GB2438012A

GB2438012A - Virtual display of objects in a display space

Info

Publication number: GB2438012A
Application number: GB0608977A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Woolner; Jeremy Diggle
Original assignee: Plymouth University
Current assignee: Plymouth University
Priority date: 2006-05-08
Filing date: 2006-05-08
Publication date: 2007-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-08
Also published as: GB2438012B; GB0608977D0

Abstract

A method for providing a navigable virtual display, the comprises the steps of: providing a panoramic image of a display space; preparing a navigable virtual panoramic image data set based upon the virtual image of the space; providing a multidimensional image of an object to be viewed; preparing a multidimensional image data set from the multidimensional image; and incorporating the multidimensional image data set into the virtual panoramic image data set to provide a virtual panoramic display image data set; wherein, when displayed, the virtual panoramic display image data set provides a navigable virtual panoramic display of the imaged object. A system is also provided for displaying the virtual panoramas. The method and system find particular use in the exhibiting of museum artifacts and art collections in a virtual exhibition space.

Description

VIRTUAL DISPLAY METHOD AND APPARATUS

The present invention is concerned with the provision of a virtual panoramic display, in particular a navigable virtual panorama. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the virtual display of artifacts in a collection of a museum or art gallery.

Museums and art galleries by their nature are required to provide displays of objects, such as paintings, sculptures and other artifacts, for viewing by members of the public. However, in many cases, the range of objects and artifacts on display at any given time is a fraction of a much larger collection of objects and artifacts. Indeed, it is the case that many museums house vast collections of artifacts and objects that are of significant historical and scientific importance. However, due to the limited amount of room available, only a small fraction of such collections are ever displayed.

There is a growing demand for the public to be provided access to much larger portions of the collections of museums and galleries, for which there is no space available to provide adequate displays.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system for allowing museums and the like to provide displays of artifacts and objects to the general public, without necessitating a significant increase in the amount of display space that is to be used.

Attempts have been made to generate and provide a virtual gallery. An example is the interactive display of the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology in Roanne, France. However, these displays have been entirely computer generated and suffer from a lack of realism for the viewer.

* S * S *SS * S * S * S S S S * * * S S 555 5 S S 5 S ** S S S S * S S S S S *S S. S *SS S S Accordingly, there is a need for a virtual gallery that provides the viewer with an experience that is as close as possible to the actual viewing of the display or exhibition in person.

The present invention proposes, as a solution to this problem, to provide an enhanced virtual panoramic display of artifacts and objects, that is navigable by a user, to provide access to the significant number of objects that hitherto have not been freely available for public viewing. The present invention relies upon the imaging of both an actual display space, such as a gallery or museum room or hall, and the imaging of artifacts, in order to provide the virtual display. In this way, the viewer is provided with a virtual viewing experience that very closely matches the environment and objects in real life.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a navigable virtual display, the method comprising the steps of: providing a panoramic image of a display space; preparing a navigable virtual panoramic image data set based upon the virtual image of the space; providing a multidimensional image of an object to be viewed; preparing a multidimensional image data set from the multidimensional image; and incorporating the multidimensional image data set into the virtual panoramic image data set to provide a virtual panoramic display image data set; wherein, when displayed, the virtual panoramic display image data set provides a navigable virtual display of the imaged object.

The present invention is of particular use in providing a virtual exhibition in which the imaged display space is part or all of a museum, heritage centre or art gallery.

* * S S *SS * S * S * S S S S S S I S S 555 * * * S. S S 55 5 S S S S S * 5 5 S 55 S. S 555 5 S The method of the present invention provides a navigable virtual display, that is a virtual display that may be displayed on a suitable means, such as a screen, headset or monitor, and be altered and varied at the control of the viewer so as to give the impression of moving through or within the display space. A 2-dimensional display means is used to display or project an image representing a 3-dimensional space through which the viewer may be given the impression of moving.

In the first step of the method, a panoramic image of a display space is provided. A suitable space is imaged to provide a panoramic virtual image.

The method preferably employs an existing display space, such as a room or gallery in a museum or the like. The use of an existing display space allows establishments, such as museums or galleries, to provide users of the system with a virtual image of the establishment itself. It is thus possible for an existing establishment to use its display space both in real terms, by way of a conventional display or exhibition, and in a virtual sense to provide a virtual display or exhibition. By this method, the use of the existing, limited display space may be increased many times.

