Image Processing: An Overview

• Computer vision and image processing are related fields, but they have distinct goals and approaches
• Image processing focuses on manipulating images to enhance them or extract specific information
• Computer vision aims to enable machines to "see" and interpret images like humans do

Introduction to Image Processing

• Image processing involves transforming images into a desired form
• It employs mathematical operations and algorithms to modify the pixel values of an image
• Image processing techniques are used for noise reduction, contrast enhancement, image sharpening, and image segmentation
• Image processing is a low-level operation focused on transforming the input image into another image

Key Differences Between Image Processing and Computer Vision

• Image processing deals with image manipulation, while computer vision deals with high-level understanding of images
• Image processing transforms images into enhanced or modified images, focusing on improving image quality or extracting specific features
• Computer vision aims to enable computers to interpret and understand the content of images, such as object recognition and scene understanding
• Image processing provides the tools and techniques for preprocessing and feature extraction, which can be used in computer vision systems
• Image processing is often a preliminary step in computer vision tasks
• Image processing usually has images as both input and output
• Computer vision usually has images as input, and generates some information or understanding of the scene as output

Applications of Image Processing

• Medical imaging: Image processing techniques enhance medical images such as X-rays and MRIs, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning
• Remote sensing: Image processing is used to analyze satellite images for environmental monitoring, land use mapping, and disaster management
• Security: Image processing is used in surveillance systems for facial recognition, object detection, and anomaly detection
• Quality control: Image processing is used in manufacturing to inspect products for defects and ensure quality standards

Applications of Computer Vision

• Autonomous vehicles: Computer vision enables self-driving cars to perceive their surroundings, detect objects, and navigate roads
• Robotics: Computer vision is used in robotics for object recognition, navigation, and manipulation
• Augmented reality: Computer vision is used to overlay digital information onto the real world, creating immersive experiences
• Healthcare: Computer vision is used in medical image analysis, assisting doctors in diagnosing diseases and planning surgeries
• Retail: Computer vision is used for automated checkout systems, inventory management, and customer behavior analysis
• Agriculture: Computer vision is used for crop monitoring, yield prediction, and automated harvesting

Image File Formats

• Image file formats determine how image data is stored and compressed
• Different file formats have different characteristics in terms of image quality, file size, and compatibility
• Common image file formats include:
  • JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A widely used format for lossy compression, suitable for photographs and complex images
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics): A lossless compression format that preserves image quality, commonly used for graphics and images with sharp lines
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): A lossless format that supports animation, often used for simple graphics and web elements
  • TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): A versatile format that supports both lossy and lossless compression, often used for professional image editing and archiving
  • BMP (Bitmap): An uncompressed format that stores image data as a grid of pixels, resulting in large file sizes