The Potential of In-House Content Production with TouchDesigner

WAN works on a wide range of CG production and is always exploring new possibilities. This time, we'd like to introduce "TouchDesigner," a piece of software discovered by one of our staff members. It is excellent for creating projection mapping and VR content, and we think it could open up new possibilities for our production work, so we are introducing it here.

About TouchDesigner

TouchDesigner is node-based software for building interactive video content that uses projection mapping and sensors. I recently started using it myself, and at first I found it hard to get into because I couldn't picture how video content would be built with nodes. However, after a few days of working with it, I gradually got used to it and became able to create simple content.

Once you get used to it, you can build content smoothly, but the software is very deep, and I feel it holds many possibilities, such as elaborate effects and presentation, and integration with sensors and other software. What's especially appealing is that complex things can be achieved just by connecting nodes. Another attraction is that combining it with programs such as Python lets you add even more advanced expressions and functions.

What a basic TouchDesigner build looks like

The above is part of a build, but in practice there is a huge variety of operators (the small square windows). Broken down one by one, each operator is not that difficult. However, when you try to create something elaborate, the number of operators grows very large, and the whole thing looks very complex.

Prototype examples and brief explanations of how they were built

These three pieces were created by modifying examples in my own way while watching YouTube videos and other resources.
I have also added brief explanations of how each piece of content was built.

1. Target game using a Hokuyo Automatic sensor

How it was built

2. Physics simulation using a Hokuyo Automatic sensor

How it was built

3. Combining a webcam with particles

How it was built

Final thoughts

Trying out TouchDesigner has broadened the possibilities for new interactive video content. I feel that the 3DCG we have produced in our work could be finished not only as images and videos but also as works that respond interactively.

As we become able to create a wider variety of more attractive and entertaining video content, we will introduce it on our blog each time. If you have an opportunity to work with us on new content production or would like to consult with us, please feel free to contact us.