Brandon Thomas Deploys Custom Laser Pong on Roadside Billboard

Brandon Thomas

Competitive volleys in outdoor laser projection depend on executing precise ricochets off paddle corners to maintain control.

AI-assisted summary of Laser Pong (my second laser projector videogame) — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2013-08-12

Key ideas

Brandon Thomas developed Laser Pong as a weekend project, projecting dynamic vector graphics onto an outdoor billboard at night. (0:00)
The roadside installation drew spontaneous public interaction, prompting a passing driver named Josh to pull over and play-test both paddles simultaneously. (0:00)
Thomas advised that mastering the game requires ricocheting the ball off the corners of the paddle to achieve sharper angles and gain an edge. (2:13)
The custom laser setup has been tested across half a dozen sites in Atlanta, with plans to develop a more sophisticated side-scroller project next.

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by Brandon Thomas on August 12, 2013, this video demonstrates "Laser Pong," a weekend laser projector project. According to the description, Thomas tested the game across half a dozen projection sites around Atlanta, viewing it as a stepping stone toward developing more complex side-scroller laser games.

## TL;DR Brandon Thomas showcases his newly coded Laser Pong game projected in bright vector lines onto an outdoor billboard at night. A passing driver named Josh stops by to check out the setup and ends up playing the game solo by manning both controllers at once. Throughout the demonstration, Brandon captures the action against an electronic music soundtrack, cheering Josh on and explaining how to ricochet shots off the paddle corners.

## Atmosphere & style The video carries an impromptu, late-night DIY tech vibe, combining the excitement of street-level hacking with casual public interaction. Accompanied by pulsing synth music, the tone is warm and collaborative as Brandon enthusiastically roots for a curious stranger trying to control both sides of a massive roadside display. It feels like an authentic snapshot of spontaneous urban creativity, set against the dark backdrop of the night sky.

## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Brandon Thomas developed Laser Pong as a weekend project, projecting dynamic vector graphics onto an outdoor billboard at night. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) The roadside installation drew spontaneous public interaction, prompting a passing driver named Josh to pull over and play-test both paddles simultaneously. - [02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=133s) Thomas advised that mastering the game requires ricocheting the ball off the corners of the paddle to achieve sharper angles and gain an edge. - The custom laser setup has been tested across half a dozen sites in Atlanta, with plans to develop a more sophisticated side-scroller project next.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Laser Pong is Brandon Thomas's second laser projector video game creation, completed as a short weekend project. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Thomas debuted the newly finished game code by projecting it directly onto a large roadside billboard at night. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) A passing driver named Josh was attracted by the laser projection and stopped his car to inspect and test the installation. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Josh volunteered to manage the gameplay on his own, coordinating controllers for both opposing paddles simultaneously. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Thomas praised Josh's coordination under the split-focus challenge and thanked him for assisting with the demonstration video. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Electronic synth background music accompanied the live outdoor laser gaming demonstration. - [02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=133s) Thomas shared a key tactical tip during the match, explaining that hitting the ball with the paddle's corner creates effective ricochets. - The portable laser projector system was deployed across half a dozen projection sites throughout Atlanta. - Following the success of the Pong experiment, Thomas aims to build a more complex laser-projected side-scroller game.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Introducing Laser Pong on a Billboard

Brandon Thomas opens the recording by stepping in front of the camera to show off his latest creation projected in the night onto an outdoor billboard structure behind him. Having just wrapped up the code for the game, he points it out to the viewer: “There's a laser pong right behind me on this billboard I just finished programming it and it's back there.”

The camera turns to reveal a passerby named Josh, who happened to be driving past the site when Brandon was setting up. Intrigued by the giant laser display, Josh stopped to check it out and stepped up to run the game, taking on the challenge of manning both player controllers simultaneously. Brandon chats with him as synth music plays in the background, checking in on his progress and expressing his gratitude: “Dude thank you so much for helping me [with] this video.” Even with the frantic split-focus required to control two opposing paddles at once, Brandon encourages him, remarking, “You're doing good having to play that by yourself.”

- Brandon Thomas showcases his custom-programmed Laser Pong project, which projects dynamic vector graphics onto a roadside billboard. - A passing driver named Josh volunteers on the spot to test the rig, coordinating both sides of the match at the same time.

[02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=133s) Gameplay Tips and Corner Ricochets

As the match progresses against the backdrop of electronic music, Brandon cheers Josh on to keep the volley going, urging him to “try to win.” Observing how the ball handles off the laser-drawn paddles, Brandon calls out the primary mechanic needed to get an edge in the game: “So what you have to do is ricochet with with the corner of your [paddle].” Josh continues bouncing the bright laser beam between the two paddles high up on the wall, testing the angles and gameplay mechanics under the night sky.

## Mentioned Brandon Thomas, Josh, Laser Pong, Atlanta

## Video description Laser Pong was a short weekend project. I've taken it to half a dozen sites around Atlanta for projection, and it's been a blast. I can't wait to do something more sophisticated. (Time for a side-scroller!)

