A
type of flat panel LCD display used in laptop and portable computers. Active
matrix displays produce a superior image to passive matrix displays.
ADC
(Analog-to-Digital Converter)
The
device responsible for converting an analog sample such as a voltage level to
a binary quantity, or video tape to a digitized format.
Additive
Colors
The
three additive primary colors are red, green and blue. When these three colors
of light are mixed in equal proportions they will produce white light. Also
known as additive primaries.
Addressable
Resolution
The
maximum resolution of any device. The finite number of pixels that any imaging
device is capable of creating, manipulating or imaging.
Adobe
Acrobat
Adobe's
software application for creation of Portable Document Format files that can
display a document as it was originally designed without having the particular
software or fonts used to create the file.
Aliasing
The
visual stair-stepping of edges that occurs in an image when the resolution is
too low. This can be caused by improper image sampling or improper image
processing.
Algorithm
A
mathematical routine that solves a problem or equation. In imaging, the term
is usually used to describe the set of routines that make up a compression or
color management program.
Alpha
The
degree of opacity of an image in computer graphics. Not the same as luminance.
Alpha
Channel
An
additional eight-bit channel used by some image editing software applications
for masking or additional image information. Many popular image editing
programs use these channels for saving selections and masks.
Anti-Aliasing
A
technique used to smooth the transition between adjacent image areas. The
removal or softening of jagged (aliased) edges by averaging or blending
techniques.
Aperture
The
opening in a lens that allows light to reach the film. Changing the size of
the aperture changes the amount of light allowed to strike the film. This is
measured in f-stops, or f-numbers, which are numbers written around the lens.
F-stops closer to the number 1, such as f2 or f4, indicate a large aperture
(and more light), whereas f-stops farther away from the number 1, such as f16
or f22, indicate a smaller aperture (and less light).
Archival
Storage
The
storage of digital data in long-term, off-line storage devices.
Archive
Storage
of selected digital files for backup or long-term storage.
Artifact
Unwanted
visual anomalies or defects generated by an input or output device, or by a
software operation, that degrade image quality.
Artificial
Intelligence
The
use of computers to solve problems and process information in ways that
approximate human thought.
Aspect
Ratio
The
relationship of an image's horizontal length and vertical height. The
horizontal length number is placed first (i.e. 3:2).
Automatic
Exposure
A
camera feature that instantly adjusts your exposure settings based on
available light sources. Most digital cameras have this feature.
AV
(Audio-Visual)
A
generic term used to deal with animation, audio, video, and CD-I.
Contours
or steps in a gradient produced by an inadequate range of brightness levels
available to display the image. Banding can occur when displaying continuous
tone images on a display using less than 24 bits of color information, or when
printing a gradient that spans an extended distance without an adequate range
of colors to create smooth transitions from shade to shade.
Barrel
Distortion
Image
distortion that spreads the center dimensions of the picture.
Base
Resolution
The
Photo CD image resolution (512 x 768 pixels) that is formatted for display on
current consumer televisions. The term is now used to refer to the standard
image size of 512 x 768 pixels.
4
Base
The
1536 x 1024 pixel image that is scanned and stored on a Photo CD. This image
is ready to be used by High Definition Television Systems.
Base/4
An
image resolution with 1/4 the number of pixels as Base Resolution.
Base/16
An
image resolution with 1/16 the number of pixels as Base Resolution.
16
Base
The
2048 x 3072 pixels image that is scanned and stored on a Photo CD and suitable
for digital imaging and desktop publishing applications.
64
Base
The
maximum resolution image file that is available on Pro Photo CD disks. This
4000 x 6000 pixel file produces a 72 megabyte color image.
BASIC
(BALUSTRADE Image Sensor)
A
specific type of image capture sensor or CCD that can capture high quality
digital images with a single chip.
Batch
Processing
A
method that allows for the repetitive processing of groups of data or several
digital files by executing only one command.
Baud
Rate
Used
interchangeably with "Bits Per Second." The unit of measure used to
rate the speed at which computer data can be translated via modem. Typical
modem rates are 2,400, 9,600, 14,400, and 28,000 baud.
Binary
The
numbering system used by most computers that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to
represent all numbers.
Bit
A
Binary digit, this is the smallest piece of binary information used by a
computer. A bit will have a value of either 0 or 1.
Bitmap
Graphics
Graphics
that are constructed of individual pixels.
Black
The
fourth color in four-color printing. It is listed as the K in "CMYK."
Black is required in the printing process because equal amounts of cyan,
magenta and yellow inks will not produce a true black.
Black
Generation
A
term describing the addition of black ink to the other process colors when
separating an RGB color image into CMYK colors. Black generation is typically
handled in one of two ways, GCR or UCR.
