tech details

How the system works:
The webcam is pointed at the scale model of the diorama and connected to the PC to bring a digitized video stream of the diorama scene into Director. When a user points the laser pointer around the diorama space, the TrackThemColors Xtra allows Director to track a specified color, that of the laser pointer, thus turning the point of the laser pointer into the "cursor". Certain areas of the Director stage have been made active, and when the cursor roles over them, they reveal hidden sprites - images, movies, text, etc. The projector (coming from the PC) projects the Director stage back onto the model which aligns areas of the 3D scene with their corresponding area of the projection.

We envision the full scale version of the system would employ multiple projectors able to move to change their projecting angle, as well as multiple cameras to sense the entire diorama space.

Hardware: Infocus projector, Logitech Express webcam, Dell PC laptop, laser pointer, felted foamcore water buffalo

Software: Macromedia Director with TrackThemColors Xtra