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs)

中文简报

Brandon Thomas在路边广告牌展示自制激光Pong游戏户外激光投影中的对抗性对击依赖于从挡板边角进行精准反弹，以保持球的控制权。 Brandon Thomas展示了他新编写的Laser Pong游戏，夜晚在户外广告牌上以明亮的矢量线条进行投影。一名路过的司机Josh停车查看这一装置，并同时操作两个控制器单人试玩了这款游戏。在整个演示过程中，Brandon伴随着电子音乐原声记录了这一幕，为Josh加油助威，并解释如何利用挡板边角打出反弹球。 Brandon Thomas将Laser Pong作为周末项目开发，并在夜间将动态矢量图形投影到户外广告牌上。 (0:00) 这个路边装置引来了公众的自发互动，促使一名路过的司机Josh靠边停车并同时试玩两个挡板。 (0:00) Thomas指出，掌握该游戏的诀窍在于利用挡板边角反弹球，以打出更刁钻的角度并占据优势。 (2:13) 这套定制激光装置已在亚特兰大的六处地点进行了测试，下一步计划开发更复杂的横向卷轴游戏项目。

Reading summary

Developer Brandon Thomas demonstrated his custom-coded "Laser Pong" video game, projecting dynamic vector graphics onto a large roadside billboard at night with the help of an impromptu playtester. Outdoor Laser Projection and Field Testing (0:00) Brandon Thomas introduced his second laser projector video game shortly after finishing its code, projecting the match onto an outdoor billboard structure after dark. The setup was tested when a passing motorist named Josh pulled over to observe the display and volunteered to play, controlling both opposing paddles simultaneously to evaluate the system. Paddle Ricochet Mechanics (2:13) During the live match, Thomas observed the ball's movement against the laser-rendered paddles and detailed the game's primary angling mechanic. He instructed the player that gaining an advantage requires ricocheting the ball off the corner of the paddle, prompting continued testing of the trajectory angles and ball physics on the large-scale display. The field demonstration confirmed that the game could be clearly projected and played on a large commercial billboard, though the live trial remained limited to an informal single-player test operating both controls.

精炼阅读摘要

Brandon Thomas 展示了他新编写的激光投影游戏《Laser Pong》，该项目将矢量图形直接投射在夜间的路边广告牌上，并通过路人即兴操控验证了其在公共空间的大幅面交互效果。户外广告牌投影与即兴测试 (0:00) Brandon Thomas 在完成代码编写后，将激光投影设备架设在户外，将游戏画面投射在身后的巨型广告牌结构上。该装置在夜间启动后，引起了一名恰好驾车路过的司机 Josh 的好奇并驻足。Josh 主动参与实测，并在缺少第二名玩家的情况下，同时握持两侧控制器进行自我对抗。Brandon 对其同时操控两块挡板的表现予以鼓励，并对其现场协助测试表达了感谢。球拍边缘反弹与操作机制 (2:13) 在电子音乐的伴奏下，实测重点转向了激光投影的动态判定与击球手感。Brandon 观察了光束在两块球拍之间的弹射轨迹，并向操作者解释了游戏的核心取胜机制，即玩家需要利用球拍的边缘或角落来实现角度反弹（ricochet）。测试者随后在广告牌墙面上持续调整光束的反射角度，检验了这一物理交互机制在大尺寸立面上的运行表现。该项目证实了利用激光矢量技术在大型户外设施上运行复古街机游戏的可行性，但本次展示仅依赖一名路人同时操作双边控制器进行初步功能验证，多人实际对抗表现及更复杂的环境适应性尚缺乏进一步测试数据。

