New Vislab Opening in Tech this Fall

During the fall 2007 semester, the computer lab in Tech MG-51 will be refurbished to accommodate high-end visualization equipment similar to the Visualization Laboratory (Vislab) in the University Library, thanks to Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) Academic Technologies and funds provided through WCAS Associate Professor Vicky Kalogera's grant.

Effective early October, the computer lab will maintain its current resources, but new, high-end visualization equipment will be added to match the functionality available in the Library. This new equipment includes a High Resolution Tile Wall Display, Stereo Display/GeoWall, and New High End Apple Computers. 

Visitors to the lab will not be inconvenienced by lengthy lab closures, as the equipment will be prepped before being brought into the room. Once this installation is complete, users will have the choice of two nearly identical sets of resources in two campus locations, Tech, and the University Library. Users will be able to walk in and use the resources in Tech MG-51, or they will have the option of reserving the room for classes, research meetings, or other high-visualization needs. Users can look forward to utilizing the following technologies in the lab:

• High Resolution Tile Wall Display - Similar to "Pixzilla" in the University Library, the Vislab North Tiled Wall Display will allow users to deposit high resolution images through its content management interface from anywhere on campus. Users will be able to drill down into small areas of large images and add detailed annotations to facilitate investigations and collaborative discussions. When users visit the lab they will be able to utilize the same content management system to search for, display, and interact with their high-resolution images on the multi-panel tiled wall display through an easy-to-use interface.
  
  
• Stereo Display/GeoWall - Also available as part of the University Library Vislab, Tech will house a new, state-of-the-art Stereo Display (also known as a GeoWall), which can be used to display three-dimensional animation. The Stereo Display is made up of one polarization preserving wall screen and two filtered projectors which combine to produce three-dimensional animated images.
  
  
• High End Apple Computers - Intended for the development of high resolution media and three-dimensional content, two new Apple Computers will be available as part of the Tech MG-51 Vislab. These state-of-the-art computers will be capable of generating two- and three-dimensional media, both still image and animated.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the technologies available in the new Tech Vislab or partnering with Academic Technologies on a high end visualization project, contact vislab@northwestern.edu or call 847-467-5986.

For additional information on the NUIT Visualation Laboratories in Tech MG-51 and in the University Library, go to the Vislab Home Page.

NUIT Visualization Laboratory
E-mail: vislab@northwestern.edu
Phone: 847-467-5986

General Research & Academic Technologies Support
847-467-2828
bob-taylor@northwestern.edu