CONTROL ROOM DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS

Installation of Large Screen Systems

To ensure mechanical stability and robustness, the structures and the chassis of the cubes should have a stable and robust construction. This is the case even if large screen systems are used for fixed installations. Everything should be premounted (chassis, projectors, mirrors, screens on frame). This will save much time (and there­fore money) during the screen installation. Some vendors offer systems which are delivered in preconstructed sets (the complete cube housing is dismantled in parts,

ECS Server 1

Redundant Netpix System

FIGURE 4.39 A redundat large-screen system.

as well as mirrors, screens, and frames). While this may seem convenient, it can also cause problems as the technology installation becomes more complicated and less accurate. Postinstallation, there will need to be adjustments to the system to ensure effective and problem-free operations.

In general, such a system consists of the following parts: a large screen cube (including 45° mirror, six-axis projector geometry adjustment, projector engine, rear panel); the screen, premounted on a screen frame; a base structure; cabling (includ­ing the connection between the controller and the cubes and/or cables to sources); a controller; source connections; and input power cabling. Before installation can begin, everything must be checked on site to see if the site is ready for such an installation. An important point to check is the accessibility to the site for the instal­lation engineers (including room to manoeuvre the installation equipment and the components of the large screen system). The site should be checked for freeness from dust and, if deemed necessary, cleaned before the start of the installation process. It is wise to check availability of all source connections and power cabling (including that there is sufficient length of appropriate cabling and that the cabling, when con­nected, will be inconspicuous). These preinstallation tasks completed, the metal base fittings for the cubes must be fixed on the floor. This can be to the computer floor or to the base floor of the room. The standard height of such a basement is in general

1.0 metre from image bottom. Next, the installation engineers can begin mounting the display cubes.

The cubes are placed one on another and next to each other and then attached to each other. Depending on the configuration, the size of the cubes, and number of rows, it may be necessary to stabilise the base in order to prevent the completed wall from tipping over. Once the cube fixture is stable, then the screens can be inserted. The screens will need to be adjusted mechanically and fixed firmly. The controller can next be installed. Most often this will be placed inside the base of the wall (usually this is in standard 19-inch racks). Finally, the system can be connected and the sources can be plugged in. Once the mechanical installation is complete, the adjustment and the software installation can begin. After this installation of the large screen wall, the base structure can be covered and embedded in the control room design.