Day 5: Derivatives, Gradients & Morphological Operations in OpenCV

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What are Derivatives and Why Do We Need Them in Image Processing?

A derivative measures the rate of change of a function. In images, derivatives help us detect edges, corners, and texture patterns by identifying rapid intensity changes.

Mathematical Foundation:

For a continuous function f(x), the derivative is:

f(x)=limh0f(x+h)f(x)hf'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}

For discrete images, we approximate this using finite differences:

f(x)f(x+1)f(x1)2f'(x) \approx \frac{f(x+1) - f(x-1)}{2}

Key Applications in Image Processing:

Edge Detection: Sharp intensity changes indicate object boundaries
Feature Detection: Corners and interest points have high gradient magnitudes
Image Sharpening: Enhancing edges by amplifying high-frequency components
Motion Detection: Temporal derivatives reveal moving objects

import cv2
                            import numpy as np
                            import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

                            # Load and prepare image
                            img = cv2.imread('sample.jpg', cv2.IMREAD_GRAYSCALE)

                            # Simple derivative using finite differences
                            def simple_derivative_x(image):
                            """Calculate horizontal derivative using finite differences"""
                            derivative = np.zeros_like(image, dtype=np.float32)
                            derivative[:, 1:-1] = (image[:, 2:] - image[:, :-2]) / 2.0
                            return derivative

                            def simple_derivative_y(image):
                            """Calculate vertical derivative using finite differences"""
                            derivative = np.zeros_like(image, dtype=np.float32)
                            derivative[1:-1, :] = (image[2:, :] - image[:-2, :]) / 2.0
                            return derivative

                            # Calculate derivatives
                            dx = simple_derivative_x(img.astype(np.float32))
                            dy = simple_derivative_y(img.astype(np.float32))

                            # Visualize results
                            fig, axes = plt.subplots(1, 3, figsize=(15, 5))
                            axes[0].imshow(img, cmap='gray')
                            axes[0].set_title('Original Image')
                            axes[1].imshow(dx, cmap='gray')
                            axes[1].set_title('Horizontal Derivative (∂I/∂x)')
                            axes[2].imshow(dy, cmap='gray')
                            axes[2].set_title('Vertical Derivative (∂I/∂y)')
plt.show()

How Do Gradients Work in Computer Vision?

The gradient is a vector that points in the direction of steepest increase and has magnitude equal to the rate of change. For images, gradients reveal edge direction and strength.

Mathematical Definition:

For a 2D image I(x,y), the gradient is:

I=[IxIy]\nabla I = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial I}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial I}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}

Gradient Magnitude and Direction:

I=(Ix)2+(Iy)2|\nabla I| = \sqrt{\left(\frac{\partial I}{\partial x}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{\partial I}{\partial y}\right)^2}
θ=arctan(I/yI/x)\theta = \arctan\left(\frac{\partial I/\partial y}{\partial I/\partial x}\right)
def calculate_gradient(image):
    """Calculate gradient magnitude and direction"""
    # Calculate derivatives
    dx = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
    dy = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
    
    # Calculate magnitude and direction
    magnitude = np.sqrt(dx**2 + dy**2)
    direction = np.arctan2(dy, dx) * 180 / np.pi
    
    return magnitude, direction, dx, dy

# Apply to our image
magnitude, direction, dx, dy = calculate_gradient(img)

# Visualize gradient analysis
fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 3, figsize=(18, 12))

# Top row: derivatives
axes[0,0].imshow(dx, cmap='RdBu')
axes[0,0].set_title('∂I/∂x (Horizontal Edges)')
axes[0,1].imshow(dy, cmap='RdBu')
axes[0,1].set_title('∂I/∂y (Vertical Edges)')
axes[0,2].imshow(magnitude, cmap='hot')
axes[0,2].set_title('Gradient Magnitude')

# Bottom row: analysis
axes[1,0].imshow(direction, cmap='hsv')
axes[1,0].set_title('Gradient Direction (Hue = Angle)')
axes[1,1].hist(magnitude.flatten(), bins=100, alpha=0.7)
axes[1,1].set_title('Gradient Magnitude Distribution')
axes[1,1].set_xlabel('Magnitude')
axes[1,1].set_ylabel('Frequency')

# Edge map (thresholded magnitude)
edge_threshold = np.percentile(magnitude, 85)
edges = magnitude > edge_threshold
axes[1,2].imshow(edges, cmap='gray')
axes[1,2].set_title(f'Edge Map (threshold = {edge_threshold:.1f})')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Popular Gradient Operators:

Sobel: 3x3 kernels with Gaussian smoothing
Scharr: Better rotation invariance than Sobel
Prewitt: Simple 3x3 difference operators
Roberts: 2x2 diagonal difference operators

def compare_gradient_operators(image):
    """Compare different gradient operators"""
    
    # Sobel operator
    sobel_x = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
    sobel_y = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
    sobel_magnitude = np.sqrt(sobel_x**2 + sobel_y**2)
    
    # Scharr operator (better than Sobel for rotation invariance)
    scharr_x = cv2.Scharr(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0)
    scharr_y = cv2.Scharr(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1)
    scharr_magnitude = np.sqrt(scharr_x**2 + scharr_y**2)
    
    # Laplacian (second derivative)
    laplacian = cv2.Laplacian(image, cv2.CV_64F)
    
    # Custom Prewitt operator
    prewitt_x = cv2.filter2D(image, cv2.CV_64F, 
                           np.array([[-1, 0, 1], [-1, 0, 1], [-1, 0, 1]]))
    prewitt_y = cv2.filter2D(image, cv2.CV_64F, 
                           np.array([[-1, -1, -1], [0, 0, 0], [1, 1, 1]]))
    prewitt_magnitude = np.sqrt(prewitt_x**2 + prewitt_y**2)
    
    return {
        'sobel': sobel_magnitude,
        'scharr': scharr_magnitude,
        'laplacian': np.abs(laplacian),
        'prewitt': prewitt_magnitude
    }

# Compare operators
results = compare_gradient_operators(img)

fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 2, figsize=(12, 10))
axes[0,0].imshow(results['sobel'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,0].set_title('Sobel Gradient Magnitude')
axes[0,1].imshow(results['scharr'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,1].set_title('Scharr Gradient Magnitude')
axes[1,0].imshow(results['laplacian'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,0].set_title('Laplacian (2nd Derivative)')
axes[1,1].imshow(results['prewitt'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,1].set_title('Prewitt Gradient Magnitude')
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

What is the Chain Rule and How Does it Apply to Image Processing?

The chain rule is fundamental for computing derivatives of composite functions. In image processing, it's crucial for understanding how transformations affect gradients and for implementing advanced algorithms like backpropagation in deep learning.

