Structured-Light Scanning and Metrological Analysis for Archaeology: Quality Assessment of Artec 3D Solutions for Cuneiform Tablets

Abstract

This paper deals with a metrological and qualitative evaluation of the Artec 3D structured-light scanners: Micro and Space Spider. As part of a larger European project called ITSERR, these scanners are tested to reconstruct small archaeological artefacts, in particular cuneiform tablets with different dimensions. For this reason, Micro and Space Spider are compared in terms of the entire workflow, from preparatory work to post-processing. In this context, three cuneiform replica tablets will serve as examples on which the Artec scanners will have to prove their worth. Metric analyses based on distance maps, RMSe calculations and density analyses will be carried out to understand metrological differences between these tools. The creation of 3D models of cuneiform tablets is the first step in developing a virtual environment suitable for sharing the archaeological collection with collaborators and other users. The inclusion of semantic information through specific ontologies will be the next step in this important project.

Influence of Material on the Density of a Point Cloud Created Using a Structured-Light 3D Scanner

“…G. Pavlidis et al [41] and D. Rieke-Zapp et al [42] describe methods of digitizing important cultural heritage. F. Diara [43], S. P. McPherron et al [44] and R. H. van der Marwe [45] deal with the digitization of archaeological finds using a 3D structured-light scanner. J. Montusiewicz et al [46] used a 3D scanner to create a digital model of exposed historical clothing.…”

“…R. H. van der Merwe [45], J. Montusiewicz et al [46], and J. Kesik et al [47] modify some parts of the digital model using software. F. Diara [43] changes the lighting conditions for scanning. S. P. McPherron et al [44] do not need such high precision (hundredths of a millimeter).…”

Moving beyond the Content: 3D Scanning and Post-Processing Analysis of the Cuneiform Tablets of the Turin Collection

“…This instrument, a portable handheld scanner, uses a structured-light scanning methodology to record patterns of light deformed by the scanned object. When a beam of structured light strikes the artefact, it is reflected back to the instrument at different angles and dimensions, enabling the scanner to determine the object's morphology [16][17][18] The Space Spider scanner was chosen not only for its portability, but also for its technical specifications: the 3D point accuracy is 0.05 mm, while the declared 3D resolution of the final output is 0.1 mm. Furthermore, the scanner has a camera sensor onboard (1.3 megapixels) for capturing RGB radiometric values.…”

“…Furthermore, the scanner has a camera sensor onboard (1.3 megapixels) for capturing RGB radiometric values. The scanner's ability to capture these data with accuracy, as well as its flexibility, make the Space Spider one of the best solutions for the 3D documentation of archaeological artefacts, including clay tablets [18].…”

The survey of the precious one of Constance. Tools and techniques for three-dimensional restitution of complex surfaces at sub-millimetre resolution

“…This can, of course, also be influenced by the surface and morphological characteristics of the object, as well as the boundary conditions and the acquiring operator. In this regard, some research focuses on correct acquisition processes, proposing data verifications [12][13][14], innovative processes, and improving the texture of the final model [15][16][17].…”