Download Le forme di mercato - European Virtual Museum

Web-Designer for virtual museums
TUC 1
Web-Designer for virtual museums
Introduction
This e-course is organized through Training Unit able to be
Capitalized (TUC) which can be decomposed into Didactic Unit (U.D.)
and Learning Object (L.O).
In order to understand the main logic behind the organization of this
programme, notice that:
 each T.U.C involves several educational goals, which sum up to
the basic skills of a web-designer for virtual museums;
 each D.U discusses one single educational goal through several
topics;
 each L.O identifies one single topic. All L.O together compose
the whole e-course.
TUC 1
DU 1:
DU 2:
DU 3:
DU 4:
Upload the database
The publication of
data on the Internet
Software used for
modelling 3D images
Photography
• LO 1.0: Databases
and the publication of
data on the Internet
• LO 1.1: General
Information
• LO 1.2: The
relational model
• LO 1.3: Management
systems of the
relational databases
• LO 1.4: Configuration
of databases
• LO 1.5: Physical
implementation of
data (a)
• LO 1.6: Physical
implementation of
data (b)
• LO 2.1HyperText
Markup Language
• LO 2.2 Active
Server Pages (ASP)
• LO 2.3 ActiveX
Data Object (ADO)
• LO 2.4 Structured
Query Language
(SQL)
• LO 2.5 JavaScript
• LO 3.1 3D
Softaware Object
Modeller
• LO 4.1
Projecting the
camera set
• LO 3.2 VR WORX
2.5
• LO 4.2
Lightening
• LO 3.3
PhotoModeler
• LO 4.3
• LO 3.4 PixMaker
PRO
The camera
DU 1
Upload the database
This lecture unit focuses on the main advantages of a “dynamic” web site, by
which user-friendly interactive databases are developed. The
System of
Management for interactive databases (RDBMS) is crucial in order to create a
virtual museum. In this scenario, DU1 is specifically aimed at web-designers
whose expertise is applied for “museum- communication” purposes.
The objectives of DU1 are:
•to plan and realize a System of Managing Relational Databases;
•to define the structure of the database (organizing data in tables and their
connections);
•to identify the operations that can be executed in interactive modality.
LO 1.0
Abstact
Databases and the publication of data on the
Internet
The main advantages of a dynamic web site compared to a static one are, on the
one hand, the easiness of administration (updating the information contained) and,
on the other hand, the permission given to users to create selection interrogations
for listing the data searched. The addition or modification of contents is very
simple because this content is stored in a data base or in text, graphic or
multimedia files, in such a way that those who are in charge of contents do not
need to possess HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style
Sheets), JavaScript knowledge or other technologies specific for “Web design” and
often used in designing presentation pages.
In the development of the European Virtual Museum the use of a RDBMS
(Relational DataBase Management System) is compulsory, due to the complexity of
data necessary for the complete description of objects it contains and also due to
the need for the information to be always updated by specialists of partner
museums. The existence of such RDBMS Databases allows the registration of all
general and special information referring to objects presently suggested by
partners (museums, research institutes etc.) or completed step by step.
LO 1.0
Abstract
Databases and the publication of data on the
Internet
Moreover, these databases together with the multimedia files can offer
supplementary packages of special information referring to other archaeological
objects; research and archaeological sites in the area; museums or general or
specialized museum collections; historical monuments and / or special cultural
objects; useful data and addresses for transportation, accommodation, and
visiting cultural and tourist objectives; virtual shop (replicas/copies).
For the publication on the internet of the information contained in the
databases, managed by a RDBMS, the main technologies used are ASP (Active
Server Pages) and ASP.NET (www.aspfree.com; www.asp.net), PHP (Hypertext
Preprocessor)
–
www.php.net,
JSP
(Java
Server
Pages)
–
www.java.sun.com/products/jsp/ .All these technologies have server-side
scripting. In such a case the Web server interprets the file (.asp, .php, .jsp)
and sends an equivalent .htm file to the browser of the client computer. If the
file contains scripts created with VBScript or JavaScript, the scripting engine
from the server executes the respective codes. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer
Protocol) is a dependant protocol, in such a way that any modification made by
the user in an interactive page, as unimportant as it may be, must be sent to
the server which sends back an updated image of the page. This process is
called circuit through the server.
LO 1.0
Details
Databases and the publication of data on the
Internet
The advantages of using such technologies are:
•
Dynamically edit, change, or add any content of a Web page;
•
Respond to user queries or data submitted from HTML forms;
•
Access any data or databases and return the results to a browser;
•
Customize a Web page to make it more useful for individual users;
•
Provide security and access control to different Web pages;
•
Tailor your output to different types of browsers;
•
Minimize the network traffic.
LO 1.0
Practice
(Forum)
RDBMS advantages
Weight
Explain
dynamic web-editing
on-line
query
management
and
data
data access through browsers
customize websites
on-line protection
compatibility with any browser
minimize website traffic
For a better understanding of this topic, associate “weights” to each of the RDBMS advantages
reported below. Use (*), (**) and (***) in order to indicate low, medium and high relevance
respectively. Explains the main rationale behind your choice in the last column. Finally, discuss
your choices with your colleagues.
LO 1.1
Abstract
General Information
The models and techniques of organizing databases have developed in such a way
that they satisfy the needs of users to have a faster and easier access to a
larger amount of information.
Shortly, the concept of a database can be defined as being one or more
collections of interdependent organized data, together with the description of
the data and the relation between them.
Relational databases refer to a collection of data, structured as tables called
relations. The term “relational” comes from the fact that each registration in
the database contains information referring to a single subject. Moreover, the
data organized in categories of information can be manoeuvred by a single entity,
based on values of associated data.
LO 1.1
Details
Fundamental objectives of a database
1. Centralization of data in a database solves the following problems:
· suppressing the redundancy of data;
· ensuring the uniqueness of registrations;
· centralized control of data;
2. Interdependence between data and the application programmes: updating of
data from a database must not affect programmes of data modelling.
3. The possibility of connecting data entities, which are indispensable for an
efficient exploitation of the informatics system.
4. The integrity of data provides the reliability and coherence of the database.
Thus we must define integrity restrictions like:
· belonging to a list of values or interval;
· belonging to a certain format;
· rules of coherence with other data.
LO 1.1
Details
Fundamental objectives of a database
5. Security of data: the database must be protected against any logical or physical
destruction (updating anomaly). This is done by saving, from time to time, some
copies of the database.
6. The confidentiality of data is assured by procedures of:
· identification of users by name or code;
· authentication by password;
· authorization of differentiated access by rights of creation, consultation,
modification or erasing for certain segments of data.
7.The division of data allows the connection of transactions simultaneously
