Abstract
The innovative automated 3D modeling procedure presented here was used to reconstruct a Cultural Heritage (CH) object by means of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Using a motion capture system, a small low-cost quadrotor equipped with a miniature low-resolution Raspberry Pi camera module was accurately controlled in the closed loop mode and made to follow a trajectory around the artifact. A two-stage process ensured the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction process. The images taken during the first circular trajectory were used to draw the artifact’s shape. The second trajectory was smartly and autonomously adjusted to match the artifact’s shape, then it provides new pictures taken close to the artifact and, thus, greatly improves the final 3D reconstruction in terms of the completeness, accuracy and quickness, in particular where the artifact’s shape is complex. The results obtained here using close-range photogrammetric methods show that the process of automated 3D model reconstruction based on a robotized quadrotor using a motion capture system is a realistic approach, which could provide a suitable new digital conservation tool in the cultural heritage field.
Highlights
Reality-based modeling of Cultural Heritage (CH) objects, such as architectural features and archaeological fragments, has been attracting attention as a means of promoting conservation, documentation and even restoration
The improved efficiency of close-range photogrammetric methods in terms of their completeness, accuracy and quickness should lead to the development of flexible frameworks for using these new surveying techniques to transmit knowledge around the world
We propose in this innovative work an automated and object-based approach, which takes into account the morphology of the CH by means of an open-source hardware and an open-source software
Summary
Reality-based modeling of Cultural Heritage (CH) objects, such as architectural features and archaeological fragments, has been attracting attention as a means of promoting conservation, documentation and even restoration. Many costly technologies developed for digital sampling purposes, such as 3D scanning methods, can be used for 3D digitization of CH artifact [2,3,4]. Recent technologies for creating reality-based digital footprints have provided researchers with high resolution, high-precision and the latest easy-to-use tools. 3D scanning devices and algorithms have made automated image acquisition and processing accessible. The improved efficiency of close-range photogrammetric methods in terms of their completeness, accuracy and quickness should lead to the development of flexible frameworks for using these new surveying techniques to transmit knowledge around the world. The complete automation of the whole 3D digitization pipeline will soon make it possible to create huge collections of digital models, and the future development of reproducible processes will no doubt open new paths for monitoring the aging of CH artifacts
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