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J. Imaging
Special Issues
Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage
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Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Journal of Imaging (ISSN 2313-433X). This special issue belongs to the section "Color, Multi-spectral, and Hyperspectral Imaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 19942

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sony George

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Computer Science, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 2815 Gjøvik, Norway
Interests: spectral imaging; cultural heritage; computer vision; color science
Dr. Costanza Cucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Applied Physics “N. Carrara”-(IFAC-CNR), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
Interests: spectral imaging; cultural heritage; applied spectroscopy; data analysis; conservation; lighting in museums
Dr. Ruven Pillay

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
C2RMF-Centre de Restauration et Recherche des Musées de France, Porte des Lions-Palais du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France
Interests: spectral imaging; cultural heritage; visualization; data processing; machine learning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spectral imaging, including both multispectral (MSI) and hyperspectral (HSI) imaging, has no doubt been one of the cutting-edge fields of research in image capture over the last two decades. Spectral image acquisition and processing has progressed rapidly in recent years and been proven to add value to data analysis in a growing number of application fields (e.g., remote sensing, industrial control, food and agriculture, medical imaging, etc.). More recently, its great potential has also been brought to the fore in the analysis and study of cultural heritage and artworks in general, thus opening several unexplored research directions.

This Special Issue of Journal of Imaging aims to cover a wide range of topics linked to the exploration and exploitation of spectral imaging for cultural heritage, namely the analysis and documentation of different CH objects, challenging artefacts, new data-processing methods (including AI and learning-based techniques), image/data quality aspects, visualization, etc. In consideration of all the topics listed below, and others that might be considered of interest, special emphasis will be given to contributions that focus on innovative and simplified capture procedures, spectral image processing techniques (e.g., new methods for exploring data, such as machine learning and deep learning), multimodal approaches, and data-fusion and image-fusion problems. Moreover, contributions demonstrating the capacity of spectral image-based data analysis in offering additional insight over conventional imaging devices will be prioritized. Devices gathering data in spectral ranges outside of the visible (ultraviolet, infrared, shortwave infrared, midwave infrared) are also of particular interest, especially in relation to novel designs or application studies. The submission of insightful reviews on selected topics of interest within the field is also encouraged.

Dr. Sony George
Dr. Costanza Cucci
Dr. Ruven Pillay
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Imaging is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Hyper/multispectral imaging for CH
  • Image processing in spectral imaging of cultural heritage
  • Cultural heritage visualization using spectral imaging
  • Development of new methods and instrumentation for spectral image documentation
  • Spectroscopic mapping and identification of art materials
  • Spectral unmixing techniques applied to the identification of materials in art
  • Spectroscopic image-based techniques for the detection of artifacts related to aging
  • The applications of spectral imaging in characterizing the aging process of pigments/dyes or varnishes
  • Applications of spectral imaging techniques to detect pentimenti or underdrawings

