Data Visualization Wall

1. Background 
 
The MechDyne Volume is a 32-foot curved 3D display wall installed in the lower level of the O’Shaughnessy Science Hall on the University of St. Thomas’ St. Paul campus. Funded through a grant from the Army Research Lab as part of Congress’s annual budget allocation, the Wall began operations in June of 2025,  and serves as a powerful resource for faculty and staff researchers to visualize complex data, present findings, and deliver interactive, immersive lessons. 

Beyond academic use, The Wall team seeks to build collaborations with local companies and other partners, with a goal of fostering industry connections and generating revenue for the University of St. Thomas. The space can accommodate up to 28 people in a shared stereo 3D experience, making it ideal for group-based research demonstrations, teaching sessions, and high-impact presentations. 

  2. Technical Specifications 

Display 

  • Dimensions: 32 feet wide (curved surface) 

  • GPU – Dedicated 2 x RTX NVIDIA A6000  

  • Resolution: 8640 × 1890 pixels 

  • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz (maximum 60 FPS in stereo 3D) 

  • Stereo 3D: Active 3D with infrared-synced shutter glasses 

Audio & Visual Systems 

  • Audio: Integrated surround sound system 

  • Microphone: Dedicated ceiling microphone for clear audio capture 

  • Camera: Built-in camera for video conferencing and live demonstrations 

Control & Tracking 

  • Operator Workstation: Dedicated system for managing content and experiences 

  • Tracking System: ART tracking system for real-time head and hand tracking, using silver markers on the primary user’s glasses and controller 

Additional Capabilities 

  • Video conferencing support with integrated AV system 

  • Suitable for immersive 3D experiences, large-format 2D displays, and hybrid presentations 

3. Roles, Support and Software 

Operator & Visualization Engineer: Utsav Dev Manandhar (mana8600@stthomas.edu) 

  • Specializes in turning research data and teaching resources into interactive, immersive 3D experiences utilizing specialized software including the Unity Pro Game Development Engine, GetReal3D, MechDyne’s proprietary software which enables stereo rendering,  and additional creative tools such as Photoshop, Blender and Canva to enhance realism and immersion 

  • Provides design consultation and development support 

Management and Consultation: Eric Tornoe, Associate Director of Research Computing and Emerging Technology (ejtornoe@stthomas.edu) 

4. Use Cases 

Research Applications:  

  • Complex data visualization 

  • Scientific simulations 

  • Model exploration 

Educational Applications:  

  • Interactive teaching tools 

  • Immersive lectures 

  • VR content display 

Public Engagement:  

  • Immersive tours/walkthroughs 

  • Demonstrations for prospective students 

5. How to Collaborate 

  • Review Criteria: 

  • Impact – Contribution to research, teaching, or public engagement 

  • Ingenuity – Creative visual storytelling or innovative use of technology 

Development Process: 

  • Initial consultation 

  • Preparation of an idea sheet for interaction and design planning 

  • Iterative development and testing 

  • Final deployment on The Wall 

6. Contact 

Find us at: 

  • Eric Tornoe (ejtornoe@stthomas.edu) 

 
Support Hours: M - F (9:00 to 17:00) 

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