Eliminating Distance in Scientific Computing: an Experiment in Televisualization
Robert B. Haber, D. McNabb, Robert A. Ellis · The International Journal of High Performance Computing Applications · 1990
The utility of video distribution of visualization results was demonstrated. Phillips had shown this previously in a local area. However, with the satellite connection and projection screen, the authors were able to demonstrate the concept over a long distance to 1,000 people in an evening. This form of image distribution is certainly feasible over campus- or community-wide geographies today. Many academic and industry facilities are already wired for video distribution. One of the authors (R.A.E.) lives in a community where the cable service is implemented with fiber- optic distribution of up to 120 channels. Video displays fully integrated into computer workstations are rapidly becoming a reality. While full-motion video in a window is still expensive, video interfaces at slower rates are readily available. A separate video monitor adjacent to the workstation can also be used. Finally, video compression and decompression techniques make possible transmission at less than the full broadcast bandwidths. The capabilities the authors demonstrated will not become routine until there are wide-geography, fiber-optic networks dedicated to supporting scientific computing. These networks will carry image (both compressed and uncompressed), graphical, and numerical data at high speeds from centralized sources of computation, and image generation to users located around themore » country. The first high-speed network facilities are currently being implemented. The development of computer software and hardware to implement and take advantage of these local networks will prepare us for the day when they can be expanded nationally and internationally.« less