Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
10 Base-T
Ethernet Local Area Network wiring standard that uses two
pairs or unshielded twisted-pair copper wire. It has a
bandwidth
of 10 megabits per second (Mbps).
100 Base-T
Ethernet LAN wiring standard that operates at 100 Mbps. Requires
Fiber Optics transmission.
16 Base
The 2048 x 3072 pixels image scanned and stored on a Photo
CD, and suitable for digital-imaging and desktop-publishing
applications.
24-bit Color
Digital color model that uses eight bits each for the three
additive colors red, green, blue. It can reproduce 256 shades
of each primary color.
32 Bit Color
Digital image format that incorporates 256 shades in 8-bits
for each of three color channels (RGB) and includes a mask
(alpha) channel with a possible 256 levels of opacity.
56K Line
Type of telephone circuit on copper wire that uses 56 Kbps
of capacity for data or voice traffic and 8 Kbps for signaling.
64 Base
The maximum resolution image file that is available on Pro
Photo CD disks. This 4000 x 6000 pixel file produces a 72
MB color image.
A
Aberration
The failure of a mirror or refracting surface or lens to produce
exact, point-to-point correspondence between an object and
its image. One of several optical faults that can cause a loss
of sharpness.
Absolute White
In theory, a material that perfectly reflects all light energy
at every visible wavelength. In practice, a solid white with
known spectral data used as the "reference white" for
all measurements of absolute reflectance.
Achromatic Color
Neutral color — white, gray, or black — that has
no hue.
Acquire
Computer command, typically under "File" menu, that
allows the start of scanning software directly from the application.
Acquire is only available if the software is TWAIN-compliant. Acrobat®
Adobe's electronic page-viewing system based on an extension
to PostScript® . In theory, it transfers text, graphics
and images between computers, no matter the platform, without
altering the original format. Acrobat files have a .pdf extension.
Active-Matrix Display
A type of flat panel LCD display used in laptop and portable
computers. Active matrix displays produce a superior image
to passive matrix displays.
Actual Size
The size of an image when it was scanned (not enlarged or reduced
in area or viewing perspective).
Additive Colors
The three additive primary colors are red, green and blue.
When these three colors of light are mixed in equal proportions,
they will produce white light. Also known as additive primaries.
AGP Port (Accelerated Graphics Port)
A bus specification that enables 3-D graphics to display quickly
on personal computers. AGP is a special interface designed
to convey 3-D images (for example, from Web sites or CD-ROMs)
much more quickly and smoothly than is possible today on
any computer other than an expensive graphics workstation.
Airbrushing Effect
A software tool found in many image-editing programs that simulates
paint/air-mixture effect of a mechanical airbrush.
Algorithm
A mathematical routine that solves a problem or equation. In
imaging, the term is usually used to describe the set of
routines that make up a compression or color-management program.
Aliasing
The visual stair-stepping of edges (jagged edges) that occurs
in an image when the resolution is too low. Can be caused
by improper image sampling or improper image processing.
Alpha
Channel
An image-editor channel used to contain a mask or partial
picture element or color.
Anti-Aliasing
The smoothing and removing of aliasing effects by electronic
filtering and other techniques, such as blending of hard
edges. Also, blending object-oriented art with bit-mapped
art.
Aqueous Coating
This clear coating is used to protect your printed pieces. It provides a high-gloss
surface that deters dirt and fingerprints. Aqueous coating improves the durability
of your printed piece and also gives you a high gloss finish which is significantly
greater than the finish of gloss paper stock. Aqueous Coating is not available
on uncoated or matte finish paper stocks.
Archival
Term loosely used to refer to material that can be used without
side effects in the conservation or care of important artifacts.
Pertaining to the production of new items designed to have
very good aging qualities .e.g. non-fading inks, acid free
paper, etc.
Archiving
Retention of images, often on CD-ROM, for a specified period.
Information necessary to reproduce the print is also archived,
including ink, tables, sizes, and media used.
Artifact
Unwanted visual anomalies or defects generated by an input
or output device, or by a software operation, that degrade
image quality. See also aliasing, moiré pattern.
Art Print
Printing of original or reproductions of artwork with any number
of methods. Iris/Giclee/Inkjet,lithography, offset lithography,
serigraphy being the major sources for Art Print production.
Art Reproduction
To make a reasonable facsimile of an art object. Could be reproduced
in any of a number of methods; painted, inkjet, serigraph,
offset lithography, sculpted, cast etc.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Code used
to represent alphanumeric characters.
Aspect Ratio
The ratio of width to height. Used in the imaging industry
to define applicability of an image to fit a page, screen,
monitor, or frame.
B
Backbone Network
A central communications network to which many routers are
connected; usually a high-speed, high-bandwidth network.
Background Processing
Allows assignment of specific operations to the background
while the computer continues to perform previously assigned
instructions.
Banding
Patterns (stripes) on a print caused by insufficient color
or gray-scale ranges within the output device's image processor,
or insufficient information contained within the original
scan. Creates harsh, well-defined transitions between different
ranges.
Bandwidth
The "size" or throughput capacity of a network, usually
measured in bits per second; or, less often, the range of frequencies
in a signal. The amount of data you can send through a connection.
Barrel Distortion
Image effect that spreads the center dimensions of the picture.
Base Resolution
Photo-CD image resolution (512 x 768 pixels) formatted for
display on current consumer televisions.
Base/16
An image resolution with 1/16 the number of pixels as Base
Resolution.
Base/4
An image resolution with 1/4 the number of pixels as Base Resolution.
Batch Scan
The process of scanning numerous pages that contain similar
data — for example, a number of photos or a multiple-page
text document.
Bench-marking
A set of tests to determine performance of an item or system.
Beta Site
A business or location involved in testing a specific product
just prior to release.
Beta Test
The testing of a software product in the field under real
operating conditions prior to general release.
Beziér Curve
Curved-line segments created by establishing endpoints or anchor
points, and at least one transient point or node.
Binary
A numbering system based on 2s, which uses 0 and 1 to represent
all numbers.
BIOS
Basic Input Output System. The part of a computer that controls
communication between all the disk drives, monitor, keyboard,
and other devices.
BIT
Derived from Binary digIT. The smallest unit of information
in a computer, a 1 or a 0. 8 bits = 1 byte.
Bit Depth
The maximum number of bits that are used to define a pixel.
A measure of the defined brightness range.
Bitmap
A rasterized graphic image formed by a rectangular grid of
pixels or dots.
Black
The fourth color in four-color printing. It is listed as the
K in "CMYK." Black is required in the printing
process because equal amounts of cyan, magenta and yellow
inks will not produce a true black; ideally, the complete
absorption of incident light; the absence of any reflection.
In the practical sense, any color which is close to this
ideal in a relative viewing situation, i.e. a color of very
low saturation and of low luminance.
Black Generation
The addition of black ink to the other process colors when
separating an RGB color image into CMYK colors. Black generation
is typically handled in one of two ways, GCR or UCR.
Black Point
Color that when scanned produces values of 0, 0, 0 in a scanner.
Ideally, the black point is 0% neutral reflectance or transmittance.
See also white point.
Bleed
Extension of an image or background beyond the trim edge of
a page
Bleeding Edge
Technology in its first phase of development.