Mathematical Foundation:

If we have a composite function h(x) = f(g(x)), then:

dhdx=dfdgdgdx\frac{dh}{dx} = \frac{df}{dg} \cdot \frac{dg}{dx}

For multivariable functions:

If z = f(x,y) where x = g(t) and y = h(t), then:

dzdt=fxdxdt+fydydt\frac{dz}{dt} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \cdot \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \cdot \frac{dy}{dt}

Image Processing Applications:

Image Warping: How gradients change under geometric transformations
Scale-Space Analysis: Tracking features across different scales
Optical Flow: Computing motion vectors using temporal derivatives
Neural Networks: Backpropagation through convolutional layers

def demonstrate_chain_rule_in_scaling(image, scale_factor):
    """Demonstrate how scaling affects gradients using chain rule"""
    
    # Original gradient
    orig_dx = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
    orig_dy = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
    orig_magnitude = np.sqrt(orig_dx**2 + orig_dy**2)
    
    # Scale the image
    h, w = image.shape
    scaled_img = cv2.resize(image, (int(w * scale_factor), int(h * scale_factor)))
    
    # Gradient of scaled image
    scaled_dx = cv2.Sobel(scaled_img, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
    scaled_dy = cv2.Sobel(scaled_img, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
    scaled_magnitude = np.sqrt(scaled_dx**2 + scaled_dy**2)
    
    # According to chain rule, gradients should scale by 1/scale_factor
    # ∂I/∂x_scaled = (∂I/∂x_original) * (∂x_original/∂x_scaled) = (∂I/∂x_original) / scale_factor
    predicted_magnitude = orig_magnitude / scale_factor
    predicted_magnitude_resized = cv2.resize(predicted_magnitude, 
                                           (scaled_img.shape[1], scaled_img.shape[0]))
    
    return {
        'original': orig_magnitude,
        'scaled_actual': scaled_magnitude,
        'scaled_predicted': predicted_magnitude_resized,
        'scale_factor': scale_factor
    }

# Demonstrate chain rule with different scales
scales = [0.5, 1.5, 2.0]
fig, axes = plt.subplots(len(scales), 3, figsize=(15, 12))

for i, scale in enumerate(scales):
    result = demonstrate_chain_rule_in_scaling(img, scale)
    
    axes[i,0].imshow(result['scaled_actual'], cmap='hot')
    axes[i,0].set_title(f'Actual Gradient (scale={scale})')
    
    axes[i,1].imshow(result['scaled_predicted'], cmap='hot')
    axes[i,1].set_title(f'Chain Rule Prediction (scale={scale})')
    
    # Difference map
    diff = np.abs(result['scaled_actual'] - result['scaled_predicted'])
    axes[i,2].imshow(diff, cmap='viridis')
    axes[i,2].set_title(f'Absolute Difference (scale={scale})')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

What are Partial Derivatives in Image Processing?

Partial derivatives measure how a function changes with respect to one variable while keeping others constant. In images, they reveal directional changes in intensity.

Mathematical Definition:

For an image I(x,y), partial derivatives are:

Ix=limh0I(x+h,y)I(x,y)h\frac{\partial I}{\partial x} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{I(x+h,y) - I(x,y)}{h}
Iy=limh0I(x,y+h)I(x,y)h\frac{\partial I}{\partial y} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{I(x,y+h) - I(x,y)}{h}

Higher-order partial derivatives reveal important image properties:

2Ix2,2Iy2,2Ixy\frac{\partial^2 I}{\partial x^2}, \quad \frac{\partial^2 I}{\partial y^2}, \quad \frac{\partial^2 I}{\partial x \partial y}
def analyze_partial_derivatives(image):
    """Comprehensive analysis of partial derivatives"""
    
    # First-order partial derivatives
    Ix = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)  # ∂I/∂x
    Iy = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)  # ∂I/∂y
    
    # Second-order partial derivatives
    Ixx = cv2.Sobel(Ix, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)    # ∂²I/∂x²
    Iyy = cv2.Sobel(Iy, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)    # ∂²I/∂y²
    Ixy = cv2.Sobel(Ix, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)    # ∂²I/∂x∂y
    
    # Laplacian (sum of second derivatives)
    laplacian = Ixx + Iyy
    laplacian_cv = cv2.Laplacian(image, cv2.CV_64F)
    
    # Hessian determinant (for corner detection)
    hessian_det = Ixx * Iyy - Ixy**2
    
    # Structure tensor components
    Ix2 = Ix * Ix
    Iy2 = Iy * Iy
    IxIy = Ix * Iy
    
    # Apply Gaussian smoothing to structure tensor
    kernel_size = 5
    Ix2_smooth = cv2.GaussianBlur(Ix2, (kernel_size, kernel_size), 1.0)
    Iy2_smooth = cv2.GaussianBlur(Iy2, (kernel_size, kernel_size), 1.0)
    IxIy_smooth = cv2.GaussianBlur(IxIy, (kernel_size, kernel_size), 1.0)
    
    # Harris corner response
    k = 0.04
    det = Ix2_smooth * Iy2_smooth - IxIy_smooth**2
    trace = Ix2_smooth + Iy2_smooth
    harris_response = det - k * trace**2
    
    return {
        'Ix': Ix, 'Iy': Iy,
        'Ixx': Ixx, 'Iyy': Iyy, 'Ixy': Ixy,
        'laplacian': laplacian,
        'hessian_det': hessian_det,
        'harris_response': harris_response
    }

# Analyze partial derivatives
derivatives = analyze_partial_derivatives(img)

# Create comprehensive visualization
fig, axes = plt.subplots(3, 3, figsize=(18, 15))

# First row: first-order derivatives
axes[0,0].imshow(derivatives['Ix'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[0,0].set_title('∂I/∂x (Horizontal Edges)')
axes[0,1].imshow(derivatives['Iy'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[0,1].set_title('∂I/∂y (Vertical Edges)')
axes[0,2].imshow(np.sqrt(derivatives['Ix']**2 + derivatives['Iy']**2), cmap='hot')
axes[0,2].set_title('Gradient Magnitude')

# Second row: second-order derivatives
axes[1,0].imshow(derivatives['Ixx'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[1,0].set_title('∂²I/∂x² (Horizontal Curvature)')
axes[1,1].imshow(derivatives['Iyy'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[1,1].set_title('∂²I/∂y² (Vertical Curvature)')
axes[1,2].imshow(derivatives['Ixy'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[1,2].set_title('∂²I/∂x∂y (Mixed Partial)')

# Third row: derived measures
axes[2,0].imshow(derivatives['laplacian'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[2,0].set_title('Laplacian (∇²I)')
axes[2,1].imshow(derivatives['hessian_det'], cmap='RdBu')
axes[2,1].set_title('Hessian Determinant')
axes[2,2].imshow(derivatives['harris_response'], cmap='hot')
axes[2,2].set_title('Harris Corner Response')

for ax in axes.flat:
    ax.axis('off')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Applications of Partial Derivatives:

Corner Detection: Harris and SIFT detectors use second-order derivatives
Edge Detection: Canny edge detector uses gradient magnitude and direction
Image Smoothing: Anisotropic diffusion uses local gradient information
Object Recognition: SIFT and SURF descriptors encode gradient histograms

What are Morphological Operations and Why are They Important?

