Fairchild Variable Response Unit.

Last year Fairchild announced the development of the variable Response Unit as the latest addition to an expanding line of equipment for use in the graphic arts field. The Fairchild Variable Response Unit is an electro-opticaI device which enables the users of Fairchild electronic engravers to obtain any desired tone response between the original copy and the finished plastic engraving. The authors will discuss in this paper some of the work which has been done in applying this unique device to printing problems. Examples will be shown in which the contrast is too low or too high, important detail has blocked up in the shadow regions, resolution has deteriorated in the highlight areas, etc. It will be demonstrated how the electronic engraver operator may use the Vaiable Response Unit to increase contrast in the tones of interest and to compress tones which are unimportant in order to maintain and improve the quality of reproduction of normal copy. Mention will also be made of special effects which can be obtained for use in advertising displays. The authors will conclude by discussing what they feel will be the major uses of the Fairchild Variable Response Unit in the graphic arts field.