SAPAC Visualisation Lab

SAPAC has installed a state-of-the-art visualisation suite in its premises in the Physics Building. The Suite enables users to view data, stills and animations in full stereoscopic depth- as well as being able to be used for standard, monoscopic projection.

The Suite employs the Infitec system, whereby two projectors with filters, and matching eyeglasses, are used to present the eyes with left-hand and right-hand images; each eye sees only the corresponding side of the stereo pair, giving the illusion of depth.

A motion-tracking system will be integrated into the VisLab.

Computer

At present, a single PC is used. It is responsible for all data sent to the projectors- still/video display both monoscopic and stereoscopic,as well as running various visualisation packages. It will be configured to be run under Linux and Windows XP Pro operating systems.

Video output is via two NVidia Quadro FX4400 cards.

Projection equipment and screen

projectiondesign F1+ (Resolution: SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 pixels) with inbuilt Infitec filters.

Screen: 4 metre x 3 metre, folded light path, rear projection.

Audio equipment

• Marantz SR5400 receiver
• VAF Research DC-7LE speaker units (six off)
• Jaycar/Response powered subwoofers (two off)
• currently configured as a 5.1 system

Motion tracking

Flock of Birds will be available.

Software

The following is a list of intended applications. At present (27/10/06), the PC may be booted under either Linux or Windows XP Pro; however, work is proceeding on getting stereo display settled under Linux, and so Windows is preferred at the moment for general stereo use. Those listed in bold under Linux are installed and usable, although OpenDX is not stereo.

Linux OS
PyMol / Chimera / VMD / OpenDX / POV-Ray / AVS Express

Windows XP Pro
PyMol / Chimera / VMD / POV-Ray / Stereoscopic Player (movie files) / Sudden Depth (stereo stills) / Visible Human Project Demo

If open-source software is required that is not already installed, we are generally happy to install it for users of the Suite; contact our Business Manager Craig Hill to discuss this.

However, it is our policy that we do not purchase commercial software that may be requested by users.

Bookings

Bookings may be made via the Bookings Page.

Depending on the use, charges for use will apply.

VisLab Contacts

VisLab phone : +61 8 8303 5017

Primary contact : Paddy McGee ph +61 8 8303 6452 email Padric McGee

Secondary contact : Ian West ph +61 8 8303 4306 email Ian West