Batch-based Model Registration for Fast 3D Sherd Reconstruction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel batch-based registration system for fast and accurate 3D reconstruction of archaeological fragments, addressing challenges of partial scan correlation and registration with minimal overlap.

Contribution

It presents new algorithms for batch-based matching and registration of partial scans, enabling efficient digitization of large numbers of archaeological fragments.

Findings

Validated in lab and excavation site conditions.

Achieves high-throughput digitization of sherds.

Demonstrates effective registration with minimal overlap.

Abstract

3D reconstruction techniques have widely been used for digital documentation of archaeological fragments. However, efficient digital capture of fragments remains as a challenge. In this work, we aim to develop a portable, high-throughput, and accurate reconstruction system for efficient digitization of fragments excavated in archaeological sites. To realize high-throughput digitization of large numbers of objects, an effective strategy is to perform scanning and reconstruction in batches. However, effective batch-based scanning and reconstruction face two key challenges: 1) how to correlate partial scans of the same object from multiple batch scans, and 2) how to register and reconstruct complete models from partial scans that exhibit only small overlaps. To tackle these two challenges, we develop a new batch-based matching algorithm that pairs the front and back sides of the fragments, and a new Bilateral Boundary ICP algorithm that can register partial scans sharing very narrow overlapping regions. Extensive validation in labs and testing in excavation sites demonstrate that these designs enable efficient batch-based scanning for fragments. We show that such a batch-based scanning and reconstruction pipeline can have immediate applications on digitizing sherds in archaeological excavations. Our project page: https://jiepengwang.github.io/FIRES/.