Bleed
Printing
term referring to an image or inked area which extends to the edge of a
printed piece. The bleed is the portion of the artwork that is beyond the trim
marks of the piece. The bleed is required to account for any slight
misalignment during trimming which would otherwise result in an unprinted
strip of paper appearing at the edge of the finished piece.
Blend
In
computer graphics software, the intermediate steps between two objects that
are created when the objects are merged together via a specified number of
intermediate transformations.
Blooming
A
visual effect caused by exposing a CCD to too much light. This "digital
overexposure" can cause distortions of the subject and/or color.
Blue
One
of the three additive primary colors of light.
Blur
The
softening of image detail. Blurring of an image is usually accomplished
through software averaging of pixel values to soften edge detail.
Bounce
Flash
A
photographic technique whereby light is reflected off another surface before
it reaches the subject, usually in order to soften or diffuse the light.
BPl
(Bits Per Inch)
A
term defining the density of data in a bitmap image.
BPS
(Bits Per Second)
A
measurement of the speed of data transfer, used interchangeably with the term
baud per second.
Bracketing
The
practice of taking several pictures of the same subject in close succession,
with different exposure settings each time. Bracketing is often used to
experiment with exposure conditions, and to ensure that an optimum image has
been captured.
Browser
A
software tool for accessing and navigating the World Wide Web.
Buffer
Part
of the computer's memory used for temporary storage of information. This
becomes necessary to compensate for differences in speed that different
devices can transmit or receive data.
Bus
A
data pathway used within a computer system to transfer information within the
system.
Byte
A
bundle of data containing eight bits. This is the common size unit for
computer data.
C
Cache
Temporary
storage located between the hard disk and the computer's RAM, used to reduce
the time needed for the computer to access data.
Calibration
A
process of setting digital imaging components to standardized settings that
will produce accurate and predictable results in the output.
Capture
Acquiring
information, such as an image, with a scanner or digital camera device.
CCD
Array
An
arrangement of CCD sensors mounted in close proximity that allows for the
simultaneous capturing of many pixels with one exposure.
CCD
Color Scanner
An
input device that uses CCD's to sample an analog color image and convert the
information into a digital form.
CCD
(Charged Coupled Device)
A
type of light detection device used in many popular scanners, digital cameras,
and video cameras that generates electrical current in direct proportion to
how much light strikes areas of the sensor.
CD
(Compact Disc)
A
small plastic disc used to store digital information. A laser is used to read
the digital information from the disc.
CD
Interactive (CD-I)
A
multimedia system that uses a CD-ROM XA disc that provides for simultaneous
presentation of video, audio, data and text, allowing the user to interact by
responding to prompts generated by software.
CD-ROM
(CD-Read-Only Memory)
A
compact disc format that allows storage of information in a read only format.
CD-R
(CD-Recordable)
A
CD format that allows the users to record data to a disc when using the proper
hardware. Recorded data is not erasable.
Chip
Common
term for a computer integrated circuit.
Chroma
The
hue or color information associated with an image.
Chrominance
The
portions of a signal that are dedicated to describing the hue and saturation.
Used in measuring the difference between two colors of equal brightness.
CIE
(Commission International de l'Eclairange)
A
set of color standards based on mathematical modeling of human vision and
light. CIE color spaces are used for the communication of color independent of
a specific device.
Cloning
The
process of producing an exact copy of existing digital image data, either to
another image file or by copying an area of an image within the same file.
CLUT
(Color Look-Up Tables)
A
digital color processing technique that is employed when the display system is
not capable of reproducing all of the colors available in the image. This
presents the best possible combination of colors on the display for predicting
accurate color for the output.
CMY
(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
These
three subtractive primary colors are used in color-negative printing and in
some color output devices to produce a full gamut of color. The combination of
pure CMY inks produces black, and the elimination of all three produces white.
CMYK
(Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black)
The
four colors of ink that are used in "four color process" printing to
create the appearance of a photographic or full color. Black is added to
compensate for the lack of purity in CMY inks.
Color
Color
is produced using a combination of luminance and chrominance signals.
Color
Calibration
A
system of software and/or hardware that matches the colors between two or more
digital devices. Color calibration systems commonly compare device color
profiles and translate one color model into a device-independent language that
the next color device can use.
Color
Correction
The
process of adjusting an image to compensate for scanner deficiencies or output
device characteristics.
Color
Curve
A
graphic mechanism for displaying color measurements and for making color
changes to an image. User adjustments to the angle and slope of the curve
implement color changes to one or all of an images color channels.
Color
Management System (CMS)
A
combination of software and or hardware devices used to produce accurate color
results throughout a digital imaging system.
Color
Temperature
A
scale used to refer to the visible energy system of various light sources. The
scale uses degrees Kelvin as a measure of the mixture on a scale from red to
blue white. Daylight = 5500 Kelvin, a blue-white color. The Tungsten in a light
bulb produces about 3200 Kelvin, an orange color.
