Restitution of Sculptural Groups Using 3D Scanners

Abstract

Imagine for a moment that you have to solve a 3D jigsaw of which you have lost several pieces. You have also lost the original box-top showing the final picture, and as if that were not enough, some of the pieces you do have may belong to some other jigsaw. This is in essence the sort of challenge that we faced in the novel project that we shall be describing in this paper. The final aim of the project was, with the help of 3D scanners, to digitalize and reconstruct multi-piece classical sculptures. Particularly, we tackle the restitution of the so-called “Aeneas Group”, a famous iconographic reference during the Roman Empire. We have undertaken this ambitious project in collaboration with the research department of the Spanish National Museum of Roman Art (MNAR). This paper summarizes the real problems that arose and had to be solved, the innovations, and the main results of the work that we have carried out over these recent years.

A fragmented past: (re)constructing antiquity through 3D artefact modelling and customised structured light scanning at Athienou-Malloura, Cyprus

“…A Spanish project has made significant strides using a segmentation algorithm to reconstruct the so-called Aeneas Group of Roman sculptures found in pieces at Mérida, Spain. They developed an algorithm that enabled them to identify the sides of the 3D models belonging to both original and fractured surfaces (Merchán et al 2011). In this case,…”

“…They developed an algorithm that enabled them to identify the sides of the 3D models belonging to both original and fractured surfaces (Merchán et al . 2011). In this case,the algorithm was only applied to models from a single statue group.…”

Research on laser stripe characteristics and center extraction algorithm for desktop laser scanner

“…In industry, laser technology can be used for online monitoring of conveyor belt tearing [1]. For cultural relic protection and restoration, cultural relics nondestructive digitization can be realized by noncontact laser measurement technology [2]. Reverse engineering, welding inspection can also use this technology [3,4].…”

Pre-Processing of Point-Data from Contact and Optical 3D Digitization Sensors

“…Besides, application of RE can substantially speed up and improve the process of re-design, regardless of whether it be own- or competition products. Also in the case of copying, or reproducing parts and products which are not accompanied by adequate engineering documentation there is practically no alternative to the RE technique [ 6 – 8 ].…”