Image binarization is still a relevant research area due to its wide range of applications in the field of document analysis and recognition. Accuracy of binarization methods affected by many factors such as shadows non-uniform illumination, low contrast, large signal-dependent noise etc. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of major binarization techniques. We also emphasis on the problems being encountered and the related issues in the research area of document image binarization. In

more »

... ition, some important issues affecting the performance of image binarization methods are also discussed. This literature review suggests that designing a suitable document image binarization method is a prerequisite for a successful document image analysis and recognition. General Terms Image Processing, Document image analysis.