8/19/24, 4:52 PM Difference Between Image Sampling and Quantization - Naukri Code 360

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2024 Easy

Difference Between Image Sampling and

Quantization
Author
Rahul Singh
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Images have become an indispensable part of our lives. We tend to take photographs of every
occasion to remember them. But the pictures that we take are mostly analog images. We cannot
process or store these analog images on our computers. Digital images are more useful than
analog images. We can store them on computers, apply digital image processing, make hundreds
and thousands of copies, and share them over the internet.

Collecting data from an analog source such as a photograph or video at various intervals is known
as Sampling. Digital images are then generated by recreating the analog source from the collected
samples. The color space, usually defined by its range or gamut is used to represent digital
images. whereas quantization maps the sampled values to a finite set of levels, reducing their
precision. Sampling deals with time or space intervals, while quantization addresses amplitude or
value resolution.
In this article, we will discuss about image sampling and quantization in detail.

First, let us see how to convert these analog images into digital images.

What is an Analog Image?

When we capture the image of an object, we use image sensors to sense the incoming light and
form the image. Image sensors convert the incoming light from an object into electrical signals that

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can be stored and viewed later. These analog signals are continuous. The images are stored in an
analog form. Thus, the image formed has continuous variation in the tone.

We cannot process analog images by a computer. Analog signals contain infinite points, and we
need infinite memory to store them. We need to convert the analog images into digital images to
store and process by a computer.

Analog Image to Digital Image

Conversion
An analog image is converted to a digital image by digitizing the analog signals. We apply
sampling and quantization to the analog signals to convert them into digital form.

A digital image is formed by arranging pixels in rows and columns. Each pixel has a particular
integral value. The computer process that integral value and show us that pixel, the arrangement
of the pixels form the digital image.

We use sampling and quantization to change the continuous analog image into quantized integral
values that will represent each pixel and ultimately form the digital image.

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What is Image Sampling?

Sampling is the process of converting an analog signal into discrete values. In layman's terms, we
can say that sampling is the process of recording an analog signal at regular intervals of time. A
sampling function is applied to the analog signal that results in the sampled signal.

We get a finite number of samples of an analog signal. The number of samples gives us the
number of pixels. More samples will result in higher image quality of the digital image because of
more pixels.

The sampled signal is then quantized to get the value of each pixel. Let us look at how
quantization is achieved.

What is Image Quantization?

After sampling the analog signal, we will apply quantization. Quantization digitizes the amplitude
of the sampled signal. Quantization is done by rounding off the amplitude of each sample and
then assigning a different value according to its amplitude. Each value will represent a different
color tone.

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Let us look at how different valued pixels form a grayscale image:

Each pixel is assigned an integer value after quantization. Each number represents a different
shade of grey. The collection of these pixels will form the image. In the above example, there are
256 quantization level

Difference Between Image Sampling

and Quantization

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Let's see how sampling and quantization differ:

Aspect Image Sampling Image Quantization

Definition Digitalizing an analog signal's x-axis Digitalizing its y-axis
An analog signal's amplitude value Amplitude values rounded off,
Process
noted at intervals assigned values
Order Precedes quantization Follows sampling
Establishes the number of pixels in a
Basis Establishes the color of each pixel
digital image
Pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch
Measurement Bits per channel (e.g., 8-bit color)
(DPI)
Affects the sharpness and clarity of Affects the color richness of the
Impact
the image image

Advantages of Image Sampling and

Quantization
Improved Resolution: Sampling increases the resolution of digital images, resulting in sharper
and clearer visuals.
Color Depth Control: Quantization allows for precise control over color depth, enabling the
creation of vibrant and richly colored images.
Data Compression: Sampling and quantization facilitate data compression techniques,
reducing storage requirements for images while maintaining visual quality.
Standardization: Both processes allow for standardization of image formats and quality,
ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms.

Disadvantages of Image Sampling

and Quantization
Loss of Information: Sampling and quantization may lead to the loss of subtle details and
nuances present in the original analog signal or image.
Artifacts: Improper sampling and quantization can introduce artifacts such as aliasing,
banding, and color quantization errors, degrading image quality.
Processing Overhead: Both processes require computational resources and processing time,
especially for high-resolution images or complex color palettes.
Limited Dynamic Range: Quantization can result in a loss of dynamic range, especially in low-
bit-depth images, leading to loss of color fidelity and tonal gradations.

Applications of Image Sampling and

Quantization
Digital Photography: Sampling and quantization are fundamental processes in digital
photography, enabling the capture and processing of images from digital cameras and
sensors.
Medical Imaging: Sampling and quantization are used in medical imaging techniques such as
MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound to convert analog signals into digital images for diagnosis and
analysis.
Remote Sensing: Image sampling and quantization are employed in satellite imagery and
remote sensing applications to capture and process data from Earth's surface for
environmental monitoring, urban planning, and agricultural analysis.
Graphics and Multimedia: Sampling and quantization are essential in graphics and
multimedia applications for rendering, compression, and transmission of images in computer
graphics, video streaming, and virtual reality systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2d sampling
Learn
of an image?
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2D sampling of an image involves selecting a subset of pixels across the image's two-dimensional
space to reduce its resolution or size while attempting to retain significant visual information, often
used in image processing and compression techniques.
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e Quantization?
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Image sampling is needed because it allows you to convert continuous visual data into a digital
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defines the image resolution and detail, which affects its quality.
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What is sampling theory in image processing?
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Sampling theory in image processing is the concept of converting a continuous image into a
e need image sam… discrete representation by selecting and storing values at specific sample points. It underlies
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Conclusion
In this article, you learned about Image Sampling and Quantization. We discussed about analog
images and how they are converted to the digital format. We also looked at images describing
sampling and quantization. At the end, we discussed the differences between the two terms.

Read the following articles to learn more about Image Processing:-

Seamless Cloning in Image Processing

Digital Image Processing
Image Processing With Python
IEnumerable vs IQueryable

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