Digital image processing market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of AI in computer algorithms to manipulate and analyze digital images. Digital image processing systems with AI capabilities may automatically analyze and interpret images, resulting in processing that is more accurate and efficient. Defect detection, product inspection, and quality control are all aided by digital image processing. It ensures that fulfills specific requirements and supports the upkeep of superior production techniques.

Market Dynamics

Increase in demand for real-time image processing

In the modern digital era, real-time image processing is growing increasingly important. For everything from autonomous vehicles and surveillance systems to virtual reality and medical imaging, enormous amounts of visual data need to be analyzed in real-time. A high-speed processing infrastructure for large-scale stream data becomes essential as the need for real-time data processing grows. To process large-scale stream data quickly, several dispersed nodes must be used. The number of data generated in real-time such as stock data, CCTV photos, weblogs, and satellite images is growing, demanding the processing of enormous amounts of data rapidly.

Increasing adoption of 3d image processing software

The increasing adoption of 3D image processing software in the entertainment and media industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the utilization of 3D imaging processing. Advancements in digital image processing have led to immersive experiences in movies, gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), captivating audiences in entirely new ways. In the film industry, digital Image Processing software has enabled the creation of visually stunning special effects and lifelike animations, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. This technology has elevated storytelling and drawn audiences seeking more engaging and immersive entertainment.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global digital image processing market includes the following segments by component, application, and end-users:

• Based on components, the market is sub-segmented into software and services.

• Based on application, the market is sub-segmented into visual product search, object recognition, and vision analytics.

• Based on end-users, the market is sub-segmented into retail & E-commerce, healthcare, IT & telecommunication, BFSI, government, and others (automobile & transportation and media and entertainment).

Software is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on the component, the global digital image processing market is sub-segmented into software and services. Among these, the software sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the growing adoption of image-processing software solutions in a growing industry. Developments in software technology, adaptability and flexibility of software-based solutions to meet a variety of image-processing requirements are all contributing factors. The capabilities of image-processing software have also been further improved by the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which has made it a preferred option for companies and organizations looking for effective and adaptable solutions for their image-processing needs. For instance, in March 2023, A Chinese provider of augmented reality solutions, WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc., introduced digital image processing software with holographic capabilities that include visual saliency and a channel attention mechanism.

Retail & E-commerce Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

Based on end users, the global digital image processing market is sub-segmented into retail & E-commerce, healthcare, IT & telecommunication, BFSI, government, and others (automobile & transportation and media and entertainment). Among these, the retail & E-commerce sub-segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the market. The demand for digital image processing has increased owing to the growing trend of online shopping. Applications that improve online shopping experiences and increase consumer engagement, like recommendation systems, virtual try-ons, product image enhancement, and visual search, depend on image processing technologies. Additionally, image processing plays a major role in the retail and e-commerce industries by automating product identification, streamlining inventory control, and enabling visual merchandising.

Regional Outlook

The global digital image processing market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Increasing Adoption of Digital Technologies in Asia-Pacific

• Growing demand for security and surveillance services, as well as the expanding healthcare and automotive industries and the growing usage of digital technologies, drive the growth of digital image processing in the region.

• Increasing application of image-processing technologies in government programs and investments in smart cities, healthcare upgrading, and infrastructure development.

Global Digital Image Processing Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, North America holds a significant share owing to numerous prominent technology companies and research institutions specializing in image processing and related technologies in the region. Additionally, the region's diverse range of industries, from healthcare and automotive to entertainment and aerospace, rely extensively on digital image processing solutions, further fueling the market's growth in the region. The market player introducing content creation, metaverse applications, and digital experiences, transforming a wide range of industries, from entertainment and gaming to architecture and design. For instance, in June 2023, Intel Corp. introduced an AI diffusion model that generates 360-degree images from text prompts. Intel Labs, in collaboration with Blockade Labs, introduced the latent diffusion model for 3D (LDM3D), a novel diffusion model that uses generative AI to create realistic 3D visual content. LDM3D is the industry’s first model to generate a depth map using the diffusion process to create 3D images with 360-degree views that are vivid and immersive.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global digital image processing market include Adobe Inc., Google LLC, Microsoft Corp., NVIDIA Corp., and Sony Corp., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance,

• In September 2022, ZYGO Corp. collaborated with Digital Surf to launch mx™ software with mountains® advanced contour module. The advanced contour analysis module, which was added to ZYGO’s Mx™ 9.1 release, provides advanced geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of contour profiles and horizontal contours extracted from images and surfaces

• In February 2024, Barco and Ingram Micro signed a new distribution agreement for projection and image processing in Singapore. This new agreement creates opportunities for customers and businesses in Singapore to gain access to highly innovative ProAV technology and solutions offered by Barco, namely the G-series projectors, ImagePro-4K, and PDS-4K products.

• In May 2023, GE HealthCare received US FDA 510(k) clearance for Precision DL – a new, innovative deep learning-based image processing software included in GE HealthCare’s growing Effortless Recon DL portfolio. Clinicians are increasingly adopting AI-based solutions for enhanced image quality compared to that of standard care.

• In February 2023, Caldera introduced a new version of its raster image processor (RIP) software. With the release of Version 15, Caldera users able to upgrade their software for enhanced performance, increased flexibility and improved features, which better enable them to meet the challenges of the large-format digital printing industry.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global digital image processing market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.