Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

image processing
     
         Computer manipulation of {images}.  Some of the
        many {algorithms} used in image processing include
        {convolution} (on which many others are based), {FFT}, {DCT},
        {thinning} (or {skeletonisation}), {edge detection} and
        {contrast enhancement}.  These are usually implemented in
        {software} but may also use special purpose {hardware} for
        speed.
     
        Image processing contrasts with {computer graphics}, which is
        usually more concerned with the generation of artificial
        images, and {visualisation}, which attempts to understand
        (real-world) data by displaying it as an artificial image
        (e.g. a graph).  Image processing is used in {image
        recognition} and {computer vision}.
     
        {Silicon Graphics} manufacture {workstations} which are often
        used for image processing.  There are a few programming
        languages designed for image processing, e.g. {CELIP}, {VPL}.
     
        See also {Pilot European Image Processing Archive}.
     
        {Usenet} newsgroup: {news:sci.image.processing}.
     
        [Other algorithms, languages?  FAQ?]
     
        (1995-04-12)