When the FBI had too many fingerprints in storage - The mathematics of image compression

The video explores the evolution of fingerprint storage, highlighting the challenges faced before digital storage. It explains the development of an algorithm by the FBI to compress fingerprint images, reducing storage needs. The video delves into digital image basics, using sine waves and Fourier transforms for image construction and analysis. It introduces wavelets as a solution for image compression, emphasizing their role in reducing file sizes while maintaining image quality.

What was the primary challenge in transmitting fingerprint data before the development of advanced technology?

• Inaccurate fingerprint comparisons

• High cost of technology

• Slow transmission speeds

• Lack of storage space

How are digital images represented in the context of this video?

• As a collection of sine waves

• As a series of 3D models

• As a set of binary codes

• As a sequence of sound waves

What is the role of sine waves in image representation?

• They enhance image resolution

• They represent images in the frequency domain

• They help in color correction

• They create 3D models of images

What does a lowpass filter do to an image?

• Adds color saturation

• Increases the brightness

• Blurs the image

• Enhances the edges

How does a highpass filter affect an image?

• It reduces noise

• It enhances the edges

• It increases contrast

• It blurs the image

What happens when you remove higher frequencies from an image?

• The image becomes darker

• The image becomes sharper

• The image becomes blurred

• The image becomes more colorful

What does the bright spot in a Fourier transform graph indicate?

• The presence of noise

• The most dominant frequencies

• The darkest areas of the image

• The highest resolution

What is a key advantage of using wavelets over sinusoids in image processing?

• Wavelets are easier to compute

• Wavelets handle abrupt changes better

• Wavelets are faster to transmit

• Wavelets require more storage

What is the main purpose of the wavelet scalar quantization algorithm?

• To convert images to 3D

• To increase image resolution

• To enhance image colors

• To compress images efficiently

Why are wavelets preferred for images with abrupt changes?

• They are more colorful

• They are less complex

• They oscillate indefinitely

• They decay quickly