Eight Secrets of Beijing Snapshots of a 3,000 Year-Old City

Barco company magazine • Volume 3 • Issue 6

magazine

Eight secrets of Beijing Snapshots of a 3,000 year-old city

Future past 10 accurate predictions from science fiction

Tablet truths Can tablet PCs make it in healthcare?

redefine_issue_6c.indd 1 2/05/11 11:50 6 Eight secrets of beijing

24 million 735,000 Science pixels visitors Beauty is in the

1. 2. 3. Wireless communication Immersive 3D video conferencing It all just fits. Science fiction is notorious for its continuous attempts to make First mention: First mention: First mention: 1923, in H.G. Wells’s ‘Men like 1889, in Jules Verne’s ‘The Year 2889’ of the operator predictions about future technology. Even if it isn’t the central theme 1956, in Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘The City and the Stars’ Full display roll-out The enclosure for example, Gods’ 30 combines low weight, sealing, of its stories, it’s always involved on the side. And sometimes, it also Clarke described an immersive 3D setup in terms of gaming, and said: “You Video communication was and still is While the description in the common in science fiction, but its first at the Geneva Motor Show inspires scientists to make new technology breakthroughs. were an active participant and possessed—or seemed to possess—free will. booths low cost, noise damping, novel is fairly clunky, Wells The events […] might have been prepared beforehand, but there was enough mention predated the commercially made it clear that his characters flexibility to allow for wide variation.” Since the late 1980s, immersive 3D viable technology by nearly a century. recyclability and an communicated wirelessly – and became adopted by science and industry, and has enjoyed a steady growth This was doubtlessly aided by the esthetic shape. Some predictions made by science fiction writers have turned out to be far-fetched even partly through mobile ever since. incremental improvement in resolution or untrue: in 2001, we did not have moon bases and neither did we send manned access points. Later science as well as network capacity, and might missions to Jupiter, and we’re lucky that 1984 did not pan out to be the nightmare that fiction authors saw wireless have even amazed Verne himself, in George Orwell imagined it could be. internet, voice and video that his prediction came true 900 years communication as a given, before he thought it would. However, unnoticeably, a lot of the technology imagined in the past is commonplace but it wasn’t until 1999 that 31 Reduced footprint 8,000 Barco’s video walls have been lauded on several occasions for their today. We’re going to look at 10 technologies that were predicted much earlier than wi-fi really began to boom, car brands with you might think. and slightly under a decade Barco tiles image quality and reliability. But they are also downright cleverly The main design drivers were the intro- of the OL is that it is not just the sum color differences, it is very essential to later until it became a common duction of LED-technology in video wall of a number of features, but an integral guarantee color uniformity throughout Barco designed! This has been proven by the prestigious red dot feature for visualization cubes, a long lifetime (maintenance product design that resulted from a the complete video wall. By introducing products. product design award for the OL-521 LED-lit projection module. free under 24/7 operation), full front holistic approach,” Tom Dewaele con-”Sense6, Barco’s proprietary automatic and rear serviceability, minimal field tinues. “It all just fits. The enclosure, for color calibration system, we tackle this adjustments and maximum reuse of example, combines low weight, sealing, challenge and are able to deliver the The red dot design award is an annual competition components over the eight variants low cost, noise damping, recyclability perfect images throughout the video awarding the products that excel in a large number of in the OL family. Furthermore, spe- and an esthetic shape.” wall lifetime. Furthermore, we intro- design criteria, including innovation, functionality, ergo- cial attention was paid to limiting the duced the ‘hang and flip’ principle to nomics, formal quality, durability and ecological com- footprint, decreasing shipment volume, ensure an ergonomic installation of one 170 patibility. Barco entered the competition in the product weight and required control room floor User comfort at the forefront module to another. A motorized shift category ‘Computers and Information Technology’. space. “This weight reduction also has a and tilt system also eases the geometry car premieres A number of internationally recognized design positive effect on the product’s ecologi- But the most important consideration optimization. Fitting all these features experts assess the entries. This means that the cal footprint,” Tom Dewaele comments. in the design process was user com- so swiftly in the cubes was a big chal- adjudication results in each category reflect the “It allows you to transport more cubes fort. “As the human eye is sensitive to lenge for our R&D team in the Display 4. future of the industry in terms of design and with the same effort, minimizing fuel group, but by combining BMW MINI PEUGEOT Red indicates a booth featuring Barco technology Car brands with Barco equipment serve as orientation for manufacturers and usage. Furthermore, recyclable materi- all complementary skills Networked control rooms designers worldwide. als were used.” and working perfectly 0746 1736 1726 together we managed to BENTLEY First mention: MAYBACH PIRELLI MORGAN JAGUAR LAND ROVER FORD MAZDA HONDA NISSAN VW SKODA MOTORS AUDI FORNASARI LAMBORGHINI MAGNA STEYR 1646 0636 1626 0626 1616 1606 0606 Tom Dewaele, Design Expert Control Rooms at deliver this truly amaz- Abarth Jeep Porsche 1260 1949, in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ 8526 9516 HAUETER BMW ALPINA MERCEDES BENZ VOLVO ASTON SUZUKI Barco, is therefore particularly pleased with the recogni- ing result,” Tom Dewaele Alfa Romeo Lamborghini Renault BYD MARTIN More than the sum of parts 2161 0612 1621 1060 MANSORY RINSPEED 0514 2251 2158 2057 2056 1259 1159 EDAG GUMPERT R tion: “It goes without saying that we are very proud concludes. BMW Lancia Rolls Royce ITALDESIGN KOENIGSEGG While obviously used for malicious purposes in Orwell’s frightening dystopia, control 1546 0536 0526 1516 1506 3525 1525 5150 1524 0524 TOURING BUGATTI GIUGIARO SUPER- LEGGERA DUNLOP 2157 2156 2055 GOODYEA 1446 0446 1436 1416 0416 1406 0406 3325 3405 CAN-AM KELLENERS SPORT PORSCHE

L CONTINENTAL SEAT of this achievement. With over 4,000 submissions it Chevrolet Landrover Seat 2052 Pics by The design criteria involved addressing rooms that keep an eye on the streets and are connected to a network of surveillance TATA BRABUS FAB DE TECHART TOMASO MTM IED STARTECH TESLA DESIGN GTA PAGANI SMART E'MOBILE KIA ROLLS CITROËN ALFA MASERATI GASMOBI MOTOR ROYCE ROMEO 0425 1415 0415 1405 1424 0424 2424 2250 2150 2051 2050 1251 1151 1050 DODGE ABARTH RENAULT is not obvious to get awarded. For the team, several new key technologies, includ- Citroën Lexus Skoda 2315 3305 2305 3324 3314 2145 2144 2045 1245 1244 www.avsystem.it - AVS srl. cameras have proven to be compatible with an open, democratic society. Control rooms VALMET SBARRO LUMMA SPEEDART SSANGYONG AUTOMOTIVE HAMANN MIA FISKER DESIGN ELECTRIC

YOKOHAMA 2143 2142 2043 2042 1243 CADILLAC Dodge Maserati Subaru FERRARI JEEP SUBARU HYUNDAI (Abarth, Alfa, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia) this is a confirmation that ing LED, liquid cooling, shallow optics, certainly did exist in 1984, but it is only today that their scope and strength approaches 4305 BRIDGESTONE INVADER SCHNITZER WIESMANN RENAULT CITROEN SMART CCI COURB VERSAILLES RUF