Suitable techniques and systems for obtaining a panoramic image of an existing display space, such as a gallery, exhibition hall or room, are known in the art. For example, a panoramic image may be obtained using a digital SLR camera, preferably mounted on a standard tripod.

The image is used to prepare a navigable panoramic display image data set, which may be stored using conventional computer storage systems and means. This display image data set forms the basis for a virtual display or exhibition and may be used a repeated number of times to provide a variety of displays and exhibitions without requiring further imaging of the display space.

* * S S * S 5 0 5 S S S S * S * S * *IS S I S S. S S 05 S S S S S * * S S S 55 5* 5 555 5 S In a further step, the method of the present invention requires that multidimensional images of one or more objects are provided. In this respect, a multidimensional image is one that allows a viewer, when the image is displayed, to view the object from different positions. In other words, the image of the object is displayed in a manner to give the viewer the impression of being able to move around the object.

The multidimensional images are obtained by imaging the one or more objects to be displayed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the object is imaged to provide a 2-dimensional image, that is an image that presents the object in a single plane. The 2-dimensional image is particularly suitable for flat objects, that is objects typically viewed in a single plane. Particular examples are images of pictures, such as paintings, sketches, drawings, photographs and other similar works of art. In this way, a navigable virtual display may be created using the method of the present invention to display one or more paintings or the like. Such a virtual display may be used by an art gallery, for example, to display a large collection of Suitable systems and methods for obtaining a 2-dimensional image of an object are known in the art and available commercially. For example, an image may be obtained using known digital photography. Other methods and systems for obtaining a 2-dimesional image include digital scanning, for example laser, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. One or a combination of different imaging techniques may be employed to capture the 2-dimensional image data.

In one preferred embodiment, the virtual panoramic display image comprises virtual vertical display surfaces. These may be images of walls or screens or the like, such as used in conventional galleries to hang and * * * * S..

* S * S S S * S S * S S S S SS* * S S S. S S *S S S S S S * S S S S ** *5 S *SS S S exhibit pictures. The 2-dimensional image data sets are incorporated into the virtual panoramic image data set so as to appear on the virtual vertical display surfaces in the final panoramic display. In this way, an exhibition of paintings and the like may be simulated.

In a further embodiment, the multidimensional images are 3-dimensional images of an object. This may be any object to be incorporated into the virtual display. Examples include objects of art and craft, such as sculptures or the like, as well as artifacts for display in a museum or similar exhibition.

Suitable systems and methods for obtaining a 3-dimensional image of an object are known in the art and available commercially. Suitable methods and systems for obtaining a 3-dimesional image include digital non-contact laser optical scanning, pressure sensitive reverse engineering, robotic arm measurement, magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging. One or a combination of imaging techniques may be employed to capture image data for incorporation into the virtual panoramic display image data set.

In one preferred embodiment, the virtual panoramic display image comprises virtual display locations. These may be images of stands or the like, such as used in conventional galleries and museums to exhibit objects and artifacts. Alternatively, the virtual display location may be an area of virtual floor space, on which an object may stand for exhibiting. The 3-dimensional image data sets are incorporated into the virtual panoramic image data set so as to appear in the virtual display locations in the final panoramic display. In this way, an exhibition of objects and artifacts and the like may be simulated.

The virtual panoramic display may combine both 2-dimensional images and 3-dimensional images. When 3-dimensional images are present, the virtual panoramic display preferably allows a viewer to navigate around all sides of * S * S *S * . S * * S S S S * S S S S $55 * I S S. S S.5 S 5 5 5 I * S S S * IS S. * S*S I S the object. In a conventional display, a person viewing an object is limited to viewing points accessible from walking around the object. The virtual panoramic display of the present invention may be configured to allow the viewer a greater range of viewing points, for example the ability to view the object from above or below, views that would not normally be available in a conventional exhibition.

In conventional exhibitions, it is common practice to provide the viewer with additional information regarding the objects being viewed. In its simplest form, this is a plaque or the like giving such as the title and artist of a piece of artwork, as is typical for objects or pictures being displayed in a gallery.

