IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B

Abstract

Ten years ago a novel methodology of visual investigation was introduced in the field of digital video processing, namely the motion magnification. It is able to acts as a microscope for the tiny movements present in the common digital videos, such as those recorded by commercial camera of the smart phones, although best results are obtained by high performance devices. Today, the motion magnification has gained wide popularity in many sectors of science and technology, and appears to be a real breakthrough. We present our studies about the analysis and protection of famous Italian monuments and works of art using the motion magnification. The advantages of this technique: being based on video footage, any part of the monument can be analysed at any later time, including quantitative elaborations; the equipment need not to be expensive, if technical requirements are not too much stringent. Most of all, this methodology is inherently contactless, thus that any risk of damaging the object of the analysis is eliminated. At the same time, operators can work comfortably and safely. Here we will show some applications of the motion magnification to the temple of Minerva Medica, the Sarcophagus of the spouses, the Crypta Balbi, and to real size reproductions of the Bronzi of Riace, by means of their magnified videos.