Future Technology Center is a Project owned and operated by Lootah Information Technology Solutions. During my work with them as Executive Consultant I’ve managed to develop the concept of The Visualization Technology Center which is the heart of Lootah FTC Project. The project delivers a superior Visualization Technology to be used in many industrial fields.
2. Vision & Mission
Our vision is to monitor closely the changing role of IT from
Information Technology to Interconnect Talent.
Between the contrast of old days concept for the IT role
“collecting information” and age of Information overload
and nowadays
Nowadays, IT and Technology are perceived and seen as
enabler, driver of business with virtualization and open
sources since IT has become much easier to deploy new
products and services.
3. Vision & Mission
Believing that change favors the prepared mind and it is all about:
• All project work
• Projects build talented firms
• Projects build our brand
• Projects that matter
• That can make a difference
• That we can brag about forever
• That transfer the enterprise
• That can make all smile
• That highlight the value added.
4. Vision & Mission
In the talent firm we think:
• Solutions
• Customers' benefit
• Customers and customers' benefit
• Customer delight
• Best in class
• Professional services in the future
• Professional talent is the value
Eng. Yahya Saeed Lootah
5. Executive Summary
The virtual reality power wall and CAVE which will be established by
Lootah IT Group will of course first and foremost provide access to
the construction and real estate segments of the company.
Furthermore, and once we have gotten a handle on the capabilities of
the technologies we will be able to branch out to other market
sectors, some of which are outside the scope of the Lootah Group.
These sectors include: Oil & Gas research and exploration, medical
research, academic research, air traffic control simulation.
With this project we have the support of the Franhofer Institute that
may bring their leading research into practice in the UAE, similar to
the model we have seen in Manchester (using an Orad cluster and
Mechdyne Power wall). We further know that both Orad and
Mechdyne are our partners for the long run, and will work with us on
developing plans for attracting these market sectors to our business
unit.
6. Executive Summary
Our focal is to jointly work and utilize our partners technology
capability to allow us to create custom visual systems for a wide
variety of applications, configurations, and facility sizes. Utilizing the
spool of expertise in computer graphics and physics-based modeling
to create high-fidelity visualization applications for science and
engineering, providing our customers with high-performance, high
quality visualization solutions; high-contact, rapid response
consultation, service, support and the highest value available for any
given performance level.
Establishing the unique, unparalleled and unmatched FIRST :
FUTURE TECHNOLOGY CENTER in the region
Introducing the Virtual Reality technology
branded as ” V ” Concept
•Not only profit generator and technology transfer point,
•Startup point for future technology based industry in the
region.
•Leading name for more than Visualization set up .
•Part of the vision to reach there, and to become pioneers
7. Introduction
1.1 Project Description
This project involves the installation of a 6-Walled 22MP
CAVE immersive display system and a 8MP Power Wall.
1.2 6-Walled CAVE components
Display system
• 6 rear-projected display walls of approximately 3m x 3m
size each in the form of a cube with 5 soft screens and one
rigid acrylic floor screen specified for optimum color-
matching
• Each display wall comprises a 1920x1920 active-stereo
display using 2 native 1920x1080 (HD ) active-stereo 3-
chip DLP projectors making a total of total of 12
projectors.
• The CAVE structure is designed to create a totally
immersive display environment without any shadows cast
by the users.
8. The Project at a Glance
Project Name Future Technology Center
Total Investment Cost US $8,000,000
Initial Working Capital US $ 8,000,000
Manpower 15
Return On Investment (ROI) 36 Month
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 0.28
Breakeven Point 33% of production
capacity
9. Introduction
Computer Video Graphics generation
• The image generator for the 6-Walled CAVE will be a 48-
node Graphics Cluster. Each projector will be driven by a
video signal created from the composited output from 4
graphics workstations.
• In addition to the Graphics Cluster, a high-end graphics
workstation running with two 24-inch 1920x1200 LCD
monitors will be used to run the application and control.
This Master station will drive one CAVE wall and/or the two
monitors and will be located at a console desk outside the
entrance of the CAVE.
3D Stereo Systems
• Long-range IR emitters for active-stereo will be installed
one for each wall and one is to be kept as a spare.