solicited on the same registration of the database, by blocking waiting requests
and their ulterior serving
LO 1.1
Case studies
COMPASS – Database of the British Museum
COMPASS
(Collections
Multimedia
Public
Access
System)
(http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/) is an online database featuring
around 5,000 objects chosen by curators to reflect the extraordinary range of
the British Museum’s collection. The database has versions for both adults and
children.
The website is visited by a large number of people. According to their statistics,
the number of page views to the site are:
•2002 – 8,227,638
•2003 – 12,866,087
•2004 – 18,153,123
The COMPASS website was paid for by a generous donation by the Annenberg
Foundation ( http://www.whannenberg.org/ ) which enabled the Museum to restore
and re-vamp the Reading Room at the British Museum. The COMPASS project was
part of this. The Children’s COMPASS site was funded by the Ford Motor
Company Fund.
LO 1.1
Case studies
COMPASS – Database of the British Museum
The adult section is very well organized and there are several searching facilities
depending on the area of interest of the visitor. Moreover, there are many useful
links and also background information on almost every item. There are online tours on
a variety of subjects and there is also information about current exhibitions. The
online tours cover a wide range of topics, starting from New Tours and The British
Museum to collections referring to Africa, Americas, Europe, Greece, Rome, Egypt and
so on. Apart for the fact that each object featured is illustrated with high quality
scalable images for detailed study, there is also plenty of information about the
objects, as well as references and links to related objects. The database was designed
for the general visitor and thus the information has been written accordingly.
Therefore, technical terms are explained in glossary links and if one is interested in
learning more about an item, most of the articles give references to books written or
recommended by the Museum’s curators.
Children’s COMPASS was launched in February 2002 and uses a search engine designed
for children. Apart from the children’s tours and the articles written for 7-11 year
old pupils, there are also classroom activities and quizzes, as well as an Ask the
Expert facility. The online tours are specially written to cover topics from the UK
National Curriculum, including Literacy, Numeracy, Science and Art as well as History.
There are also examples of children’s work, online animations, games and puzzles, web
links and reading lists. In addition to the online tours, there is also a Search engine
that allows children to look for information from the following areas: Africa, the
Americas, Anglo-Saxon England, Asia, Ancient Egypt, Europe, Ancient Greece and
Roman Britain.
LO 1.1
Case studies
COMPASS – Database of the British Museum
Children’s COMPASS was planned so that children with disabilities could use it as well. The
worksheets have a set of teaching suggestions for how they may be adapted, both for children
with learning difficulties, as well as for those who need extension activities. For those with
reading difficulties, there is software available for reading the text on children’s COMPASS
aloud. Children’s COMPASS has been designed from the outset with visually impaired users in
mind
(ttp://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/hixclient.exe?_IXDB_=compass&searchform=graphical/edu/main.html&submit-button=search). Thus a text-only version of most
screens enables screen-readers to browse, while text size and colour can be easily changed
using the browser tools.
The site has been designed and evaluated by the New Media Unit at the British Museum, in
consultation with local primary schools and with the advice and assistance of the Museum
Education Department.
According to Tim Jacques from the New Media Unit, the following worked on COMPASS
website:
•Head of New Media – project manager
•Content Manager – responsible for the content on the site
•Imaging Manager – responsible for the images on the site
•Creative Editor – responsible for all the text
•Design Manager – responsible for the design of the site
•Access Officer – responsible for all access issues for the site
•Education Editor – responsible for the editorial content on the Children’s COMPASS site
•Imaging Assistant – helping the Imaging Manager and also HTML coding for some pages
•Support Officer – administration for COMPASS Project
•I.S. Support – IT support for the project, though not full time on COMPASS alone
LO 1.1
Case studies
COMPASS – Database of the British Museum
In addition, there were also Editorial Assistants to help with editing the text, and curators and
freelancers who wrote the object text. Also, there were a number of interns who worked for
fixed periods of time, usually to compliment their studies.
The technology for the site and delivering it to the web was provided by a company called
System Simulation Ltd. Their Index+ (www.ssl.co.uk) software provided the database. System
Simulation Ltd. offers a comprehensive package of support arrangements tailored to user
requirements. Training is provided for application builders, database administrators and endusers. Tools for importing data from a wide range of third party files and databases to Index+
applications are also available.
Information management systems frequently require support for a range of specialist functions
as well as the basic storage and retrieval facilities. The application tools provided with Index +
are designed so that appropriately tailored systems are very easy to make, use and maintain.
The facilities provided by this software include:
•Interfaces to newswire systems
•Storage management for large text and image archives
•Interfaces to Point of Sale equipment
•Interfaces to EDI systems
•Interfaces to scanning and OCR software
•Script-based multimedia authoring
•Loan management
•Exhibition design
•Index+ has been successfully integrated with RDBMS and other more specialised applications.
LO 1.1
Case studies
COMPASS – Database of the British Museum
System Simulation Ltd. has implemented the British Museum’s new Merlin collections
management system based on MUSIMS. Data have been imported from the previous
system and the data structures and procedures have been upgraded in line with modern
and international museum standards. The Terminology Client includes thesauri developed
by the British Museum and other international standards. The Unicode facility enables
the museum to catalogue and search using historical and non-European scripts. Merlin
provides data and resources for the COMPASS public access system through an
integrated Index+ Content Management System, also supplied by System Simulation
Ltd.
System Simulation Ltd. worked closely with the COMPASS team and supplied the
software architecture for the COMPASS project. Thus, the Content Development
System was used for the creation and management of all content including selected
data imports from Merlin (the Museum’s collection management system) and the
Publishing Pipelines delivering content to all versions of COMPASS on the web and to
the specially designed touch-screen consoles in the Reading Room. COMPASS offers a
variety of interfaces for exploring the Museum’s collections in new ways, therefore
enabling visitors to get a better understanding of objects and their contexts. Children’s
COMPASS find specially designed features for children, as well as parents, teachers
and schools. The programs presented there are aimed at the specific needs of both
teachers and children, and the subject areas of the UK National Curriculum.
There is also a high-access text-only version provided for visually impaired visitors. For
the outstanding efforts to ensure that the website is accessible to visually impaired
people, The British Museum – COMPASS won the Visionary Design Award 2002 from the
National Library for the Blind.
