A window function is a mathematical tool used in signal processing that modifies a signal to minimize discontinuities at the boundaries of a segment, allowing for better analysis of localized features within the signal. This concept is particularly significant when performing transformations, such as the Short-time Fourier Transform (STFT) or the Gabor transform, which analyze signals in both time and frequency domains. By applying a window function, the analysis can focus on specific segments of the signal, improving accuracy and reducing artifacts in the transformed data.
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