• A total of twenty-four (24) active-stereo shutter-glasses
will be provided; twenty pairs for everyday use and four to
be kept as spares.
10. Introduction
Tracking System
• The CAVE system will have an optical tracking system from ART (Advanced Real-time
Tracking GmbH) for the optimum tracking of the locations and orientations of one head
target and one hand target inside the CAVE .
Audio System
• A high-quality 7.1 Dolby surround-sound system will be installed for the CAVE environment.
Control System
• A 12-inch wired touch-panel control system will be used for controlling the projectors, video
matrix switcher, keyboard/mouse switcher, stereo-sync switcher, and audio receiver.
11. Introduction
Software
The proposed system will be supplied with Conduit for 3D
Studio Max, which consists of the following software
components
• 1 x Conduit for 3D Studio Max, (installed on the Master PC)
• 1 x Conduit Core, (installed on the Master PC)
• 1 x Conduit Non-Planar Option, (for the CAVE
configuration)
• 1 x Conduit Tracking Option, (for the ART tracking system)
• 48 x Conduit Nodes, (one for each node in the Orad PC
Cluster) Enable desktop applications to
operate on cluster-based virtual
• ART Dtrack software environments and tiled high-
resolution displays
12. Introduction
1.3 PowerWall System
Display system
• PowerWall screen, approximately 4.5m wide, 2.4m tall,
Soft-screen mounted to rigid frame inside wall opening.
• Capable for both active-stereo and passive-stereo rear
projection
•
8MP Projection system consisting 2 Sony 4K SXRD
projectors, (stacked for 3D stereo operation) 10,000
Lumens per projector and 4096x2160 Native resolution in
stereo.
• Beacon Electronics System for shutter control and stereo
sync generation
• Four long-range IR emitters for active-stereo will be
installed for optimum coverage for an audience wearing
shutter-glasses in front of the screen
• 10 pairs of enhanced CE-3 active-stereo shutter-glasses
• 50 pairs of “disposable” active-stereo shutter-glasses
• 50 pairs of passive-stereo glasses
13. Introduction
PowerWall System
Computer Video Graphics generation
• The image generator for the 8MP PowerWall will be a 16-node Graphics Cluster. Each
projector will be driven by four video signals. Each video signal will be generated from the
composited output from 2 cluster nodes.
• In addition to the Graphics Cluster, there will be a Master Control system for running
applications. The Master Controller will be a high-end graphics workstation running with four
24-inch 1920x1200 LCD monitors. The Master PC can drive one either one projector at 4K
resolution in mono, or both projectors at 2K resolution in stereo
Picture-in-Picture System
• A Spyder Picture-in-Picture (PiP) processor from Vista Systems will enable multiple video
sources to be displayed currently on the screen, at any position or size.
Tracking System
• The PowerWall system will have an optical tracking system from ART (Advanced Real-time
Tracking GmbH) for the optimum tracking of the locations and orientations of one head
target and one hand target.
14. Introduction
PowerWall System
Video conferencing
• A video conferencing facility will be available with the
PowerWall system. Three ceiling-mounted Sony video
conference cameras which can be remotely operated via the
touch-panel control system, with pan, tilt and zoom controls
and Access Grid PC-based video conferencing software along
with a video-capture facility will be available.
Audio System
• A high-quality 7.1 Dolby surround-sound system will be
provided for the PowerWall audience. Seven speakers and
one sub-woofer will be provided and mounted around the
CAVE environment. A surround-sound receiver will be
provided with support for a digital audio source from the
Master PC. Stereo audio from two laptops will also be
supported.
• In addition, three wireless hand-held microphones and one
lapel microphone will be provided. An audio mixer with
echo-cancellation will be provided for the microphones,
which will enable them to be used for PC-based video
conferencing.
15. Introduction
PowerWall System
Control System
• A 12-inch wired touch-panel control system will be provided for controlling the projectors,
video matrix switcher, Picture-in-Picture processor, keyboard/mouse switcher, audio mixer,
and audio receiver.
