Although pattern and image analysis has its conceptual foundations in the mathematical sciences, it is now applied widely in many other areas of science. It embodies the techniques used to evaluate and compare the patterns, shapes, and other images, natural and artificial, that may range from such electronic forms as CAT scans and satellite images to patterns as ancient as the non-random assembly of letters that comprise a language. This book is aimed at both the student of mathematics and the specialist who works with patterns in other fields, such as biology and medicine. It begins by examining the nature of patterns and what distinguishes them from randomness. It then provides the mathematical foundation for the concepts and phenomena introduced. Finally, it provides examples and demonstrations of computer algorithms that permit the reader to recreate and explore some of the patterns discussed in the book.