9146 7146 0346 2346 4236 SPORTEC ABT DAIHATSU GREENTECH ARTEGA

ENERGY CARLSSON NOVITEC 4146 5146 1246 0246 2236 ROSSO CHEVROLET YVELINES INNOMOT SPYKER BERTONE BOLLORE PININFARINA www.barco.com/cool 6 323 VREDESTEIN TATA 1325 0325 0315 1305 0305 1324 1314 0314 IRMSCHER we are on the right path.” LE DEPARTEMENT AG www.ctgermany.com – CT Germany spectrometers, software architecture Fiat Mazda Suzuki EON the power they had in the novel. MECO DE TILTER WORLD L’AUTOMOBILE MOTORS 2241 2240 2141 2041 2040 1241 1240 1040 3146 1236 0236 NISSAN HES-SO 5125 1115 0115 1124 1114 IEV1 LEAF THE TOUR 0221 1035 0301 2146 1146 0146 5136 0136 0204

E REVUE 2231 2230 2130 AC CARS BMW M WAY AUTOMOBILE (Volkswagen, Rolls Royce) and network interface. A big part of the Ford Mini Toyota GROUP DOW KOKAM 3136DOMTEKNIKA R PRESS NOVIDEM

NIAMA TO 1136 REISSER MO ACS 1033 LANDROVER 1026 0026 ESSAIS VERTS 1114TOYOTA SIMULATOR 2026 FIAT LANCIA LEXUS TOYOTA 1231 1031 3125 design process was spent in the product Honda Nissan Volkswagen QUATTRORUOTE CHRYSLER OPEL SAAB 1223 1221 CHEVROLET LOTUS INFINITI RSPORT

TO 7160 MO AKTUELL DACIA MITSUBISHI Infinity Opel MOTORS AGVS architecture and system design. “To me, 1125 ISUZUISUZISUZU U Jaguar Peugeot www.barco.com/events the most remarkable part in the design

Geneva Motor Show Red dot design award Science reality

If it has wheels and an engine, you The coolest LED video wall captures the Did you know that videoconferencing could find it in Geneva. You can fire up prestigious red dot award thanks to its was already predicted in the 19th your engines on page 17. outstanding design qualities. century? Read up on some eerily accurate predictions.

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 2 2/05/11 11:50 Welcome

Dear reader,

First off all, I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy to our Japanese readers and all our readers with relatives or friends in Japan. We are grateful that all our employees in Japan are safe, but so many other lives have been lost in this terrible tragedy.

This red. issue zooms in on Beijing. Greater China Beijing is steeped in has long been a focus for Barco, and we’re proud historical riches and modern to showcase some of our accomplishments in the country. The region accounted for 11.5% of total sales wealth. Can you find for 2010, representing a 33.8% growth compared to the out its secret? year before. Barco boasts seven offices in China, with a dedicated R&D and manufacturing base and offices for ? sales and marketing. In technology-related news, we want to share a few new products that expand our middle-segment portfolio in both healthcare and entertainment markets. We’re also introducing a new display for air traffic control, with a 2Kx2K resolution and fully replaceable LED backlights.

But there is more. Tablets Lifecycle management is are also increasingly probably also an issue? combined with other medical devices, such Pietro: Absolutely. On the consumer as, for example, heart market, it is common practice to release As a closing thought, I would like to draw your attention monitoring equipment, hardware and software upgrades every dialysis machines or 12 or 18 months, which frequently pacemakers. In these creates compatibility issues. In hospitals, cases, they serve the role by contrast, lifecycles of 5 to 10 years of advanced ‘remote control’, allowing What makes these dedicated are by no means exceptional. Medical cardiologists or nephrologists to monitor medical devices different tablets have been specifically designed all patient parameters in real time and from regular ‘tabs’? to accommodate for this long-term Tablet adjust them if needed. horizon, while still ensuring compatibility Pietro: One of the most striking with new components and technologies to the article on technology imagined by previous truths differences you’ll notice straight away as they enter the market. They are a Can just any other standard is that medical tablets look a lot more safe, long-term investment, which is You don’t need to be a techno geek tablet be used in these rugged than others. They are built with exactly what healthcare facilities are medical environments? a robust screen cover – imagine patients looking for. these days to know that tablet getting hurt by shattered glass - and PCs are taking the computer Pietro: For hospitals, patient safety is they will easily survive a 1 meter drop always the number one priority – it’s the on a concrete surface. You wouldn’t market by storm. Millions sacred mantra by which they operate. want to try this with your standard ‘tab’. www.barco.com/medical of consumers go wild Every device they use must comply with visionary generations which has now become reality. stringent international safety standards In addition, healthcare tablets have a about the compact – particularly those used within the dust and water resistant housing to make portable design, tac- patient’s vicinity. You might be tempted them easily cleanable and disinfectable. to think that all off-the-shelf tablets And they have been specifically tile touch screen interface and comply with these standards, but the designed for low electromagnetic “One of the most common sheer fun factor of their favorite ‘pad’, ‘tab’ or simple truth is that only dedicated ‘point- radiation to avoid disturbance of other mistakes in hospitals is of-care’ devices can meet these - often life-critical – medical devices in ‘slate’. But do these tablets also have a rosy future in purely stringent safety stipulations. the neighborhood. wrong patient medication professional market segments, such as healthcare for example? due to human errors and Did you know, for instance, that the idea of video incorrect or incomplete patient files.”

If you happened to be in a hospital recently, you may have noticed that tablets are cropping up in the healthcare business indeed. “It’s all part of a broader evolution,” explains Pietro Regondi, Market Director Mobile Point of Care. “We can see a growing use of electronic patient records – instead of paper files; a rapid acceptance of ‘wireless’; and an overall trend to bring medical devices as much as possible to the “Healthcare tablets will conferencing technology is actually over a century old? patient’s bedside - instead of the other way around. Tablet PCs are the logical answer easily survive a 1 meter to all these trends.” drop on a concrete surface. You wouldn’t What are tablets typically used for in healthcare? want to try this with your standard ‘tab’. 55 million tablets will be Pietro: Perhaps the most typical application domain for tablet devices is the Electronic ” sold this year. By 2014, this is Medical Record. Within this area, tablets can provide nurses and doctors with real- expected to be 208 million. time access to critical information while on the go. This is vitally important when you It’s certainly mind-blowing to think that today’s far- know that one of the most common mistakes in hospitals is wrong patient medication Gartner, inc. due to human errors and incorrect or incomplete patient files. 32 red. | Technology Technology ”| red. 33 fetched science fiction may be everyday reality within a few decades.

With the first quarter of 2011 already behind us and 32 moving towards summer, I wish you happy reading!

Tablet truths Eric Van Zele, President and CEO Tablet PCs are taking the market by storm these days, but do they also have a rosy future in healthcare?

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 3 2/05/11 11:50 LED GREEN in India

ACME Tele Power Ltd (ATPL) is one of India’s key providers of technology solutions to the global wireless telecoms industry. Over the past few years, ATPL’s innovation efforts have been increasingly targeting sustainable solutions. The company was the first to market passive infrastructure components. “Barco is a reference beacon that is known to deliver excellent quality”.

Mr. Satya Dev Adurti, Vice-President IT.