Blend
In computer-graphics software, the intermediate steps between
two objects created when the objects are merged together
via a specified number of intermediate steps.
Blue
One of the three additive primary colors of light.
Blur (Motion Blur)
The softening of image detail, usually accomplished through
software averaging of pixel values to soften edges.
BMP file
A Windows bitmap file, with the extension ".bmp," that
defines an image (such as the image of a scanned page) as a
pattern of dots (pixels).
Pressmatch®, Proofprint, Iris®
The proof accepted by the artist that is used as the standard
for comparing all subsequent prints. Some printers require
a signed "proofprint" before production printing
can begin.
BPS
Bits per second. See Kbps.
Bridge
A mechanism that connects like networks and allows devices
running on the LAN to communicate with each other.
Brightness
The overall intensity of the image. The lower the brightness
value, the darker the image; the higher the value, the lighter
the image will be.
Brush
In many image-editing programs, a special effects filter that
performs a specific function, such as smoothing selective
edges.
Buffer
A temporary storage space in computer memory for data before
transmission.
Bus
A data pathway used within a computer system to transfer information
within the system.
BYTE
A standard unit of measure. 8 bits = 1 byte. Each 8-bit byte
represents an alphanumeric character.
C
C
High-level computer language which is used for a variety
of programs. (Also C++.)
Cache
A temporary storage area for information which locates itself
between the hard disk and the RAM by employing intuitive
logic. It also speeds up the access time of the data.
CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Software used to produce designs and drawings for architectural,
engineering and scientific applications.
Calibration
The setting of computer system components to a standard which
will produce the same readable results on each unit, i.e.
color calibration is necessary in the workstation to achieve
the same results on the output.
Capture
Acquiring information, such as an image, with a scanner or
digital-camera device.
Carriage
A scanner's imaging head that moves down a page to capture
an image. Also called optical-imaging element, optical-imaging
head.
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
Tube used in televisions and computer monitors to display the
output of the video signal or computer line information.
CRTs use the additive primary colors red, green and blue.
CD-R (CD-Recordable)
A CD format that allows the users to record data to a disc
when using the proper hardware. Recorded data is not erasable.
CD-RW
A CD format that allows users to erse data.
CEPS (Color Electronic Prepress)
A high-end digital publishing system specifically designed
for color correction and image assembly.
Certificates
A non-forgeable, tamper-proof way of verifying validity in
electronic commerce.
Channel
A component of a digital image that carries the data for a
color component or a mask.
Checksum
A small integer used to detect whether errors occur when communicating
data from one place to another.
Choke
In printing, a term describing a relationship between a foreground
element and a background color or element. To create a trap
between a fore-ground element that knocks out a background,
the background may be "choked" or slightly encroached
upon.
Chooser
A process on Macintosh computers for users to easily direct
data to a specific output device, such as a film recorder
or printer.
Chromatic
Perceived as having a hue; not white, gray or black.
CIE (Commission International de l’Eclairange)
A set of color standards based on mathematical modeling of
human vision and light. CIE color spaces are used for the
communication of color independent of a specific device.
CIE LAB (L*a*b*)
A color model to approximate human vision. The model consists
of three variables: L* for luminosity, a* for one color axis,
and b* for the other color axis.
Closed Architecture
Computer systems with a specific design that severely limits
the addition of peripheral devices or other software/hardware
to the system, especially from other manufacturers.
Closed Loop
A signal path that includes a forward path, a feedback path,
and a summing point to forms a closed circuit.
CMS (Color Management System)
A system to measure and control the process colors that are
used in four-color printed reproduction. See Color Management
System.
CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
Three subtractive primary colors used in color-negative printing,
and some color-output devices, to produce a full gamut of
color. The combination of pure CMY inks produces black, and
the elimination of all three produces white.
CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (or Key) are the four colors
used in process-color printing. Also known as subtractive
color, the color black is achieved by the presence of all
inks.
Coated Paper Stock
A printing paper having a transparent, smooth layer added to
one or both sides that changes the look of the final printing.
Coatings are normally defined as hard glossy, semi-glossy
or matte surfaces.
Coating
A thin covering provides protection from UV-induced fading,
smudging and fingerprints. It does not materially improve
the permanence of the print because most fading is due to
visible light.
Color Attribute
A three-dimensional characteristic of the appearance of an
object. One dimension usually defines the lightness, the
other two together define the chromaticity.
Color Bar (or Production Control Bar)
A series of ink patches printed on a press sheet that may include
solids of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and spot color ink;
25%, 50%, and 75% tints of those colors; and two-color overprints
using those colors.
Color Calibration
A system of software and/or hardware that adjusts and coordinates
colors between two or more digital devices. Color calibration
systems commonly compare device color profiles and translate
one color model into a device-independent language.
Color Curve
A graphic mechanism for displaying color measurements and for
making color changes to an image. User adjustments to the
angle and slope of the curve implement color changes to one
or all of an image’s color channels.
Color Difference
Magnitude and character of the difference between two colors
under specified conditions.
Color Gamut
A range of colors that can be reproduced by a given system.
Color Management System (CMS)
A combination of software and or hardware devices used to produce
accurate color results throughout a digital-imaging system.
Color Matching Functions
Relative amounts of three additive primaries required to match
each wavelength of light. The term is generally used to refer
to the CIE Standard Observer color matching functions.
Color Model
A color measurement scale or system that numerically specifies
the perceived attributes of color.
Color Profile
Also called device profile. This term refers to the relationship
between the color models of the system devices.
Color Proof
A color sample that attempts to represent the final printed
image that will result when a piece is offset printed. Color
proofs can be generated from film separations prior to using
the separations to make printing plates. Common types are
Cromalin, MatchPrint, ink jet, dye sublimation, laser copies,
or photographic film or paper.
Color Saturation
Color Strength. A measure of color purity, or dilution by a
neutral.
Color Separation
The process of separating a color image into four subtractive
colors, CMYK, either by photographic or electronic processes,
thus producing a set of four films or a computer file.
Color Space
Three-dimensional mathematical model enclosing all possible
colors. The dimensions may be described in various geometries
giving rise to various spacings.
Color Temperature
The color spectrum of a "black body" radiator heated
to a given temperature on the Kelvin scale.The manufacturer's
method of indicating the color of a light source in degrees
Kelvin (K); i.e. 2700K (yellow/white), 4100K (white), 5500K
(blue/white).
Color Transparency
A photographic or line-art image printed in color on clear
film. A film positive.
Color Wheel
The visible spectrum’s continuum of colors arranged into
a circle, where complementary colors such as red and cyan are
located directly across from each other.
Colorimeter
A device for measuring color values; an optical measurement
instrument that responds to color in a manner similar to
the human eye by filtering reflected light into its dominant
regions of red, green, and blue.
Comp
An abbreviation for composite or comprehensive. A layout that
is produced during the design process providing a preview
of the finished print job.
Compiling
The process of translating source code into object code. To
convert code into machine language and match software to
the central processing unit.
Complementary Colors
Two colors that, when combined, create neutral gray. On a color
wheel complements are directly opposite the axis from each
other; blue/yellow, red/green, and so on.
Composite
The process of combining images, artwork, lineart and type
either photomechanically or by computer.
