Systems Utilisation

2.13.1 Local Community projects

Chapter 2.6 has shown how the internet can be used as a database for building cultural heritage projects; another extension of this idea is that of Photo Tourism, as proposed in a system in which the internet is trawled for all the photographs of one particular location. The example quoted returned over 15,000 photos on a Google search for Notre Dame Cathedral [125]. Snavely et al. were able to convert hundreds of these images into 3D point cloud geometric representation and by way of using a state-of-the-art image based modelling system, created Scene Visualisations. They were able to “fly” around popular world sites in 3D by morphing between photos, also adding information and details about the

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locations visited. Whilst some of the methods used by Snavely may seem very advanced, it is not beyond many local community computer groups or U3A (University of the 3rd Age), where a wealth of knowledge already exists, to undertake similar projects but with the use of simpler and cheaper hardware.

2.13.2 Educational Institutions

Amongst the many case studies which are documented here, one involved the reproduction of a modern clay vase, whilst two other examples dealt with 3500 year old Egyptian clay artifacts from the Kendal Museum, Cumbria (UK). All three objects were successfully recreated using AM technology, one on a fused deposition modelling (FDM) machine and the other two on a selective laser sintering (SLS) machine. These models were also printed using two AM colour fabricators, the 3D Systems Projet 660® [126] and the Mcor IRIS® machines. Although ownership of such colour fabricating machines is not within the budgets of most educational institutions, except perhaps universities, replication models could be made using such technology, by commissioning from third party bureaux, many operating over the internet.

Figure 2.10: Entry Level Desktop AM machine -UP!3DPP® [127].

Some of the models have been printed on an entry level FDM machine, a UP!3DPP® printer (Figure 2.10), or a RepRap® printer (Figure 2.11), showing that such machines, which are within the budgets of many schools, are more than just

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the latest novelty. A recent search on e-Bay produced many second generation clones of the MakerBot® (Figure 2.12), at under £1000. At the London 3DPrintShow2014, several exhibition stands were selling these clones at takeaway and self-assemble prices, as low as £500 (€600).

Figure 2.11: Entry Level Desktop AM machine -RepRap® [128].

In this thesis, the whole process is shown, from digital capture of artifacts to their AM replication. This includes entry level printers as shown in the illustrations, (Figures 2.10 to 2.12). By using moderately priced equipment and software, as suggested and used by the author, the methods described could be and are being integrated into school curriculums to teach modern technology at many, if not all, year levels. The advantage of this process is that 3D scanners are not required to capture the data necessary to produce 3D CAD images, and experienced technicians are no longer required to operate this equipment. By using a relatively modest DSLR camera, and understanding the simple principles which are laid out in this thesis, good results are obtainable. A comparison between photogrammetry and 3D scanning, their techniques and characteristics has been shown [74].

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Figure 2.12: Entry Level Desktop AM machine -MakerBot® [129]. 2.13.3 Museum and Gallery Staff

Whilst a museum’s value is in its collection of original objects, replicas of specific objects have their place. Due to the delicate nature of many objects, they are unable to be handled by the general public. Replicas are very useful for handling sessions, especially for school visits and loan boxes. Loan boxes are often used by rural schools where it is difficult to arrange actual visits to the museum. The school then can hire a box of material for a term and undertake practical activities at their own site using museum resources. Loan boxes and handling collections often consist of un-accessioned objects (not in the main museum collection), or if the museum has large amounts of the same type of original material some can be used. Loan boxes may have original Victorian and Roman material, but in the case of Egyptian collections it is rare to have an original handling collection.

At present, the schools’ Egyptian loan box at Kendal Museum, Cumbria, UK, where part of this research was conducted, is made up of general replicas (not items in the collection), and photocopies of documents and photos. Another area which is now in the UK school curriculum is the medieval period, but most items held by the museum are too delicate or fragile to handle, especially by school children.

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Figures 2.13: Children handling the Museum replicas.

Figure 2.14: Children handling replicated models of 3,500 year old Egyptian artifacts.

Replicas, even if not exact in all detail, give the handler a chance to experience the size, texture and weight of objects, if the original object cannot be handled. The experience becomes far more tactile than just looking at a 2D black and white or colour photograph. In Figures 2.13 and 2.14 the children are seen handling replicated artifacts from the Egyptian Collection at a Kendal Museum’s open day. The original items having been digitised previously by the author, as described in Chapter 3.7. Part of this process was published in 2014 in the specialist publication Ancient Egypt (see Appendix C) [130].

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2.13.4 Non-invasive Replication of Unique Objects

Photogrammetry can be used as a non-invasive method of image data capture for AM geometric representation of objets d'art and historic cultural artifacts, limited only by the build envelope of the AM machines, but in some cases, if the original model is too big for an AM machine, the CAD models can be sectioned and joined after physical fabrication. An example where this combined technology could have played an important part in preserving the historic local heritage is in the replication, even if not full size, of objects that have been found in the local area by residents of the local community. Due to the unique, historical and in many cases monetary value of the objects, the local museum or gallery may not necessarily be able to afford to compete with high auction prices.

Such was the case with the Roman Helmet and face mask found in the North West of England, so rare that only two other such helmets had been discovered in the UK. It was found in a field by a treasure hunter with a metal detector and became known as ‘The Crosby Garrett Helmet’ (Chapter 2.9.1, Figure 2.6).

However, the technology was available, and still is, for an attempt to have been made, for a good geometric replica of the original Roman Helmet, part of our cultural heritage, to be fabricated, not as good as having the original but better than simply a 2D digital image.

Replication of tribal artifacts for educational purposes using a Konica Vivid 9i® laser scanning and a CT scanner, has taken place in America. The Smithsonian Institute has collaborated with the National Museum of Natural History in New York, USA, to replicate sacred objects (Chapter 2.9.2, Figures 2.8 and 2.9), from the Tlingit Community of southeast Alaska, USA [111].