Virtual heritage system: modeling, database & presentation

This paper addresses three research issues for the virtual heritage system: 3D modeling, 3D media asset database management, and interactive presentation through networks. We first show art overview of our virtual heritage system and introduce our approaches on each research issue. We develop 3D modeling environment using both of two emerging techniques, i.e., image-based 3D modeling and 3D laser scanning-based 3D modeling techniques. Each technique captures range data of 3D objects using 3D input devices and uses 3D mesh modeling scheme. Our test results from both of these trials are shown. One of the important tasks for the virtual heritage system is how to manage the various kinds of cultural heritage assets. For this goal, our approach for an asset management is described. This includes the system configuration and asset creation method. Finally, we address how to present the virtual heritages. Here, we show two approaches, Web-based and virtual reality theater-based system. We also address the networking issues for transcontinental cultural heritage exchange and our future plan for the 3D cyber museum through the Trans-Eurasia Information Network.