Software
The proposed system will be supplied with Conduit for 3D Studio Max, which consists of the
following software components:
• 1 x Conduit for 3D Studio Max, (installed on the Master PC)
• 1 x Conduit Core, (installed on the Master PC)
• 1 x Conduit Non-Planar Option, (for the CAVE configuration)
• 1 x Conduit Tracking Option, (for the ART tracking system)
• 16 x Conduit Nodes, (one for each node in the Orad PC Cluster)
• ART Dtrack software
16. Introduction
1.4 Training
Operational and day-to-day maintenance training will be
provided for all hardware and software to be provided by
Mechdyne. The training will last one day and can
accommodate 6 people from a range of different
backgrounds. Training will be customized for the particular
equipment to be installed and for the type of people
attending.
17. Introduction
Potential Sectors
5%
Planning future modeling 10%
5%
8%
Training -Unique Graphic academy
2%
5%
Future City planning
5%
25%
Construction & Real Estate
5%
5%
Oil & Gas
5%
Geographical Information Systems 5%
5%
10%
Education Sectors
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
18. Market Aspects
2.1 Market Highlights
The influence of digital media and information technology on
architectural design education and practice is increasingly evident.
The ever-advancing digital technologies are dramatically challenging
fundamental assumptions, theories and practices of conventional
design paradigm. The proliferation of computers and telecommuting
in design education and practice has resulted in a major paradigm
shift and a reorientation in theoretical and conceptual assumptions
considered to be central to design education and practice. In
contrast, architectural design discourse is still dominated by the
prevailing conventional analogue paradigm which puts great
constraints on our understanding of recent developments in teaching
and practicing design.
The bulk of this industry is dominated and adopted by the US, Europe
and Asia regions.
19. Market Aspects
Sequentially Cave and Power walls with their variations
form reconfigurable cave: “Flex” and portable power wall :
“Rover” are dominating such a market from both giants
and pioneers of this industry : Mechdyne for Visualization
and Orad for graphic image generating already taking 70%
of the total market.
Virtual Reality industry starting to be present in the MENA
and adopted in couple UAE universities like Al AIN Uni and
some virtual studios in the broadcasting TV channels
(MBC,BBC…)
Now the fact that construction and real estate are booming
in the region, there is a very potential market for such
industry.
20. Future Technology Center
FTC
VConcept
Galleria Cave Studio
Showroom for VR Technology
Research ME Forum
V concept
R&D Fraunhofer
Auditorium
Power Wall Graphic Academy
21. Market Aspects
FTC “Future Technology Center” will be developed to cater
the V Concept “Virtual Reality Concept” trends in such FTC
diverse market.
“Future Technology Center”
will be developed to
cater the V Concept
Presence of the V Concept are being used and discussed “Virtual Reality Concept”
around the globe like the recent event in Germany which trends in such
hosted the eCAADe 2007 conference by the FH Wiesbaden diverse market.
and FH Frankfurt. All the following papers were discussed
during the conference per title ‘Predicting the Future”:
Now the fact that construction and real estate are booming
in the region, there is a very potential market for such
industry.
22. Market Aspects
Area of Focus
Title Author(s)
An Architectural Learning Environment André Brown, Mike Knight, Martin Winchester
An Integrative Design and Spatial Visualization System for Cable
Katherine A. Liapi
Strut Self-tensioned Structures
Benjamin Dillenburger, Frank Thesseling, Toni Kotnik, Monika
Architectural Use of Computer Controlled Deformation Techniques Annen, Claudia Fuhr, Yael Girot-Ifrah, Martin Tann, Dong Youn
on the Example of CNC-bent Tube Structures. Shin, Sladjana Markovic, Meindert Versteeg, Tobias Wendt,
Matthias Zäh
Artificial Networks for Spatial Analysis Moamed Amine Benoudjit, Paul S. Coates
BIMGame: Integrating Building Information Modeling and Games
Wei Yan, Geqing Liu
to Enhance Sustainable Design and Education
Kristian Agger, Michael Lassen, Nikolaj Knudsen, Ruben Borup,
B-processor. Building Information Design and Management
Jens Rimestad, Peter Norholdt, Nikolaj Bramsen
Building Activities visualized in Virtual Environments Alcínia Zita Sampaio, Pedro Gameiro Henriques
Building Information Modelling of Modern Historic Buildings. Case
Hannu Penttilä, Marko Rajala, Simo Freese
Study of HUT / Architectural Department by Alvar Aalto
CAAD Restarted. Some Experiences in Improvement of CAAD
Dana Matějovská, Henri Achten
Education
CAVE without CAVE. On-site Visualization and Design Support in
Frank Petzold, Oliver Bimber, Christian Tonn
and within Existing Buildings
Challenges of Media Integrated Architecture. Categorizing the
Odilo Schoch
Illusory Real Architecture
23. Market Aspects
Title Author(s)
CityZoom. A Visualization Tool for the Assessment of Planning
Benamy Turkienicz, Bábara Bellaver, Pablo Grazziotin
Regulations
Collaborative Knowledge Construction in Digital Free-Form Design Tuba Kocaturk
Combining GPS and CAD. Designing Virtual Models in Real Space Werner Lonsing
Construction of a Participatory Community Space Design System.
