Wall projection
wall_projection.tox
Layer: output (image)
In: 1–3 TOPs
Out: projection window + resolution CHOP (resX, resY)
This component is the output stage for the lab's wall projectors. It opens the projection window, sends the images to the wall surfaces, and tells the user the exact resolution the source images must have, both at home and in the lab. The resolution comes from the component as a CHOP that the user wires into their own source. This keeps content and output in sync by design, so there is no stretching, cropping or black bars.
Role in the setup
Together with Floor projection and Ambisonics sound control, this component forms the lab's output layer. Any image from a project, whether generated, filmed (Azure Kinect cameras) or controlled by interaction logic, reaches the walls through this component.
Technical specification
- Projection modes.
- Three screens (default, both switches off): three separate images on the left, centre and right walls (inputs 1, 2 and 3).
- Panoramic projection: one wide image across the whole wall surface from input 1. Inputs 2 and 3 are ignored.
- Single projection: output to one projector only, for tests and small setups.
- Wall layout. The three channels correspond to the three fixed walls: left, centre and right as seen from the entrance (west, north and east). The fourth (south) wall is mobile and is not installed by default. When a project uses it, its output is set up for that project and is not part of this component's standard configuration.
- Resolution contract. The resolution CHOP (
resX,resY) always gives the resolution for the current mode and licence. Users wire it into their source TOP instead of typing numbers. If the mode or licence changes, the content follows automatically. - Home/lab switch. License off gives a reduced home resolution that stays within the 1280 × 1280 limit of TouchDesigner's free Non-Commercial licence. On gives the full lab resolution, which the lab workstation's Educational licence allows. The patch stays the same either way.
- Fit Input sets what happens to an image of the wrong size, as a safety net. Following the resolution CHOP is still the preferred way to work.
- Window management. Open Window and Close Window switch the projection on and off. Keep the window closed while editing, so that it does not take focus from the TouchDesigner editor.
Parameters
| Parameter | Function |
|---|---|
| License | off = home resolution, on = full lab resolution |
| Panoramic projection | one wide image across the wall, uses input 1 only |
| Single projection | output to one projector only |
| (both off) | three screens: left, centre, right |
| Fit Input | what happens to an image of the wrong size |
| Output Resolution | readout of the current resolution |
| Configure | rebuilds after a mode change |
| Open Window / Close Window | opens or closes the projection |
Outputs
- Resolution CHOP:
resX,resYfor the user's source TOP. - The projection window on the wall projectors.
Limitations and expected behaviour
- Small resolution: License is off (home setting).
- Inputs 2 and 3 do nothing: Panoramic is on.
- Stretched, cropped or black bars: the source isn't following the resolution CHOP.
- Content on the wrong wall: the input order is left, centre, right.
- Nothing visible after a change: press Configure, then Open Window.
Relations
- ← any content TOP, e.g. from Azure Kinect cameras or controlled by Calculations
- ↔ Floor projection (same model, different aspect ratio)
- Hardware: Inventory (projection surfaces and projectors)
References
- User README: wall_projection-README
- Repository: <https://github.com/SpatialComputingL/Td-updates>
- Overview: Lab Tools