Anoperational image, also known as operative image, is an image that serves a functional, rather than aesthetic, purpose. Operational images are not intended to be viewed by people as representations of the real world; they are created to be used as instruments in performing some task or operation, often by machine automation. Operational images are used in a wide variety of applications, such as weapons targeting and guidance systems, and assisting surgeons performing robot-assisted surgery.
The term "operational image" was first coined in 2000 by German filmmaker Harun Farocki in the first part of his three-part audiovisual installation, Eye/Machine. Farocki's installation included operational images used by militaries, such as weapons guidance and targeting systems. Eye/Machine featured images shown to the public by the United States military from the cameras used by laser-guided missiles in the Gulf War.[1][2][3][4] Farocki defined operational images as "Images without a social goal, not for edification, not for reflection,"[1] and that they "do not represent an object, but rather are part of an operation."[2]
According to Volker Pantenburg, operational images are more accurately characterized as "visualizations of data". He describes operational images as a "working image" or an image that "performs work".[1]
Operational images are ubiquitous in modern society,[2] used for a variety of military and non-military applications, such as inspecting sewer piping, and assisting surgeons performing robotic surgery.[1]
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