85200 - Enhancement of Anthropological Heritage Using 3D Technology

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the knowledge and technical-scientific skills necessary for 3D data acquisition and reconstruction of human skeleton and mummified remains retrieved from archaeological excavations or museums, in order to create 3D digital models useful for further specific analysis, 3D printing, enhancement and exhibition. At the end of the course, students will learn to digitally acquire human remains using 3D surface scanner and to use software for post processing surface data and segmenting/visualizing image data from (micro)-CT sources, thus obtaining 3D digital models of the bones, which are essential for their restoration, analysis and exhibition.

Course contents

Introduction to 3D scanning: technologies and working principles; 3D acquisition of skeleton remains using different scanners.

Introduction to post processing surface data: Geomagic Design X software workflow, set parameters and tools, import point clouds, point clouds alignment, noise cleaning, mesh generation; import meshes, healing defects, 3D model construction, save data, save project, export data; mesh editor, creating cutting planes, sections, curves and measurements (linear, angular, area and volume) of the digital models.

Introduction to visualizing/segmenting volume data: Avizo software workflow, file formats, data import; set parameters, filters, clipping, slicing visualization, multiplanar view, volume rendering, isosurface creation, lines and sections, slice alignment and tools for volume data editing; automatic and manual segmentation, segmentation editor, surfaces generation, surface visualization, save data, save project; measurements, exporting data.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes from the lessons

Benazzi S, Gruppioni G. Antropologia virtuale. Mallegni F., Lippi B., editors. NON OMNIS MORIAR. CISU, Roma, 2009, pp. 425-460.

 

Optional (mandatory for non-attending students)

Weber GW, Bookstein FL. Virtual Anthropology - A Guide to a New Interdisciplinary Field. Springer Verlag, Wien, New York, 2011.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures dealing with the program’s topics, coupled with practical training of 3D scan of human remains and post-processing of image data using dedicated computer programs.

Assessment methods

Student evaluation consists of a practical test articulated as follows: 1) 3D surface scan of human skeleton remains, 2) post-processing of meshes obtained by 3D surface scan, 3) segmenting volumetric image data. The student must show that he/she has acquired adequate general and systematic knowledge of the various topics and has mastered the scientific and methodological tools necessary for the 3D acquisition and creation of digital models of human remains.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be supported by power point presentations, osteological materials, 3D surface scanner, workstations with software for post-processing, segmentation and visualization of 3D image data.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Benazzi