Large-scale art scanning using motion technology

A large-scale digital Art Scanner has been developed by LG Motion. It captures high-resolution digital images, giving galleries the potential to uncover new insights and gain more understanding into the provenance of works. The scanner uses IR, UV and X-Ray spectral imaging capabilities as well as multi-spectral imaging. 

The Art Scanner is already installed at several renowned institutions, including the National Gallery in London, Kimbell Art Museum in Texas, Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the
National Gallery of Art in Washington. Already, it is enabling curators to catalogue large-scale artworks quickly and efficiently, and each site is using the scanner for different reasons, not just to manage and catalogue collections but also to maximise the commercial benefits of superior digital imagery of the pieces.

How does the Art Scanner work?

Motion technology is used to allow the scanner to cross in front of the artwork, surveying and gathering digital data
and producing stunning ultra-high-resolution images with extraordinary detail and clarity. The hi-spec technology together with bespoke software provides precise automated capture and assembly of the images. These can then be combined with an intelligent stitching algorithm resulting in an incredibly high-resolution image of the whole painting.

It takes just minutes to capture huge areas of the artwork, which can then be preserved digitally for further inspection and cataloguing. Such detailed imaging can reveal previously unknown and
unseen features. Digital documentation allows conservationists and historians to protect valuable artworks by reducing future handling and disturbance. The Art Scanner also outputs meta-data for use in databases, triggering events to match various devices for faster and more accessible data extraction in the future.

Who might use the Art Scanner? 

This scanning solution is ideal for photographic, art and scientific teams, art historians, students and collection custodians, or any professional art handler looking into the
provenance of a particular piece. The scanner affords flexibility as a range of devices can be used to capture detailed information about any artwork subject. The one-to-one replication also mitigates any digital distortion, with tiling enabling even the largest of pieces to be scanned.

LG Motion 

LG Motion is a UK-based motion technology specialist. It provides electro-mechanical solutions for science and industry and its experience, knowledge and pragmatic approach allows the company to provide motion technology solutions for a very diverse range of applications.