Estimation of Jomon period pithouse energy costs through the use of reconstructions

2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K20057
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan University
• Principal Investigator: NOXON Corey・Tyler 立命館大学, 立命館グローバル・イノベーション研究機構, 研究員 (70906924)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Pithouse / Photogrammetry / 3D / Mobility / Sedentism

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

I successfully created the first pithouse reconstruction test model for this project. The combined interior and exterior portions were comprised of over 336 million polygons. Structural details within the model were captured with enough detail to make accurate measurements as intended. However, due to the density of the resulting mesh, specialized software was needed to be used in order to manipulate the model without having to significantly simplify the model. This was a necessary step, as an oversimplification of the model could result in inaccurate measurements. Using the new program I was able to isolate and preserve the structural components during the decimation process, ensuring that they were as close to the original shape and size of the original scan as possible.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

Some difficulties in the capture process were identified during the first test. The upper portions of the roof were not able to be fully captured from the ground level. Additionally, the interior capture process has room for improvement in terms of shooting angles and interior reflections. Although ways to improve these situations have been prepared, the multiple issues related to covid-19 have hampered the ability to travel and conduct further tests. Although the ability to proceed with further model capture has been limited, I have been able to improve the model processing workflow in the meantime, which should help speed up analysis once additional models are captured.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

I am currently testing a camera extension pole and a drone to help capture upper roof sections for future scans. I have also been testing a polarized light filter attachment that I built to help compensate for interior reflections. Future scanning sessions are planned for later in the spring and summer of 2022 where I hope to improve on my initial attempt. Project progress and initial results are intended to be shared at an academic conference in the summer of 2022.

Causes of Carryover

Unused portions of the grant from the 2021 fiscal year will be put towards the purchase of additional materials such as storage media for research to be conducted during the 2022 fiscal year.