Virtual Museum with 3D Artifacts

Summary form only given. We have been researching and developing ´Virtual Museum´ in an extreme high-definition real-time computer graphics system with a resolution of 4K and 8K (Super Hi-Vision). We had first developed a functioning test system, which exhibited Japanese artifacts ´Ukiyoe´ in 4K resolution. In this time, we have enhanced the virtual museum with a capability to exhibit 3D objects such as statues and archaeological items. In order to achieve this, the following technology is needed, 1) acquisition of 3D object with very high-resolution digitization for both geometry and texture data, 2) new representation technique to enable a user to walkthrough in the museum space and appreciate the artifacts with less stress. For 1), we have established the digitization pipeline converting a real object to the virtual object in the virtual space. And for 2), we have made a new walkthrough algorithm with a human gesture sensing device which enables a user to walkthrough by hand gesture. We have developed and demonstrated a prototype of the new virtual museum and have confirmed its functionality and usability.