Creating a mixed reality world

Professor Michitaka Hirose
(Department of Mechano-Informatics)

Enabling a new world of “Mixed Reality” by converging virtual and real worlds ---- it is a primary goal of Professor Hirose. A large scale research was initiated to make it come true: the “Mixed Reality Digital Museum” in collaboration with museums. It is a new type of museum where, in addition to the exhibition of physical “objects”, the aspect of “things” is digitally displayed. Mixed Reality technology is used to realize new exhibition methods which support technologies with content such as digital showcase, digital diorama, or outdoor gallery, Professor Hirose leads the research by providing leaderships as a research coordinator. What are “things”? For example, even if displayed, it is difficult to convey information such as where the important cultural heritage was placed, and how it was used. The origin and background history is the best example of “things” for “objects.” Of course, the project includes leading egde-technology development. We can actually touch and feel the texture of objects by using technologies such as super high-definition autostereoscopic display and information technology on five senses are used.

The foundation of this project has been formed the “Digital Public Art ” project that spanned five years from 2004. This is an interdisciplinary research between culture and arts and technology. As a culmination of this five-year project, “Air Harbor” was exhibited at the terminal buildings of Haneda Airport, the largest hub of domestic air transport network in Japan, from October to November 2009, which made a big success.

Another mission of the digital museum project is to develop new content areas. “Content” is a key issue of future information technology and relates to overall technology areas.

What if a beautiful character like Princess Leia in the blockbuster movie “Star Wars” can make an appearance in an unexpected location with 3D display ---- Professor Hirose is flexible with full of ideas and concepts.