A Simple Alternative to the Neugebauer Equations for Computing Dot Area and Dot Gain Colorimetrically

Dot area (and thus dot gain) has been determined by application of the Murray-Davies Equation to density values. While generally useful for common process inks, it has the disadvantage of (1) not being applicable in general to other colors unless there is a filter response corresponding to the specific color and (2) is currently limited to CIE illuminant A due to current filter responses. These disadvantages can be overcome by using the Neugebauer Equations for a single color on paper. However, the Neugebauer approach is not computationally simple and is not easily incorporated into instrument software. This paper will present a simple formula for computing dot area colorimetrically, which will also have a significant advantage over the Neugebauer approach. advantage over the Neugebauer approach.