Green visualization technology ” To monitor its operations more Barco’s OL series takes this green flows and remotely check all the power efficiently, ATPL decided to install an approach one step further, thanks to plants, in real time. In addition, they 18-cube overview video wall (9x2 the recyclable materials and the smart visualize feeds from live video cameras configuration). Mr. Dev Adurti: “We power management. In addition, the from different sites across the globe. chose Barco’s LED-lit rear-projection OL series offers an exceptional level By having a clear overview of up-to- video wall for our center since it meets of brightness, saturated colors and date information at all times, they can our focus on sustainability.” LED-lit maintenance-free operation. react quickly in case of problems and projection technology is the most eco- take better decisions. In this way, Barco friendly technology available. helps us achieve our vision of becoming Clear, real-time overview the global benchmark for green energy solutions.” “Currently, 60 ATPL staff are working with the system – a number which we intend to increase to 120 in the future,” Mr. Dev Adurti concluded. “They www.barco.com/controlrooms can now accurately monitor the energy

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 4 2/05/11 11:50 LED GREEN in India X-ray vision onNFL

DL wide-screen color display systems, to do the job right. The displays were used to conduct MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear imaging studies and cardiac evaluations to assess the athletes’ health.

“The NFL Draft is a high stakes game, so it’s imperative the best tools are available to precisely evaluate a player’s physical condition and abilities. Through One of the first hurdles amateur athletes must pass on their quest to accurate assessments, the teams can then determine how well a player play for the National Football League (NFL) is to participate in an intense fits their needs,” said Dave Hennon, four-day job interview at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Director, Radiology & Radiation Oncology IS at Indiana University Health. “Barco’s displays have been a good fit for us; they At this Combine, top executives, coaching staff and medical personnel from all 32 NFL provide the highest image resolution teams evaluate the nation’s top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL and stability, multi-modality imaging Draft. Players undergo a battery of tests, screenings and drills which display their skills options and a wide-angle viewing and overall health, key attributes for future football stars. experience. We use them throughout our system because of their outstanding While running the 40-yard dash in less than 4.3 seconds bodes well for candidates, quality and reliability.” medical examinations are actually the Combine’s number one priority - so top-notch imaging equipment is a must. The Combine’s health screening partner, Indiana University Health, selected a variety of Barco displays, chief among them the Coronis Fusion 6MP www.barco.com/medical

Case study | red. 5

redefine_issue_6c.indd 5 2/05/11 11:50 secrets

It is impossible to capture the richness of Beijing’s past and present in a few pages – the area around China’s capital has been inhabited for over 200,000 years, and the city’s history stretches back 3,000 years.

Today, Beijing is China’s first post-industrial city, and is home to over 22 million people. It is impossible to cover the entirety of Beijing in one article. Hence, we’ll try to crack eight secrets to appreciating what China’s capital has to offer.

Beijing Metro’s nerve center

Getting there fast

To any modern metropolis, a well-run subway system is indispensable. Beijing’s is the oldest in mainland China and the second in length after the Shanghai Metro. To keep things running without hiccups, the subway authorities are supported by two pillars: training and security. Subway drivers are trained with a life-like 120° curved simulation system, and the actual network is monitored 24/7 from a control room that features over 50 Barco display cubes.

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 6 2/05/11 11:50 secrets

Forbidden City Capital of cars

One cannot think of ‘secrets’ As of November 2009, China is the Beijing Metro’s and forget the Forbidden world’s largest car market. Country- nerve center City. The 980-building wide, over 200 million cars are currently complex dates from the registered. As the capital city, Beijing 15th century, and during China’s frequently hosts high-profile motor Imperial period, no one was allowed shows and features a number of auto- to enter the 720,000 m² area without mobile headquarters. Interestingly, a permission from the Emperor himself. rising number of Chinese car manu- Today, it is a major tourist hotspot, and facturers are investing in electric and boasts a collection of over one million green technologies. This coincides with artifacts. Its immersive virtual reality growing environmental concerns, as theater has been equipped with Barco well as a desire to get ahead of the 3D projectors since 2003 and is still in curve in a highly competitive global operation today. market.

Feature | red. 7

redefine_issue_6c.indd 7 2/05/11 11:50 The quiet, 110 m tall heart

The impressive Jingxin (‘Quiet Heart’) skyscraper, standing 110 m tall and counting 32 floors, is a business building that looks out over Beijing’s bustling traffic lanes. Finished as recently as 1990, the skyscraper is an immediate eye- catcher. Key to its attraction is its façade, covered in no less than 758 m² of bright LEDs, marking it as a symbol of China’s fast-growing advertisement industry.

The JingxinLED screen skyscaper

The mystery of spring

It would be an understatement to say Why? The answer is quite simple that spring is a big thing in China. – the show tries its hardest to Coinciding with the start of the Chinese be as spectacular as possible. calendar year, CCTV’s annual Spring Gala In 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, is a television tradition for hundreds of the show’s central theme was millions of people in China. ‘home for the holidays’ and for the third year in a row, an armada of Barco LED displays lit up the stage. CCTV has long been a loyal Barco customer and also employs our displays in their news studios.

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 8 2/05/11 11:51 Finding black gold

The China National Offshore Oil Hence, CNOOC’s Beijing Corporation is one of the coun- offices are constantly con- try’s biggest oil companies. With nected to its other main CNOOC’s oil demand rising spectacularly, facilities involved in geo- in tune with China’s economic physical exploration, to make Beijing offices growth, analyzing and map- decisions as quickly as pos- ping out national oil reserves sible. They do so with the aid is crucial. of full 3D display walls and user- friendly collaboration software. Similarly, the China National Petroleum Corporation, which is also headquartered in Beijing, uses display walls to keep track of China’s oil and gas production and transport.

Feature | red. 9

redefine_issue_6c.indd 9 2/05/11 11:51 Summer Olympics 2008 opening ceremony

8/8/2008

The 2008 Summer Olympics marked the first time the quadrennial event came to China, and Beijing rose to the occasion to meet and exceed all expectations as host city.

Secret of its opening ceremony was backed up by an array of Barco lighting products, but the secret to its success was extremely meticulous planning and preparation. The ceremony was held on 8 August 2008. During the Olympics themselves, people could follow the goings-on via big LED displays posted throughout Beijing’s twelve ‘Cultural Square’ venues. Did you notice?

www.barco.com/newsroom Something is missing in this article. Can you guess what is missing, and why it is missing? Turn to the last page to read the answer.

10 red. | Feature

redefine_issue_6c.indd 10 2/05/11 11:51 Exactly what the doctor ProScribed

Barco’s mobile point-of-care tablet for medical facilities, where physicians A range of innovations healthcare environments got even and nurses depend on the instant smarter! A new version of ProScribe was availability of patient information when The MTTP-0212 has been fitted with released, with 60% more processing moving from room to room. Similar to a 1.6 GHz processor, 1 GB internal power and 100% extra internal memory. the previous version of ProScribe, the RAM and the latest Windows Embedded new and upgraded model (labeled Standard operating system. A whole ProScribe was developed MTPP-0212) features a series of options, including up to 16 to meet the most 12-inch touch screen, GB Compact Flash memory, 32 GB challenging mobile silent operation, rugged Solid State memory and a 3G wireless workflow needs of reliability, a medical look module are available. Other innovations today’s healthcare and feel, and ready-to- include an optionally available RFID enterprises. This thin go portability. reader and a built-in barcode scanner – client has already for error-free patient ID order entry and proven its worth in medication administration.

www.barco.com/medical

A new wand to project the magic

Barco recently introduced a family of Enhanced 4K digital cinema projectors. The DP4K- This means performance, resolution and 23B and DP4K-32B will complement the existing range of projectors and target the design efficiency all meet in this top- premium high-end markets. This will allow theaters to project truly amazing 3D image of-the-line product, guaranteeing razor- quality, satisfying even the most demanding spectators. sharp images, consistent uniformity, rich contrast and vibrant, accurate The DP2K series is a highly successful range of digital cinema projectors, both colors. Furthermore, the innovative in terms of sales and in terms of quality. Barco continues down the same liquid cooling system also ensures path and presents the DP4K-23B and DP4K-32B. These new 4K resolution longer lamp lifetime and enhanced light models, suited for projection on screens of output; and by using the same modular 23 meters and 32 meters respectively, platform as the DP2K line, customers set new standards in image quality. can easily swap spare parts. In this way, the DP4K series offers the lowest possible total cost of ownership. Performance, resolution, efficiency

The new DP4K range shares a www.barco.com/digitalcinema significant part of its technology with the DP2K-32B – recognized by Guinness World Records as the brightest digital cinema projector on the planet.

