What is it?
Where did it come from?
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3D projection mapping is a fairly new technology in the world of animation. Until recently, 2D and 3D animations were projected only onto white, 2D, rectangular screens. With the advent of new softwares such as vvvv and Modul8; however, these animations can now be projected on [and contoured to] any 3D surface. Visual effects artists create effects that project the illusion of multidimensional movements across and around the contours of any surface, regardless of it’s shape or size. These effects can create the illusion that the surface or ‘canvas’ is morphing, crumbling, moving, etc. The visuals require no special 3D glasses to see the full effect, which makes this type of projection mapping versatile and able to be viewed by large audiences in practically any location.
above: An installation by Alcatel-Lucent at the Mobile World Conference titled ‘ENVISION: Step into the Sensory Box’. Customers were invited into a cube where the projection mapped installation demonstrated simplicity in form with dimensional projection mapping and vivid color to create the something extraordinary.
Projection mapping started out as a guerrilla movement by artists who would temporarily set up their projections in public places without any permission/ permits. As this artistic movement grew in cities like New York and London, advertising companies began to take notice. Peo-
ple would stop in their tracks on the streets to watch, as well as record the projections on their mobile phones and upload the videos to youtube where they went viral. The technology also caught on in the entertainment industry... namely electronic
musicians who often use visual effects to create an immersive environment during their shows. One of the most well known and elaborate sets was built for Amin Tobin that kicked off in September of 2011 and continues through May 2012.
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How does it work? How does it work?
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Without mapping, a projection onto a 3D surface would look distorted in any view except for the projector’s. Note in the image below: The top view shows a windows desktop projected onto a surface from a random angle. The same image is pictured below, but
from the projector’s [undistorted]point of view. So, in order to create an undistorted image, you must model a 3D version of the projector’s view onto a surface for it to project.
above: A projection mapping performance by 1024 Architecture at Fête des Lumières, Lyon, France. (2010) Fête des Lumières translates directly to ‘Festival of Lights’.
Software programs such as vvvv and Modul8 were created for the specific purpose of mapping 3D images onto surfaces so that they are not distorted. These tools make it easy to create incredible, visually dynamic performances on almost any surface in almost any location. See vvvv.org for step by step instructions on projection mapping.
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Who uses it? and for what ?
3D projection mapping started out as a guerrilla movement by artists who would temporarily set up their projections in public places without any permission/ permits. As this artistic movement grew in cities like New York and London, advertising companies began to take notice. People would stop in their tracks on the streets to watch, as well as record the projections on their mobile phones and upload the videos to youtube where they went viral. The technology also caught on in the entertainment industry... namely electronic musicians who often use visual effects to create an immersive environment during their shows. One of the most well known and elaborate sets was built for Amon Tobin that kicked off in September of 2011 and continues through May 2012.
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A team of developers at a chicago based design studio called Leviathan teamed up with V Squared Labs to create a new technology that allowed them to map projected visuals onto the complex geometry of Tobin’s set in 20 minutes. Until then, aligning the projections with the set would have taken hours to do. Microsoft’s Kinect also played a part in creating the visuals. The
Kinect’s 3D imaging device was used to map a 3D representation of Tobin which was then projected onto his set, in real time, during his performance. This allowed him to interact with the set and control his visuals which allows him to bring a customized performance every time he plays.
above: A view of Amon Tobin’s set for his ISAM world tour. The set itself consists of a series of white ‘boxes’ stacked together to create a huge built set. Imagery is projected from outside the set, as well as from inside (via Microsoft Kinect).
Projection mapping is fast gaining in popularity in the entertainment industry as well as the advertising industry. It is fairly simple and creates a long lasting impression on audiences which boosts ticket sales, and creates buzz amongst companies’ target audiences.
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Sources: http://www.newmediacaucus.org/wp/3d-projection-mapping-and-its-impact-on-mediaarchitecture-in-contemporary-and-future-urban-spaces-2/
http://www.darnellworks.com/lvthn/isam.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/arts/design/video-mapping-artists-use-light-as-amedium.html?_r=1
http://vvvv.org/documentation/how-to-project-on-3d-geometry
http://ifolio.idfact.net/?p=3151
http://socialtimes.com/3d-projection-mapping-taking-the-advertising-world-by-storm_ b14971