Computational imaging techniques such as 3D scanning, multispectral imaging, and gigapixel imaging are being used at the Museum Conservation Institute to document and analyze cultural heritage objects. These techniques provide unprecedented detail and allow researchers to noninvasively study artifacts without limitations. Computational imaging is an interdisciplinary field that combines photography, computer vision, image processing, and computer graphics. It enables enhancement of visual media and overcomes limitations of traditional photography.

1. Exploring the Computational Future in Conservation and Heritage Preservation: Mel Wachowiak and Keats Webb MCN 2011 [email_address]

2. 3D Scanning Microscopy & 3D microscopy Hyper- & Multispectral Imaging---and more! High Dynamic Range Imaging Reflectance Transformation Imaging Gigapixel Imaging

3. Computational imaging the convergence of photography, computer vision, image processing, and computer graphics. Digital processing overcomes limitations of photography and it offers unprecedented opportunities for the enhancement and enrichment of visual media. In the early days of the Smithsonian, photography had just been invented…and then later we used “film.”

4. Computational imaging part of integrated group of researchers at the Museum Conservation Institute, located just outside Washington.

5. Structured Light Laser Photogrammetry Group of Deer, 1941 Paul Manship 1885 -1966 32 1/2 x 27 1/2 x 19 in. (82.6 x 69.8 x 48.2 cm) Gift of the artist 1963.14.2 Group of Deer Smithsonian American Art Museum

6. MCI contract engineer Anja Schmidt Excellent hardware, software, and “wetware” Final merged data, shaded point cloud

7. Model made from scan data (rear); bronze cast awaiting patination (foreground).

8. Early daguerreotype 80x70mm 1.8 Gigabyte image from microscopy mosaic. 112 images All images shown from website screen shots remember the flaw in the metal plate

11. It would only require 3000 images to reach resolution of the image at right (0.424mm wide). That’ s 30x more than the giga-image. Research microscope can achieve 5x this magnification, so about 15,000 images needed to reach 1 micrometer or less.

12. Fit for purpose! 5 stop difference, final 32-bit image; reduced to 8-bit for utility

13. Paper Metals Teeth & Bone Paintings Leather Photo- graphic materials Stone RTI project examples

14. Extended Depth of Field Z-Axis Scanning Metrology-based 31 images in this stack 4mm trade bead from African bag

16. Before and after cleaning

17. Before and after cleaning

18. While we can, when should we? n -dimensional: time and space, etc. Fit for purpose requires understanding of methods and resources. Who will use this data in 165 years? If you can imagine it, it can be done.