TouchDesigner Tutorial: Blob Tracking to Instances & Understanding UV vs Absolute Coordinates

I’ve just released a new TouchDesigner tutorial! Learn how to track blobs in real-time – Project Files Here πŸ‘‰https://okamirufu.link/project_files_collections

πŸ“Œ Summary
Key focus areas include the extraction and application of positional data from the Blob Track operator, along with the conversion of coordinates from normalized UV values to absolute pixel values for proper alignment. The creator demonstrates how to handle various aspect ratios and ensures that the instances remain correctly aligned regardless of the resolution. By applying various operators and settings, viewers learn to create interactive visuals that are responsive to blob movements. Lastly, the tutorial provides insights into managing network parameters and optimizing the overall design process in TouchDesigner.

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πŸ•’ *TIMECODE*
00:00 *Intro*
Introduction to the tutorial: learn how to use the Blob Track TOP in TouchDesigner
to detect movement in any video and convert it into instances or deformations,
using real-time motion data for interactive and visual effects.

01:22 *Blob Tracking Basics*
Understand how the Blob Track TOP works using a reference frame. We use a
cached static background to isolate moving elements and detect high-contrast
areas. Real-time blob data is extracted for creative use.

02:21 *Using Blob Data*
Explore the values in the Blob Track DAT: UV coordinates, size, and age.
These are converted to CHOP channels and used to create instances and
labeled text that follow blobs dynamically, forming the basis of visual interaction.

05:53 *Aspect Ratio Adjustments*
To maintain alignment across resolutions, we apply scaling to account
for aspect ratio. Learn to use Math CHOPs to scale the Y axis and ensure
that instances don’t stretch or misalign when switching screen formats.

06:30 *UV to Absolute Coordinates*
Discover how to convert normalized UV values into absolute pixel coordinates.
This is essential when working with TOPs like Text TOP that require exact
pixel positions to keep visual elements synced with blob motion.

08:30 *Visual Effects & Noise*
Apply animated noise, feedback loops, and blend modes to stylize the instances.
Techniques include masking blobs with textured noise, using Displace TOP
for distortion, and creating layered dynamic visuals from blob data.

10:30 *Network & Main Settings*
Wrap up the project with optimized organization. Learn how to finalize the
text instancing, apply materials, and ensure correct alignment. Tips are
provided to save resources and build reusable, clean networks for future use.

I hope you liked this tutorial! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

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