Expansion of a Three-dimensional Area Information Support Atsuko Kaga, Atsushi Miyagawa, Tomohiro Fukuda
System and Application Using GIS Data
Crossing Interactions between Architecture and Media. A Pedagogic
Leandro Madrazo
Model for Contemporary Education
Decision Support in Architectural Strategic Planning. Towards a
Agnieszka Sowa, Ludger Hovestadt
Volumetric Modeling of Solution Strategies in Investment Planning
Digital Chains in Modern Architecture Philipp Dohmen, Kai Rüdenauer
Digital Design Tools vs. Sketching in Design Wolfgang Dokonal, Michael Knight
Digitally Fabricating Tilted Holes. Experiences in Tooling and Tobias Bonwetsch, Ralph Bärtschi, Daniel Kobel, Fabio Gramazio,
Teaching Design Matthias Kohler
Discretization of Continuous Surfaces as a Design Concern Sawako Kaijima, Panagiotis Michalatos
Effects of Cognitive Styles on Performance in CAAD Tasks Sule Tasli Pektas
Evolution of CAAD Teaching Methods Alexander Asanowicz
Others scope of areas listed below
24. Market Aspects
References
The eCAADe 2007 conference
http://www.fab.fh-wiesbaden.de/index.php?id=120
Virtual reality in urban design: enhancing the image of al-
ain city, UAE
http://www.rudi.net/pages/8829
Arab Society for Computer aided Architectural Design
http://www.ascaad.org/
25. Market Aspects
References
Case-studies
Embodying Virtual Architecture
Computing in Architectural Design Alexandrina, Egypt
Computing in Architectural Design, American University of Sharjah, UAE
eDesign in Architecture
Computer Aided Architectural Design KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
26. Market Aspects
2.2 Forecasted Region Demand
As we are targeting specific markets covering the MENA region, we focused our collected
information from trusted sources like ASCAAD to visualize the market size.
MENA Coverage
Based on logical forcast the average annual growth estimated by > 40% - 60% in the GCC region
and 10% - 15% in North African region 2008-2013 as an entry level of this industry (Rovers,
Immersa Desk Tops, Visual effects for Cinema (EGYPT Markets and Virtual Studios broad casting
for the whole Region).
2.3 Market Facts
2.3.1 Gulf Market Facts
From the previous mentioned market analysis and forecasted data we arrive at the following
core facts regarding Gulf Market:
•Construction and real state growth is a pushing factor securing the market increasing demand.
29. Market Aspects
• Largest economics in Arabic world such as gulf
countries, they are all a new built up economics and
they are going through a total restructure for their
infrastructure to advance to the modern stage, this is
also a demand factor
• Those countries are amongst the world highest
economy Growth rate 3%per year.
• Young rapidly growing population with relatively
significant spending power, increasing internet usage
and digital life based consumer band.
• Geographical wide spread.
• Over 10 virtual broad casting studios (Aljazera, MBC
etc.) sold in 2006/2007 in this region, and predicting
20 units in 2008.
• Virtual realty Market average annual growth >30% in
this region.
• Libyan soaring demand for building the infrastructure.
