Barco launches its new operator workspace solution: OpSpace.
OpSpace enables operators to work more efficiently by providing access to the required sources and applications on one workspace environment consisting of multiple displays.
Due to tight regulations, technological limitations and costs, operators can currently access only a portion of the required information, or they have to physically switch between different workstations. The solutions on the market today address certain problem points, but not in their entirety and not strictly from a user-centric perspective.
In this Big Data era (with increased systems complexity, scope and scale), the information that control rooms require to be effective has increased enormously. At the same time, cyber security threats are now a reality, placing new demands on the operator’s work, process and tools. This makes it more difficult for operators to access different sub-systems securely in order to visualize the complete situation in a coherent and organized way.
Barco says its OpSpace is the first personal workspace that enables operators to be more efficient by integrating viewing and control over standard IP networks with low latency. This creates a single workspace for viewing, monitoring and interacting with a number of remote PCs.
By maintaining network isolation and security, OpSpace enables an operator to view and operate multiple clients that reside on multiple networks with different security clearances or liability concerns. This is especially useful for legacy systems or networks that need to be legally or operationally separate but managed by one operator.
Barco explains it this way: “OpSpace provides pixel/visual level integration or ‘blending at the glass level’.”
All relevant information can be consulted and manipulated within a single pixel space, with just one mouse and keyboard, with freely moveable windows across multiple displays and a large number of signals per display (high-density decoding). In this way, the operator is at the center of the information and has all data within easy reach – even from secure networks, thanks to Barco’s ‘blending at the glass level’ concept.
With one click, the operator can call any application into a work area positioned in front of him or her. The operator can then interact with this application while maintaining an overview of the other sources still present in his/her peripheral vision. This provides a more ergonomic and intuitive way of working, contributing to lower stress levels and better decision-making.
Because security is essential in control room environments, Barco’s OpSpace provides secure access across multiple domains, integrating only at the presentation layer. Operators are also physically separated from the back-end systems that host the content, so that the system complies with governmental regulations and corporate requirements.
OpSpace user interface is easy to use and features a Follow me function which loads the operator’s personalized workspace, providing the operator’s preferred applications and sources in their pre-defined locations so the operator can start working immediately without having to adjust settings.
OpSpace is designed for use in 24/7 environments.