CORDIS Archive

Telematics for Libraries - Project

BAMBI

Updated 02 JUL 98

Additional information is available from the BAMBI web site . (http://www.ilc.pi.cnr.it/bambi.html)

Theme

Interfacing in library applications via client-server models (Theme 16 bis)

Project description

The aim of this project is the design, prototyping and production of advanced tools for interfacing to databases of reproductions of ancient manuscripts. The base material to be dealt with in the project is widely available and will soon have to undergo some treatment for conversion into more durable forms. This gives an excellent opportunity for the development of more subtle techniques of handling ancient manuscripts, exploiting the full potential of new electronic media.

The major steps to be taken are the following:

• Selection of the most appropriate technology for scanning large quantities of microfilmed images;
• Definition of textual components to be linked to images for easy on-line retrieval;
• Development of image processing techniques for pattern analysis and element recognition;
• Development of advanced annotation techniques, linking textual elements to bitmap areas;

Technical approach

The project has three phases: analysis, development and integration. Within the phases are eight workpackages:

• Philosophy and user requirements - choice of standards, technology state-of-the-art, end-user survey, project definitions;
• Data acquisition - choice of manuscripts, survey of microfilm scanning technology, transcription and scanning;
• Service architecture - choice of delivery platforms, definition of components and relationships;
• Commercial analysis - market research, copyright, business and exploitation plans;
• Software implementation of modules for low level image manipulation and analysis;
• Further software implementation of modules for document management, encoding and storage;
• Integration and field evaluation at test sites, cross-validation of results, performance assessment, benchmarking, usability testing;
• System engineering : streamlining, user documentation, product eng-ineering for market readiness;

Key issues

BAMBI is set to provide significant tools for

• online and CD-ROM distribution of digital reproductions of important manuscripts;
• applying the power and versatility of modern PCs to scholarly work on ancient manuscripts.

Key technologies in creating the BAMBI workstation are: high-speed microfilm scanning, image compression and storage, document processing, pattern recognition and image processing, graphical user interfaces, full-text indexing, multilayer annotation systems, CD-ROM publishing, high-speed online distribution.

Impact and results

The BAMBI "philological workstation" will enhance the accessibility of ancient manuscripts and provide new ways of working with them.

BAMBI will thereby give rise to new library services.

Important results may in particular be expected in the following areas: preservation of library holdings in surrogate form; analysis, transcription and annotation of manuscripts; production of fully indexed and commented critical editions of ancient texts.

Deliverables

The prototype system is the main project deliverable. Its software, technical documentation and specifications are confidential or restricted issue.

Publicly available are:

• User population survey;
• Detailed project plan;
• Report on the technology for microfilm digitisation;
• BAMBI market report;
• Article on project results;
• Proceedings of the seminar on "Digital techniques for the study of manuscripts";
• Final report.

Coordinator

Other Partners