(319)DIGITIZATION OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FROM THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF GLASGOW HISTORICAL COLLECTION TO SUPPORT AN ONLINE LEARNING MODULE

摘要

When looking at the history of surgical procedures and general surgical practice, there is a starkdifference between the state of the discipline in the 1500s compared to the present day. The RoyalCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), contains a large selection of surgical toolsdating back to the 18th Century. Many of the instruments are fragile and must be well protected withinglass cases due to their historical significance. This protection of historical artefacts is much neededfor conservation, but reduces the ability for individuals to appreciate the importance of these tools. Toaddress issues such as this, many collections are now displayed online. However, most digitallibraries only present objects as static images, reducing the level of interaction, control and reality.This can be improved upon with the development of 3D digital models. However, problems arise when3D scanning objects that feature reflective surfaces;;the reflection of light or glare obscures commonreference points required to compose a 3D digital model. It must be questioned as to whether 3Ddigital models of specular artefacts can be obtained by 3D scanning methods and whether suchvisualizations are more effective than static 2D images. Hence, the present study proposes a methodof digitization and presentation of historical surgical artefacts, with international significance, via theapplication of photogrammetry and virtual reality software for use in an online learning module for themodule “Medicine and Society in Europe 1500-1930” at the Open University (OU). Six items ofsurgical importance from the historical collections from the RCPSG were included in the samplegroup, many being composed of metal and/or glass. Image capture was achieved with the NikonD5300 digital camera, and 52mm polarising filter, with both static and dynamic photogrammetricmethods employed. Images were then processed through two photogrammetric software packages,Agisoft Photoscan and Autodesk Memento, and one virtual reality package, Garden Gnome Object2VR. The online learning module, including the obtained digital models, was constructed using thewebsite-building software Moodle. On examination, the presence of glare resulted in incomplete 3Dmodels after processing in Photoscan and Memento. However, it was possible to construct complete2D virtual reality models via Object 2VR. Although not technically three-dimensional, 2VR models canbe manipulated positionally to view the artefact from all angles, giving the impression of a 3Dexperience. The Object 2VR models were implemented into the online learning module to provide amore interactive and realistic experience for learners. It is hoped that future research can beperformed to determine the efficiency of this learning module in transferring information to learners. 3Ddigitization of specular artefacts is still a problem in the research field, and is yet to be solved.However, the use of 2D virtual reality models could prove to be a useful alternative until 3D scanningof specular objects is perfected. This paper shall present the workflow methodology to ensure effectiverepresentation of historical surgical instruments of international significance, to enable a wider reach ofeducation, in a more interactive means than used in many other digital museums.