In museums, for example, more extensive information may be provided, typically in the form of written text. In the present invention, it is an advantage that the virtual panoramic display image data set may incorporate information relating to each object to be viewed. The information may be in the form of written text, images, an audio display, a video display or a combination of one or more of these. The method of the present invention allows a substantial amount of information to be associated with an object within the virtual display and to provide the viewer with the option of requesting or selectively viewing some or all of the information. In this respect, the virtual display of the present invention provides a significant advantage over conventional exhibitions or displays, where the amount of additional information that can be provided for a given object is generally limited.

In one preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention includes providing an interface with a database, such as an existing catalogue of objects, whereby information relating to an object may be retrieved and displayed at the viewer's request. In this way, the virtual panoramic image data set is not required to include information relating to the objects being S *..

* # S S S a -I P S 1 SS S S * PS S I PP * S I * a -a S Pa. PPP S S displayed. Rather, this information may be imported into the virtual panoramic image data set only when required to be presented to the viewer.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for displaying a navigable virtual panoramic display, the system comprising: a means for storing a virtual panoramic display image data set as prepared in any preceding claim; a means for displaying a virtual panoramic display based upon the virtual panoramic display image data set; and an interface for a user, the interface including a means to allow the user to navigate within the virtual panoramic display.

The virtual panoramic display image data set may have any of the features as hereinbefore described and the system of the present invention may be configured to provide these features in the panoramic display.

The means for storing the virtual panoramic display image data may comprise any suitable data storage means, such as RAM or ROM. The data stored on the storage device is retrieved and used to provide a virtual panoramic display on the display means. In one embodiment, the virtual panoramic display image data set is stored on a server hard drive, for display as a web-based presentation accessible through terminals on a computer network.

The display means may be any suitable display means and such devices are commercially available.

The system may be a dedicated system for the storage and display of the virtual panorama. Alternatively, the system may comprise a device, such as personal computer, podcast, personal digital assistant (PDA) or telephone, configured to store, retrieve and provide the requisite display.

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SI S 55 S S The system of the present invention comprises an interface with which the viewer may navigate through the virtual panoramic display. In its simplest form, the interface may comprise a simple keyboard and/or joystick, navigation keys on a telephone or a stylus used with a PDA or telephone.

Such control interfaces are well known and commonly applied in the art, for example in the computer gaming industry. In a preferred embodiment, the interface allows the viewer to selectively access and display information associated with an object being viewed. As noted above, the information may be in the form of text, still or moving images, video, an audio display or a combination of one or more of these. In such a case, the interface allows the viewer to control the display of the information.

Further, the system may comprise an interface with a remote database, such as a catalogue or the like, containing information relating to the objects being displayed in the virtual display. This interface is operable to import data from the remote database as required, in order to supplement the display. The interface may be operable under the control of the viewer.

Alternatively, the system may be operable to automatically retrieve certain data relating to an object, when the object is being viewed in the virtual display.

An example of such automatic retrieval is data containing the date and origin of an object. The system may provide the viewer with the option of retrieving further information, if desired. This option may be presented to the viewer by way of a menu or the like. The automatic data retrieval may be controlled, for example, by the display. In one embodiment, the retrieval of data relating to a particular object is triggered by the object coming into view, as the viewer navigates through the display.

* * S S **S * * S S * S S S S * * * * S *S* S S S SS S 5 55 * S S S * S S S S S *S S *SS S S Techniques and software suitable for generating the virtual panoramic display image data set and operating the virtual display are known in the art.

One preferred system for generating the virtual panoramic display image data set is the SPI-V panoramic viewer, a commercially available software package available from FieldOfView, The Netherlands. The SPi-V system operates from XML configuration files and is used to embed images into the virtual panoramic image data set to create the virtual panoramic display image data set. An advantage of the SPi-V system is that individual image files may be embedded and there is no need to form a single composited image file for combination with the panoramic image data. An alternative to the SPi-V system is QuickTime VR, commercially available from the Apple Corporation.

Suitable software tools for the development of the user interface are also known in the art and available commercially. One preferred system is the Revolution system, commercially available from Runtime Revolution Ltd. This system is employed to create the user interface, in particular the configuration files that are operated with SPi-V panoramas, for example, to provide the virtual display.

As noted above, the system of the present invention may include provisions for displaying additional information associated with objects within the virtual display, at the request of the viewer. The Revolution system may be used to construct the appropriate interface for the selective retrieval and display of the information.

