Signal processing is a broad engineering discipline concerned with extracting, manipulating, and storing information embedded in complex signals and images. Signal processing methods include data compression; analog-to-digital conversion; signal and image reconstruction/restoration; adaptive filtering; distributed sensing and processing; and automated pattern analysis.

From the early days of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to today's MP3/JPEG/MPEG compression algorithms, signal processing has driven many of the products and devices that have benefited society.

Examples include 3D medical image scanners; digital audio; global positioning; intelligent automotive sensors; multimedia devices; and information forensics (Internet monitoring and automatic speaker identification).