Camera and Imaging from Coursera

This course covers the fundamentals of imaging – the creation of an image that is ready for consumption or processing by a human or a machine. Imaging has a long history, spanning several centuries. But the advances made in the last three decades have revolutionized the camera and dramatically improved the robustness and accuracy of computer vision systems. We describe the fundamentals of imaging, as well as recent innovations in imaging that have had a profound impact on computer vision.

This course starts with examining how an image is formed using a lens camera. We explore the optical characteristics of a camera such as its magnification, F-number, depth of field and field of view. Next, we describe how solid-state image sensors (CCD and CMOS) record images, and the key properties of an image sensor such as its resolution, noise characteristics and dynamic range. We describe how image sensors can be used to sense color as well as capture images with high dynamic range. In certain structured environments, an image can be thresholded to produce a binary image from which various geometric properties of objects can be computed and used for recognizing and locating objects. Finally, we present the fundamentals of image processing – the development of computational tools to process a captured image to make it cleaner (denoising, deblurring, etc.) and easier for computer vision systems to analyze (linear and non-linear image filtering methods).

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started: Camera and Imaging

Image Formation

Image Sensing

Binary Images

Image Processing I

Image Processing II

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the intersection of computer graphics, imaging, and computer vision, which is a common combination in industry

Led by Shree Nayar, who designed the course for Columbia University's Advanced Imaging and Computer Vision program

Develops image processing skills and knowledge that are helpful for developing computer vision and artificial intelligence systems

Requires the learner to bring some basic knowledge of mathematics and physics into the course

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Camera and Imaging with these activities:

Organize and Review Prior Materials

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Lay a solid foundation by gathering and refreshing your prior knowledge of image processing and camera technology.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Collect old notes, quizzes, and exams.
Organize materials by topic.
Review materials and identify areas needing reinforcement.

Read "Digital Image Processing"

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Enhance your understanding of image processing principles by delving into a foundational textbook.

View Digital Image Processing, Global Edition on Amazon

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Read assigned chapters to complement lecture materials.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Complete practice exercises to reinforce learning.

Attend Study Group

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Collaborate with peers to clarify concepts, share insights, and enhance comprehension.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Join or form a study group.
Identify topics for discussion.
Actively participate in discussions, asking and sharing knowledge.

Five other activities

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Solve Image Processing Problems

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Strengthen your problem-solving abilities by tackling image processing exercises.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve problems independently.
Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Develop an Image Processing Filter

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Apply your skills in image processing by creating a custom filter for image enhancement or analysis.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Identify a specific image processing task.
Design and implement the filter algorithm.
Test and refine the filter on various images.
Create a documentation for the filter.

Mentor New Learners

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Reinforce your understanding by helping others grasp the core concepts of image processing.

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Find opportunities to mentor peers or students.
Share your knowledge and guide others in their learning journey.
Receive feedback from mentees and refine your understanding.

Attend Image Processing Workshop

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Deepen your knowledge by participating in a specialized image processing workshop.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Identify relevant workshops and register for attendance.
Attend the workshop and engage actively in discussions.
Gather resources, connect with professionals, and broaden your perspective.

Contribute to Open Source Imaging Projects

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the image processing community by participating in open source projects.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Identify open source projects related to image processing.
Contribute to documentation, bug fixing, or feature development.
Collaborate with other developers and learn from their expertise.

Career center

Learners who complete Camera and Imaging will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Optical Engineer

An Optical Engineer designs and develops optical systems for various applications, such as cameras, telescopes, and lasers. You may be involved in designing and building optical systems that can capture and process images and videos. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and optics, which are essential for designing and building effective optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer

Pattern Recognition Engineer

A Pattern Recognition Engineer develops and applies pattern recognition algorithms for various applications, such as object recognition, facial recognition, and medical diagnosis. You may be involved in designing and building systems that can analyze images and videos to identify patterns and make decisions. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will help you to build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and image processing, which are essential for designing and building effective pattern recognition systems.

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Machine Vision Engineer

A Machine Vision Engineer develops and applies machine vision systems for various applications, such as robotics, manufacturing, and inspection. You may be involved in designing and building systems that can analyze images and videos to make decisions or perform tasks. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will help you to build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and image processing, which are essential for designing and building effective machine vision systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Vision Engineer

Imaging Scientist

An Imaging Scientist conducts research and develops new imaging technologies and applications. You may be involved in developing new types of cameras, sensors, and algorithms for various applications, such as medical imaging, remote sensing, and industrial inspection. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and image processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Imaging Scientist

Remote Sensing Scientist

A Remote Sensing Scientist uses data from satellites and other remote sensing platforms to study the Earth's surface and atmosphere. You may be involved in using images and other data to study land use, vegetation, water resources, and climate change. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and remote sensing, which are essential for analyzing and interpreting remote sensing data.

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Photogrammetrist

A Photogrammetrist uses images and other data to create detailed maps and models of the Earth's surface. You may be involved in using images from satellites, airplanes, and drones to create maps and models for various purposes, such as land use planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and photogrammetry, which are essential for creating accurate and reliable maps and models.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots for various applications, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and space exploration. You may be involved in designing and building robots that can see and interact with their environment. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for designing and building robots that can navigate and interact with their environment.

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Camera Operator

A Camera Operator is responsible for operating various types of cameras, including film and video cameras, to capture images and video for various productions, including movies, television shows, and commercials. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will help you better understand how a camera works and how to use it effectively to capture high-quality images and videos.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, develops, and integrates complex systems, such as spacecraft, satellites, and medical devices. You may be involved in designing and building systems that include imaging and computer vision components. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for designing and building complex systems that can capture and process images and videos.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. You may be involved in developing software for various applications, such as image processing, computer vision, and robotics. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for developing software that can process and analyze images and videos.

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Image Processing Engineer

As an Image Processing Engineer, you will be involved in the development of imaging systems and algorithms for various applications, such as medical imaging, remote sensing, and industrial inspection. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as learning the fundamentals of imaging and image processing will help you to excel in your role.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. You may be involved in writing documentation for various products and systems, including imaging and computer vision systems. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for writing clear and accurate technical documentation.

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UX Designer

A UX Designer designs and evaluates user interfaces for software applications and websites. You may be involved in designing user interfaces for applications that include imaging and computer vision components. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for designing user interfaces that are easy to use and understand.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. You may be involved in developing websites and web applications that include imaging and computer vision components. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as it will provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of imaging and computer vision, which are essential for developing websites and web applications that can process and analyze images and videos.

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Computer Vision Engineer

A Computer Vision Engineer uses computer science theory, especially the analysis of digital images, to develop image processing and analysis software. You may be involved in designing and building vision-based systems for various applications, such as facial recognition, medical imaging, and autonomous vehicles. Taking this course, Camera and Imaging, may be helpful as the concepts you learn will help you to design and build systems that can better capture and interpret images and video feeds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Vision Engineer