Virtual Heritage System: Modeling, Database & Presentation

This paper addresses three research issues for virtual heritage system, 3D modeling, 3D media asset database management, and interactive presentation through networks. We first show an overview of our virtual heritage system. Then, our approaches on each research issue are introduced. 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 virtual heritage system is how to manage the various kinds of cultural heritage assets. For this goal, our approach for an asset management is descibed, which includes the system configuration and asset creation method. Finally, we address how to present virtual heritages. Here, we show two approaches, web-based and virtual reality theater-based system. We also address the networking issues for transcontinental cutural heritage exchange and our future plan for 3D cyber museum through Trans-Eurasia Information Network.