An automatic method for dimensional and shape characterization of pottery

With the aim to improve the quality of the traditional archaeological approach and reduce costs for ceramic investigation, in this paper a computer-based method is proposed. A discrete geometric model of a pottery fragment is the starting input, from which a first distinction in axially and not-axially symmetric surfaces can be done. Geometrical and morphological features are then recognized. Only once that all these information are obtained, it is possible to proceed with the dimensional analysis. The method here proposed allows reducing the uncertainties of the traditional archaeological approach. The analysis carried on the test case here presented, proves that the automatic method presents repeatability and reproducibility that cannot be obtained even using the best application of the archaeological method. This method seems to be functional to other scopes such as for pottery classification and reconstruction of ancient ceramics.