Groundbreaking 3D technology can preserve delicate transparent artefacts
In the past decade, 3D technology has advanced, becoming more accessible and widely used in various fields, including cultural heritage. However, a practical method for scanning complex transparent objects had not yet been presented. This is what Transparent3D, an EU-funded project undertaken with the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, proposed. Usually, spray coatings are applied on the surfaces of transparent objects before using 3D scanning techniques, but this approach cannot accurately represent the actual appearance of these items and adds costs and time to the digitalisation process. Coordinated by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas in Greece, Transparent3D has developed an easy-to-use, non-contact measurement hardware and software package that can streamline and accelerate the measurement process of complex transparent objects, while also reducing its costs. “This unprecedented and remarkable improvement will make the 3D digitisation process efficient enough to enable the 3D documentation of thousands of sensitive transparent cultural heritage objects in situ,” asserts Xenophon Zabulis, Transparent3D project coordinator.
Technologies and methods applied
The developed system employs a series of advanced technologies and approaches. It all begins with a method of structured light projection, which uses a distinct pattern projected onto the object’s surface, generating distortions that are captured by several strategically placed cameras. This helps reveal surface intricacies. A turntable is essential to softly rotate the artefact, enabling data capture from multiple angles. For visualising the object’s internal structure, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used, a non-invasive technique analogous to ultrasound, which only uses light and can provide cross-sectional images of various materials in high resolution. Together with precise calibration techniques, OCT maintains the accuracy of the measurements. Artificial intelligence (AI) facilitates the data analysis to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the object digitisation. The data from all the methods is what enables a comprehensive and refined 3D modelling of complex transparent artefacts. Then, through augmented reality, researchers and curators can visualise and interact with the 3D models, exploring the digitised artefacts in a virtual space. “These integrated innovations bridge the gap between the external and internal aspects of the objects, offering unprecedented levels of accuracy and preservation,” argues Zabulis. Petros Stavroulakis, the researcher who conceptualised the innovative 3D reconstruction setup, mentions: “The simultaneous 3D reconstruction of external and internal surfaces of thin-walled cultural heritage artefacts using our approach, worked first-time and much better than expected.”
Impact on cultural heritage and beyond
The platform created was demonstrated in a case study conducted at three cultural institutions in Greece, France and Italy. According to Zabulis, Transparent3D has the potential to transform the cultural heritage sector because it improves the preservation of delicate artefacts through a non-destructive digitisation method and enables wider accessibility through digital 3D models. It also fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, aids in museum conservation and restoration efforts and facilitates engaging educational outreach. “The world’s museums are home to an astonishing array of glass artefacts, from ancient glass-blowing techniques to ornate stained-glass windows, all of which can now be digitally immortalised in their intricate, transparent glory.” The software and hardware developed for the project can also be applied to other fields in the future. These encompass medical imaging for diagnostics, manufacturing and quality control, archaeological and anthropological research, art conservation, material science, heritage preservation, education, and forensics. “The technology’s adaptability allows for non-invasive and detailed analysis of various objects and materials, making it a valuable tool with cross-disciplinary potential for both research and practical applications in multiple domains,” he adds.
Keywords
Transparent3D, 3D models, 3D scanning, artificial intelligence, AI, augmented reality, cultural heritage