Compression
The process of removing irrelevant information and reducing
unneeded space from a file in order to make the file smaller.
Compression can cause losses and distortion, depending on
the method.
Connectivity
The ability to connect electronic imaging components together
so they function in harmony.
Continuous Tone
A photographic image containing gradient tones. For printing
purposes, continuous-tone images are converted to dot patterns
(halftones).
Contrast
The difference between the dark and light areas of an image.
The lower the number value, the more closely the shades will
resemble each other. The higher the number, the more the
shades will stand out from each other. Speed of density change;
graduation.
Conversion
In computer imaging, to change a CMYK file to RGB, Photo YCC,
or vice versa, or to convert one file format to another.
Copyboard
The flat glass plate on which originals are placed for scanning.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The main processing portion of a computer. This section contains
processing and control circuitry along with internal storage
areas.
Crop
To remove part of an image.
Cyan
One of the three subtractive primary colors. Produced by mixing
equal amounts of blue and green projected light. Cyan is
also one of the four colors used in four-color printing.
D
D-MAX
Highest level of density.
D-MIN
Lowest level of density.
D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
A solid state computer memory device offering high data packing
density and data rates. (It must be frequently "refreshed".)
D.P.I.
Dots per inch. A measure of the detail of a print. "Apparent
d.p.i." refers to the fact that the eye perceives a gicle
as having greater detail than it does in physical reality.
Data
The numbers that make up a digital file.
Database
An organized collection of data or information.
Data Warehouse
The concept of using a mainframe or other large computer as
a mass storage device for data in which many users can have
access to data using tools like relational databases and
GIS.
DCS (Desktop Color Separation)
Computer file format including four EPS files for CMYK; a graphics
file appropriate to the operating platform for screen display.
DDCP (Direct Digital Color Proof)
A sample produced directly from a digital file and imaged onto
various media.
DDS (Digital Data Service)
Umbrella term that covers all digital connections available
from phone companies, including Switched 56 and T1.
Decal
Small graphics, long or short-term, printed on adhesive-coated
vinyls or transfer materials, such as wall-mount decals.
Default
Automatic decision or setting with computer software and hardware
programs, to be carried out unless changed by the user.
Degauss
Process of eliminating magnetism, such as with a color monitor
face plate, to eliminate distortion.
Delamination
Separation of layers in a laminate because of failure in or
near the material interface. May be used to describe any
splitting of a material in a plane parallel to its surface.
Delta (D)
A symbol used to indicate deviation, difference or change.
Densitometer
An instrument that measures transmitted or reflected light.
It will indicate, in density units or percentage dot, the percentage
of a given area that is covered by halftone dots. This instrument
is used to ensure consistency and process control.
Density
The degree of opacity of an image; A measure of reflectance
or transmittance equal to log10 (1/reflectance) of log10
or (1/transmittance); The ability of a material to absorb
light; the darker it is, the higher the density. Density
measurements of solid ink patches are used to control ink
on paper.
Depth Of Field
The distance in front of, and behind, the subject that will
be acceptably sharp. This distance will increase as the lens
aperture is reduced.
Descreening
In scanning, the method of applying a controlled blur to erase
discreet components of a halftone image and make it appear
more like a continuous-tone image. This process will minimize
effects of causing moiré patterns if the image is
re-screened.
Device Driver
Software that tells the computer how to communicate with a
peripheral device, i.e. printer, CD-ROM.
Device-Dependent
Describes a color space that can be defined only by using information
on the color-rendering capabilities of a specific device.
Device-Independent
Describes a color space that can be defined using the full
gamut of human vision, as defined by a standard observer,
independent of the color-rendering capabilities of any specific
device.
Die-Cut
Cutting of material to a specific shape using dies.
DIF (Data Interchange Format)
A standardized format that allows for the exchanging of digital
data between different programs.
Diffuse Dither
A method for printing continuous-tone images on laser printers
in which the grayscale information is represented by randomly
located printer dots.
Diffuser
The translucent-white sheet that evens out the light coming
from the lamps in an optical system.
Digital
Image and line data that has been translated into numerical
values for manipulation and reproduction.
Digital Camera
Portable optical recorder that captures images on an internal
memory chip, removable PC cards, or other digital media.
Images can be transferred electronically to a computer for
manipulation, e-mailing or website creation.
Digital Color Printing
One of several non-impact technologies where the image is
formed by a computer controlled printer. (Generally accepted
to include: electrostatic, ink jet, laser photo, and thermal
transfer.)
Digital Halftone
The process of obtaining various tones by breaking up the image
into a graduated series of dots. The dots repeat in a regular
pattern, creating the illusion of continuous tone. The digital
printing process is controlled by the size and shape of dots.
Digital Imaging
The process of image capture, manipulation and final image
form, accomplished by electronic systems.
Digital Printer
Any printing device that is capable of translating digital
data into hardcopy output.
Digital Signature
A means of authenticating electronic documents. A digital signature
is actually a special kind of encrypted message needed for
electronic commerce.
Digitize
The process of converting analog data to digital information.
Digitizing Platform
A work table that is a flat electronic sensor on which a "mouse" or
stylus is used to input custom drawings into a computer.
Direct-to-Press
The technique of applying digital image data directly to blank
plates mounted on the press.
Direct-to-Press Printing
Printing devices that allow for the elimination of film separations
from the printing process. These systems utilize a computer
controlled system employing lasers to "write" digital
data to a plate that is already mounted on the press.
Dithering
A graphics display or printing process that uses a combination
of dots or textures to simulate an original image or an output
device. The purpose is to create the impression of a continuous-tone
gray-scale or color image.
Document Management
An integrated system for handling the electronic retrieval,
analysis, communication, and management of digitized images
of paper documents.
Domain
A part of a naming hierarchy for the Internet. A domain name
consists of a sequence of parts separated by dots, such as "state.ia.us",
which is the domain for state government in Iowa.
Dot
Dots make up an image in color separations or halftones. Halftone
dots will have a fixed density but have variable size (amplitude
modulation).
Dot Gain
The phenomenon that occurs when ink expands its coverage during
printing onto a substrate; often caused by abnormal or excessive
absorption by the substrate.
Dot Pitch
The distance between the dots on a computer monitor, typically
0.24 to 0.38 mm. The closer the dots the sharper the image
on the monitor.
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
A linear measurement of resolution used for scanning and printing.
Generally, more dots per inch mean a higher resolution, a greater
amount of visible detail in the image, and a larger file size.
Down-Sampling
The process of receiving data from another computer, server
or system. The reduction in resolution of an image, necessitating
a loss in detail.
DPI (or PPI) Dots Per Inch/Pixels Per Inch
The resolution of an image or how many pixels are defined in
the boundary of an inch. The more correct term is pixels
per inch, however dots per inch is often used instead.
Driver
A software program that links together the computer and its
components and peripherals: printers, scanners and the monitor.
Drop-Shade Or Drop-Shadow
The shadowing effect on letters, to simulate light being cast
at an angle.
Dropout Color
Color that is invisible when scanning a color object in grayscale
mode, causing any detail in this color to disappear.
Drum Scanner
A type of optical scanner where the reflective or transmissive
art is mounted to a rotating drum. As the drum spins, light
from the image enters a lens allowing the image to be recorded
in a series of fine lines.
