In this article we will cover how to choose the right kind of equipment that is needed to take the project from ordinary to extraordinary.
Between the idea and concept, and the execution and showtime, there are a number of steps that need to happen in order to deliver a stunning projection mapping job, and that includes selecting the best software and set-up. With the right technology, nothing is impossible.Īs always, it starts with an idea – and in this case, it can be as outlandish as they come. We have also explored the various examples as to how it can be used to turn all kinds of surfaces into canvases, painting massive façades or entire buildings, planes or dinner tables, or even monuments and nature itself with lights and captivating imagery.įrom ballrooms to landmarks, today’s 3D projection mapping is combined with specialized software that is able to spatially map any three-dimensional object with custom design, software that seamlessly blends images by multiple projectors to cover surfaces of immense proportions, and even a single projector can map different surfaces with several sources of video.
If you have seen last week’s mega collection of show-stopping projection mapping jobs done by members of the AV Alliance, you will agree that mapping is still as versatile and captivating an effect to enhance any event with as it has ever been, due to the continuous technical advancements in projection technology. Having come a long way over the decades, it has evolved from a simple show of lights into an all-around interactive, immersive form of artistic expression that gives any surface of any object a new life. In order to blend it together, you need to reduce the brightness in addition to matching the image.Today’s incredibly advanced technology makes it quite the challenge to continue to surprise audiences, but there certainly is one form of entertainment that never ceases to wow: projection mapping. If you have two images side by side and the middle 20% is doubled, obviously that portion is going to be brighter than the rest of your image. The second part of the process involves feathering the images to eliminate the “hot spot” that is guaranteed to occur. This overlapping gives you a larger area to match up which eliminates the hard edge you’d see if you simply placed the two images side by side. Essentially you send the same portion of your image across two projectors. The first is basically just overlapping two images. So, how does edge blending really work? There’s basically two processes.
Essentially, this is what edge blending will accomplish. Much like when you paint a wall, you always overlap your strokes to get as even a coverage as possible. When you place two projectors side by side, the human eye will notice the edge, the mismatched colors, and the split or overlap of the images.
Simply put, when you have two projectors lined up next to each other creating one solid image, you will never be able to create a seamless edge without edge blending. We have used all three with varying results. There are numerous ways to handle edge blending including software, hardware, and physical applications. We’ve touched on the concept of edge blending before, but have never dived too deeply into the subject matter.Īt it’s basic form, edge blending occurs when you combine (overlap) the edges of two projectors in a multiscreen setup.