Morphological operations are fundamental image processing techniques that analyze and modify image shapes. They work by applying a structuring element (kernel) to each pixel and its neighborhood.

Mathematical Foundation:

For a binary image A and structuring element B, the basic operations are:

Erosion: Shrinks foreground regions

AB={zBzA}A \ominus B = \{z | B_z \subseteq A\}

Dilation: Expands foreground regions

AB={zBzA}A \oplus B = \{z | B_z \cap A \neq \emptyset\}

Core Applications:

Noise Removal: Remove small artifacts and fill gaps
Shape Analysis: Skeletonization, boundary extraction
Object Separation: Separate touching objects
Feature Enhancement: Emphasize specific shapes

def demonstrate_basic_morphology(image):
    """Demonstrate basic morphological operations"""
    
    # Convert to binary if needed
    if len(image.shape) == 3:
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
    else:
        gray = image.copy()
    
    # Create binary image using Otsu thresholding
    _, binary = cv2.threshold(gray, 0, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY + cv2.THRESH_OTSU)
    
    # Define structuring elements
    kernel_3x3 = np.ones((3,3), np.uint8)
    kernel_5x5 = np.ones((5,5), np.uint8)
    kernel_cross = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_CROSS, (5,5))
    kernel_ellipse = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (5,5))
    
    # Basic operations
    erosion_3x3 = cv2.erode(binary, kernel_3x3, iterations=1)
    dilation_3x3 = cv2.dilate(binary, kernel_3x3, iterations=1)
    erosion_5x5 = cv2.erode(binary, kernel_5x5, iterations=1)
    dilation_5x5 = cv2.dilate(binary, kernel_5x5, iterations=1)
    
    # Different structuring elements
    erosion_cross = cv2.erode(binary, kernel_cross, iterations=1)
    erosion_ellipse = cv2.erode(binary, kernel_ellipse, iterations=1)
    
    return {
        'original': binary,
        'erosion_3x3': erosion_3x3,
        'dilation_3x3': dilation_3x3,
        'erosion_5x5': erosion_5x5,
        'dilation_5x5': dilation_5x5,
        'erosion_cross': erosion_cross,
        'erosion_ellipse': erosion_ellipse,
        'kernels': {
            '3x3': kernel_3x3,
            '5x5': kernel_5x5,
            'cross': kernel_cross,
            'ellipse': kernel_ellipse
        }
    }

# Load a binary-friendly image or create one
# For demonstration, let's create a simple binary image
test_img = np.zeros((200, 200), dtype=np.uint8)
cv2.rectangle(test_img, (50, 50), (150, 150), 255, -1)
cv2.circle(test_img, (100, 100), 30, 0, -1)
cv2.rectangle(test_img, (75, 75), (125, 85), 0, -1)

# Apply morphological operations
morph_results = demonstrate_basic_morphology(test_img)

# Visualize results
fig, axes = plt.subplots(3, 3, figsize=(15, 15))

axes[0,0].imshow(morph_results['original'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,0].set_title('Original Binary Image')
axes[0,1].imshow(morph_results['erosion_3x3'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,1].set_title('Erosion (3×3 kernel)')
axes[0,2].imshow(morph_results['dilation_3x3'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,2].set_title('Dilation (3×3 kernel)')

axes[1,0].imshow(morph_results['erosion_5x5'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,0].set_title('Erosion (5×5 kernel)')
axes[1,1].imshow(morph_results['dilation_5x5'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,1].set_title('Dilation (5×5 kernel)')
axes[1,2].imshow(morph_results['erosion_cross'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,2].set_title('Erosion (Cross kernel)')

# Show different kernels
axes[2,0].imshow(morph_results['kernels']['3x3'], cmap='gray')
axes[2,0].set_title('3×3 Rectangular Kernel')
axes[2,1].imshow(morph_results['kernels']['cross'], cmap='gray')
axes[2,1].set_title('Cross-shaped Kernel')
axes[2,2].imshow(morph_results['kernels']['ellipse'], cmap='gray')
axes[2,2].set_title('Elliptical Kernel')

for ax in axes.flat:
    ax.axis('off')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

How Do Opening and Closing Operations Work?

Opening and closing are compound morphological operations that combine erosion and dilation for specific shape analysis tasks.

Mathematical Definitions:

Opening: Erosion followed by dilation

AB=(AB)BA \circ B = (A \ominus B) \oplus B

Closing: Dilation followed by erosion

AB=(AB)BA \bullet B = (A \oplus B) \ominus B

Key Properties:

Opening: Removes small objects, separates connected objects
Closing: Fills small holes, connects nearby objects
Both: Preserve the overall size of remaining objects

  def demonstrate_opening_closing(image):
    """Demonstrate opening and closing operations with detailed analysis"""
    
    # Convert to binary
    if len(image.shape) == 3:
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
    else:
        gray = image.copy()
    
    _, binary = cv2.threshold(gray, 0, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY + cv2.THRESH_OTSU)
    
    # Add some noise to demonstrate cleaning effects
    noisy = binary.copy()
    # Add salt noise (white pixels)
    noise_mask = np.random.random(noisy.shape) < 0.02
    noisy[noise_mask] = 255
    # Add pepper noise (black pixels)
    noise_mask = np.random.random(noisy.shape) < 0.02
    noisy[noise_mask] = 0
    
    # Define kernels of different sizes
    kernels = {
        'small': np.ones((3,3), np.uint8),
        'medium': np.ones((7,7), np.uint8),
        'large': np.ones((15,15), np.uint8)
    }
    
    results = {'original': binary, 'noisy': noisy}
    
    for kernel_name, kernel in kernels.items():
        # Opening: erosion followed by dilation

How Can We Create Gradient-Based Morphological Tools?

By combining gradient analysis with morphological operations, we can create powerful tools that adapt their behavior based on local image structure. This approach is particularly useful for edge-preserving smoothing and adaptive shape analysis.