Colorimeter
A
device for measuring color values.
ColorSense
A
color management system developed by Kodak to deliver predictable color control
even when using multiple computer platforms and software applications.
Colorsync
II
A
color management software developed by Apple computer. ColorSync manages the
color between digital devices by comparing each device's color description to
the standard CIE color mode.
Compact
Disc Erasable
A
type of compact disc that allows for the disc to be recorded, erased and
re-recorded.
Compression
The
process of reducing the size of a data file, usually accomplished through
software processing. This is used to reduce the required storage space or cut
transmission times.
Computer
Program
Term
used to describe a specific piece of software for a computer system. Sometimes
referred to as an application.
Console
Terminology
sometimes used to describe a computer monitor and keyboard.
Contact
Print
A
photographic print made from a negative or positive original in contact with a
photographically sensitive film, paper, or printing plate.
Continuous
Tone (CT)
An
image that consists of a visually infinite tonal range of colors or gray values.
Value changes appear as a continuous gradient.
Contouring
See
"Banding."
Contrast
The
measure of difference between the lightest and darkest values appearing in an
image. High-contrast images contain mainly dark values and white values with few
steps or tones available in the image. In photos with a low degree of contrast,
the transition from light to dark is achieved through many shadings of light and
color.
Copyright
The
legal ownership of artistic or written material. Assignment of the copyright can
be transferred by contract.
CPU
(Central Processing Unit)
The
main processing portion of a computer. This section contains processing and
control circuitry along with internal storage areas.
Cropping
The
process of cutting away unwanted portions of an image. For instance, an image
may be cut down to only include a person's face.
Cyan
One
of the three subtractive primary colors. Produced by mixing equal amounts of
blue and green projected light. Cyan is also one of the four colors used in
4-color printing.
D
D-RAM
(Dynamic Random Access Memory)
The
term describes memory within the computer that is constantly changing.
DAC
(Digital-to-Analog Converter)
Any
device capable of converting discrete digital binary numbers into continuous
analog signals or voltages.
Data
The
numbers that make up a digital file.
Data
Base
An
organized collection of data or information.
Data
Compression
The
process of reducing the size of a data file, usually accomplished through
software processing.
Datum
The
singular of data.
Densitometer
A
device used to measure the density of light transmitted or reflected by paper or
film. It is used to check the accuracy, quality and consistency of an output
device.
Density
The
degree of opacity of a photographic film.
Depth
of Field
The
area that appears in focus within the image. When the lens is set to a smaller
aperture, a greater depth of field results--i.e., subjects can be both closer
and further away from the camera and still appear in focus.
Descreening
A
feature of some scanners that allow them to eliminate moire patterns that can
occur.
Desktop
Publishing
The
use of desktop computers to create and perform some prepress operations for
printing and publishing.
Device-Independent
Color (DIC)
Any
color matching system that is based on a device independent color model, such as
ClE, rather than being based on the color gamut of one particular piece of
equipment.
DIF
(Data Interchange Format)
A
standardized format that allows for the exchanging of digital data between
different programs.
Digit
A
single unit from which all data is built.
Digital
Information
or data that exists as numerical values (1 or 0) based on a binary coding
system.
Digital
Camera
A
filmless camera system. Any camera system that is capable of converting an
analog image info a digital signal or file.
Digital
Duplicates
Reproductions
of an image that are produced by scanning the original analog image to produce a
digital image file, and then imaging the digital file using some variety of
digital printing or recording device.
Digital
Internegatives
Internegs
that are produced by digitally scanning the original transparency to create a
digital file, and then imaging the digital data using a film recorder to record
the image onto a negative film stock.
Digital
Printer
Any
printing device that is capable of translating digital data into hardcopy
output.
Digitize
The
process of sampling analog data and converting the signal into a digital data
format usable by a computer.
Digitizer
A
device that allows the user to plot position points on a tablet using a mouse or
stylus in order to input drawing coordinates into a computer system.
DIMM
(Dual Inline Memory Module)
Used
to add additional RAM memory to computers.
DIP
(Dual In-line Package as in DIP Switches)
Small
switches used on some computer peripherals in order to change operating
settings.
Direct
Memory Access
The
ability to use memory without a software interface.
Disc
The
spelling variation of "disk" referring to compact discs such as Photo
CD or other CD-ROM.
Disk
Drive
A
device that can contain a fixed or removable spinning disk used for storage of
digital data.
Dithering
A
process, used by some output devices, that simulates shades of gray or color
variations with a randomizing technique that uses varying sizes and shapes of
pixel groupings instead of an ordered array of halftone dots.
DOS
(Disk Operating System)
The
main system software that tells your computer how to work.