30. Solution
Tackling the increasing demand for high-tech along with our vision to become a
pioneer in the provision of high standard which changes the life style and the Techno
awareness within our societies. By expanding the market vertically and horizontally,
the solution was structured square the following principles:
•Transferring true visualization Technology.
•Creating end user awareness through aggressive marketing campaign using real
esate & construction.
•Introduce new concept of visual gallery to entertains the changing role of IT into
talent concept.
•Narrowing the gap for high profile graphic clustered based solutions academic
simulation
31. Solution
3.1 Project Capacity
The proposed annual capacity of the project is based on 300 working days/year and 16
working hours per day.
Inside the CAVE system, which is having a limited space of 3Mx3M, a maximum of 10
people can be present, but tracking of only one person 3 will be possible. That means,
its optimum use is for a single user with all available interaction and full immersion.
In the case of PowerWall, we can have 30 ore more people attending based on the
space availability of the room in which it is setup.
32. Solution
3.3 Competition
• In the absence of regional competitors which means that most Middle East and
African countries are potential markets for the proposed project considering the
population statistics, demand by these countries is estimated to be huge and very
promising.
33. Cash Flow
DESCRIPTION ALL AMOUNTS IN US $
Project Operation year wise 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year
Number of Units Single 3000000 3600000 4000000 5000000 5500000
Cash Inflow:
Revenue
Cost of Goods
Actual Gross Profit 3000000 3600000 4000000 5000000 5500000
Budgeted Gross Profit
3000000 3600000 4000000 5000000 5500000
CASH OUTFLOW:
Rent 160000 160000 160000 160000 160000
Marketing Expenses 120000 120000 120000 120000 120000
Software Dev. Expenses 30000 30000 30000 30000 30000
Admin. Expenses 20000 20000 20000 20000 20000
Depreciation - - - - - -
35. Differentiation & Added Value
• Leadership and initiative of the share holders (Perfection, pursuit).
• Location of the Project (Dubai).
• Utilizing our vast marketing and sales network, and implementing trade techniques
to create wide coverage.
• Unique designs and finishing differentiate the look.
• Competitive management tool, as a committed management team, creating the
brand and adding more synergies to the task.
• Flexible variety structure, based on scalable unit component selectively built using
the best hardware configuration in the market.
36. Technical Aspects
5.1 Project Location
The project facility is proposed to be located in Sheikh Zaid
Road of Dubai for the following factors:
• High potential clients e.g. Real estate, Construction &
Media city
• Major Technology & Services providers establish
headquarters in near by.
• High profile area
37. Technical Aspects
5.2 Manpower
Job Required No.
Operation Manager 1
Administrative 1
Senior Sales Engineers 4
Software Experts/Technicians 3
Marketing officers 2
Labor 2
Total 15
5.3 Land and Buildings
Item Area m2 Cost US$
Land (Barsha) 3000m 2M
Building Powerwall 1000m 0.5M
CAVE 100m
38. Financial Aspects
6.1 Projected Sales Revenues
The sales projections of the project are based on the
following:
• Uniqueness of the project and market leading in this
outstanding industry.
• The high demand form constructions in UAE and real state
market.
• The market coverage
• Revenues in the first year of production will be about US$
2.4 million ( anticipated minimum ).
39. Financial Aspects
6.3 Project Investment Cost
The following table shows the required investment cost:
Project Investment Cost
Initial working capital Funds $1,250,000
Projection System $4,488,200
Graphic Cluster $1,610,600
Transport Vehicle $75,000
Furniture, Fixtures & Office Equipments $101,200
Preliminary Expenses $175,000
Contingency 10% $300,000
Total Investment $8,000,000
40. Financial Aspects
Total Capital Investment
Initial Working Capital Funds
(Galleria Showroom, operational
cost, etc..)
