Virtual Data Centre’s
K. Siva Prasad, Lovely Professional University, 11603480, Phagwara, Punjab.
Sivaprasadkolluri143@gmail.com.
Abstract— Virtual reality has been common part of many
domains and has drawn much attention in last few years. Virtual
reality allows us to simulate the real world, or to build new
worlds of our own imagining. Creating virtual reality
applications has always been a critical factor for practitioners
belonging to different areas such as universities, industries, and
R&D sectors.
This paper gives an idea for developing a virtual reality
application 3D Visualization and walkthrough of Data Centre.
The paper first examines underlying components and key
concepts of the technology used to develop the application. The
paper then elaborates the development workflow and simulation
pipeline of the application. EON Studio is used to develop this
application which is a complete GUI based authoring tool for
developing interactive 3D applications.
The application presently facilitates walkthrough of Data Centre
in 3D space to monitor a specific component more closely with
the help of stereo projection system, stereo eye wear, and stereo
emitter. The application also provides feedback about current
space utilization of the Data Centre that will help Data Centre
Administrator to make key consolidation and expansion
decisions.
Finally, the paper discusses some future enhancements to convert
the existing application into pure virtual environment, in which
individuals can immerse themselves fully in the virtual
environment and can interact with 3D objects.
Keywords: Virtual reality, 3D Visualization, 3D Modelling, Data
Centre, EON Studio.
I. INTRODUCTION
Virtual reality is the ultimate manufacturing and
communication technology. Virtual reality may be used to
modify the physical appearance, to alter perceptual input and
to give human new abilities, such as night vision and flight
[1].
Data Centre is a critical component for the IT operations of
many organizations these days. Effective data center
infrastructure management strategies can propel the efficiency,
utilization, and availability of data center assets and services
[2]. Managing a data center in an efficient manner specifically
requires a system that can add visualization power to track
space and power resource consumption requirements so that
the utilization of these resources could be optimized, as both
of these resources are the primary bottlenecks for expansion of
any data center [3].
Due to the cool pool created inside the Data Centre it is
very difficult to work inside it for longer durations. This paper
elaborates an application which facilitates operations like 3D
creation, repositioning, and deletion of Data Centre
components and provides walkthrough of the Data Centre.
Thus, the application provides an experience to do all above
operations virtually and see their effects on current space
utilization without entering the Data Centre physically.
Development environments for virtual reality applications
have required the user to have extensive technical knowledge
of the computer environment generating the imagery (such as
in-depth programming knowledge of OpenGL etc.). There
have existed only a few products addressing the needs of the
professional users and as a result, applications making use of
Virtual reality technology have been” hard-wired” for certain
tasks or user environments [4]. This paper gives an overview
of EON Studio which is a complete GUI based authoring tool
for developing real time 3D multimedia applications focused
on 3D visualization, training/support, and sales/marketing.
EON Studio is an easy to use graphical authoring tool
allowing users to add complex interactive effects. The
development process includes importing 3D objects, usually
originating from various modelling tools. After the model is
imported, behaviors can easily be associated with the model
[5].
II. ARCHITECTURE
This section gives an overview of EON’s architecture. In
fig. 1, the running simulation is at the highest level. The user
interacts with the simulation through an application
encapsulating and running the simulation. Applications
capable of running EON simulations are EON Studio, EON
Viewer, and all applications capable of running ActiveX
controls. Since EON simulations run inside an ActiveX
control, it is easy to use EON for the development of 3D
graphics applications. EON works well with tools such as
Visual Basic, C#, and HTML. The simulation can be
manipulated by the hosting application through the EON
ActiveX direct access interface
An EON simulation consists of one or more prototypes. A
prototype encapsulates a sub-tree and all functionality
contained in the sub-tree, i.e. agents, routes, and script code.
Agents are active nodes in the EON simulation tree, i.e. COM-
objects.
Fig.1 Architecture of EON simulation environment
All EON components are developed using the EON class
library, called EON Base. The library contains the base
technology for agents and fields, in order to share as much
functionality as possible between different types of nodes.
EON uses Open GL or Direct3D for rendering the visual
database. Input is mainly handled through DirectInput. Any
DirectInput compatible device should work well with
simulations developed in EON. Sound and video are handled
through DirectSound and ActiveMovie, respectively. EON
supports stereo sound, as well as 3D sound in multi-channel
configurations [4].
III. MAIN CHARACTERS OF THE APPLICATION
This section gives an overview of key concepts and basic
building blocks used to create the application. The application
uses EON Studio as a development environment for creating
3D simulation which facilitates users to define behaviors and
interactions, as well as test simulations and change parameters
during run-time [4].
A. Simulation Tree
An important part of constructing a simulation is
determining how the nodes are arranged in the simulation tree
structure. The simulation tree is the primary component for
developing simulation solutions which contains few default
components to run a simulation such as Scene, Camera, Light,
Walk, and Viewport.
B. Nodes
Nodes are the building blocks used to create simulations. A
simulation is constructed by arranging and connecting nodes
to form a hierarchy of sub-trees. The application uses Frame,
Shape, Material, Key move, Walk, Place, Click Sensor,
DegreeOfFreedon, TextureResourceGroup, and few other
nodes. The nodes in EON can be arranged in several
categories, some of which are described below with their
purpose.
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Fig.2 Simulation Tree
1) Visual nodes: These nodes produce a visible result.
Meshes, Lights, Decals, Materials, and Textures come under
this category.
2) Agents: An agent is an active node. It provides
interactive and multimedia features to simulation. Nodes in
this category include various types of motion agents (place,
spin, rotate, keyframe, etc.), logical components (switch, latch,
trigger, etc.) or multimedia agents (sound and video).
3) Sensors: Sensors react to changes in the environment
and trigger events in response to those changes. For example,
a Click Sensor node reacts when a specific object has been
clicked by the mouse and a Time Sensor produces pulses as a
function of time.
4) Base nodes: These nodes provide basic simulation
functions and therefore are used repeatedly and extensively.
They contain instructions for basic simulation elements such
as grouping nodes into subtrees and defining viewports, color,
texture, and light.
Apart from above categories there are other several categories
such as: Assembly nodes, Motion model nodes, Shadow
nodes, GUI Controls, Force Feedback nodes, etc.
C. Prototypes
Prototypes are reusable, plug and play simulations that
can be copied from the EON components library and can be
placed into our own custom simulation. Each prototype
contains its own internal simulation subtree and a set of
external fields, depending on the purpose. We have created
our own local prototypes corresponding to each Data Centre
Component such as Rack, Server, Blade Chassis, KVM
Switch, Network Switch, etc. These prototypes are then
placed inside frame nodes to appear in the simulation
window.
D. Routes window
The Routes window is used to connect nodes and
define how they will behave when data is sent between
them. It provides graphic representation of all defined
routes. Connections between nodes are shown as lines that
run from the outfield of triggering node to the
corresponding in field of the target node. The application
uses Time Sensor, Click Sensor, Place, and Key Move
nodes to define the route which facilitates repositioning
and deletion of components during run time.
 etc. After completion of 3D model objects were saved in
separate AutoCAD files having dwg extension.

