Segmenting document images using diagonal white runs and vertical edges

We introduce a technique based on diagonal white runs and vertical edges, that divides a document image into columns and blocks which are subsequently classified as text or graphics. A diagonal white run (drun) is a set of adjacent white pixels that are diagonally connected, and a vertical edge consists of the white area between two consecutive druns. This technique was designed as a layout-independent approach. Testing the proposed approach on document images with 14 different types and layouts, written in different languages, shows comparative and promising results.