INTRODUCTION.

Digital image processing (DIP) is increasingly being used as a tool in variety of activities - such as robotics, biomedicine, geology, material sciences, management of natural resources, art and so on - where the users of digital image processes are not necessarily experts in DIP. Thus, a training need emerges in the field of image processing for a number of professional groups that traditionally have not had close relations with this type of material. An interactive program for training in DIP has been developed. The program differs from other DIP programs in that it is distributed free through INTERNET and has a few hardware requirements. The program has two parts, the first explains a number of theoretical aspects about the main functions of digital image processing, and the second allows the use of these functions and observation of the results with a series of example images.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.

One of the major advantages of our package is that it can be run independently from normal image processing hardware such as frame grabbers and external monitors. It is therefore possible to run this software on a relatively small personal computer: IBM-compatible PC (286 or above), VGA card and 640 Kb RAM.

The program has been written in Turbo Pascal 6.0 under the Borland Package and is intended to be an introduction to DIP.The algorithm of the functions used are written and set out according to the theories contained in Wintz & Gonzales [1] and Russ [2].

THE DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING (DIP) PROGRAM.

The demonstration model displays a general outline of DIP and illustrates some theories and algorithms for the following tasks:

- Image Enhancing.

In the first part of the program there is an explanation of the algorithms where the student can learn the theory of image processing functions. In the second part (the true program) the student can use the functions with images and see the results.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE.

the main working screen consists of 5 windows. The two upper windows entitled Active and Temporary, are the windows in which the images are displayed. The processes take place on the image in the Active Window; the results are then seen in the Temporary Window.

On the right hand side of the screen the Histogram Window is situated in which a histogram can be stored.

On the bottom half of the screen two windows are shown which contain the functions of the program. The functions in the window on the right are self explanatory and show their results instantly. The image processing functions are presented in the left-hand window.

CONCLUSIONS

The DIP program represents a useful tool for learning the principle concepts of digital image processing. It is an easy program to use, does not need any specific hardware and has the ability to be installed in any IBM compatible PC. These characteristics make it an ideal teaching material.

Finally, it is important to point out that as a training material the program will be available to users of INTERNET via anonymous ftp in "telva.ccu.uniovi.es /uniovi/comett/src", or via WWW in "http://www.uniovi.es/uniovi/apartados/Comunes/SPI/spi.html".< P>

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

We would like to thank Professor J. Cubillo and Mr. Huy Buu Ho from the Coventry University for the first development of the DIP program. This work has been supported by COMETT II grants for student mobilities given by the UETP TATIANA.

REFERENCES.

1. Gonzalez, R. C., Wintz, P. (1977). Digital Image Process- ing. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.London.