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Image Resolution

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4 views

Image Resolution

Uploaded by

lisangocnguyenn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Necessary resolution of pixel image data

Print media

a) conventional screening

The resolution of digital images should be as high as necessary. There are no more
details by means of higher resolution. The detail rendering is limited by screening.

image resolution = quality factor x screen ruling

units:
• image resolution ppi pixel (picture elements) per inch
(dpi is also often used)
• screen ruling lpi lines per inch
L/cm lpcm, lines per cm, cm-1
(1 inch = 2,54 cm)
• quality factor 2 for color images
1,5 for greyscale images (also 2 in practice)
This equation is valid for the reproduction size.
In case of scaling the image please consider the magnification ratio (see equation for
scanning)

Example:
given: screen ruling = 60 lpcm/ 150 lpi, color image
necessary image resolution = 2 x 60 lpcm x 2,54 = 2 x 152,4 lpi
= 304,8 ≈ 305 ppi

There is no need for a precise image resolution. The tolerances are between 75% and
150 % of the target value; in case of a screen ruling of 150 lpi: approximately between
230 ppi and 460 ppi. A too low image resolution causes steps (aliasing effect).
The visibility of the steps depends on the image contents.
A too high image resolution effects a large amount of data and a long processing time
on the RIP.

Rule: twice the image resolution = four times the data amount

Image resolution • Scan resolution • page 1/3

© Training Centre for Graphic Arts, Chemnitz, Germany • www.azp.de


Table: necessary resolution for different screen rulings in practice

Screen ruling necessary image resolution

cm-1 lpi ppi; QF = 2, scaling 100%


60 150 (152) 300 (305)
70 175 (178) 350 (355)
80 200 (203) 400 (410)

b) Stochastic screening
The detail rendering in general is better than in conventional screening. The necessary
image resolution is comparable with the resolution for a fine screening (80 lpcm/200 lpi
and higher)
Guideline: 400 ... 450 ppi

c) Special screening technologies in digital color printing (Inkjet, Xerographic Pr.)


In case of xerographic printing systems (color laser printer) in general 200 ppi are suffi-
cient. The statements of the vendors are misleading. It is a good idea to print first one
picture in different resolutions, and evaluate the result.
Guideline: 200 ... 300 ppi

d) Line work images (no screening)


Line work images printed in one process or spot color are not screened. The upper limit
depends in some cases from the resolution power of the output device (e.g. color laser
printer). In case of high-resolution output devices (imagesetter, platesetter) the resolution
is too high (e.g. 2400 dpi) and results in a high data amount. The resolution power of the
human eye is limited to appr. 700 dpi in normal reading distance.
Guideline: 900 ... 1200 ppi

Digital media (electronic media: Internet presentation, multimedia)

only for screen presentation 72 ... 105 ppi


for digital documents printed on workplace printers 170 ppi
line work 300 ppi

Image resolution • Scan resolution • page 2/3

© Training Centre for Graphic Arts, Chemnitz, Germany • www.azp.de


Scan resolution

In practice the size of picture copy and printed image are not the same. With scaling up
and down the image resolution becomes lower or higher.

Scan resolution = Magnification ratio x image resolution

Size in print
Magnification ratio =
Size of original

Attention: Enlargement in the layout program reduces the image resolution.

Image resolution in digital photography

Digital cameras and digital backs for professional photo cameras have a certain number
of pixels. The maximum size in printing, without loss of details, depends on the screeen
ruling and the number of pixels of the sensor in each dimension.

number of pixels (in high or width) x 2,54


max. image size (cm) =
(high or width) necessary image resolution (ppi)

Example:
given: Digital camera: 3 mio pixel sensor: 2048 x 1536 pixel
offset printing: screen ruling 60 lpcm (150 lpi)

2048 (in width) x 2,54


max. image size (cm) = = 17 cm (width) (appr. DIN A5)
305 (ppi)

Attention: The enlargement of the image resolution in Photoshop effects no more de-
tails. Also computer programs with special mathematical procedures (fractal oriented) for
scaling up are a waste of money. The best solution is to scan the picture again with the
necessary resolution.

Image resolution • Scan resolution • page 3/3

© Training Centre for Graphic Arts, Chemnitz, Germany • www.azp.de

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