Quantum image processing (QIP) is a research branch of quantum information and quantum computing. It studies how to take advantage of quantum mechanics’ properties to represent images in a quantum computer and then, based on that image format, implement various image operations. Due to the quantum parallel computing derived from quantum state superposition and entanglement, QIP has natural advantages over classical image processing. But some related works misuse the notion of quantum superiority and mislead the research of QIP, which leads to a big controversy. In this paper, after describing this field’s research status, we list and analyze the doubts about QIP and argue “quantum image classification and recognition” would be the most significant opportunity to exhibit the real quantum superiority. We present the reasons for this judgment and dwell on the challenges for this opportunity in the era of NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum).
Quantum image processing (QIP) is a research branch of quantum information and quantum computing. It studies how to take advantage of quantum mechanics’ properties to represent images in a quantum computer and then, based on that image format, implement various image operations. Due to the quantum parallel computing derived from quantum state superposition and entanglement, QIP has natural advantages over classical image processing. But some related works misuse the notion of quantum superiority and mislead the research of QIP, which leads to a big controversy. In this paper, after describing this field’s research status, we list and analyze the doubts about QIP and argue “quantum image classification and recognition” would be the most significant opportunity to exhibit the real quantum superiority. We present the reasons for this judgment and dwell on the challenges for this opportunity in the era of NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum).
The Quantum Image Processing (QIP, based on developing along quantum computing and digital image analysis) is an emerging field. Due to the growing needs for image processing with high speed and efficiency in applications including medical imaging, satellite surveillance, autonomous vehicle, and big data analytics, there are limitations of scalability and speed with classical methods. By exploring the very principles on which the modern world operates, from superposition to entanglement, quantum computing provides an altogether transformative perspective on how to process and analyze images exponentially faster. QIP is the topic of this paper and how it might change the way that images are stored, processed, and interpreted; that is, we look at the theoretical foundations and practical considerations of QIP. Quantum representation of images, quantum Fourier transforms, and quantum edge detection are discussed. The challenges to technical and implementable aspects of QIP need not preclude the next generation of high speed computation. The objectives of this research include discovering the potential of QIP, and the weaknesses and future occurrence of the QIP technology.
Quantum image processing uses quantum computing, which implements the concepts of entanglement and superposition to increase efficiency, scalability, and revolutionary promise in demanding image processing ap plications. In this research paper, a comprehensive frame work for quantum image processing (QIP) is presented, which includes innovative quantum algorithms for pattern recognition, image improvement, and representation. The system presents advanced quantum encoding models for effective image data manipulation and storage. In addition, it discusses the quantum image-based algorithms that give better results than classical techniques in terms of speed and accuracy for image enhancement tasks such as edge recognition, contrast adjustment, and noise reduction. Researchers have developed quantum-based feature ex traction and classification methods for pattern recognition, which demonstrate enhanced scalability and accuracy for complex visual data. It has various applications in satellite data processing, secure visual data transmission, and medical imaging highlighted by simulations and theoretical analysis that confirm the proposed approaches.
Quantum computing is increasingly being viewed as a promising direction for the future of image processing. Conventional approaches to image classification, enhancement, compression, and restoration, although highly developed, often struggle with scalability, computational complexity, and data security—especially when processing high-dimensional or sensitive visual information. This survey explores how quantum computing can help address these limitations through quantum image representation models such as FRQI and NEQR, variational quantum circuits, and hybrid quantum–classical architectures. The primary objective of this review is to present a clear and structured overview of the current state of quantum image processing (QIP). It discusses foundational representation models, emerging hybrid learning techniques, available software frameworks and simulators, benchmarking practices, and practical applications in areas such as medical imaging, remote sensing, and biometric security. Particular attention is given to solutions that are feasible on today’s NISQ-era hardware, including hybrid architectures and quantum-secured image processing schemes. The survey concludes by identifying existing challenges and outlining realistic future research directions. Overall, it emphasizes the practical importance of hybrid models, the need for standardized quantum-oriented benchmarks, and the growing potential of quantum-based security mechanisms for safeguarding visual data.
Quantum Image Representation (QIR) has become a key component of Quantum Image Processing (QIP), enabling the encoding and manipulation of visual data within quantum computing environments.Its integration with Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) and Quantum Machine Learning (QML) has attracted significant research interest due to the potential advantages of quantum parallelism and compact data representation.This survey reviews major QIR techniques, analyzes their encoding strategies and computational characteristics, and examines their opportunities, challenges, and future relevance in quantum AI and machine learning applications.A systematic review of 70 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications published between 1992 and 2025 was conducted.The selected studies were evaluated based on encoding mechanisms, qubit requirements, circuit complexity, retrieval capability, scalability, and suitability for quantum image processing and learning tasks.The review covers prominent QIR models, including FRQI, NEQR, MCQI, QPIE, GQIR, QRMW, and tensor-network-based representations.Comparative analysis reveals important trade-offs between qubit efficiency, encoding complexity, retrieval accuracy, and scalability.Amplitude-based approaches provide compact image encoding but suffer from probabilistic retrieval, whereas basis-state representations offer deterministic recovery at the expense of increased circuit complexity.QIR demonstrates significant potential in image classification, feature extraction, image compression, and hybrid quantum-classical learning frameworks.QIR provides a promising foundation for next-generation quantum-enhanced visual intelligence systems.However, practical implementation remains constrained by state preparation overhead, noise, decoherence, limited qubit availability, and the lack of standardized evaluation frameworks.Future research should focus on scalable encoding methods, fault-tolerant quantum architectures, benchmarking standards, and deeper integration with advanced QML models to accelerate the development of practical quantum image analytics.
Quantum Image Processing (QIP)is an exciting new field showing a lot of promise as a powerful addition to the arsenal of Image Processing techniques. Representing image pixel by pixel using classical information requires an enormous amount of computational resources. Hence, exploring methods to represent images in a different paradigm of information is important. In this work, we study the representation of images in Quantum Information. The main motivation for this pursuit is the ability of storing N bits of classical information in only log(2N) quantum bits (qubits). The promising first step was the exponentially efficient implementation of the Fourier transform in quantum computers as compared to Fast Fourier Transform in classical computers. In addition, images encoded in quantum information could obey unique quantum properties like superposition or entanglement.