DLF Standards. Imaging guides outline. Setting up an imaging system

Imaging Guides

III. SETTING UP AN IMAGING SYSTEM

The purpose of this guide is to inform decisions about setting up an imaging system, which includes the scanner component described in detail in another guide. This guide analyzes the key system components and identifies the features of the components and their interconnection that are most relevant for controlling imaging quality given the objects to be scanned and the general types of equipment and software that is available. Some parts of this discussion may identify components or features that are needed or under development, and so may not yet be commercially available.

General components needed for imaging

Computer platforms
Windows, Mac, and Unix: pros and cons

Hardware selection and setup

CPU speed: faster is better
Memory (RAM) requirements: you can never have too much RAM
Storage systems:
Online (hard drives, RAID)
Nearline (optical disk jukeboxes or tape libraries)
Removable (CD-R, MO)
Back-up systems (DAT)
Interface buses and networking
SCSI, IDE, USB, Ethernet, Fiberchannel, and so on
Faster is better
Monitors, graphic cards, and software drivers
Size and number of monitors
Graphics acceleration
Desktop size

Specific components for imaging

Color management systems and software
Concepts
Operating system color management vs. third-party color management software
ICC profiles

Image processing software selection and setup

Desirable features
Memory management
Selection of image processing algorithms
Measuring values in digital images
Scripting and batch processing
Automated enhancement: pros and cons

Monitor calibration

Software and hardware
Brightness and contrast
Color space
Gamma setting
Color temperature

Scanners/digital cameras (refer to details in guide on scanner selection)

Scanner software: plug-ins, stand-alone, and batch scanning
Testing and calibration

Printers

Needed for reflection prints and transmissive copies such as overheads and display transparencies
Types of output method: inkjet, "dye sub," and photographic (several different imaging methods used for these printers- CRT, laser, LED, LVT)
Testing and calibration

Film recorders (output to photographic film)

Types (imaging method)- CRT, laser, LED, LVT, and others
Testing and calibration

Means of viewing and evaluating print and film output

Viewing conditions
Measurement: densitometry and colorimetry

Management issues

Need to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), including the routine calibration of system and devices
Automated workflow management

Operator training, knowledge, and experience

Visual literacy- what does a "good" image look like?
Photographic training and experience
Computer training and experience
Digital image processing training and experience
Familiarity with common image processing software and algorithms

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