Image Processing

1 Computer Imaging

Can be defined an acquisition and processing of visual information by computer. Computer representation of an image requires the equivalent of many thousands of words of data, so the massive amount of data required for image is a primary reason for the development of many sub areas with field of computer imaging, such as image compression and segmentation. Another important aspect of computer imaging involves the ultimate “receiver” of visual information in some case the human visual system and in some cases the human visual system and in others the computer itself. Computer imaging can be separate into two primary categories:
1. Computer Vision.
2. Image Processing.
(In computer vision application the processed images output for use by a computer, whereas in image processing applications the output images are for human consumption).
These two categories are not totally separate and distinct. The boundaries that separate the two are fuzzy, but this definition allows us to explore the differences between the two and to understand how they fit together (Figure 1.1).


Computer imaging can be separated into two different but
overlapping areas.
Figure (1.1) Computer Imaging [1].


Historically, the field of image processing grew from electrical engineering as an extension of the signal processing branch, whereas are the computer science discipline was largely responsible for developments in computer vision.

1.2 Computer Vision

Computer vision computer imaging where the application doses not involve a human being in visual loop (image to model). One of the major topics within this field of computer vision is image analysis (Figure (1.1)).
1. Image Analysis: involves the examination of the image data to facilitate solving vision problem.
The image analysis process involves two other topics:
• Feature Extraction: is the process of acquiring higher level image information, such as shape or color information.
• Pattern Classification: is the act of taking this higher –level information and identifying objects within the image.










Figure (1.2) image analysis

Computer vision systems are used in many and various types of environments, such as:
1. Manufacturing Systems
2. Medical Community
3. Law Enforcement
4. Infrared Imaging
5. Satellites Orbiting.

1.3 Image Processing

Image processing is computer imaging where application involves a human being in the visual loop (image to image). In other words the image is to be examined and acted upon by people.
The major topics within the field of image processing include:
1. Image restoration.
2. Image enhancement.
3. Image compression.



1.3.1 Image Restoration

Is the process of taking an image with some known, or estimated degradation, and restoring it to its original appearance. Image restoration is often used in the field of photography or publishing where an image was somehow degraded but needs to be improved before it can be printed(Figure 1.2).