Image Processing using Matlab.

Image processing is the method to convert an image into digital form and performs some operation on it, in order to get an enhanced image or to extract some useful information from it. Image Processing is any form of signal processing for which the input is an image such as video frame or photograph, the output of image processing may be either an image or a set of characteristics or parameters related to the image. Before going to processing an image, it is converted into a digital form. Digitization includes sampling of image and quantization of sampled values. After converting the image into bit information, processing is performed. This processing technique may be Image enhancement, Image restoration, and Image compression. Basically it is a technique to enhance raw images received from cameras/sensors placed on satellites, space probes, or aircrafts or pictures taken in normal day to day life for various applications.Image Processing system includes treating images as two dimensional signals while applying already set signal processing methods to them.

Image processing basically includes the following three steps:
• Importing the image with optical scanner or by digital photography.
• Analysing and manipulating the image which includes data compression and image enhancement and spotting patterns that are not to human eyes like satellite photographs.
• Output is the last stage in which result can be altered image or report that is based on image analysis.
Purpose of image processing

The purpose of image processing is divided into 5 groups. They are:
1. Visualization – Observe the objects that are not visible.
2. Image sharpening and restoration – To create a better image.
3. Image retrieval – Seek for the image of interest.
4. Measurement of pattern – Measures various objects in an image.
5. Image Recognition – Distinguish the objects in an image.

Types of image processing
The two types of methods used for Image Processing are Analog and Digital Image Processing. Analog or visual techniques of image processing can be used for the hard copies like printouts and photographs. Image analysts use various fundamentals of interpretation while using these visual techniques. The image processing is not just confined to area that has to be studied but on knowledge of analyst. Association is another important tool in image processing through visual techniques. So analysts apply a combination of personal knowledge and collateral data to image processing.

Digital Processing techniques help in manipulation of the digital images by using computers. As raw data from imaging sensors from satellite platform contains deficiencies. To get over such flaws and to get originality of information, it has to undergo various phases of processing. The three general phases that all types of data have to undergo while using digital technique are Pre- processing, enhancement and display, information extraction.