As an example, the interface may be in the form of a dedicated web browser. Clicking on an object within the virtual display or an associated icon generates a new page of options for the viewer, including links to additional information. The web browser may use any appropriate plug-in' technology to display information in different media forms, including * * S * *SS * * S S S * S S S S * S S S SSS S S S S. * S *S S S * S * S S * S S SS S. S 555 5 S interactive 3D models, zoomable still images, video and audio displays. The web browser may be configured to retrieve information from a local source or from a remote source via a network connection. Information may be displayed from the remote source or may be downloaded to the viewer's local device.

In addition, Revolution may be employed to create the authoring applications or tools, which may be used to interact with the SPI-V system to provide improved user friendliness. In particular, such applications or tools may provide a regular graphical interface for the user to create the virtual panoramic display image data set using the SPI-V system. For example, the applications or tools may provide the user with a fold-out plan of each room or region of the display space, created from the panoramic image of the display space provided. In addition, the user may be provided with a set of thumbnail images of the objects to be incorporated into the virtual display.

The arrangement of the objects within the virtual display may be created by simply dragging' the thumbnail images into place. The application or tool will then create the appropriate XML file for placing the appropriate image data within the virtual panoramic display image data set.

The raw panoramic and object image data may be manipulated and managed prior to inclusion in the virtual panoramic display image data set using known techniques and systems. In particular, the raw images may be managed and converted using such commercially available software (rr") (.TPtT (ir) (TM) systems as Apertur iViewA Media Pro, Capture One, Portfolio and (LTM) . Photosho The manipulation, colour balancing and design of the images is preferably carried out using Photoshop, commercially available from Adobe Systems Incorporated. The alignment and remaping of images referred to (TM) as stitching') may be achieved using PTMac, PTGui, Realviz Stitcher, Hugin and PTAssembler, all of which are commercially available.

* S S S 555 * S S S S S S S S * S S * S 555 5 5 5 S. S S SI S S S S S S S S S 5 55 S. S 55. 5 5 In a further aspect, the present invention provides a virtual panoramic display image data set as hereinbefore described and a computer program comprising or incorporating the same. The present invention also provides a computer readable carrier having stored thereon a virtual panoramic display image data set prepared according to the method hereinbefore described.

As has been noted, the present invention is particularly suited to and advantageously applied in the creation of virtual displays or exhibitions of museum artifacts. Accordingly, the present invention provides, in one embodiment a method of exhibiting museum artifacts, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a panoramic image of an exhibition space; preparing a navigable virtual panoramic image data set based upon the virtual image of the space; obtaining a multidimensional image of an artifact to be exhibited; preparing a multidimensional image data set from the multidimensional image; and incorporating the multidimensional image data set into the virtual panoramic image data set to provide a virtual panoramic display image data set; wherein, when displayed, the virtual panoramic display image data set provides a navigable virtual panoramic display of the artifact.

The exhibition space that is imaged to form the virtual exhibition is preferably, but not necessarily, a location, such as a room or gallery, within the museum in which the collection of artifacts is housed. In this way, a given museum may offer visitors one or more virtual exhibitions relating specifically to the museum building.

* S S S *SS * S * S S S S S S S S S S S *SS S * S S. S S *5 S S S S S S 5 5 5 S 55 S. S 55. 5 5 The present invention has been described with reference to the exhibiting of museum artifacts and works of art in a gallery or the like. It is to be understood that the aspects of the present invention may be applied to providing a virtual navigable panorama incorporating a wide range of object images.

* * S S **S * S * S * S S S * * S * S * *SS * S S S. S * 55 * S S S * S S * S S 55 5 5.5 * 5

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A method for providing a navigable virtual display, the method comprising the steps of: providing a panoramic image of a display space; preparing a navigable virtual panoramic image data set based upon the virtual image of the space; providing a multidimensional image of an object to be viewed; preparing a multidimensional image data set from the multidimensional image; and incorporating the multidimensional image data set into the virtual panoramic image data set to provide a virtual panoramic display image data set; wherein, when displayed, the virtual panoramic display image data set provides a navigable virtual panoramic display of the imaged object.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panoramic image is of an existing display space.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the display space is within a museum or art gallery.

