Quantum Elite Enhances Visibility of IDEAS Research Data at Chubu University

Located in Kasugai, Aichi, Japan and founded in 1938, Chubu University is home to the International Digital Earth Applied Sciences - IDEAS research center. Originating from a research theme by Chubu University Professor Hiromichi Fukui, IDEAS fuses a variety of sciences together to create its Disaster Prevention Center – a facility dedicated to the regional monitoring of utility, infrastructure, and natural events. A primary function of the IDEAS center is to promote the research and marketing of the Digital Earth program. The IDEAS center receives numerous visitors each year from regional governments evaluating it as a model for emergency response centers. The cornerstone of the research center is an attention-grabbing 15 screen videowall featuring Extron scaling, switching, and a Quantum Elite videowall processor. The videowall displays a wide variety of live news feeds, video conferencing, public infrastructure, and geographic data, creating a clear picture of a diverse set of information.

Quantum Elite’s high-quality image scaling, HDCP compliance, and adjustable bezel compensation were essential for proper operation of the system, enabling the IDEAS videowall to perform exactly as the client envisioned.

Yoshiaki Ito, Assistant Manager of Sales - Kyoiku Sangyo Company

Many Sources, One Big Display

When designing the IDEAS facility, one challenge that faced Hiromichi Fukui was finding an effective way for a large number of people to analyze a diverse collection of visual data during events that could threaten public safety. The data would be delivered using a mixture of video signal types and formats, including in-house computer workstations and high-definition news broadcasts, as well as computers and media brought in by visiting specialists. Professor Fukui decided that a videowall would create an effective collaboration tool, simultaneously presenting a wide array of critical data inputs and allowing monitoring staff to make fast, informed decisions.

Kyoiku Sangyo – Education Design Specialists

To design and integrate the IDEAS system, Chubu University turned to Kyoiku Sangyo Company, a specialist in system design for educational institutions. Assistant Manager of Sales, Yoshiaki Ito, designed the system, which needed to distribute, process, and display an elaborate mixture of analog and digital video signals. Mr. Ito made extensive use of Extron switching, scaling, and videowall processing in his design for the IDEAS research center.

Extron Technology Ties It All Together

Analog signals originating from workstation PCs and visitor laptops connect to an Extron CrossPoint Ultra 1616 HVA matrix switcher. The CrossPoint switcher distributes the high resolution analog signals to the Quantum Elite videowall processor and directly to select videowall displays. Eight VSC 500 scan converters also provide composite video signals to a multiview processor.

The system’s digital sources include a four-headed workstation, four high-definition television tuners, and workstation PCs that connect to an Extron XTP Crosspoint 3200 . The XTP switcher is configured with 16 HDMI inputs and eight HDMI outputs, which feed the Quantum Elite videowall processor. The CrossPoint Ultra and XTP CrossPoint 3200 also distribute audio signals to the house audio system.

Space-Conscious Displays

The focal point of the IDEAS Center is a 15-screen, three panel high by five panel wide videowall. Space was a concern, so direct-view flat panel displays were selected for their small footprint. However, the wide bezel found on many flat panel displays can disrupt the continuity of images on a videowall. To minimize this effect, 55 inch Mitsubishi VS L55HM70U 1920x1080 panels with ultra-thin bezels were selected.

Quantum Elite Processing Proves Ideal for IDEAS

Image quality was a key factor when selecting the videowall processor, since input sources had to remain artifact-free while upscaling and downscaling to preserve the visual integrity of the data for accurate analysis. The videowall processor also had to respond quickly to layout and source changes to maintain viewer attention during monitoring sessions.

To meet the strict requirements for the IDEAS center, Yoshiaki Ito selected the Extron Quantum Elite videowall processor, configured with six analog RGB inputs, eight HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs, and 15 HDCP-compliant HDMI outputs. Taking signals from the CrossPoint Ultra and the XTP CrossPoint 3200, Quantum provided the superior image quality this application required for managing both high-resolution analog and digital sources. Quantum Elite provides an HDCP-compliant solution for displaying encrypted digital signals such as IDEAS’ television tuners, and Quantum’s quick control response ensured fast layout and source changes. Since flat-panel displays were used, Quantum Elite’s mullion compensation feature produced natural looking images when sources spanned multiple screens. When asked why Quantum was selected for the project, Mr. Yoshiaki stated “Quantum Elite’s high-quality image scaling, HDCP compliance, and adjustable mullion compensation were essential for proper operation of the system, enabling the IDEAS videowall to perform exactly as the client envisioned.”

Simple, Powerful System Control

It was very important that the control system be straightforward, intuitive, and easy to use. While the original plan was to use a touchpanel controller to manage source switching and videowall display configurations, the customer found that Extron’s standard software applications for the Quantum Elite videowall processor and switcher control were so simple to use that a touchpanel system was not necessary. This represented considerable cost savings.

Safety Through Technology

Facilities such as the IDEAS center utilize cutting-edge techniques to explore our world and maintain public safety. Extron’s cutting-edge XTP switching system and Quantum Elite Videowall Processor help facilities like IDEAS operate effectively and efficiently, delivering and displaying content that facilitates fast, accurate analysis.