Digital Signage Universe

Ruskin Digital Gallery Uses State-of-the-Art Digital Signage and Projection to Exhibit Art

SEEN & NOTED: UNITED KINGDOM — Anglia Ruskin University, one of the largest universities in the East of England, has opened a first-of-its-kind digital gallery on their Cambridge campus. The Ruskin Digital Gallery uses an all digital format to display artwork on state-of-the-art high definition displays, as well as allowing traditional hanging, generating maximum flexibility for the gallery.

The Ruskin Gallery, part of the Cambridge School of Art, was opened by John Ruskin in 1858. The newly opened digital gallery provides a unique exhibition space that is surrounded by artists’ studios on the campus.

“This is a hugely valuable facility for Anglia Ruskin University, the city of Cambridge and the UK," said Chris Owen, Head of the Cambridge School of Art. "Whether students are studying fine art, photography, animation, or film production, the opportunity to exhibit digital artwork is of paramount importance in the contemporary art world. This exhibition space is already attracting interest from a wide range of international artists, and we are confident it will soon become a major attraction in the cultural life not just of Cambridge but the whole region.”

The project was developed by Snelling Business Systems, a UK-based supplier of integrated audio-visual systems and communications technology. The installation uses 3 Panasonic edge-blended projectors, several recessed Panasonic 42-inch high-definition displays complete with personal audio handsets, digital signage displays, and an interactive kiosk. The project also includes the world's first Panasonic 103-inch 3D high-definition plasma screen. Content management is controlled using Dataton's Watchout software which enabes content to flow from screen-to-screen via a dedicated fibre and copper based AV LAN. The gallery has also been fitted with a Bose Audio System, touch screen control surfaces, and an audio-visual control room.

The project has been shortlisted in the Education Project of the Year category in AV Interactive's 2011 AV Awards. Winners of categories will be announced at official ceremony taking place at the Hilton Park Lane on September 30, 2011. A complete list of AV Awards finalist can be viewed here.

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University of Oregon's Ford Alumni Center Uses Interactive Digital Signage and Directory

SEEN & NOTED:  EUGENE, OR  -  The University of Oregon has just opened a new Alumni Center that's providing a unique state-of-the-art multimedia experience for alumni and visitors. The Cheryl Ramberg Ford and Allyn Ford Alumni Center is a 60,000-square-foot structure that combines interactive digital signage and a multi-user, multitouch directory to connect with the University's past, present and future. The new center was designed by Opsis Architecture, a Portland-based architectural firm and Second Story, a Portland-based interactive multimedia design studio.

The multi-touch table features a searchable directory database of more than 210,000 graduates by name, school, class, or activity. To develop the directory, Second Story collaborated with MultiTouch Ltd., a Helsinki-based developer of modular multi-touch LCD screen displays. Over a four-month period the team developed the specifications and systems design for the interactive table. The table employs MultiTouch's Computer Vision Through Screen (CVTS) technology which scans the table's surface at 120 frames-per-second in both bright daylight and dark environmental conditions. MultiTouch's system creates interactive feedback for end users by translating multi-user touch inputs through their proprietary software application called Cornerstone. The system is capable of reading an unlimited number of inputs that include hands, fingers, 2D Markers, and real life objects.

"Directory systems in public buildings are usually static, single-user displays", said Timo Korpela, general manager of MultiTouch Americas. "We worked with Second Story to create a compelling interface that is playful, elegant, and respects the space in which it is installed. The University of Oregon understands the value of branding with leading-edge design and technology. We were pleased to deliver an application that delivers great functionality with high-concept design."

The Ford Alumni Center also features 9 display towers that feature interactive digital signage and artifacts. Each tower includes touch-sensitive floor-to-ceiling displays highlighting movies, images, slide shows, infographics and maps. Second Story created unique content for each media columns that focuses on different subject matter that includes  academics, athletics, student life, campus and community, and Notable Ducks - University of Oregon's Athletics teams.