Google refines manuscript scanning technology

The goal of the project is to demonstrate that the technique is workable and scalable, Smeaton says. If so, Google can decide to employ the technology. The researchers are not locked into making the technology only available to Google, however, Smeaton says. They plan to publish their findings as scientific research.

Ironically, it's easier to apply the technology to some manuscripts that are much older than Washington's. DCU is also involved in a project with the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies which is digitizing manuscripts, the oldest of which dates back to the twelfth century, written in Irish.