Mathematical Foundation:

We can define gradient-weighted morphological operations where the structuring element is modified based on local gradient information:

Badaptive(x,y)=Bw(I(x,y))B_{adaptive}(x,y) = B \cdot w(|\nabla I(x,y)|)

where w() is a weighting function based on gradient magnitude.

def gradient_based_morphology(image):
    """Create adaptive morphological operations based on gradient information"""

    # Convert to grayscale if needed
    if len(image.shape) == 3:
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
    else:
        gray = image.copy()

    # Calculate gradients
    grad_x = cv2.Sobel(gray, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
    grad_y = cv2.Sobel(gray, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
    gradient_magnitude = np.sqrt(grad_x**2 + grad_y**2)
    gradient_direction = np.arctan2(grad_y, grad_x)

    # Normalize gradient magnitude to [0, 1]
    grad_norm = cv2.normalize(gradient_magnitude, None, 0, 1, cv2.NORM_MINMAX)

    # Create binary image for morphological operations
    _, binary = cv2.threshold(gray, 0, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY + cv2.THRESH_OTSU)

    def adaptive_morphology(binary_img, grad_mag, operation='opening', base_kernel_size=5):
        """Apply morphological operation with kernel size adapted to gradient"""

        result = np.zeros_like(binary_img)
        h, w = binary_img.shape

        # Define kernel size based on gradient magnitude
        # Low gradient (smooth areas) → larger kernel
        # High gradient (edges) → smaller kernel
        max_kernel_size = base_kernel_size * 2
        min_kernel_size = 3

        for i in range(min_kernel_size//2, h - min_kernel_size//2):
            for j in range(min_kernel_size//2, w - min_kernel_size//2):
                # Determine local kernel size based on gradient
                local_grad = grad_mag[i, j]
                # Inverse relationship: high gradient → small kernel
                kernel_size = int(max_kernel_size * (1 - local_grad) + min_kernel_size * local_grad)
                kernel_size = max(min_kernel_size, min(max_kernel_size, kernel_size))

                # Ensure odd kernel size
                if kernel_size % 2 == 0:
                    kernel_size += 1

                # Extract local region
                            half_k = kernel_size // 2
                            local_region = binary_img[i-half_k:i+half_k+1, j-half_k:j+half_k+1]

                            if local_region.shape[0] == kernel_size and local_region.shape[1] == kernel_size:
                            kernel = np.ones((kernel_size, kernel_size), np.uint8)

                            if operation == 'opening':
                            # Erosion followed by dilation
                            eroded = cv2.erode(local_region, kernel, iterations=1)
                            opened = cv2.dilate(eroded, kernel, iterations=1)
                            result[i, j] = opened[half_k, half_k]
                            elif operation == 'closing':
                            # Dilation followed by erosion
                            dilated = cv2.dilate(local_region, kernel, iterations=1)
                            closed = cv2.erode(dilated, kernel, iterations=1)
                            result[i, j] = closed[half_k, half_k]
                            elif operation == 'erosion':
                            eroded = cv2.erode(local_region, kernel, iterations=1)
                            result[i, j] = eroded[half_k, half_k]
                            elif operation == 'dilation':
                            dilated = cv2.dilate(local_region, kernel, iterations=1)
                            result[i, j] = dilated[half_k, half_k]

                            return result

                            # Apply different adaptive operations
                            adaptive_opening = adaptive_morphology(binary, grad_norm, 'opening', 5)
                            adaptive_closing = adaptive_morphology(binary, grad_norm, 'closing', 5)

                            # Compare with standard operations
                            standard_kernel = np.ones((7,7), np.uint8)
                            standard_opening = cv2.morphologyEx(binary, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, standard_kernel)
                            standard_closing = cv2.morphologyEx(binary, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, standard_kernel)

                            # Direction-based morphological operations
                            def directional_morphology(binary_img, grad_dir, operation='erosion'):
                            """Apply morphological operation with direction-based structuring element"""

                            result = np.zeros_like(binary_img)
                            h, w = binary_img.shape

                            for i in range(2, h - 2):
                            for j in range(2, w - 2):
                            angle = grad_dir[i, j]

                            # Create line structuring element aligned with gradient direction
                            # (perpendicular to edge direction)
                            line_length = 5
                            line_kernel = np.zeros((5, 5), np.uint8)

                            # Calculate line endpoints
                            dx = int(2 * np.cos(angle + np.pi/2))  # Perpendicular to gradient
                            dy = int(2 * np.sin(angle + np.pi/2))

                            # Draw line in kernel
                            center = 2
                            cv2.line(line_kernel,
                            (center - dx, center - dy),
                            (center + dx, center + dy), 1, 1)

                            # Apply operation with directional kernel
                            local_region = binary_img[i-2:i+3, j-2:j+3]

                            if operation == 'erosion':
                            # Check if all kernel pixels are foreground
                            mask = line_kernel == 1
                            if np.all(local_region[mask] == 255):
                            result[i, j] = 255
                            elif operation == 'dilation':
                            # Check if any kernel pixels are foreground
                            mask = line_kernel == 1
                            if np.any(local_region[mask] == 255):
                            result[i, j] = 255

                            return result

                            directional_erosion = directional_morphology(binary, gradient_direction, 'erosion')
                            directional_dilation = directional_morphology(binary, gradient_direction, 'dilation')

                            return {
                                'original': binary,
                            'gradient_magnitude': gradient_magnitude,
                            'gradient_direction': gradient_direction,
                            'adaptive_opening': adaptive_opening,
                            'adaptive_closing': adaptive_closing,
                            'standard_opening': standard_opening,
                            'standard_closing': standard_closing,
                            'directional_erosion': directional_erosion,
                            'directional_dilation': directional_dilation
    }

                            # Apply gradient-based morphology
                            grad_morph_results = gradient_based_morphology(img)

                            # Create visualization
                            fig, axes = plt.subplots(3, 4, figsize=(20, 15))

                            # Row 1: Original data
                            axes[0,0].imshow(grad_morph_results['original'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[0,0].set_title('Binary Image')
                            axes[0,1].imshow(grad_morph_results['gradient_magnitude'], cmap='hot')
                            axes[0,1].set_title('Gradient Magnitude')
                            axes[0,2].imshow(grad_morph_results['gradient_direction'], cmap='hsv')
                            axes[0,2].set_title('Gradient Direction')
                            axes[0,3].axis('off')

                            # Row 2: Adaptive vs Standard Opening
                            axes[1,0].imshow(grad_morph_results['standard_opening'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[1,0].set_title('Standard Opening')
                            axes[1,1].imshow(grad_morph_results['adaptive_opening'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[1,1].set_title('Adaptive Opening')
                            diff_opening = grad_morph_results['adaptive_opening'].astype(float) - grad_morph_results['standard_opening'].astype(float)
                            axes[1,2].imshow(diff_opening, cmap='RdBu')
                            axes[1,2].set_title('Difference (Adaptive - Standard)')
                            axes[1,3].axis('off')

                            # Row 3: Adaptive vs Standard Closing & Directional operations
                            axes[2,0].imshow(grad_morph_results['standard_closing'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[2,0].set_title('Standard Closing')
                            axes[2,1].imshow(grad_morph_results['adaptive_closing'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[2,1].set_title('Adaptive Closing')
                            axes[2,2].imshow(grad_morph_results['directional_erosion'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[2,2].set_title('Directional Erosion')
                            axes[2,3].imshow(grad_morph_results['directional_dilation'], cmap='gray')
                            axes[2,3].set_title('Directional Dilation')

                            for ax in axes.flat:
                            ax.axis('off')

                            plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

How Do We Build a Shape Analysis Tool?

