Image and Video Processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/image-processing

Introduction

### Course Review: Image and Video Processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital In the vast realm of digital media, the art and science of image and video processing have become integral to our daily lives, from the photographs we capture with our smartphones to the breathtaking visuals seen in blockbuster movies, and even the critical medical imaging that aids in healthcare. One course that stands out in this arena is **"Image and Video Processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital,"** available on Coursera. #### Overview This engaging course offers a comprehensive journey through the fascinating world of digital imaging. Aimed at learners of all backgrounds, it delves into various intriguing topics that combine engineering, mathematics, and computational techniques to elucidate how images and videos are crafted. With a unique perspective, the course showcases how these technologies are playfully intertwined—from the photographs relayed by Mars rovers to the stunning visual effects employed in Hollywood productions, and even the essential applications in medical settings. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Image and Video Processing** - This initial module sets the foundation, introducing key concepts of human perception crucial for understanding how images are processed. You gain exposure to fundamental signal processing tools that will be built upon in the subsequent units. 2. **Image and Video Compression** - Here, you will learn about widely used algorithms, such as JPEG and MPEG, which are pivotal in our everyday interactions with digital content. The content also extends to the impact of these techniques on space exploration and the technologies utilized during the Mars missions. 3. **Spatial Processing** - This unit covers essential tools like median filtering and histogram equalization. You will gain insights into traditional methods alongside contemporary techniques, such as non-local means, enhancing your understanding of image processing. 4. **Image Restoration** - Focusing on degradation sources, this section teaches that prior knowledge of how an image has deteriorated enables effective restoration. It's a critical component for mastering restoration techniques. 5. **Image Segmentation** - You will explore techniques used to partition images, essential for various applications such as medical imaging and object recognition. This unit marks your entry into image analysis and interpretation. 6. **Geometric PDEs** - While optional, this advanced unit benefits students eager for a mathematical deep dive. It provides a bridge between classical and modern tools, enhancing your analytical skills. 7. **Image and Video Inpainting** - Engaging and relevant, this unit introduces inpainting—one of the movie industry's staple techniques. You will learn how to approach problems from multiple mathematical perspectives. 8. **Sparse Modeling and Compressed Sensing** - This module introduces cutting-edge tools at the forefront of research, illustrating the significance of linear algebra and optimization in today’s image and video processing. 9. **Medical Imaging (Bonus Unit)** - Lastly, the course wraps up with a bonus look into medical imaging, showcasing its societal impacts. You'll discover tools and methodologies that advance research in areas like HIV and brain studies. #### Recommendations **Who is this course for?** This course caters to a broad audience—whether you’re a beginner seeking to understand the basics of imaging and video, or an advanced learner looking to deepen your knowledge in engineering and mathematics. **Why should you take this course?** 1. **Comprehensive Learning**: The course is well-structured, guiding you from basic concepts to advanced topics. 2. **Real-World Applications**: It connects theoretical learning with practical applications in Hollywood, space exploration, and medical fields. 3. **Expert Instruction**: Delivered by knowledgeable instructors, the insights provided are rich and informative. 4. **Flexibility**: Being an online course, it allows you to learn at your own pace, making it accessible to anyone with a passion for digital media. In conclusion, **"Image and Video Processing: From Mars to Hollywood with a Stop at the Hospital"** is a thoroughly enriching course that promises to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and manipulate the fascinating world of digital imagery. Whether for professional development or personal interest, it is an excellent investment in your educational journey. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore how images shape our world!

Syllabus

Introduction to image and video processing

Learn what is image and video processing. Learn the very basic concepts of human perception needed for understanding image processing. Learn simple tools in signal processing needed to understand following units.

JPEG and MPEG are the most successful algorithms in the area, widely used by everybody in a daily basis, and the goal of this unit is to understand how they work. Also to understand why these techniques are important and why they are enabling technologies. Also will describe what is done in the Mars expedition.

Some of the most basic tools in image processing, like median filtering and histogram equalization, are still among the most powerful. We will describe these and provide a modern interpretation of these basic tools. Students will then become familiar with simple and still popular approaches. We will also include non-local means, a more modern technique that still uses classical tools.

The goal of this unit is to complement Unit 3 by adding prior information about the sources of degradation. Students will learn that if we know about the degradation process, we can do better. The objective of this unit is to complete the training with basic and powerful classical tools.

Not all parts of the image are the same, and students will learn the basic techniques to partition an image, from simple threshold to more advanced graph cuts and active contours. This is the first unit where student will learn about image analysis and image interpretation, and will learn why this is important, e.g., in medical imaging and object recognition.

This is all optional material. It will help the students that are more mathematically oriented and want to better understand the math behind next unit's lectures. But you will be able to handle without it.The quiz is therefore practice only.This is the first “advanced” unit and smoothly follows from the previous one. Students will learn very modern tools, widely used today, and will contrast with units 3,4 to illustrate how significantly more advanced mathematical tools are also very useful in image and video analysis. We will connect some of these advanced tools with classical ones, e.g., average with heat flow and median with anisotropic diffusion. This will help to provide unified views to the students.

Students will get involved with a very exciting topic, since image and video inpainting is one of the most used tools in the movie industry. They will learn the problem, and also how they can approach it from multiple directions. This will also help to illustrate how the same problem can be approached from multiple mathematical angles. We will connect this with Shanon’s work providing yet another angle. If you watched the lectures on PDEs you will have more mathematical background, but you will enjoy this unit and learn without it as well.

Here the goal is to present one of the most modern tools in image and video processing, and students will learn something that is today at the top of active research. This will also help to illustrate the use of linear algebra and optimization in image and video processing. This is the last formal unit of the course.

This is a bonus unit. Enjoy it. Image processing has been very successful in medical imaging, and we will use examples from HIV and brain research to illustrate the importance of image processing in solving societal problems. We will describe the basic tools in these exciting applications, from the acquisition to the analysis.