Studies & Degrees in Image Processing and Neurocomputing

Choose where you would like to study Image Processing and Neurocomputing:

Image processing is a very valuable component of engineering and the computer sciences. It is the processing of signals where an image is the main input while the output is a set of parameters and characteristics that are related to the original image that was input. Image processing is usually done in the digital realm although many analog and optical image processing compositions are also done. The field of image processing promises many career opportunities for would be image processing experts with the right background and training.

Over the years, image processing has developed into a very active discipline that has applications in many widely different fields. Image processing has very important uses in medicine, seismology, defense and armory, the magazine, newspaper, and web publishing fields, and of course the sports and entertainment industries. Image processing has become so advanced that images are no longer seen as just 2D functions, they are now seen as 3D (three dimensional) and even 4D (four dimensional) data arrangements.

A course in image processing is usually designed to introduce students to different theoretical concepts from basic to advanced levels. It also familiarizes them with the many practical issues that are related to image processing. Also inherent in this course is the training for the development of the student’s skills in analytical thinking and problem solving. Critical and intuitive image scrutiny is cultivated as well.

Careers in image processing include: Data Imagery Analyst, Document Control Specialist, Research Engineer, Medical Image Analyst, and many others. Because image processing is very valuable in many different fields, the number of career opportunities is numerous as well.

Associated with image processing is neurocomputing. In neurocomputing, relevant knowledge from many diverse fields such as psychology, computer science, and mathematics are brought together to help create a better understanding of the natural system of perception. Later on, this understanding is developed to be applied in the expansion and advancement of artificial systems of perception. Examples of artificial systems of perception for which neurocomputing are applied are: optical character recognition (OCR) machines and auto speech recognition machines. OCRs are made to react and work very much like the way the human eye does when it perceives lines and characters.

Courses in neurocomputing include subjects on mathematics that are relevant to the field such as linear algebra, basic and advanced statistics, and optimization theory. Computational methods such as computer programming and image and signal processing are also given due attention. The psychology of perception is engage with special emphasis on psychophysics, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology.

Neurocomputing courses also include lectures on Pattern Recognition Theories and advanced artificial neural networks. This is reinforced by in depth discussions on machine or artificial vision and image processing as well as machine speech recognition which includes artificial speech processing and synthesis. Furthermore, computer knowledge representation is considered in order to have a better and deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. Finally, practical knowledge and actual experience on the subject is gained through appropriate research projects from which an in depth dissertation is written.

Just like in image processing, graduates of neurocomputing can expect to apply their knowledge in many varying fields of endeavor. The industries of information technology, engineering, finance, and education all have a great need for neurocomputing research and development.