ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the basics of digital image processing and its applications in the food industry. Embodying image acquisition, storage, analysis, and pattern recognition techniques, image processing techniques are capable of extracting or measuring various visual features of objects and performing task-relevant analysis and interpretation with precision, objectivity, and speed. Application of image processing techniques to food process control is challenging. Unlike other industrial objects of defined size, shape, color, and texture, the objects or workpieces involved in the food industry are usually of a natural variability. A digital image processing system is a collection of hardware and software components that can acquire, store, display, and process digital images. Processing of digital images involves procedures that are usually expressed in algorithmic form. Image processing has been used for inspection of many meat products, such as beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shrimp.