Product focus | red. 11

redefine_issue_6c.indd 11 2/05/11 11:51 Brilliant medical images, at any location

In medical imaging, the biggest Medical Center Leeuwarden is a Quality throughout the hospital renowned teaching hospital in The challenge is not only to deliver Netherlands. Dedicated to assure the MediCal QAWeb, Barco’s online software the best possible image quality, highest level of healthcare quality, the service which includes features hospital was very much impressed by for intervention-free calibration, but to assure this quality Barco’s line of medical displays. “By quality assurance and display asset remains stable over time and delivering brilliant white levels, these management, also impressed displays are perfectly suited for use Dr. J.G.A.M. de Visscher, oral and at any location in the medical in brightly lit environments,” clinical maxillofacial surgeon. “By automatically facility. That’s why Medical Center physicist Willy Hummel says. “What’s assuring that every display in the facility more, the Barco displays are more shows the same image at any time, Leeuwarden selected Barco durable than their competitors, allowing MediCal QAWeb improves diagnosis displays with the innovative them to deliver these brightness accuracy. This limits recalibration efforts

and contrast levels for much longer. and allows the hospital to save on MediCal QAWeb online quality MediCal QAWeb also allows adjusting maintenance costs.” assurance system. In this way, the display’s light output to match the ambient light, assuring even more the hospital not only saves on

dependable readings.” www.barco.com/medical maintenance costs, but is also ensured of DICOM compliance at all times. ”

By automatically assuring that every display in the facility shows the same image at all times, MediCal QAWeb improves diagnosis accuracy.

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 12 2/05/11 11:51 Since 2006, Barco has been a partner of the Berlin Film Festival and the exclusive digital cinema Barco projector supplier. More than 80 digital screenings were shown this year, a record number in lets the bear the festival’s history. And for the first time ever, audiences could roar in enjoy 3D movies at the Berlinale – using Barco technology.

Although 3D movies are immensely 4K in Europe And the winner3D is… popular with audiences around the world, film festivals don’t have a tradition Another premiere was the introduction In the film competition, the Iranian of adding the extra dimension. Thanks of 4K DLP cinema projection in Europe. picture ‘Nader and Simin, a Separation’ to Barco digital cinema projectors, a Using Barco’s brand-new DP4K-32B was the big winner. The movie not number of 3D movies were screened projector, the movie classic ‘Taxi Driver’ only impressed the International Jury during the 2011 edition of the festival, was shown in a specially enhanced enough to be awarded with the Golden including Wim Wenders’ 3D dance film version. The screening was much Bear – the prize for the best movie – but ‘Pina‘ and Werner Herzog’s documentary appreciated by the audience. the acting ensemble was lauded as ‘Cave of Forgotten Dreams‘. Furthermore, well. Both Silver Bears, for Best Actor a special event was organized to explore and Best Actress, went to the movie’s the artistic potential of 3D in movies. starring cast.

www.barco.com/digitalcinema

Case study | red. 13

redefine_issue_6c.indd 13 2/05/11 11:51 green

New environmental regulations and a growing awareness of the impact of global warming are pushing the aviation industry towards greener air traffic. Barco offers some excellent tools to help airports, air navigation service providers and other stakeholders meet the new requirements and reduce their environmental footprint.

Smart software Smooth operators Proven excellence

According to the International Air Barco’s Queue Management tools are The Queue Management tool for Transport Association (IATA), “cutting interoperable and offer instructions and collaborative flow management, flight times by one minute per flight advice to reduce operator workload. The installed at and developed in on a global basis would save 4.8 different software components can be collaboration with Airways New

million tons of CO2 every year.” Hence, adapted to the specific needs of every Zealand, captured the Aviation Award the industry is very hungry for smart airport and airspace. Providing tools to Asia in the Technology & Environment air traffic management systems. With optimize incoming and departing flights, category and was nominated for Jane’s its Queue Management software runway taxiing and airport capacity, ATC Technology Award. Both award suite, Barco helps airlines and airports the software helps operators meet the ceremonies have been established to

slash fuel burn and CO2 emissions. increasingly demanding requirements recognize excellence within air traffic It is the first and only complete for both safety and efficiency of air control and celebrate the commitment toolset for air traffic management, traffic flow. of airports and their stakeholders to reducing aircraft delays and ensuring efficient, safe and green aviation. streamlined air traffic operations.

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redefine_issue_6c.indd 14 2/05/11 11:51 green

Queue Management tools are:

1. Arrival Manager: helps ATC operators handle incoming flights more efficiently and reduce holding patterns. 2. Departure Manager: reduces runway queues to ensure maximum outbound punc- tuality. 3. Surface Manager: ensures smooth aircraft taxiing to and from the runway. 4. Departure Metering: synchronizes departing flights from different airports in order to avoid congestion at specific merge points. 5. Collaborative Flow Manager: enables airlines to agree on priority flights, matching demand to capacity and reducing in-flight delays. 6. Air Traffic Flow Management: visualizes imbalances and sends out a warning when imbalances are predicted.

Power saver

Energy efficiency is also key to a sustainable future. That’s why Barco developed a new version of its

renowned ISIS display for air traffic controllers. The square LCD display with 4 megapixel resolution now comes with

an LED light source instead of CCFL backlights, reducing power consumption by at least 20% without compromising image quality. ” Waste reduction

With an average lifetime of 10 years, LEDs need about 50% fewer maintenance replacements compared to lamps. So besides energy consumption, the latest ISIS model also reduces waste creation. Barco will provide a simple upgrade procedure for ISIS displays currently in the field to allow its customers benefit from a more energy-efficient Collaborative Flow Management and durable solution.

saves money, reduces CO2 emissions, and lowers the impact of delays. www.barco.com/atc

Product focus | red. 15

redefine_issue_6c.indd 15 2/05/11 11:51 Driving simulation in gear

Although they look like great Daimler AG is one of the world’s most No smear, no problem famous automotive companies, best entertainment, driving simulators known for their Mercedes-Benz Cars The Daimler driving simulator is are highly necessary in today’s division. The company has been working a hexapod robot mounted onto six with driving simulators since the 1980s moveable supporting legs. Inside, automotive industry. (smoother in order to test the designs of new there is a complete Mercedes model flow) Current automotive trends Mercedes models in all development in which the test driver is seated, with phases. constantly changing, realistic images indicate that more and more of traffic scenes. To create the 360° vehicles are equipped with projection, Daimler depends on Barco’s 360° field of view SIM 7 simulation projectors to provide electronic features. Therefore, the most realistic scenery possible. driving simulators are crucial for In 2010, Daimler AG joined forces with Barco to create a new Mercedes driving car manufacturers to test these simulator. The simulator is now set up in new systems and components in their Technology Center in Sindelfingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. With a 360° a safe environment. projection screen, fast electric power system and a 12 meter long rail for transverse movements, this dynamic simulator is one of the most advanced in the global automobile industry.

