Computer Vision: Simple Question - what are 'side lobes'?

This is a very trivial question!!

In some computer vision literature, side-lobes are mentioned.. what are they?.... Can't seem to find anywhere that actually says what th开发者_开发百科ey are :S.

Thanks :).

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This is a term from antenna theory. Antennas broadcast radiation (radio, microwave, light, infrared) in a certain pattern. Generally, there will be a preferred direction and most of the energy will be in that 'main lobe'. However, there generally exists secondary directions ('side lobes') of energy transmission. Some times, side lobes are a not ideal and are engineered to a minimum. Other times, side lobes can be an advantage and are enhanced.

Bob

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Did a quick google search

Byt it seams like the wiki page mentioned i also relevant along with

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectral_leakage

I assume its a way of finding noice.