2012-2013 Events
This page lists the events in 2012 and 2013. Please use the links in the right column to see events from previous years.
2013 International Rock Art Congress (IFRAO)
“Advances in computational photography techniques for scientific rock art recording and analysis; Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), Algorithmic Rendering (AR), and Structure from Motion (SFM) Photogrammetry” (Workshop in 2 Parts)
This workshop in two one-hour segments was presented by Carla Schroer and Mark Mudge from Cultural Heritage Imaging (CHI), with contributed material from Tommy Noble and Neffra Matthews from the US Bureau of Land Management. The workshop examined the robust new empirical capture and analysis tools Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), Algorithmic Rendering (AR), camera calibration, and image-based Structure from Motion (SFM) generation of textured 3D geometry. These techniques were explored in the context of the emerging science of “Computational Photography”. Computational Photography extracts and synthesizes information from image sequences to create a new type of image containing information not found in any single image in the sequence. Examples of existing and cutting-edge uses of photography-based imaging were presented.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Thursday, May 30, 2:30–3:30 pm (break between hours: 3:30–4:00 pm) and 4:00–5:00 pm
Note: This two-hour workshop could be attended for one or both hours.
Hour 1: Thursday, May 30, 2:30-3:30 pm – Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and related technologies.
In the first hour, the workshop presenters showed examples from inscriptions, rock art, manuscripts, and lithics. They also provided an overview of the free RTI software, along with a demonstration of the RTI photographic capture sequence, using standard digital photographic equipment. New developments in the related technology Algorithmic Rendering (AR), which uses the same data sets as RTI, were also presented. (Followed by a half-hour break.)
Hour 2: Thursday, May 30, 4:00–5:00 pm – Scientific Imaging requirements and Photogrammetry.
In the second hour, the presenters explored the necessity for transparent evaluation of scientific digital representations, with examples of rock art and related sites documented using the SFM photogrammetry technique.
WAC-7 Seventh World Archaeological Congress
1. “Computational photography: tools for digital archaeology” (Presentation)
This talk by Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer presents advances in robust new digitization tools from the emerging science “computational photography.” Computational photography extracts and synthesizes information from image sequences to create a new type of image containing information not found in any single image. The talk will present examples from Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Algorithmic Rendering (AR). These techniques are being widely adopted by art museums and are especially valuable for examining fine surface details of objects. Examples include inscriptions, rock art, manuscripts, and lithics. These techniques can be used with standard digital photography equipment and open-source software.
The Dead Sea, Jordan: Session 2.2B, “Archaeology in the Digital Age”: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
2. “The necessity of transparency in scientific digital documentation” (Presentation)
This talk by Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer will explore the necessity for transparent evaluation of digital tools and methods used for the scientific documentary imaging of “real world” subjects, where the goal is to produce a digital stand-in (digital surrogate) that can be used for subsequent scientific or scholarly examinations. The presentation will show how a “digital lab notebook” enables this transparency using the example of the methodology and software for Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). The presentation examines key factors that determine whether a technology can practically build a digital lab notebook and the implications for the scientific and transparency needs of the cultural heritage community.
The Dead Sea, Jordan: Session 5.1G, “The Integration and Management of Archaeological Datasets”: Friday, January 18, 2013, 8:00 am–10:30 am
Events Sponsored by the Excellence Cluster TOPOI and Staatliche Museen zu Berlin: Lecture and Workshop
1. “Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Its Application in Museum and Field Contexts” (Lecture)
This lecture by Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer of Cultural Heritage Imaging (CHI) will present recent work in computational photography as it relates to cultural heritage. The talk will include examples of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), algorithmic rendering, multispectral imaging, and photogrammetry. (Registration for the free lecture)
Berlin, Germany: Monday, October 22, 2012, 7:00–8:30 pm
2. “Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) for cultural heritage documentation” (Workshop)
The CHI team will present two identical half-day workshops (October 16 and 22). These morning workshops focus on Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and include introductory lectures as well as RTI demonstrations. They are open to anyone interested in RTI technology and its practical application. (Registration for the free workshops)
Berlin, Germany: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 and Monday, October 22, 2012, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Cultural Heritage Research, 2012
Mark Mudge to Participate
CHI President Mark Mudge will participate in a new forum presented by the Gordon Research Conferences, entitled “Scientific Methods in Cultural Heritage Research: Non-Destructive Imaging and Micro-Analysis in Cultural Heritage.” The conference agenda aims to advance the frontiers of science and knowledge connected with the material components, structures, and degradation processes of cultural heritage objects.