Projection System
56%
20% Graphic Cluster
Transport Vehicle
Furniture, Fixtures & Office
Equipments
1%
1%
Preliminary Expenses
2%
4%
16% Contingency 10%
41. Financial Aspects
Reducing Balance Loan / 5 Years
Five Equal
installments
Total Loan $8,000,000 / 5 = $1600,000 Loan Finance Cost
1st year 8,000,000 x 7% = $560,000
2nd year $8,000,000 - 1,600,000 = $6,400,000
$6,400,000 x 7% = $448,000
3rd year $8,000,000 - 3,200,00 = $4,800,000
$4,800,000 x 7% = $336,000
4th year $8,000,000 - 4,800,000 = $3,200,000
$3,200,000 x 7% = $224,000
5th year $8,000,000 - 6,400,000 = $1,600,000
$1,600,000 x 7% = $112,000
Total Finance Cost in 5 years $1,680,000
Total Cost of Finance 1,680,000 / 8,000,000 = 21% = (4-2%) Per Year
42. Financial Aspects
Return On Investment
Our focus is on more than financial return on investment.
43. Financial Aspects
• Financial Benefits include impacts on the organization's
budget and finances, e.g., cost reductions or revenue
increases. Benifical
Returns
• Non Financial Benefits include impacts on operations or
mission performance and results, e.g., improved customer
satisfaction, better information, shorter cycle-time. Non
Financial
Financial
The value is based on the larger amount of benefits to the
cost. Hence, the greater the value of this project.
44. Financial Aspects
6.2 Basic Assumptions
The financial analysis and indicators are based on the following assumptions:
• Project's operation life is 5 years with scope for further extension & expansion after
reviewing feasibility.
• Internal Rate of Return IRR is calculated @ 0% Equity ratio
• Initial working capital is based on loan receipt less capital payments
• Cost of operation will be met from Daily income
• Operating expenses comprise of labor and overheads, Preliminary expenses relates
to project report, capital issue, licensing, trial production etc.
45. Financial Aspects
6.4 Financial Indicators
The following are the project financial indicators:
• Average Return on Investment (ROI) with Average of monthly
income of $ 200,000 = 30% PA
• Average Return on Investment (ROI) Average of monthly income of
$ 320,000 = 48% PA
• Payback Period with margin= 3.3 Years
• Payback Period with margin= 2.1 Years
46. Future Development
The Future Technology Center will follow vertical and horizontal patterns to
Enhance the shareholders value in terms of the social responsibility
Increase market share
Maintain Techno-society awareness amongst end users and.
promote a new life style
47. Rewards & Risks
The FTC will strike a combination of main three investment elements:-
Community development
Capital growth
Income Generating,
to satisfy the brand stakeholders.
However, insufficient investment in
Marketing
Machinery
Training
Career Development
Researches
Not maintaining a continued budget level
Improper investment protection plan
shall impair the project success.
Failure to monitor and react and to adopt an adequate Business Management Team
would also uphold the progression the project.
48. SWOT Analysis
Internal
Strengths Weaknesses
• Availability of R&D Franhufer. • Staff lack of experience
• Our Group Financial Capabilities to cater this business • Low profile building set up.
Opportunity. • Cultural differences with users.
• Addressing high potential markets. • Miss concept of the technology.
• Willingness of staff to change • Conservative market growth.
• good location of the Facility center
• Perception of quality of services.
• Trade in Mechanism (sell to existing (UAEU,etc..).
49. SWOT Analysis
External
Opportunities SO Alternatives WO Alternatives
• Burst of construction and Real • Training of staff in interactive • Remodeling of facility with local
Estate high demanding markets. techniques of quality improvement Home Gallery help.
• Support of government for • Coordination with other providers to • Prompt plans to train our staff.
Education, Visualization.. cover all user needs.
• Demanding market. For high
visualization systems.
• Little or no competition
• Regionally available funded
projects
Threats ST Alternatives WT Alternatives
• Pre-competitor has a new, • Developing more ease of access to • Review of procedures for
innovative (SBU) or service Channels with competeive pricing. decreasing costs and increasing
determined of users • Payment of incentives to staff based perceived quality
• Low and lack of awareness. on performance.
• Marketing and promo Focal and
branding Power with Suppliers
funding.
50. Recommendation
Pulling the rewards and risks together in-balance encompassed by proper
implementation programs will enable the project to achieve its goals. Setting a
comprehensive Operational Plan (OP) as to prioritize the tasks in sequence and
concurrently, is highly recommended to grab the opportunity of investment.
Recommended Timeline should be as follow: