Fuzzy Techniques in Image Processing (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing, 52)

Since time immemorial, vision in general and images in particular have played an important and essential role in human life. Nowadays, the field of image processing also has numerous scientific, commercial, industrial and military applications. All these applications result from the interaction between fun­ damental scientific research on the one hand, and the development of new and high-standard technology on the other hand. Regarding the scientific com­ ponent, quite recently the scientific community became familiar with "fuzzy techniques" in image processing, which make use of the framework of fuzzy sets and related theories. The theory of fuzzy sets was initiated in 1965 by Zadeh, and is one of the most developed models to treat imprecision and uncertainty. Instead of the classical approach that an object belongs or does not belong to a set, the concept of a fuzzy set allows a gradual transition from membership to nonmembership, providing partial degrees of member­ ship. Fuzzy techniques are often complementary to existing techniques and can contribute to the development of better and more robust methods, as has already been illustrated in numerous scientific branches. With this vol­ ume, we want to demonstrate that the introduction and application of fuzzy techniques can also be very successful in the area of image processing. This book contains high-quality contributions of over 30 field experts, covering a wide range of both theoretical and practical applications of fuzzy techniques in image processing.

The volume "Fuzzy Techniques in Image Processing" illustrates the successful application of fuzzy set theory in the area of image processing, and represents a broad, up-to-date and state-of-the-art coverage of diverse aspects related to fuzzy techniques in image processing. Besides an extensive state-of-the-art contribution on fuzzy mathematical morphology we present several contributions on a wide variety of topics, including fuzzy filtering, fuzzy image enhancement, fuzzy edge detection, fuzzy image segmentation, fuzzy processing of color images, and applications in medical imaging and robot vision. All chapters are written by outstanding experts in the field, and are characterized by their originality and high-quality standard. Therefore, the book will not only serve as an important reference for scientists and practitioners in this area, but also as an inspiration for newcoming researchers.