Mechdyne delivers breathtakingly immersive VR visualisation solution with Sony Crystal LED
US-based Virtual Reality specialist Mechdyne has provided an aerospace client with an immersive super-sized 3D display solution, built around Sony’s state-of-the-art Crystal LED technology.
- VR specialist’s aerospace client needed an immersive display for team collaboration, design reviews, and briefings
- Display must be capable of presenting very high resolution 2D and stereoscopic 3D content
- Curved 9.7m x 2.7m Crystal LED video wall with 8K resolution
- 4x FHD and 4x 4K UHD inputs simultaneously accommodate 2D and 3D content from multiple sources
- Project team members and clients can review intricate CAD models in native format along with project files, video and more
- Extremely high 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and extra-wide viewing angle ensure stunning image quality for everyone in the room
Taking visualisation to the next level
Mechdyne Corporation is a leading developer of advanced Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and AV/IT solutions that allow organisations to explore their data in new ways and uncover new insights. The Iowa-based tech company serves numerous, global industries ranging from aerospace, manufacturing and energy to healthcare, higher education and government.
Mechdyne was commissioned by an aerospace contractor to deliver a visualisation and simulation environment that allowed project team members, clients and other stakeholders to review CAD models in immersive detail. Reaching beyond the capabilities of an ordinary video wall, the client required a cutting-edge, stereoscopic 3D display solution capable of handling varied applications and multiple image sources.
Stunning image clarity, colour and contrast
Working closely with Sony, Mechdyne has provided its client with an impressive 9.7m x 2.7m (32 ft x 9 ft) Crystal LED direct view display system. The extra-wide aspect ratio of the curved 8K resolution screen has been realised by special programming to ensure complex CAD models are displayed in their native format.
Sony’s modular Crystal LED display technology can accommodate images of virtually any size or aspect ratio. The screen’s 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensures truly stunning image quality and colour depth, while a wide viewing angle ensures everyone in the room has an equally breathtaking experience.
The true-to-life detail, colours and textures revealed by Crystal LED has made the technology particularly appealing to the virtual design industry. The extra-large screen allows multiple users to view designs in 3D VR. It’s a more collaborative, user friendly experience than individual users wearing head-mounted VR displays.
Flexible input options and motion tracking capability
Using Mechdyne’s Meeting Canvas software, the super-size video wall can display content from up to four HD inputs and four 4K UHD inputs simultaneously. Mechdyne has also developed a versatile windowing system, capable of simultaneously displaying 2D and stereoscopic 3D content from multiple sources anywhere on the screen.
The display is VR enabled by 16 motion-tracking cameras. Monitoring a user’s position and orientation in real-time, they ensure the correct image perspective is presented as viewers move around in front of the screen – imagine moving your head to look around the side of a virtual engine. The cutting-edge system also supports finger tracking that monitors the position and orientation of a user’s hand relative to what’s displayed on screen.
An immersive audio visual experience
Mechdyne engineers have built the display into a main wall at the client’s facility, making it appear to be an integral part of the room’s structure. A custom frame and base bring the display panels as close to the floor as possible, creating a portal-like effect with no edges or borders. Ancillary flat panels are installed elsewhere in the space and at the entranceway, with 7.1 surround sound flooding the room from discreetly positioned speakers. The installation is complemented by a control station from where a meeting facilitator can manage dynamic presentations and work sessions.
Rapid, seamless integration
Mechdyne’s in-house development team explored different applications to ensure the system’s windowing software and user interface met the needs of its client.
“Advance staging at Mechdyne’s Technical Center verified the integrity and operation of the system before installation,” comments 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.” Offsite staging also enabled Mechdyne to perform onsite integration rapidly, accurately and with minimal disruption to the client’s day-to-day operations.
Inspiring users
Sony and Mechdyne have collaborated closely to create this first-of-its-kind Crystal LED installation for 3D simulation in the aerospace arena. “The compelling visuals provided by Sony’s detailed Crystal LED display are 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” says Sander Phipps, National Account Manager, Visualisation and Simulation at Sony Electronics. “Crystal LED offers a breathtaking large-display experience. 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.”