DTP
Acronym for desktop publishing, including typesetting, image
handling and page composition.
Dual Processors
Two central processing units in the computer.
Duotone
A monochromatic printed image created by two overlapping halftone
screens of different colors; generally created from a black
and white photographic original in order to add additional
tonal range, or to create a tinted or colored appearance.
Duplex
To print on both sides of a single page.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
A technology similar to Compact Disc, but far superior in its
storage capacity. A DVD can contain about 4.7 GB of data
in its single-sided, single-density version, and 18 GB or
more in a double-sided, double-density version.
Dye Sublimation
An imaging process that vaporizes colorant with heat and pressure,
and deposits it on to a substrate in order to simulate a
continuous tone image.
Dynamic Range
The measurable difference between the brightest highlight and
the darkest value.
E
Effective Resolution
The final appearance of a scan that has been enhanced to produce
more data than the scanner can record. This is done by interpolation.
EGA
Extended Graphics Adapter. A medium resolution video card for
PCs.
Electroinks
Used in direct-to-press printing applications. They work in
a manner similar to a laser copier’s toners.
Electronic Dot Generation (EDG)
Process used in digital halftone production that allows negatives
or plates to be generated by grouping micro dots into regular
groups to function in the same manner as a photographically
produced halftone.
Electrostatic
A process of imaging where a "toner" is used to form
an image by controlled static charges. Toner printing adheres
to the charged areas.
Elongation
Measurement of the amount of stretching.
Emulsion Side
The side of photographic film or paper coated with the light
sensitive silver halide emulsion. Film output is specified
for use as emulsion up, or emulsion down.
Encapsulated Postscript (EPS)
An Adobe graphic file format. EPS translates graphics and text
into a code which the printer can read and print. EPS files
hold both low-resolution viewfiles and high-resolution PostScript
image descriptions.
Encryption
The process of scrambling a signal or file so that special
hardware or software is needed for a receiver to reconstitute
the image.
Enhancement
The improvement of an image either through color and/or density
change.
Error Diffusion
In actuality, error diffusion is a random dot-placement strategy
(or dithering method), spreading out the inherent failing
until it is indistinguishable to the unaided eye.
Ethernet
Networking system that allows for high speed data transfer
between computers and peripherals.
Extended Architecture
A type of CD-ROM drive that allows for the use of multisession
discs, such as Photo CD.
F
Feathering
A technique in many image-editing programs that allows for
the softening of the edge around a selection.
File Converters
Hardware or software that is used to convert files from one
type of file format to another format.
File Format
The particular arrangement of digital information that is saved
from an application program. The method of arrangement or
storage is unique for any particular application program,
but most applications can import and export graphics and
text from some other application.
File Server
A computer which feeds data to other computers, workstations
or devices.
Film Recorder
A device that records digital image data on film. Typically
this device is used to produce photographic color transparencies
and negatives, but the term also applies to image setters
which produce negatives (for making plates) for printing.
Filters
Software used to modify digital images by altering the values
or arrangement of selected image pixels.
Firmware
Programming embedded onto a computer’s ROM chips. This
information is permanently burned into the chip and can be
changed only by replacing the chips, or in the case of EEROM
by a special procedure.
Flare
Non image-forming illumination, e.g., scattered light that
causes a "haze."
Flash Memory
A special type of RAM memory that stores data without electrical
current. This type of memory is currently used in a number
of digital cameras and some portable computers through the
use of credit-card sized devices.
Flat
In offset printing, a paper or film holding all of the photographic
films required to make a particular printing plate. Also,
a state of low contrast in an image.
Flat Or Matte Finish
A low-gloss finish, with little reflective quality.
Flatbed Scanner
A scanner which utilizes CCD linear arrays, where the image
is placed on a glass platen, and the array moves past the
artwork.
Flexography
Printing from a rubber roller; i.e. direct rotary printing
using resilient raised image plates.
Flicker
A perceivable fluctuation of the brightness levels of a displayed
image. This problem is often present in CRT monitors that
have a vertical scan rate that is too low.
Fluorescence
A physical process at which the materials pigments absorb light
and re-radiate this light as a different color, giving the
color of the material extra light or brilliance.
FM (Frequency-Modulated Screening)
A dithering method that uses uniform dot sizes and varies the
distance between them. This method is different from conventional
halftone screening, which aligns dots of varying sizes on
a regular grid.
Foil
Term for donor medium for thermal-transfer printing; usually
involves wax-based or resin-based colorant on rolls of thin
plastic that travel over heated print head and are placed
on a substrate by combinations of heat and pressure by the
printer. Also, a very thin, metal sheet of various alloys,
used mainly as an overlay, veneer, or cutout applique.
Font
Historically, an assortment of letters and/or numbers, all
the same size and type having a pre-determined amount of
each letter or number. The term today refers generically
to letter styles.
Format
Characteristic identifying size of printer, media, or graphic,
according to width of media roll, printer’s print area,
or graphic. Mediam Format is generally taken to be between
11"—24" in width; Large Format (Wide Format)
larger than 24" in width, and Grand Format larger than
72" in width.
Four-Color Process
A system of printing colors by printing dots of magenta, cyan,
yellow and black.
FPO (For Position Only)
A representation (usually low-resolution) that indicates the
position on a page of an object, but is not meant to represent
the output quality of the object.
Fractal
A mathematically generated pattern that is reproducible at
any magnification or reduction.
Frame Buffer
An area in RAM memory set aside to specifically hold the data
for the screen display.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
The language used to facilitate the transfer of files from
a server on the Internet to another location, such as a desktop
computer or another server.
Full Bleed
Printing term used when an image or background extends to the
final trim edge of a printed page.
G
Gamma
A mathematical curve representing both the contrast and brightness
of an image. The steepness of the curve indicates greater
contrast calculated as a trigonometric tangent function.
Gamut
The range of colors that can be captured or represented by
a device. When a color is outside a device's gamut, the device
represents that color as some other color.
Ganging (a/k/a Gang Scanning)
Putting a group of images or jobs on the scanner or press at
one time.
Gateway
A computer server that allows for the connection of different
computer networks using protocol conversions.
Gaussian Blur
An image-softening effect utilizing a bell shaped Gaussian
distribution to apply the softening effect. A "Gaussian" curve
(a/k/a "bell curve") is a bell-shaped curve showing
a distribution of probability associated with different values
of a variate.
GCR (Gray Component Replacement)
A type of process color separation which determines the amount
of black ink used to replace Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow in
areas where those three inks overlap.
Generation Loss
The loss of quality that is unavoidable in any type of analog
duplication such as an internet. Digital images do not suffer
this loss of quality when duplicated.
GIF (Graphic Interchange Format)
An image format type generated specifically for computer use.
Its resolution is usually very low (72 dpi, or that of your
computer screen), making it undesirable for printing purposes.
Gigabyte
1,073,741,824 or 1 billion bytes.
Gradation
Transition between two colors or between black and white. Also
known as a gradient.
Grain
The smallest component of a photographic image. A single particle
of silver or dye cloud. Collectively, the size of those particles.
Graphics Accelerator
A computer expansion board that is specifically designed to
increase the performance of graphics software tasks.