Mount Snow Resort, West Dover, VT: July 29–August 3, 2012 (see the conference web site for details)
NCPTT 3D Digital Documentation Summit: Presentation and Demo
1. “Advances in computational photography techniques for cultural, historic, and natural history materials” (Presentation)
The CHI team—Mark Mudge, Carla Schroer, and Marlin Lum— will present advances in robust new imaging tools from the emerging science known as Computational Photography. Included are the latest developments in Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), Algorithmic Rendering (AR), camera calibration, and methods of image-based generation of textured 3D geometry. The talk includes RTIs of subjects under magnification using macro- and microscopic optics, as well as updates in viewing technology. New software tools to better collect and manage the metadata yielded in RTI and AR processing will also be discussed.
San Francisco, CA: Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 4:00 pm PDT (see the paper abstract)
2. “Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Algorithmic Rendering (AR)” (Demo)
The CHI team will demonstrate the capture of a photographic sequence to be used for RTI and/or AR using off-the-shelf DSLR camera equipment. The demo will also provide an overview of the software pipeline for working with images and producing and analyzing RTIs. The software is free and open source.
San Francisco, CA: Thursday, July 12, 2012, 3:40 pm PDT (see the demo description)
SPNHC 2012: Presentation and Democamp
1. “Advances in the computational photography tools: Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Algorithmic Rendering (AR)” (Presentation)
CHI's Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer present an overview of recent developments in Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), including multi-spectral RTI; Algorithmic Rendering (AR), which uses the same data sets as RTI; and new software tools to better collect and manage the metadata surrounding the creation of RTI and AR. Also discussed is the “digital lab notebook”, an essential element in the generation of scientifically reliable and reusable digital representations, enabling data reuse, long-term digital preservation, and aiding in physical conservation.
Yale University, New Haven, CT: 9:45 am, Thursday, June 14, 2012, in the College Room (see the conference web site for other information)
2. “Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) for empirical documentation of natural history collections” (DemoCamp)
CHI's Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer demonstrate how Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) has the potential to revolutionize the documentation, treatment, and research of natural history and art museum collections. Included will be an overview of the inexpensive and easy-to-learn image capture methodology and image processing based on RTI open-source software. Examples of the resulting RTI images using the RTIViewer, a viewing and analysis tool, will also be presented.
Yale University, New Haven, CT: 1:50 pm, June 14, 2012, in Ballroom C (see the conference web site for other information)
Stanford Research Institute (SRI), Artificial Intelligence Center (AIC): Seminar
“Advances in computational photography techniques for cultural, historic, and natural history materials”
CHI's Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer will present this talk in SRI AIC's seminar series on robust new imaging tools from the emerging science known as Computational Photography. The common feature of the computational photography imaging family is the purpose-driven, selective extraction of information from sequences of digital photographs for use with a wide range of cultural and natural history materials and associated research.
SRI's Artificial Intelligence Center, EJ228 (SRI E building), Menlo Park, CA: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 4:00 pm
CAA 2012: Keynote, Workshop, and Paper
1. “Computational photography’s emergence and the ascent of digital image transparency” (Keynote)
CHI President Mark Mudge will present a keynote talk at the opening plenary session.
University of Southampton, UK: Plenary session is on Monday, March 26, 2012, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in EEE Building
2. “Computational Photography” (Workshop 10)
This two-hour workshop will consist of presentations, discussion, and hands-on demonstration. The presenters, Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer of CHI, will discuss advances in robust new conservation tools from the emerging science known as Computational Photography.
University of Southampton, UK: Monday, March 26, 2012, 10 am to 12 pm in Building 65, room 1177
3. “Advances in the computational photography tools: Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Algorithmic Rendering (AR)” (Paper)
This paper, to be presented by Mark Mudge and Carla Schroer, will provide an overview of the latest developments in Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and Algorithmic Rendering (AR) technologies. The paper is part of the session “Advances in computational photography: techniques for conservation, research, analysis and public access”.
University of Southampton, UK: Session is on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, from 2:00 pm to 6:15 pm in Building 65, room 1177
WebWise 2012: Demo
“Imaging Technology Pathways for Museum Professionals”
CHI President Mark Mudge and Director Carla Schroer present a demo during Demo Session on March 1, illustrating how CHI is introducing both emerging and established museum professionals to state-of-the-art imaging technology through a series of 10 workshops reaching a minimum of 150 participants. These participatory workshops provide training in Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and other new technologies based on digital photography.
Baltimore, Maryland: Thursday, March 1, 2012, 2:45–3:30 pm
