一种用于古生物与考古学之简单快速非接触性数位化三维化石方法

摘要

An easy non-contact method can create three-dimensional digital images of fossils for many paleontological applications using readily available equipment: 1) a digital camera, 2) tripod, 3)personal computer (desktop, laptop, similar) together with the software iModellerTM. A dinosaur skull from YuanMou County of YunNan Province, People's Republic of China was used to demonstrate this technique. The entire procedure, beginning with a set of fifteen to twenty digital photographs to the end of the iModellerTM process can require as little as ninety minutes to produce a full, photorealistic three-dimensional model that portrays the original texture. If more than one set of photos is required, then additional time will be needed. This technique is suitable for creating museum displays or for conducting paleontological and archeological research. By using multiple output file formats, the digitized data also can be used in conjunction with MayaTM, 3DS-MaxTM and other appropriate software applications suitable for other down-stream applications, such as dinosaur morphometry, ontogenetic or, biomechanic studies,simulations, animations, and computerized replications via computer control lathe and/or quick prototyping. Use of this technique resulted in only about 0.1% volume error. This paper provides an introduction and tutorial to the process required to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of a dinosaur skull.%介绍一种简易非接触性的化石或考古样本制作数位影像三维模型的方法,可供诸多古生物学与考古学之应用,以一个从云南元谋县出土的恐龙头颅为制作范本;整个制作过程,仅需90分钟的时间,产生一个逼真全形全彩的三维模型.本方法所成结果,可用于博物馆展示,或用于古生物或考古学研究.此外,透过多种档案输出格式,数位化的数据,也可配合其它三维软体,如MayaTM,3DS-MaxTM等等,应用于其它下游领域,如恐龙形态学、个体发育学,或生物机械学研究、模拟、动态等等,以及透过数位车床等设备,制作复制品或快速初形制作,体积误差只有0.1%;本文以恐龙头颅介绍本方法的操作.