Properties (Qualia)
Introduction
The term “qualia” originated in philosophy of mind to describe subjective sensory experiences. In computational linguistics, Pustejovsky (1995) redefined it as a structural framework to describe objects by combining objective properties with functional and generative aspects. This work was foundational for natural language processing and AI, as it provided a systematic way for machines to understand and generate context-dependent meanings of words and concepts. The Extended Matrix further develops this structured approach for Cultural Heritage documentation needs, maintaining its compatibility with computational processing while specializing it for the domain’s requirements.
While Pustejovsky’s original framework (Formal, Constitutive, Telic, and Agentive roles) provides valuable theoretical foundations, the Extended Matrix adopts a more specialized structure optimized for Cultural Heritage documentation.
Extended Matrix Qualia Categories
Note
The structure is accessible in a structured format via JSON at EM Blender Tools - Qualia Types JSON.
1. Physical and Material Qualia
Qualia describing tangible and measurable characteristics.
Dimensional Qualia
Properties describing measurable spatial characteristics:
- Height
Getty AAT: 300055644
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: cm, m, ft
Expected extractors: direct measurement, 3D model measurement, drawing measurement
- Width
Getty AAT: 300055647
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: cm, m, ft
Expected extractors: direct measurement, 3D model measurement, drawing measurement
- Length
Getty AAT: 300055644
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: cm, m, ft
Expected extractors: direct measurement, 3D model measurement, drawing measurement
- Thickness
Getty AAT: 300055650
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: mm, cm, m
Expected extractors: direct measurement, material analysis, cross-section measurement
- Diameter
Getty AAT: 300055624
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: cm, m, ft
Expected extractors: direct measurement, 3D model measurement, drawing measurement
- Depth
Getty AAT: 300072633
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionDublin Core:
dcterms:extentUnits: cm, m, ft
Expected extractors: direct measurement, 3D model measurement, drawing measurement
- Weight
Getty AAT: 300056240
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionUnits: kg, g, lb
Expected extractors: direct measurement
Material Qualia
Physical material characteristics:
- Material Type
Getty AAT: 300010358
CIDOC CRM:
E57_MaterialDublin Core:
dcterms:mediumVocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: visual inspection, laboratory analysis
- Surface Treatment
Getty AAT: 300053001
CIDOC CRM:
E11_ModificationDublin Core:
dcterms:descriptionExpected extractors: visual inspection, surface analysis
- Granulometry
Getty AAT: 300417183
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionValues: fine, medium, coarse
Expected extractors: visual inspection, microscopic analysis
State Qualia
Current physical condition:
- Conservation State
Getty AAT: 300379396
CIDOC CRM:
E3_Condition_StateICOM CIDOC:
Object Condition InformationValues: excellent, good, fair, poor, very_poor
Expected extractors: visual inspection, condition assessment
- Integrity
Getty AAT: 300055863
CIDOC CRM:
E3_Condition_StateDublin Core:
dcterms:descriptionData type: percentage (0-100)
Expected extractors: visual inspection, 3D model analysis
Technical Qualia
Construction and execution techniques:
- Construction Technique
Getty AAT: 300053001
CIDOC CRM:
E29_Design_or_ProcedureDublin Core:
dcterms:descriptionVocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: visual inspection, technical analysis
1. Spatiotemporal Qualia
Spatial and temporal characteristics.
Spatial Qualia
- Absolute Position
Getty AAT: 300387565
CIDOC CRM:
E53_PlaceCoordinate system: cartesian_3d (x, y, z)
Reference system: WGS84
Expected extractors: GPS survey, total station survey, 3D model measurement
- Orientation
Getty AAT: 300131574
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionComponents: azimuth, tilt, roll
Units: degrees
Expected extractors: compass measurement, 3D model analysis
- Elevation
Getty AAT: 300055644
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionUnits: m, ft
Expected extractors: GPS survey, total station survey, leveling
- Arrangement
Getty AAT: 300067654
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeValues: linear, radial, grid, clustered, scattered, concentric
Expected extractors: visual inspection, spatial analysis
Temporal Qualia
- Absolute Start Date
Getty AAT: 300404284
CIDOC CRM:
E52_Time-SpanFormat: YYYY-MM-DD
- Absolute End Date
Getty AAT: 300404284
CIDOC CRM:
E52_Time-SpanFormat: YYYY-MM-DD
- Dating Method
Getty AAT: 300054714
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeValues: stratigraphy, typology, c14, dendrochronology, historical_sources, stylistic_analysis
Expected extractors: dating analysis, laboratory analysis
1. Functional Qualia
Use and performance characteristics.
Telic Qualia
Original and intended functions:
- Primary Function
Getty AAT: 300068003
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeVocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: functional analysis, historical research, comparative analysis
- Secondary Functions
Getty AAT: 300068003
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeVocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: functional analysis, historical research
Structural Qualia
Structural and mechanical roles:
- Structural Role
Getty AAT: 300264518
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeValues: load_bearing, non_load_bearing, reinforcing, connecting, supporting, decorative
Expected extractors: structural analysis, architectural analysis
- Stress Type
Getty AAT: 300264519
CIDOC CRM:
E55_TypeValues: compression, tension, bending, shear, torsion
Expected extractors: structural analysis
Performative Qualia
Performance and capability characteristics:
- Load Capacity
Getty AAT: 300265725
CIDOC CRM:
E54_DimensionUnits: kN, kgf
Expected extractors: structural analysis, load testing
4. Cultural and Interpretive Qualia
Cultural significance and meaning.
Stylistic Qualia
Artistic and stylistic characteristics:
5. Contextual Qualia
Management and administrative information (Experimental category).
Administrative Qualia
- Inventory Number
Getty AAT: 300312355
CIDOC CRM: :property:`P48_has_preferred_identifier`
Expected extractors: archival research, museum documentation
- Legal Status
Getty AAT: 300435427
CIDOC CRM: :property:`P104_is_subject_to`
Vocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: legal documentation, administrative research
- Intervention History
Getty AAT: 300379504
CIDOC CRM:
E11_Modification
- Conservation Status
Getty AAT: 300435429
CIDOC CRM: :property:`P44_has_condition`
Vocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: conservation assessment, condition survey
- Access Conditions
Getty AAT: 300435430
CIDOC CRM: :property:`P104_is_subject_to`
Vocabulary source: Getty AAT
Expected extractors: access assessment, management review
Implementation in s3Dgraphy
The Extended Matrix qualia framework is implemented in the s3Dgraphy library through a structured JSON schema that provides standardized definitions, controlled vocabularies, and mappings to established standards. The complete schema can be found in the s3Dgraphy library documentation [link to be provided].
Temporal Perception System
The Extended Matrix introduces the ActorNode concept to manage temporal perceptions:
An ActorNode represents an individual or group whose interpretation of properties is being recorded. This allows documentation of how properties were perceived at different times by different observers.
Example
A temple column’s significance might be interpreted differently:
- Ancient Priest (1st century CE)
Telic: Sacred support of temple structure
Symbolic: Connection between earth and heavens
- Medieval Chronicler (12th century)
Telic: Reminder of pagan past
Symbolic: Example of ancient craftsmanship
- Modern Archaeologist (21st century)
Telic: Evidence of construction techniques
Symbolic: Indicator of economic resources
References
Pustejovsky, J. (1995). “The Generative Lexicon”. MIT Press.