Table of Contents

Facility User Guides

This page gives an overview of each of the KVL user facilities and a basic user guide.


For additional questions or support, contact the KVL @ help@vis.kaust.edu.sa

Zone 1

Zone 1 is a Windows OS based 2D display wall. This wall features a central operator's station, and functions just like a standard Windows desktop environment. The wall is a 4×3 planar configuration with 24 megapixels. You can find Zone 1 in Showcase (Bldg. 1, Level 2, 2304) [ how to get there ].

Zone 2

Zone 2 is a 2D display wall in a 10×4 planar configuration with 40 megapixels. The wall features several different connection methods. The backend is a Linux cluster allowing for custom distributed visualizations to be displayed, or images and videos can be shown using the installed DisplayCluster software. In addition, users can stream their own desktops to the wall through DisplayCluster using the DesktopStreamer software provided below. Lastly, the wall makes use of Cinemassive, which allows us to switch the wall to a Windows desktop environment or to a wireless display configuration, allowing users to wirelessly connect their laptops, phones, or other devices to the wall using a web browser. You can find Zone 2 in Showcase: Bldg. 1, Level 2, 2304 (how to get there).

I have Something on My Computer I need to Display, how to do this?

There are many options to accomplish this, try one of the options below.

How do I stream content to Z2 - Tiled-Display-Wall using ClickShare?

  • Select ClickShare on the iPad
  • Connect one of the USB-C dongles to your device
    • This works with Windows and Mac only
    • The dongle will present as a CD drive. Open and run the driver.
    • Connect to the Wall
  • Alternatively, you can cast your screen
    • This works with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
  • Last resort (best option if trying to share a Linux screen)
    • Start a zoom meeting on the iMac on the desk
    • Connect the iMac to ClickShare
    • Share your screen on zoom to the iMac

How do I Play Videos or Show Presentations on Z2 - Tiled-Display-Wall?

  • Use One of the Connected PC's Using the iPad
    • Powerwall - Windows system displaying SAGE
    • Presentation - Windows system for showing presentations
    • Video - Windows system for showing videos
    • Mac - Mac system for showing presentations or videos
    • ClickShare - Wirelessly connect your own device, See ClickShare
    • Linux - Linux based system available in single or wide screen
  • To upload files to any of the Windows PCs, use below link

How do I stream content to Z2 - Tiled-Display-Wall using DesktopStreamer?

What is SAGE?

Smart Amplified Group Environment (SAGE) is a collaborative screen space where users can collaborate across devices and from remote locations. SAGE rooms are essentially boundless whiteboards where users can take notes, give presentations, share screens and more. All of this is then saved and can be used again later. In the KVL we use SAGE for our demo wall, which means that you can use it to view your collaborative space in large-format across our 40 screen Z2. This system is set in Wall mode, which gives a viewport to all clients, so that you know what information can be seen on the main screen. View the SAGE QuickStart guide and download SAGE to get started.

An awesome benefit of SAGE is that everyone in your group can have SAGE running and interact live with the board for collaborative meetings, discussions, and even to give presentations.

  • Select Powerwall on the iPad
  • Navigate to your SAGE board

KVL has their own instance of a SAGE server running on campus, meaning that anything uploaded to the server stays inside of KAUST. Simple go to: KVL SAGE Server.

  • If you don't want to download the SAGE client, you can view and create boards through the internet browser.
    • NOTE: Some functions may not work properly in browser

CUBES

The CUBES is a semi-immersive virtual reality environment featuring a 7×3 arrangement of stereo HD panels (42 megapixels) in a semi-circle configuration. It allows for partial immersion in your data, individually, or more ideally, with a large group, which is one distinguishing featuring setting it apart from head-mounted-displays. Users can use KVL Viewer or KVL Digital Twin Platform in CUBES. Users can also run Unity applications by using the GetReal3D plugin. You can find CUBES in Bldg. 1, Level 2, 2428 (how to get there).

What kind of data can I load and visualize on CUBES?

KVL Viewer and Digital Twin Platform on CUBES supports the following:

  • Images (2D and 360): PNG, JPG
  • Videos (2D and 360): MP4
  • Meshes: FBX, OBJ, GLTF/GLB, PLY, 3MF, DAE, 3DTZ
  • Points Clouds: under development
  • Gaussian Splats: under development

How do I load my own data on CUBES?

You can use the front-end Windows computer on the right side of CUBES to load your data on CUBES.

  • Turn on the screens by tapping on the control tablet (below the monitors) to turn it on, then press “Power On”.
  • Next steps coming soon.
  • Video Tutorial coming soon.

How do I run Unity Applications on CUBES?

You can use the front-end Windows computer on the right side of CUBES to run Unity Applications built with GetReal3D.

  • Turn on the screens by tapping on the control tablet (below the monitors) to turn it on, then press “Power On”.
  • Run GetReal3D app launcher.
  • Select the app you want to run, then click “Launch” button.
  • Put on the 3D glasses (the main user should use the glasses with track-balls) and use the wand controller to navigate.
  • Video Tutorial coming soon.

AR/VR Hub

The AR/VR Hub provides augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) resources as well as powerful Avizo workstations with segmentation tablets. AR and VR devices are available for use in the laboratory, along with high-end workstations for AR/VR development. The workstations can also be booked for using Avizo for data visualization, segmentation, and analysis. More information about AR/VR resources can be found here.

Users can log-in to any of the workstations using their KAUST credentials. Shortcuts for the publicly available applications, e.g., Avizo and Unity, can typically be found in the Desktop. Below are some guidelines for using this machine:

VR Workstation Guide

The VR Workstation, physically located in AR/VR Hub, is a high-end machine equipped with a Vive Pro 2 VR Headset, dedicated to VR application demonstrations and development. It has 2 Intel Xeon CPUs (E5-2667 v4 @ 3.2 Ghz), 768 GB RAM, RTX 8000 GPU with 48 GB VRAM. It is also equipped with a Wacom Cintiq pro pen and tablet interface for manual image segmentation using Avizo. When booking, make sure to select the “AR/VR Hub” option in our booking page and mention “VR Workstation” in the subject or description.

How do I run Avizo on Vive VR?

Similar to Zone 5 and CUBES, TechViz is used to connect Avizo with the Vive VR headset.

  • Follow exactly the same steps for running Avizo on Zone 5 except that instead of the 3D glasses, you use the Vive headset and its controllers.
  • You can also follow along this video (note that TechViz has to be opened before Avizo).