Graphics Tablet
A device that allows the user to plot position points on a
tablet using a pen or stylus to input drawing coordinates.
Gravure
An intaglio printing process that uses engraved cylinders.
Ink is retained in the engraved areas for printing. It is
ideal in long-run work and prints on most substrates.
Gray levels
The number of steps available to reproduce a color in an imaging
system. Typically, in an 8 bit system there are 256 gray
levels per color.
Grayscale
An image containing a range of gray levels as opposed to only
pure black and pure white.
Green
One of the three additive primary colors of light (Red, Green
and Blue).
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Abbreviation for Graphical User Interface, a computer operating
or control system that applies graphics for the operator
to command the computer with a mouse or stylus.
H
Halftone
The process of reproducing a continuous tone image as a series
of various sized dots within a fixed grid that can be reproduced
with ink. The finer the dot grid the higher the quality of
the reproduction.
Halftone Cell
A square area in a halftone grid that holds an array of printer
dots. A halftone cell can represent a discrete number of
gray levels equal to the maximum number of printer dots that
the halftone cell can hold, plus l. See also halftone dot.
Halo
A bright line tracing the edge of an image. This is usually
an anomaly of excessive digital processing to sharpen or
compress an image.
Handshaking
This is a method that allows computers or communications equipment
to coordinate transmissions. This is particularly important
in higher speed communications.
Header
The portion of a data packet or e-mail preceding the actual
information that contains the source and destination address
plus error checking fields.
Heat Transfer
The movement of a printed image from a holding (or donor) substrate
to another surface by applying a certain temperature and
pressure.
Hexachrome®
A color-matching system that allows for the combination of
six colors in order to create a larger gamut of reproducible
color.
Hi-Fi Color
An alternative printing process that extends the capabilities
of printing presses. This system uses stochastic screening,
6-color printing, and other techniques to expand the possible
color gamut well beyond that of traditional 4-color processes.
High Key Image
An image which is mostly white.
Highlight
The brightest/lightest area within an image.
Histogram
A graphical display which represents the distribution of tones
within an image. The horizontal coordinate represents each
pixel value possible from black to white. The vertical values
indicate the number of pixels in the image that occur at
each value level.
HLS
Hue, luminance and saturation: a color model based on these
three coordinates of color, where Hue is the dominant color,
Saturation is color purity, and Luminance is the light/dark
characteristic of the color.
Holography
A photographic system that uses laser light to expose film
to a pattern developed by the interference pattern of the
laser and the reflection. When these films are viewed under
specific conditions a 3-D image is visible.
Horizontal Resolution
The number of vertical lines that a system is capable of producing
(counted on a horizontal axis).
Host
Usually referring to a computer server that can be accessed
over a network.
HSB (Hue, Saturation, and Brightness)
A color model that utilizes Hue, Saturation, and Brightness
as the three coordinates, where Hue is the dominant color,
Saturation is the purity of color, and Brightness is a neutral
scale of how light or dark a color is.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
A series of formatting commands that describes the components
of graphics and text material presented on the World Wide
Web in a consistent manner.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The method that is used to retrieve documents on the World
Wide Web. This takes place transparent to the user once the
URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address is accessed. (For
example, DPI is located at http://www.dpia.org)
Hue
A component of color notation, or the predominant color.
I
I/O Addresses (Input/Output Addresses)
Locations within the input/output address space of your computer
that are used by devices such as printers, modems, or scanners.
I/O addresses are used for communications between software
and the device to which the address is assigned.
Imagesetter
An output device to image bitmap data onto litho film or paper.
Comes in drum and flatbed models.
Indexed Color
A color system that defines a palate of colors to be used in
a specific image. Often this makes images small and manageable.
Ink Limiting
A control within a program that limits the percentage of ink
applied to an area of print.
Inkjet Printer
A type of printer that sprays tiny streams of quick-drying
ink onto the paper.
Intensity
The amount of light reflected or transmitted by an object with
black as the lowest intensity and white as the highest intensity.
Interface
The communication that takes place between a system's hardware
and software components. An interconnection between devices.
Interpolated Sample
A sample that is created by interpolation as opposed to real
samples that are created during the scan.
Interpolation
A technique for increasing the size of a graphic file by creating
pixels. Also an extrapolation algorithm. There are two types,
sequential and bi-cubic.
IP
Abbreviation for Internet Protocol. A specification for data
packets that computers utilize when they communicate using
the Internet.
ISDN
Abbreviation for Integrated Services Digital Network technology
that supports both voice and data services over copper telephone
lines.
ISO
Abbreviation for the International Standards Organization,
which designates international standards.
J
Jaggies
The effect caused by images or lines being rendered at too
low a resolution. It can easily be defined as a stair-stepped
effect giving the line or image a rough appearance.
JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group) Standardized image compression
format developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group.
Usually used for compressing full-color or gray-scale images.
K
Kbps
Kilobytes per second. A measurement of the speed of data transfer.
When this option is selected, numeric readings on a DU Meter
will show data throughput in units of 1024 bits per second.
Kelvin
The name of the absolute temperature scale. Used in imaging
to define the quality of a light source by referring to the
absolute temperature of a black body that would radiate equivalent
energy.
Kernel Size
The number of pixels sampled as a unit during image manipulation
and
sharpening processes.
Kerning
Adjusting inter-character spacing of letters. Typically for
pairs of letters that need special spacing treatment to make
them look more aesthetically pleasing.
L
Laminate
To apply film to a surface by hand or by mechanical applicators.
A web or sheet material formed by bonding materials together.
Lamp
Incandescent, fluorescent tubes or high intensity discharge
light sources.
LAN
Local area network. A small network of a few (or many) computers
in one central area.
Large-format
A printer, media, or print 24" or greater in width.
Letter Press
Printing from a plate having a raised inked surface.
Light Source
An object which emits light or radiant energy to which the
human eye is sensitive.
Lightness
Perception by which white objects are distinguished from gray
objects and light- from dark-colored objects.
Line Art
1. Single color diagrams or drawings; 2. An image that requires
sharp edges and high contrast between areas of the image
that have ink and those areas that do not have ink. These
images require a higher resolution to create the sharpness
that is necessary.
Line Drawing
A drawing that consists only of black and white with no intermediate
grayscale information.
Link
A connection to a program or device that you can use to send
information to other programs, such as e-mail, electronic fax,
and OCR links. Also Internet definition, referring to a URL
address that, when "clicked" on, automatically moves
the user to a new web site.
Link Preferences
The options, such as what program and which file format, you
choose to associate with a particular link. These preferences
can be customized, depending on the software installed on
your computer and your needs for the final file format.
Linked Program
A program installed on your computer that you can use with
other software.
Lithography
A method of printing from a plane surface. The printing image
is ink-receptive; the non-printing areas are ink repellent.
Locking a Disk
The process of setting a disk or data storage element (Syquest
cartridge, optical disk, diskette) into a mode that will
prevent computers from writing on to, or deleting from the
media, the files that are saved onto the disk. Also known
as write protect.
Lossless Compression
A compression technique that will retain all of the file's
original image characteristics. The perfect lossless compression
technique remains elusive.
Lossy Compression
A compression technique that will sacrifice some image quality
at low levels and continue to degrade more image quality
as compression levels increase.
