A set of non-linear operations that process images based on their shapes using a structuring element (probe). The two fundamental operators are 'Erosion' (which shrinks objects and removes small noise) and 'Dilation' (which expands objects and fills holes). These can be combined to form more complex operations like Opening (erosion followed by dilation) and Closing (dilation followed by erosion).
Developed by Georges Matheron and Jean Serra in the 1960s at the École des Mines de Paris.
A cornerstone of classical computer vision and image processing for noise removal and shape analysis.