HP Scalable Visualization Array Software - Manual (Page 31)

5 Application Examples
This chapter describes the steps to start several representative applications that vary in their structure and
requirements:
•
A workstation application that is launched remotely to use only a single node in the SVA. See “Running
an Existing Application on a Single SVA Workstation” (pg. 31) .
•
An application that uses render and display capabilities of the SVA (for example, ParaView). See
“Running Render and Display Applications Using ParaView” (pg. 35) .
•
A workstation application that uses Chromium software and DMX to display on multiple tiles using the
SVA. See
“Running a Workstation Application Using a Multi-Tile Display” (pg. 38) .
Table 5-1 summarizes the differences among three application scenarios, detailed in the following sections.
Table 5-1 Comparison Summary of Application Scenarios
Benefit Data Access Key SVA Task Application Type
Scenario
Remote access to
high-end workstations
managed as a shared,
cluster resource. Large dataset from
computations using a
high-speed file system. Access cluster
workstations from offices
over standard ethernet
network using HP RGS. Workstation application Remote access using HP
RGS
Workstation application
can display its output on
a multi-tile display via
installed open source
facilities. Large dataset from
computations using a
high-speed file system. Allocate appropriate
nodes, invoke and
initialize the run-time
environment,
applications, and support
facilities. Workstation application Resolution
scaling/multi-tile
Cluster application can
scale up to display on
walls and immersive
displays using available
libraries, for example,
CAVELib™ or VR Juggler. Large dataset loaded in
parallel by application
components via a
high-speed parallel file
system. Allocate appropriate
nodes, initialize the
run-time environment,
and invoke distributed
application components. Multi-display, cluster
application
Parallel application can
scale up to visualize very
large datasets. Large dataset loaded in
parallel by application
components using a
high-speed parallel file
system. Allocate appropriate
render and display nodes
and invoke and initialize
the run-time environment
and applications. Parallel, distributed data,
cluster application Data scaling and
compositing
Running an Existing Application on a Single SVA Workstation
This section describes the main steps and considerations to get an application that already runs on a single
workstation to run on a single node within an SVA. Control takes place using a workstation remote to the
cluster.
Assumptions and Goal
This example assumes you have a visualization application that currently runs on a single workstation. It
also assumes that you have not specifically modified it to take advantage of the parallel features of a cluster.
The goal of this example is to make the application run on the SVA while maintaining control remotely from
a desktop that is outside the cluster. This desktop is remote relative to the SVA although you may consider
it your local workstation. In this chapter, your local workstation is meant to designate a machine that is
remote to the SVA.
Working in this way lets you take advantage of the more powerful features of the cluster. These include more
powerful graphics cards, or specific software libraries such as OpenGL extensions. It is also helpful and
convenient for testing and debugging your application. It also facilitates collaborative work.
In addition to having your cluster set up with the HP XC and SVA software, you also need to have HP RGS
installed and configured on those nodes within the cluster that you intend to access remotely. You also must
have the RGS client software (the RGS Receiver) installed and configured on your local desktop where you
intend to route the output from your application.
Running an Existing Application on a Single SVA Workstation 31