Dot
Dots
make up an image in color separations or halftones. Halftone dots will have a
fixed density but have variable size (amplitude modulation).
Dot
Gain
The
effect produced by the expansion of individual dots in a halftone screen when
printed onto paper. Dot gain results in a darkening of a printed image and is
influenced by the tendency of different papers to absorb ink.
Dot
Matrix
An
impact printing process that uses a series of dots to create all images, lines
and text.
Dot
Pitch
The
distance between the dots on a computer monitor, typically 0.2 to 0.3
millimeters. The closer the dots the sharper the image on the monitor.
Double
Exposure
Multiple
images recorded on the same frame of film. Sometimes done intentionally as a
visual effect.
Download
The
process of receiving data from another computer, server or system.
DPI
(Dots Per Inch)
The
unit of measure used to describe the resolution of image files, scanners, or
output devices. The measure of distinct pixels that a device can produce either
horizontally or vertically in one inch.
Drag
and Drop
Terminology
used to describe an option in graphical user interfaces where tasks can be
accomplished by simply dragging an icon to a specified area.
Draw
Program
A
software program that can create and manipulate object oriented graphics.
Driver
A
small software program used to interface with and control a peripheral device
such as a scanner or printer..
DSP
(Digital Signal Processor)
Chips
that are designed to facilitate digital video and audio, along with accelerating
image processing.
Duotone
A
monochromatic printed image created by two overlapping halftone screens of
different colors; generally created from a black and white photographic original
in order to add additional tonal range, or to create a tinted or colored
appearance.
DVD
(Digital Versatile Disc)
A
technology similar to Compact Disc, but far superior in its storage capacity. A
DVD can contain about 4.7 GB of data in its single-sided, single-density
version, and 18 GB or more in a double-sided, double-density version, or about
40 times more than a CD.
DVI
(Digital Video Interactive)
A
technology that allows for interactive video by the compression of approximately
70 minutes of video on one standard CD-ROM.
Dye
Sublimation (Diffusion Transfer)
A
color printing technology that forms the image by delivering gaseous dyes to the
receiver material with a thermal driver. This creates near photographic quality
images.
Dynamic
Range
The
measurable difference between the brightest highlight and the darkest value that
any system can scan, create, manipulate or write. The range of gray values that
a system can reproduce.
E
EISA
Bus
A
type of 32 bit data bus used in PC's.
Emulsion
Side
The
side of photographic film or paper coated with the silver emulsion. Film output
is specified as emulsion up, or emulsion down.
Encapsulated
PostScript (EPS)
A
file format developed by Adobe that stores graphics and text as Postscript
language commands that a printer can read and print. These files contain low
resolution preview files in addition to the high resolution Postscript commands.
Encryption
The
process of scrambling a signal or digital file so that de-scrambling hardware or
software is needed for a receiver to use the image.
Equalization
An
image processing technique where the range of tones or colors in an image file
are expanded in order to produce a more pleasing image.
Ethernet
The
networking system originally developed by Xerox that allows for data transfer
between computers and peripherals of up to 10 megabytes per second using coaxial
cable.
Exposure
The
amount of light allowed to pass through the camera lens onto the film. Exposure
can be controlled by varying the shutter speed and the size of the aperture.
Extended
Architecture
A
type of CD-ROM drive that allows for the use of multisession discs, such as
Photo CD.
F
F-stop
(f setting)
A
numerical designation of the size (aperture) of the lens opening. A number
closer to the number 1, such as f2 or f4 refers to a larger f-stop. A number
farther away from 1, such as f16 or f22, refers to a smaller or narrower f-stop.
See aperture and exposure.
Feathering
A
technique in many image editing programs that allows for the softening of the
edge around a selection.
Fiber
Optic Cables
Cables
made of very thin glass fibers that use light pulses to transmit data instead of
electricity. These cables have greater bandwidth than electrical transmission
through wires.
File
Converters
Hardware
or software that is used to convert files from one type of file format to
another format.
File
Format
The
particular arrangement of digital information that is saved from an application
program. The method of arrangement or storage is unique for any particular
application program, but most applications can import and export standardized
graphic and text file formats such as TIFF, GIF, EPS graphics, RTF, or ASCII
text.
Fill-in
flash
Refers
to either a hand-held or portable flash (not attached to the camera) used to add
additional light in photography, OR a function on a camera that, when engaged,
forces the camera's flash to fire, regardless of the lighting conditions.
Film
Recorders (CRT& Drum)
A
device used to output digital files onto film materials. CRT film recorders use
a cathode ray tube and RGB filters to create the film image. Drum-based film
recorders/writers include sheet-fed and roll-fed models and use white light or
lasers to record the image on film.