Daimler AG chose the SIM 7 mainly because of its smear-free operation. Thanks to Barco’s display optimizations and the system’s fast refresh rate, this projector produces razor sharp, high- quality images, making it ideal for high-speed motion and other visually intensive simulation applications.

www.barco.com/simulation

16 red. | Case study

redefine_issue_6c.indd 16 2/05/11 11:52 81st Full display roll-out edition at the Geneva Motor Show

Case study | red. 17

redefine_issue_6c.indd 17 2/05/11 11:52 24 million pixels

Full display roll-out at the Geneva Motor Show

31 car brands with Barco

170 car premieres

Car brands with Barco equipment

Abarth Jeep Porsche Alfa Romeo Lamborghini Renault BMW Lancia Rolls Royce Chevrolet Landrover Seat Citroën Lexus Skoda Dodge Maserati Subaru Fiat Mazda Suzuki Ford Mini Toyota Honda Nissan Volkswagen Infinity Opel Jaguar Peugeot

18 red. | Case study

redefine_issue_6c.indd 18 2/05/11 11:52 735,000 visitors

Full display roll-out 30 at the Geneva Motor Show booths

8,000 Barco tiles

Car brands with Barco equipment BMW MINI PEUGEOT Red indicates a booth featuring Barco technology

0746 1736 1726

BENTLEY MAYBACH PIRELLI MORGAN JAGUAR LAND ROVER FORD MAZDA HONDA NISSAN VW SKODA MOTORS AUDI FORNASARI LAMBORGHINI MAGNA STEYR 1646 0636 1626 0626 1616 1606 0606 1260 8526 9516 HAUETER BMW ALPINA MERCEDES BENZ VOLVO ASTON SUZUKI BYD MARTIN 2161 0612 1621 1060 MANSORY RINSPEED 0514 2251 2158 2057 2056 1259 1159 EDAG GUMPERT R 1546 0536 0526 1516 1506 3525 1525 5150 1524 0524 ITALDESIGN TOURING KOENIGSEGG BUGATTI GIUGIARO SUPER- LEGGERA DUNLOP 2157 2156 2055 GOODYEA 1446 0446 1436 1416 0416 1406 0406 3325 3405 CAN-AM KELLENERS SPORT PORSCHE

L CONTINENTAL SEAT 2052 Pics by TATA BRABUS FAB DE TECHART TOMASO MTM IED STARTECH TESLA DESIGN GTA PAGANI SMART E'MOBILE KIA ROLLS CITROËN ALFA MASERATI GASMOBI MOTOR ROYCE ROMEO 0425 1415 0415 1405 1424 0424 2424 2250 2150 2051 2050 1251 1151 1050 DODGE ABARTH RENAULT www.avsystem.it - AVS srl. 2315 3305 2305 3324 3314 2145 2144 2045 1245 1244 VALMET SBARRO LUMMA SPEEDART SSANGYONG AUTOMOTIVE HAMANN MIA FISKER DESIGN ELECTRIC

YOKOHAMA 2143 2142 2043 2042 1243 CADILLAC FERRARI JEEP SUBARU HYUNDAI (Abarth, Alfa, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia) 4305 BRIDGESTONE INVADER SCHNITZER WIESMANN RENAULT CITROEN SMART CCI COURB VERSAILLES RUF

9146 7146 0346 2346 4236 SPORTEC ABT DAIHATSU GREENTECH ARTEGA 4146 5146 1246 0246 ENERGY 2236 CARLSSON NOVITEC ROSSO SPYKER BERTONE BOLLORE PININFARINA CHEVROLET YVELINES 6 323 INNOMOT VREDESTEIN TATA LE DEPARTEMENT AG 1325 0325 0315 1305 0305 1324 1314 0314 IRMSCHER www.ctgermany.com – CT Germany EON MECO DE TILTER WORLD L’AUTOMOBILE MOTORS 2241 2240 2141 2041 2040 1241 1240 1040 3146 1236 0236 NISSAN HES-SO 5125 1115 0115 1124 1114 IEV1 LEAF THE TOUR 0221 1035 0301 2146 1146 0146 5136 0136 0204

E REVUE 2231 2230 2130 AC CARS BMW M WAY AUTOMOBILE (Volkswagen, Rolls Royce) GROUP DOW KOKAM 3136DOMTEKNIKA R PRESS NOVIDEM

NIAMA TO 1136 REISSER MO ACS 1033 LANDROVER 1026 0026 ESSAIS VERTS 1114TOYOTA SIMULATOR 2026 FIAT LANCIA LEXUS TOYOTA 1231 1031 3125

QUATTRORUOTE CHRYSLER OPEL SAAB 1223 1221 CHEVROLET LOTUS INFINITI RSPORT

TO 7160 MO AKTUELL DACIA MITSUBISHI

MOTORS AGVS 1125 ISUZUISUZISUZU U www.barco.com/events

Case study | red. 19

redefine_issue_6c.indd 19 2/05/11 11:52 Crashing the Vegas skyline

The pokerstars.net logo crumbles down before your eyes, a helicopter passes by, the building begins to crack and poker chips and balloons fly out. And then, suddenly, there are fireworks! Is it an alien invasion?

No – just an astounding and innovative video projection onto the famous Palms Casino Resort by pokerstars.net during last year’s annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

It’s not easy for a billboard, light show or video projection to catch the eye in a city known as the world’s Entertainment Capital. Everywhere you look, you’re blinded by lights, motion and sound. But Barco, working closely with partner AD X Media, attracted crowds with a dazzling display to celebrate the 2010 edition of the world’s biggest live poker tournament. The partners projected creative visuals onto 19 stories of the building’s façade, creating astoundingly realistic 3D effects. The secret behind this jaw-dropping spectacle: experience, know-how, and four overlaid Barco projectors with image processing.

Projecting video onto the Palms building centerpiece and sides,” Evans explained. proved to be a challenge. The hotel’s “As for the hardware part: challenging thin, protruding vertical wedge made designs call for Barco technology. We’ve Want to take a look? it impossible to rely on a horizontally- been relying on Barco for many years spread display. Also, the high number now and have always been happy with Visit http://www.youtube.com/ of windows would distort the projected the results.” watch?v=SE8UJiJtBxM to see it in image. “We decided to cover the action! windows of the bottom 20 floors and ? project the images vertically on the www.barco.com/events

20 red. | Case study

redefine_issue_6c.indd 20 2/05/11 11:52 Last time you experienced a simulated world that disrupted your physical perception, it was likely in a ‘funhouse’ at a local carnival or county fair. Recently, Flemish artist collective Workspace Unlimited elevated this surreal experience to astounding new levels in its latest work ‘Realtime Unreal.’ Truly

