As yet, even very low level visual processing by computers remains a challenging problem. Several mathematical approaches have emerged, including methods based on nonlinear partial differential equations, stochastic and statistical methods, and signal processing techniques, including wavelets and other transform theories. These methods have proven successful in noise reduction while maintaining edge retention.
Wavelets have applications to practical image compression methods, and texture characterization.
Statistical methods such as the EM algorithm have been successfully applied to a variety of low level vision problems. A primary goal of this workshop is to educate and interest mathematicians in the mathematical and scientific problems that arise in basic image processing.