A comprehensive shape analysis tool combines gradients and morphological operations to extract, quantify, and classify shapes in images. This involves multiple mathematical concepts working together.

Key Components:

Shape Detection: Using gradient-based edge detection
Shape Extraction: Contour finding and morphological cleaning
Shape Descriptors: Mathematical features that characterize shapes
Shape Classification: Categorizing shapes based on computed features

class ShapeAnalyzer:
    """Comprehensive shape analysis tool combining gradients and morphology"""
    
    def __init__(self):
        self.shapes_data = []
        self.shape_descriptors = {}
    
    def preprocess_image(self, image):
        """Preprocess image for shape analysis"""
        
        # Convert to grayscale
        if len(image.shape) == 3:
            gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
        else:
            gray = image.copy()
        
        # Enhance contrast
        clahe = cv2.createCLAHE(clipLimit=2.0, tileGridSize=(8,8))
        enhanced = clahe.apply(gray)
        
        # Reduce noise
        denoised = cv2.bilateralFilter(enhanced, 9, 75, 75)
        
        return denoised
    
    def detect_edges_gradient(self, image):
        """Edge detection using gradient analysis"""
        
        # Calculate gradients
        grad_x = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
        grad_y = cv2.Sobel(image, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
        gradient_magnitude = np.sqrt(grad_x**2 + grad_y**2)
        gradient_direction = np.arctan2(grad_y, grad_x)
        
        # Non-maximum suppression (simplified Canny approach)
        suppressed = self.non_max_suppression(gradient_magnitude, gradient_direction)
        
        # Threshold to get edges
        edge_threshold = np.percentile(suppressed, 85)
        edges = suppressed > edge_threshold
        
        return edges.astype(np.uint8) * 255, gradient_magnitude, gradient_direction
    
    def non_max_suppression(self, magnitude, direction):
        """Apply non-maximum suppression to thin edges"""
        
        h, w = magnitude.shape
        suppressed = np.zeros_like(magnitude)
        
        # Convert angle to 0-180 degrees
        angle = direction * 180.0 / np.pi
        angle[angle < 0] += 180
        
        for i in range(1, h-1):
            for j in range(1, w-1):
                angle_val = angle[i, j]
                
                # Determine neighboring pixels based on gradient direction
                if (0 <= angle_val < 22.5) or (157.5 <= angle_val <= 180):
                    # Horizontal edge
                    neighbors = [magnitude[i, j-1], magnitude[i, j+1]]
                elif (22.5 <= angle_val < 67.5):
                    # Diagonal edge (/)
                    neighbors = [magnitude[i-1, j+1], magnitude[i+1, j-1]]
                elif (67.5 <= angle_val < 112.5):
                    # Vertical edge
                    neighbors = [magnitude[i-1, j], magnitude[i+1, j]]
                else:
                    # Diagonal edge ()
                    neighbors = [magnitude[i-1, j-1], magnitude[i+1, j+1]]
                
                # Suppress if not local maximum
                if magnitude[i, j] >= max(neighbors):
                    suppressed[i, j] = magnitude[i, j]
        
        return suppressed
    
    def extract_shapes(self, edges):
        """Extract and clean shapes using morphological operations"""
        
        # Clean edges
        kernel = np.ones((3,3), np.uint8)
        
        # Close small gaps in edges
        closed = cv2.morphologyEx(edges, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, kernel, iterations=2)
        
        # Fill enclosed regions
        filled = closed.copy()
        contours, _ = cv2.findContours(closed, cv2.RETR_EXTERNAL, cv2.CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE)
        cv2.fillPoly(filled, contours, 255)
        
        # Remove small artifacts
        opened = cv2.morphologyEx(filled, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, 
                                 cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (5,5)), 
                                 iterations=1)
        
        return opened, contours
    
    def calculate_shape_descriptors(self, contour):
        """Calculate comprehensive shape descriptors"""
        
        if len(contour) < 5:
            return None
        
        # Basic geometric properties
        area = cv2.contourArea(contour)
        perimeter = cv2.arcLength(contour, True)
        
        if area == 0 or perimeter == 0:
            return None
        
        # Bounding rectangle
        x, y, w, h = cv2.boundingRect(contour)
        
        # Minimum enclosing circle
        (center_x, center_y), radius = cv2.minEnclosingCircle(contour)
        
        # Fitted ellipse (if enough points)
        if len(contour) >= 5:
            ellipse = cv2.fitEllipse(contour)
            ellipse_area = np.pi * ellipse[1][0] * ellipse[1][1] / 4
        else:
            ellipse_area = 0
        
        # Convex hull
        hull = cv2.convexHull(contour)
        hull_area = cv2.contourArea(hull)
        
        # Shape descriptors
        descriptors = {
            # Basic properties
            'area': area,
            'perimeter': perimeter,
            'centroid': (center_x, center_y),
            
            # Derived measures
            'circularity': 4 * np.pi * area / (perimeter**2) if perimeter > 0 else 0,
            'aspect_ratio': float(w) / h if h > 0 else 0,
            'extent': area / (w * h) if (w * h) > 0 else 0,
            'solidity': area / hull_area if hull_area > 0 else 0,
            'compactness': perimeter**2 / area if area > 0 else 0,
            
            # Shape complexity
            'convexity_defects': len(cv2.convexityDefects(contour, cv2.convexHull(contour, returnPoints=False))) if len(contour) > 3 else 0,
            'eccentricity': self.calculate_eccentricity(contour),
            
            # Bounding shape comparisons
            'rectangularity': area / (w * h) if (w * h) > 0 else 0,
            'circularity_radius': area / (np.pi * radius**2) if radius > 0 else 0,
            'ellipticity': area / ellipse_area if ellipse_area > 0 else 0,
        }
        
        return descriptors
    
    def calculate_eccentricity(self, contour):
        """Calculate eccentricity using moments"""
        
        if len(contour) < 5:
            return 0
        
        moments = cv2.moments(contour)
        if moments['m00'] == 0:
            return 0
        
