‘First-of-a-kind 3D curved Sony Crystal LED system’ installed
Sixteen motion-tracking cameras support the 3D effect, enabling a viewer to look around the corners of a design, in the system developed by Mechdyne.
A 32 ft by 9ft curved 8K Sony Crystal LED direct-view display system forms the centrepiece of a first-of-its-kind Crystal LED installation for 3D simulation in the aerospace arena.
The display, which is one of the few curved Crystal LED walls in existence, has an extra-wide aspect ratio which required special programming to ensure that complex CAD models can be displayed in their native format.
According to a Sony Professional announcement, it was installed for an unnamed large government contractor in the aerospace sector which needed an advanced visualisation and simulation environment for internal and external design briefings. Design, integration and virtual reality expertise for the Sony display technology was provided by Mechdyne Corporation.
Mechdyne integrated and programmed the installation for varied use cases. An included windowing system is capable of displaying 2D and stereoscopic 3D content from multiple sources anywhere on the screen. Programmed with Mechdyne’s Meeting Canvas software, the video wall can display up to four HD inputs and four UHD 4K inputs simultaneously. In addition, the system is virtual reality enabled by 16 motion-tracking cameras, with a user’s position and orientation monitored in real-time in order to change imagery to present the correct image perspective as the user moves. The design also includes support for finger tracking to monitor the position and orientation of a user’s hand relatively to the on-screen components.
Mechdyne engineers built the display into the main wall so that it appears as part of the structure. A custom frame and base bring the panels as close to the floor as possible, creating a portal-like effect. Ancillary flat panels are installed elsewhere in the space and at the entrance way, while 7.1 surround sound floods the room from unobtrusively positioned speakers. Completing the installation is a control station from which a meeting facilitator can create and manage working sessions and presentations.
At the outset of the project, Mechdyne’s in-house team of control programmers reviewed use cases in depth to ensure that the windowing software and user interface met the client’s unique needs. “Advance staging at Mechdyne’s Technical Center verified the integrity and operation of the system before installation,” said Chad Kickbush, general manager for Mechdyne’s Integrated Systems Business Unit. “The system was made fully functional, including integration of the display, windowing software, custom-user interface programming, and computer power to run it all.”
Multiple display/windowing presets were also prepared. The client performed an FAT (factory acceptance test) to approve the interface and functionality prior to shipping. Offsite staging also enabled Mechdyne to perform the onsite integration rapidly, accurately and with minimal disruption to the client’s day-to-day operations.
The compelling visuals provided by Sony’s detailed Crystal LED display were further enhanced through collaboration with Mechdyne, who implement cutting-edge technology in a way that amplifies its inherent power in supporting premier government clients and applications,” said Sander Phipps, national account manager for visualisation and simulation at Sony Electronics. “Our Crystal LED offers a breathtaking large-display experience, and when it’s paired with Mechdyne’s mind-blowing expertise in 3D, it makes the canvas truly come to life in ways that inspire and enable our users.”
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Posted: 2nd November 2021