Shining a light on the past: 'Virtual reality' torch projects missing fragments on to ancient treasures, restoring them to their former glory

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2676433/Shining-light-past-Virtual-reality-torch-projects-missing-fragments-ancient-treasures-restoring-former-glory.html

Researchers led from Bordeaux have created an augmented reality device

The 'revealing flashlight' can be used to restore broken or worn artefacts

It then uses a camera to project an image onto an object

This image is based on a digital representation of the artefact

The user can then point to move the projection around, revealing features

HOW AN IMAGE IS PROJECTED

First, the researchers analyse a previously acquired 3D model of an artefact. This allows finer or coarser details to be examined, or features no longer visible to the naked eye.

Next, a visual representation is projected onto an artefact based on how it used to look. 

This reveals hidden features of its geometry not visible to the naked eye.

Finally, a novel technique lets people interact in a familiar way - the use of a flashlight.

A gesture-controlled system allows a user to point in the direction of an artefact and light up different parts of it.