Revolutionizing Historical Document Digitization: LSTM-Enhanced OCR for Arabic Handwritten Manuscripts

Abstract

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) holds immense practical value in the realm of handwritten document analysis, given its widespread use in various human transactions. This scientific process enables the conversion of diverse documents or images into analyzable, editable, and searchable data. In this paper, we present a novel approach that combines transfer learning and Arabic OCR technology to digitize ancient handwritten scripts. Our method aims to preserve and enhance accessibility to extensive collections of historically significant materials, including fragile manuscripts and rare books. Through a comprehensive examination of the challenges encountered in digitizing Arabic handwritten texts, we propose a transfer learning-based framework that leverages pre-trained models to overcome the scarcity of labeled data for training OCR systems. The experimental results demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the recognition accuracy of Arabic handwritten texts, thereby offering a highly promising solution for the digitization of historical documents. Our work enables the digitization of large collections of ancient historical materials, including manuscripts and rare books characterized by delicate physical conditions. The proposed approach signifies a significant step towards preserving our cultural heritage and facilitating advanced research in historical document analysis.