SII199Y: Computational Reality, Illusion and Deception

Assignment 1

Due: Midnight, Monday 11 October 2010 (the end of Monday)

1. Find six examples available on the internet of images or videos presented in some form of publication (whether online or in print) in which unstated alterations have been applied to the image. Speculate on the reasons why these alterations were made. At least two of the six examples must be "non-digital" in the sense of having used techniques that predate computer based tools for image manipulation. (A safe bet for being "non-digital" would be to find material from earlier than 1980.)
   
   For each example, describe and cite the image, how it was altered, and provide your own explanation as to why the alteration was made. Your choice of images and explanations for their enhancement should be thematically different. For example, it is not a great idea to submit six images that all depict digitally touched-up faces. I am also not looking for alterations that are necessarily "bad" or "good". You are welcome to take a position, but the goal here is to learn to spot altered images and their purpose, regardless of whether you think their purpose is good or bad, and to comment on the point of the alteration. Up to 25% of your grade on this question will be on the novelty of your choice of material and justification.
   
   Lastly, if you are interested in doing your own image alterations using some kind of imaging tool using Photoshop, or freeware such as "GIMP", send me some e-mail and we'll talk about customising this assignment to allow this. In all likelihood, one good image altered by you together with a rationale for having chosen that particular image can substitute for three found images. I would encourage those with access to a decent laptop or desktop PC to consider doing this.


2. This question really could be a part of the previous one, but I would like you to look at a specific case of image manipulation, namely so-called electronic facial identification technique, or "E-FIT". Then briefly comment (say, about a page) on the "BBC story" that we discussed in class. Read the both the short Wikipedia article and the news piece. Among other things, comment on the expectations of people regarding realism. Do you think the critics were justified in their comments on use of "lettuce" for hair? Was the police response appropriate?



3. Is there a difference between the use of computer-based tools for altering images, and other traditional, non-computer-based means of doing the same thing? If so, explain the differences, and if not, explain why not.
   
   While this should be enough to get you thinking, I'd like to give you a little more context (context is everything!). When you think about this question, try not to consider just the technology in isolation (e.g., some dude using PhotoShop on an image) but also the the context in which images are altered, and how modified imagery might change our view of the world. A related thing to consider is the relationship between an image manipulation technique (old or new) and the possibility of detecting the changes that are made. Do not only state your position but explain and argue for it. Keep in mind that there might not be one simple answer. In many cases it will be good to support your arguments with examples, including, possibly, the examples you used in Question 1.

Marking Scheme