Digital Image and Video Processing Prerequisites

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic introduction, fundamental steps, system components, electromagnetic applications, and processing differences in digital image processing.

Digital Image

A two-dimensional function $f(x, y)$ where $x$ and $y$ are spatial coordinates, and the amplitude of $f$ at any pair of coordinates $(x, y)$ is a finite, discrete quantity representing intensity or gray level.

Digital Image Processing

The field that refers to processing digital images by means of a digital computer, encompassing processes that take images as inputs and outputs, as well as processes that extract attributes from images up to object recognition.

Pixel

The widely used term for picture elements or image elements that constitute a digital image, each having a particular location and value.

Low-level Processes

Image processing operations characterized by having both inputs and outputs as images, involving primitive operations like noise reduction, contrast enhancement, and image sharpening.

Mid-level Processing

Image processing tasks where inputs are generally images and outputs are extracted attributes (such as edges, contours, or object identities), encompassing segmentation, description, and classification.

Higher-level Processing

Processes that involve making sense of an ensemble of recognized objects, performing image analysis, and executing cognitive functions normally associated with vision.

Image Acquisition

The first fundamental step in digital image processing, which retrieves an image (such as one already in digital form) and typically involves pre-processing like scaling.

Image Enhancement

A subjective, problem-oriented process of manipulating an image so that the result is more suitable than the original for a specific application.

Image Restoration

An objective area of image processing that improves image appearance based on mathematical or probabilistic models of image degradation.

Wavelets

The mathematical foundation for representing images in various degrees of resolution.

Image Compression

Techniques for reducing the storage required for saving an image or the bandwidth required to transmit it.

Morphological Processing

Tools and procedures for extracting image components that are useful in the representation and description of shape.

Segmentation

The procedure that partitions a digital image into its constituent parts or objects.

Description (Feature Selection)

The extraction of attributes that results in quantitative information of interest or forms the basis for differentiating one class of objects from another.

Recognition

The process that assigns a label to an object based on its descriptors.

Knowledge Base

Problem domain knowledge coded into an image processing system that guides processing modules and controls their interactions.

Digitizer

A device within an image sensor system that converts the electrical output of a physical sensing device into digital form.

Specialized Image Processing Hardware

Hardware consisting of a digitizer and units performing primitive operations (like an ALU) designed for fast data throughputs that standard computers cannot handle.

Uncompressed Storage Calculation

An image of size $1024 \times 1024$ pixels with an 8-bit intensity per pixel requires exactly one megabyte ($1\,\text{MB}$) of storage space.

Short-term Storage

A category of digital storage used specifically for temporary data during image processing.

On-line Storage

A category of digital storage designed for relatively fast recall of image data.

Archival Storage

A category of digital storage characterized by infrequent access to stored images.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

A radar tool operating in the microwave region used for detecting targets and determining their velocity.

Thermograms

Thermal imagery produced by infrared cameras that map temperature variations on human body or surface areas.

Visible Light Spectrum Range

The narrow region of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can perceive, varying between $400\,\text{nm}$ and $750\,\text{nm}$.

Angiography

A major contrast enhancement radiography application using image subtraction to enhance blood vessels so radiologists can identify irregularities or blockages.

Invasive Imaging

Nuclear medicine imaging formed by injecting a patient with an isotope that emits gamma rays as it decays, which are then collected by a gamma ray detector.