Related to the previous subsection, the following represents information that can be derived from the data.
After processing, the data collected from a CCD can be interpreted to recognize edges, shapes and objects. A robot can, then, determine which part is a boulder in its path and avoid it.
The events of a mouse can be interpreted as dragging a file from one folder to another, which results in a file being copied.
The log of activities of a credit card can be analyzed to identify unusual purchases that are likely the result of fraud. This identification can, then, be used to alert the owner of the card and law enforcement officials.
The answer of a multiple choice question is compared against the key of the same question after the test is submitted. The result of the comparison yields the point value that adds to the score of the test.
In the case of a human, “information” comes in the form of “interpretation” of data. For example, when you see a person with your eyes, the data is merely the signals reported by each cell on the retina. The recognition of the person that you see, however, is information.
Information is derived from data. Information is typically of a “higher level” nature. Furthermore, information is typically used to make decisions, or be used as an indicator.