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Ancient Vase 3D Reconstruction and 3D Visualization
- Edited by Mingquan Zhou
- Iza Romanowska, Zhongke Wu, Pengfei Xu, Philip Verhagen
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- Book:
- Revive the Past
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 23 June 2021
- Print publication:
- 17 August 2012, pp 59-64
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- Chapter
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Summary
Abstract:
The paper describes the process of 3D virtual reconstruction of an ancient fragmented vessel. The work followed several steps: identification of significant potsherds for the 3D reconstruction, the 3D acquisition of the fragments with laser scanner, the analysis of the 3D model (diameter, vertical projection, orientation and thickness), 3D reconstruction and modelling of the vessel, photographic acquisition and orthostereoscopic rendering for 3D visualization.
Key Words: Archaeology, 3D Modelling, Laser Scanning, Open-Source Software, Ortho-Stereoscopy.
Introduction
Many archaeological finds uncovered during excavations are pottery fragments. Archaeologists select identifiable ones in order to assign their type, to understand cultural, economic, chronological and social aspects of the site under investigation. The main steps of potsherds study are: orientation of fragments, diameter estimation, profile estimation and drawing (diameter, vertical projection, profile). Our case study concerns the study and 3D reconstruction of a set of fragments belonging to one vessel, (roughly and partially) restored by the conservation laboratory of the Archaeological Museum of Larnaca, Cyprus. Since conservators were unable to fully understand the original shape of the vessel, we tried to virtually reconstruct it. The main difficulties related to this type of work are: a large amount of small fragments, inability to place them properly along the 3D surface and the inaccurate physical restoration that forced us to define a virtual error correction (Goel and Priyank 2005). All potsherds larger than 10cm were digitally acquired with a laser scanner (multi-stripe laser triangulation) and opensource software were used for post-processing (MeshLab, Blender). During the postprocessing the correct orientation of fragments was calculated through geometric analysis; the potsherds physically restored were virtually separated and repositioned in the right way. Once the 3D virtual shape was obtained, the vessel was digitally rebuilt and textured using photographs with colour calibration. Blender software was used for modelling and for the stereoscopic virtual set up of the vessel in order to obtain the “ortho-stereoscopic” rendering. The final result is the 3D model of the vessel, which was used for 3D stereoscopic vision simulation. Illusionary depth perception and immersive view experience allows to better understand the shape and the volume of an object which is unreadable in the fragmented conditions or in traditional restoration.
Developing an “Archaeological” Benchmarking Procedure
- Edited by Mingquan Zhou
- Iza Romanowska, Zhongke Wu, Pengfei Xu, Philip Verhagen
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- Book:
- Revive the Past
- Published by:
- Amsterdam University Press
- Published online:
- 23 June 2021
- Print publication:
- 17 August 2012, pp 13-20
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- Chapter
- Export citation
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Summary
Abstract:
The present paper reports an ongoing project aiming at developing an “archaeological” benchmarking procedure for the definition of the most suitable methodology for 3D models creation, to adopt for different research goals such as conservation, virtual restoration and web visualization of archaeological objects. The test has been carried out on some archaeological artefacts, differing in size, material, shape, texture and surface characteristics, focusing on the possible applications of the outcomes and on diverse parameters offered from the device. A low cost 3D laser scanner (NextEngine) was chosen for the test, because of its cost affordability, especially for museums and Cultural Heritage (CH) institutions. The result of the qualitative analyses performed by professionals on the scanned objects (archaeologist, ceramist, paleoanthropologist), along with issues that emerged during data acquisition and data post-processing, allowed us making recommendations useful for Cultural Heritage professionals interested in applying digital technologies in their daily work.
Key Words: Laser Scanning, Archaeological Objects, Benchmarking
Introduction
Three-dimensional scanning devices are increasingly adopted by CH professionals for recording archaeological sites and artefacts for documentation, conservation and dissemination purposes.
Currently there is still a lack of a wellestablished methodology concerning the digital acquisition of archaeological artefacts. Therefore the definition of guidelines for digital data acquisition and post-processing is strongly required in order to assess and validate the quality of the final results and adapt the 3D models creation process to the needs and aims of the users.
Furthermore it could be a waste of time and money choosing instruments not suitable for the aim of the research: for example using cheap devices providing low quality results or using improperly an expensive laser scanner without exploiting the potential of the instrument.
In approaching 3D scanning devices the first question of CH experts is always related to the choice of the most suitable device and methodology to adopt for their work, giving more attention to the correlation with the different scenarios that the technology can offer, rather than a purely metrological aspect. Unfortunately there is not a single answer to this question, because many criteria are involved in the decision making.
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