Visualisation Laboratory (VisLab)

As part of the remote instrumentation work undertaken at La Trobe University, VeRSI has helped to build a Visualisation Laboratory (VisLab). The VisLab boasts six 1080p HD projectors (creating approximately nine metres of image), 1080p HD video conferencing equipment, six touch screens, and space for an audience of 30. 

It also has a 'display wall' created from 12 separate HD monitors for visualising ultra-high resolution data. Together, the monitors act as a single 175-inch screen, all driven by a Microsoft Windows PC. 

Used for remote teaching purposes, the VRL supersedes the need for small group size as well as time spent travelling and completing safety induction, as it allows researchers and students to run experiments remotely, while enjoying the same immersive experience as at the Australian Synchrotron and La Trobe.

The development of hubs for visualisation capability at La Trobe allow for interactive and immersive research collaboration, visualisation of simulations and deep imaging for a variety of disciplines.

In 2009 the first elements of such capability was formed with the move of the Virtual Beam Line for the Synchrotron to a dedicated facility. This project is La Trobe’s first Vis Lab for remote use of scientific instruments, particularly the Synchrotron, and imaging of scientific data. This will allow large and complex visualisations to be viewed and manipulated on a giant display using simple computer interfaces.

 

Aims and objectives

The current engagement is to develop a life sciences Vis Lab (VisLab2) with touch sensitive large display technology for examining complex molecules. This will aid in the development of drugs and basic molecular science.

 

Outcomes

A room where the research community can:

  • View complex molecules
  • Perform data analysis
  • Collaborate with other researchers while working with complex molecules.
For more information, please contact Michael D'Silva.
More contact information can be found here. 
 

Project details

ID number  LTU/P/012

Project title  Visualisation Lab for Life Sciences Research

Start date  May 2011 End date  May 2012

Lead institute  La Trobe University

Principal investigator  Prof. Liam O’Connor – Systems Biology and Bioinformatics

Partner PIs and/or participating institutions  Mark Kosten – Director e-Research

Partner sponsor  Mark Kosten – Director e-Research

VeRSI executive sponsor  Dr Ann Borda - VeRSI Executive Director

VeRSI project management  Chris Myers – Program Director

Michael D’Silva – Program Manager and Software Systems Engineer

 

Related links:

Centre for Materials & Surface Science

 

Keywords: Visualisation | Laboratory | Remote | La Trobe | VeRSI | Vis Lab | Synchrotron | Imaging | VRL | Display | Monitors | Data | Teaching | Research