Image binarization is fundamental for document image processing. The performance of binarization algorithms depends on several factors that range from the quality of the digitalization devices to the intrinsic features of the document itself and the kind and intensity of the noises present in the image. This assessment on binarizing photographed documents evaluated the quality, time, space, and performance of five new algorithms and ninety-eight "classical" algorithms. The test data set is composed of laser and deskjet printed documents, photographed using six widely used mobile devices with the strobe flash on, off, and in auto modes under three different angles and places of capture.

Many document processing platforms have image binarization as a key step. The performance of binarization algorithms depends on several factors that span from the quality of the digitalization devices to the intrinsic features of the document itself and the kind and intensity of the noises present in the image. Besides that, the processing time is also an important factor that may restrict the applicability of a given algorithm. This competition on binarizing photographed documents assessed the quality, time, space, and performance of twenty three new algorithms and seventy-five "classical" algorithms. The test dataset is composed of offset and deskjet printed documents, photographed using six widely-used mobile devices with the strobe flash on, off, and in auto modes under two different angles and places of capture.

Document image binarization is a fundamental step in many document processes. No binarization algorithm performs well on all types of document images, as the different kinds of digitalization devices and the physical noises present in the document and acquired in the digitalization process alter their performance. Besides that, the processing time is also an important factor that may restrict its applicability. This competition on binarizing photographed documents assessed the quality, time, space, and performance of five new algorithms and sixty-four "classical" and alternative algorithms. The evaluation dataset is composed of laser and deskjet printed documents, photographed using six widely-used mobile devices with the strobe flash on and off, under two different angles and places of capture.