A perfect light source for scientific analysis

Relio² is an incredibly versatile tool, designed to adapt to the most different use cases.
A few months before unveiling Relio² to the public, we’ve been contacted by the University of Bologna, in central Italy: their photographic laboratory was looking for technically advanced lights, able to illuminate ancient manuscripts with a mathematically-correct light.
The purpose of this activity was to give these precious objects a new, digital life, by scanning and reconstructing them in 3D.

A customized frame

We worked with the University to engineer, simulate and build a custom frame capable of hosting sixteen Relio² light modules, to generate an incredible amount of light - up to tens of thousands of lux - at the center of the frame itself.
Thanks to the versatility of Relio² power inputs, we built customized cables and connected them to a single 12V DC transformer, which powered the sixteen lighting points as a whole.
Anchoring the Relio² units to this customized frame was simple, thanks to the presence of a standard UNC 1/4-20 thread in each light module.

The importance of knowledge

The scientific collaboration born between Relio² and the University is based on mindful dialogue between the two parties. We closely followed the development of this project, providing actual results, with fast and mathematically-correct solutions.

Step #1: Colorimetric calibration

The first step to perform, in order to guarantee reliable results, is to calibrate the camera sensor. The traditional method involves the use of pre-calibrated colorimetric charts, to be photographed and compared with reference images.
With Relio², this step becomes optional: we provide raw spectrometry data of Relio² light, publicly and free of charge.
With this data, it is possible to calculate the full color-calibration matrix (Look-up Table or LUT) in a mathematical way that, therefore, is not subject to errors or approximations.

Step #2: Preparing the camera body

Taking pictures in Gigapixel resolution requires special camera bodies, as well as long exposure times. A robust stand is therefore required, to eliminate any form of vibration. Relio² takes its merits: thanks to its advanced electronics, light output remains stable, flicker-free and without any change in brightness, for the entire scan time.

Step #3: Calculation of the brightness compensation matrix

With the help of mathematical modeling and manual measurements, a linearizing matrix is determined, to digitally correct the small variations in brightness that occur on the scanned surface.
Relio² made everyone very happy: thanks to its studio-grade TIR optics, the luminous uniformity on the surface was over 98%, and the correction matrix was not even applied.

Step #4: Positioning the manufact

Once the set-up is complete, the manufact needs to be perfectly aligned to the frame center, so that the shadows generated by incident light are as correct as possible.

Step #5: Depth-map generation

By powering-on one side of Relio² lights at a time, four black-and-white photographs are taken, each illuminated - indeed - from a different side.
The imperceptible shadows created by this lighting setup make it possible for scientists to calculate the roughness and the smallest depth variations of the scanned surface. This depth map is called a “Bump Map”.
Then, a fifth photograph is taken with all the Relio² lights switched on, to generate a full-color texture of the scanned surface. The end-result is a very detailed and chromatically correct 3D model of the object.

A result above our expectations

When we were asked to conceive an improved solution, compared to what the University used the year before, we did not expect to reach a 1000% better result. This comparison, however, tells you how important is quality over quantity.
With 9 times better energy savings, the size of the entire set decreased by 11 times, as did the heat developed, the ease of transport and the safety of use.
The clear improvement in chromatic clarity provided by Relio², moreover, required fewer adjustments in post-production, with considerable time and cost savings.
Congratulations to everyone, but especially to our Relio² lights!

Here are the 3D-printable accessories used in this project

We will never stop telling you this: Relio² is the most versatile professional illuminator ever made. You can make it even better by 3D-printing our already-engineered accessories. Thanks to this, you can polarize its light, tighten the beam, change its shape, direction, intensity and sharpness.
And we’re always open to new challenges!
If you need our expertise to develop new, custom accessories, drop us a line. We can't wait to help you out.

Our lighting consultant

Yes, we have a dedicated lighting designer!
Roman Radaelli knows Relio² very well, and supports us in the development of ad-hoc solutions for all the customers with specific needs or strict requirements.