Detailed notes — zh

## Background 该视频由布兰登·托马斯（Brandon Thomas）于 2013 年 8 月 12 日发布在 YouTube 平台上。视频简介说明，《Laser Pong》是他利用周末时间完成的一个小型轻量级激光投影游戏项目，他曾将其带到亚特兰大周边半打不同的场地进行户外实地投影测试，并期待未来能制作更复杂的横版卷轴游戏。 ## TL;DR 视频记录了布兰登在夜间户外展示自己刚编程完成的第二款激光投影游戏《Laser Pong》，绿色激光将经典的 Pong 游戏画面实时投射在巨大的户外广告牌上。一名叫乔希（Josh）的路人驾车经过被吸引，主动停车参与测试，并双手各持一个控制器挑战一人分饰两角互相对打。布兰登在现场不仅对路人的热心协助连连道谢并为其加油打气，还耐心指导他如何利用球拍边缘打出折射角以提高球技。 ## Atmosphere & style 整个视频洋溢着极客创客特有的热情与深夜街头的随性惬意。夜色中醒目的绿色激光线条与轻快的背景音乐交织，勾勒出一种充满未来感却又十分亲切的复古科技氛围。布兰登与偶遇路人乔希之间的互动轻松自然、笑声不断，让观众能真切感受到独立开发者在街头分享创意成果时的纯粹喜悦与成就感。 ## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 布兰登·托马斯（Brandon Thomas）利用周末时间完成了个人第二款激光投影游戏 Laser Pong，并将绿色激光画面直接投射在夜间的户外大型广告牌上。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 该项目在亚特兰大周边六个不同场地完成了实地投影测试，硬件系统由运行代码的笔记本电脑、激光投影仪与游戏手柄构成。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 路人乔希（Josh）偶然驾车路过并主动参与实测，双手各持一个控制器独自对打，验证了系统的街头互动性与游玩机制。 ## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) Laser Pong 是作者布兰登·托马斯独立编程开发的第二款激光投影电子游戏。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 项目采用极简架构，通过笔记本电脑运行游戏程序，驱动激光投影仪投射画面。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 游戏画面由醒目的绿色激光线条构成，在夜色中清晰勾勒出经典 Pong 的球拍与球体。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 户外大型广告牌被直接作为激光投影介质，展现了自制激光系统在城市大尺寸表面展示的可行性。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 该项目是一个短期的周末研发原型，作者曾在亚特兰大周边多个地点进行移动式投影实测。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 路人乔希在开车途中被街头激光装置吸引，随即停车加入现场试玩互动。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 在缺少第二名玩家的情况下，测试者一人双手同时操作两侧手柄进行左右互搏对抗。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 游戏保留了经典物理碰撞反馈，玩家可通过球拍边缘触球打出折射角以改变回球轨迹。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 作者表达了进一步开发更复杂激光游戏（如横版卷轴游戏）的后续规划意向。 ## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs&t=0s) 户外广告牌上的 Laser Pong 演示与路人试玩视频在夜间的户外展开，布兰登·托马斯（Brandon Thomas）面向镜头开场，兴奋地介绍自己刚完成编程的第二款激光投影视频游戏——Laser Pong（激光乒乓）。他指着身后的一块巨大广告牌表示游戏画面正投影在上面：“There's a laser pong right behind me on this billboard I just finished programming it and it's back there.” 绿色的激光线条在黑暗中的广告牌表面勾勒出经典的 Pong 球拍与光球，显得格外醒目。 ```mermaid flowchart LR accTitle: Laser Pong 运行架构 accDescr: 笔记本程序通过激光投影仪将画面投射到户外广告牌，玩家使用手柄进行对战。 A["笔记本电脑 (运行代码)"] --> B["激光投影仪"] B --> C["户外广告牌画面 (Laser Pong)"] D["双人游戏手柄"] --> A ``` 就在布兰登展示系统时，一位名叫乔希（Josh）的路人刚好开车经过现场，被这套新奇的街头激光装置吸引并停下车来体验。由于当时只有一个人试玩，乔希索性两手同时握着左右两侧的控制器，一人分饰两角自己与自己对战。布兰登见状一边笑着询问乔希感觉如何，一边由衷向他致谢：“Dude thank you so much for helping me this video.” 面对一人分控两个球拍的高难度操作，布兰登在一旁加油打气，夸赞他一个人玩得相当出色：“You're doing good having to play that by yourself.” 随着游戏进行，现场伴随着轻快的背景音乐，布兰登还给正在努力对攻的乔希支招，指导他如何打出刁钻的击球角度，提醒他试着用球拍的边缘角去打出折射反弹：“So what you have to do is ricochet with, with the corner of your...” 两人在深夜的亚特兰大街头轻松互动，测试着这套趣味十足的周末激光自制项目。 - 项目背景：Laser Pong 是布兰登利用周末时间完成的轻量级激光投影游戏项目，曾在亚特兰大周边的多处场地进行实地投影测试。 - 试玩细节：路人乔希（Josh）偶然驾车路过并主动参与，独自一人双手操控两个手柄完成对打测试。 ## Mentioned Brandon Thomas, Laser Pong, Josh, Pong, Atlanta ## Video description Laser Pong was a short weekend project. I've taken it to half a dozen sites around Atlanta for projection, and it's been a blast. I can't wait to do something more sophisticated. (Time for a side-scroller!) [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x034jVB1avs)

Original transcript

[0:00] okay cool so I think I can introduce the [0:02] video [0:03] there's a laser pong right behind me on [0:07] this billboard I just finished [0:09] programming it and [0:10] it's back there [0:23] okay and this is Josh he just happened [0:27] to drive by and he's playing both [0:30] controls right now [0:33] how you doing there Josh [0:36] [Music] [0:43] dude thank you so much for helping me [0:46] this video [0:47] [Music] [1:05] right [1:10] [Music] [1:12] you're doing good having to play that by [1:14] yourself [1:23] [Music] [1:53] [Music] [1:59] [Music] [2:13] try to win [2:46] Agni [2:58] so what you have to do is ricochet [3:02] with [3:04] with the corner of your [3:08] [Music] [3:16] [Music]