B. Once 3D models of objects are completed the objects are

Fig.3 Routes window
IV. DEVELOPMENT WORKFLOW
This section describes each component of the development
workflow of the application. The application follows the
development workflow framework of EON Studio which
involves three main activities: Importing and enhancing 3D
graphics objects; defining behavioral properties; and
specifying how user will interact with these objects in the
application.
then imported into EON simulation environment. EON
Studio is the major component in the development
workflow of this application which gives the basis to
develop simulation pipeline. EON supports different files
formats that can be imported from tools such as 3D Studio,
3ds MAX, ACIS & Solid Edge, Light Wave, Open Flight,
etc (total of eighteen file formats are compatible with EON
Studio 7.0 Software Suite). After importing 3D object
from AutoCAD, a local EON prototype is then created
corresponding to this newly imported object.
Before creating a local prototype various properties of
the object were set such as color, texture, opacity, scale,
etc. Following images illustrates wakthrough of the Data
Centre.

Fig.4 Simulation pipeline

Fig.5 Walkthrough of Data Centre

The development workflow of the application involves

following steps:
A. The first step involves 3D modelling of Data Centre and its
associated components. AutoCAD 2010 has been used for
3D modelling of objects. AutoCAD is the world’s most
popular computer-aided drafting package for the personal
computer. It is a fully functional 2D and 3D CAD program
[6]. 3D models of objects are using primitives such as
cube, cylinder, sphere, etc. The complex geometry for Data
Centre components has been formed using various
available operations such as union, intersect, subtract,
fillet, chamfer, etc.
Using AutoCAD we have created 3D models of Data
Centre, Racks, Servers, Blade Chassis, KVM Switches,
Network Switches, InfiniBand Switch, Cooling devices,

