Regarding the transcription of reproducing rolls to MIDI,  I have been
working on an optically based machine for the last three years and it
is beginning to produce some worthwhile results.

It is basically an optical scanner which creates and image of the roll
in PCX format.  This is then worked through in software to produce the
MIDI file.  The system is largely immune to roll damage but, if
necessary, the graphic image of torn rolls may be re-touched before
processing.

Some of the problems, such as removing the strengthening bridges, are
obvious and easy to solve.  Others are un-expected and more tricky,
like the fact that on some Duo-Art rolls the theme perforations don't
line up with the notes they are supposed to apply to.  I also found
that the principle of using a standard graphic format to enable easy
editing is less simple than it sounds.  I have yet to find an 'off the
shelf' graphics software package that can handle an image a foot wide
and up to 80 feet long !

My objective is to produce archive quality images of the rolls which
can then be re-processed ad nauseam to get the best possible results.
I haven't yet reached the point where I'm getting rid of the original
rolls but the day is drawing nearer !

This is purely a hobby and I would be pleased to discuss the details
with anyone interested or share the output.

Richard Stibbons MIMIT
Cromer, Norfolk
England