Three-dimensional tools for analysis and conservation of ancient wooden stamps

Abstract

This paper deals with the analysis and conservation of ancient wooden stamps from museum or library collections. The aim is to provide historians with tools that ease the process of handling and observation of very fragile and unique objects. By performing a three-dimensional imaging of stamps, data are processed in three different ways: (1) adaptive thresholding on the corresponding range image enables visualization for the first time of an image of the actual print produced by the stamp; (2) interactive enhanced rendering provides a realistic and non-photorealistic interactive visualization; and, finally, (3) rapid prototyping production gives a perfect geometrical facsimile of the stamps, preventing any hazards inherent in the handling of the originals.

Keywords:

• CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION
• WOODEN STAMPS
• 3D IMAGING
• 3D RENDERING
• RAPID PROTOTYPING