© 2023 JETIR August 2023, Volume 10, Issue 8 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Technology and applications of digital image

processing
1
Ms. Jyoti Mhapsekar, 2 Ms. Ritu Sharma
MSc IT Part-I Semester -II
University of Mumbai
PCP Center: Bhavna trust junior and degree college of
commerce and science

Abstract—
Digital image processing is modification and enhancement of images by applying various filtering and
enhancement techniques for perceiving better visual information and perform various analysis on the images.
Application areas of computer digital image technology include measurement, computer aided design, physics,
three-dimensional simulation.
Image processing accepts images as inputs and generates a modified image as output for human perception or
the modified image may provide useful information. The applications of digital image processing are wide and
the scope is large.
In addition to improving and encoding images, digital image processing allows users to extract useful
information and save them in various format. Digital image processing is the use of a digital computer to process
digital images through an algorithm.
As a subcategory or field of digital signal processing, digital image processing has many advantages over
analogue image processing. The image processing system usually treats all images as 2D signals when applying
certain predetermined signal processing methods.

Keywords – Image processing, acquisition, DNA, UVA, UVB, Remote sensing

Introduction-
An image is an object or visual which one sees. It is a 2-dimensional function of a 3-dimensional world that
surrounds us. Basically, images are 2-D light intensity function
f(x, y) where x and y are spatial or plane co-ordinates and the amplitude at any co-ordinates pair (x, y) is defined
as the intensity or gray level of the image at that point.

If x, y and the intensity values are all finite and discrete, then the image is known as a digital image. The digital
image is composed of a finite number of elements which has a particular location and value. These elements are
called picture elements or pixels or pels.
The most common term for the components of a digital image is "pixel." Images play the single most significant
function in human perception, which is not surprising given that vision is the most developed of our senses.
Contrary to humans, who are constrained to the visual spectrum of the Imaging devices almost completely cover
the full electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma to radio waves. They are able to work with visuals produced by
sources that people aren't used to connecting with images. These consist of computer-generated pictures, electron
microscopy, and ultrasound.
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Image processing involves following three steps.
1. Image acquisition: Acquisition can be made via image capturing tools like an optical scanner or with digital
photos.
2. Image enhancement: Once the image is acquired, it must be processed. Image enhancement includes
cropping, enhancing, restoring, and removing glare or other elements. For example, image enhancement
reduces signal distortion and clarifies fuzzy or poor-quality images.
3. Image extraction: Extraction involves extracting individual image components, thus, producing a result
where the output can be an altered image. The process is necessary when an image has a specific shape and
requires a description or representation. The image is partitioned into separate areas and labelled with
relevant information. It can also create a report based on the image analysis.

Basic principles of image processing begin with the observation that electromagnetic waves are oriented in a
horizontal plane. A single light pixel can be converted into a single image by combining those pixels. These
pixels represent different regions of the image. This information helps the computer detect objects and determine
the appropriate resolution. Some of the applications of image processing include video processing. Because
videos are composed of a sequence of separate images, motion detection is a vital video processing component.

Image processing is essential in many fields, from photography to satellite photographs. This technology
improves subjective image quality and aims to make subsequent image recognition and analysis easier.
Depending on the application, image processing can change image resolutions and aspect ratios and remove
artifacts from a picture. Over the years, image processing has become one of the most rapidly growing
technologies within engineering and even the computer science sector.

Two types of image processing –

1. Analogue Image Processing: Generally, analogue image processing is used for hard copies like photographs
and printouts. Image analysts use various facets of interpretation while using these visual techniques.

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2. Digital image processing: Digital image processing methods help in manipulating and analysing digital
images. In addition to improving and encoding images, digital image processing allows users to extract useful
information and save them in various formats. This article primarily discusses digital image processing
techniques and various phases.

