Automated Low-Cost Photogrammetric Acquisition of 3D Models from Small Form-Factor Artefacts

Tim Collins,Eugene Ch’Ng,Erlend Gehlken,Sandra I Woolley

doi:10.3390/electronics8121441

Abstract

The photogrammetric acquisition of 3D object models can be achieved by Structure from Motion (SfM) computation of photographs taken from multiple viewpoints. All-around 3D models of small artefacts with complex geometry can be difficult to acquire photogrammetrically and the precision of the acquired models can be diminished by the generic application of automated photogrammetric workflows. In this paper, we present two versions of a complete rotary photogrammetric system and an automated workflow for all-around, precise, reliable and low-cost acquisitions of large numbers of small artefacts, together with consideration of the visual quality of the model textures. The acquisition systems comprise a turntable and (i) a computer and digital camera or (ii) a smartphone designed to be ultra-low cost (less than $150). Experimental results are presented which demonstrate an acquisition precision of less than 40 μ m using a 12.2 Megapixel digital camera and less than 80 μ m using an 8 Megapixel smartphone. The novel contribution of this work centres on the design of an automated solution that achieves high-precision, photographically textured 3D acquisitions at a fraction of the cost of currently available systems. This could significantly benefit the digitisation efforts of collectors, curators and archaeologists as well as the wider population.

Highlights

In recent years, the loss, damage and destruction of cultural artefacts in the Middle East has captured worldwide attention [1] and has motivated digital preservation and virtual conservation efforts
The inspiration for the work presented here was the challenge of resourcing 3D models for the Virtual Cuneiform Tablet Reconstruction Project [4,5,6]
Both are comparable with the performance achieved by the structured light scanner and both compare favourably with the 100 μm errors reported in similar applications with much more expensive laser scanning equipment [47]. Both the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera and smartphone photogrammetry systems have been used for the scanning of cuneiform tablet fragments at the British Museum

Summary

Introduction

The loss, damage and destruction of cultural artefacts in the Middle East has captured worldwide attention [1] and has motivated digital preservation and virtual conservation efforts. Are projects that collect and curate photographs to digitally preserve heritage and to create 3D models of current, lost, or at risk heritage. The inspiration for the work presented here was the challenge of resourcing 3D models for the Virtual Cuneiform Tablet Reconstruction Project [4,5,6]. Emerging from a simple system of pictograms some five thousand years ago, the script evolved into a sophisticated writing system for communication in several languages. Cuneiform signs were formed with wedge-shaped impressions in hand-held clay tablets. It was the original portable information technology, and it remained in use for over three thousand years in Mesopotamia, the region in and around modern day Iraq and Syria

Methods

Results

Conclusion