Intro Into Projection Mapping

Projection Mapping is a tool used to expand ideas to a larger physical platform. It may also be a way of igniting the space of a 3D object. This form can be used for both casual

and serious messages.

It is relatively easy to get started in manipulating your content for the Projection Mapping Platform. All that is needed on the hardware side is a computer that can use (recommended) two visual input slots (one for the projector and one for the monitor). It is also recommended to have a dedicated graphics card and at least 8 GB of ram. A projector is needed as well. Small projectors can be acquired for less than $100 that can be used for most prototyping projects.

Tools to get you started:

• MadMapper 3.2

  • Excels at long term planned projects. Easy for Mapping a 3D object. Difficulty integrating MIDI and Interactive components. Difficult to integrate live visuals from other applications.

  • Syphon (Mac), Spout (Windows), and NEI (Windows)integrations

  • Cost: 350 Euro or Rent: 35 Euro per Month

• Resolume 6

  • Designed for VJ (Visual DJ). Excels with live performances and MIDI. Difficult to plan long performances. Difficult to integrate live visuals from other applications.

  • Syphon, Spout, and NEI integrations

  • Cost: 299 Euro

• Open Broadcasting Software (OBS)

  • Not a Projection Mapping Program. Meant for streaming but can be outputted to an additional screen i.e. projector. Great for using media from other applications. High interactivity potential. Difficult to switch between medias. Difficult to accurately map complex objects. No built in Mapping materials. No MIDI compatibility.

  • Built in integrations

  • Cost: Free

MadMapper and Resolume are the two big market standards and only recently was OBS used as a new mapping program.

Interactivity:

In terms of Interactivity OBS Excels due to its ability to easily use any window on the platforms. The others will require a Syphon for Mac and Spout or NEI Tools for Windows. Sometimes these tools do not cooperate with the source application prohibiting a media transfer. OBS could be used, if the computer has enough processing power, to bridge the gap. Interactive Elements could be added from a multitude of Tools. This blog will focus on Max MSP for its interactive elements. Max MSP is a powerful tool to seamlessly integrate visuals and audio. It is focused on block based coding.

Citations:

Rake, David “RakeRoomWash” YouTube, uploaded by David Rake, 18 March       2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=jAeAGzoCETE

Garrison, Amanda “Composition 1 : Relief Mapping Assignment 4 UTD   Projection Mapping” YouTube, uploaded by Mandi Kandi, 8 April 2018,   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDWRdmRXHTk

GarageCube. MadMapper, 7 October 2018, https://madmapper.com/

Resolume, 7 October 2018, https://resolume.com/

OBS Studio Contibutors, OBS, 7 October 2018, https://obsproject.com/