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 * Image Processing **

toc = = = = = = = //**Brief Introduction **// =  Image processing is a set of techniques used for analyzing, enhancing, compressing, and reconstructing images to suit specific needs. The main components of image processing includes importing, in which an image is captured by means of scanning or digital photography; analysis and manipulation of the image, which is used to accomplish various specialized needs (i.e., resizing); and finally output (i.e., to a printer or monitor). Image processing has wide-ranging applications in many areas, including astronomy, medicine, industrial, and filmography. The field of image processing can be divided into 3 subfields which include digital image processing, analog image processing, and optical image processing.

For the purpose of this wiki page, we will be focusing mainly on digital image processing.

Digital image processing – The use of computer algorithms to process a digital image. In the modern world, there are nearly limitless ways that digital image processing is applied. Therefore, this page is used to reflect only some of the many applications of digital image processing. For a more in-depth view of image processing, consult //**Sources**//.

Quick preview of the abilities of digital image processing =media type="youtube" key="V6COiJOme9c" height="408" width="546"= = =

= //**Applications:**// =

=**//1. Gamma Ray Imaging//** =

Major uses of imaging based on gamma rays include nuclear medicine and astronomical observations. In nuclear medicine, the approach is to inject a patient with a radioactive element that releases gamma rays when it is in the body. Images are then produced from the emissions collected by gamma ray detectors. Images of this sort (as seen in the following pictures) are used to locate bone distortions.



A star in the constellation of Cygnus exploded about 15,000 years ago, generating a superheated gas cloud (known as the Cygnus Loop) that glows in a spectacular array of colours. The following image (originally not in colour) is of the Cygnus Loop, and was obtained using the natural radiation (gamma ray emission) of the object being imaged. Then, this image was colourized by computer models that predict the colours of various star systems.



The following images are all of the Cygnus Loop, except with different means of attaining and manipulating the actual image and its colour.

......... (1) Cygnus Loop as by an artist's perception (the colour) ............................. (2) UV image of the Cygnus Loop ......................................... (3) X-ray image of the Cygnus Loop ............................. (4) Cygnus Loop via HRI (High Resolution Imaging) scanning . --- -  --

= //**2. X-Ray Imaging **// =

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> X-rays are among the oldest sources of EM radiation used for analyzing images. The best known use of X-rays is medical diagnostics, <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">but they are also used extensively in other fields as well. In the case of implementing X-rays to the human body, X-ray radiation is applied via a projector, and then scanners are used to sense how the X-ray radiation was absorbed at different rates in different types of tissues such as bones, muscles, or fat. The scanners then convert this information into a digital image on the monitor.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The following images are examples of some modern X-ray imagery of a human body.



= **//3. Gaming//** =

Computer games are one of many applications of digital image processing but also one of the most complex. Due to the demand for high quality graphics, games have some of the most complex algorithms for image processing. Almost all games nowadays are simulations of 3-D environments which is much more complex to render than 2-d games. Nonetheless, even 2-D games still require intricate image processing due to the number of objects on the screen and the amount of detail.

Image of a fully rendered 3-D environment Image from: []

An image from a modern 2-D game Image from: []

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Image processing technology used in a projection such as this may be possible basics of what makes up a graphic video game. A 2-D rendering of a 3-D projection of a pentachoron using digital (computerized) imagery.

CryEngine 3 - a software used to manipulate images for potential video games media type="youtube" key="L_Ex-_rmGmA" height="408" width="728"

= //**4. Crime Investigation**// =

Digital image processing is also significant when investigating crime scenes.

On July of 1983, a woman was killed in a homicide in a Los Angeles suburb. The fingerprints of the homicide was found, but were very unclear. With the help of image processing technology, the fingerprints were amplified and became relatively clearer to see. In addition, with the help of other evidence, the police managed to arrest the homicide at last - the woman's husband.



= Sources =

Lodriguss, Jerry. "Digital Image Processing." Catching the Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr 2012. <http://www.astropix.com/HTML/J_DIGIT/TOC_DIG.HTM>.

McRoberts, Alan. "Forensic Applications of Digital Image Processing." Forensic Research and Training Center: FBI Academy, n.d. Web. 28 Apr 2012. <http://www.scafo.org/library/mcroberts1986.pdf>.

"Image Processing." Wolfram Alpha. Wolfram, n.d. Web. 28 Apr 2012. <http://www.wolfram.com/solutions/industry/image-processing/>.

"Introduction to Image Processing." Space Telescope. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr 2012. < [] >.

Youtube Links: [] []