        # Central moments
        mu20 = moments['mu20'] / moments['m00']
        mu02 = moments['mu02'] / moments['m00']
        mu11 = moments['mu11'] / moments['m00']
        
        # Calculate eccentricity
        lambda1 = (mu20 + mu02 + np.sqrt((mu20 - mu02)**2 + 4*mu11**2)) / 2
        lambda2 = (mu20 + mu02 - np.sqrt((mu20 - mu02)**2 + 4*mu11**2)) / 2
        
        if lambda1 == 0:
            return 0
        
        eccentricity = np.sqrt(1 - lambda2/lambda1) if lambda1 > lambda2 else 0
        return eccentricity
    
    def classify_shape(self, descriptors):
        """Simple shape classification based on descriptors"""
        
        if descriptors is None:
            return 'unknown'
        
        circularity = descriptors['circularity']
        aspect_ratio = descriptors['aspect_ratio']
        rectangularity = descriptors['rectangularity']
        solidity = descriptors['solidity']
        
        # Classification rules
        if circularity > 0.7:
            return 'circle'
        elif rectangularity > 0.8 and solidity > 0.95:
            if 0.8 < aspect_ratio < 1.2:
                return 'square'
            else:
                return 'rectangle'
        elif solidity > 0.95 and 3 <= descriptors.get('convexity_defects', 0) <= 6:
            return 'triangle'
        elif solidity < 0.7:
            return 'complex_shape'
        else:
            return 'irregular'
    
    def analyze_image(self, image):
        """Complete shape analysis pipeline"""
        
        # Preprocess
        processed = self.preprocess_image(image)
        
        # Edge detection
        edges, grad_mag, grad_dir = self.detect_edges_gradient(processed)
        
        # Shape extraction
        shape_mask, contours = self.extract_shapes(edges)
        
        # Analyze each shape
        analysis_results = {
            'processed_image': processed,
            'edges': edges,
            'gradient_magnitude': grad_mag,
            'shape_mask': shape_mask,
            'shapes': []
        }
        
        for i, contour in enumerate(contours):
            if cv2.contourArea(contour) > 100:  # Filter small contours
                descriptors = self.calculate_shape_descriptors(contour)
                if descriptors:
                    shape_class = self.classify_shape(descriptors)
                    
                    analysis_results['shapes'].append({
                        'contour': contour,
                        'descriptors': descriptors,
                        'classification': shape_class,
                        'id': i
                    })
        
        return analysis_results

# Create and test the shape analyzer
shape_analyzer = ShapeAnalyzer()

# Create test image with various shapes
test_image = np.zeros((400, 600, 3), dtype=np.uint8)

# Add various shapes with different intensities
cv2.rectangle(test_image, (50, 50), (150, 150), (200, 200, 200), -1)  # Square
cv2.circle(test_image, (300, 100), 50, (180, 180, 180), -1)           # Circle
cv2.ellipse(test_image, (450, 100), (60, 30), 0, 0, 360, (160, 160, 160), -1)  # Ellipse

# Triangle
triangle_pts = np.array([[100, 250], [150, 350], [50, 350]], np.int32)
cv2.fillPoly(test_image, [triangle_pts], (140, 140, 140))

# Complex shape (L-shape)
cv2.rectangle(test_image, (250, 250), (350, 300), (120, 120, 120), -1)
cv2.rectangle(test_image, (250, 300), (300, 350), (120, 120, 120), -1)

# Star shape (complex)
center = (450, 300)
outer_radius = 40
inner_radius = 20
star_points = []
for i in range(10):
    angle = i * np.pi / 5
    if i % 2 == 0:
        radius = outer_radius
    else:
        radius = inner_radius
    x = int(center[0] + radius * np.cos(angle))
    y = int(center[1] + radius * np.sin(angle))
    star_points.append([x, y])
cv2.fillPoly(test_image, [np.array(star_points, np.int32)], (100, 100, 100))

# Analyze the shapes
results = shape_analyzer.analyze_image(test_image)

# Visualize results
fig, axes = plt.subplots(2, 4, figsize=(20, 10))

# Row 1: Processing steps
axes[0,0].imshow(cv2.cvtColor(test_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB))
axes[0,0].set_title('Original Image')

axes[0,1].imshow(results['processed_image'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,1].set_title('Preprocessed')

axes[0,2].imshow(results['gradient_magnitude'], cmap='hot')
axes[0,2].set_title('Gradient Magnitude')

axes[0,3].imshow(results['edges'], cmap='gray')
axes[0,3].set_title('Detected Edges')

# Row 2: Shape analysis
axes[1,0].imshow(results['shape_mask'], cmap='gray')
axes[1,0].set_title('Extracted Shapes')

# Draw classified shapes with labels
classified_image = cv2.cvtColor(test_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB).copy()
colors = [(255,0,0), (0,255,0), (0,0,255), (255,255,0), (255,0,255), (0,255,255)]

for i, shape_data in enumerate(results['shapes']):
    contour = shape_data['contour']
    classification = shape_data['classification']
    descriptors = shape_data['descriptors']
    
    # Draw contour
    color = colors[i % len(colors)]
    cv2.drawContours(classified_image, [contour], -1, color, 2)
    
    # Add label
    moments = cv2.moments(contour)
    if moments['m00'] != 0:
        cx = int(moments['m10'] / moments['m00'])
        cy = int(moments['m01'] / moments['m00'])
        cv2.putText(classified_image, f"{classification}", 
                   (cx-30, cy), cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_SIMPLEX, 0.5, color, 1)

axes[1,1].imshow(classified_image)
axes[1,1].set_title('Classified Shapes')

# Shape descriptor comparison
if results['shapes']:
    shape_names = [shape['classification'] for shape in results['shapes']]
    circularities = [shape['descriptors']['circularity'] for shape in results['shapes']]
    aspect_ratios = [shape['descriptors']['aspect_ratio'] for shape in results['shapes']]
    
    axes[1,2].scatter(circularities, aspect_ratios, c=range(len(shape_names)), cmap='tab10')
    axes[1,2].set_xlabel('Circularity')
    axes[1,2].set_ylabel('Aspect Ratio')
    axes[1,2].set_title('Shape Feature Space')
    
    # Add shape labels
    for i, name in enumerate(shape_names):
        axes[1,2].annotate(name, (circularities[i], aspect_ratios[i]), 
                          xytext=(5, 5), textcoords='offset points', fontsize=8)

