The sensor also compresses the images it captures in contrast to current compression systems, which only squash images after they are taken.

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The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files.

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Imgur started by creating a simple tool that gave people control of the cropping and compression quality of their uploaded images.

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The data compression technique he used allowed images to be sent over what were then slow dial-up connections at much faster speeds than had been previously possible.

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The camera records HD video images to mini DV tape using MPEG2 video compression technology.

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The researchers, led by Richard Kerensky of the University of Florida, found that, for example, with 16:1 compression, the error rate for the detection of calcification was 30% higher than for uncompressed images.

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