WHATSIT, the French video mapping consultant and mega events specialist, has announced the launch of Lumings – a plug-in for the 3D design and modeling software application Sketchup, whose purpose is to simulate the technical rendering side of video mapping in the most realistic way possible. The video projection design tool is set to save valuable time and substantially reduce technical costs for technical videographers, scenographers and project managers alike.
Lumings makes it possible to design an entire scenography before setting foot on site, thanks to its accurate and precise models and information. Another advantage, and what makes it unique to the market, is its comprehensive database, which integrates the technical characteristics of all existing professional projectors.
Working closely with a who’s who of manufacturers, and following a thorough in-house development period, WHATSIT has gathered, tested and measured the necessary data to allow a show designer to precisely simulate a variety of factors, for any set of projectors. The projector’s illuminance, positioning, energy consumption and heat release can all be monitored, as well as wider concerns such as pixel size / distortion, or the impact of shadows on projection surfaces.
Pierre-Yves Toulot, managing director of WHATSIT commented: “In our job, speed of execution is a key factor, and we were looking for a reliable plugin that would allow us to be more efficient. So we started working on a plugin which would feel familiar to users, and we wanted to make it available to as many people as possible, so we decided Sketchup was the right platform.”
The possibilities within Lumings are endless. Providing a solution for the most complex and uncharted video mapping configurations. It allows the user to simulate renders onto different materials and textures such as stone, metal, glass, mirrors etc. The 3D rendering is done using third part photorealistic engine.
Lumings can work out and compile the list of equipment most suited to the job, as well as providing alternatives for optimal configurations, taking into account available equipment options.
Lumings is the only product on the market to integrate such a complete database. The plug-in synthesizes numbers and images: there is no calculation required, since the data is already integrated. This means that integration can be achieved much faster than with any other alternative.
Last but not least, Lumings does not require Internet access to function, which will allow the user to work on their project in any situation.
Lumings is able to simplify the work of many stakeholders at different levels of the creative process, from design offices, theme park managers and scenographers, to manufacturers or independent contractors.
Toulot added: “Lumings is also ideal for service providers who might be looking for an effective tool to establish technical specifications or architects that have an interest in adding video projection to their projects.”
Lumings works as a subscription, which provides the user with very frequent updates, though a lite version of Lumings is available for customers without a subscription. While this version does not allow manipulation of the project or modification of the layout of the projectors, it does offer the same visualisation possibilities as the complete plug-in.
WHATSIT has also made a free version available on request for academic entities. “We really want to make Lumings accessible to everyone, as well as offer the new generation of creatives a central platform in which they can learn and create”, explained Toulot.
Lumings is the first proprietary software developed by WHATSIT, a French company created in 2017 to support and manage video mapping projects of all scale, providing consultancy on both the scenography and technical side. Members of WHATSIT’s technical leadership have all contributed, in the course of their careers, to the development of large-scale shows and events. Each individual, whether specialising in lighting design, video mapping or art direction, is currently recognised as expert in his field on the international scene.