Film
Speed
An
indicator of a given film's sensitivity to light. This is rated numerically and
matched to the camera's exposure controls. A faster film has a higher number,
such as ASA 400; a slower films might has a speed of ASA 100 (ASA: an
abbreviation of American Standards Association).
Filmless
Cameras
Another
term for digital cameras. These cameras record images onto digital storage
devices instead of film.
Filters
Software
that is used to modify digital images by altering the values or arrangement of
selected image pixels.
Firmware
Software
that is embedded into a computer's ROM chips. This information is permanently
burned into the chip and cannot be changed.
Flash
Memory
A
special type of RAM memory that stores data without electrical current. This
type of memory is currently used in a number of digital cameras and some
portable computers through the use of credit-card sized devices.
FlashPix
An
image file format developed and supported by Eastman Kodak Co., Microsoft Corp.,
Hewlett-Packard, Live Picture and other companies. The format uses FITS (see
FITS) technology to facilitate the transmission and manipulation of large image
files.
Flatbed
Scanner
A
scanner which utilizes CCD linear arrays. The image is placed on a glass plate,
and the CCD array moves past the artwork.
Floppy
Disk
A
magnetically coated removable disk used for the storage of computer information.
Floppy disks come in two common sizes, 5-1/4 and 3-1/2 inches, and store from
360K to 2.88 MB.
Floptica
l
A
floppy disk storage device that uses a light beam to accurately position the
magnetic head and is capable of storing 21 MB.
Focal
Length
The
distance (usually given in millimeters) between the center of a lens and the
furthest point at which objects remain in focus. Lenses with longer focal
lengths tend to have greater magnification power.
Font
All
of the numbers, symbols, and letters in a single typeface.
Fractal
A
mathematically generated pattern that is reproducible at any magnification or
reduction.
Fractal
Compression
A
type of video compression that utilizes fractal-based compression algorithms.
Fractal
Image
An
image that is created by mathematically generated geometric shapes containing an
infinite amount of image detail.
Frame
Buffer
An
area in RAM memory set aside to specifically hold the data for the screen
display.
Frame
Grabber
A
computer expansion board that is capable of digitizing and processing video
signals, converting the video signal to a single digital image that can be read
and displayed by a computer.
FTP
(File Transfer Protocol)
The
language used to facilitate the transfer of files from a server on the internet
to another location, such as a desktop computer or another server.
Full
Bleed
Printing
term used when an image or background extends to the final trim edge of a
printed page.
G
Gamma
Refers
to the slope of the line that represents image output values versus the image
input values. The term gamma is also sometimes used to describe the contrast of
a monitor.
Gamma
Correction
The
nonlinear tonal correction editing an images gamma curve. This is typically used
to manipulate image shadow detail and lighten the image without washing out the
highlight areas.
Gamut
The
range of colors that are available in an image or output process.
Gamut
Compression
The
editing of an image to reduce the color gamut so that the image can be displayed
or output within the limits of a particular device.
Gamut
Mapping
The
plotting of an image color gamut into the CIE color space.
Ganging
Putting
a group of images or jobs on the scanner or press at one time.
Gaussian
Blur
An
image softening effect utilizing a bell shaped gaussian distribution to apply
the softening effect.
Generation
Loss
The
loss of quality that is unavoidable in any type of analog duplication such as an
interneg. Digital images do not suffer this loss of quality when duplicated.
Ghosting
The
effect of changing an object's level of opacity.
GIF
(Graphics Interchange Format)
A
graphics file format common to online services and the Internet. A GIF utilizes
a 1 to 8-bit palette to minimize file size (pronounced "jiff").
Gigabyte
(GB)
Approximately
one billion bytes (1000 Megabytes). The exact number is 1,073,741,824 bytes.
Gradation
A
smooth graduated transition between two colors or between black and white. Also
known as a gradient.
Graphics
Accelerator
A
computer expansion board that is specifically designed to increase the
performance of graphics software tasks.
Graphics
Tablet
A
device that allows the user to plot position points on a tablet using a mouse or
stylus to input drawing coordinates.
Gray
Scale (or Grayscale)
An
image containing a range of gray levels as opposed to only pure black and pure
white.
Green
One
of the three additive primary colors of light (Red, Green and Blue).
GUI
(Graphical User Interface)
A
computer interface or control system that uses graphical icons to control the
computer operations. The Apple Macintosh interface and Microsoft Windows are
examples of graphical user interfaces.
H
Hard
Disk or Hard Drive
A
computer storage device that contains a fixed magnetically coated disk used for
storage of digital data.
HDTV
(High-Definition Television)
A
television system that incorporates 1000 or more horizontal lines of resolution
(twice current standards) along with a wider aspect ratio and digital quality
audio.
Highlight
The
brightest/lightest area within an image.
Histogram
A
graphical display which represents the distribution of tones within an image.
