Image Sampling and Quantization
1. Digital Image Conversion
There are many ways to acquire digital images, but the main objective
remains the same: to generate a digital image from sensed data. A digital
image is created by converting continuous data into digital form.
This process involves two main steps:
Sampling
Quantization
2. Sampling and Quantization (Basic Concepts)
A continuous image f(x,y)f(x, y)f(x,y) is converted into digital form
through:
Sampling: Selecting specific points in the x and y directions.
Quantization: Converting brightness (intensity) values into fixed
gray levels such as 8, 16, or 256 levels.
Sampling defines pixel locations (represented as small white
squares).
Quantization assigns a gray level or intensity value to each pixel.
Together, these steps form a 2D digital image.
The method of sampling often depends on the type of sensor
used.
3. Representation of a Digital Image
The result of sampling and quantization is a matrix of numbers.
The image becomes a grid with M rows and N columns.
The coordinates (x,y)(x, y)(x,y) are now discrete integers.
o For example, the origin is at (0, 0), and the next point is (0, 1).
4. Aliasing and Moiré Patterns
Any image can be broken down into sine and cosine waves
(frequencies).
If sampling is insufficient, unwanted (aliased) frequencies appear.
Aliasing causes visual distortions in digital images.
One common distortion is the Moiré pattern, which appears as
wavy or rippled lines when fine patterns overlap or interfere.
5. Zooming and Shrinking
Zooming:
o Increases image size by generating new pixels.
o Uses interpolation methods like nearest neighbor or
bilinear interpolation to estimate new pixel values.
Shrinking:
o Reduces image size by removing rows and columns.
o Often uses averaging or subsampling to preserve important
details.
6. Conclusion
Sampling and quantization are essential steps to convert real-world
images into digital format:
Sampling defines the structure and resolution of the image.
Quantization controls the quality and intensity detail.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for image processing tasks such
as enhancement, compression, storage, and analysis.