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; contact and non-contact scanning systems, reflective and transmissive systems; how to choose the 3D acquisition tool, technical considerations and device characteristics; scan protocol. Examples of 3D scans and digital reconstructions.

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.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes from the lessons

Scientific papers uploaded in the Virtuale platform

 

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.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] on Health and Safety online

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a practical test and an oral examination, the latter sustained starting from the first session on the calendar after the end of the lessons, concerning the topics indicated in the course program.

The practical test, is articulated as follows: 1) post-processing of data obtained by 3D scan systems; 2) 3D digital reconstruction of missing regions; 3) creation of 3D digital models useful for subsequent analysis, 3D printing, enhancement and 3D musealization.

During the oral examination, the student will have to deal with a topic of the course that she/he will have particularly deepened through the reading of a scientific article chosen by the student, which will obviously be followed by verification of preparation on other topics of the program.

The final vote of the exam is based on the scientific and methodological knowledge of the student on the arguments discussed during the exam. Moreover, correct use of language, coupled with critical examination of the covered topics and interdisciplinary linkage, will be also evaluated.

Students not attending. Attendance of the lessons is highly recommended given the nature of the course. However, students who for valid reasons cannot attend the course must study the optional book (Weber GW, Bookstein FL. Virtual Anthropology - A Guide to a New Interdisciplinary Field. Springer Verlag, Wien, New York, 2011) and are invited to contact the teacher, during reception hours, for the suggestion of the necessary supplementary texts.

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