The horizontal coordinate represents each pixel value possible from black to
white. The vertical values indicate the number of pixels in the image that occur
at each value level.
HLS
(Hue, Luminance, and Saturation)
A
color model that utilizes Hue, Luminance, and Saturation as the three
coordinates..
Home
Page
The
main page of a web site. Navigation of a web site begins from this home page.
Most home pages include links to other pages of the web site.
Horizontal
Resolution
The
number of vertical lines that a system is capable of producing (counted on a
horizontal axis).
HSB
(Hue, Saturation, and Brightness)
A
color model that utilizes Hue, Saturation, and Brightness as the three
coordinates.
HSV
(Hue, Saturation, and Value)
A
color model that utilizes Hue, Saturation, and Value as the three coordinates.
HTML
(Hypertext Markup Language)
A
computer language and format that describes the components of graphics and text
material presented on the World Wide Web in a consistent manner.
HTTP
(Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The
method that is used to retrieve HTML documents on the World Wide Web. This takes
place transparent to the user once the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) address is
accessed. (For example, PMA is located at http://www.pmai.org)
Hue
One
of the components of color. The hue can be specified by the particular
wavelengths or by CIE coordinates.
Hybrid
Imaging
Electronic
imaging systems that mix traditional silver-halide technologies with digital
imaging technologies.
Hyper-Compression
A
technology developed by Eastman Kodak Co. that compresses a photographic image
by several hundred times, reducing the image to just a few bytes of information.
It allows an entire image to be stored in a portion of a barcode or on the
magnetic strip of a credit card. When decompressed and viewed on the monitor, it
produces a low resolution, but recognizable, black-and-white-image.
Hypertext
A
document made up from several blocks of text that are linked within the
computer. This process is used in networks such as the internet or LAN's.
I
I/0
(Input/Output)
Used
to refer to the portions of a computer that handle the movement of digital data
from storage devices such as hard drives into RAM or other storage devices.
Icon
A
small graphic or pictorial image on the screen used to represent digital files
or applications, and accessed using a mouse or tablet.
IHS
(Intensity, Hue, and Saturation)
A
color model where colors are expressed by three values representing Intensity,
Hue, and Saturation.
Imagesetter
A
high resolution laser output device that is used to record bitmapped data onto
film or photographic paper. These devices are available in flatbed and drum
models that image at resolutions of 1000 dots per inch or more.
Import
To
access a separate file while working on a document within an application program
for use in that current document.
Initialize
A
preparation stage that equipment and storage media must go through in order to
be ready for a task. The initialization process clears equipment or media of any
old data or instructions.
Ink
Jet
A
nonimpact printing technology where ink droplets are propelled at the paper to
form characters or graphics.
Input
Any
type of information that is fed into a computer system for processing or
storage. Input could come from digital cameras, scanners, storage devices,
keyboards, mice, or a number of other devices.
Interactive
A
system where the operator's input and the application's actions are
inter-related. Interactive programs often permit or require the operator to
respond to prompts in order to move forward in the program.
Interface
The
connection between operator and the system. A keyboard, mouse and monitor can
all be considered to be interfaces between operator and system.
Internal
Data Path
The
programmed path that data travels in any given application.
Interpolation
A
sampling technique used to increase the size of an image file by creating more
pixels and increasing the apparent resolution of an image. Interpolation
examines the existing pixel information and creates additional pixels by
averaging the existing values.
IPU
(Internal Processing Unit)
The
main processing unit that controls the speed and the operation of a computer.
ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network)
An
international standard for telecommunications that allows for data, video, and
voice transmission over the same phone lines.
IVUE
The
file format invented by Live Picture. This file format uses FITS Technology to
allow for near real-time access to the entire image or selected segments and
unlimited image zooming.
J
Jaggies
The
visual stair-stepping edges, known as aliasing, that occur in an image when the
image resolution is too low.
Java
A
computer language announced by Sun MicroSystems in 1995 that allows desktop
computers on a network to access only the portion (called an Applet) of an
application they will need. The application itself resides on a networked
server, eliminating the need for a software application to be registered and
paid for by every user. It also enhances websites on the Internet by making it
easier to integrate video into a homepage.
Jazz
Drive
A
storage device manufactured by Iomega that allows for up to one gigabyte of
information on a single low cost storage media.
JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group)
A
graphics file format designed for use with photographs and other color bitmaps.
The JPEG format uses compression algorithms and an "averaging"
technique to create files that are smaller than would be the case with other
graphics file formats. Saving an image as a JPEG files does cause a very minor
loss of image data and in some cases, quality.
Jukebox
A
device providing access to a large number of CD-ROM's by mechanically finding,
retrieving and playing each disk.
K
K
(Kilobyte)
1,024
bytes of computer memory.
