LaserCam: A brand new live webcam to laser projection application

**Nagilo** · 10-14-2011, 10:12

Hello Adam.

Thanks for your very long and detailed introduction. I really appreciate it.

I'm evaluating an idea that deals with tracing movement and projecting it for different issues. Though I'm thinking to make a business out if that idea, I can't give you all details here. Currently I'm struggling with the projection part though a Beamer does not fit my requirements. And I'm also checking laws on laser and so on. But this is still in progress.

The project itself has nothing to do with laser show, music or dancing. Therefore it's not so easy to find suitable information. The programming of the data to be displayed is done on the fly. By different graphic algorithms. This is why the LaserCam software is so interesting. It overlaps with my desired functionality. Thanks to your information I now have a rough idea of how much money and time I need to prototype. I will definitely spend more time on checking this forum here.

Greetings from Austria and thanks again.

Matthias

**sbk** · 10-14-2011, 12:40

BTW, does anybody has any experience with LaserCam and Fiesta .NET version? Does it matter if it's a .NET or a USB version?

**buffo** · 10-15-2011, 00:38

Originally Posted by Nagilo

I'm evaluating an idea that deals with tracing movement and projecting it for different issues.

OK, so you are talking about custom code that will run in real-time, rather that something that is pre-choreographed. In that case, since DrLava's LaserCam software seems to have at least some of the features you will want, I suggest contacting him in private to discuss the idea further. If you need one, I'm sure Andrew would be willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Currently I'm struggling with the projection part

Vector scanning using galvos is not the only way to create an image using a laser. There are raster-scanning applications that use rotating polygonal mirrors, and there are also DLP-like solutions that use arrays of very small mirrors. To be able to point you in the right direction, however, it would be necessary to know more about the requirements of the projection system - in terms of speed of refresh and image complexity. (At this point we don't even know if you're talking about vector or raster projection.)

The project itself has nothing to do with laser show, music or dancing.

That's OK. The physics behind the operation of a laser projector don't change just because it's being used for entertainment.

Unfortunately, there are some pretty severe limits on what you can do with vector scanning, at least with current technology.

The programming of the data to be displayed is done on the fly. By different graphic algorithms.

Right. Custom code. That's not a problem, assuming you or someone on your team knows how to program. But you do want to be careful which controller you pick. Some of the open-source controllers based around sound-cards would probably work well, but they have limits on their performance because they're designed for sound reproduction, not fast scanning. There are also some commercial controllers that have software development kits available for them, which might make your job a little easier. Most commercial controllers have higher output speeds as well, though that's not really an issue if you're going to be using current galvo technology.

This is why the LaserCam software is so interesting. It overlaps with my desired functionality.

Then I would definitely suggest you talk with Andrew. At the very least, he can probably point you towards some very useful code libraries that will help.

Also, if you are thinking about building a prototype, you probably don't need it to be full color. By sticking with a single laser (and thus monochrome output), you will save a lot of money - no matter if you buy it off-the-shelf or build it yourself.

Adam

**Nagilo** · 10-15-2011, 04:08

Good morning.

Thanks again Adam for your answer. I'm currently a bit short on time but I'll contact Andrew for sure. But for a first insight your information has been really helpful. The application I'm thinking of will be vector based and a monochrome laser is suitable.

Thanks again

Matthias Heise

**sbk** · 10-18-2011, 13:25

Apart speaking of the software... I believe DrLava is the LEAST responsive guy of the entire forum, right??

I sent him first a PM, but no answer. Well, ok. Then a few day later I really would had a try at LaserCam so I decided to buy the PRO version on his website and sent him 99$ to his google account. So I hoped maybe a faster answer with a licence and a link to download the software... But still nothing after 4 days!! And I'm not the only one to complain, looking at the guy's profile on PL... He went online all days, this being said.

Is there any special reason to this?

**liteglow** · 10-18-2011, 16:26

SBK, I know DrLava from other deals.
And he don`t leave anyone without support.

If he has not been online the past 4 days... Well I guess he have a life that also need Real Time Support :-)

I think we give him some more days to reply... the world is still spinning.

btw, I will buy LaserCam the moment I get cash on my account !!!

This sounds promising, as Mamba Black did never update their "Cam-Scanner" software..

Dr_Lava: What I miss now is a LASER 2 SMS software that works with new symbiam phones

Cheers

**swamidog** · 10-18-2011, 16:31

drlava is in the process of moving cross country. he may be a little busy right now.

i've gotten excellent support from him (he even called me one night so he could help with an issue i was having).

you may have better luck reaching him on the PL irc channel.

Originally Posted by liteglow

SBK, I know DrLava from other deals.
And he don`t leave anyone without support.

If he has not been online the past 4 days... Well I guess he have a life that also need Real Time Support :-)

I think we give him some more days to reply... the world is still spinning.

btw, I will buy LaserCam the moment I get cash on my account !!!

This sounds promising, as Mamba Black did never update their "Cam-Scanner" software..

