Technology that can reproduce oil paintings and other works of art, allowing viewers to experience the reproduced work while the original art remains in optimal storage conditions, has been unveiled by Canon.
Canon Australia said its parent, Canon Inc., had developed material appearance image-processing technology. Through the acquisition of information using digital cameras, the technology digitises material appearance information qualities such as gloss, plasticity, transparency and three-dimensional surface contour characteristics to enable printing reproduction.
The system makes use of multiple Canon digital cameras, which are used to capture images of the target object. The digitised material appearance information is then used to faithfully reproduce the properties of the original object using a UV-curable* printing technology that is controlled in accordance with its print characteristics.
“Capitalising on Canon’s expertise in image input and output devices, material appearance image-processing technology makes possible not only the high-definition representation of colour characteristics, but also the printing of various material appearance qualities, such as those of metal, cloth and other materials,” said a Canon press release.
“Additionally, as the technology is capable of recreating the material appearance characteristics of the original target object, it can be used to reproduce historically significant oil paintings and other valuable cultural properties, which would allow viewers to experience new ways of art appreciation, while enabling the original artwork to be preserved under optimal storage conditions.
“Canon will further strengthen the development of this technology with the aim of expanding its application into such areas as wallpaper and other interior-use materials, advertising signage and product packaging.”
Canon also announced a world-first CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels and a new range of next-generation 8K motion imaging technologies.
*An inkjet printing technology that uses UV-curable inks, which instantly dry and adhere to surfaces when exposed to ultraviolet light. UV-curable inks have a hard finish and are highly resistant to water and direct sunlight.