Lumarca

To create Lumarca, Albert Hwang and Matt Parker developed software that allows the input of 3D information, including motion, to be transported through a computer out through a 3D volumetric display. Because the entire system only requires a computer, projector, and some materials found at most hardware stores, it has been described as “an affordable platform for artists to design compelling content that conveys information, narrative, and aesthetic information in a new way”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeyMaYgj1DI&feature=player_embedded#!

The video above shows how Lumarca can be used to scan a field of vision that includes a person into the computer and then project this through the display. Matt Parker, the narrator of the film, describes how seeing this volumetric display of one's own body can really make the viewer feel as if they’re having an out of body experience. Then, he further explains the uniqueness of the project as a whole due to the ability to view the projections without 3D glasses.

When thinking about Parker’s point that viewing Lumarca properly does not entail wearing glasses or any other headwear, I began to realize how much more “real” this aspect makes the projection. Without something physically on your head reminding you that what you’re seeing is not as tangible as it seems, the display crosses into a different realm of 3D projection (while remarkably staying on that affordable platform). Furthermore, because of its ability to mimic the body parts and movement of a person as well as simpler objects and dynamics such as a wave or a ball, it was understandable why the display was so engaging. As soon as I watched the video I found myself imagining what it would be like to manipulate how the projection was moving and what it looked like. I feel that this aspect of the project is actually the most important because it makes Lumarca not only a creation of the designers, but of the interacting subject as well.

Finally, although I could see the image of Parker’s body moving around in the projection during the demonstration in the video, it seemed very disjointed, whereas another Lumarca projection of a sphere looked a lot smoother. Maybe this was due to the size of the input or simply the amount of detail, but I found myself wishing the more complex projections looked as neat as the simpler ones I had viewed earlier. Also, while the example of a sphere was shaded to help show dimension, the separation of body parts such as legs, torso, arms, and head in the body was created by using different colors for each. I felt this could be improved upon as well in some of the projections.

Original work and photo found at: https://www.eyebeam.org/projects/lumarca

Video found at: http://www.madparker.com/lumarca/