  This paper is an overview of Image Processing and Analysis using Scilab, a
free prototyping environment for numerical calculations similar to Matlab. We
demonstrate the capabilities of SIP -- the Scilab Image Processing Toolbox --
which extends Scilab with many functions to read and write images in over 100
major file formats, including PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFF. It also provides
routines for image filtering, edge detection, blurring, segmentation, shape
analysis, and image recognition. Basic directions to install Scilab and SIP are
given, and also a mini-tutorial on Scilab. Three practical examples of image
analysis are presented, in increasing degrees of complexity, showing how
advanced image analysis techniques seems uncomplicated in this environment.
