3D Mapping - experience with Softimage - tips and tricks?

[Draise]

I got offered a job to do a simple 3D mapping job in a concert - and I was thinking to try do it in Softimage. I know the basic theory behind 3D mapping - but never got my hands on a projector to try it out. I do want to know if you have any tips and tricks with Softimage to do so, what were your experiences, how did you do it? What was your workflow with softimage? How long did it take?

Also, do you recommend using ICE with the Motion Tools addons and compounds to ease the production?

Is there a way in ICE to read audio and drive parameters?

For real-time result, and audio analysis, what did you use?

[Draise]

3D Mapping - Concept 01



Figured it out one morning in trueSpace, using projector lights and render to texture. Nice to see the results in realtime - I like trueSpace.

I am sure this also could be done in Unreal, really need to get into that.

I created this 3D mapping concept for a bunch of DJ friends of mine - as a proof of concept.

First things first, the simulation - the scenery with the measurements and the projector.

I then get the UV mapped geometry in 3D, displaying what I want them to display to later be filmed with a camera set at the exact position of the projector. From there I map onto the UV's whatever I need to do with object or animations to create the illusion of depth and new dynamic lighting setups. I use this camera to project what I need without any distortions.

Then, using the mapped surface, I can directly animate onto the geometry (surfaces, edges, etc) or put in false depth and other illustions projecting yet again from another 3D space.

I am doing this all in trueSpace for the proof of concept, but it would be awesome to somehow get this going in Unreal Engine output in real-time and then using Fabric Engine splice (later on in life) or it's blueprints to get to do some awesome projections. I should also start learning how to do procedural and particle animations in Blender, Softimage (my favorite with ICE) or really get my hands dirty with Fabric engine or Unreal.

I've started playing with XSI Mod Tool, finally got it working with Windows 8.1. I can render out near realtime results with Mach Studio Pro 2... also deceased but released for free. XSI Mod Tool would be the same too I suppose. TrueSpace too... I have a thing for necrophilia.

I just can't seem to render out the pointclouds or particles/strand very easily without the watermark.