Scientific Photography and Applied Imaging

11 Image processing, analysis and management

11.1 Introduction

Much of this book is about data capture, i.e. recording a ‘primary’ image for later analysis and measurement to obtain information about the subject rather than about the process used (the purpose of image science). Data capture involves experimental design (see Chapter 3) where the cost-effective type of image required is considered and how measurements are to be made with the accuracy required. This latter involves aspects of image evaluation and image quality.

The evaluation of an image involves one or more stages. The ‘eyeball’ stage, usually with low power magnification, determines swiftly the following: that the image is sharp and free from motion blur; is in focus with sufficient ...