DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15119257
title: Printed Digits Dataset

description: Description:

The Printed Digits Dataset is a comprehensive collection of approximately 3,000 grayscale images, specifically curate for numeric digit classification tasks. Originally create with 177 images, this dataset has undergone extensive augmentation to enhance its diversity and utility, making it an ideal resource for machine learning projects such as Sudoku digit recognition.

Dataset Composition:



Image Count: The dataset contains around 3,000 images, each representing a single numeric digit from 0 to 9.

Image Dimensions: Each image is standardized to a 28×28 pixel resolution, maintaining a consistent grayscale format.

Purpose: This dataset was develop with a specific focus on Sudoku digit classification. Notably, it includes blank images for the digit '0', reflecting the common occurrence of empty cells in Sudoku puzzles.


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Augmentation Details:

To expand the original dataset from 177 images to 3,000, a variety of data augmentation techniques were apply. These include:



Rotation: Images were rotated to simulate different orientations of printed digits.

Scaling: Variations in the size of digits were introduced to mimic real-world printing inconsistencies.

Translation: Digits were shifted within the image frame to represent slight misalignments often seen in printed text.

Noise Addition: Gaussian noise was added to simulate varying print quality and scanner imperfections.


Applications:



Sudoku Digit Recognition: Given its design, this dataset is particularly well-suited for training models to recognize and classify digits in Sudoku puzzles.

Handwritten Digit Classification: Although the dataset contains printed digits, it can be adapted and utilized in combination with handwritten digit datasets for broader numeric classification tasks.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR): This dataset can also be valuable for training OCR systems, especially those aim at processing low-resolution or small-scale printed text.


Dataset Quality:



Uniformity: All images are uniformly scaled and aligned, providing a clean and consistent dataset for model training.

Diversity: Augmentation has significantly increased the diversity of digit representation, making the dataset robust for training deep learning models.


Usage Notes:



Zero Representation: Users should note that the digit '0' is represented by a blank image.

This design choice aligns with the specific application of Sudoku puzzle solving but may require adjustments if the dataset is use for other numeric classification tasks.

Preprocessing Required: While the dataset is ready for use, additional preprocessing steps, such as normalization or further augmentation, can be applied based on the specific requirements of the intended machine learning model.


File Format:

The images are stored in a standardized format compatible with most machine learning frameworks, ensuring ease of integration into existing workflows.

Conclusion: The Printed Digits Dataset offers a rich resource for those working on digit classification projects, particularly within the context of Sudoku or other numeric-based puzzles. Its extensive augmentation and attention to application-specific details make it a valuable asset for both academic research and practical Al development.

This dataset is sourced from Kaggle.