Inpainting in Virtual Restoration of Artworks

Definition:Inpainting techniques are used to enhance the quality of the digitized artwork during virtual restoration.

Digital imaging techniques are widely used to restore, interpret and preserve collections of visual cultural heritage [1], [2], [3]. However, although proper storage conditions and controlled access to the cultural heritage pieces are routinely applied, materials, such as mural, canvas, vellum, photography, and paper medium are invariably exposed to various aggressive environmental factors which lead to the deterioration of the perceived image quality. Therefore, digital solutions for archiving and popularization of heritage collections through the online access to digitized artwork virtual museums are of paramount importance.

One of the most critical issues in digitized artwork images restoration is that of crack removal and fading color enhancement. Cracks are breaks in the media, paint, or varnish of the original artwork caused mostly by aging, drying or mechanical...