Email this article Augmented Perception of the Past. The Case of Hellenistic Syracuse
Abstract
interaction system for ancient artifacts digitally restored in a
virtual environment. Using commercial hardware and open
source software, Augmented Reality versions of archaeological
artifacts are experienced on mobile devices both in a real
outdoor site as well as an indoor museum. The case study
for this project is represented by two artifacts of Syracuse,
Italy, a statue and an altar, dated back to Hellenistic time.
Virtual replicas of the two artifacts were produced applying
different techniques. Later the two projects became part of
the same research plan aimed to virtually rebuild the most
significant artistic and architectural features of Hellenistic
Syracuse. Besides the simple production of 3D models, via
laserscanning and 3D modelling, a digital process of visual
improvement of the statue was preliminary carried out based
on photographic documentation of some archetypes. The
commercial framework for mobile devices, ARToolworks,
has been used for developing Augmented Reality applications.
Using a pattern that is recognized by the device, the
virtual model is shown as it is in the real world. The novelty
of this work is that graduate students in virtual archaeology
and non computer programmers such as museum staff,
could benefit of this work and implement such a system.
Keywords
References
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