Kan
Image
A
camera system using a vibration technique to move the CCD to provide higher
resolution images.
Kelvin
A
temperature measuring scale used to describe the color of light. The lower the
color temperature the redder the light, and the higher the color temperature the
bluer the light.
L
LAN
(Local Area Network)
Formed
by interconnected computers within a single work site.
Landscape,
Landscape Mode
The
orientation of an image that is wider than it is tall; a setting controlling an
output device to properly fit a computer document to the print medium.
Laser
Scanner
A
scanning device using a laser light source to record the image.
Lasso
A
tool found in many image editing applications allowing the operator to select an
area by drawing around it.
LCD
(liquid crystal display)
The
display technology often used in digital watches, digital cameras and other
consumer devices. Characterized by dark lettering on a silvery background.
Lens
any
optical device made of glass or another transparent material that forms images
by bending and focusing rays of light. Camera lenses include a number of glass
"elements" that work together to give a sharp, true image.
Lens
Hood
A
device fitted over the camera lens to prevent unwanted light.
Library
A
storage system organized to retain and give access to files, data, images,
programs, etc.
Lightness
A
concept, often called rightness, that refers to the amount of perceived light
reflecting or emanating from a subject; also referred to as Luminance.
Line
Art
Artwork
that is only black and white, with no other tones included.
Linear
Scanner
A
scanning device that uses a linear array CCD. The linear array "sees"
one line of the image at a time, and the linear array is moved past the image or
the image is moved past the linear array in steps in order to capture the entire
image area
Lossless
Compression
Any
compression technique wherein no loss in image data will occur when the image is
compressed.
Lossy
Compression
Any
compression technique wherein some loss of image data will occur when the image
is compressed.
LPl
(Lines Per Inch)
See
"Line Screen"
LPM
(Line Pairs per Millimeter)
The
pixel density of a digital image measured in millimeters.
Luminance
The
lightness or brightness of an image. A concept and control in some software that
changes or imports only the color lightness information within an image.
LZW
(Lempel-Ziv-Welch)
A
lossless compression technique common to TIFF files that allows smaller storage
sizes.
M
Macro
A
predetermined pattern of key strokes that are activated to save time when doing
a repetitive task on the computer.
Magenta
A
subtractive primary color for printing. It is made up of equal parts of red and
blue projected light.
Manual
Exposure
The
ability to override automatic exposure settings, which are usually programmed to
achieve a smooth range of color and light values.
Marquee
A
selection tool in image editing programs typically represented by animated
dotted lines that surround a selected area of an image.
Masking
A
technique that allows manipulation of one area of an image while other areas
remain unaffected.
Mass
Storage
High
volume storage or archiving systems.
Megabyte
(MB)
1,048,576
million bytes of computer memory.
Merging
Putting
two or more data files together. Typically used to describe the merging of two
channels of a bitmap image.
Metafile
Files
that can be shared by more than one application program.
Metamerism
Two
colors that appear the same under certain light conditions while differing under
other light conditions.
MHz
(Megahertz)
A
unit of measure for frequency that relates to the processing speed of a
computer. Equal to one million hertz.
Mini
Discs
A
small (3 inch) CD developed by Sony.
Mirror
A
software function that vertically or horizontally reverses an image.
Modem
A
device that allows a computer to communicate via phone lines to other
communication devices or networks.
Moire
An
undesirable pattern effect that occasionally appears in combinations of
overlapping halftone screens. Changes to screen angles will often eliminate
moire patterns.
Moire
Pattern
A
visual defect that occurs in half-tone printing when the dots of the different
separations used to create the half-tone image are at the wrong angles (See
Screen Angles).
Monitor
Calibration
The
process used to bring a monitor's specifications of color, saturation and
brightness into synchronization with the final output device, allowing the user
to assume that what is seen on the screen will be extremely close to the final
output in appearance.
Morphing
Moving
smoothly from one image to another by having the computer animate a sequence
transposing points in the starting image to corresponding points in the final
image.
Motherboard
The
major circuit board of a computer that contains processors, acts as a host to
the peripherals, and operates software.
Mouse
A
device that when moved across a surface makes a corresponding motion of the
cursor on the computer screen.
MPEG
(Motion Pictures Expert Group)
A
motion picture compression system.
MS-DOS
(Microsoft Disk Operating System)
A
major command-line based operating system for PC's.
Multimedia
A
term that is commonly used to mean a computer presentation incorporating a
combination of graphics, audio, video, and interactivity.
Multisession
A
designation that means that data can be written to a Photo CD on more than one
occasion.
Multithreading
Similar
to multitasking, this is a chip technology that routes information through more
than one channel in bursts of information, followed by bursts of information
from another task. The two tasks share time on the chip, giving the appearance
of multitasking.
