This thesis aims to examine the issues involved in utilising digital images and
assess whether image processing techniques can be used as a cost-effective
method of reconstructing the image found in a deteriorated cellulose acetate
negative.
Negatives affected by the vinegar syndrome are found in large numbers within
Australian institutions. This was confirmed by a survey (using a questionnaire)
undertaken at the National Library of Australia in 2000. The survey also found
that although these collections are large, and hence the level of deterioration
variable, little could be done to restore any of the negatives once deterioration had
begun.
Storing negatives at low temperature and low relative humidity slows down the
breakdown of cellulose acetate; however, it cannot reverse the process once it has
commenced. Although removing the gelatine pellicular from the deteriorated
cellulose acetate support (making the image easier to view) a possible method of
restoration, this becomes unfeasible when dealing with a large collection. As a
result, how to manage cellulose acetate negatives once they have deteriorated
becomes problematic.
Image-processing techniques used to digitally restore these negatives were
examined via a series of case studies. These examinations were undertaken using
two software packages-the Image Processing Tool kit (IPTK) and OPTIMAS.
Deteriorated cellulose acetate negatives were scanned, then a number of program
filters were applied to the digital image to determine whether disfiguring elements
(referred to as channelling elements) resulting from the deteriorated support could
be digitally removed.
IPTK and OPTIMAS were not completely successful in removing the deteriorated
elements from the digital version. The results highlighted that a number of issues
relating to the use of digital technology needed to be addressed. These issues
included knowledge of basic technical terms, an understanding of digital
language, and how to include the use of digital technology into a long-term
strategy for archiving a digitised collection.
This thesis showed that issues relating to utilising digital systems could be
addressed by implementing a preservation management plan. A preservation
management plan can be used to incorporate the goals of digitising, the long-term
issues of retaining digital files, ongoing access relating to the digital file, hardware
and software, and the importance of having the relevant expertise when
undertaking such a project.
Due to the limitations of the printed hardcopy displaying features in a number of
the images (figures) outlined in this thesis, a compact disk (CD) has been included
with this submission and can be found at the end of this document.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218626 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Leggio, Angeletta, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Applied Science |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Angeletta Leggio |
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