Gobo projection isn’t just for signage for events, warehouses and marketing. Gobo projection can also be used in exhibitions to bring an immersive experience to life.
We were approached by Novak Studio, who provide mapping solutions for digital projections. They reached out to us at Projected Image to cover a 9m x 7m space at Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They had "explored various ways of achieving this, but struggled to find a suitable solution that would achieve the desired results." Due to the building and site being listed, there were also limitations as to how to incorporate gobo projections, without installing structures and damaging the site.
Novak Studio, working with acclaimed artist Nicola Anthony, were looking for a cost effective way to project a "river of words". "Due to budget constraints, the idea of using gobo projection was conceived as an extension of the digital projection component, expanding the overall footprint of the artwork" Adam, from Novak Studio, says.
After a meeting to discuss the project in detail, we recommended our 20 Watt LED gobo projectors. These units are small and lightweight, perfect for a powerful and highly visible projection at a 6m distance. Due to the discreet nature of the units, Novak Studios were "able to devise a rigging method that was sensitive to the grade 1 listed cathedral". In this area, projected signage was a more cost-effective solution for static images than digital projection.
Novak produced a 3D render of the installation plan and approximate projection measurements. The nine gobo projectors would be mounted on a truss structure, projecting the artwork onto the floor at a varying degree of angles and positions.
We received the vector artwork ready for keystone correction and to create gobo proofs. The challenge with this was connecting the intricate artwork together from the nine different projector locations planned, each of which had different projection angles and distortion calculations.
The gobo projectors were positioned to provide full coverage on the cathedral floor, some closer, some further away than others. This resulted in severe distortion angles, as seen in the diagram below, showing the distorted projection areas in green. We prepared a test gobo for one area, which was keystoned, to test the power of the unit, along with the distortion. After this proved successful we proceeded to undertake the full job.
The next task was to set to work dividing the artwork up into each gobo projection. Whole words in the overlapping areas were grouped accordingly to create a jigsaw-like system of gobos.
The artwork was made to a 1:10 scale, in order to accurately size the artwork and measure the distortions to apply. The projection sizes were marked on a document, so we knew how much space would be covered with each projection. With the measurements checked against information provided by Novak, we started the keystone correction process for all nine gobo projectors.
The distortion measurements are based on the projector’s location to the artwork, which would naturally distort at an angle. Keystone correction requires accurate measurements of the distances as well as the projector’s gobo and lens information.
The example shown here is of Projector 5, the midway point of the design. Taking the measurements and inputting them into our in-house calculator, we generated an isometric 3D diagram of the gobo projection, along with a distortion map of the keystone correction for the gobo projector.
As the artwork was not facing in the same direction as the projector, the distortion correction is at a rotated angle. Placing the artwork into the distortion map, to the scale given in the plan, allows us to keep the process consistent across all designs. The distortion is also copied onto the map to verify that the orientation of the design is correct.
The distortion is then applied and scaled to the gobo’s image area and checked against manufacturing tolerances. For gobos with colour, this is especially important in allowing the layers of glass to be lined up correctly.
For every order, we test the gobos in the units. This is to confirm that, not only are measurements correct, but to ensure the highest quality projection result. As this is a complex connecting design, we also looked at the designs together. As we were happy with the appearance of each of the gobos, these were installed into the gobo projectors and packed for collection.
Although this project had a tight budget, and time scale, our projection experts and, in-house keystoning and manufacturing, meant that we were able to fulfil and "exceed expectations". Adam at Novak received the projectors and gobos ready for installation 2 weeks before the opening. Adam noted that "Projected Image's incredible expertise and willingness to take on a very challenging project has been key to the success of this project."
Angled gobo projections have been keystone corrected by Projected Image for over a decade. Over the last few years we have seen a significant increase in demand within the retail and projected signage industries. This has given us a greater need to push for the most accurate correction methods, especially if the image is scaled. Another example of our keystone corrected gobos include the Bubbles of Serenity art installation.
With our in-house projection experts we can not only provide a first class service and product, but help problem solve and develop concepts and ideas into real world solutions. Whether it’s for an art exhibition, corporate event or retail environment, get in touch with our team to bring your vision to life.