What is the primary purpose of signal processing?

The primary purpose of signal processing is to manipulate signals for improved quality and information extraction. This involves a range of techniques that can enhance the clarity, quality, and usability of the signal, whether it be audio, video, or other types of data. By processing signals, specialists can filter out noise, enhance important features, or transform the signal into a more useful format for analysis or transmission. The focus on information extraction allows for better interpretation and understanding of the underlying data embedded within the signals.

While amplifying sound for better listening can be a part of signal processing, it is not the sole or primary purpose, as amplification alone does not enhance information extraction. Transmitting data in its original form does not utilize the advantages that signal processing techniques provide, which is to improve the quality of the received signal. Lastly, while compressing data for storage is an important concept related to data management, it is a specific application of signal processing techniques rather than the overarching purpose. Thus, the essence of signal processing lies in the ability to transform and manipulate signals to extract and enhance valuable information.