Using Sample Calibration Curves with Copydot Toolkit - Kodak

CreoScitexCustomer SupportVancouver Response CenterTel: (604) 451-2727Toll-Free Tel: (800) 472-2727Fax: (604) 451-2713Toll-Free Fax: (888) 767-2736Customer Support Email:callcentre@creoscitex.comUsing Sample Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitIntroductionThis technical bulletin provides an overview of what calibration curves are and how you can usethem with Copydot Toolkit. A procedure is provided using sample files to help you understandhow Copydot Toolkit calibration feature works. For a complete explanation of how to usecalibration with Copydot Toolkit, see the Copydot Toolkit User Guide (PDF included on the CD).What is a Harmony database file?The Harmony database file (.HMY) is the primary file type used by Copydot Toolkit for tonallycalibrating copydot data. Harmony database files are created with CreoScitex’s Harmonysoftware application and then imported into Copydot Toolkit. Each Harmony database filecontains specific calibration curve information. Calibration curves are used to control tonalreproduction of output files so that you can consistently match proofing or pressworkspecifications.What are calibration, current, and target curves?Calibration curves are derived from target and current curves. All three types of curves can beimported into the Copydot Toolkit.Current CurvesCurrent curves are based on output you are producing now⎯that is, they indicate the resultsyou are currently achieving with your output device such as a proofer, press, etc. Currentcurves are created inside the Harmony application from dot area measurements recorded usinga densitometer.Target curvesTarget curves are based on what you want to achieve with your output device. For example, ifyou are calibrating to your halftone proofer, your target may be a customer proof or press sheet.The target curve is created inside the Harmony application from dot area measurementsrecorded using a densitometer.CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com

Using Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitTechnical BulletinPage 2 of 6Calibration CurvesOnce you have entered information for target and current curves, Harmony uses the informationto create a calibration curve (also referred to as a “derived” calibration curve). The calibrationcurve is stored inside the Harmony database file (.HMY) along with links to the target andcurrent curves from which it is derived.How to use calibration curves with the Copydot ToolkitCopydot Toolkit doesn’t actually create calibration curves; it imports the curves or current andtarget curve data, from the Harmony database file. Since you do not have the Harmony softwareapplication, we have created a sample job with predefined calibration curves for you to test withCopydot Toolkit. The procedure below describes how to apply and verify calibration curves onthe sample job.Calibration Workflow for TestCalibration2 Job (S Curve)Apply calibration curve to sample1. Select TestCalibration2 in the Job window.2. Click the Start Processing button in the Execution section.CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com

Using Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitTechnical BulletinPage 3 of 7Verify the calibrated output resultsNote: Your computer monitor must be set at 1600x1200 dpi to see the preview imageproperly in the Overview window. If your monitor does not support this resolution,the Overview window will be blank, but you can still navigate around the image.1. Click the Output button on the toolbar.2. Click the Ruler tool in the CreoScitex Image Viewer window.3. Click in the Image Viewer window, then place the “circle” cursor over the 75% Cyan tint stripat the bottom of the image. The Tint% indicated in the upper right corner should be 80%.4. Position the circle cursor over various (0.5 to 99.5%) tint strip columns for each color (i.e.C,M,Y,K) and compare the Tint% values indicated with those shown in Table 1 below.CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com

Using Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitTechnical BulletinPage 4 of 6Table 1: Calibrated Output Tint for TestCalibration2 JobTint Strip % Calibrated Output Tint %(ALL COLORS) (ALL COLORS)0.5 0.31 0.82 1.55 3.910 7.520 15.825 20.330 2540 36.350 5060 63.670 7575 8080 8490 92.295 96.298 98.499 99.299.5 99.7Each of the tint strip values measured in Step 4 for the TestCalibration2 job should matchthose in the Calibrated Output Tint % column. This indicates calibration was performedsuccessfully.CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com

Using Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitTechnical BulletinPage 5 of 65. Repeat the procedure for the TestCalibration1 job. The Cyan values in the Tint% column inthe upper right corner of the Image Viewer should match those shown in Calibrated OutputTint % column in Table 2 below.Table 2: Calibrated Output Tint for TestCalibration1 JobTint Strip %(CYAN)Calibrated Output Tint %(CYAN)0.5 0.61 1.42 2.45 4.410 10.220 20.825 26.230 31.440 40.350 49.360 59.970 68.775 74.180 78.990 90.695 96.498 98.799 99.499.5 99.7CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com

Using Calibration Curves with Copydot ToolkitTechnical BulletinPage 6 of 6The calibration curve for the TestCalibration1 job is designed for color-accurate proofing onCreoScitex's Spectrum devices. The diagram below outlines the workflow and the shape of thecurves used.Calibration Workflow for TestCalibration1 Job (Spectrum Curve)CreoScitex3700 Gilmore WayBurnaby, BCV5G 4M1 CANADATel: 1-604-451-2700www.creoscitex.com