LO 1.2
Abstract
The relational model
The relational model was defined and published for the first time in 1970 by Dr. Edgar
F. Codd, a researcher at the IBM laboratories from San Jose (California), who
published his works referring to the relational model for databases. This relational
model has the advantage that it allows the designer of the database to study the
properties of the managing system of the database without being forced to implement
it. The theoretical fundament of this kind of a database is represented by the
mathematical theory of relations.
One of the main characteristics of the relational model is its simplicity and strictness
from a theoretical point of view, a fact that placed it before other models, being
adopted within the last decade by the majority of researchers and programmers in the
field. The data and relations are explicitly represented, using a logical structure called
relation. On the other hand, the relational model was mathematically defined, providing
a modern means of studying the logical properties of a database system.
Unlike the relational model, other models, previously used, the hierarchy model and the
network model did not have such a powerful theoretical background. Another essential
difference between the relational model and the other two models is that while the
former is oriented towards a multitude, the other two are file oriented; this results
from the fact that if for the hierarchy model and the network model the programmer
must design procedural programmes, which should access the database registration by
registration using physical connections for registrations while for the relational model,
just one instruction in an non-procedural language (like SQL – Structured Query
Language), usually determines the modelling of more registrations
LO 1.2
Abstract
The relational model
Another particular property for the relational model is that only the logical
properties of the database can be addressed and not the physical ones, because
it is not oriented towards the calculation system. As a result, the model does
not include the rules, structures and operations referring to the physical
implementation of the database system. However, one of the objectives of the
relational model was to introduce a clear distinction between the physical and
logical aspects of a database, an objective called by E. F. Codd “the
independence of data”.
At the beginning of the theoretical foundation of the relational model, there
were serious fears regarding the efficiency of applying the relational model for
large databases. The extraordinary technological development in the field of
electronics and informatics within the past few years is obvious in the rise of
the modelling power of computers and has led to the elimination of these fears
through the large use of the relational database systems including on personal
computers.
LO 1.2
The components of the relational model
Details
The components of the relational model are:
1.
The relational structure of data. Within relational databases, the data is
organised as tables, called relations. Associations between relations are
explicitly represented through connection attributes.
2.
The operators of the relational model. They define the operations that can
be done on relations, with the purpose of realising the data modelling
functions (visualisation, insertion, modification, erasing).
3.
Integrity restrictions of the relational model. Also called integrity rules
they define the demands that must be satisfied by the data within the
database in order to be considered as correct and coherent compared to
the real world that they reflect.
LO 1.3
Abstract
Management systems
of the relational databases
In order to reach the objectives for which it was created, a database must have
an associated system of data management, which is the software of the
database.
Through the system of data management the following activities can be
accomplished:
• defining the structure of the database (organizing data in tables and their
connection);
• introducing and modifying data;
• fast access to data through different types of interrogations;
• presentation of data as reports (listed on the screen or printed) in which the
data resulted from interrogations are summarized;
• security of data;
A database management system (DBMS) is a mechanism whose fundamental
principle lies, generally speaking, in the so-called abstracting of data stored on
the support. There are three abstracting levels corresponding to the three models
of data: physical, conceptual and logical. (Figure 1)
• The physical model (or internal) regards the data as they are stored on the
• support and represents the zero level of abstracting;
• The conceptual model regards the data through its real significance;
• The logical model (or internal) regards the data through the eyes of the final
user. For a database there may be more logical models, depending on the
different possible categories of final users.
LO 1.3
Planning databases
Details
Projecting database applications implies, from this point of view, two extremely
important initial steps: logical projection and physical implementation of the data
model. The data model forms the basis of the entire application system which
will exploit the database. The logical projection refers to the establishment of
the conceptual model of the database, which is independent compared to the
particular DBMS that will be used. The result of this first step is a document
that will contain the detailed definition of the data structures which will be
implemented. The physical implementation consists of the transposition of the
conceptual model produced in the previous step, on the specific DBMS.
The main RDBMS that are the basis of dynamic and interactive Web pages:
•Oracle (www.oracle.com)
•Microsoft SQL Server (www.microsoft.com/sql/)
•Microsoft Access (www.office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx)
•MySQL (www.mysql.com)
LO 1.3
Practice
R
User 1
User 2
User n
Applications
External
Model
D
Objects (data sources)
+
properties (attributes)
B
M
Conceptual
Model
The Physical Structure of Data
S
Storing
environment
1
Storing
environment
2
Figure 1 Abstracting levels of a RDBMS
Storing
environment
n
Internal
Model
LO 1.4
Abstract
Configuration of databases
According to these objectives, the construction of a database implies the
following steps:
• analysis of the system (domain) for which the database is projected;
• projecting the structure of the database;
• introducing the data in the database;
• exploitation and maintenance of the database.
The first step in the configuration of the database is the setting out of the
objects that must be included and their properties. A single object together with
its properties forms an entity of data. Each entity of data must be unique in
order to be differentiated from the others. The properties of the objects
included in entities of data are called attributes. The identification of objects
(data sources) together with their properties is called data modelling.
LO 1.4
Abstract
Configuration of databases
The purpose of the data model is to create a logical representation of the data
structure, used for the creation of the database. The models using objects and
tables (which will be created afterwards on the grounds of these objects) are
called conceptual data models.
For the configuration of databases we identify two conceptual data methods or
models:
• the bottom-up method for the creation of an application database. According
to this method the configuration of the database begins with the image of
data listed on the screen or with a printed report. It is used for the
creation of a simple database, which uses a single type of data object;
• the top-down method, in which the configuration begins with the
identification of objects (data sources) for the creation of subject
databases (databases formed by tables dedicated to a single class of
subjects).
