Three dimensional (3D) scanned point clouds offer an invaluable tool for the digital preservation of cultural heritage, capturing intricate and complex 3D structures. Transparent visualization, i.e., see-through visualization, is essential for effectively understanding these data. However, since 3D scanned point clouds do not include normal vector information, applying shading effects to reveal complex shapes is challenging. In this paper, we present a method for assigning normal vectors to 3D scanned points using a statistical approach based on principal component analysis. To resolve the ambiguity of normal vector orientations, specifically the front or back of local surfaces, we exploit the characteristics of transparent visualization. Each normal vector is oriented toward the viewpoint, enabling consistent shading across all visible points. We then apply dynamic shading by varying the light source position sequentially, which highlights different regions of the visualized object. This approach allows for a shift in focus between surface features and deeper internal structures, enhancing the understanding of the overall structure of complex 3D cultural heritage objects. We demonstrate the effectiveness of dynamic shading through its application to real 3D scanned data of cultural heritage objects with intricate internal structures.

We tried to build a virtual Yamahoko Parade experiencing system as a digital museum research for Kyoto Gion Festival. We collected route data and acceleration data of Hayashibutai, the performance stage of the Yamahoko float, with a GPS logger and acceleration sensors during the parade. We adopted the data to reproduce the vibration using a vibration platform and integrated vibration, sound, and 3D screen to build an experimental system. The analysis of the reproduced acceleration data and the original acceleration data showed that the virtual experiencing system reproduced the vibration of the Hayashibutai. We also received positive feedbacks from the experts participated in our experiment.

Virtual city modelling is expected to play a central future role in the field of urban planning and design. Currently, most of the uses of this modelling method are related to the production of visualizations, but there is also a potential for developing novel methods of spatial analysis that focuses on vertical variations in, for example, building heights. One application concerns the assessment of access to sunlight. This is an essential consideration in urban planning, and there is considerable demand for geographical information systems which can provide efficient solar radiation analyses. Nevertheless, few studies have attempted to model variations in sunlight exposure over entire urban areas. This article illustrates an application of solar radiation analysis using a detailed virtual urban modelling for the case study of city of Kyoto, Japan. The research presents and implements a methodology to examine how sunlight access varies between different social groups in the city. The findings, which show evidence of inequity, illustrate the potential of virtual city models and their benefits are discussed along with the caveats of their application.

We developed a two-shot 6-band image capturing system consisting of a large-format camera, a customized interference filter, and a scanning digital back to capture a 185-M-pixel images. The interference filter is set in front of the camera lens to obtain a 6-band image, that is, two 3-band images, one taken with the filter and the other without it. After correction of optical aberrations caused by the interference filter as well as system arrangement errors, the two images are combined into a 6-band image. The 6-band image was converted into a color-managed RGB image embedded ICC profile. In experiments, object images were captured as several divided parts and synthesized as almost 500-M-pixel image by using an image stitching technique. Resolution of the captured images is 0.02 mm/pixel. This paper discusses the camera system with its focus on some early modern tapestries used in the Kyoto Gion Festival. After the experiments, we interviewed a craftsman to assess the image's importance in archiving and analyzing fabric structures.