PTM/RTI Dome 2.0 Making 3D artifact photography portable and easy-to-use for anyone - PowerPoint Presentation

1. PTM/RTI Dome 2.0Making 3D artifact photography portable and easy-to-use for anyoneBy Aaron C. Overly-Graham, M.B.A.Technical Assistant, Spurlock Museum of World Cultures

2. PTM/RTI and the Spurlock MuseumPTM = Polynomial texture mapping, a type of RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging):Uses a single camera to take photos of an object under multiple light angles. Combines those images to allow the viewer to move lighting around virtually on a 3D version of the object.Reveals hidden details and enables in-depth study.HP developed PTM in 2001 and Spurlock Museum has been using it since 2008:Allows for digital preservation of our artifact collection.Enables scholars worldwide to study artifacts in unprecedented ways without having to travel or physically access (and potentially impact) the ancient objects.

3. Current set-upADBC = E

4. Description of the processThe camera (A) is pointed downward and focused on an artifact placed under the dome (B) of 32 fixed LED lights.Each light (C) is turned on one at a time.A picture is taken using the camera’s software on the computer (D) to operate an Arduino control box (E).The current light is then turned off, and the next one turned on.This process is repeated until all 32 images are taken.Photoshop Bridge is used to collate the image set and digitally clean up any histogram issues.A Photoshop script is run, creating the artifact’s final PTM image for archival and scholarly use.

5. IssuesThe technology is old:Due to successive Windows OS updates, the program that used to turn the lights on and off in succession and control the camera’s shutter no longer works.This requires the entire process to be run completely manually, which increases time from c. 2 minutes to 5-10 minutes for the photo set, depending on the object.Any manual involvement in the process introduces the potential for movement, which can impact the quality of the final PTM image.The hardware set-up has issues and limitations:The dome is heavy and stationary, and has limited capacity for artifacts’ sizes.The LEDs’ wiring is not very robust, and has had a number of failure issues over the years: The 32-light set-up is only efficient if all 32 LEDs light.The current Arduino has likewise had issues due to age.

6. Outline of Project RequestDevelop a new Arduino-driven script or similar to perform the following actions at the simple push of a button:*Turn on LED #1Open the camera’s aperture to take the first photo (light angle #1)Turn off LED #1Turn on the next LED (#2, etc. …)Repeat steps above until the full set of 32 LEDs have been run through, providing a full set of 32 images.Also enable users to manually turn on/off any light(s) in the series as may be specifically needed.Wire 32 new LEDs on our next generation, lightweight, portable PTM Dome 2.0!Ensure wiring is done with longevity in mind: We hope to have students utilize this Dome 2.0 on thousands of artifacts in our collection for many years to come.*Either a physical button, laptop, smartphone app, or Bluetooth, etc. depending on feasibility, cost, and capstone student’s expertise.

7. Dome 2.0 ConceptsWe are looking to coordinate the final design with the capstone student to ensure all goals are achieved:Lightweight-yet-sturdy, built-to-last design allowing for portability and photography of a larger size range of artifacts.Easy to learn how to operate.Able to quickly run repeatedly.We will provide any materials needed for completing and operating the Dome 2.0.dmkpermaculture.comrti-dome.com* Please note: Our existing Canon EOS Mark III camera will be utilized in this new set-up.**

8. Choose this project and play an integral role in advancing the future of the Spurlock Museum!