‘Realtime Unreal’ is part of the ‘Real Other installations employ video game Virtuality’ exhibition debuting at the engines, motion- and position-tracking, newly expanded Museum of the Moving and sophisticated image processing to Image in New York, USA. In the exhi- create simulated worlds. ‘Into the Forest’ bition, a world is depicted in 3D and by the OpenEnded Group features a seems to float in space. A visitor’s computer-generated children’s game movement around the gallery modi- of hide-and-seek in the style of a fies the projection in real time, with hand-drawn illustration. Artist Bill Viola’s projectors displaying a trompe-l’œil so ‘Night Journey’ is an archetypal jour- believable that the screen disappears. ney toward enlightenment through the To accomplish these effects, the artists mechanics of the gaming experience. In total, Barco supplied fifteen RLM-W6 utilized several Barco RLM series projec- In ‘Cathedral,’ artist Marco Brambilla and two RLM-W8 projectors, two in tors. “Barco’s industry-leading projectors presents a Toronto shopping mall in stereoscopic configurations, in several allowed us to show audiences the full dizzying, kaleidoscopic 9K projection to other high-profile spaces: a 50-foot-long potential of our virtual worlds on a evoke America’s obsession with con- seamless projection wall in the lobby, life-size scale,” said Thomas Soetens of sumerism. the new Video Screening Amphitheater, Workspace Unlimited. and a new 68-seat screening room.

www.barco.com/events

Case study | red. 21

redefine_issue_6c.indd 21 2/05/11 11:52 Beauty is in the

of the operator

Barco’s video walls have been lauded on several occasions for their image quality and reliability. But they are also downright cleverly designed! This has been proven by the prestigious red dot product design award for the OL-521 LED-lit projection module.

The red dot design award is an annual competition awarding the products that excel in a large number of design criteria, including innovation, functionality, ergo- nomics, formal quality, durability and ecological compatibility. Barco entered the competition in the product category ‘Computers and Information Technology’. A number of internationally recognized design experts assess the entries. This means that the adjudication results in each category reflect the future of the industry in terms of design and serve as orientation for manufacturers and designers worldwide.

Tom Dewaele, Design Expert Control Rooms at Barco, is therefore particularly pleased with the recogni- tion: “It goes without saying that we are very proud of this achievement. With over 4,000 submissions it is not obvious to get awarded. For the team, this is a confirmation that we are on the right path.”

22 red. | Feature

redefine_issue_6c.indd 22 2/05/11 11:52 It all just fits. The enclosure for example, combines low weight, sealing, low cost, noise damping, recyclability and an esthetic shape.

Reduced footprint

The main design drivers were the intro- of the OL is that it is not just the sum color differences, it is very essential to duction of LED-technology in video wall of a number of features, but an integral guarantee color uniformity throughout cubes, a long lifetime (maintenance product design that resulted from a the complete video wall. By introducing free under 24/7 operation), full front holistic approach,” Tom Dewaele con”- Sense6, Barco’s proprietary automatic and rear serviceability, minimal field tinues. “It all just fits. The enclosure, for color calibration system, we tackle this adjustments and maximum reuse of example, combines low weight, sealing, challenge and are able to deliver the components over the eight variants low cost, noise damping, recyclability perfect images throughout the video in the OL family. Furthermore, spe- and an esthetic shape.” wall lifetime. Furthermore, we intro- cial attention was paid to limiting the duced the ‘hang and flip’ principle to footprint, decreasing shipment volume, ensure an ergonomic installation of one weight and required control room floor User comfort at the forefront module to another. A motorized shift space. “This weight reduction also has a and tilt system also eases the geometry positive effect on the product’s ecologi- But the most important consideration optimization. Fitting all these features cal footprint,” Tom Dewaele comments. in the design process was user com- so swiftly in the cubes was a big chal- “It allows you to transport more cubes fort. “As the human eye is sensitive to lenge for our R&D team in the Display with the same effort, minimizing fuel group, but by combining usage. Furthermore, recyclable materi- all complementary skills als were used.” and working perfectly together we managed to deliver this truly amaz- More than the sum of parts ing result,” Tom Dewaele concludes. The design criteria involved addressing several new key technologies, including LED, liquid cooling, shallow optics, spectrometers, software architecture www.barco.com/cool and network interface. A big part of the design process was spent in the product architecture and system design. “To me, the most remarkable part in the design

Feature | red. 23

redefine_issue_6c.indd 23 2/05/11 11:52 Barco, what else?

In February 2011, Nespresso launched its brand new small brewer named Pixie, with a breathtaking multimedia production live on stage. This production was realized by Concept Solutions GmbH, with Barco image processing and projection technologies provided by Barco partner Grothusen AV. Strukt design studio created the content and projection mapping for the show.

A visual masterpiece is best shown in images, however. Check out the ‘making of’ and the show video on our website.

www.barco.com/pixie

24 red. | Case study

redefine_issue_6c.indd 24 2/05/11 11:52 Digital conversion for Blitz-CineStar

On 14 April 2011, Hrvoje Krstulovic, Board Member of Croatia’s leading cinema operator Blitz-CineStar, inaugurated Blitz-CineStar’s flagship multiplex in Zagreb’s prestigious new Arena Center. The brand-new multiplex is its third and most exciting multiplex in the Croatian capital.

“The bar had been raised very high, The best on the big screen both for quality and timing. We wanted a technology partner that could offer a In total, Blitz-CineStar ordered the differ- reliable, high-quality and future-proof ent DP2K projector types, each one tai- digital solution for all our multiplexes lored to fit the auditorium and screen size. within the space of just a year,” said The roll-out is well underway already, Krstulovic. “As our standards are high, and the cinema chain has become a we carefully scrutinized and compared Barco advocate: “Movies and cinema all the available projector brands.” The are our passion, so we don’t settle for contacts with Barco were extensive. anything less than the best technology. Both companies frequently met to ana- Barco has met, and even exceeded, our lyze the needs, discuss the product expectations. They succeeded in meet- offering and test Barco’s solution. “The ing the tight deadlines, and the image trials convinced us that Barco really does quality is beyond compare. In this way, use future-proof technology. Their digi- they really help Blitz-CineStar deliver the tal projectors provide unmatched light exciting cinema experience that we’ve output, while ensuring reliable, steady always dreamed of. operation,” Krstulovic continued. www.barco.com/digitalcinema

Case study | red. 25

redefine_issue_6c.indd 25 2/05/11 11:53 Do not disturb At the very basic level, meetings are about exchanging information. And usually, they are about making decisions. Because of today’s computerized office, many people bring their laptops to meetings or need digital sources to present cases or compare data. That’s where visualization comes in. “There are a few things to consider,” says Chris Colpaert, Strategic Marketing Director for Projection at Barco. Let’s start with money. It’s the alpha and omega of any business decision.

Chris: “Price is a no-brainer. Over-engineered, expensive visualization is often frustrating to work with anyway. Purchasing price isn’t everything, though. Another consideration is downtime. A cheap projector or flat panel backed up by no service, or made so that it is hard to self-service, will eventually end up costing much more than higher-priced, but purpose-designed equipment. It’s the total picture that counts. Will your lamps last long enough? Will your screen resolution match your source material in four years’ time?”

Speaking of resolution, HD is now the norm. Will it remain that way?

Chris: “For the foreseeable future, it will. Full, 1080p HD is still a safe option because it’s compatible with nearly every other common resolution. WUXGA resolution also comes into the picture, because it is basically HD but with an added 120 vertical lines. It is slightly better than HD, and is compatible with the latest generations of high-end laptops.”

