Print Media Communication
2009-2010 - IMT4971 - 5 ECTS

Expected learning outcomes

This course aims to provide knowledge in the field of Print Media Communication with focus on communicating color and line art in different printing workflows using the PDF/X file formats and the ICC color management for the graphic arts industry. The students will learn practical application of color management in printing workflow for communicating color and line art on different print media substrates. Furthermore, the course provides an understanding of standards and parameters required to ensure the appropriate color quality on different print medias in the reproduction workflow. The students will also gain theoretical knowledge of color science, color management and color measurement for accurate color reproduction on different print media substrates.

After completing this course, the student will be able to
• Explain in brief human visual system and the perceptual attributes of color.
• Describe the CIE colorimetry system and color notation system for appropriate communication of color in the graphic art industry.
• Demonstrate the use of color measurement instruments and the interpretation of color measurement data. Compute different color space co-ordinates from reflectance and emission data.
• Understand ICC color management, its implementation in the printing workflow. Advantages and limitations of ICC color management.
• Calibrate and profile input and output devices. Generate, apply and evaluate ICC device profiles.
• Evaluate ICC color management workflow.
• Understand the color and imaging standards and use the standards in printing workflows.
• Demonstrate an understanding of PDF/X file formats, its generation workflow in the graphic arts industry using the state of the art software. PDF/X implementation in the graphic arts workflow for communicating color and line art through different print media substrates.
• Use Matlab computational language for reading color images and performing basic color conversion and processing.
• Analyze and evaluate different aspects of print media communication.
• Understand the mathematical foundation for colorimetric device characterization and conversion.

Topic(s)

• Fundamentals of color – light, surface and observer
• Human color vision system
• Measurement of spectral reflectance, transmittance and emission
• Colorimetry and color difference
• Color space conversion
• Introduction to MatLab computational language for reading a color image, color conversion and processing.
• Standards for graphic arts industry
• ICC colour management and architecture. Calibration and ICC profiling of the devices.
• CRT and LCD displays
• PDF/X file formats

Teaching Methods

Other

Teaching Methods (additional text)

• Online lectures
• Mandatory assignments
• Exercises

The course will be offered in a flexible way to off-campus students. Lecture notes, e-lectures and other types of e-learning material will be offered through an LMS. Communication between the teachers and the students, and among the students, will be facilitated by the LMS.

Form(s) of Assessment

Exercises

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

2 mandatory assignments, individually (approximately 4 to 5 pages (2500 words) each). Both parts must be individually approved of.

Grading Scale

Pass/Failure

External/internal examiner

Internal examiner

Re-sit examination

If the student fail, there will be one re-submission of the unsatisfactory assignments on an agreed date with the course supervisor

Coursework Requirements

None

Teaching Materials

• Sharma, A. (2004) Understanding Color Management, New York: Thompson
• Green, P. J (1999) Understanding Digital Colour. (2nd edition) Sewickley, PA: GATF Press
• Sharma, G. (2003) Digital Color Imaging, CRC Press LLC
• Handouts