Abstract
Today, Web3D technologies and the rise of new standards, combined with faster browsers and better hardware integration, allow the creation of engaging and interactive web applications that target the field of cultural heritage. Functional, accessible, and expressive approaches to discovering the past starting from the present (or vice-versa) are generally a strong requirement. Cultural heritage artifacts, decorated walls, etc. can be considered as palimpsests with a stratification of different actions over time (modifications, restorations, or even reconstruction of the original artifact). The details of such an articulated cultural record can be difficult to distinguish and communicate visually, while entire archaeological sites often exhibit profound changes in terms of shape and function due to human activities over time. The web offers an incredible opportunity to present and communicate enriched 3D content using common web browsers, although it raises additional challenges. We present an interactive 4D technique called “Temporal Lensing”, which is suitable for online multi-temporal virtual environments and offers an expressive, accessible, and effective way to locally peek into the past (or into the future) by targeting interactive Web3D applications, including those leveraging recent standards, such as WebXR (immersive VR on the web). This technique extends previous approaches and presents different contributions, including (1) a volumetric, temporal, and interactive lens approach; (2) complete decoupling of the involved 3D representations from the runtime perspective; (3) a wide range applications in terms of size (from small artifacts to entire archaeological sites); (4) cross-device scalability of the interaction model (mobile devices, multi-touch screens, kiosks, and immersive VR); and (5) simplicity of use. We implemented and developed the described technique on top of an open-source framework for interactive 3D presentation of CH content on the web. We show and discuss applications and results related to three case studies, as well as integrations of the temporal lensing with different input interfaces for dynamically interacting with its parameters. We also assessed the technique within a public event where a remote web application was deployed on tablets and smartphones, without any installation required by visitors. We discuss the implications of temporal lensing, its scalability from small to large virtual contexts, and its versatility for a wide range of interactive 3D applications.
Highlights
All 3D visualization projects that target cultural heritage require a scientific approach in order to get a consistent and thorough reconstructive model of the past and to avoid the equivocity of the “black box effect” [1]
As a result of the scientific debate on virtual reconstruction, numerous projects and documents aimed at creating efficient guidelines and good practices in the field of scientific visualization of the past have been implemented over the years, such as the London Charter and Principle of Seville [2]
The technique differs from other approaches where the interactive lens is conceived as 2D and see-through; our approach instead operates in a volumetric manner, offering a broader public a powerful, accessible, and expressive 3D tool for discovering the past
Summary
All 3D visualization projects that target cultural heritage require a scientific approach in order to get a consistent and thorough reconstructive model of the past and to avoid the equivocity of the “black box effect” [1]. “Traditional” and consolidated visualization standards in the field of cultural heritage (2D graphical outputs such as footprints, sections, etc.) target formal ways to communicate the archaeological record, focusing on metrically correct representations This approach has several limitations, in the lack of interactivity (typical for the analogical approaches), and in the extent and resolution of the representation through layouts with several images in the same sheet of paper. We present and discuss a scalable technique called “temporal lensing” that allows users to interactively compare—in specific selected areas—manufactured artifacts or items, buildings, or large archaeological sites in their current state of preservation along with their hypothetical reconstruction This tool does not give access to data or paradata related to the reconstructive process, as it is designed to allow the general public an immediate reading and understanding of archaeological contexts. The technique differs from other approaches where the interactive lens is conceived as 2D and see-through; our approach instead operates in a volumetric manner, offering a broader public a powerful, accessible, and expressive 3D tool for discovering the past (or the future)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