Dr_Lava: What I miss now is a LASER 2 SMS software that works with new symbiam phones

Cheers

**liteglow** · 10-18-2011, 16:59

Btw: what is the difference from PRO and Basic ? (I only have 1 computer)

**sbk** · 10-19-2011, 00:05

Originally Posted by swamidog

drlava is in the process of moving cross country. he may be a little busy right now.

Ah ok! I didn't know. My bad. So I should wait a little more again :-(

Liteglow : you can read the differences on his website. But the main for me is it should work with Fiesta DAC.

**liteglow** · 10-19-2011, 12:22

should I buy the Pro or not then ? (and will I get the link ASAP when I pay)
I got the easylase, and mainly doing this for fun + support DrLava for his great work

i did not find any info about the 2 versions...

**sbk** · 10-19-2011, 13:55

Good news, I received the first email from Andrew with the download link :-) But I'm still waiting on the activation key and so can't use yet the software, it should follow soon...

With the PRO you get a licence for two different computers, it works with QM2000 and Fiesta (.NET??), you have Intensity shading, and desktop screen/youtube video capture. Seems exiting

**dzodzo** · 10-19-2011, 16:46

Originally Posted by sbk

With the PRO you get a licence for two different computers, it works with QM2000 and Fiesta (.NET??), you have Intensity shading, and desktop screen/youtube video capture. Seems exiting

i tried the screen capture with winamp visualization but since LaserCam uses outline tracing (for some obvious copy-protection reasons

) the results are not that satisfactory, it's still fun for parties with people tho =)

**sbk** · 10-22-2011, 07:34

Well, after a few trial with libraries (finally using the one sent by Andrew), I can confirm LaserCam is now working with my Fiesta.NET!!!

It's amazing to see live video stream or videos on my screen drawed into laser graphics, and it works quite well, if you take care of having great contrasts and finding the best settings.

BTW, Andrew is now very responsive by email

**drlava** · 10-22-2011, 11:04

Hi guys!

Nagilo, thank you for your PM. LaserCam may indeed be what you need, if you're looking for a live tracing application, it's well suited for the task. Also, library licensing options are available. If you don't need tracing and are instead looking for live bar graphs/dials/indicators/text updated to a datastream, LSX show software can do that for you with excellent quality that would be a step above tracing quality.

I was out of town from Tuesday morning till Friday, thank you for your pateince.

Sbk, glad you got the Fiesta.net figured out with LaserCam! DzoDzo, do you have a particular need for winamp visualization? what DAC are you using? I have a winamp laser visualization plugin that works quite well, so we should chat.

With the release of the EtherDream (net DAC) from j4cbo, there will be updates for LaserCam, LSX, and ILD SOS, and the Universal Laser DAC Library for users of the EtherDream for compatibility.

One thing you should try out if you're into dancing tracing is the combination of LaserCam with the Kinect. It works very well and you don't have to worry about lighting or contrast! Be sure to use a dual core (or better) machine for 30FPS scanning updates.

**kamakajee** · 10-31-2011, 00:13

Hello All,
Does this amazing software works with MediaLas Hyperport DAC?
& what I see from few post (correct me if I'm wrong) it does not work with FB3?
Way to Go! drlava & big thanks & respect to all the laser veterans who is making this a much sort out forum for a novice like me.
Kama

**MIIKKKLLLL** · 11-01-2011, 05:01

Hi, I would like to know if lasercam works with He laserscan and a mini-Lumax as DAC?

Thank you!

**syffiks** · 11-23-2011, 09:11

Hi, I would like to know if lasercam works with MediaLas Mamba?
Thank you!

**drlava** · 11-29-2011, 01:00

Yes, it should work with medialas DACs and mamba as well. There is built in support for .mld drivers, and also lumax. It will not work with the FB3 until Pangolin publishes the interface spec as promised. Please ask them to do so!

Here is a rave where we set up LaserCam just for fun. Turns out the dancers loved it! SlickLasers rocked and we had a great time.

http://youtu.be/cClvvkqvIcU

Hmm how does one embed videos? MEDIA and youtube tags didn't work...

**colouredmirrorball** · 11-29-2011, 16:45

[ video] and [ /video] should do it.
I was kinda disappointed that LaserCam was not included in the LSX package. But the demo looks good.

**swamidog** · 11-29-2011, 16:52

click on the little filmstrip button when you're making your post.

Originally Posted by drlava

Hmm how does one embed videos? MEDIA and youtube tags didn't work...

**matapixels** · 01-09-2012, 06:14

hi!, please can someone find to dr lava!??? please i buy this soft arround a week and i have any responce....please help!!!

**drlava** · 01-27-2012, 00:59

Hi, let me now if the latest update (1.21) takes care of the EtherDream compatibility for you. Works for me here

I just uploaded new Basic and Pro versions for EtherDream Compatibility, and also the Pro version now supports adjustable processing resolution.

**kiyoukan** · 01-27-2012, 01:22

dr lava pm in your mail box.

**Alex_kld** · 01-27-2012, 10:40

dr lava!
and my pm in your mail box

**Teambabel** · 02-20-2012, 09:43

Hi, Want to buy the software, looks amazing with the dancers, Is it just a download?
Cheers
James

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