Advantages of Digital Image Processing System -

1. Enhanced Image Quality – One of the primary advantages of digital image processing is the ability to
enhance the quality of images. With the use of algorithms, digital images can be sharpened, brightened, or colour
corrected to produce a clearer and more visually appealing picture.
2. Improved Medical Diagnosis – Digital image processing is also used in the field of medicine to improve the
accuracy of diagnosis. For example, medical images like X-rays and MRIs can be processed to highlight areas
of interest or to differentiate between healthy and diseased tissues.
3. Increased Efficiency – Digital image processing systems can process images much faster than manual
methods. This can help save time and resources in industries like manufacturing, where inspection and quality
control processes are crucial.
4. Enhanced Security – Digital image processing systems are also used for security and surveillance purposes.
For example, facial recognition algorithms can be used to identify people or to detect unusual activity in public
spaces.
5. Creative Applications – Lastly, digital image processing can be used in creative applications like graphic
design, video editing, and virtual reality. By manipulating digital images, artists and designers can create new
and unique visual experiences.

Disadvantages of Digital Image Processing System -

1. Complexity – Digital image processing requires a lot of mathematical knowledge and expertise, making it
complex and difficult for those who are not well-versed in the field.
2. Cost – The equipment and software required for digital image processing can be expensive, making it
difficult for small businesses or individuals to afford.
3. Quality – While digital image processing can enhance image quality, it can also degrade it if not done
properly. This is because the algorithms used to manipulate images can introduce artifacts or noise that
detract from the quality.
4. Time-consuming – Digital image processing can be a time-consuming process, especially if a large number
of images need to be processed. This can be a disadvantage for those who require quick results.
5. Ethics – Digital image processing can also raise ethical concerns. For example, it can be used to manipulate
images for propaganda purposes or to deceive people. This raises questions about the authenticity and
trustworthiness of digital images.
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Applications of Digital Image Processing –
To develop a basic understanding of the breadth and length of the applications, the image processing applications
are categorized according to their sources. The principal source of energy for images is the electromagnetic
energy spectrum. It also includes acoustic, ultrasonic, electronic etc. Synthetic images used for modelling and
visualization are generated in computer.
The most common applications of digital image processing are
1. Gamma-ray Imaging –
Imaging based on gamma rays are mostly for nuclear medicine, astronomical observations.
Gamma Rays Used in Medicine -
Any living thing can be killed by gamma rays. It is employed as a benefit in the medical area, particularly
oncology. To combat cancer, Cancer patients are treated with these beams. In a procedure known as radiation,
high doses of gamma rays are administered to eliminate the malignant cells. A concentrated gamma ray beam is
utilized in this procedure to destroy the DNA of malignant cells. These intense rays ionize the water within the
malignant cell, resulting in the production of H and OH free radicals. The extremely reactive free radicals interact
with one another and damage the cell's DNA. The radiation oncologist's main goal is to direct the radiation beam
as closely as possible to the malignancy in order to minimize adverse effects. They are used to treat cancers by
sending a high-energy photon directly to the intended tumour, sparing the surrounding tissues from damage.
Patients with cancer and tumours receive intensive care. Sanitizing medicinal apparatus. Gamma rays can easily
penetrate the packaging of medical equipment and destroy biological tissues, including bacteria and viruses.

Sterilization of objects by gamma radiation -

Radiation of surgical and food supplies: Radiation is privileged method for eliminating microorganisms
(fungi, bacteria, virus, etc.). As a result, several applications radiation exists for sterilization of items. For
instance, today’s disposable syringe and other medical-surgical equipment are radio-sterilized by specialized
Industrialists. Similar to this, irradiating food items improves food safety by sterilizing spices and getting rid of
salmonella in shrimp and frog legs. Food ionization is another name for this technique. Using gamma to treat
artefacts helps to get rid of any germs, or larvae living inside of them, preventing deterioration. This method is
applied to the conservation and restoration of artistic artefacts as well as to ethnology and archaeology. It may
be used with a variety of materials, including leather, stone, and wood.

