數位靈魂曝光術──論電腦視覺與幽靈狩獵意圖的合流

Digital Spirit Photography: Exploring the Interflow of Computer Vision and Spirit Hunting

本研究援引媒體考古學的研究方法，審視十九世紀靈魂攝影術的活動，透過文獻挖掘攝影在當時唯靈論科學化的革新潮流下所扮演的角色、以及在時代動盪中人類情感的依附。透過此媒體考古研究，本研究釐清靈魂攝影的未竟之夢、技術上的限制和拍攝者的矛盾性，提出重新探究靈魂攝影的可能。透過新媒體實驗，本研究進行關於靈魂攝影的實踐，從設計問題界定、技術細節紀錄、展示與觀眾回饋，描述靈魂攝影意圖在當下以電腦視覺方式擷取及呈現的結果，並探討所引發的對照以及省思，意圖突顯人類於影像科技中棲蔭的情感與想像。

This research refers to a particularly unique methodology of media archaeology. It investigates the phenomenon of spirit photography that occurred in the 19th century. This study will examine the role this type of photography played in the scientific revolution of Spiritualism and its effect on the attachment of human emotions during the turbulence of the times. Through this media archaeological study, this paper clarifies the unrealized dreams of spirit photography as well as its various technical limitations and contradictions. Based on contextual research, this study then conducts a practice-based new media experiment focusing on how spirit hunting could be realized through computer vision. From the definition of the design problems, documentation of technical details, and the displaying of work and audience feedback, this research reflects on the potential as well as the problems of integrating computer vision and spirit photography. By such practice-based methodology, this study intends to highlight the human emotions and imaginations in image technology.