bitmap
<graphics, file format> A data file or structure which corresponds bit
for bit with an image displayed on a screen, probably in the same format as it
would be stored in the display's video memory or maybe as a device independent
bitmap. A bitmap is characterised by the width and height of the image in pixels
and the number of bits per pixel which determines the number of shades of grey
or colours it can represent. A bitmap representing a coloured image (a "pixmap")
will usually have pixels with between one and eight bits for each of the red,
green, and blue components, though other colour encodings are also used. The
green component sometimes has more bits that the other two to cater for the
human eye's greater discrimination in this component.
See also vector graphics, image formats.
(1996-09-21)
Nearby terms:
bit diddling « bite « Bit Error Rate « bitmap
» bitmap display » bitmap font » bitmapped display
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