Fig.6 Walkthrough of Data Centre

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 Creating local prototypes of imported 3D objects
facilitates creation of number of copies of that object, and
to place each instance on different locations in 3D space.
To add a local prototype to simulation window it is first
stored inside a frame node which is a subtree of scene
node.
C. Finally behaviours were associated with the objects
through EON Studio’s intuitive graphical user interface by
using suitable nodes. In this application following
components shows the behaviour according user’s input.
While performing walkthrough user is facilitated to open
the door of Data Centre using mouse click; User can
reposition or delete a component fron one place to measure
the room available for placing some other component on
that place; User can open and close the KVM Switches
with the help of mouse click. We have used various agent
nodes for implementing the behaviour of objects.
D. When all the components are added to the simulation, the
file created in EON Studio is saved as a source file with an
EOZ extension. After the application is complete, EON
Studio allows creating a distribution file with an EDZ
extension. Both EOZ and EDZ files can be used in EON
Viewer and all host applications such as Visual Basic,
Power Point, Macromedia Director, and other ActixeX
host [5].
V. KEY FEATURES OF EON STUDIO
To develop a virtual reality application the most
important issue is to choose the right development
environment. For any virtual reality development system
performance, ease of use, compatibility, and flexibility are
the primary requirements. Key features of EON Studio are
discussed below which make it an ideal platform for the
development of virtual walkthrough of Data Centre and
other similar applications where it is better to visualize and
practice all the necessary operations before carrying out the
same on actual system.
A. Handling of large data sets: Millions of polygons can be
effectively visualized through intelligent level of details
enabling users to spend less time on data preparation and
to include more data in their interactive 3D application.
EON 8 is capable of handling files that are up to 16
terabytes, subject to RAM available.
B. Efficient and automated optimization algorithms: EON 8
supports Batching and Hierarchical Level of Detail
techniques to optimize the use of the graphics card,
meaning less time will be needed for manual content
optimizations and/or the ability to handle much more
complex data sets. EON 8 combines a number of objects at
the run-time and draws them together with a single draw
call [7].
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C. Ease of use: It is a graphical authoring tool allowing non
programmers to add complex interactive effects. It also
supports large number of predefined nodes and prototypes
for fatsre application development.
D. Real time rendering: It uses proprietary developed
algorithms for anti-aliasing, transparency, environment
mapping, shading, reflections, shadows, etc [8].
Other than above key features EON studio also supports
compact file formats, reusable content, easy import of
many CAD and 3D formats, high rendering quality,
extensibility, and support to wide range of virtual reality
devices.
VI. FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
The application virtual walkthrough of Data Centre is
currently implemented on HP Z800 Graphics Workstation
with two quad core Intel Xeon 3.20 GHz processors, 32 GB
memory, and NVIDIA Quadro FX4800 graphics card with 1.5
GB memory. Presently the application uses Stereo Projection
System, Stereo Emitter, and Stereo Eyewear to visualize the
Data Centre and its components in 3D. While running the
simulation user is facilitated to perform walkthrough of the
Data Centre to visualize a specific component more closely
with the help of mouse and keyboard. Repositioning and
deletion of components is also facilitated with the help of
keyboard and mouse. Some specific directions for future work
include:
A. Making existing application more realistic and interactive
by using other virtual reality devices. EON supports
variety of virtual reality peripherals such as Head Mount
Display, Computer Assisted Virtual Environment (CAVE),
Motion Tracking system, and DataGlove. By integrating
these virtual reality peripherals user could be facilitated to
immerse himself fully in the virtual environment through
3D imagery involving sight and motion.
Immersion is a key issue in VR systems as it is central to
the paradigm where the user becomes part of the simulated
world, rather than the feature of the user’s own world [9].
Immersion inside virtual environment will facilitate
individual to navigate in the Data Centre simply by using
hand and head movements. User will be able to interact
with data centre with more flexibility and freedom. User
could also be facilitated to relocate any component by
using his own hands instead of using mouse or keyboard.
B. The application can be extended to suggest possible
options for cabling including its routing among various
components for systematic cabling inside the Data Centre.
C. The application can be extended to maintain power
consumption details of Data Centre components to suggest
relocating of components for load balancing of power in
order to achieve optimization of power resources.
D. The application can be further extended to monitor cooling
environment inside Data Centre which can help to achieve
proper cooling of all its components.

VII. CONCLUSION
In this paper we have demonstrated development workflow
and simulation creation pipeline for 3D interactive application
Virtual walkthrough of Data Centre.

It has been observed that virtual reality devices will give

individuals more flexibility and freedom while performing
walkthrough of Data Centre. The paper also gives an overview
of a 3D interactive application development tool EON Studio
with its key features, which will help researchers and
developers to learn primitives of this technology.

It has also been observed that virtual walkthrough of Data

Centre will help Data Centre Administrator to utilize available
space more optimally, as the computing power is an ever
increasing need for the IT departments of any organization,
and the Data Centre space is the primary bottleneck in terms
of expansion of any Data Centre.

REFERENCES
[1] Mychilo Stephenson Cline, “Power, Madness, and Immortality the
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[2] Data Centre Infrastructure Management; The Promises, Challenges, and
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Management, pp. 2.
[3] Dhirendra Kumar Verma, Alpana Rajan, Anil Rwat, “Achieving
Optimized Utilization of Data Centre Space and Power Resources
through 3D Visualization”, published in International Journal of
Graphics and Image Processing , Volume 1, Issue 1, AUGUST 2011,
pp.1.

[4] “Creating applications applying interactive visual simulation technology

for the PC”, An EON Reality White Paper, February 1999, Updated:
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[5] Justice, Bergerud, Garrison, Cafiero, Churches.Interactive, “3D
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[6] Tim McCarthy, “AutoCAD Express NT”, Covering Release 14,
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the-next-generation-of-interactive-3d-authoring-tools
[8] http://www.eonreality.com/eon-studio
[9] Mario A. A. Gutiérrez, Mario Mario Arturo Gutierrez Alonso, Frédéric
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