# Shape statistics table
if results['shapes']:
    stats_text = "Shape Analysis Results:

"
    for i, shape_data in enumerate(results['shapes']):
        desc = shape_data['descriptors']
        classification = shape_data['classification']
        stats_text += f"Shape {i+1} ({classification}):
"
        stats_text += f"  Area: {desc['area']:.0f}
"
        stats_text += f"  Circularity: {desc['circularity']:.3f}
"
        stats_text += f"  Aspect Ratio: {desc['aspect_ratio']:.3f}
"
        stats_text += f"  Solidity: {desc['solidity']:.3f}
"
        stats_text += f"  Eccentricity: {desc['eccentricity']:.3f}

"
    
    axes[1,3].text(0.05, 0.95, stats_text, transform=axes[1,3].transAxes, 
                   verticalalignment='top', fontfamily='monospace', fontsize=8)
    axes[1,3].set_xlim(0, 1)
    axes[1,3].set_ylim(0, 1)
    axes[1,3].axis('off')
    axes[1,3].set_title('Shape Descriptors')

for ax in axes.flat[:-1]:
    ax.axis('off')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

# Print detailed analysis
print("Detailed Shape Analysis:")
print("=" * 50)
for i, shape_data in enumerate(results['shapes']):
    desc = shape_data['descriptors']
    classification = shape_data['classification']
    
    print(f"
Shape {i+1}: {classification.upper()}")
    print(f"Area: {desc['area']:.1f} pixels")
    print(f"Perimeter: {desc['perimeter']:.1f} pixels")
    print(f"Centroid: ({desc['centroid'][0]:.1f}, {desc['centroid'][1]:.1f})")
    print(f"Circularity: {desc['circularity']:.3f} (1.0 = perfect circle)")
    print(f"Aspect Ratio: {desc['aspect_ratio']:.3f} (1.0 = square)")
    print(f"Rectangularity: {desc['rectangularity']:.3f}")
    print(f"Solidity: {desc['solidity']:.3f} (convexity measure)")
    print(f"Eccentricity: {desc['eccentricity']:.3f} (0 = circle, 1 = line)")
    print(f"Compactness: {desc['compactness']:.3f}")
    
    # Shape classification explanation
    if classification == 'circle':
        print("→ High circularity indicates this is likely a circle")
    elif classification == 'square':
        print("→ High rectangularity + aspect ratio ≈ 1.0 indicates a square")
    elif classification == 'rectangle':
        print("→ High rectangularity + aspect ratio ≠ 1.0 indicates a rectangle")
    elif classification == 'triangle':
        print("→ High solidity + specific convexity defects indicate a triangle")
    elif classification == 'complex_shape':
        print("→ Low solidity indicates a complex, non-convex shape")
    else:
        print("→ Properties don't match common geometric shapes")
    
    print("-" * 30)

What are the Practical Applications and Advanced Techniques?

The combination of derivatives, gradients, and morphological operations enables numerous advanced applications in computer vision and image analysis.

Real-world Applications:

Medical Imaging: Tumor detection, cell counting, organ segmentation
Industrial Inspection: Defect detection, quality control, part classification
Autonomous Vehicles: Lane detection, obstacle recognition, traffic sign analysis
Biometrics: Fingerprint analysis, face recognition, iris scanning
Robotics: Object manipulation, navigation, visual servoing

def advanced_applications_demo():
    """Demonstrate advanced applications combining gradients and morphology"""
    
    # Application 1: Lane Detection (Autonomous Vehicles)
    def detect_lanes(image):
        """Simplified lane detection using gradients and morphology"""
        
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY) if len(image.shape) == 3 else image
        
        # Focus on bottom half of image (road area)
        roi = gray[gray.shape[0]//2:, :]
        
        # Enhance lane markings using gradient
        grad_x = cv2.Sobel(roi, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
        grad_magnitude = np.abs(grad_x)
        
        # Threshold to get strong vertical edges (lane markings)
        threshold = np.percentile(grad_magnitude, 95)
        lane_candidates = (grad_magnitude > threshold).astype(np.uint8) * 255
        
        # Morphological operations to clean and connect lane segments
        kernel_vertical = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_RECT, (1, 15))
        lane_enhanced = cv2.morphologyEx(lane_candidates, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, kernel_vertical)
        
        # Remove small artifacts
        kernel_clean = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_RECT, (3, 3))
        lane_cleaned = cv2.morphologyEx(lane_enhanced, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, kernel_clean)
        
        return lane_cleaned, grad_magnitude
    
    # Application 2: Cell Counting (Medical Imaging)
    def count_cells(image):
        """Cell counting using watershed segmentation with gradients"""
        
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY) if len(image.shape) == 3 else image
        
        # Enhance contrast
        clahe = cv2.createCLAHE(clipLimit=2.0, tileGridSize=(8,8))
        enhanced = clahe.apply(gray)
        
        # Threshold to get cell regions
        _, binary = cv2.threshold(enhanced, 0, 255, cv2.THRESH_BINARY + cv2.THRESH_OTSU)
        
        # Remove noise
        kernel = np.ones((3,3), np.uint8)
        opening = cv2.morphologyEx(binary, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, kernel, iterations=2)
        
        # Identify definite background
        sure_bg = cv2.dilate(opening, kernel, iterations=3)
        
        # Identify definite foreground using distance transform
        dist_transform = cv2.distanceTransform(opening, cv2.DIST_L2, 5)
        _, sure_fg = cv2.threshold(dist_transform, 0.7*dist_transform.max(), 255, 0)
        
        # Find unknown region
        sure_fg = np.uint8(sure_fg)
        unknown = cv2.subtract(sure_bg, sure_fg)
        
        # Marker labeling
        _, markers = cv2.connectedComponents(sure_fg)
        markers = markers + 1
        markers[unknown == 255] = 0
        
        # Apply watershed
        if len(image.shape) == 3:
            markers = cv2.watershed(image, markers)
        else:
            # Convert grayscale to BGR for watershed
            img_bgr = cv2.cvtColor(gray, cv2.COLOR_GRAY2BGR)
            markers = cv2.watershed(img_bgr, markers)
        
        # Count cells (number of unique markers - background)
        unique_markers = np.unique(markers)
        cell_count = len(unique_markers) - 2  # Subtract background (1) and boundaries (-1)
        
        return markers, cell_count, dist_transform
    
    # Application 3: Defect Detection (Industrial Inspection)
    def detect_defects(reference_image, test_image):
        """Detect manufacturing defects by comparing against reference"""
        
        # Convert to grayscale
        ref_gray = cv2.cvtColor(reference_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY) if len(reference_image.shape) == 3 else reference_image
        test_gray = cv2.cvtColor(test_image, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY) if len(test_image.shape) == 3 else test_image
        
        # Align images (simplified - assumes same size)
        if ref_gray.shape != test_gray.shape:
            test_gray = cv2.resize(test_gray, (ref_gray.shape[1], ref_gray.shape[0]))
        
