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Step 2Step 1: Setup your Jig - the tool, not the dance
From Wikipedia (Jig - Definition), "A jig is any of a large class of tools in woodworking, metalworking, and some other crafts that help to control the location or motion (or both) of a tool. The primary purpose for a jig is for repeatability and exact duplication of a part for reproduction."
For interactive facial projection, we require a jig to perform all of the above stated functions: control motion of the face, control camera placement, and reproduce results consistently. Your jig can look like anything. It can be as simple or as complex as you feel like making it. The jig we have created is simply a stand with an oval hole mounted on one end and a camcorder mounted on the other end. The hole is just large enough for an average adult to put their face into, but not large enough to allow the entire head to pass through.
A camera, which we cover in step 2, is positioned on the opposite side of the stand to capture video of only the hole. Once the video is aligned to the hole, the camera is firmly attached to the stand. With both the hole and the camera correctly aligned and firmly mounted to the stand, any number of individuals may insert their face into the hole and the result will be an instant, stable, and consistent facial image ready for output to the projector.
To mount the camera to the stand, We used the head from a broken tripod. This is not necessary, but a tripod head mounted to the stand allows for small camera adjustments which is not possible if one mounted the camera directly to the stand. You may be able to improvise an adjustable camera bracket with wood, brackets, and bolts with wing-nuts. You must purchase a bolt with a 1/4 - 20 thread pitch to screw into the tripod mount on most cameras.
Additional notes:
Graffiti Research Lab Houston uses a wide board painted flat black for the facial opening. This will create a crisp image of only the face and eliminate the background from inadvertently appearing on the target. You will typically not project in a well lit area. Be sure your camera has a light, or you bring an additional spotlight such as an adjustable desk lamp or flashlight to illuminate the face. When running lights off of batteries, try to use compact fluorescent bulbs to extend battery life. A jig is not required for face projection, but it makes the process infinitely easier.
As an option, attach a microphone to the jig so that the person who is projected can be heard! Place the speakers under the statue for maximum effect. (see Future Versions)
For interactive facial projection, we require a jig to perform all of the above stated functions: control motion of the face, control camera placement, and reproduce results consistently. Your jig can look like anything. It can be as simple or as complex as you feel like making it. The jig we have created is simply a stand with an oval hole mounted on one end and a camcorder mounted on the other end. The hole is just large enough for an average adult to put their face into, but not large enough to allow the entire head to pass through.
A camera, which we cover in step 2, is positioned on the opposite side of the stand to capture video of only the hole. Once the video is aligned to the hole, the camera is firmly attached to the stand. With both the hole and the camera correctly aligned and firmly mounted to the stand, any number of individuals may insert their face into the hole and the result will be an instant, stable, and consistent facial image ready for output to the projector.
To mount the camera to the stand, We used the head from a broken tripod. This is not necessary, but a tripod head mounted to the stand allows for small camera adjustments which is not possible if one mounted the camera directly to the stand. You may be able to improvise an adjustable camera bracket with wood, brackets, and bolts with wing-nuts. You must purchase a bolt with a 1/4 - 20 thread pitch to screw into the tripod mount on most cameras.
Additional notes:
Graffiti Research Lab Houston uses a wide board painted flat black for the facial opening. This will create a crisp image of only the face and eliminate the background from inadvertently appearing on the target. You will typically not project in a well lit area. Be sure your camera has a light, or you bring an additional spotlight such as an adjustable desk lamp or flashlight to illuminate the face. When running lights off of batteries, try to use compact fluorescent bulbs to extend battery life. A jig is not required for face projection, but it makes the process infinitely easier.
As an option, attach a microphone to the jig so that the person who is projected can be heard! Place the speakers under the statue for maximum effect. (see Future Versions)
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