Photorealistic 3D Scan

The objects are placed on a glass plate and digitized. The process of digitization is based on the structured-light principle, i.e. dedicated light patterns are projected onto the object while the object is photographed from different angles using multiple cameras. Based on these images the shape (geometry) of the object can be acquired contactless. Additional images taken without the projectors light pattern but under diffuse and directional lighting are used to reconstruct the color as well as the illumination behavior (appearance) of the object.

Photorealistic 3D digitized art

OrcaM (Orbital Camera System), a novel scanner for photo-realistic 3D digitization of artworks and industrial components.

Using OrcaM allows collecting in addition to the 3D model data, high precision color and texture of the object. The result is a 3D reconstruction of objects that is unmatched.

The reconstructions allow particular additional lighting, which makes a seamless embedding of objects in digital media possible. Such high-quality digitization is in many areas of great interest as for the establishment of virtual museums, for Internet applications (stores, catalogs, auctions), transferring a handmade model in a digital processable representation (reverse engineering) or to create Object repositories for digital worlds (computer games, serious games, second life).

OrcaM has been developed by scientists at the DFKI Research Center for Augmented Reality av.dfki.de and engineers from the NEK GmbH, Kaiserslautern www.nek-gmbh.de.

In cooperation with the Museum Palatine Gallery Kaiserslautern www.mpk.de first real art objects have been subjected to the scanning process. Capture were Wilhelm Lehmbruck’s bronze sculpture "Female Torso" (1918, 67 x 40 x 25 cm, bronze) and Hermann Scherer's "The Little Girl" (1924/25, 76 x 38 x 40.5 cm, Arve). Here now shows the tremendous potential of this technology for the art world.

Dr. Annette Reich, deputy director of the Palatine Gallery and Head of Painting and Sculpture Collection, believes the technology is also an enrichment of museum work: "It opens up the possibility to museum to document objects as valuable cultural objects in photo-realistic three dimensions. In addition, the acquired data can be use in museum’s everyday life in the various media. Art objects can be applied to 3D monitors or presented in virtual worlds and perceived by the visitor interactively. This shows totally new perspectives and previously hidden details".

OrcaM is also of importance for archeology, since objects once scanned can be easily used for international and national research, as the originals no longer have to leave the museum.

Scientific analyses of paintings running for expertise or restoration purposes are using different optical technologies which each of them are supplying different information about the constitution and evolution of the painting.  
The use of a near infrared camera allows passing through the different layers of a painting which isn’t the case for visible light. The infrared reflectography is independent form the painting’s support and is the most suitable method for the visualization of underdrawings. Infrared imaging can contribute to the study of painting techniques as well as to the recording of the extent of later retouching. The method also allows visualizing preparatory drawings, repentirs, potential surpaints or hidden invisible signatures.

The new generation of high resolution InGaAs near infrared cameras with 640 x 512 pixels helps to improve the scientific analyses by using better infrared reflectography images.

Infrared reflectography detail of the painting Eliézer et Rébecca from Jan Swart (1495-1560), oil on wood.
Musée national d’histoire et d’art Luxembourg

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Luxemburger Wort 7.4. 2012 - PDF (2MB)