2. X-ray Imaging –
X-ray imaging is used mainly for medical dignostics and industrial imaging. It is also used for astronomical
applications.
X-rays are created when extremely energetic electrons contact an anode and release energy in the form of
photons, as we described previously. When these photons travel through materials, they are partially absorbed.
The level of absorption varies depending on the kind of substance or material. Behind the region of interest is a
cassette that contains a light-resistant material and an intensifying fluorescent screen.
The cassette is left behind when X-rays flow through the body through soft tissues like organs and muscles
because these tissues cannot absorb the radiation. Big doses of radiation are administered to the patient, making
the film appear black where they are present. In the body, rigid structures like bones allow X-rays to enter.
3. Ultraviolet Imaging –
It is used for lithography, industrial inspection, microscopy, lasers, biological imaging and astronomical
observations.
A type of electromagnetic radiation called ultraviolet (UV) radiation is emitted by the sun and artificial sources
like welding torches and tanning beds. The emission (sending out) of energy from any source is referred to as
radiation. Radiation comes in a variety of forms, from very high-energy (high-frequency) radiation like x and
gamma rays to very low-energy (low-frequency) radiation like radio waves. The middle of this spectrum is where
UV rays fall. They have more energy than light that can be seen, but less than x-rays.
The quantity and nature of UV radiation that a person is exposed to from a tanning bed (or booth) varies on the
particular lamps used in the bed, the length of time a person spends in the bed, and the number of times a person

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uses the bed. The majority of current UV tanning beds release UVA radiation, with the remainder being UVB
rays.
UV light therapy, or phototherapy, is used to treat some skin conditions like psoriasis. A medication called
psoralen is first administered as part of the PUVA therapy. The medication accumulates in the skin, increasing
its UV sensitivity. After that, UVA radiation is used to treat the patient. Utilizing UVB alone is a different therapy
approach.
4. Wide applications include

a. Remote Sensing
b. Light microscopy
c. Astronomy
d. Weather observation and prediction
e. Visual inspection of manufactured goods
f. Traffic monitoring and surveillance
g. License plate character recognition
h. Currency recognition
i. Finger-print and face recognition
j. Radar imaging to explore inaccessible regions of the Earth’s surface.
k. Mineral and oil exploration
l. Ultrasound imaging of foetus

The application fields of digital image processing are shown in table 1.

Analytics and recommendations –

Digital image processing requires computers to convert images into digital form using the digital conversion
method and then process it. It is about subjecting various numerical depictions of images to a series of operations
to obtain the desired result. This may include image compression, digital enhancement, or automated
classification of targets. Digital images are comprised of pixels, which have discrete numeric representations of
intensity. They are fed into the image processing system using spatial coordinates. They must be stored in a
format compatible with digital computers to use digital images.

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Unlike traditional analogue cameras, digital cameras do not have pixels in the same colour. The computer can
recognize the differences between the colours by looking at their hue, saturation, and brightness. It then processes
that data using a process called gray scaling. In a nutshell, gray scaling turn RGB pixels into one value. As a
result, the amount of data in a pixel decreases, and the image becomes more compressed and easier to view.
Cost targets often limit the technology that is used to process digital images. Thus, engineers must develop
excellent and efficient algorithms while minimizing the number of resources consumed. While all digital image
processing applications begin with illumination, it is crucial to understand that if the lighting is poor, the software
will not be able to recover the lost information. That's why it is best to use a professional for these applications.
A good assembly language programmer should be able to handle high-performance digital image processing
applications.
Images are captured in a two-dimensional space, so a digital image processing system will be able to analyze
that data. The system will then analyze it using different algorithms to generate output images.

Conclusion –
This research paper first analyses the research status and major application fields of digital image processing
technology, and then studies the development trend of digital image technology. At present, digital image
processing technology has made great progress in all walks of life. For example, applications in networks, mobile
phones, etc., the development of digital image processing technology is closely related to people's lives.
It offers both - a) more sophisticated performance at simple tasks, b) the implementation of methods which would
be impossible by analogue means.

References –
1. https://www.researchgate.net >publication
2. https://www.atlantis-press.com > article
3. https://jivp-eurasipjournals.springeropen.com > articles
4. https://www.mdpi.com > journal > applsci > special_iss - Article from google
5. https://www.engpaper.net > dip - Article from google
6. A basic study of Image Processing and its Application Areas – Google article
7. Digital Image Processing – PPT - Google article

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