AtmosFX Decorators have always had the most engaging displays in the neighborhood, and still, they are always looking for more ways to take their decorating to the next level. This level of engagement is what makes decorating for Halloween, Christmas and other special events so much fun, right?
Well, we’ve come up with another way to, yet again, increase the “oohs” and “ahhs” you’ll get from your neighbors and friends. AtmosFX has partnered with another cutting-edge company called Illumibot. Together, we are bringing you an exciting new way to display your favorite AtmosFX Decorations – through AI-powered projection mapping that transforms your entire house into a canvas overflowing with creativity.
- The initial release of the Illumibot is available in limited quantities, with more becoming available in the coming months. To check availability and to purchase, click here.
Maybe you’ve seen those incredible house projection videos on social media and thought, “That looks amazing, but I could never figure out how to do that.” Well, guess what? With Illumibot, you absolutely can. All that complex mapping software and technical know-how is now literally as easy as opening an app, pointing your camera at your house, and saying or typing a few key phrases or words.
How exactly does that work? As part of our ongoing Digital Decorating 101 series, we’re thrilled to show you how this innovative partnership lets you combine the AtmosFX Decorations you know and love with cutting-edge projection mapping technology that’s surprisingly easy to use.
The basics: what is projection mapping?
Projection mapping is essentially the art of turning any surface into a dynamic screen. Instead of projecting onto a flat, white surface like a traditional movie screen, projection mapping uses software to “map” the projector’s image to fit perfectly onto irregular surfaces – like the side of your house. The software calculates all the angles, curves, and edges so that when the image is projected, it appears to conform to that surface perfectly, creating the illusion that the object itself is changing, moving, or coming to life.
You’ve probably seen projection mapping before without realizing it had a name. Those spectacular displays where entire buildings seem to melt, transform, or dance with light? That’s projection mapping. Disney uses it to make Cinderella’s Castle appear to change colors and textures. Arenas will project onto hockey rinks to make it look like the ice is on fire. Until recently, creating these effects required expensive software, technical expertise, and lots of time – but new technologies like Illumibot are making it possible for regular homeowners to create their own jaw-dropping displays with nothing more than the Illumibot, a smartphone app and some creativity.
What Is Illumibot and how does it work?
Illumibot is an innovative company that, like AtmosFX, seeks to completely reimagine how people might decorate their home or business. Both utilize a projector to create the transformation. Whereas an AtmosFX display might transform a window, garage door or 3DFX Form into something previously unimaginable, in the case of Illumibot, it can do so to an entire home. Indeed, Illumibot takes the complexity out of projection mapping by making it as simple as “Point, Prompt, Play.”
- To learn more about the Illumibot, and to see more examples of how it can be used, click here.
The Illumibot is a small device that connects to your projector via HDMI cable, and works with a smartphone app. (Download the app here.) Instead of requiring technical expertise in projection mapping software, you simply take a photo of the surface on which you want to project, allow the Illumibot app to “map” the surface, then use voice commands or text prompts to describe what you want to see. Illumibot’s AI generates custom images and maps them perfectly to your chosen surface – whether that’s your garage door, the entire front of your house, or even a large outdoor wall.
The AtmosFX + Illumibot partnership: best of both worlds
While Illumibot excels at creating AI-generated imagery, the partnership with AtmosFX means you’re not limited to solely computer-generated content. Of course you can also use AtmosFX Decorations!
In addition to utilizing AI-generated art, the Illumibot app allows you to upload additional content like your own videos or AtmosFX Decorations. That gives you the opportunity to utilize all the ghosts, creeps, monsters and other characters that have been haunting your home for years. It’s easy! Just integrate your AtmosFX Decorations in the app’s timeline along with the AI-generated content.
What do you need to begin projection mapping with Illumibot?
Ready to dive into projection mapping? Illumibot makes it easy. The following list of essential equipment is what you’ll need to get started.
- Illumibot device: The small hardware unit that connects to your projector via an HDMI cable. This device will communicate with the app on your smartphone. Grab the Illumibot device here.
- Powerful projector: This is crucial – you will want to make sure you have a powerful projector for large-scale projection mapping.
- Smartphone and Illumibot app: The Illumibot app is your control center for both building your projection map, as well as conjuring up the creative scenes you will project on your home or business.
- Stable mounting system: For outdoor displays, you’ll need weatherproof housing and secure mounting.
Considering a projector for large-scale projection mapping
When we recommend projectors at AtmosFX, we always advise that different types of spaces require different types of projectors – there’s no one perfect fit. Smaller displays need smaller projectors; Larger displays need larger projectors. In the case of using the Illumibot to create a projection mapping display on an entire house facade, you will require a projector with a high lumen count. The AtmosKIT Autoplay GO is a terrific projector for almost all digital decorating purposes, but when it comes to large scale projection mapping displays, you’ll want something with an even higher lumen count.
- Looking for a quality projector that works great with the Illumibot? Consider the powerful BenQ AH500ST.
Lastly, don’t forget that it is essential to keep your projector both safe and dry. Illumibot has created protective boxes that are both secure and weather-resistant. Illumibot is designing a cases that will address all these issues – keep checking back here as more become available. As of right now, there are limited quantities available of the medium-size enclosure.
You’re nearly ready! How to set up your first projection mapping display
Once you have your equipment, getting started with Illumibot is remarkably straightforward. Just start with these simple steps to create a mindblowing display:
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Install the Illumibot app on your smartphone and create your account. You can download the device here.
- Connect your Illumibot device to your projector via HDMI.
- Position your projector to cover your chosen surface (garage door, house facade, etc.)
- Use the app to “map” your surface by outlining the edges with your finger on your phone screen
- Choose your content – Upload your existing AtmosFX Decoration library, other videos you own, or create new AI-generated imagery
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Fine-tune and enjoy your massive display!
For those of you who are intrigued by the awesome power of AtmosFX Decorations and Illumibot, we want to see what you create! Send us your photos and videos using our simple online submission form!
