A new approach to temporal aspects of visualization is proposed. Empirical and theoretical studies of visualization processes are presented in a more general context of human-computer interaction (HCI). It makes possible to develop a new model of HCI as a base for visualization. This model implements a methodology of autonomous intelligent agents. Temporal aspects of the model are rooted in the system theory of time. This theoretical background provides for obtaining properties of time

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... ion. In particular, it is proved that some theoretically advanced models for computation and visualization cannot be realized by physical devices. Applications of the model, its implications for visualization and problems of realization are considered. The new approach does not refute or eliminate previous research in this area, but puts it in a more general and adequate context, systematizing it and providing efficient facilities for the development of computer visualization.