Intelligent Image Processing and Optical Means for Archeological Artifacts Examination

This chapter describes how optical information and advanced image processing can be used to study archeological objects and artworks in order to determine more precisely and noninvasively the characteristics of the shape and color of artifacts. The purpose of this research is to develop a passive experimental technique for artifact investigation to help human experts make the best decisions in the process of authenticating and preserving-restoring objects. The method used is digital capture of object images followed by processing them with specialized software tools to analyze the chromatic characteristics and apparent geometric details. The proposed methodology consists of intelligently combining digital image analysis functions to build a set of chromatic-structural features useful for recognizing possible differences and estimating color and shape evolution. The investigation of the artifacts through digital image processing is a noninvasive and precise complementary method of analysis that can reduce the costs, and it must be extensively integrated into decision support systems for experts and curators in the field of artistic heritage preservation