Reflectance Transformation Imaging Systems for Ancient Documentary Artefacts

This project will establish two Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) systems for use in the recording, analysis and dissemination of ancient written artefacts and archaeological material. RTI uses images captured via digital cameras and high speed video to produce detailed models of surfaces. These can then be visualised in a way similar to interaction with the physical object. Different kinds of processing enable details to be highlighted. The project will design systems incorporating all current best practice in the field. They will be piloted on a range of ancient written materials and on other archaeological materials, in order to develop systems and workflows suitable for rolling out across the cultural heritage sector. The project will also produce freely available blueprints and specifications for the systems, free software, and tutorial materials that will enable rapid takeup of the technology by experts and the interested public. The technology has significant industrial, commercial and public potential. In the field of ancient document studies, the RTI systems will stimulate new research by enabling the capture of important collections that are often dispersed and difficult to access. These objects are often very hard to read and RTI will help with their interpretation. In addition, the ability to combine related documents from different collections and to link them to textual data will have a direct impact on research. Virtual access will limit the need for physical interaction with these frequently fragile, priceless objects. In the broader field of archaeology RTI enables the detailed analysis of objects where surface texture is of particular importance, such as recording Roman brick stamps, measuring the deterioration of delicate textiles or wall paintings, and analysing lithics or bones. The systems will be embedded in two established communities. First, the Oxford Centre for the Study of Ancient Documents. CSAD has proven its value across the broad field of ancient texts and written artefact studies. The focus of the CSAD's research on a wide range of ink-written, incised and inscribed texts addresses technical problems of digital imaging and signal-processing. The effectiveness of these has been demonstrated in a number of published studies, but work remains to be done on turning them into flexible instruments. The RTI systems will provide this flexibility across datasets and disciplines, drawing directly from CSAD's experience. The second community is the Archaeological Computing Research Group at the University of Southampton. This group has for twenty years been at the forefront of archaeological computing teaching and research, with strong links across the academic, commercial, public and third sectors. One particular strength of the ACRG is in the capture and analysis of digital datasets from archaeological materials. This includes work developing and integrating RTI, laser scanning, and digital photogrammetry. The project members have recently submitted for publication a major study of archaeological applications of RTI in areas such as conservation, surface analysis, visualisation, public dissemination and archiving. The ACRG benefits from strong links with the School of Electronics and Computer Science at Southampton. Their involvement brings a long history in imaging approaches to cultural heritage materials, with a focus on art, and in the necessary cutting-edge electronic research core to this project. The success of these teams is further supported by the involvement of Tom Malzbender from Hewlett Packard Labs as an advisor, ensuring that the two systems are and remain at the forefront of research and value in this area. The systems produced will be integrated into existing CSAD digital frameworks designed to improve access and analysis of the data studied. Partnership with the Archaeology Data Service will similarly safeguard the future of the archaeological data produced.