Description

"Sound & image fundamentals" presents some basic concepts on sound & image nature, the course also deals with some basic processing of these signals.

Requirements

Subjects recommended to have taken before

• Physics: Fundamentals of Mechanics and Thermodynamics (V05G301V01103)
• Digital Signal Processing (V05G301V01205)

Instructors

• Cardenal López, Antonio José
• González Valdés, Borja
• Rodríguez Vaqueiro, Yolanda

Contents

Sampling, windowing and quantification of one-dimensional and two-dimensional signals

• Sampling, Nyquist theorem, reconstruction filter
• 2D sampling, concept of resolution vs. sampling frequency, 2D reconstruction
• Windowing in 1D and 2D
• Uniform quantization, A/D conversion, quantization noise

Time-frequency analysis of sound and image signals

• Sound and image characteristics in time and double spatial dimension
• Windowing and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), DFT in 2D
• Frequency characteristics, spatial frequencies, physical interpretation

Basic concepts of light and color

• The image: numerical nature, colorimetry, visual system basics

Acoustics: basics. Measurement of acoustic signals

• The sound: acoustic variables, generation, combination of sources, sound sensations
• Measurement levels
• Sound level meter

Sound and image systems and processes: basics. Filter banks

• Sound capture and calibration
• Specifications and objective quality
• 1D filtering: FIR and IIR filters, relation between windowing and filtering
• 2D filtering: separable filters, point operations, spatial filtering on images

Practices – Audio

• Localized analysis of audio signals
• Spectrogram
• Calculation of sound pressure levels
• Calibration of sound pressure levels

Practices – Image

• Image processing in Matlab
• Filtering and restoration of images

Learning Outcomes

B3

• CG3: The knowledge of basic subjects and technologies that enables the student to learn new methods and technologies, as well as to give them great versatility to confront and adapt to new situations

B5

• CG5: The knowledge to perform measurements, calculations, assessments, appraisals, technical evaluations, studies, reports, task scheduling, and similar work in each specific telecommunication area

C13

• CE13/T8: The ability to understand electromagnetic and acoustic wave mechanisms of propagation and transmission, and their corresponding receiving and transmitting devices

C48

• CE48/T16: The knowledge of appropriate techniques to develop and exploit signal processing subsystems

C49

• CE49/T17: The ability to analyze digital signal processing schemes

D3

• CT3: Awareness of the need for lifelong learning and continuous quality improvement, showing a flexible, open, and ethical attitude toward different opinions and situations, particularly regarding non-discrimination based on sex, race, or religion, as well as respect for fundamental rights and accessibility

Recommended Readings and Tools

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is allowed while carrying out the academic activities of this subject. Its use must be ethical, critical and responsible. When using GAI, any result should be critically evaluated, and any citations or references generated should be carefully verified. Likewise, it is recommended to declare the use of the tools used.

Planned Activities

Introductory activities

• Course presentation: programme, reading materials, teaching methodology, and assessment system

Developed capabilities: B3, B5, C13, D3, C48, C49

Lecturing

• Exposition by the teacher of the main concepts of each topic, promoting critical discussion
• Theoretical foundations of algorithms and procedures used to solve problems
• Students should use the exam content (from the guide document) as a reference
• Personal work: review classroom concepts and expand content using notes
• Identification of doubts to be resolved in personalized tutorials

Developed capabilities: B3, B5, C13, D3, C48, C49

Problem solving

• Problems and exercises based on lectures and subject documents
• Students solve exercises prior to class
• Identification of doubts to be resolved in personalized tutorials

Developed capabilities: B3, B5, C13, D3, C48, C49

Practices through ICT

• Use of analysis tools and algorithms
• Identification of appropriate tools for solving specific problems
• Identification of doubts to be resolved in personalized tutorials

Developed capabilities: B3, B5, C13, D3, C48, C49

Discussion Forum

• Course website hosted on the platform: https://moovi.uvigo.gal
• Mandatory subscription (including a photograph)
• Provides course information and continuous assessment grades
• Forums available for discussion, idea exchange, and resolving doubts

Developed capabilities: B3, B5, C13, D3, C48, C49

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Evaluation Activities

Objective questions exam

• Description: Made on the Moovi platform or through written classroom tests
• Qualification: 20%
• Training and Learning Results: B3, C48, C49

Problem and/or exercise solving (Sound)

• Description: Exam with brief questions and problems on sound topics
• Qualification: 25%
• Training and Learning Results: B3, C48, C49

Problem and/or exercise solving (Image)

• Description: Exam with brief questions and problems on image topics
• Qualification: 25%
• Training and Learning Results: B3, C48, C49

Essay

• Description: Supervised work related to practice contents
• Qualification: 30%
• Training and Learning Results: B3, B5, C13, C48, C49, D3

Other Comments on the Evaluation

General Rules

• Any plagiarism (tests, exams, lab reports) results in a FAIL (0) and is reported to school authorities

Types of Assessment

• Continuous assessment
• Global assessment

Continuous Assessment

• Intermediate test schedule approved by the Degree Academic Committee (CAG) and published at the beginning of the course period
• Activities are not recoverable
• Assignments are optional but non-submitted work is graded as 0
• Students opt in by signing a commitment document after the first month

Assessment Components

1. Two supervised group projects (30%)
   • Individual grades adjusted via peer evaluation and interview
2. Practical tests / short questions (20%)
   • Conducted throughout the course on Moovi
3. Test 1 – Sound (25%)
   • Mid-semester written exam
4. Test 2 – Image (25%)
   • Final exam date

Passing Requirements

• Minimum 3.5 in Test 1
• Minimum 3.5 in Test 2
• Average > 5 across Tests 1 and 2
• Average > 5 in group projects
• If conditions are not met → final grade = minimum (overall grade, 4)

Attendance Requirement

• Minimum 80% attendance (Groups A and B)
• Otherwise → student moves to global assessment

Additional Rule

• Students may be asked to defend or review their work at any time

Global Assessment

• Applies if the commitment document is not signed
• Single final exam (0–10 points), covering all course content including labs

Passing Requirements

• Final grade ≥ 5
• Minimum ≥ 4 in questions related to Group B and supervised projects
• If not met → final grade = minimum (final mark, 4.9)

Extraordinary Exam

For Continuous Assessment Students:

• Option 1: Retake Test 1 and Test 2 under continuous assessment rules
• Option 2: Single final exam (global assessment rules apply)

For Non-Continuous Assessment Students:

• Single final exam (0–10), covering all course content
• No additional activities considered

End of Program Exam

• Same rules as for students under global (non-continuous) assessment