QTR-Quadtone RIP

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "Roy Harrington" <roy@h...> wrote:
> 
> Hi Tyler,
> 
> As things stand Linearization is a one-shot operation.  I.e. you
always apply it
> to the same "raw" output. However the gamma and (highlight/shadow)
values
> are applied first so you can get closer to linear before getting to
the final
> linearization.  These help a whole lot because the 21 steps are more
evenly
> spaced out.   

Thanks Roy, I'm going to give that a try. Makes sense to have these
controls do some of the work before linearization under some
circumstances.

> I've thought about allowing iterative linearizations or possibly
linearizations
> at other levels i.e. gray or toner linearizations.  How valuable do
you think
> this would be versus how more complicated it would be?

I think it would be user dependant. Obviously many are up and going
with no problems without it using a number of ink configurations, and
it's going a fine job. People using sets with toners have not seen the
need for the toner to be linearized on it's own I assume?
I would call it an advanced feature, and maybe one that could be left
off as a default. It could be a very useful tool for some,
particularly trying unusual things, or unusual inks or media.
On the other hand, you have to consider the level of control you are
offering for such a low price, and the level of support such features
might require.
It did occur to me that something like this would be useful for what I
was just trying. But I have to admit, the more control options I get,
the more trouble I get myself into, and wind up asking questions...
It's also occurred to me on many occassions that this code could be
turned into a great CMYK color driver, with individual color
linearization, etc.. I don't know if it's possible, but the level of
control QTR has lead me to think it might be. Of course many issues
like GCR would have to be handled in profiling, so mostly for people
experienced in CMYK and color management.
I'm actually sort of suprised someone hasn't already brought it out.
Many more color users than B&W users. There was a beta 5 or something
last year that had all kinds of controls as an RGB driver, but the
developers speak a completely different language than the rest of us,
and working through all the options became way too tedious.

Great stuff Roy, still trying some things with it...
Tyler