Details:
Summary:
In order to evaluate and improve the Springdale Scanner, it was necessary to investigate each step of the engraving process from copy to printed page. In the course of this study two major instruments were developed with which rather small changes in definition and tone scale can be measured. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the instruments and illustrate how they are being used to solve problems encountered in graphic arts color research. A microdensitometer measures edge quality, which is most important for perception of detail in color reproduction and the same device can be used to investigate characteristics of halftone dots. Stepless gray and color scales, covering the ranges of clear film to black, are used in studies of tone scale, color separation and undercolor removal. These scales are measured in a densitometer which has been equipped with a curve plotting device.