What's the difference between a dictionary and a basis?

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    Basis Difference
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of "dictionary" and "basis" in the context of vector spaces and signal processing. Participants explore the definitions and relationships between these terms, particularly in relation to compressive sensing.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the difference between a dictionary and a basis, suggesting that a collection of vectors might serve both purposes.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the term "dictionary," indicating unfamiliarity with its usage in this context.
  • A third participant explains that "dictionary" is used in signal processing and compressive sensing, providing a reference for further reading.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that a dictionary functions as a tool for transforming n-dimensional systems into k-dimensional systems, which may not directly relate to the concept of a basis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of familiarity with the term "dictionary," and there is no consensus on the relationship between dictionaries and bases. The discussion remains unresolved regarding their definitions and connections.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge a lack of knowledge in signal processing, which may affect their understanding of the term "dictionary." The discussion also highlights potential ambiguity in the definitions of these concepts.

PhillipKP
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I see the term dictionary used a lot and it sounds a lot like a basis for a vector space. But what is the different? Can we collection of vectors be both a basis and a dictionary?

Thanks
 
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Hi PhillipKP! :smile:

Can you give me some kind of reference where the word "dictionary" is used? I have never seen it being used before. :frown:
 
It's used in signal processing and specifically in the new field of compressive sensing.

This is where I first encountered it: http://www-stat.stanford.edu/~candes/papers/CoherentCS.pdf
 
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A dictionary seems to be a tool to translate n-dimensional systems into k-dimensional systems. I don't really see a connection to a basis here. It's just matrix that gives a transformation of signals...

Then again, I know nothing of signal processing...
 
No worries. :)
 

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