Toppan and 3dig Launch Collaboration Using High-Resolution Biometric Data for High-Definition Virtual Humans
23 December 2021: Toppan, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions and 3dig, inc. (3dig) are this month launching a collaboration focused on high-definition virtual humans created using high-resolution real scanning data.
The project will create photorealistic virtual humans by using data from high-precision biometric scanning performed on the Light Stage1 at the Toppan Virtual Human Lab2 and applying it as training data3 for 3dig’s “anma” system, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) for automated generation of virtual humans. Use of AI-generated virtual humans not based on real-world people will enable creation of image-right-free corporate advertising, video content and other media
Issues encountered thus far, however, include unnatural expressions and movements as well as a grainy appearance that is conspicuous when virtual humans appear in printed media or on high-resolution displays. In addition to the cost of producing high-resolution replicas of humans, another problem is the so-called “uncanny valley” phenomenon, whereby humanoid objects or images provoke feelings of eeriness in viewers as expressions and movements get closer to resembling those of actual people. Creating virtual humans based on real-world people not only entails costs associated with handling image rights and managing content based on them, but also presents the risk of the content becoming unusable if problems arise in connection to the individuals concerned.
Toppan and 3dig aim to create the training data and begin operating datasets on Toppan’s Human Body Information Platform in 2022. By April 2022, the two companies hope to construct an automated generation platform for image-right-free photorealistic virtual humans, which will be provided to the advertising industry and regional governments.
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