MNetNCR: MobileNet model for efficient traditional Nusantara script character recognition

Abstract

Preservation of traditional Nusantara scripts is very important because these traditional scripts are part of the cultural heritage that reflects the identity and history of the nation. This research proposed MobileNet for Nusantara character recognition (MNetNCR) model based on MobileNetV3 architecture to recognize traditional Nusantara scripts with lightweight, efficient architecture, and accurate recognition. The novel and comprehensive datasets for traditional Nusantara scripts have been curated in this research, that will later be stored digitally and can be used in further research. This novel dataset includes handwritten Balinese, Batak, Javanese, Lontara, and Sundanese scripts, each with unique visual characteristics. The proposed MNetNCR model is highly effective in recognizing characters, achieving F1-scores of 0.9934 for Balinese, 0.9450 for Batak, 0.9788 for Javanese, 0.9936 for Lontara, and 0.9961 for Sundanese scripts, according to the experimental results. The MNetNCR model built in this research has been proven to be effective and efficient in recognizing traditional scripts accurately. It also supports the preservation and promotion of the nation's cultural and historical heritage.