WP 3 Methodological and IT development of (palaeo)anthropological tools

Task 3.1. Creation of practical field operation – TL: VUB

There are many independent operations that exist in the current version of the lhpFusionBox but they were aimed towards an engineering public, which is similar to other modelling software (OpenSim, AnyBody, LifeMod). In previous projects and studies it was noted that many of the routine operations for anthropologists and archaeologists are composed of a long sequence of simple independent operations in lhpFusionBox, making the use of the current version very repetitive and prone to errors due to operator fatigue from having to frequently repeat the same sequences of operations. Task 2.2. will identify the most difficult and complex operations. This task will then concentrate on creating a set of practical script-like operations directly usable in the field by palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists, mainly by aggregating already existing operations into new ones. A potential strategy could be to implement a scripting or macro mechanism to simplify or repeat complex operations. This approach has clear advantages over developing specific operations for each user domain as it allows the domain experts to extend the functionality themselves, and to perform scientific operations in an as automated manner as possible.

Task 3.2. Development and implementation of novel measurement tools in lhpFusionBox – TL: ULB

In task 2.2. RBINS will work together with the MHNH to identify measurements to be implemented into lhpFusionBox which will be better suited to (palaeo)anthropological and forensic sciences requirements, and the analysis of the digitised (fossil) bones. This will start with the analysis of the physical anthropologist Martin’s measurements (as they are measurements which are most often used in (palaeo)anthropology. This will ensure that analytical studies produced in the virtual environment can be compared to previous similar research and will therefore be of the most interest to other researchers. RBINS will then work with ULB and VUB to analyse the suitability of implementing already prototyped methods into lhpFusionBox, such as the automated modelling of joint and bone morphology using primitive objects (such as sphere, ellipse, quadric surfaces, etc. as detailed in the methods).

Task 3.3. Development of new import formats and visualisation of textured objects in lhpFusionBox – TL: VUB

One of the limitations of the actual version of lhpFusionBox is that the software is not able to display 3D models with a colour texture in the same way as other software viewers such as Meschscan. The visualisation of Cultural Heritage objects is thus limited. lhpFusionBox will be adapted to visualise and allow the importation of a textured file such as PLY and/or OBJ files. This will be defined according to task 2.2 and also according to compatibility with other software. This task will also examine how to manage visualisation and analysis of multispectral acquisitions which would be of significant use to other digitised cultural heritage collections. lhpFusionBox is able to align multiple models in the same space. It is thus possible in theory to use the software to display multispectral acquisitions of the same object and to switch from one view to another using the same reference system and one set of landmarks. This will enable the comparison of different acquisitions of the models and enable users to evaluate differences between the models.

Task 3.4 Development of wrapping method – TL: ULB

The project aims to develop a novel methodology of muscle wrapping around joints. This is justified by the fact it is still an unsolved challenging topic in the musculoskeletal modelling field, and by extension in (palaeo)anthropology. A more effective wrapping methodology that is coherent with real musculoskeletal behaviour would be of high value and give more accurate insight into musculoskeletal physiology compared to current tools and would allow an accurate modelling of muscular movement of fossil individuals. A feasibility study on muscle wrapping was previously performed on the reconstructed Spy II skeleton and despite the fact that preliminary results were promising; it also demonstrated the limits of current methods and the need to develop more optimal musculoskeletal wrapping tools and models.

Task 3.5 User testing of new tools implemented in lhpFusionBox – TL: RBINS

In order to maximise the fit between the developed software modules and the requirements from the domain(s), a user-centred design methodology is adopted in this WP. It entails continuous testing by the actual users, not only with respect to assessing technical correctness, but also with respect to relevancy of the proposed methods and the ease of user interactions. RBINS will also invite MHNH, members of the follow up committee and contacts from their International network to assist with testing the software. VUB, ULB and RBINS will then regularly meet to discuss the evaluation of newly incorporated features. A bug tracking system will be established by VUB to keep track of the various bugs and feature requests. In order to ease user testing and software updates, a web based software auto updating mechanism will be put in place as well.

Task 3.6 Documentation and training material for lhpFusionBox – TL: RBINS/ULB

In line with the rationale behind all the other work in this WP, we want to provide the domain users with all possible help to be able to use the software package as easily as possible. A first version of a user manual for the current version of lhpFusionBox is currently maintained by ULB. This document will be extended with new features to include the new aspects of lhpFusionBox. The guide will also include appropriate references for biomechanical analyses performed. VUB will ensure the user manual is easily accessible from within the software itself. The online manual will also be available on the website of the project hosted by RBINS.