The Visual Computing Lab (VC Lab) is a research group within the Institute of Information Science and Technologies (ISTI) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), based in Pisa, Italy. Led by Dr. Paolo Cignoni since 2019, the lab specializes in computer graphics and visual computing, focusing on areas such as geometry processing, 3D scanning, digital fabrication, visual AI, and cultural heritage technologies .
Activities and Research Focus
The lab’s research encompasses several key areas:
Geometry Processing: Developing methods for mesh editing, hexahedral meshing, and texture parametrization.
Visual AI: Applying artificial intelligence to interpret visual data, including images, videos, and 3D surfaces, for applications like architectural design and environmental monitoring.
Rendering and Advanced UI: Enhancing rendering techniques and user interfaces for better interaction with virtual datasets and 3D printed models.
Digital Heritage: Digitizing and preserving cultural artifacts through 3D scanning and visualization, contributing to projects like the digital reconstruction of historical sites and artworks .
Software and Tools
The VC Lab has developed several open-source tools widely used in the community:
MeshLab: A system for processing and editing unstructured 3D triangular meshes.
HexaLab: A WebGL application for real-time visualization and assessment of hexahedral meshes.
RelightLab: An application for creating relightable images using Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI).
TagLab: An AI-powered segmentation software for analyzing large orthographic images, particularly in marine ecology and cultural heritage .
Publications and Projects
The lab’s recent publications include advancements in HDR imaging, capacitive touch sensing on 3D surfaces, and procedural generation of geometric patterns for thin shell fabrication . Notable projects involve the development of interactive digital systems for cultural heritage sites, such as the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche, and participation in multidisciplinary research initiatives like the Visionary Cross project .
Team and Collaborations
The VC Lab comprises a team of researchers, including senior researchers like Marco Callieri and Daniela Giorgi, who contribute to various aspects of the lab’s research and development efforts . The lab actively collaborates with national and international institutions, contributing to projects funded by the EU and national agencies.
For more information, visit the Visual Computing Lab website.