Forward-Thinking Venues Shaping Tomorrow's Gatherings
At InfoComm 2022 in Las Vegas, Panasonic Connect showed off an immersive meeting room demonstration that showcased the advantage of an advanced collaboration experience. The exhibit featured a conference table encircled by wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling projected content displaying a range of content, from nature landscapes to diagrams and software applications. The initiative was a result of a collaboration with Igloo Vision, a U.K.-based company specializing in the development of immersive spaces, which had also partnered with Christie and Fuji for their booths at the conference.
Are These the Meeting Spaces of the Future?
According to Igloo Vision, these innovative areas are more accurately described as the meeting spaces of the present. Immersive collaboration spaces allow meeting attendees to view and manipulate data in new ways, particularly benefiting the AECO (architecture, engineering, construction, and operations) sectors by streamlining the collaborative process. By using digital twin technology for construction sites and engineering projects, participants can make design modifications in real time, improving collaboration and understanding among team members.
These spaces can cater to both on-site and remote participants, offering an immersive experience that surpasses 2D renderings without compromising in-person meetings. Igloo Vision's technology, which incorporates the Igloo Core Engine (ICE) as the software platform, several components of hardware tailored to specific use cases, and content formatting tools, provides a comprehensive solution to setting up immersive collaboration spaces. The Igloo Media Player (IMP) is a single device that houses all the necessary components for running these spaces, simplifying setup and reducing the need for multiple technologies.
Effortless Content Formatting
A crucial element in deploying immersive collaboration spaces is the proper formatting of content, as improper programming can lead to distorted visuals. Igloo Vision's True Perspective feature addresses this issue, allowing users to format content with a single click to achieve the desired presentation quality.
Customizable and Flexible Implementations
Igloo Vision executes projects directly for end clients, but also works with AV designers and integrators. These immersive collaboration spaces can be custom-made, prefabricated, or installed into existing facilities that have been retrofitted for the purpose. Prefabricated spaces, commonly in the form of freestanding cubes or cylinders mounted into an existing room, are the most popular among clients. Nevertheless, immersive collaboration is possible in spaces of all sizes and configurations.
For instance, Igloo Vision has integrated a technology solution in a converted old broom closet for a real estate company, while also working on much larger, bespoke designs for other clients. One challenge in delivering a comprehensive immersive experience is when the space features glass walls or windows. However, this issue can be resolved by using color-graded blinds that can be extended or retracted based on the room's requirements.
Optimizing the Immersive Experience
The best immersive collaboration experiences are achieved in environments with minimal distractions, such as those with fewer windows or no windows at all. Acoustic control is also essential to prevent outside noise from interfering with the message being delivered in the space. When incorporating videoconferencing capabilities, camera performance might be affected, leading to less-than-ideal exposure during virtual meetings.
The Power of Interactive Displays
Display technology is a significant element in immersive collaboration environments, with the choice between dvLED and projection depending on the specific use case. dvLED technology can generate heat, making long collaboration sessions uncomfortable, while ambient light issues can compromise the quality of projector-driven experiences. Nevertheless, projector-driven spaces can create a theatrical experience that sparks creativity and changes user behaviors.
To incorporate interactivity, sensor technology can transform entire walls or conference tables into large interactive displays. In spaces featuring curved displays, interactive tables might be a better solution.
One challenge in selling immersive collaboration spaces is that it can be difficult for clients to envision the technology's potential. To overcome this, tech developers and manufacturers are building showrooms that clients may visit to explore and experience the options available.
For successful implementation, stakeholders must facilitate real-time collaboration, streamline communication, organize assets, and establish regular feedback and review mechanisms. By adopting these best practices, AECO disciplines can enjoy enhanced collaboration, improved design and visualization, increased efficiency, cost savings, and training opportunities.
- In the realm of business and technology, immersive collaboration spaces, as showcased by Igloo Vision, are revolutionizing the Way We Work, transcending the status of future conceptions and becoming the meeting spaces of the present.
- Within these advanced collaborative environments, the True Perspective feature plays a vital role in optimizing content presentation, ensuring that visuals appear undistorted for a seamless and engaging user experience.
- By partnering with AV designers and integrators, Igloo Vision offers a versatile solution for clients, catering to unique needs through customized, prefabricated, or retrofitted installations, accommodating spaces of various sizes and configurations.
