In
computer graphics
Computer graphics deals with generating images and art with the aid of computers. Computer graphics is a core technology in digital photography, film, video games, digital art, cell phone and computer displays, and many specialized applications. ...
, a sample is an intersection of a
channel and a
pixel
In digital imaging, a pixel (abbreviated px), pel, or picture element is the smallest addressable element in a Raster graphics, raster image, or the smallest addressable element in a dot matrix display device. In most digital display devices, p ...
.
W3C Sample Definition
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The diagram below depicts a 24-bit pixel, consisting of 3 samples for Red, Green, and Blue.
In this particular diagram, the Red sample occupies 9 bits, the Green sample occupies 7 bits and the Blue sample occupies 8 bits, totaling 24 bits per pixel. Note that the samples do not have to be equal size and not all samples are mandatory in a pixel.
Also, a pixel can consist of more than 3 samples (e.g. 4 samples of the RGBA color space).
A sample is related to a subpixel on a physical display.
References
External links
W3C Definitions - Section 3.1
RGB pixel formats
Computer graphics
Digital photography
Color space
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