digitisation

Definition: Process of translating values for brightness or colour into electrical pulses representing alphabetic or numerical code. * A fundamental process that enables optical image to be converted into a form which can be handled electronically. Digital code enables record of image to be manipulated by computer programs and result can be output into visible form using printer or monitor screen. * Also found in cameras using computer-controlled systems e.g. with auto-exposure meter and auto-focus sensors. * Also known as analogue-digital conversion, digitalisation.

Related Terms: data compression

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