Title
Multiscale Geometric Characterization and Discrimination of Dermatoglyphs (Fingerprints) on Hardened Clay - A Novel Archaeological Application of the GelSight Max
Authors
[ 1 ] Instytut Technologii Mechanicznej, Wydział Inżynierii Mechanicznej, Politechnika Poznańska | [ P ] employee
Scientific discipline (Law 2.0)
Year of publication
2025
Article type
scientific article
Publication language
english
Keywords
EN
- GelSight Max
- elastomer tactile sensor
- pottery
- fingerprint
- surface metrology
Abstract
EN A relatively new GelSight Max measurement instrument was applied to the microtopographies of experimental hardened clay surfaces, both with and without fingerprint (dermatoglyph) impressions, and the surface of an archaeological pottery handle fragment with a preserved fingerprint (paleodermatoglyph). The experimental clay surfaces were documented in order to determine the instrument’s ability to capture these surfaces in three-dimensions by imprinting them onto an elastomeric tactile membrane. Fingerprints on the experimental hardened clay and the archaeological pottery fragment were mathematically documented to test this instrument’s ability to capture these impressions. The surface texture measurements of the hardened clay and the pottery fragment were mathematically compared using conventional topographic characterization parameters (height and hybrid), fractal dimensions (Das) with associated coefficients of determination (R2), and multiscalar geometric characterization parameters, particularly relative area (Srel), area-scale complexity (Asfc), relative length (RL), and length-scale complexity (Lsfc). The surfaces of the experimental hardened clay with and without fingerprints and the archaeological pottery handle fragment with a fingerprint can be discriminated using some conventional height parameters, as well as some multiscale geometric topographic characterization parameters. Specifically, relative area (Srel), area-scale complexity (Asfc), relative length (RL), and length-scale complexity (Lsfc) could all discriminate between the hardened clay block with and without fingerprints and the fingerprint on the archaeological pottery handle fragment at different scales of measurement. Mean square ratios (MSRs) above 90% and 95% confidence levels indicated that the discrimination of these multiscale geometric characterizations was significant. In sum, the GelSight Max has the potential to be a valuable instrument for archaeologists studying pottery and fingerprints.
Date of online publication
21.06.2025
Pages (from - to)
2939-1 - 2939-26
Comments
Article Number: 2939
License type
CC BY (attribution alone)
Open Access Mode
open journal
Open Access Text Version
final published version
Date of Open Access to the publication
at the time of publication
Ministry points / journal
140
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