Computer-assisted reconstruction of virtual fragmented cuneiform tablets

Tim Collins, Sandra I. Woolley, Luis Hernandez Munoz, Andrew Lewis, Eugene Ch'Ng, Erlend Gehlken

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cuneiform is one of the earliest known systems of writing consisting of wedge-shaped strokes forming signs impressed on clay tablets. Excavated cuneiform tablets are typically fragmented and their reconstruction is, at best, tedious but more often intractable given that fragments can be distributed within and between different collections. Digital archives relevant to cultural heritage, such as the Cuneiform Digital Palaeography Project [1]-[4] and the Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative [5], [6], now make richly annotated artefact media available to wide populations. Similarly, developments in computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction methods offer the potential to assist in the restoration of broken artefacts. In this paper, a system for providing computer assistance for identifying and orientating matching fragment pairs is described. Metrics to grade the quality and likely significance of potential matches are also described. Finally, the results from experiments with scans of laboratory fabricated tablet fragments and genuine fragmented cuneiform tablets are reported.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM 2014
EditorsSarah Kenderdine, Harold Thwaites, Jeffrey Shaw
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages70-77
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781479972272
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event20th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM 2014 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 9 Dec 201412 Dec 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM 2014

Conference

Conference20th International Conference on Virtual Systems and Multimedia, VSMM 2014
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period9/12/1412/12/14

Keywords

  • Computational geometry
  • Computer graphics
  • Cost function
  • Iterative methods
  • Search problems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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