of the selecee is shown by the pop-up window.

Fig. 4.5.3.1.1. structure-selector-window. (left is shown structures which the user can choose; right is shown structures which the user chose in the past.)

By mouse clicking the "add structure-distribution..." button ,the button is toggled on and ready to add. To toggle off the button, click the button again.

By mouse dragging while the "add structure-distribution..." button is toggled on, newly adding structure-distribution are shown its distribution by a line with red dotted line (Fig. 4.5.3.1.2). The distribution is concreted by releasing mouse button, and new structure-distribution is added. Adding operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.5.3.1.2. Addition of structure-distribution.

4.5.3.2. Editing the attributes of a structure

The editor of structure-distribution aims to define a structure-distribution and consists of the "structure" field (upper), the "comment" text area (center), and the "plane orientation" editor (lower)(Fig. 4.5.3.2.1.1).

Fig. 4.5.3.2.1.1. Editor for structure-distribution.

The structure of structure-distribution can be selected in the "structure" field. Comments on structure-distribution can be edited in the "comment" text area.

In the orientation editor, the orientation of a structure can be entered. The usage of this editor is same as the editor of lithology-distribution boundary.

By the "apply" button, the changes in the editor will be concreted, and will be applied to the structure-distribution editor column. The applying operation cannot be undone. By the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and description is reset by that contained in the structure-distribution editor column.

4.5.3.3 Changing the distribution of a structure

By dragging-and-dropping operation of structure-distribution at hole under description, the interval of the structure-distribution will be moved vertically (Fig. 4.5.3.3.1). The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.5.3.3.1. Change of depth interval of structure-distribution (drag and drop; left and right, respectively).

By dragging-and-dropping operation of left pointing triangle attached to a structure-distribution boundary at hole under description, the horizon of the boundary will be moved vertically (Fig. 4.5.3.3.2). The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.5.3.3.2. Change of depth interval of structure-distribution (drag and drop; left and right, respectively).

Boundary can not moved to horizon where no cores recovered, i.e. core gap, above uppermost core top in hole and below lowermost core bottom.

4.5.3.4. Removing a structure-distribution

By the "remove structure-distribution" button at the bottom of the column, the chosen structure-distribution will be removed. The operation is undoable.

Fig. 4.5.3.4.1. Removal of structure-distribution distribution.

As explained already, structure-distribution is removed not only by the button (See addition of structure-distribution and change of distribution of structure-distribution).

4.5.3.5 Editor for orientation of structure-distributions

By mouse clicking the "open orientation - editor of structure-distribution..." button at the bottom of the column, "orientation editor" is opened. Before this window is opened, the changes in the diagram must write to database. If there are some changes, a dialog is shown over the main window whether the changes write to database or not.

Fig. 4.5.3.5.1. Change of orientation in core of structure-distribution.

If the structure-distribution ranges in the objective(hole/core/section) and the group of structure-distribution is as same as group of login-user, the user can edit in the "actual geographic orientation" text area. But there are two conditions which the value of "true orientation in core" must exist and input the plunge of "actual geographic orientation". If those conditions are adequate, inputted data is set the structure-distribution. Unless the condition, a dialog is shown over the "orientation editor" window. If the user agrees the message, the changes in the diagram will be lost.

4.6. Column "drilling disturbance editor"

This column aims to edit the drilling disturbance. The operation of this column is same as the structure - distribution editor.

4.7. Columns "general comment editor"

The columns "general comment" are the columns to describe general comments for a site, hole, core or section (Fig.4.7.1). Columns for the roles of the sedimentologist, the petrologist and the structural geologist are available. General comments of each category can be attached to a site, hole, core, or section.

Fig.4.7.1. The column for the general comment

To describe a general comment, click button on the toolbar of the column. And then the editor for the general comment will be shown in the editor area (see 4.7.1 editor for the general comment). The editor will be also shown by clicking the comment itself in the column.

4.7.1 editor for the general comment

The editor for the general comment has a text area for a comment and the "Apply" and "Revert" buttons ( Fig.4.7.2.).

Fig.4.7.2. The editor for the general comment

A general comment on a site, hole, core or section will be entered in the text area. The editing will be reflected to the column by clicking "Apply" button. Clicking "Revert" button scraps a current editing and resets comment to pre-editing.