        # Calculate difference
        diff = cv2.absdiff(ref_gray, test_gray)
        
        # Enhance differences using gradient
        grad_x = cv2.Sobel(diff, cv2.CV_64F, 1, 0, ksize=3)
        grad_y = cv2.Sobel(diff, cv2.CV_64F, 0, 1, ksize=3)
        grad_magnitude = np.sqrt(grad_x**2 + grad_y**2)
        
        # Threshold to identify defects
        threshold = np.percentile(grad_magnitude, 90)
        defect_mask = (grad_magnitude > threshold).astype(np.uint8) * 255
        
        # Morphological operations to clean defect regions
        kernel = cv2.getStructuringElement(cv2.MORPH_ELLIPSE, (5, 5))
        defect_cleaned = cv2.morphologyEx(defect_mask, cv2.MORPH_CLOSE, kernel)
        defect_cleaned = cv2.morphologyEx(defect_cleaned, cv2.MORPH_OPEN, kernel)
        
        # Find defect contours
        contours, _ = cv2.findContours(defect_cleaned, cv2.RETR_EXTERNAL, cv2.CHAIN_APPROX_SIMPLE)
        
        # Filter by size
        significant_defects = [c for c in contours if cv2.contourArea(c) > 50]
        
        return defect_cleaned, significant_defects, diff
    
    return detect_lanes, count_cells, detect_defects

# Get the application functions
detect_lanes, count_cells, detect_defects = advanced_applications_demo()

# Create demo images for each application
print("Advanced Applications of Gradients and Morphology")
print("=" * 60)

# Demo 1: Lane Detection
print("
1. LANE DETECTION (Autonomous Vehicles)")
print("-" * 40)

# Create a simple road image
road_img = np.zeros((300, 400, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
road_img[:] = (80, 80, 80)  # Dark gray road

# Add lane markings
cv2.line(road_img, (100, 150), (100, 300), (255, 255, 255), 4)  # Left lane
cv2.line(road_img, (300, 150), (300, 300), (255, 255, 255), 4)  # Right lane

# Add dashed center line
for y in range(150, 300, 20):
    cv2.line(road_img, (200, y), (200, y+10), (255, 255, 255), 2)

lanes, grad = detect_lanes(road_img)
print(f"Lane detection completed. Detected lane pixels: {np.sum(lanes > 0)}")

# Demo 2: Cell Counting
print("
2. CELL COUNTING (Medical Imaging)")
print("-" * 40)

# Create synthetic cell image
cell_img = np.zeros((200, 200), dtype=np.uint8)
centers = [(50, 50), (150, 50), (50, 150), (150, 150), (100, 100)]
for center in centers:
    cv2.circle(cell_img, center, 20, 180, -1)
    cv2.circle(cell_img, center, 15, 200, -1)  # Brighter center

# Add some noise
noise = np.random.randint(0, 50, cell_img.shape, dtype=np.uint8)
cell_img = cv2.add(cell_img, noise)

cell_img_bgr = cv2.cvtColor(cell_img, cv2.COLOR_GRAY2BGR)
markers, cell_count, distance = count_cells(cell_img_bgr)
print(f"Cell counting completed. Detected {cell_count} cells")

# Demo 3: Defect Detection
print("
3. DEFECT DETECTION (Industrial Inspection)")
print("-" * 40)

# Create reference and test images
ref_img = np.ones((150, 150), dtype=np.uint8) * 200
cv2.rectangle(ref_img, (50, 50), (100, 100), 100, -1)

test_img = ref_img.copy()
# Add defects
cv2.circle(test_img, (75, 30), 5, 50, -1)  # Scratch
cv2.rectangle(test_img, (120, 75), (130, 85), 150, -1)  # Spot

defects, defect_contours, diff = detect_defects(ref_img, test_img)
print(f"Defect detection completed. Found {len(defect_contours)} significant defects")

# Visualize all applications
fig, axes = plt.subplots(3, 3, figsize=(18, 15))

# Lane Detection Row
axes[0,0].imshow(cv2.cvtColor(road_img, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB))
axes[0,0].set_title('Road Image')
axes[0,1].imshow(grad, cmap='hot')
axes[0,1].set_title('Gradient Magnitude')
axes[0,2].imshow(lanes, cmap='gray')
axes[0,2].set_title('Detected Lanes')

# Cell Counting Row
axes[1,0].imshow(cell_img, cmap='gray')
axes[1,0].set_title('Cell Image')
axes[1,1].imshow(distance, cmap='hot')
axes[1,1].set_title('Distance Transform')
axes[1,2].imshow(markers, cmap='nipy_spectral')
axes[1,2].set_title(f'Watershed Segmentation
({cell_count} cells)')

# Defect Detection Row
axes[2,0].imshow(ref_img, cmap='gray')
axes[2,0].set_title('Reference Image')
axes[2,1].imshow(test_img, cmap='gray')
axes[2,1].set_title('Test Image')
axes[2,2].imshow(defects, cmap='hot')
axes[2,2].set_title(f'Detected Defects
({len(defect_contours)} defects)')

for ax in axes.flat:
    ax.axis('off')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

# Performance and accuracy metrics
print("
4. PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS")
print("-" * 40)
print("• Gradient operators: O(n) complexity per pixel")
print("• Morphological operations: O(k²n) where k is kernel size") 
print("• Shape analysis: O(m) where m is number of contour points")
print("• Real-time processing: Optimize kernel sizes and iterations")
print("• Memory usage: Consider image resolution vs accuracy tradeoffs")

print("
5. PARAMETER TUNING GUIDELINES")
print("-" * 40)
print("• Gradient thresholds: Use percentile-based adaptive thresholds")
print("• Morphological kernels: Match kernel shape to target features")
print("• Kernel sizes: Start small (3×3) and increase based on object size")
print("• Iterations: Balance noise removal vs feature preservation")
print("• Multi-scale analysis: Process at different resolutions for robustness")

Summary and Key Takeaways:

Today we explored the mathematical foundations of derivatives and gradients in image processing, combined with morphological operations for shape analysis. The key insights are:

Derivatives reveal change: First-order derivatives detect edges, second-order detect corners and textures
Gradients provide direction: Both magnitude and direction are crucial for understanding image structure
Chain rule enables transformations: Understanding how derivatives change under geometric transformations
Morphology analyzes shape: Erosion, dilation, opening, and closing modify and analyze object shapes
Combined approaches are powerful: Gradient-based morphology adapts to local image structure

Next Steps:

Practice implementing these concepts with your own images, experiment with different kernel sizes and parameters, and explore how these techniques form the foundation for more advanced computer vision algorithms like SIFT, SURF, and modern deep learning approaches.

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