DDaT25381 - 3D Visualisation Facility LED upgrade

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) British Geological Survey (BGS) has used projection based 3 Dimensional active stereographic displays for 20 years. UKRI now wish to update their existing 4K rear projection system (4.6mx2.4m) to a LED system. The immersive 3-Dimensional Visualisation Facility (i3DVF) is a multi-use resource, although around 75% of use is with GeoVisionary geoscientific visualisation software, with 3D geological modelling making up the other 25%. The i3DVF is a flexible working environment, which can accommodate small groups of scientists working at desks, or presentations to groups of more than 20.

1. Key features and capabilities

The system must have a primary display of seamlessly tiled LED panels with a pixel size of less than 1.5mm

The system must be capable of displaying compatible software applications in active 3D stereoscopic mode.

The system requires an immersive Virtual Reality motion tracking system that operates seamlessly with our main 3D VR software, GeoVisionary

For stereo applications, the system will use quad buffered sequential stereo with active glasses, 120Hz refresh rate

The system will be straightforward to use, requiring very little training for users with basic computer knowledge.

The system must have a central controller for screen operation, switching and management, including room lighting options, sound options and changing PC source.

The main 3D-capable PC will be controllable by wireless keyboard, mouse and SpaceMouse, as well as the tracking system controllers (when using motion tracked VR applications).

Suggested specification for a PC: 256GB RAM 10TB SSD storage, high end processor with the latest NVIDIA graphics card technology.

The system should have easily managed brightness controls, with no loss of colour fidelity at lower brightness settings (≥30%)

A system with low power usage, high brightness and low noise is essential.

The system needs a high-fidelity display for image analysis and close up working - assessment will be based on screen resolution, pixel pitch, brightness and refresh rate

It will allow other computers to be connected and displayed as PiP on the main display, also with 3D stereographic capability, or as independent sources

The system must be capable of running mixed 2D and 3D applications on the same screen.

A high-quality sound system is required that can be used for VR demonstrations as well as for videoconferencing.

The system should allow for HMD(Head Mounted Display) connection for collaborative working (user on HMD collaborating with users on main screen)

30 rechargeable wireless active stereo shutter glasses with a charging station must be provided

It would be advantageous if trade-in was available for our existing Christie Boxer 304K projectors. There are two - one with 6000 hours of use (faulty shutter and one faulty lamp rail) and one with around 500 hours (fully functioning)

2. Operational Requirements

The system will be capable of running with minimal downtime, ideally none. The immersive visualisation facility is used frequently by staff (highest recorded usage was 195 out of 215 working days) and must be easy to learn and use by any staff that log into the PC with individual BGS credentials.

Low power usage

High brightness

Must connect to the BGS network to make available all network drives.

3. Installation

The LED system will replace the existing rear projection system, in the same room. The screen is 4.6 x 2.4 metres and UKRI doesn't anticipate the size changing much. Height is restricted by a concrete ceiling. Width is restricted by the requirement for a door to a storage area behind the wall installation.

The i3DVF is often used for capability demonstrations to visitors, so must be of a high aesthetic standard as well as operating with very high reliability

4. Power Requirements

The system should be able to run from standard UK 13A sockets.

5. Software

The system must be powered by a Windows PC with the latest operating system to be managed by the BGS IT & Security team

6. Training

Ideally, very little training will be needed, but any instruction for use and maintenance will be provided by the supplier at handover.

7. Service Maintenance and Support (including whole life support)

There should be immediate support by telephone or email during key working hours (9-5)

On-site visit within 2-5 working days as a minimum to resolve technical issues depending on urgency

There should be a single point of contact for all aspects of support

On-site spare parts that can be replaced by the user should be provided

8. User and Service Manuals

Basic user manual to be provided for operating the system, along with a basic troubleshooting guide

Training and operator documentation to be provided at handover

9. Quality Assurance

Part of the handover will include acceptance testing and snag resolution that will include checks of the system components, the control systems, the main screen and the tracking system

Check system powers up and is controllable via central control panel

GeoVisionary software runs in 3D stereo both tracked and untracked, function of external laptop connections and PiP works,

All peripherals function

10. Warranty

Provide details of standard warranty, plus options for 3 and 5 year warranty extensions

11. OEM

If the vendor is not the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) the vendor MUST provide, in writing a recently dated (i.e., within the past year) and signed letter from the OEM recognising them as the fully authorized and qualified vendor of the products and accessories

12. Lifecycle

Expected 10 year lifecycle

13. Key Dates

The system must be fully installed and operational before 31/03/2026, the final contract end date will include warranty.