A better solution is the configuration of databases with the help of groups of
objects which are connected by subject. This means the use of the top-down
method (model).
LO 1.4
Details
Objectives
The main objectives that must be fulfilled after the configuration process of a
database are:
• fulfilling the needs of the user for getting updated information in time
and economically;
• the elimination and minimization of repetition (redundancy) of data from
the database;
• providing fast access to certain information elements from the database,
necessary for different categories of users;
• the possibility of extending the database according to the users’ needs;
• the security of data which consists of stopping the access of unauthorised
persons to the database;
• the easiness in the creation of applications for the introduction, editing,
listing and rediscovering of information.
LO 1.5
Abstract
Physical implementation of data (a)
The Implementation of data consists of the transposition of data entities in tables
made up of columns (fields) and rows (registrations). The attributes of entities
together with the connection attributes (which will be added) will be the columns
(fields) of the tables. The values associated to these fields represent the rows
(registrations) from tables.
The implementation of relations between entities can be made through four
possibilities:
•one-to-one – the value of the key field from a single registration from the new
table must correspond to a unique value of the associated field from the
existing table (the tables have a one-to-one correspondence of rows – one row
in a table cannot have more than one corresponding row in the other table);
•one-to-many – the field main key from the first table must be unique, but the
values from the key field of the second table may be associated with more
entries (one-to-more relations ties a single row in a table to more rows from
another table by means of a relation between the primary key of the main table
and the corresponding key of the associated table);
LO 1.5
Abstract
Physical implementation of data (a)
•many-to-one – the new table may have more values in the key field which may
correspond to a unique value of the associated field from the existing table (it is
the opposite of the one-to-many relation;
•many-to-many – they have no restrictions, there are no unique relations
between the key fields from the existing table or the new table; both key fields
contain duplicate values. These types of relations cannot be expressed as simple
relations between two participating entities. In order to create a many-to-many
relation we must create an intermediary table which should have many-to-one
relations with two main tables.
Observation: we must remember the fact that many-to-one and one-to-many
relations are one and the same thing, depending on the table to which we refer.
LO 1.6
Physical implementation of data (b)
Abstract
The normalization is a standard procedure by means of which the attributes of
data are grouped in tables, and tables are grouped in databases. The purposes
of the normalization are the following:
•
the elimination of doubles in the tables;
•
the permission of carrying out future modifications in the structure of
tables;
•
minimizing the impact of structural modifications of the database in the
applications of users who use the data.
LO 1.6
Abstract
Physical implementation of data (b)
The normalization is carried out in five steps (forms of normalization):
• the first normal form indicates that the tables must be plane and must not
contain repetitions of groups;
• in the second normal form the data from the columns without key are
completely depending on the main key;
• for the third normal form, all the columns without a key in a table must
respect the rules of the first and the second normal form;
• for the fourth normal form, independent data entities must not be stored
within the same table when between these entities there are many-to-many
relations (it eliminates the redundancy due to m:n relations).
• for the fifth normal form, the exact reconstruction of the original table
from those tables from which it had been separated, must be possible; it
seldom appears in practice.
DU 2
The publication of data on the Internet
For the creation of the Web site of the European Virtual Museum, we used
Microsoft Active Server Pages technology. Further on we are going to introduce
the main elements which are part of this technology
This lecture unit explains deeply what is meant by (a) HTML, (b) ASP and (c)
how entering the database thought the web. Main features of SQL (structure
Query language) and Java programming are discussed.
The objectives of DU2 are:
• to identify the operations that can be executed in interactive modality;
• to know how to use the main software for realizing the web pages.
LO 2.1
Abstract
HyperText Markup Language
One of the first fundamental elements of the WWW (World Wide Web) is HTML
(HyperText Markup Language), a standard which describes the primary format in
which the documents are being distributed and seen on the WEB. Many of its
features, as the independence of the platform, the structuring of formatting
and the hypertext connections, make it a very good format for documents
published on the Internet.
The official HTML standard is given by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
which is affiliated to Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). W3C stated a few
versions of the HTML specification, like HTML 2.0, HTML 3.0, HTML 3.2,
HTML 4.0, HTML 4.01 and, most recently XHTML (Extensible HyperText
Markup Language). At the same time the authors of browsers (navigators) like
Netscape (Netscape Navigators) and Microsoft (Internet Explorer), have often
developed their own HTML “extensions” excluding the standard process and
incorporated them in their own browsers.
LO 2.1
Abstract
HyperText Markup Language
Presently, HTML 4.0 is widely utilized and the HTML specifications have
already been published. HTML language offers WEB designers the following
possibilities:
• to publish the documents with headers, texts, tables, lists, photographs
etc.;
• to find information on-line by means of hyperlinks accessed by a simple
mouse click;
• to project forms for the achievement of transactions with distant servers,
for searching for information or for commerce specific activities;
• to include table calculation sheet, video clips, sounds and other applications
directly in documents.
LO 2.1
Details
The origins of HTLM
HTML was initially developed by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN (Centre Européen de
Recherche Nucléaire) in 1989. HTML is a language based on SGML (Standard
Generalized Markup Language) which is an international standard (ISO – 8879)
approved in 1986. HTML was initially seen as a possibility for physicians using
different computers to change information between them by means of the
Internet. Thus a few conditions were necessary: independence of the platform,
hypertext possibilities and structuring of documents.
The independence of the platform means that a document can be listed in a
similar way (or almost identical) by different computers, vital for a numerous and
various audience. Hypertext is translated by the fact that any word, phrase,
image or element of the document seen by the user (client) can refer to another
document or even to paragraphs within the same document, which makes the
navigation between components of the same document or between multiple
documents easier. The strict structuring of documents allows their conversion
from one format into another as well as the interrogation of a database
containing these documents.
LO 2.2
Abstract
Active Server Pages (ASP)
Active Server Pages (ASP) is a powerful instrument developed by Microsoft. An
ASP file may contain text, HTML tags (markers) and scripts. The scripts in an
ASP file will be executed by the server through IIS (Internet Information