Low Key
A photograph or other image whose tonal range is mostly in
the shadow regions.
LPI (Lines Per Inch)
The number of lines per inch on a halftone screen. As a general
rule, the higher the lpi, the higher the printed resolution
and quality.
LZW
The Lempel-Ziv-Welch image compression technique.
M
Macro Mode
Setting that allows a camera to focus on objects which are
very near.
Mask
To block off a background or other area, so that the unmasked
area can be printed, or worked on.
Masking
Technique that allows manipulation of one area of an image
while other areas remain unaffected.
Match Print™
A direct digital color-proofing process that allows the printer
to see the colors desired in the final printing.
Matrix
Array of CCD elements especially in the receptor of a digital
camera. An array of data points
Matte Finish
A low gloss finish. See Flat.
Mechanical
Camera-ready-art prepared by conventional means that is ready
to be made into halftone negatives or plates.
Megabyte (MB)
A million bytes.
Metafile
Files that can be shared by more than one application program.
Metamerism
Two colors that appear the same under certain light conditions
while differing under other light conditions.
MHz (Megahertz)
A unit of measure for frequency that can relate to the processing
speed of a computer. Equal to one million hertz.
Midtones
Tones in an image that are in the middle of the tonal range,
halfway between the lightest and the darkest.
Mirror
Software function that vertically or horizontally reverses
an image.
Moiré
An undesirable artifact or pattern that can appear in output
film, or a created special effect. It appears as a regular
pattern of "clumping" of colors. A moiré pattern
is created by juxtapositions of two repetitive graphic structures.
Monitor Calibration
The process used to bring a monitor’s display of color,
saturation and brightness into synchronization with the final
output device, allowing the user to assume that what is seen
on the screen will be extremely close to the final output.
Monochrome
An image made of a range of only one color.
Morphing
Moving smoothly from one image to another by having the computer
animate a sequence transposing points in the starting image
to corresponding points in the final image.
Motif
A graphical user interface for the UNIX operating system.
Mottling
A texturing seen in the smooth or monotone areas of an image.
This can be due to faulty processing and a number of improperly
used digital processes e.g. excessive unsharp masking.
N
Native Files
The original computer files, in their original application
forms, for a digital graphic or publication; as opposed to
an export format, Postscript print to disk format, or other
transformed format which can no longer be opened and edited.
Negative
Film containing a reversal of an image, such that the values
of the original are reversed with light becoming dark, and
vice versa.
Network
A group of computers interconnected by hardware and software.
Newton Rings
Concentric multicolored rings that occur when film is in contact
with glass; a problem in scanning from negatives or transparencies.
Noise
A distortion of an image's analog signal. This distortion be
correlated or noncorrelated. Noise is an analog problem that
is confined to the analog electronics in a scanner. Once
a signal is digitized, it is relatively immune to noise.
See also correlate. Also, unrelated data that appears on
a scan or digital image.
Noncorrelated Noise
A random distortion in an analog signal causing snow or speckles—random
spots throughout the image. The distortion can be the result
of electrical spikes somewhere in the system (the scanner,
printer, or monitor).
Nonrecover-able Error
A deviation from the original color in an image that cannot
be corrected by a mathematical operation using a color-matching
function. See also color-matching function, recoverable error.
NuBus
A hardware interface in Macintosh computers that allows the
connection of various peripherals or specialized circuit
boards to the computer. Most Macs now use a PCI bus (See
PCI).
O
Object
A graphic or picture that is embedded in a document file by
using Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). A scanned picture
can be an object.
Off-Line Storage
Storage system that is not resident within the computer and
can be removed; i.e., floppy disks, SyQuest™ disks,
Zip™ disks, etc.
Offset Printing (Offset Lithography)
A common printing process that makes prints by transferring
ink from a flat plate to a rotating "blanket" that
contacts the paper.
OLE (Object Linking and Embedding)
An industry-standard method for inserting an object into a
document. The document retains a connection, or link, with
its original program so that double-clicking on the object
in the document opens the object's original program.
On-Line Storage
Storage systems or media device that is connected to the CPU.
Opacity
The measure of the amount of light that can pass through a
material. Also, the property of a film which prevents "show
through" of dark printing or marks on a substrate (media). "Hiding
power"
Opaque
Impervious to light transmission.
Open Architecture
The design of a computer that allows additional non-proprietary
hardware or software to be used without factory installation.
OPI (Open Prepress Interface)
Also known as image-swapping technology, this is the process
that allows low-resolution copies of images inserted into
a page-layout program for some prepress tasks, and then swapped
with the high-resolution versions for output.
OPI Server
The device that creates the low-resolution images and maintains
the high-resolution versions.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
A technology that can recognize letters from a scanned image
and convert them into ASCII characters to be saved as an
editable text file.
Optical Disk
A digital storage system commonly used for mass storage.
Optical Resolution
The maximum physical resolution of a device. Optical resolution
provides better quality than interpolated resolution of the
same number, which uses software to create additional image
information.
Orientation (See Landscape and Portrait)
The direction that the page is printed; horizontal = landscape,
vertical = portrait.
Overprinting
Printing one ink or tint build over another, most commonly
for trapping purposes.
Oversampling
Scanning at more than an optimum sampling rate. See also subsampling.
P
Page Layout
The process and software that prepares artwork, text and other
elements to be collected and prepared for printing within
a specific area.
Pagination
Electronic formatting of multiple pages in a file for output.
Palette
The number of colors a device is capable of displaying and
producing. Also the tools used in paint programs.
Pantone®
A company producing numerous color matching systems for print
and computer applications. The PMS® color-matching system
is commonly used to represent 3,000 distinct colors through
a numbering system.
Pantone ® Matching System (PMS®)
A printing industry-standard set of color inks, formulated
for various forms of printing.
Parallel Cable
The cable connection between the computer and another device’s
parallel ports (usually a printer), which allows a computer
to send several bits of data simultaneously.
Parallel Port
A connector on your computer that allows you to connect to
other devices, such as a printer. Another name for parallel
port is LPT port.
Paper Descriptions
60#, 70#, 80# & 100# Text & Offset
As the names imply, these stocks are a "text" weight
and the term "offset" generally refers to paper
that has no coating. They are very similar to the text weight
you might find in a magazine with 60# being the lightest
(thinnest, but slightly heavier than copy paper) and
100# being the heaviest (thicker). These stocks are most
commonly used for items like brochures, newsletters, catalogs, & flyers.
In addition, the heavier the stock, the higher the opacity
which will minimize show through from one side of a printed
sheet to another.
80#, 100# & 120# Cover
Cover stocks
are commonly found on products which require a more substantial
weight like postcards, heavy-weight brochures, catalog covers,
or rack cards. Many times these products are required to
"stand alone" or protect other pieces within
a project. As with text weight, the higher the number the
heavier or thicker the paper.
12pt & 14pt Cover
Industry
terminology and just another way to say heavyweight cover
stock. 12 and 14 point (pt.) refers to the actual measurement
of thickness .012 and .014 of an inch thick.
Gloss & Matte Finishes
Gloss
and Matte finishes are both considered to be “coated” sheets.