5. Application "selectee editor"

Application "od21-vcd selectee editor" aims to edit selectees, which are selected in order to describe core visually, e.g. basalt, selectee to classify lithology roughly; angular, to characterize sediment roundness level. Procedure of selectee editing by the application is, (1) choose selectee category, (2) read selectees from database to memory of client PC, (3) edit selectees (See Sections Edit selectee attributes, Add new selectee, and Delete selectee), and (4) write selectees in memory of client PC to database. During step (3), the user can discard edited data and read from database again. Edited data are also discarded when the user switches selectee category without writing to database.

Data edited in the application are recorded only in memory of client PC and are not written to database until user writes them to database. If a user opens Main window, other users can't open the Main window until it is closed. Otherwise, an error dialog appears (Fig. 5.1).

Fig. 5.1 Login failure dialog - it is already used by another user.

5.1. Data structure

Data structure of selectee has been designed to enable (1) to share basic selectees among all expeditions, and (2) to define expedition local selectees without modification on basic selectee set. For the purpose, each selectee keeps its kind, i.e. basic or expedition local. Basic selectees can be used for VCDs of any expeditions, while expedition local selectees are only for the expeditions when the local selectees were added. Kind of a selectee is changed by user operations.

5.2. Window

Main window of the application consists of the combo box to switch selectee category and the buttons of "discard and reload" , "write to database" , "info" , "add new" , and "delete" (top, upper left to lower right; See Sections below), the tree or list which shows selectees of chosen category and editor area (center, left to right; See Sections below)(Fig. 4.1).

Fig. 5.2.1. An example of window of the od21-vcd selectee editor.

The application does not have more than one window. That is because multi window destroy data under editing in memory of client PC.

By choice of selectee category from the combo box on the top left of the window, selectee category is switched. If the selectee category contains unsaved changes before switching, a confirmation dialog appears.

Selectees displayed in the window are re-read their data from database by the "discard and reload" button . If the edited data are still remained unsaved before reloading, a confirmation dialog appears.

Selectees edited in the window will be written to database by pressing the "write to database" button . Error dialog(s) will appear if error(s) occur while writing. Unless the operation, the changes in the diagram will be lost, and will not be recorded to database.

In the selectee tree/list, selectees shown in italic letters are expedition locals, while plain letter represents uneditable basics.

5.2.1. Edit selectee attributes

Expedition local selectees are only able to be edit, while basic selectees are uneditable. By choice of a selectee shown in the selectee tree/list (left of the window), the user may choose the selectee and the editor for chosen selectee will appear in editor area (right of the window). If a selectee is chosen when another editor occupies the editor area and some unapplied changes are in the editor, a confirmation dialog will appear before the editor appears for chosen selectee. The user can drag vertical slider between list/tree and the editor to expand/condense diagram/editor.

The editor of selectee aims to edit attributes of selectee, and contains the "kind" field to show as following, it can't be modified,

Fig. 5.2.1.1. Examples of editor.

The "apply" button concretes the changes in the editor, and applies the changes to the tree/list of selectees. By pressing the "revert" button, the changes will be lost, and the attributes are reset by that contained by the tree/list of selectees.

5.2.2. Add new selectee

By "add new" button , one new expedition local selectee is added to the tree/list, and the editor of the newly added selectee appears.

Fig. 5.2.2.1. An example of addition of a selectee.

For selectee categories treated hierarchically (i.e. lithology rough classification, sediment component and sediment textural component), the button adds a new child selectee of the chosen selectee.

5.2.3. Delete selectee

Expedition local selectees are only able to be deleted, while basic selectees are undeletable. By "delete" button , chosen expedition local selectee is deleted.

Fig. 5.2.3.1. An example to delete a selectee.

For selectee categories treated hierarchically (i.e. lithology rough classification, sediment component and sediment textural component), all children (children, grandchildren, ...) of chosen expedition local selectee are also deleted.

Appendix A: Recover from collapsing references on lithology assignments.

Describing lithology-distributions with 2 or more holes/cores/sections at a time rarely collapses references on lithology assignments. Collapsed assignments will be shown like 'undescribed' with '?' pattern. Please re-describe to resume them if the lithology assignments unexpectedly become 'undescribed'. Example operations collapsing references for lithology assignments are below;

case1: Cyclic assignment references.

case2: Gradated/alternated lithology is assigned as a menber of another gradated/alternated lithology .