Super-resolution of document images using transfer deep learning of an ESRGAN model

Abstract

This paper presents a novel super-resolution approach of document images. It is based on transfer deep learning of an ESRGAN model. This model, which showed good robustness on natural images, has been adapted to document images by using better levels of fine-tuning and a post-processing to enhance contrast. The experiments were carried out on our document image dataset that we built from document images presenting different challenges. Documents of different categories with different complexity levels and degradation kinds. The results obtained are better compared to ten existing approaches, which we have developed and tested on the same dataset with the same evaluation protocol.