Wanting to learn something about wavelets, I've searched the Internet for "wavelet tutorial" material. What I found was pretty much all the same thing---material written by (I presume) university professors consisting of page after page of equations. Such material is difficult for beginners to comprehend. My company library did have one textbook on wavelets, but that book was, sadly, similar to the Internet material. Lots of equations, but little explanation of why wavelet transforms are important, how do we use them, and when should we use them to analyze signals.
Then I encountered Fugal's "Conceptual Wavelets in Digital Signal Processing". Wow, what a relief. Mr. Fugal begins by explaining the complicated topic of wavelet transforms in a gentle, clear, and ultimately meaningful way. He doesn't overwhelm (suffocate) the reader with equations. In the first chapter he gives several straightforward signal analysis examples that show how wavelet transforms can be used to analyze certain signal characteristics in ways that are not possible with traditional digital signal processing (DSP).
After reading those examples, I sat back for a moment and thought, "Ah ha. So that's what wavelets are, and how they can be used. Now I'm beginning to understand why people are interested in wavelets." That 'made my day'.
Fugal uses this neat technique called "Jargon Alert". That's where, when he introduces new terminology, he clearly defines the meanings of special terminology (new words) for the reader. What a great idea. I wish more technical authors would do the same.