4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the multidimensional image is a 2-dimensional image of the object.

The method according to claim 4, wherein the object is a picture.

6. The method according to either of claims 4 or 5, wherein the virtual panoramic display image comprises virtual vertical display surfaces, the 2- * * * S *SI * S S I S S S S S * S S I I *SS * S I ** * * IS I S I S * I S I S I SI ** S *5. * S dimensional images being incorporated into the virtual panoramic display image so as to appear on the virtual vertical display surfaces.

7. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the multidimensional images is a 3-dimensional image of an object.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the object is a sculpture or artifact for display in a museum, heritage centre or art gallery.

9. The method according to either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the virtual panoramic display image comprises a virtual display location, the 3-dimensional images being incorporated into the virtual panoramic display image so as to appear in the virtual display location.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the virtual panoramic display image is navigable to allow a user to view around all sides of the 3-dimensional image.

11. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising the step of incorporating into the virtual panoramic display image data set information relating to each object to be viewed, the information being in a form such that it can be displayed in the virtual panoramic display image.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the information relating to each object may be retrieved from the virtual panoramic display image data set by the user upon request.

13. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising providing an interface to a remote database, whereby data relating to an object on display may be retrieved from the remote database.

* S S S *SS * S S * S S S S S * S S S S S*S * S * 5 S 55 * S * S * S S * S S *5 S. S *S* * S 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the retrieval of data is automatic and determined by the virtual display.

15. A system for displaying a navigable virtual panoramic display, the system comprising: a means for storing a virtual panoramic display image data set as prepared in any preceding claim; a means for displaying a virtual panoramic display based upon the virtual panoramic display image data set; and an interface for a user, the interface including a means to allow the user to navigate within the virtual panoramic display.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the panoramic virtual image is of an existing display space.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the display space is of a museum, heritage centre or art gallery.

18. The system according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the multidimensional images include 2-dimensional images of objects.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the objects are pictures.

20. The system according to either of claims 18 or 19, wherein the virtual panoramic display image comprises virtual vertical display surfaces, the 2-dimensional images being incorporated into the virtual panoramic display image so as to appear on the virtual vertical display surfaces.

21. The system according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the multidimensional images include 3-dimensional images of objects.

* * * * *** * * S S S S S S S * S S * S S*. S S S S. S S 55 * S S S S S S S S * ** S. S 555 * S 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the objects are sculptures or artifacts for display in a museum.

23. The system according to either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the virtual panoramic display image comprises virtual display locations, the 3-dimensional images being incorporated into the virtual panoramic display image so as to appear in the virtual display location.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the virtual panoramic display image is navigable to allow a user to view around all sides of the 3-dimensional image.

25. The system according to any of claims 15 to 24, wherein the virtual panoramic display image data set incorporates data relating to each object to be viewed.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the interface further comprises means to allow the user to selectively retrieve data relating to each object from the virtual panoramic display image data set by the user upon request.

27. The system according to any of claims 15 to 26, further comprising an interface with a remote database, whereby data may be retrieved from the remote database for display.

28. The system according to any of claims 15 to 27, wherein the means for storing a virtual panoramic display image data set is a hard drive in a server of a computer network, the interface being associated with a terminal in the network. * * S

t S S S S * S S S * * S * S.55 5 5 * *S S S I S * S I S * S * I S SS S. S 55. 5 S 29. A computer readable carrier having stored thereon a virtual panoramic display image data set prepared according to the method of any of claims ito 14.

30. A method of exhibiting museum artifacts, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a panoramic image of an exhibition space; preparing a navigable virtual panoramic image data set based upon the virtual image of the space; obtaining a multidimensional image of an artifact to be exhibited; preparing a multidimensional image data set from the multidimensional image; and incorporating the multidimensional image data set into the virtual panoramic image data set to provide a virtual panoramic display image data set; wherein, when displayed, the virtual panoramic display image data set provides a navigable virtual panoramic display of the artifact.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the exhibition space is a location within the museum.

32. A method for providing a navigable virtual display substantially as hereinbefore described.

33. A system for displaying a navigable virtual panoramic display substantially as hereinbefore described.

34. A method of exhibiting museum artifacts substantially as hereinbefore described. b *

* S I I I I * S I I I *b * I I I S S 51 5* * II. I I