Transforming learning spaces: Barco powers South Westphalia University’s XR Lab

At the forefront of immersive technology in higher education, South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Iserlohn, Germany, has created an innovative XR LAB. The laboratory supports cutting-edge research and teaching through an advanced multimodal space with a high-resolution, interactive CAVE powered by Barco's visualization and projection technology. 

Context

The XR LAB at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences (FH SWF) is a flagship facility within the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, serving both students and faculty for research, teaching, and product demonstration. The university’s ambitious project marks a significant milestone in its strategy to integrate extended reality (XR) technologies into academic and research environments.

The XR-LAB facilitates hands-on exploration of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) technologies. It is divided into several core areas, including a 3D CAVE, a space for wearable VR, and a conference room. 

Challenges

FH SWF sought a state-of-the-art solution that supports a wide range of applications – from advanced stereoscopic VR scenarios and highly detailed research simulations to traditional classroom lectures and corporate events.

The complexity of the infrastructure and the long list of technologies used throughout the lab, including the visualization set-up, the tracking systems, media servers, software and more; demand careful consideration and seamless integration.

Solution

FH SWF partnered with project:syntropy, who delivered and installed all visualization, computing, and media technologies for the lab’s core areas. At the heart of the CAVE project was Barco's laser projection systems, chosen for their ability to deliver ultra-high-resolution, immersive experiences required for the research and teaching

Together with the Barco XCITE team, project:syntropy designed a flexible and modular CAVE system with a 10m wide and 2,5m high trapezoidal 3-sided canvas with glass rear-projection screens. The glass screens are having a Barco proprietary high-contrast coating to ensure that details in the images are preserved. The mechanical design of the whole system ensures the creation of a large and seamless immersive space where multiple people can be engaged.

The system is powered by Barco's UDM-4K22 projectors and two additional UDM-4K15 for the CAVE’s floor. The Barco projectors can provide high-resolution 3D imagery for the immersive environment, allowing users to explore complex geometries and perform interactive simulations in active stereo VR.

The projectors were selected for their unmatched brightness, high-resolution 4K UHD output, and robust design, enabling the XR-LAB to deliver a smooth, immersive experience. Beyond technical considerations, noise reduction measures for the projectors were implemented to maintain a conducive learning environment with the powerful projectors operation quietly without disrupting teaching or research activities.

The IR tracking systems covering the entire area of the CAVE allow for precise motion capture and interaction within the virtual environments.

Meanwhile, a wireless presentation system supports the seamless integration of external inputs such as notebooks, tablets, smartphones and touch displays, making the room adaptable for traditional teaching and corporate presentations. It is also easy to connect streaming cameras and, if required, using additional microphones. A sophisticated media control system was also implemented to manage the complex infrastructure.

Results

The implementation of Barco's CAVE technology in the XR-LAB has transformed the research and learning environment at South Westphalia University. The university is proud of the CAVE environment which has become a vital tool for both students and researchers, providing a unique space opening new avenues for teaching. Lecturers can present both traditional 2D mono content and fully immersive 3D scenarios, fostering a richer educational experience. Corporate events, product demonstrations, and interactive workshops have also been seamlessly integrated into the lab’s schedule, demonstrating the wide applicability of the immersive CAVE solution.