Idea Lab: A Visual Analytics Laboratory

The UPIBI Idea Lab is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to immersive data visualization and collaborative analytics. As the first of its kind within the UPIBI network, the Idea Lab enables intuitive, high-resolution scientific communication, advanced machine learning workflows, and multi-user data exploration. Designed for researchers across all partner institutions, the lab supports a variety of analytic and presentation tools.

Book the Idea Lab here.

Display Capabilities

• CineMassive 16’ x 6’9” display wall consisting of 12 55” high-resolution HD monitors (24.9 megapixel resolution)
• CineMassive touch control access point allows users to easily display multiple (plugged-in) devices to the display wall
• Seven HDMI input stations located throughout the room
• Capable of displaying many images instantly on the display wall with available web applications
• Planar 98” 3D-capable 4K touch display monitor with 8.3 megapixel resolution
• Planar TouchMark premier annotation and whiteboarding software

Computing Capabilities

• Our NoSQL graph database (“NeuroWeave”) server is used to store, map and query relations between stored data:
  Dell R830, 20 Xeon cores, 1.5TB RAM, 25.6TB SSD disk space
• High performance computing cluster for data visualization and AI analytics:
  Dell FX2 with 8 x FC430 blades systems comprising 224 Xeon cores, 2TB RAM, 8TB SSD disk space, and 64TB external storage

Other Features

• Comfortable seating for 14 with additional standing space
• Virtual reality station with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets
• Audio conference capabilities
• 6’ x 4’ whiteboard

Who Can Use the Idea Lab?

UPIBI prioritizes access with the institutional research community. Researchers are defined as staff, post-docs, and students:

1. Idea Lab software development team
2. UPIBI faculty and researchers
3. Partner institution faculty and researchers
4. Other affiliated faculty and researchers

How Can I Make a Reservation?

View allocated time slots for each priority group and reserve online. Unreserved time may be released to other groups 24 hours in advance. To request permission, contact Isaac Kopec.

What Equipment Is Available?

Two ways to use the display walls:

1. Via Alpha server – connect multiple devices and view simultaneously using touch control
2. Via Bravo server – a large Windows desktop. Use Web software like Image Explorer or Grid Manager

Available adapters and equipment:

• VGA to HDMI
• Apple Lightning to HDMI
• Thunderbolt to HDMI
• USB Type-C to HDMI
• Micro USB to HDMI MHL
• Thunderbolt to Ethernet
• USB Type-C to Ethernet
• USB 3.0 and Ethernet hub
• Power strips on table and floor

Can I Make a Conference Call?

Yes, dial 215-898‐6663. Ceiling microphones and speakers are used. Dial-out is allowed for local/toll-free calls.

Ideal File Types and Resolutions

Display wall resolution: 7680 x 3240. Use high-resolution images:

• Photoshop: 300 ppi or greater
• R: PNG at 600 dpi
• PDFs display well; some may not resize properly

Food and Drink Policy

Only bottled or covered water is allowed.

Additional Information

Full policies and info are available. The Idea Lab is in room C212, 2nd Floor, Levitt Building, 38 Orchard Street. Hours: 10:00am–4:00pm.

For questions or suggestions:

• Paul Wang, Technical Director: zhipwang@upibi.org
• Miguel Hernandez, Assistant Technical Director: herv@upibi.org

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