Server) which is part of Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0 (Option Pack) or PWS
(Personal Web Server) in Windows 95-98.
An ASP script, executed by the server, is always limited by <% … %> and may
contain expressions, instructions, procedures, or operators accepted by the
language use (for example JavaScript). ASP pages use ADO objects (ActiveX
Data Objects) to achieve the connection of data after which, through the
Structured Query Language (SQL), different types of queries on the databases
can be carried out.
LO 2.3
ActiveX Data Object (ADO)
Abstract
ADO is used to access a database through a WEB page. It was created by
Microsoft and it is automatically installed at the same time with Microsoft IIS
(Internet Information Server) package. By means of the ADO component the
following operations in an ASP file may be fulfilled:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The creation of an ADO connection with the database;
Opening the connection with the database;
The creation of an ADO recordset;
Opening a recordset;
Drawing out the necessary data from a recordset;
Closing a recordset;
Closing the connection with the database.
LO 2.4
Abstract
Structured Query Language (SQL)
SQL is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard language used
for the querying of MS Access, MS SQL Server, DB2, Informix, Oracle, Sybase
databases etc.
With the help of SQL we can make selection or action queries (adding, deleting
and modifying registrations) upon databases. It consists of:
• SQL Queries – for querying the database;
• SQL Data Manipulation Language (DML) – which allows the introduction,
deletion and updating of data (registrations) by using the instructions:
• INSERT INTO – introducing new data in a table of the database;
• DELETE – deleting registrations;
• UPDATE – updating (modifying) registrations.
LO 2.4
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Abstract
• SQL Data Definition Language (DDL) – allows the creation, modification
and deletion of tables in the database, as well as the creation and
deletion of an index (search key). For this purpose the following
instructions are being used:
•
•
•
•
•
CREATE TABLE
ALTER TABLE
DROP TABLE
CREATE INDEX
DROP INDEX
LO 2.4
Case studies
The State Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum Project, as a partnership between IBM Corporate
Community Relations () and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, began
in 1997. The website () presents significant historical information on the
Hermitage Museum, its extensive collections, offerings, events, membership and
special exhibitions. The Hermitage Museum website enables the world to see the
Hermitage collections from anywhere in the world using IBM Digital Library
technology, based on IBM RS/6000 computers and IBM Digital Library software
from the IBM Santa Teresa, California Lab. The special application software was
created in IBM's e-business Solution Centre in Naples, Italy and the site design
and user interface of the website were developed by IBM's e-business Services
in Atlanta, Georgia:
http://www.haifa.il.ibm.com/projects/software/hermitage/index.html.
At the core of the project is IBM's Image Creation Studio based on IBM
Research's Pro/3000 Scanner with PC's and special image processing software,
which produce high quality, high resolution digital images from originals or
transparencies of works of art from the Hermitage collections. The images
feature IBM's patented digital invisible watermark technology to protect
Hermitage image usage rights. For this project, 2000 images have been scanned
and retouched by the Hermitage Museum staff.
LO 2.4
Case studies
The State Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum website provides a searchable database of high
resolution images from 12 distinctive categories of works (painting, prints and
drawings; sculpture; machinery and mechanisms; arms and armour; furniture and
carriages; ceramics and porcelain; applied arts; jewellery; textiles; numismatics
and glyptics; costume; archaeological artefacts), HotMedia images of selected
rooms and items, Query By Image Content Search (QBIC Search) and the
"Zoom View" Java-based technology developed expressly for this project. It
allows the user to zoom in on a particular part of an illustration for detailed
analysis
and
to
study
descriptive
material
(http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/index.html).
Query By Image Content search technology allows users locate works using visual
tools, by selecting colours from a palette or by sketching shapes on a canvas.
With advanced search visitors can find a particular item by selecting a specific
category of artworks, the type of item, the style, trend or tendency, country
of origin, theme, genre, the personage represented and the data range. In the
section Zoom View Gallery users can scrutinize the slightest details of an
artwork using an innovative technology. High-resolution images are provided by
IBM's specialized Image Creation Studio using patented IBM technology
developed at Watson Research labs to digitize art objects and protect images.
The network used to host the website includes multiple „farms” of IBM RS/6000
and support millions of „hits” each day.
LO 2.5
Abstract
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programming language for WEB pages. It is used in many sites
for improving their design, for the validation of some forms etc. It has been
developed by Netscape and it is the most popular script language for the
Internet. It is recognized by all popular browsers (navigators) from version 3.0
and more. The main characteristics and uses of the JavaScript language:
• it has been created for developing the interactivity of WEB pages;
• it is a “line of command” language;
• it is written directly in HTML document;
• it does not need a preliminary compiler;
• anyone can use JavaScript without a licence;
• it is tolerated by all important navigators, like Internet Explorer or
Netscape.
The complete description of the Active Server Pages technology, and not only,
can be found at www.asp.net.
LO 2.5
Practice
1.
•
•
•
•
The language offers WEB designers the following possibilities:
to publish the documents with headers, texts, tables, lists, photographs
etc.;
to find information on-line by means of hyperlinks accessed by a simple
mouse click;
to project forms for the achievement of transactions with distant
servers, for searching for information or for commerce specific
activities;
to include table calculation sheet, video clips, sounds and other
applications directly in documents.
True or False?
2. With the help of SQL we can’t make selection or action queries (adding,
deleting and modifying registrations) upon databases.
True or False?
3.
JavaScript is a powerful 3D software product that calculates
measurements and constructs 3D models from your photographs simply
and easily.
True or False?
DU 3
Software used for modelling 3D images
Images and graphics are a fundamental source of communication. 2D and
especially 3D graphics are quickly becoming an integral part of dynamic,
interactive web sites.
Following is a description of some 3D graphics software currently available.
The objectives of DU 3 consist in:
• to know how to use the main software for realizing the images in 3D;
• to know how to converse profitable with the professional figures of the
expert of the contents and with the project leader.
LO 3.1
Abstract
Software 3D Object Modeller
3DSOM from Creative Dimension Software Ltd. is a fast, cost-effective
software tool for generating photo-realistic 3D models from images of real
objects, based on technology originally developed by Canon. With the 3DSOM
Viewer Java applet, interactive plug in-free 3D content can easily be created
for compelling e-commerce sites, eye-catching internet advertising, online
museum exhibitions, and more. A fully customised 3D modelling service is also
available delivering high quality multimedia content for CD marketing campaigns,
