Installed as part of the e-Science Initiative, it is primarily seen as a research tool, allowing individuals or groups to collaborate with colleagues at other institutions in furthering their work. Sessions can be informal or formal, and can take the form of meetings, seminars, lectures, or just work sessions.The geowall made up of images from 3 projectors; 2 of which are showing video images from the sites, while the 3rd has a PowerPoint presentation (which can be animated).
Why use the Access Grid?
Whatever form the sessions take, it is possible to exchange information or data via PowerPoint presentations (see above photograph), slide shows or Whiteboard connections.Unlike standard video conferencing, it is easy to link to several venues, having the capacity to connect 40 different locations if required - although, routinely, 3 to 4 venues would produce a very effective work session.
The venues could be a mix of national and international - i.e. the possibility to link to anywhere that has the Access Grid installed.
Unlike video conferencing, which relies on telephone links and costs, the Access Grid uses the existing computer broadband network, and incurs No added cost (there is a charge outside of normal working hours).
Location:
The Access Grid room is the Library Conference Room, and is situated at the far end from the entrance of level 0 (past the Library Help Desk).How the Access Grid works:
Given that the Access grid is computer- and software-driven, it can be seen as an extension of standard computer practice. It also relies on one of the introductions seen in computer-based messaging – chat rooms or virtual venues.The Access Grid, which was developed in the USA at the Argonne National Laboratories, uses Servers at ANL, at inSORS (our suppliers in Chicago) or, in the UK, at the Access Grid Support Centre, based in Manchester. A number of virtual venues have been created, with each user having its own venue (although it does not rule out using someone else’s venue). Meetings are held in these virtual venues. For the most part, security is not an issue, however, it is possible to encrypt a meeting if required, and this is now made easier with the latest version of the inSORS software.
Part of the controlling computer’s desktop, with some of the projected images on the geowall.
H.323 Video Conference Link:
Because of the number of cameras, mics and projectors in use, best results are achieved between Access Grid sites. However, it is possible for an Access Grid site to connect to a video-conferencing site using H.323 protocol.
There are limitations; the video-conference site has to be called up by the Access Grid site, and is limited to one camera from the video-conference site.
Also, depending on the set-up at the video-conference site, incoming camera signals may be limited to one – although it is possible for the Access Grid technician to toggle between cameras to switch from one camera to another if, for example, the speaker is not in shot.
The Room:
Access Grid use is achieved by inSORS (Chicago)-installed equipment consisting of an IG Cube (computer and echo cancelling devise), 3 data projectors, 4 microphones, 2 speakers and a projection wall.
Alternative to the Access Grid Room:
The Access Grid facility works well with both individuals and groups. For individuals, there is an alternative; a Personal Interface to the Grid, or PIG.This merely consists of a computer with Access Grid software plus webcam and headsets, and can be used in any room with good network connections.
Computer specifications are: Pentium 4, with a 1gig clock speed and 512mb of RAM - although, computers with lesser specifications will also work.
Given that a good computer is available for use, costs of webcam and headsets are small. inSORS software is, however, expensive -£600
The PIG is ideal for one person, and can work well with two people.It also allows more freedom in use.Meetings can be arranged at much shorter notice, particularly if it is a one-to-one meeting. There is also no need to get a room booked either.
Other Considerations:
In addition to the details about venues and testing, if it is intended to use any form of presentation e.g. PowerPoint, or share data between venues, this should be made known, and the appropriate files should reach the operator 2 days in advance of the meeting to ensure they are loaded and ready to use. Also, if the meeting is a formal one, and there is an agenda, this should be provided so the operator knows the order of any individual presentations.Also, when booking the room, ensure that other colleagues book their own rooms.
Flexibility:
One of the Access Grid's advantages (over video-conferencing) is in its degree of flexibility in how the video images are presented, as well as in the degree of control of cameras during a meeting. In addition, it has the ability to transfer data in various forms between sites.PowerPoint:
PowerPoint is a flexible tool in itself, and can appear at all sites with the presenter still maintaining full control of the presentation. This is achieved by using IGPix – part of the inSORS suite of hardware and software, but, it is available separately to non-inSORS users. (See photograph 1 for an example of a PowerPoint display.)VNC:
Where discussion (or work) may involve modelling, it is possible for other sites to manipulate the model under discussion by using VNC (Virtual Network Computing). Participating sites will need to have VNC installed (freely downloadable from www.realvnc.com) but, once URLs and passwords are exchanged, the transfer of the model (as part of the desktop of the host’s computer) is quick. Control of the desktop and the model is then available to other participants as and when they need to rotate, zoom, etc.Booking arrangements:
Requests for use of the Access Grid room should be made 7 days in advance of the scheduled meeting. This enables the room to be booked but, more importantly, information about the different venues has to be obtained, and then arrangements made to do a test link before the actual meeting to ensure that all works well on the day.Anyone thinking of making a booking will also need to check with colleagues at the other venue(s) to ensure that the Access Grid facilities are available for the time and date of the intended meeting.
