1. What is Image processing?

A technique in which the data from an image are digitized and various mathematical operations are applied to the data, generally with a digital computer, in order to create an enhanced image that is more useful or pleasing to a human observer, or to perform some of the interpretation and recognition tasks usually performed by humans. Also known as picture processing.

2. What are the differences between the books Digital Image Processing and Digital Image Processing?

Difference between the books is that Digital Image Processing (DIP) deals primarily with the theoretical foundation of digital image processing, while Digital Image Processing Using MATLAB (DIPUM) is a book whose main focus is the use of MATLAB for image processing. The DIPUM book covers essentially the same topics as DIP, but the theoretical treatment is not as detailed. Some instructors prefer to fill in the theoretical details in class in favor of having available a book with a strong emphasis on implementation.