Virtual Scope
Freely enlarging the desired portion of an image

Takasi Fukaya,
Research Engineer,
Multimedia Services

The virtual scope is a new display system that creates an enlarged, detailed image from art, aerial photography, figures or tables.

An example is shown in the inserts. When the system's magnifying glass (Picture 2) is placed over a selected portion of a reproduction of the "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci (Picture 1) on a screen, an enlarged image of the selected part can be displayed on an HDTV monitor. The degree of magnification can be adjusted by moving the hand holding the magnifying glass; the farther the device from the screen, the more reduced the image on the monitor. When the device moves to the right, the image also moves in that direction.

The location of the magnifying glass can be detected with high precision regardless of the position of the device, by use of an ultrasonic transmitter on the magnifying glass, and four ultrasonic sensors placed around the screen. Based on this position data, the portion under the magnifying glass can be viewed at any desired degree of enlargement or reduction, as if a camera were situated at the location. The enlarged HDTV image is processed in real-time.
This virtual scope was exhibited at the "NHK Educational Fair 2000" last fall. Its simple operation allowed everybody, from the elderly to children, to enjoy experimenting with the system. In the future, we will do research on other possible applications, such as use in studio commentary programs or at museums.

Picture 1: Image of the "Last Supper"

Virtual scope configuration	Picture 2: Virtual magnifying glass