26 red. | Feature

redefine_issue_6c.indd 26 2/05/11 11:53 How about brightness? Brightness scale Projectors, in particular, seem to keep getting brighter. A projector’s brightness is expressed Chris: “From an ergonomic point of view, and so people can keep reading their in lumens. Assuming daylight or rea- own notes, it is best to assume daylight conditions. Room size determines the sonably bright artificial lighting, here brightness you’ll need. It is, for once, not an upselling argument that it’s better is a rough overview of the brightness to err on the brighter side. You can always tone down an image in the rare scale that is comfortable for your case it’s too bright, but you can never crank up brightness without negative meeting rooms. consequences.” • 2 to 4 people: 1,500 – 4,000 lumens • 5 to 8 people: 4,000 – 8,000 lumens Connectivity is often an issue, too – people just want to plug • 9 or more: 8,000+ lumens in their computer and see what’s on the screen. • auditorium: 10,000+ lumens

Chris: “That’s true. Apart from seeking a projector that has the widest range of connectivity options, it should also be user-friendly. Again, this is obvious, but there are still a lot of systems out there with a complex way of selecting and displaying sources. You should make sure it fits your needs. A small meeting room benefits from a simple setup where only two sources would ever be needed simultaneously, whereas an auditorium or a big collaboration room is another animal entirely.”

If you were to sum up all that’s important in visualization for the meeting room, what would you say in one sentence?

Chris: “Ha, no. I would say that it’s all about choosing the right type of visualization that meets the requirements of the people that work with it, fits into your meeting room perfectly and guarantees a low total cost of ownership.”

Overview of common resolutions

• SXGA: 1400x1050 pixels in a 4:3 resolution. On the way out nearly everywhere. www.barco.com/presentation • HD: 1920x1080 pixels in a 16:9 resolution. This is true, full HD. There are also interlaced and digital variants with a smaller image size but a 16:9 aspect ratio that go by the name HD. • WUXGA: 1920x1200 pixels in a 16:10 resolution.

Feature | red. 27

redefine_issue_6c.indd 27 2/05/11 11:53 Science 1. Wireless communication

Science fiction is notorious for its continuous attempts to make First mention: 1923, in H.G. Wells’s ‘Men like predictions about future technology. Even if it isn’t the central theme Gods’ of its stories, it’s always involved on the side. And sometimes, it also While the description in the inspires scientists to make new technology breakthroughs. novel is fairly clunky, Wells made it clear that his characters communicated wirelessly – and Some predictions made by science fiction writers have turned out to be far-fetched even partly through mobile or untrue: in 2001, we did not have moon bases and neither did we send manned access points. Later science missions to Jupiter, and we’re lucky that 1984 did not pan out to be the nightmare that fiction authors saw wireless George Orwell imagined it could be. internet, voice and video communication as a given, However, unnoticeably, a lot of the technology imagined in the past is commonplace but it wasn’t until 1999 that today. We’re going to look at 10 technologies that were predicted much earlier than wi-fi really began to boom, you might think. and slightly under a decade later until it became a common feature for visualization products.

28 red. | Feature

redefine_issue_6c.indd 28 2/05/11 11:53 2. 3. Immersive 3D video conferencing

First mention: First mention: 1956, in Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘The City and the Stars’ 1889, in Jules Verne’s ‘The Year 2889’

Clarke described an immersive 3D setup in terms of gaming, and said: “You Video communication was and still is were an active participant and possessed—or seemed to possess—free will. common in science fiction, but its first The events […] might have been prepared beforehand, but there was enough mention predated the commercially flexibility to allow for wide variation.” Since the late 1980s, immersive 3D viable technology by nearly a century. became adopted by science and industry, and has enjoyed a steady growth This was doubtlessly aided by the ever since. incremental improvement in resolution as well as network capacity, and might have even amazed Verne himself, in that his prediction came true 900 years before he thought it would.

4. Networked control rooms

First mention: 1949, in George Orwell’s ‘1984’

While obviously used for malicious purposes in Orwell’s frightening dystopia, control rooms that keep an eye on the streets and are connected to a network of surveillance cameras have proven to be compatible with an open, democratic society. Control rooms certainly did exist in 1984, but it is only today that their scope and strength approaches the power they had in the novel.

Feature | red. 29

redefine_issue_6c.indd 29 2/05/11 11:53 5. 6. Distributed, simultaneous Flat panels broadcasting

First mention: First mention: 1933, in H.G. Wells’s ‘Things to Come’ 1930, in E.E. Smith’s ‘Skylark Three’

H.G. Wells obviously had the analogy of As early as 1930, authors imagined ‘visiplates’, basically radio to work with when he described mirror-like, flat surfaces that could call up crystal-clear televised broadcasts that would be images. Fairly flat LCD displays were of course common in simultaneously viewable all over the small, low-quality formats throughout the ‘80s, but their world. However, he predicted this breakthrough is definitely something of the last decade. With technology to exist by 2054. Thanks to see-through, extremely thin OLED displays on the horizon, this satellite and – later – network technology, prediction may finally come fully true. however, this has been a reality since the 1960s.

7. Touch displays

First mention: 1968, in Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’

Touch displays have been a staple of modern science fiction so ubiquitous that their growing adoption in a large number of consumer products by the late ‘90s hardly evoked any sort of surprise. In Aldous Huxley’s “A Brave New World” from 1952, media that involved a tactile element were a given. There have been advancements in force- feedback and multi-touch applications, but there is still a lot of distance to cover.

30 red. | Feature

redefine_issue_6c.indd 30 2/05/11 11:53 8. 9. 10. 3D design Meeting room collaboration 3D TV through visualization

First mention: First mention: First mention: 1956, in Robert Heinlein’s ‘The Door into 1953, in Isaac Asimov’s ‘Second 1951, in William Tenn’s ‘The Jester’ Summer’ Foundation’ With television still in its infancy, it’s At a time where even computers were a In “Second Foundation”, Asimov describes not a big surprise that forward-thinking novelty, the idea of CAD and 3D design a conference room where the walls have novelists came up with the 3D TV, which was ground-breaking. Ten years later, interactive projections on them that would remain a familiar sci-fi trope in CAD was a reality, and the ‘90s saw a each meeting participant can add to with decades to come. It took a lot longer drastic improvement in projected 3D their own content. It also doubles up as than 3D adepts had originally envisioned, quality that would allow for true 3D a digital, interactive blackboard. While a but 3D televisions do finally exist, though design. meeting room that’s a complete canvas it remains to be seen whether they will might be overkill, it took about 50 years enjoy the widespread success Tenn’s after Asimov’s novel for such technology fictional ‘Teledar’ had. to be invented and used. His name for it, ‘Prime Radiant’, will always be cooler than whatever companies will come up with, though.

Case study | red. 31

redefine_issue_6c.indd 31 2/05/11 11:53 Tablettruths You don’t need to be a techno geek these days to know that tablet PCs are taking the computer market by storm. Millions of consumers go wild about the compact portable design, tactile touch screen interface and sheer fun factor of their favorite ‘pad’, ‘tab’ or ‘slate’. But do these tablets also have a rosy future in purely professional market segments, such as healthcare for example?

What are tablets typically used for in healthcare?

55 million tablets will be Pietro: Perhaps the most typical application domain for tablet devices is the Electronic sold this year. By 2014, this is Medical Record. Within this area, tablets can provide nurses and doctors with real- expected to be 208 million. time access to critical information while on the go. This is vitally important when you know that one of the most common mistakes in hospitals is wrong patient medication Gartner, inc. due to human errors and incorrect or incomplete patient files.

