Subjective Quality Evaluation of Alternative Imaging Techniques for Microfiche Digitization

Abstract

Before the advent of digital formats, microfiche, a type of microform, was widely utilized for archiving and preserving historical documents. As a result, numerous historical collections and documents can only be found in microfiche format, transforming them into valuable artifacts and indispensable aspects of our cultural heritage. Although microfiche can last a long time, it is still susceptible to damage and requires digitization for preservation and broader accessibility. In addition, traditional microfiche readers are not always available and are primarily designed for reading rather than digitization. In this study, we evaluated the performance of two alternative imaging devices compared to a traditional microfiche reader and the impact of enhancement on image quality using subjective image quality assessment. The experiments were carried out in a controlled environment with twenty-one participants, including an expert. Our results showed that the reproduction of alternative devices was preferred over that of a traditional microfiche reader. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that image enhancement techniques significantly improved image quality. This study suggests that alternative imaging devices may be a viable option for digitizing microfiche and improving access to historical collections.