PTM Trial

These images were taken as part of a Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) trial by English Heritage and University of York at Roughting Linn, Northumberland, England. PTMs are produced by taking a series of fixed images of an object, whilst moving a light source around at varying oblique angles. The images collected are then processed using a PTM builder, which effectively merges the images together and allows the user to control light direction by moving the cursor. More info about PTM can be found at: http://www.hpl.hp.com/research/ptm/

Out of interest, I wondered what results could be yielded by using the same imagery in Photosynth – the results can be seen here.

On some images five highly eroded arcs (possibly rings) and a central cup can be seen. These carvings are thought to date to Neolithic – early Bronze Age period approx 4000-6000yrs ago.