Keio Research Institute at SFC

Objectives

Imaging technology has evolved by leaps and bounds, but compared to the progress of hardware technology, the development of software and expression techniques which use that software have been lagging behind. For that reason, even though new imaging equipment is being developed, image contents displayed on those devices are extremely limited. The issues that stem from the potential of this new technology not being fully utilized are now becoming apparent.
Large-scale videos in 4K and 8K ultra-high definition resolutions are rapidly being popularized in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. However, it’s clear that there is a lack of available 4K/8K content which is driven by two disputed issues: 1) a shortage of filmmakers who can handle these large-scale 4K/8K videos, and 2) the absence of a community that shares know-how for dealing with 4K/8K videos. Furthermore, with the screen sizes getting larger as the image resolutions are enhanced, there are several possibilities, such as expanding human recognition and breaking ground in new fields of visual expression. However, it is extremely rare to find research being conducted on these expressions and from a cognitive science perspective.
The field of VR/AR has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, but applications of this field to medical care and entertainment have already been explored during the boom more than a dozen years ago. It is difficult to say that other new possibilities have been sufficiently examined since this field is inclined to research from an engineering perspective, and there is a need to pursue the possibility of using this technology in other fields, such as art and science.
The practice of using lasers and lighting equipment to create images in the air is being conducted in full swing in the entertainment field, but mostly as an effective way to transform the look of the space. There is a lack of research from the broad perspective of image evolution.
This consortium will be established to resolve issues, such as the ones stated above, through collaboration between industry and academia, disseminate software development environments in combination with hardware progression, train personnel, and seek new possibilities for imaging.

Outline of Research Activity Plan

＜First Year＞

• • Establish consortium system
  • Establish & announce new video competition (theme for first year: 8K images)
  • Hold an 8K video production workshop, conduct networking for creators

＜Second Year＞

• • Examine new video competition & announce results (content announced in 1st year)
  • Hold new video competition event (event announced in 1st year)
  • Publish a book on new video competition (content announced in 1st year)
  • Plan & announce new video competition (planned theme for 2nd year: lasers & VR, etc.)
  • Hold a video production workshop using laser & VR equipment, etc., conduct networking for creators

＜Third Year＞

• Examine new video competition & announce results (content announced in 2nd year)
• Hold new video competition event (event announced in 2nd year)
• Publish a book on new video competition (content announced in 2nd year)

Researchers, managers and professors