RADOLFZELL, Germany – The Max-Planck-Institute for Ornithology is using many of the products in the coolux Pandoras Box range for the interactive projected visuals at its visitor center, which was converted from a former chicken shed. Through the use of infrared camera tracking, the center features a motion-controlled keymask for animated clouds on a projected world map. Four coolux MediaPCs are used to merge the images captured by four-gigabit infrared-cameras.
As visitors enter the main room, their presence effectively brushes the projected clouds aside, an effect created with two Pandoras Box servers with DVI-input. Four projectors, set up in Softedge mode, then project the interactive world map and the clouds onto the ground of the visitor center.
Every step the visitors take across the map causes the clouds to move a bit further away to reveal detailed bird migration routes.
In addition:
- 10 Pandoras Box Players are used to run the 10 projective-capacitive touchscreens that are positioned behind custom-made glass surfaces.
- Two Pandoras Box Players run the main screen as a virtual device so that it can function as a live backup system.
- Multiple Widget Designers are used to receive and process interaction signals that are then transmitted back to the media equipment.
In terms of content, the available show elements include 16 thematically structured main themes with 2,000 individual animation files, supported by 5.1 surround sound files that are played via in-ceiling speakers.
The visitors can access all of the 16 themes using any of the 10 available touchscreens on site.
One main touch screen is used for show control and can be accessed through a login screen by staffers.
The integration of the different system components was designed to make the institute's scientific research more interesting and accessible to visitors.
Using coolux Pandoras Box software and Widget Designer, the installers were able to get the new visuals system installed in a two-week time frame.
Schemata und Reuter GbR München, Vitoli GmbH and Kubina Werkstätten GmbH were involved in the project.
Key individuals who played a role include Dr. Martin Wikelski, supervisor; Babette Eid, realization/controlling; Gerhard Reuter and Nigon Lange, project leaders; Axel Loritz, design; Patrick Schneider, media-planning; and Patrick Verhey, Pandoras Box integration.
The gear included:
- coolux Pandoras Box Player STD 4/2
- coolux Pandoras Box Manager STD
- coolux Pandoras Box Server LT
- coolux Pandoras Box camera tracking PC
- Pandoras Box Widget Designer STD
- IR tracking camera
- infraBeam plate
- ELC Node 1 Art-Net/DMX-Interface
- LSS DMX-Interface 6x25A,TS35
- Heddier 19" touch monitor
- Vivitec D930TX ultra short throw projector
For more information, please visit www.orn.mpg.de, www.vitoli.de, www.upt-online.com and www.coolux.de.
