The last few decades have witnessed a new era of imaging sciences. From satellite imaging and X-ray imaging to modern computer aided CT, MRI, and PET imaging in medical sciences, mankind s naked vision is no longer restricted by the conventional notions of space, time, scales, and visibility. Consequently, just as Mother Nature has achieved for biological vision, there is tremendous need for developing the virtual brain structures for all these imaging areas, i.e., models and algorithms for making these mechanical or artificial vision systems more efficient, accurate, and stable, as well as artificial intelligence that can successfully process, communicate, and interpret the resultant images. The current book attempts to offer a well-organized view of this rapidly evolving field.

This introductory chapter first gives an overview of this exciting emerging field, and then introduces the scopes and structures of the current book. A detailed guidance on how to efficiently read and use the book is also speculated for different groups of potential readers.