Projection Mapping: The process of turning irregularly shaped objects into screens used to project image/video onto.
The Workshop
In this workshop, we used the videos that we created last class and projected them onto variously shaped white blocks. Professor Nate King led this workshop. Before we got started, he showed us how versatile projection mapping can be. From little mini blocks to irregularly shaped buildings, you can project almost anything you want onto any surface. This makes the possibilities endless with projection mapping.
I was surprised to find out that the process of projection mapping is actual really simple. We first arranged the white blocks into a form we liked. Then, we each followed his instructions to "select" each block and precisely cut out the shape we want to project onto. I can definitely see how this could be harder if we had a curved shape, as you'd need to add a lot of points to move around. This first part of the process turned out as follows:
The different colors represent all of the different blocks that we each cut out. After, we each selected the spot we wanted to project our video onto and "inserted" the video into the software, After Effects, so that it will project there.
I put an image of what the software looks like on the right. I don't really understand a lot of how to use it on my own, but following Nate's instructions was really easy, so a quick Google search would probably help me if I wanted to do this on my own. We will be using projection mapping in our Project 3, so I hope that actually ends up being the case..
Our final product is as follows:
I'm really happy with how it turned out. This is mainly because the final product is so beautiful and it looks so intricate, but it was really easy to do. Also, the videos we used merged so nicely. The only issue was that because some people's videos were shorter, mine got cut as well. My video was about 30 seconds long, but only 5 seconds shows up. Therefore, one thing to note if I do projection mapping along is that they all need to be the same length.
Applications
I've listed some really cool projection mapping projects below:
The Temple House Cherry Blossom Projection
In this project, this wedding venue is transformed into a floral wonderland with falling cherry blossoms and petals everywhere. What I love most about this is how they were able to transform the space with projection mapping. Now the viewers are placed into a whole new setting without even having to move.
Image Source: thetemplehouse.com
Le Petit Chef Entertainment
This is by far my favorite application of projection mapping. As customers wait for their food, a little chef is projected onto their plate and is shown prepping their food. This is SO cute and such a unique application of projection mapping that creates a whole experience for the customer. In the second video, you can even see how the whole table is utilized in this experience to create an underwater effect. The lobsters literally climb from the water onto your plate, its amazing. I really really love projection mapping because the possibilities are truly endless. You can create almost any type of immersive experience for the viewer, and normal bland situations like a building or a dining table can be transformed to something new.
Ink Mapping
This is another amazing application of projection mapping that allows the user to see the tattoo on their body before committing to the permanent design. I think that this is a really cool and practical application of projection mapping that is different from what I'd expect.
Makeup
In this project, makeup is projected onto the user's face. This way, its proposed that theater actors now never have to leave the stage for a makeup change as you can just change the projected image/video. Its amazing to watch her face literally transform between each clip.
5th Anniversary of Singapore's Gardens
A partnership between Hexagon Solutions and Christie Digital allowed this amazing show to come to life. What I love about this project is that they used projection mapping in a show. With fire dancers and music, the projection mapping does not stand alone, but it adds to the experience for the viewers.
Image Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKPWKsffGdI
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