DEMYSTIFYING THE HALFTONING PROCESS: CONVENTIONAL, STOCHASTIC, AND HYBRID HALFTONE DOT STRUCTURES

摘要

For more than 150 years, printers have been faithfully reproducing CT originals using halftoning techniques. For about 120 years, printers could only use the AM halftoning technique invented by Henry Talbot. In recent years, the advent of powerful RIPs and high-resolution output devices has increased the variety of halftoning techniques available to the printer. In particular, FM and Hybrid techniques can be used to increase the aesthetic qualities and fidelity of printed reproductions. Each of these new techniques provides benefits and drawbacks as highlighted in this article. Printers and students of printing need to test these techniques to ensure that their benefits outweigh their costs.