Imaging and Image Processing

Image processing is a method to convert an image into digital form and perform some operations on it, in order to get an enhanced image or to extract some useful information from it. It is a type of signal dispensation in which input is image, like video frame or photograph and output may be image or characteristics associated with that image.

Visual information is the most important type of information perceived, processed and interpreted by the human brain. One third of the cortical area of the human brain is dedicated to visual information processing. Digital image processing, as a computer-based technology, carries out automatic processing, manipulation and interpretation of such visual information, and it plays an increasingly important role in many aspects of our daily life, as well as in a wide variety of disciplines and fields in science and technology, with applications such as television, photography, robotics, remote sensing, medical diagnosis and industrial inspection.

Image processing applications already range from industrial uses and security systems to transportation and medical technology. Even so, industry experts agree that only about 20% of all possible applications have been addressed so far. According to estimates provided by a number of manufacturers, the worldwide market volume for machine vision systems presently amounts to about 6.5 billion euros, with annual growth rates extending into the double-digit range.