As the name implies, a gloss sheet has a glossy finish
and a matte sheet has a satin finish. Gloss stocks are the
most commonly used, but matte stocks provide an elegant finish
and work well when a printed piece may need to be written
on at some point in its life cycle.
C1S
Coated 1 Side a cover stock,
gloss coated on the outside and uncoated on the inside. Used
for Greeting Cards.
Linen and Laid Finish
Refers to the
actual texture of the paper and considered to be an uncoated
sheet. Linen as the name implies has the look and feel of a
tightly woven fabric. Laid, however has a bumpy finish like
a high quality resume paper.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) Bus
A 32-bit pathway used to connect peripherals or specialized
circuit boards to the CPU.
PDF (Portable Document Format)
An electronic document format from Adobe that allows the distribution
of digital files across any platform that can display a document
as originally designed and formatted without having the software
application or fonts on the viewing computer.
Pentium®
A family powerful Intel microprocessor chips for IBM PC's and
compatibles.
Peripheral
Any of a number of hardware devices that extend or enhance
the performance of the computer and are not part of the CPU,
though some are mounted inside the case of the computer.
Permanent Adhesive
Any adhesive that is difficult to remove after application
without leaving adhesive on the substrate.
Photo CD
A Kodak process for scanning images and storing them on CD
in a format known as Photo CD.
PICT
Picture file format.
Pincushion Distortion
A distortion where the image compresses toward the center with
distortion most noticed at the center of horizontal or vertical
edges.
Pinholes
Small, dot-like failures of a printed ink to form a continuous
film. Small holes in the high density area of a litho film.
Pixel
The smallest unit of data in a digital image. Together, the
small discrete elements constitute an image that can be seen
on a monitor or printed on a substrate. A pixel's code contains
information relating to color and placement within the larger
image.
Pixel Depth
The number of bits of tonal range capability assigned to the
pixels in an image. For example RGB 24 bit color means a
pixel depth of 24 bits, 8 bits or 256 levels per color.
Pixel Dropping
Subsampling to reduce the number of pixels in an image by dropping
every nth pixel from the scan.
A/k/a pixel skipping.
Pixel Replication
Creating more pixels than are actually scanned by replicating
every nth pixel to create the n+ 1 pixel.
Pixelization
Graininess in an image that results when the pixels are too
big.
Pixels Per Inch (PPI)
A measure of the density of scanned information in an image.
The finer the optics of the scanner, the higher the scan
resolution.
Plasma Display
A display screen that has a gas contained between two panels.
When specific x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical) dots
on the panels are electrically charged, the gas in that area
glows.
Platform
Refers to the particular proprietary computer hardware design.
This can be a Intel, Windows, MacIntosh, Sun, Mainframe,
etc.
Plotter
A term applied to a peripheral unit that, through computer
control, prints data via the Cartesian (X/Y) coordinate system.
Plug and Play
The ability to install equipment with little or no setup
Point
A unit of measurement used in the graphic arts industry. There
are 12 points to a Pica. One point equals approximately 1/72
inch. See "Postscript Point."
Point Of Purchase Display (P.O.P.)
sign or display used in close proximity to the actual retail
product being sold. Also known as Point Of Sale (POS).
Pointer Tool
The tool on the Annotation Tool Bar for selecting an annotation
to cut, copy, or paste.
Port
An outlet or connection on a computer which allows a peripheral
device to communicate with the computer. For example, a communications
port (COM port) allows the modem to operate, and a local port
(LPT) enables the printer to operate.
Portable Document Viewer
A mini-program that can be attached to an electronic document
and e-mailed. The recipient will be able to view, annotate,
and print the document, no matter what program was used to
create the document.
Portrait, Portrait Mode
The orientation of an image that is taller than it is wide;
a setting controlling an output device to properly fit a
computer document to the print medium. Vertical.
Posterization
A special effect created by using a limited number of gray
levels within an image. In computers it is created by setting
a defined number of gradient steps in a bitmapped image.
PostScript®
A page description programming language created by Adobe. that
is a device-independent industry standard for outputting
documents and graphics.
PostScript Point
A slight revision to the "Point" measurement unit.
A Postscript point is exactly 1/72 of an inch. Most graphics
software utilizes this refined value for a point.
PowerPC
A powerful microprocessor chip jointly developed by Apple,
IBM and Motorola. It will emulate every popular PC operating
system including Apple Mac, OS, OS/2, Windows, DOS, and UNIX.
PPD
Refers to PostScript Page Description, a small file used to
describe a particular printer’s characteristics and
capabilities to a graphics or word-processing software.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol)
A communications protocol typically used to connect a computer
to the Internet using a modem.
PRAM - Parameter RAM or parameter random access memory
A special battery-powered form of RAM where vital system information
such as the date and time are stored. PRAM also contains
computer configuration information, such as what's connected
to each port on the computer. Because PRAM is powered by
an internal battery, the information isn't lost when you
turn the computer off as it is with regular RAM.
Pre-Flighting
A process of checking a job for possible problems before
the job is sent for final output. This process is used
to find problems such as missing fonts, postscript errors
and color problems.
Prepress
The process of getting an image ready to go on press. Digital
prepress denotes the entire preparation of a digital file
for printing in either a digital or conventional system.
Pressure Sensitive (PS)
The ability of an adhesive to be activated by pressure and
requires no heat, solvent, or other preparation for adhesion
to smooth, clean surfaces.
Pressure Sensitive Pen
A tool that allows for information to be put into the computer
with a stylus in a manner similar to writing or drawing.
Primary Color
A color that is the basis for all other color combinations.
The primary colors are Red, Green and Blue (RGB) in light;
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) in color photographic printing.
In offset color printing, black (K) is added to CMY inks
to create more accurate color.
Print On Demand (POD)
The ability to economically and efficiently print documents
or images to order as needed.
Printer Dot
The individual pixel in a halftone image. The size of a printer
dot is variable, ranging from zero (all white) to the size
of the halftone screen (all black). See also halftone cell,
halftone dot.
Process Color
The process colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) are used
in traditional color printing to reproduce a full color range.
Profile
A database or file of values that apply to a device, to allow
its color reproduction match other devices, its color capability
equivalent to other imagers in the same process.
Progressive Scan
A non-interlaced refresh system for monitors that cuts down
on CRT flicker.
Proof
A print used to evaluate the entire production process prior
to printing.
Proprietary
The design of programs, systems or equipment that are owned
by an entity. This technology may be licensed for use in other
applications or systems.
Protocol
The set of conventions between communication lines. It exists
to exchange information between a host computer and its interface.
The way information is placed on a network. The steps needed
to communicate or activate an operation or exchange of information
in or between computers.
Proxy
A representative version or sample of a larger image.
Proxy Image
A low-resolution image used in any software programs to show
the effects of changes without performing transformations
on high resolution files.
Q
Quantization Error
The artificial forcing of like gray levels to the same gray
level as a result of limited tonal resolution in a scanner.
Quantization Error is most often seen in the shadow portion
of scanned images. See also tonal resolution.
Queue
The line of events scheduled to occur with a computer or peripheral.
Qwerty
A standard keyboard layout based on the American standard typewriter.
(Named for the top left row of letter keys.)
Quicktime
An application for audio visual presentations, available in
Macintosh and PC versions, so the presentation itself is
device independent.
