Book excerpt: A complete introduction to the basic and intermediate concepts of image processing from the leading people in the field Up-to-date content, including statistical modeling of natural, anistropic diffusion, image quality and the latest developments in JPEG 2000 This comprehensive and state-of-the art approach to image processing gives engineers and students a thorough introduction, and includes full coverage of key applications: image watermarking, fingerprint recognition, face recognition and iris recognition and medical imaging. "This book combines basic image processing techniques with some of the most advanced procedures. Introductory chapters dedicated to general principles are presented alongside detailed application-orientated ones. As a result it is suitably adapted for different classes of readers, ranging from Master to PhD students and beyond." – Prof. Jean-Philippe Thiran, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland "Al Bovik’s compendium proceeds systematically from fundamentals to today’s research frontiers. Professor Bovik, himself a highly respected leader in the field, has invited an all-star team of contributors. Students, researchers, and practitioners of image processing alike should benefit from the Essential Guide." – Prof. Bernd Girod, Stanford University, USA "This book is informative, easy to read with plenty of examples, and allows great flexibility in tailoring a course on image processing or analysis." – Prof. Pamela Cosman, University of California, San Diego, USA A complete and modern introduction to the basic and intermediate concepts of image processing – edited and written by the leading people in the field An essential reference for all types of engineers working on image processing applications Up-to-date content, including statistical modelling of natural, anisotropic diffusion, image quality and the latest developments in JPEG 2000