Research and Collaboration Advances at University of Oregon with State-of-the-Art Visualization Technology
In the past, libraries emphasized quiet spaces for individual study. Not anymore. The University of Oregon's newly renovated Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library has upgraded its visualization lab with leading-edge audio-visual technology to dynamically engage students and foster collaboration. The UO's visualization lab provides multiple information access points from all scientific fields.
The core of the visualization lab is its new 50-million pixel video wall powered by RGB Spectrum's MediaWall® V 4K display processor. The visualization lab's massive MediaWall-based 24-screen video wall allows researchers to gain new insights into huge datasets, build 3D simulations and explore vistas ranging from nanoparticles to vast expanses of outer space.
The MediaWall V processor receives input from two high-resolution, multi-head workstations. These feed the processor with content from multiple disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computer science, human physiology, geology, and physics. Astrophysicists observe and study images of distant galaxies, neuroscientists examine brain scans, computer scientists design and render 3D visualizations, and social scientists depict graphical data plots to review behavioral patterns and trends. The processor consolidates these diverse source signals and displays them in windows of any size, anywhere on the 4 x 6 wall array. Researchers and faculty can select inputs and choose display layouts from a touch panel from a selection of up to 60 presets.
MediaWall V processors offer outstanding image quality, 4K UHD input and output, support for a diverse range of image types, HDCP, and ease of use. Moreover, they offer an embedded architecture for 24/7 reliability. The processors deliver unmatched display versatility with the ability to display imagery in windows of any size, anywhere on the video wall array, overlap windows, and pan and zoom to view items of particular interest.
Observers are amazed at the lab's energy, activity level, and impressive increase in numbers of participants. Students engage in small collaboration groups, often with most seating areas completely full. Students are excited by the new educational technology. Faculty members are quickly finding new ways to utilize it in their teaching and research.
The Sextant Group was the technology consultant for the Alan Price Science Commons and Research Library Visualization Lab. The Sextant Group, founded in 1995, is a national independent, technology consulting firm specializing in the planning and design of collaboration, presentation, communication, healing, and entertainment spaces. The Sextant Group works with architects, interior designers, owners and facility planners as technology adviser and consultant. Principal Tim Waters CTS and Senior Designer Dan Nelson CTS-D, RCDD contributed to this article.
Photos courtesy of The Sextant Group.
The UO's Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library earned the 2017 AIA/ALA Library Building Award. Additional firms involved in this project: Architect: Opsis Architecture (opsisarch.com); General Contractor: Andersen Construction (andercon.net); Audiovisual Contractor: Compview (compview.com), a Diversified Company (diversifiedus.com).
Offering superior image quality, versatility and reliability, RGB Spectrum's MediaWall display processors are the ideal choice for education, training, corporate boardrooms, meeting facilities, entertainment, hospitality, sports and casino venues, lobby displays, and digital signage applications.
RGB Spectrum is a leading designer and manufacturer of mission-critical, real-time audio-visual solutions for a civilian, government, and military client base. The company offers integrated hardware, software, and control systems to satisfy the most demanding requirements. Since 1987, RGB Spectrum has been dedicated to helping its customers achieve Better Decisions. Faster.™
