3D PROJECTION MAPPING

3D projection mapping takes video mapping to the next level, which takes an object of any shape or size and brings it to life using content that is custom made for the object itself.

Traditional video mapping involves projecting content onto a flat surface, where 3D projection mapping can be used to transform any 3D shape into a lifelike display. For example, let’s take a simple white cube. With traditional video mapping, we would project onto the sides separately, using a different projector for each surface of the cube. However, with 3D projection mapping, we would use or create custom content specifically tailored to fit the cube. This would allow us to put unique, optical illusions within the cube, such as adding a spinning ball of fire inside of it, or making the cube look as if it is melting or crumbling away.

If you imagine this on a larger scale, such as with 3D building projection – we could make the building appear to change materials, have it look as if it is on fire, give audiences a peek inside the building’s walls and so forth. With 3D projection mapping, the visual possibilities are limitless. From realistic animations and video to abstract projections to entire story driven scenes, projection mapping is a canvas for your imagination. The art of projection mapping accentuates real life through video, taking a benign object and making it look however you want.

HOW DID PROJECTION MAPPING COME ABOUT?

Projection mapping can be used for essentially any purpose. While the technique has been used since the late 1960s, projection mapping as we know it did not come about until the early 2000s. It was first used mainly as an enhancement to live-music stages but today can be found in virtually any industry. From branding, product showcases, live-music events, trade shows and virtually anything that could benefit from a memorable guest experience, projection mapping takes experiential marketing to another level.

PROJECTION MAPPING USES AND INSPIRATION

With projection mapping, the possibilities are endless. Here are a couple of inspirational applications for which projection mapping can be an eye catching feature:

A fashion show or window display utilizing mannequins to showcase various outfits. With 3D projection mapping, we could bring these mannequins to life by changing the colors of the clothing, adding facial expressions or changing outfits entirely.

A building projection on a storefront, with mapped visuals enhancing products in the window display.

A car show, with vehicles changing colors or wraps with the optical illusion of a holographic effect projected on the vehicle. With 3D projection mapping, we could even add passengers to the vehicle, simulating a family enjoying a country ride while beautiful passing landscapes can be seen through the windows.

An interactive gallery, with 3D mapping art, we can create the illusion that statues react to guests’ movement. For example, we could program the statue to react to guests as they wave, triggering a wink and a smile and even activating a vocal response to the guest.

A cinematic projection mapped time-lapse of a building under construction. Using 3D projection mapping, we could simulate the building being built in high-speed right before your eyes.

GRID MAPPING AN INTERACTIVE MURAL

We installed a vibrant immerive mural at the Worldmark by Wyndham hotel in Anaheim. Before the project, we installed the mural and projectors here at our workshop and set up our specialized video mapping software to calibrate our grid:

First, we adjust aspect ratios so that the dimensions of the projected content matched those of the physical mural.

Then, we edge-blended the map, softening the inner edges of the two projections. This process creates a gradual fade between images – flawlessly stitching them together and making any overlap unnoticeable.
After completing a series of calibrations, we entered the mapping software and aligned our projected content with the physical mural itself. This involved selecting dozens of points across every inch on-screen to ensure accuracy in pixel by pixel adjustments for each individual point--a painstaking process that took hours but ultimately paid off when it came time show off what you just created!

Once everything was properly gridded and we had an impeccably calibrated image, we were ready to test our content and see the mural in action.

Check out our recap video below of the entire project: