Thesis Blog - Week 8

March 18th

52 Days until Showcase

I’m currently on a train home after having a revelation at work on USD or universal scene description. This is a newer file format developed by Pixar for 3D environments and scene management. I tried to use it earlier this week but didn’t understand it and had issues importing into Touchdesigner. I believe roundtripping my model through Rhino and zipping the files in a complete bundle will fix my texturing issues. I’ve been struggling this week to incorporate a 3D model I designed of the proposed host’s kitchen. If this works I can run my model natively in Touchdesigner?l, setup a camera and trigger virtual projection mapping cues without relying on 2D rendered media for the host scenes. This would be great for lighting changes, surreal imagery and others.

I want to get my scenes in this weekend so that when next week rolls around I can focus on voiceover recording and cutting that up on a scene by scene basis. In preparation for next week I need to finalize my script, add in a special last scene(!?!) and finish my clock integration. I also need to update my systems schematic as I approach install and I'm realizing my audio systems might be a bit convoluted or over designed. I spoke with Sam and she gave me clearance that I can proceed with installing my needs in the room as soon as Don vacates the space. The plan is for Friday 3/22 to swap over.

I’m also starting to think about and write my paper. I’m not sure if there is a certain expectation or structure it needs to be. My current plan is to outline the steps to building a narrative environment in a sort of informative/instructional tone using industry examples and couple that with diary style entries (like this one) of my actual progress building it.

I’m also getting very into writing on the train because I can’t do much else without the internet.