Image processing and analysis : applications and trends

Abstract

The computational analysis of images is challenging as it usually involves tasks such as segmentation, extraction of representative features, matching, alignment, tracking, motion analysis, deformation estimation, and 3D reconstruction. To carry out each of these tasks in a fully automatic, efficient and robust manner is generally demanding. The quality of the input images plays a crucial role in the success of any image analysis task. The higher their quality, the easier and simpler the tasks are. Hence, suitable methods of image processing such as noise removal, geometric correction, edges and contrast enhancement or illumination correction are required. Despite the challenges, computational methods of image processing and analysis are suitable for a wide range of applications. In this paper, the methods that we have developed for processing and analyzing objects in images are introduced. Furthermore, their use in applications from medicine and biomechanics to engineering and materials sciences are presented.