N
Nanoseconds
A
time measurement equal to one-billionth of a second.
Native
Files
The
original computer files, in their original application forms, for a digital
graphic or publication; as opposed to an export format, Postscript print to disk
format, or other transformed format which can no longer be opened and edited by
the original programs used to create the graphic or publication.
Negative
Film
containing a reversal of an image, such that the values of the original are
reversed with light becoming dark, and vice versa.
Network
Interconnecting
several computers or communication devices.
Newton
Rings
Concentric
multicolored rings caused by the pressing of film to glass. This can be a
problem in scanning from negatives or transparencies.
Noise
In
image editing applications, a random pattern of unwanted pixels or pixel
groupings called artifacts.
Non-Impact
Printer
A
printing process that transfers the ink to the paper without pressure.
Non-Interlaced
Refreshing
the monitor screen without using a method that scans odd lines followed by the
scanning of the even lines. This technology is employed in television monitors
to reduce noticeable flickering, but interlacing in computer monitors can cause
flickering. The best computer monitors are non-interlaced.
NTSC
(National Television Standards Committee)
The
standard television and video signal configuration used in the United States,
Canada, Japan, Central America and much of South America.
O
OCR
(Optical Character Recognition)
Software
that allows the computer to convert documents that have been scanned and saved
in a graphics format back into editable text.
OLE
(Object Linking and Embedding)
Built
into Windows 3.1 and later versions, including Windows 95. It allows a data file
(such as an image or video and audio clips) to be either linked to another file
in an application that supports OLE, or the data file can actually be embedded
in the application file. If a linked data file is altered, it will automatically
be altered in the application file as well. If a data file is embedded in the
application file, it is protected from alteration by others.
On-Line
A
term in relation to private networks, such as CompuServe, AOL, the Internet or
World Wide Web that refers to being connected or actively participating in
various aspects of these computer communication networks. For instance, one
could access PMA on CompuServe (Go:PMAI) or the World Wide Web (http://www.pmai.org).
On-Line
Storage
Storage
systems or media device that is connected to the CPU.
Open
Architecture
The
design of a computer that allows additional non-proprietary hardware or software
to be used without factory installation.
Operating
System
The
system used by the computer to control basic operation and software
applications.
Optical
Disk
A
digital disk storage system commonly used for mass storage.
Optical
Resolution
The
maximum physical resolution of a device. Optical resolution provides better
quality than interpolated resolution which uses software to create additional
image information.
Optical
Scanner
A
device that changes images from either reflection or transparency medium to
digital data.
Optical
Storage
A
storage device that is designed to store large amounts of data, CD and "flopticals"
the prime examples of this system.
Orientation
(See Landscape and Portrait)
The
direction that the page is printed; horizontal = landscape, vertical = portrait.
OverExposure
A
photo in which details have been obliterated by an overabundance of light; an
image intentionally manipulated (either in the darkroom or on computer) to
achieve the same effect.
P
Page
Layout
The
process and software that prepares artwork into the page form to be printed.
Paint
Program
A
software program that can create and edit bit mapped images.
PAL
(Phase Alternation Line)
A
standard for video that is common in Western Europe, Australia and other
countries.
Palette
The
range of color or tone available in the imaging process, or a movable menu of
tools or options found in software applications.
Pantone
A
company producing numerous color matching systems for print and computer
applications. The PMS color matching system is commonly used to represent 3000
distinct colors through a numbering system.
Pantone
Matching System (PMS)
A
printing industry-standard set of color inks.
Parallel
Port
This
is a channel for 8 bit data transmission in or out of the computer.
Parallel
Processing
When
an array of processors or segments of the CPU work at the same time to speed
processing or multi-task.
Passive-Matrix
Display - See Active-Matrix Display
PCMCIA
Memory Cards (Personal Computer Memory Card Information Association)
A
storage memory device the shape of a thick credit card
PCX
(Paintbrush Extension)
A
bitmap graphic format for images common to many PC's.
PDF
(Portable Document Format)
An
electronic document format that allows the distribution of digital files across
any platform that can display a document as originally designed and formatted
without having the software application or fonts on the viewing computer. A
reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader software, for viewing PDF documents is free
and available on many websites, including http://www.pmai.org..
Peripheral
Any
of a number of hardware devices that extend or enhance the performance of the
computer and are not part of the CPU, though some are mounted inside the case of
the computer.
Phase
Change Printer
A
printer that stores its ink in a solid form that is liquefied to allow the ink
to be deposited on the receiver.
Phosphor
The
chemical substance on the inside face of a computer screen that illuminates when
electrically charged. The color accuracy and luminance values of phosphors
change over time, necessitating regular monitor calibration if consistent color
is required.
Photo
CD
A
trademarked Eastman Kodak designed storage system for photographic images using
a CD as media.