32 red. | Technology

redefine_issue_6c.indd 32 2/05/11 11:53 But there is more. Tablets Lifecycle management is are also increasingly probably also an issue? combined with other medical devices, such Pietro: Absolutely. On the consumer as, for example, heart market, it is common practice to release monitoring equipment, hardware and software upgrades every dialysis machines or 12 or 18 months, which frequently pacemakers. In these creates compatibility issues. In hospitals, cases, they serve the role by contrast, lifecycles of 5 to 10 years of advanced ‘remote control’, allowing What makes these dedicated are by no means exceptional. Medical cardiologists or nephrologists to monitor medical devices different tablets have been specifically designed all patient parameters in real time and from regular ‘tabs’? to accommodate for this long-term adjust them if needed. horizon, while still ensuring compatibility Pietro: One of the most striking with new components and technologies differences you’ll notice straight away as they enter the market. They are a Can just any other standard is that medical tablets look a lot more safe, long-term investment, which is tablet be used in these rugged than others. They are built with exactly what healthcare facilities are medical environments? a robust screen cover – imagine patients looking for. getting hurt by shattered glass - and Pietro: For hospitals, patient safety is they will easily survive a 1 meter drop always the number one priority – it’s the on a concrete surface. You wouldn’t sacred mantra by which they operate. want to try this with your standard ‘tab’. www.barco.com/medical Every device they use must comply with stringent international safety standards In addition, healthcare tablets have a – particularly those used within the dust and water resistant housing to make patient’s vicinity. You might be tempted them easily cleanable and disinfectable. to think that all off-the-shelf tablets And they have been specifically comply with these standards, but the designed for low electromagnetic “One of the most common simple truth is that only dedicated ‘point- radiation to avoid disturbance of other mistakes in hospitals is of-care’ devices can meet these - often life-critical – medical devices in stringent safety stipulations. the neighborhood. wrong patient medication due to human errors and incorrect or incomplete patient files.”

“Healthcare tablets will easily survive a 1 meter drop on a concrete surface. You wouldn’t want to try this with your standard ‘tab’. ”

Technology | red. 33 redefine_issue_6c.indd 33 ” 2/05/11 11:53 Seeing in sunshine

When displays are used outdoors, in direct sunlight, their readability goes down due to low contrast and the light reflection. Recent technological advancements have now made it possible to still see images in a reflected glare. Interestingly, this applies High-bright LEDs High-efficiency LED light sources offer unrivalled performance in daytime and to an entire range of disparate sunlight conditions. Besides a high light output, LED backlights also offer a displays, from outdoor LED long lifetime, a low heat output and high vibration resistance, which add to the reliability of the display. displays to military touch screens to advertising billboards. Wide dimming range LED backlight technology also offers extended dimming capability, ensuring the best brightness for any light condition. In digital signage, for example, 8-bit dimming results in 255 different shades of brightness instead of the conventional 32.

Brightness control Bright daylight requires a high light output and vice versa. That’s why brightness control has a major impact on display readability. Thanks to smart software, it’s possible for a display to know exactly when the sun rises and sets, or even offer brightness compensation in rapidly changing light conditions.

Low reflection High reflections lead to weak contrast performance and hence decreased readability. When LED displays use contrast-enhancing shaders and light traps, however, they eliminate excess light and reflections. When a resistive touch screen is used, outdoor readability becomes even more difficult. To address this issue, the latest generations of rugged displays for military vehicles use low-reflection touch screens enhanced with a circular polarizer, which blocks the reflected light.

Optical bonding Rugged touch screens can be bonded to the front glass, which in turn is bonded to the LCD. This eliminates the conventional air gaps (air induces reflections) between all parts of the optical stack, which greatly improves outdoor readability.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 34 red. | Technology

redefine_issue_6c.indd 34 2/05/11 11:53 Details in darkness

Many professionals depend on accurate visualization to make critical decisions – even in circumstances with scant light available. While simply turning up the brightness of a display is a classic trick, it doesn’t work when that light drowns out your entire environment. Here are five techniques that help professionals in a number of fields cope with the challenge of seeing clearly in darkness.

LEDs in the night Latest-generation displays aboard armored vehicles come prepared for intensive use in low-light and dark conditions. Aside from their now standard LED backlighting for more vibrant colors and sharper contrast, a second set of LEDs kicks in at night. These guarantee compatibility with night vision goggles, which are often vital to the success of night missions.

Targeted angles While drowning an environment in light might give a brand a lot of exposure at night, people don’t appreciate light pollution or overstimulation. Hence, smart downward angles on LED tiles help point a display’s message at users, creating better focus and reducing excess light spill.

Increased infrared Military pilots use night vision goggles (NVG) in real life operations to see more at night. Realistic NVG stimulation in flight training is achieved by projecting images with very deep black levels, and allowing infrared light to pass through the projector. By carefully matching the ratio between this infrared light and the visible light, you can accurately create real-life night conditions, with much more realistic halo and blooming effects typically associated with NVGs.

Constant contrast dimming Just darkening a screen will not achieve realistic night mission simulation because of the loss of contrast. Constant contrast dimming, however, decreases light output while keeping the same contrast levels available, as is actually the case at night.

Dynamic range Simply put, the dynamic range is the difference between a display’s blackest and whitest values. The higher the dynamic range, the more realistic an image will be, and the better it will be readable under all circumstances. Through the use of high contrast LCoS displays and advanced constant contrast dimming, dynamic range levels in simulation display systems of up to 10 million to 1 can be achieved .

Technology | red. 35

redefine_issue_6c.indd 35 2/05/11 11:53 Colophon

Editors: Featherweight Charlie Sue Back, Eva Careel, Jerry Cao, Johan Bekaert, Leslie Ghekiere, Nancy Xiao C7 champion Managing editors: Jeroen Meuleman, Koen Vromant

Editor in chief: Lieven Bertier

Art, design and production: Nathalie Reynaert, Hans De Cock

Publisher: JP Tanghe Senior Vice President Barco responsible for Corporate Communica- tion, Investor Relations and Corporate Marketing; Compliance Officer Barco nv Pres. Kennedypark 35 B-8500 Kortrijk

For more info: [email protected]

Picture credits: AVS srl.(Abarth, Alfa, Dodge, Fiat, ‘Green’ doesn’t exclude high performance and low price. Barco’s C7 is an indoor LED Jeep, Lancia), CT Germany (Volkswa- display for rental as well as permanent installations, with a historically low power gen, Rolls Royce) p17-19, iStock p1-2, consumption and heat generation. Its 7 mm pixel pitch is the smallest in the value- p6-10, p14-15, p28-35, Strukt design for-money C-series of Barco LED tiles, and from the outset, the C7 was designed to be studio p24 and Daimler AG p16. All other images: copyright Barco ultra-thin, lightweight and easy to service without complicated tools. To boot, the C7 offers a 100,000 hour lifetime. All of its features render it the LED tile with the best Published three times per year. Printed in Belgium. image and contrast quality after its bigger brother, the NX. Reproduction of articles in whole or in part requires the permission of the editorial office. This also applies to storage in electronic databases or on the internet. www.barco.com/events

May 2011

In our article ‘Eight secrets of Beijing’ (p10), we asked you what was missing.

Answer: there are only seven secrets discussed, because number four was skipped. ‘Four’ is considered an unlucky number in Chinese culture, because in Chinese, the pronunciation of ‘four’ is the same as ‘dead’. This is also the reason why many Chinese red . try to avoid a car license plate containing this unfavorable number.

M70006-R00-0511-CM Printed on FSC certified paper (www.fsc.org)

www.barco.com

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