exhibitions, education, digital product brochures and streaming over the
internet:
http://www.3dsom.com/features/process.html
ttp://www.3dsom.com/proexamples/index.html.
LO 3.1
Specifications
Details
a) Input Images
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mat printing function to create calibration mats on an ordinary black and white
printer.
Accepts up to 256 input images per project from digital cameras or scanners as JPEG,
BMP or PNG files.
Fully automatic, robust camera calibration to identify arbitrary camera location and
orientation.
Automatic background separation (masking) tool with compensation for shadows on the
backdrop.
Manual mask editing tools at multiple image zooms.
Mask save and load via PNG for editing in an external editor (Adobe Photoshop, JASC
Paint Shop Pro and others).
b) Wire frame Generation
•
•
•
•
•
Fast and accurate, patented geometry calculation algorithm based on silhouettes
without any voxelisation errors.
Handles objects with holes and those composed of multiple separate parts generating
one or more closed triangle meshes.
Interactive mesh decimation to reduce polygon count to required level.
Optional clip plane to remove any remaining stand geometry.
Editable synthetic silhouettes allow geometry to be refined from angles where images
were not originally taken.
LO 3.1
Specifications
Details
c) Texture Generation
• Fully automatic texture tiling function to create a single texture map around the whole
object.
• User chosen texture map resolution up to 2048 pixels square.
• Patented texture blending algorithms to reduce registration errors and produce crisp
textures.
• Tone correction option to compensate for exposure differences between images.
• Manual alignment option for including underneath shots to texture all faces of the
object.
• Powerful, easy-to-use, seamless texture editing using your usual external image editor
by painting on any view of the object.
d) Save and Export
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Export final model to 3DSOM Viewer for immediate inclusion on web pages without need
for browser plugins. We can also remove our branding on a per-model basis.
3DSOM Viewer can display a background image behind the model as well as adding
lighting, shadows and hotspots in a small redistributable Java applet.
Export to Shockwave for use in Macromedia Director 8.5 for creating interactive web
content, and also as ready-to-use web page for use with popular Shockwave Player
plugin.
Export to VRML for interchange with many 3D packages and also for viewing with
VRML-enabled browsers.
Export to 3DS object for loading into 3D Studio Max and other 3D editing/animation
packages.
All project information saved in one project file
Original images are not altered (can be read only) and left outside file to minimise
project file size.
LO 3.1
Specifications
Details
e) System Requirements
3DSOM runs under Windows XP (Home or Professional Editions) or
Windows 2000. Although it is possible to run under a Windows emulator
on a Macintosh, this is not recommended as intensive processing is
required.
Recommended specs for a PC:
•CPU x86 compatible, PC/AT compliant
•Pentium 3 or 4 is preferable
•32-bit graphics card with OpenGL support
•Monitor resolution 1024x768 minimum (small system fonts)
•Physical RAM: 128MB minimum, 256MB recommended
•Mouse and Keyboard
LO 3.2
Abstract
VR WORX 2.5
QuickTime Virtual Reality is an extension of the QuickTime technology developed
by Apple Computer, Inc. that allows viewers to interactively explore and examine
photo realistic, three-dimensional, virtual world. Unlike many other virtual reality
systems, QuickTime VR does not require the viewer to wear goggles, a helmet or
gloves. Instead, the viewer navigates in a virtual world using conventional
computer input devices (such as the mouse, trackball, track pad or keyboard) to
change the displayed image via the QuickTime VR movie controller.
QuickTime VR is quickly becoming one of the most important assets you can have,
bringing a new level of interactivity and motion to web design and multimedia
productions. The user can create interactive QuickTime VR movies quickly, simply
and professionally, with any kind of camera: film, digital, video or created on the
computer using a three-dimensional (3D) graphics package.
LO 3.2
Abstract
VR WORX 2.5
A QuickTime VR movie contains all the date for a QuickTime VR virtual world.
The movie contains a single scene, which is an aggression of one or more nodes. A
node is a location in a virtual world which an object or panorama can be viewed.
For panoramic nodes, the node's position is the centre point from which the
panorama is viewed. Any number of nodes, objects, panoramas, linear movies or
stills, can comprise a QuickTime VR Scene.
The VR Worx™ is the award-winning suite of VR authoring tools for QuickTime™.
The latest version, The VR Worx 2.5 is taking advantage of today’s revolutionary
operating systems. Engineered for Mac OS X and Windows XP, with a new
streamlined and simplified user interface, The VR Worx 2.5 delivers powerful
technology along with fresh advancements to its famous feature/function set. The
VR Worx 2.5 creates cylindrical panoramic movies, object movies and multi-node
scenes (a.k.a. virtual tours), all in the QuickTime format. Version 2.5 has the
ability to create an object movie, which has a panoramic movie as a moving
background. And v2.5 has the capacity for transitions within a multi-node scene,
like standard wipes, dissolves, explodes, and others, as well as actual linear video
as a transition. The VR Worx 2.5 can construct multinode environments with
cylindrical panoramas, cubic VRs, multi-row objects, absolute objects, objects
with
sound,
still
images
and
linear
QuickTime
movies
(http://www.vrtoolbox.com/gallery.html).
LO 3.2
VR WORX 2.5
Details
a) New Features & Functions Include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Streamlined and simplified User Interface for Macintosh & Windows
Live Scrolling, Live Window Resizing and Dialog Sheets
Application-wide Image Drag & Drop, including Document Proxy Icons
Integrated On-line Help
Intelligent Auto-configuration of Panoramas & Objects
Choice of Cylindrical or Linear input acquisition mode for Panoramas
Integrated Bridge to external image editors, like Photoshop™
Zoom capability for images in Stitch & Blend panels
Drag & Nudge capability for positioning images in Stitch panel
User defined presets for quick composition of QuickTime movies
Specify alternate target sizes with estimated download times
Optimize media order for fast-start downloading
Auto-generate low res preview track from movie or external image file
Embed HTML tags and generate HTML "Starter Page" containing movie
Recompose existing Object, Panorama and Linear QuickTime movies
AppleScript & Windows Visual Basic Scripting enabled throughout
Improved handling of large images for Composition and Import/Export
Greatest feature parity between Mac & Windows of any previous version
Create Object Movie with Panoramic Background
Sound Support in Object Mode
LO 3.2
VR WORX 2.5
Details
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chroma-Key Background Mask
Frame Based Animation
Centering, Cropping, and De-Wobbling Effects
Integrated On-line Help
Application-wide Image Drag & Drop
Auto-configuration of Panoramas & Objects
Cylindrical or Linear input acquisition for Panoramas
Bridge to external image editors, like Photoshop™
Improved handling of large images for Movie Composition and Import/Export, exceeding
16,000 pixels wide for source images and 30,000 pixels wide for imported or rendered
panoramas
Transparent View mode for precise stitching
Over 250 Hot Spots per node
Recompose existing Objects, Panos and Linear QuickTime movies
Embed HTML tags & generate HTML Starter Page containing your movie
AppleScript & Visual Basic Scripting for Windows enabled throughout
Multinode Transitions, including linear video transitions
Scene Module accepts Panoramas, Cubic VRs, Objects, Still Images and Linear Movies
