Towards Standards for Three-dimensional Non-invasive Digitisation of Manuscripts

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Stefan Funk, since 4/2021; Professor Dr.-Ing. Tino Hausotte; Professor Dr.-Ing. Andreas Maier; Dr.-Ing. Jan Schür
• Subject Area: Image and Language Processing, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing ; Measurement Systems
• Term: from 2020 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433501541

In the course of massive digitization, a large part of libraries’ archived documents are currently being converted into electronic formats. However, the digitization is also reaching its limits. Scanning robots cannot digitize documents whose condition due to natural ageing or external influences prohibit a conventional, optical based processing. Our own preliminary work has shown that the three imaging techniques X-ray Computed Tomography, Phase Contrast X-ray Computed Tomography and Terahertz Imaging are suitable for providing non-invasive insights into such documents, allow the acquisition of digital imaging information and are capable to re-enable an efficient automated process to digitalize cultural heritage documents.This research project is the first to develop a concrete digitization strategy or method for such documents. This structured evaluation will be based on a quality value that allows statements to be made about the expected result of digitization with one of the mentioned modalities for certain historical materials. From this, the most suitable imaging procedure can be determined. Based on these findings, a guideline for the digitization of fragile documents will be developed to predict the quality, feasibility and possible damage before a scan. In addition, algorithms will be developed that virtually process the generated data and make it readable for the human eye. Three concrete goals will be pursued to carry out the research project. By evaluating the modalities for selected historical materials, the most appropriate procedure for a specific document should then be identified. At the end of the project, a guide will be made available and the possibilities of each modality will be demonstrated by specifying material combinations and relevant parameters. It will be possible to test the variation of the recording parameters and to display exemplary results using the generated database. This also makes it possible to calculate a quality value. The basis for such a guide is the evaluation of the three modalities for relevant materials. For this purpose, realistic test specimen are produced. Both the scan quality and resolution as well as possible damage to the document must be considered. The guide will then be used to identify the most suitable procedure for a specific document. This statement is based on the mentioned quality value, which will also be used to predict the optimal digitization modality and the quality for an unknown document.The evaluation of several modalities as well as the development of algorithms are to be seen as central challenges of the research project. It will be possible to store endangered holdings in a digital format without destroying their structure through manual intervention. In the second funding phase, a multi-modal solution should be investigated in which disadvantages and limitations of individual modalities will be compensated by combining several modalities.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, France
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Thomas Aigner; Dr. Holger Essler; Professor Dr. Daniel Hess; Dominique Stutzmann, Ph.D.
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Professorin Dr. Gisela Anton, until 4/2021