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 6624 KiB  
Article
X-ray Computed Tomography Analysis of Historical Woodwind Instruments of the Late Eighteenth Century
by Francesca Tansella, Luisa Vigorelli, Gabriele Ricchiardi, Alessandro Re, Letizia Bonizzoni, Sabrina Grassini, Manuel Staropoli and Alessandro Lo Giudice
J. Imaging 2022, 8(10), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8100260 - 24 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3651
Abstract
In this work, two historical flutes of the late eighteenth century were analysed by means of X-ray computed tomography (CT). The first one is a piccolo flute whose manufacturer is unknown, though some features could suggest an English or American origin. The second [...] Read more.
In this work, two historical flutes of the late eighteenth century were analysed by means of X-ray computed tomography (CT). The first one is a piccolo flute whose manufacturer is unknown, though some features could suggest an English or American origin. The second musical instrument is a baroque transverse flute, probably produced by Lorenzo Cerino, an Italian instrument maker active in Turin (Italy) in the late eighteenth century. Analyses carried out provided information on manufacturing techniques, materials and conservation state, and are suitable to plan restoration intervention. In particular, through the CT images, it was possible to observe the presence of defects, cracks, fractures and previous restorations, as well as indications of the tools used in the making of the instruments. Particular attention was directed towards extracting metrological information about the objects. In fact, this work is the first step of a study with a final aim of determining an operative protocol to enable the making of precise-sounding copies of ancient instruments starting from CT images, that can be used to plan a virtual restoration, consisting in the creation of digitally restored copies with a 3D printer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage)
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10 pages, 2763 KiB  
Article
Agar Gel as a Non-Invasive Coupling Medium for Reflectance Photoacoustic (PA) Imaging: Experimental Results on Wall-Painting Mock-Ups
by Antonina Chaban, George J. Tserevelakis, Evgenia Klironomou, Giannis Zacharakis and Jana Striova
J. Imaging 2022, 8(9), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8090235 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
The new reflectance set-up configuration extended the applicability of the photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique to art objects of any thickness and form. Until now, ultrasound gel or distilled water have been necessary as coupling mediums between the immersion-type transducer and the object’s surface. [...] Read more.
The new reflectance set-up configuration extended the applicability of the photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique to art objects of any thickness and form. Until now, ultrasound gel or distilled water have been necessary as coupling mediums between the immersion-type transducer and the object’s surface. These media can compromise the integrity of real artwork; therefore, known applications of reflectance PA imaging have been limited to only experimental mock-ups. In this paper, we evaluate an alternative non-invasive PA coupling medium, agar gel, applied in two layers of different consistency: first, rigid—for the protection of the object’s surface, and second, fluid—for the transducer’s immersion and movement. Agar gel is widely used in various conservation treatments on cultural heritage objects, and it has been proven to be safely applicable on delicate surfaces. Here, we quantify and compare the contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of PA images, obtained in water and in agar gel on the same areas, at equal experimental conditions. The results demonstrate that the technique’s performance in agar is comparable to that in water. The study uncovers the advanced potential of the PA approach for revealing hidden features, and is safely applicable for future real-case studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 1984 KiB  
Article
Ultraviolet Fluorescence Photography—Choosing the Correct Filters for Imaging
by Jonathan Crowther
J. Imaging 2022, 8(6), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8060162 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4724
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence is a valuable tool for the imaging of a wide range of subjects. Like all imaging techniques, the key to success depends on the correct choice of equipment and approach used. In fluorescence photography, a filter is placed in front [...] Read more.
Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence is a valuable tool for the imaging of a wide range of subjects. Like all imaging techniques, the key to success depends on the correct choice of equipment and approach used. In fluorescence photography, a filter is placed in front of the camera lens to block unwanted short-wavelength light from entering the camera, which would compromise the image. However, some filters exhibit fluorescence under UV light and can therefore have the potential to produce a color cast on the image. Filters also vary in how well they block unwanted light. A range of commonly used optical filters was assessed for fluorescence under UV light, and their optical transmission between 250 nm and 800 nm was measured. Finally, a simple method to enable the researcher to determine the fluorescence of the filters that they are using or wish to use for their work is described. The results indicate that the filters tested demonstrated a wide range of fluorescence under UV light and varying degrees of UV blocking. Some filters tested had equivalent or reduced fluorescence compared to Schott KV-418, which is a widely used, but, unfortunately, no longer manufactured UV blocking filter commonly used for fluorescence photography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage)
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22 pages, 14687 KiB  
Article
IR Reflectography, Pulse-Compression Thermography, MA-XRF, and Radiography: A Full-Thickness Study of a 16th-Century Panel Painting Copy of Raphael
by Tiziana Cavaleri, Claudia Pelosi, Marco Ricci, Stefano Laureti, Francesco Paolo Romano, Claudia Caliri, Bernadette Ventura, Stefania De Blasi and Marco Gargano
J. Imaging 2022, 8(6), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8060150 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3151
Abstract
The potential of any multi-analytical and non-invasive approach to the study of cultural heritage, both for conservation and scientific investigation purposes, is gaining increasing interest, and it was tested in this paper, focusing on the panel painting Madonna della Tenda (Musei Reali, Turin), [...] Read more.
The potential of any multi-analytical and non-invasive approach to the study of cultural heritage, both for conservation and scientific investigation purposes, is gaining increasing interest, and it was tested in this paper, focusing on the panel painting Madonna della Tenda (Musei Reali, Turin), identified as a 16th-century copy of the painting by Raffaello Sanzio. As a part of a broader diagnostic campaign carried out at the Centro Conservazione e Restauro, La Venaria Reale in Turin, Italy, the potential of the combination of X-ray radiography, pulse-compression thermography, macro X-ray fluorescence, and IR reflectography was tested to investigate the wooden support and all the preparatory phases for the realization of the painting. The results of the optical microscopy and SEM/EDS analyses on a multi-layered micro-sample were used for a precise comparison, integration, and/or confirmation of what was suggested by the non-invasive techniques. Particularly, the radiographic and thermographic techniques allowed for an in-depth study of a hole, interestingly present on the panel’s back surface, detecting the trajectory of the wood grain and confirming the presence of an old wood knot, as well as of a tau-shaped element—potentially a cracked and unfilled area of the wooden support—near the hollow. The combination of radiography, macro X-ray fluorescence, Near Infrared (NIR), and Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) reflectography allowed for an inspection of the ground layer, imprimitura, engravings, and underdrawing, not only revealing interesting technical-executive aspects of the artwork realization, but also highlighting the advantages of an integrated reading of data obtained from the different analytical techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage)
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15 pages, 4323 KiB  
Article
Scanning X-ray Fluorescence Data Analysis for the Identification of Byzantine Icons’ Materials, Techniques, and State of Preservation: A Case Study
by Theofanis Gerodimos, Anastasios Asvestas, Georgios P. Mastrotheodoros, Giannis Chantas, Ioannis Liougos, Aristidis Likas and Dimitrios F. Anagnostopoulos
J. Imaging 2022, 8(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8050147 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4346
Abstract
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has proven to be a core, non-destructive, analytical technique in cultural heritage studies mainly because of its non-invasive character and ability to rapidly reveal the elemental composition of the analyzed artifacts. Being able to penetrate deeper into matter than [...] Read more.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has proven to be a core, non-destructive, analytical technique in cultural heritage studies mainly because of its non-invasive character and ability to rapidly reveal the elemental composition of the analyzed artifacts. Being able to penetrate deeper into matter than the visible light, X-rays allow further analysis that may eventually lead to the extraction of information that pertains to the substrate(s) of an artifact. The recently developed scanning macroscopic X-ray fluorescence method (MA-XRF) allows for the extraction of elemental distribution images. The present work aimed at comparing two different analysis methods for interpreting the large number of XRF spectra collected in the framework of MA-XRF analysis. The measured spectra were analyzed in two ways: a merely spectroscopic approach and an exploratory data analysis approach. The potentialities of the applied methods are showcased on a notable 18th-century Greek religious panel painting. The spectroscopic approach separately analyses each one of the measured spectra and leads to the construction of single-element spatial distribution images (element maps). The statistical data analysis approach leads to the grouping of all spectra into distinct clusters with common features, while afterward dimensionality reduction algorithms help reduce thousands of channels of XRF spectra in an easily perceived dataset of two-dimensional images. The two analytical approaches allow extracting detailed information about the pigments used and paint layer stratigraphy (i.e., painting technique) as well as restoration interventions/state of preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage)
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