as Nodes
Edit and Preview Multi-Node Scenes without rendering finished movie
LO 3.2
VR WORX 2.5
Details
a)System Requirements for PC
• Pentium Class PC (or compatible
• Windows ME, 2000, XP (or higher)
DirectX 8
QuickTime 6 or later
128 MB RAM
b)System Requirements for Macintosh
•
•
•
•
Power PC (or compatible)
Mac OS X 10.2 (or higher)
QuickTime 6 or later
128 MB RAM
LO 3.3
Abstract
PhotoModeler
PhotoModeler is a powerful 3D software product that calculates measurements
and constructs 3D models from your photographs simply and easily
(http://www.photomodeler.com/app03.html).
PhotoModeler is used by professionals around the world to:
• Create "as-built" drawings and measurements
engineers
for process and plant
• Measure accident and crime scenes for forensic analysts
• Create "as-found" and "as-built" drawings for architects and historic
preservationists
• Model sets, objects, people and vehicles for animators and film/video
producers
• Measure and create drawings of buildings, excavations & artefacts for
archaeologists
• Measure and model anatomical morphology for anthropologists and medical
practitioners
• Reverse-engineer mechanical parts and assemblies for manufacturing
engineers
• Survey complex 3D shapes, structures and volumes for civil engineers and
surveyors
• Model objects for 3D databases for virtual reality builders
LO 3.3
Details 1
How to use
• Take pictures using digital, film, or video cameras, and load them into
PhotoModeler. Shoot two or more overlapping photos from different angles
and then import them into the program.
• Next, mark features on the photographs using PhotoModeler's Point, Line
and Edge tools. Using the referencing functions, instruct PhotoModeler by
matching up points across the photos.
• Now PhotoModeler is ready to process your camera and referencing data.
Using the "Process" menu, PhotoModeler adjusts your input data and
creates 3D point data to produce an accurate 3D model.
• You can view, zoom, rotate, or measure your 3D model in PhotoModeler's
3D Viewer. The Point Table allows you to view and manipulate XYZ point
coordinates. Continue your project by adding more photos, points, lines, and
edges. Use PhotoModeler's advanced marking tools to add NURBS curves,
cylinders, and surfaces. Finally, export your model to your CAD, animation,
or rendering program.
LO 3.3
Details 2
Main features
PhotoModeler is loaded with powerful and useful features to help you measure
and model productively.
• Easy to Use and Learn: Includes an advanced Windows user interface,
Wizards for easy project set-up, extensive multimedia tutorials (over 4
hours playing time!), full printed manual, and extensive on-line help.
• Modeling Tools: Create models using PhotoModeler's Point, Line, Curve,
Edge, and Cylinder marking tools.
• Surface Tools: Add surfaces to features defined by Points, Lines, Curves,
and Edges. Create NURBS Surfaces from Lines, Edges, and Curves.
• Photo-textures: Add photo-textures and colors to surfaces. Export
textures with 3DS, OBJ, VRML, and 3DM.
• 3D Viewer: View, measure, select objects, and interactively rotate the
created 3D models with full photo-textures.
• Measurement Tools: Perform point, distance, length and area
measurements right within PhotoModeler.
• Photograph Handling: Work with any number of photographs, add new
photographs at any time, and import many different image formats.
LO 3.3
Details 2
Main features
• Image Control: Use extensive Zoom Tools for accurate sub-pixel marking,
Photo Rotate for easier viewing, and Image Enhancement for increased
visibility.
• Photo-Projections: Check project quality by projecting 3D data onto your
photos. Camera Support: Use images from digital, film, or video cameras.
Automatic Camera Orientation determines the position of the camera when
the image was taken. Use different cameras in the same project.
• Scale/Rotate/Translate: This feature provides you the ability to apply
proper scale to your project and set your model in the proper coordinate
system for exporting. Export Capabilities: Export your model to DXF (2D
and 3D), 3DS, Wavefront OBJ, VRML (1 & 2), IGES, RAW, 3DM and STL.
• Camera Calibrator: Accurately measure your camera's focal length, principal
point, digitizing aspect ratio and lens distortion.
• Customizable Interface: Control the layout and appearance of your
PhotoModeler screen. Customizable items include toolbars, short cut keys
(in patch 5.08), and colors for items such as 3D objects, Projections, and
the 3D Viewer.
LO 3.3
How to use
Details 2
• System Requirements
PhotoModeler runs on Windows NT 4.0 (SP6), 2000, and XP. The minimum
system requirements are 800 Mhz Pentium, 128MB RAM, 100MB hard disk
space, CD-ROM drive (4X+), 800X600 screen with 32,000 colours and sound
hardware for the video tutorials. [Pro 5 will run on Windows 98 and Me but
these legacy systems tend to have more video and interface driver problems
- on some machines PM Pro 5 runs without problems and on others there
might be issues. International copies of PhotoModeler may include a parallel
port hardware lock. To create your own models, a method of capturing
images is required, such as a digital camera, scanner, or video capture
board.
LO 3.4
Abstract
PixMaker PRO
Following the simple 3 steps of Snap, Stitch, Publish!™ in PixMaker 1.0,
PixMaker
Pro enables you to create 360° interactive PixAround content
complete with Hotspots efficiently with customization options for Hotspot,
Postcard and Web pages via its
proven friendly, intuitive and easy-to-use
graphical user interface.
PixAround Scenes can be published online as Web pages, offline as Postcards,
Screen Savers, PowerPoint® presentations; and onto mobile devices based on
both Palm OS®
and Windows® CE. You can create as many PixAround Scenes,
Web pages, Postcards and
Presentations as you wish at no additional cost. No additional software or
browser plugins are not required for viewing the PixAround content.
(http://www.pixaround.com/showcase/scenarios/loe-van-gallery/web/gallery.asp)
(http://www.pixaround.com/showcase/scenarios/merlion/index.asp)
LO 3.4
Specifications
Details
a) Snap
•
•
•
•
Capture your shots with ANY still camera.
Capture panoramic video with ANY USB/FireWire based digital video
camera.
Input formats:
 JPEG (.jpg)
 Bitmap (.bmp)
 Photo CD (.pcd)
 Tagged Image File (.tif)
 Portable Network Graphics (.png)
 AVI (.avi)
 MPEG-1 (.mpg)
Thumbnail preview and manipulation.
LO 3.4
Specifications
Details
b) Stitch
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wide stitching options:
 Cylindrical
 Flat
 Object View
 Tilt Angle
Montage
Automatic estimation of lens setting.
Fast, automatic stitching.
Option for manual alignment with image enhancement.
Option for creation of customized lens setting with distortion correction.
Support for semi-fisheye lens.
Enhanced blending, de-ghosting and color correction as compared to
PixMaker 1.0.
Option for resizing of images before stitching
Color correction option for individual pair of images.
Automatic estimation of Field of View(FOV).
Post-stitching image enhancement.
Image resolution is limited only by hardware used.
Allows saving of stitch type and lens in project file.
LO 3.4
Specifications
Details
c)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Publish
Enhance your image with interactivity using customizable Hotspot links to
PixAround Scenes, Web pages, 2D/3D audio files, video files, email or
label.
Output formats:
 Scene (.jpg, .bmp, .tif, .png, .pij)
 Webpage (.asp)
 Postcard with option for customization (.exe)
 PDA - PalmOS (.pdb), Windows CE (.jpg)
 ActiveX (.ppt)
 Print - on single or multiple pages
Selection of templates to publish your PixAround Webpage, with Preview
feature.
No additional software or browser plug-ins are required for viewing the
PixAround content.
Support for 2D and 3D viewing.
Easy customization of PixAround Webpage.
Built-in story panel for effective Scene description.
Easy-to-use navigation bar.
Allows saving of Hotspot settings in project file.
