TECH Meets BUSINESS

I was once a specialist in fossil research, and was Curator of the AIST Geological Museum. I prepared various precision topographical models of land and seabed, etc., and researched projection mapping for the results of my own surveys and the geological maps of the Geological Survey of Japan, AIST. However at that time the models I had prepared were about 30 cm square, but the television program required models about 3 m square. This was not something I could produce by myself, but in talks with Roland DG Corporation who have experience in producing models, I was introduced to Mr. Daidoji who had the most advanced technology in Japan for producing models.

When I initially heard the discussion I refused. I had experience of combining models and projection mapping, but I considered that it was not possible to apply projection mapping to such large models. However I heard that Mr. Shibahara had the technology for accurately plotting an image on a model while distorting the image. I was surprised by this, and said “let’s try it out”.

We got on well at the meetings regarding the program, firstly we succeeded in planning the program, then afterwards we spoke about doing something together. In the program projection mapping was performed on a 3 m square 3-dimensional model of Tokyo, and we succeeded remarkably in showing underground and other land features of Tokyo. The audience rating was high, and we heard that it was broadcast again several times.

We were just two people with nothing in common except some outrageous ideas, but gradually through negotiations the plan got under way. Initially we were thinking of carrying out a project together, rather than starting the company.

When the idea of doing this with models was presented, the level of enthusiasm increased even higher, and Mr. Shibahara as a researcher had an extraordinary level of passion and motivation.

The decision to start up the company was made because the time was right, rather than for any one reason. After the NHK program was broadcast many requests came pouring in, which we initially dealt with the requests on a volunteer basis. However this reached the limit, and at that point we said we have to start a company, which we did in 2016.

There is just the two of us, Deputy Representative Daidoji and I. We come from different fields, but that which we have in common is 3D models. We conduct our research utilizing this to the maximum extent, while stimulating each other.

Of course in order to expand the business we will need staff, but we are proceeding by obtaining the help and cooperation of our friends. Working closely with Mr. Shibahara and having our friends join us without being aware of the company as a barrier, that is the strength of Chikyugiken.

Mr. Daidoji was responsible for preparing the large-scale models, and I prepared the contents for projection mapping. In the era of open data, coordinate data points are accumulated and made public, be it a single data point or several billion points. I think that efficiently processing large quantities of data with limited resources and dropping it into projection mapping is where I can show my skill.

Normally when projection mapping is performed on 3D models, the image is distorted. However, the method for correcting this distortion developed by Mr. Shibahara has extremely high accuracy, and projection onto large models can be performed accurately. At present a 9 m square 3D model of the Japan is on display at the AIST Geological Museum.

With a 9 m square model projection mapping is impossible with a single projector, so the operation was divided among 5 projectors. Linking and adjustment was extremely difficult, but we were able to achieve it with some help from our friends.

I think that the importance of achieving a profit and technical development are the same as for any company. However with us it does not end after we have produced and sold a model, we have the idea that we want to see where it has been delivered to the customer. Our technology is now reaching various fields such as social infrastructure, disaster prevention, and urban planning, and not only natural science.

We both think that if we are not interested in a job we do not want to do it, and we made that promise when we started the company. What we want to do is enjoy research and development, do that which we enjoy, and astonish the people of the world.

There are many methods of representation for visualization in natural science, and we want to further increase this number. We have already produced a product for projection mapping onto a 3D model, in which a tablet is separately prepared, and if children draw pictures on the tablet that picture is projected onto the model. We want to develop methods of representation that are more visual and more easily understood, by incorporating artificial intelligence.

Our ultimate aim is to produce a museum of the future. The museum will collect many types of information on its locality, so for example by viewing the models with projection mapping, an environment will be created for discussions regarding new urban development or disaster prevention. Geological specialists and the general public can participate in this, and discuss on an equal footing. Such a place would redefine the concept of a museum, and become a bed of innovation.

* The contents of this article are based on information as of March 1, 2018.