Application Spotlight:
Laser Design’s Terrestrial 3D scanning team recently had two projects with a similar goal of projecting images and video onto an irregularly shaped surface. Both projects took place in high-traffic areas where accessibility provided issues, and the need for accurate models were key to make sure images and video would appear as intended. The areas were 3D scanned and the scan data was used to create a mesh surface that our clients were able to implement for their projection mapping applications.
Clients:
Blazen Illuminations (Union Station, Denver, CO) and Space Cadets AV (Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV) were both tasked with a similar goal of projecting images and video onto an irregularly shaped surface. Traditional projection methods would result in an extremely stretched and distorted images. A technique called “projection mapping” was used to help define how the images are directed onto these surfaces to create a unique effect.
Project:
The interior of Union Station in Denver, CO was the canvas for Blazen Illuminations. An extremely busy public space, high arched ceiling, and large arched window openings all provided issues for documenting the area. Laser Design utilized a Leica P40 Laser scanner to accurately collect point cloud data in mere hours. The scan data was used to create a triangulated mesh surface which could be easily imported into the client’s projection software.
The volcano fountain outside the main entry of the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV was the subject for Space Cadets AV. Accessibility issues were a major problem for this project as the structure was surrounded by water. Laser Design was able to utilize a long-range Faro 3D scanner to capture the surface information from a public walkway surrounding the fountain, without having to disrupt any normal function. Again, the scan data was used to create a polymesh surface which was used by the client to calculate the correct projection angles.
Results:
Laser Design was able to safely and accurately measure complex surfaces in a busy environment without disrupting normal function. The clients were able to save time and money by bypassing traditional hand measuring techniques. In addition to projection mapping, this process could be applied to any project where a large irregular structure needs to be documented.