Digitization of Fragile Historical Documents by Using 3-D X-ray Computed Tomography This project explores the non-invasive digitization of
fragile historical documents. There are documents that
cannot be opened anymore due to external influences (such
as fire) or aging processes. For some of these documents
non-destructive testing methods can be used to provide a
look inside. The applicability of individual methods is
based on the material properties of the used components.
For example, from the 3rd century BC, iron gall ink was
used for writing on writing media such as parchment. For
such documents, 3-D X-ray computed tomography can be
used, because the metallic particles of the ink attenuate
the X-ray radiation more than the collagen of the
parchment. Through this effect, the writings in the
reconstructed volume get visible. A variety of inks,
writing media and other materials were used to create
documents. The main writing medium for scrolls and
codices or books was papyrus, parchment and paper. As
inks, carbon inks (e.g., lamp black ink) and metallic
inks (e.g., iron gall, malachite, cinnabar) were used.
After recording the volume, it has to be processed by
image processing algorithms in order to virtually unroll
scrolls or browse through books. Both, recording by 3-D
X-ray CT its limitations, as well as digital data
processing are the main components of this project. | Project manager: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Andreas Maier
Project participants: Dr.-Ing. Daniel Stromer
Keywords: 3-D X-ray CT; Digitization; Historical Document Analysis
Start: 1.1.2016
Contact: Stromer, Daniel Phone +49 9131 85 27799, Fax +49 9131 85 27270, E-Mail: daniel.stromer@fau.de
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