R
RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)
A performance-enhancing group of disks that work together to
speed data transfer and access. (Various RAID systems also
provide data protection against hard drive failure.)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
The high-speed portion of the computer’s memory that
is held on special chips for use in current applications or
procedures. (RAM is said to be volatile if, when power is disrupted,
the stored information is lost.)
Random Noise
See non-correlated noise.
RAS (Remote Access Server)
A server that allows access to various computers through modems.
Raster
The process of rendering an image or page, pixel by pixel,
in a sweeping horizontal motion, one line after another.
Raster Image
An image that is defined as a collection of pixels arranged
in a rectangular array of lines of dots or pixels. See "Bitmap."
Raster Line
A thin horizontal strip across an image. Raster lines are captured
one at a time by the scanner. When displayed or printed in
sequence, raster lines make up the image.
Rasterization
Changing vector-type image information to raster image information.
Rasterized Type
Type that has rough or stair-stepped edges. The type does not
appear smooth because it has been rendered at a resolution
that is too low.
Raw Data
Data that is not formatted or processed.
Real-Time
The concept of seeing on the screen the actions of the computer
as though the activity were happening at a natural pace.
Reboot
The process of turning a computer system or printer off and
then back on again, to reload the software and data.
Refresh Rate
The rate at which an image is redrawn on a CRT. This is needed
because the phosphors at each pixel are stimulated by the
electron gun for only a brief time. The faster the refresh
rate, the more stable an image will appear on the screen.
Removable Media
Any storage medium that can be removed from a digital camera
or computer (i.e. PC Cards, floppy disks).
Rendering
Applying shading and lighting effects to a two dimensional
image.
Resolution
A measurement of the "fineness" of detail reproduction
given in line pairs per mm, or pixels per inch. A definition
of resolution in terms of pixels per inch.
Resampling
Changing the resolution of a bitmap file without altering its
physical size.
Retouching
Removing imperfections or unwanted portions of an image.
RGB
A color model using red, green, and blue; the additive primary
colors. Video display systems use RGB data to create screen
images.
RIFF (Raster Image File Format)
A storage format used with gray-scale images.
RIP (Raster Image Processing)
A process using mathematical algorithms to manipulate and print
an image. Also, this software often includes "add-on" features,
such as color-calibration software, various pattern selections,
tools or a print-instruction screen.
ROM (Read-Only Memory)
A memory type that cannot be changed or rewritten, and will
not lose information when a computer is shut down.
Rosette
The pattern created in a color halftone by the placement of
dots of different hues.
RTF (Rich Text Format)
A format that accepts both text and images, and retains text
formatting and page layout.
S
SDRAM - Synchronous DRAM
A generic name for DRAM that is synchronized with the clock
speed that the microprocessor is optimized for. The speed of
SDRAM is rated in MHz rather than in nanoseconds (ns).
S-RAM CD (Static Random Access Memory CD)
An inexpensive but physically large form of RAM that is very
fast. Due to cost it is used in limited applications.
S-VGA (Super Video Graphics Array)
A video display format common to PCs.
Saturation
A measure of purity of color. Saturated colors contain pure
color only, colors desaturate to gray. Saturation is a measure
of the degree of pureness or movement away from gray.
Scale
To enlarge or reduce an image by increasing or decreasing the
number of scanned pixels, or the sampling rate, relative
to the number of samples per inch needed by the printer or
other output device. See also interpolation.
Scan
The process of translating a picture from artwork or transparency
into digital information.
Scan-and-Print
To produce "instant" posters, banners or other wide-format
output, this type of inkjet system scales, interpolates and
diffuses bitmapped images captured by a scanner. The information
is then sent directly to a printing device.
Scanner
A hardware peripheral that illuminates, reads and then converts
original text, artwork or film into digital data. Types of
scanners include flatbed or drum.
Scanner Glass
The glass surface on top of the scanner where you put items
to scan.
Screen
A halftone screen on film used in conjunction with photographic
film or paper to produce a halftone image from continuous
tone art.
Screen Angles
In half-tone printing, the coordinated placement of screens
to avoid moiré patterns on the final image. The most
commonly used angles are: Black = 45 degrees; Magenta = 75
degrees; Yellow = 90 degrees; Cyan = 105 degrees.
Screen Frequency
The measure of lines on a screen given in lines per unit measure
as in LPI.
Screen Ruling
The resolution of a screen measured in lines per unit measure.
Screening
The process of using screens or digital methods to create representations
of continuous tone images in the form of dots in varying
densities.
Screenprinting
The technique of applying material (usually screen printing
ink) to a surface by forcing it through a stretched fabric
that has a stencil applied.
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
SCSI is a standard method of connecting devices to computers.
For example, SCSI is used for connecting a peripheral device,
such as an external hard drive or a tape backup system to
a computer.
SCSI Port
The connection used by SCSI devices to connect to the CPU.
Often SCSI devices are used in a series called a "Scuzzie
Chain."
Secondary Color
The subtractive primaries. Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow.
Selection Tool
An annotation tool used to select part of an item to cut and
paste to the Clipboard.
Self Adhesive
Generally, the same as pressure sensitive, in that it has pre-applied
adhesive on one or both sides.
Separations
The actual splitting of an image into the colors that will
be used in the printing process. Normally, Cyan, Magenta,
Yellow and Black (CMYK) are the separations for 4-color printing.
Serial Port
A connection that allows a computer to send data to a printer
one bit at a time.
Server
One computer that acts as a networking device for many interconnected
computers.
Service Bureau
A company that typically offers custom print-output services,
which can include digital color graphics.
SGO (Second Generation Original)
An output from the imaging process producing transparencies
or negative that will serve as an original in other operations.
Shade
The brightness or luminance of an image when compared to a
gray scale.
Shadow
Dark areas of an image.
Shadow Detail
Subtle features in the darker part of an image.
Shadow Point
The darkest tone printable in an image without being black.
All tonal values below this threshold will print as black,
with no detail.
Sharpen Edges
An image editor technique to enhance the edges of an object.
Sharpening
1. A picture enhancement making the image have more distinct
borders, areas, lines or tones. 2. An option on some scanners
that emphasizes detail by increasing the contrast of the
boundaries between light and dark areas of an image.
Sharpening Filters
A series of digital processes or algorithms that will enhance
the sharpness of an image. Each operates slightly differently
and is more or less desirable to produce a different effect.
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed controls how long the film or digital sensor
is exposed to light, in a camera.
Signature
In offset printing, the printed sheet containing a number of
different pages that have been arranged to allow; through
folding, trimming, and binding; the creation of a multi-page
finished piece.
Silhouetting
A masking or image blocking that isolates and image from the
background.
SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)
Used to add additional RAM memory to computers. A group of
memory chips on a printed circuit board; this allows them
to be plugged in as a unit.
Slide
A 35mm transparency.
SneakerNet
A slang term for physically carrying disks from unit to unit
to transfer data.
Soft Proof
Viewing a digital image with a monitor instead of generating
a hard copy proof. Can be done from a remote location via
the Internet.
Soft-Edge Masking
A technique used to isolate a portion of an image with an edge
that allows for a smoother transition to areas around the
masked part.
Speckle
A pixel that is abnormally lighter than the surroundin | 
