Image Processing & Analysis with Project

Most people are familiar with the concept of processing an image to improve its quality or the use of image analysis software tools to make basic measurements; but what are the ideas behind such solutions and why is knowledge of these concepts important in developing successful computer vision applications? This module will answer these questions by focusing on both the theoretical, mathematical and practical issues associated with a wide range of computer vision solutions. Such solutions relate to the fields of image processing & analysis, industrial/machine vision, video data processing, biomedical engineering, imaging science, sensor technology, multimedia and enhanced reality systems. This module will concentrate on developing the fundamentals necessary to design, develop and understand a wide range of basic imaging processing (image to image), image analysis (image to feature), image classification (feature to decision), performance characterization (data to quantitative performance indicators) and computer vision (image to interpretation) solutions. All solutions have limitations and a key element of this module is to focus on how to approach the design, testing and evaluation of successful computer vision applications within an engineering framework. This module will make extensive use of an image analysis development environment to reinforce all the issues covers during the lectures. In addition to the common elements associated with EE425, this module will contain a significant competitive group image processing & analysis project. Students will have the opportunity to develop a commercial level solution in one of two areas: biomedical or industrial computer vision. The focus of the project will be on developing engineering solutions rather than a research projects. Students will be expected to submit individual independent reports (of a fixed length) to be presented in the form of a technical paper communication. In addition to the engineering issues, the report must outline both the commercial potential and the ethical issues involved with the work.