A New Projection-based Exhibition System for a Museum

Abstract

In this thesis, we introduce new designs of the projection-based exhibition system that exhibits quality virtual cultural heritage objects. We designed the systems using a multi-projection mapping technology that provides a realistic 3D image of an object delivering substantial three-dimensional effect and high-fidelity appearance. The first projection-based exhibition system has been designed by employing an optical see-through display. This configuration enables us to overcome the limitations of a conventional projection-based exhibition system that suffers from the problems of ambient light and occlusion by other objects. We present a real-time projection mapping method that is built on the geometric calibration of the projector-camera system and a sensor-based tracking. A radiometric compensation method of the system is also proposed, in which it compensates for the color discrepancy caused by spectral responses of the 3D projection surface, the optical see-through display, and the multiple projectors to achieve high-fidelity color reproduction. The proposed system generates a 3D floating image of an original object that provides a photo-realistic appearance and accurate perceptional depth as well as accommodating a wide viewing angle. The system allows multiple users to observe a virtual object at the same time without wearing 3D glasses. In the second study, we propose a new projection-based exhibition system by combining a shape-changing display and multi-projection mapping technologies. This configuration enables us to overcome the limited degree of freedom of projection contents that comes from the static projection surface. We have designed a shape-changing display that consists of linear actuator array and multi-layer stretchable surface. It creates a smooth and continuous physical surface that represents the shape of the target object. Then, the realistic visual effect is rendered on the generated surface using the multi-projection mapping. To correctly project digital images without distortion, we calibrate the multiple projector-camera system and align the virtual and real world coordinates. The proposed system generates a physically augmented 3D content that provides a realistic 3D effects and appearance of an object. The system allows multiple users to watch and interact with 3D content simultaneously, thereby enables sharing of experience and collocated collaboration.