LO 3.4
Specifications
Details
d)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Supported Formats
Image files - JPEG (.jpg), Bitmap (.bmp), Photo CD (.pcd), Tagged Image
file (.tif),
Portable
Network Graphics (.png)
URL files - HTML (.htm, .html), Server side (.shtm, .shtml, .stm)
Video* files - MPEG (.mpeg, .mpg, .m1v, .mp2), AVI (.avi, .wmv),
QuickTime (.mov, .qt), Flash(.swf), RealMedia (.ra, .ram, .rm, .rmj)
Audio* files - Audio (.wav, .snd, .au, .aif, .aifc, .wma), MIDI (.mid,
.rmi, .midi), MP3 (.mp3), RealMedia (.ra, .ram, .rm, .rmj)
e) Minimum system requirements
•
•
•
•
•
Windows® 98 Second Edition, 2000, Millennium Edition, XP
333 MHz Intel/AMD Processor
128 MB RAM
50 MB available hard drive space
Video display capable of 800 x 600 pixels or higher with 65,535 colors
LO 3.4
Specifications
Details
f)
•
•
•
•
•
Optimum system requirements
Windows® 98 Second Edition, 2000, Millennium Edition, XP
650 MHz Intel/AMD Processor or higher
256 MB RAM or more
50 MB available hard drive space
Video display capable of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher with 16 million colors
LO 3.4
Details
•
Practice
PhotoModeler is a powerful 3D software product that calculates
measurements and constructs 3D models from photographs simply and easily.
True or False ?
•
PixAround Scenes can’t be published online as Web pages.
True or False ?
•
The VR Worx 2.5 creates cylindrical panoramic movies, object movies and
multi-node scenes (a.k.a. virtual tours).
True or False ?
DU 4
3D Photography
by Damiano Rosa
Pictures published on this website have been developed through an
innovative photographic technique by which objects are observable all
around. This technique, which has been already experienced for nature
photography (VR – Virtual Reality), involves two basic steps: a) taking
photographs and b) digital elaboration of the sequence of pictures
through the Apple software “Quick Time VR”.
LO 4.1
Abstract
Projecting the camera set
Because of the large number of objects to be photographed in the seven
museums, a mobile camera set has been privileged in order to avoid duplications
of the operations, so time wasting. By virtue of the mobile set, every
photographic session – about ten objects per time – took two days by 7-8 working
hours each.The crucial requirement for VR photographing consists of the
possibility to turn the reference object around one of the axes passing through
the central-point. With this purpose in mind, we use a rotating base with a
diameter of about 40 cm which should a) be able to sustain the heaviest objects
and, mostly, b) allow for fluent and stable movements.
In order to be rigorous, metric measures on the circumference might be required
in such a way to control the angle gap in the sequence of pictures. An additional
preliminary choice consists of identifying the number of pictures to be taken in
order to capture appropriately the object along its rotation. For this last
purpose, some tests might be opportune in advance.
LO 4.1
Abstract
Projecting the camera set
In the picture below, for instance, we found that, at least, 24 pictures are
required in order to allow for an adequate description of the object in the 3D
framework. At the end we opted for 36 pictures.
Picture 1: Camera set
LO 4.1
Abstract
Projecting the camera set
Once rotation issues have been tackled, the background should be managed in
such a way to make it neutral and homogeneous starting from the rotating base
to the backstage of the object eliminating any sort of discontinuity. With this
purpose in mind, a black cardboard has been applied from the wall to the rotating
base. The base has been covered by the same black cardboard in such a way to
hide totally the latter, although maintaining the same magnitude of the fix
background. In this way the base is able to rotate without generating any sort of
discontinuity.
Picture 2: Details of the reflecting panels, the mirror and the rotating
base together with the black cardboard
LO 4.1
Abstract
Projecting the camera set
Picture 3: The camera set with the “shading flag” on the right.
LO 4.2
Abstract
Lightening
In order to lighten the objects, one single lamp has been placed on the flank of
the camera. The shadowed part of the object has been cleared up through some
small reflecting panels and a mirror, where the latter allows to concentrate the
light on single parts of the objects with adequate precision and, in addition, it is
not problematic to transport from one set to another.
The main light can be softened through white umbrellas or soft boxes. However,
in some cases, stronger light might be preferred in order to highlight some
relevant details of the objects like incisions.
Finally, the light has been flagged in order to shade the part of the fixed
background combining the rotating base and the cardboard.
LO 4.3
Abstract
The camera
All the pictures have been taken by a digital reflex Nikon D 70. The use of a
professional reflex has been very important for the success of this job. In
addition, the camera should be fixed to a robust tripod. Two optics have been
mostly used: the Micro Nikkor 60 mm f 2,8 AF-D and the Micro Nikkor 105 mm
f 2,8 Ai. These two optics allowed us to photograph all of the objects with low
effort and high quality results.
The focus of the camera should be manually regulated and held still during the
rotation, taking care in advance about the maximum width of the object.
Sufficiently closed diaphragms have been used in order to give the maximum
depth to the object.
The exposition as well, has to be manually regulated and held fixed with
remaining white balancing and the set up of ASA: it should be clear that all of
the 36 pictures should have the same length and colour parameters in order to
avoid chromatic variations and alterations during the rotation.
LO 4.3
Detail
The camera
Digital elaboration
The 36 pictures have been taken in RAW format; next the pictures have been
elaborated by the less heavy Jpg format, settled up at the minimum compression.
Since the retouch of all pictures would have been too much effort-demanding, we
have tried to achieve a good quality of pictures since the beginning, using, when
opportune, non invasive supports in harmony with the rest of the object. The
final assemblage of the sequence of pictures has been realized with the software
“Quick Time VR” which allows for a sufficient number of user-friendly regulating
options. Unfortunately, this software exists uniquely for Mac PCs, but the final
products can be used with Windows OS as well.
Conclusions
The photographic technique discussed up to here allows a view of the object
which cannot be achieved through any other tool. Especially in the case of
artistic objects, ie. when small details should be highlighted, the VR software
exalts all the surface. In the case of decorated vases, the same picture
captures the whole decoration. One may suggest that video files allow for the
same result, but this only partially truth since the movie does not allow for left
or right rotating of the object as well as zooming. In addition, the single picture
of a movie usually does not reach the same standard of quality like the sequence
of pictures obtained through VR animation.
Practice
1.
What does the abbreviation RDBMS mean?

Related DataBase Management System

Relational DataBase Management System

Relational DataBase Measurement System
2.
The creation of a database implies the following steps:

analysis of the system (domain) for which the database is projected;

projecting the structure of the database;

introducing the data in the database;

exploitation and maintenance of the database.

True

False
Practice
1.
Many-to-one and one-to-many relations are one and the same
thing, depending on the table to which we refer.

True

False
2.
What does the abbreviation ASP mean?

A Server Pages

Active Standard Pages

Active Server Pages
3.
ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) is used to interrogate a relational
database.

True

False