Master's Thesis Topics in Media Technology Laboratory at ... - TKK

Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
Master’s Thesis Topics in Media Technology
Laboratory at Helsinki University of Technology
Helsinki University of Technology, Department of Automation and Systems Technology,
Media Technology Laboratory
P.O.Box 5500, FIN-02015 TKK, Finland, http://www.media.hut.fi
ABSTRACT
The article gives a summary of the master of science theses which were completed in 2004 in the
Media Technology Laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology. A brief introduction is
followed by the abstracts of the theses as written by the students.
INTRODUCTION
The Media Technology Laboratory at Helsinki University of Technology is an operational unit
in the Automation and Systems Technology Department. The Media Technology Laboratory
offers major topics for MSc studies in different educational programs of the University under the
umbrella term media technology. The operational idea of the Laboratory is based on an
information and process perspective to media technology. A media process is defined as one
which extends from content capture and creation, publishing, dissemination of content (by print
and electronic media) to the end-use situation as the final step. In the research of the Laboratory,
the focus is on visual media.
The value chain of commercial media processes is long and encompasses a number of partners
and technologies. This is reflected as a variety of areas of MSc thesis topics and a variety of
types of industrial and research organizations which sponsor or commission theses. Within any
given time frame the range of topics gives expression to what has been of topical interest.
Table 1 shows the distributions of the topics of the theses over the past five years and in 2004.
Comparison of the two sets of data shows no major change. It is evident though that the media
convergence theme has been of interest in 2004. The term hybrid media refers to technologically
mediated combinations of print and electronic media. The area has also been an object of active
research interest at the Media Technology Laboratory. Topics dealing with multi-channel
publishing – included in the content production category – are also expressions of the on-going
media convergence development.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
Table 1
MSc (Eng) thesis topics in media technology over a five year period (2000-2004) and
in 2004.
Topic
Share, %
2000–2004
n=86
Share, %
2004
n=19
Printing 22 21
Media process 21 21
Content production 18 10
Interfaces and usability 18 10
Imaging and image processing 9 16
Hybrid media 9 21
Other 3 0
In total 100 100
The following table (Table 2) shows that two thirds of the theses have been sponsored or
commissioned by the graphic arts, media, ICT and forest industries. The distribution fluctuates
from year to year and appears to follow the economical situation in any given industry.
Table 2
MSc (Eng) thesis topics in media technology over a five year period (2000-2004) and in
2004. GTTS is the Research Fund for the Graphic Arts Industry.
Sponsored/Commissioned by
Share, %
2000–2004
n=86
Share, %
2004
n=19
Graphic Arts Industry (inc. GTTS) 27 26
Media Industry 16 10
ICT (inc. technology suppliers and
teleoperators) 21 13
Forest industry 21 24
Helsinki University of Technology 8 17
Other 7 10
In total 100 100
It is evident that the graphic arts and media industries have been the most active in supporting
theses.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
THESIS ABSTRACTS
The titles of the theses completed in 2004 are listed in Table 3.
Table 3 The titles of master’s thesis topics in 2004.
Author
Airo, Liisi
Honkkila, Pauli
Hänninen, Maria
Kallenbach, Jan
Kivinen, Jyri
Koivu, Juha
Korpinen, Olli
Koskela, Jeremias
Laine, Mari
Muttilainen, Tero
Nuutinen, Mikko
Penttilä, Jopi
Rinnemaa, Tommi
Ruuhonen, Samu
Räsänen, Pia
Salo, Eeva Leena
Syrjänen, Karoliina
Venho, Tuomas
Westman, Stina
Title of the Thesis
Exploitation of Paper-reel Specific Information in Heatset-offset
Printing
Modelling and Developing Information Systems of a Production
Plant
The Influence of Screen Size and Resolution on the Effectiveness
and Workload of Reading from Screen in Office Work
Design of Concepts for the Print Media-Based Access to the
DVB/MHP-Environment and Implementation of a Reference
Application
Development of Face Processing Methods for Content-Based
Image Retrieval
Reading a Printed Code With a Camera Phone
Reliability of Teleoperator's IP-network Services
Presentation of Financial Information in Digital Television
Influence of Technical Parameters on the Messages of News
Photographs in Different Viewing Contexts
Modification of a Rotogravure Press for Six-around Production
Factors Affecting the Rreadability of Codes Printed with Invisible
Inks
Efficiency and Workload of Multiple Display Use in Office Work
Synergy of Paper and Online Publications: Development of Weekly
Journal from Readers' Perspective
Visual Information of 3D Objects in Real-Time Rendering
Detail Rendering of Dry Toner Based Digital Electrophotography
Communication Practices in Project Management – the Relation of
Media to Message
Visual Colour Sharpness – Influencing Factors
PrintAccess Methods in the DVB-MHP Environment
The Utilization of Image Selection Knowledge in an Editorial
System
The abstracts of the theses are given below in alphabetical order of the authors. Some of the
theses are available on-line, as indicated by links.
Airo, Liisi, Exploitation of Paper-reel Specific Information in Heatset-offset Printing. In
Finnish, 89 pages.
The purpose of this master's thesis was to clarify if there is a need to exploit paper-reel specific
information on a printing machine. Based on test prints, the experimental part aims to define
what types of changes in the paper cause the colour control system to react, and how quickly the
control system responds to changes in the paper.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
The literary part first addresses how the appearance of the typography is produced in heatsetoffset
printing. Through literature also the printing machine's inking unit mechanism became
familiar, in particular the functioning and functionality of the ColorQuick colour control system
used in the experimental part. The saving and storing of the paper-reel specific information and
automatic identification of the reels is also addressed.
The usability test of the ColorQuick colour control system, as carried out in the experimental
part, shows that the system was experienced as useful and necessary, and no major functionality
problems were reported. The research material was gathered by test printing collection reels with
a heatset-offset printing machine using the colour control system. Test runs were conducted with
four different collection reels that consisted of paper samples composed of paper of different
qualities. Correlation coefficients and the t-test were used, when the impact of various properties
to the deviation dispersion of the densities was tested. Of the researched correlations, with a 90%
confidence level, there was a statistically meaningful correlation between the need of colour, the
shine, evenness, lightness and density level.
Based on the measurements, it could be concluded that the stabilisation of the colour control
system occurs, after changing the paper quality, at about 1500-1700 meters, in other words
approximately after 2400-2700 printed sheets. When measuring points were changed, the
variations in the density clearly followed the predicted results for the need of colour and the
settling of the colour. The variations were minor when changing paper samples. When altering
paper samples, both the manufacturing and the printing side of the paper sheets had no
significant impact to the density changes of the sheets printed with the colour control system on.
Neither the variation in the paper quality nor the change in the weight of the paper in different
paper samples had as significant of an effect on the density values as foreseen. Conclusion
drawn from the test results shows that only a change in the paper type had an important enough
impact justifying the use of that information on the printing machine. The exploitation of paperreel
specific or paper-batch specific information on the printing machine is according to the
research not beneficial.
Honkkila, Pauli, Modelling and Developing Information Systems of a Production Plant. In
Finnish, 133 pages.
Information systems are an essential part of business operations. Developing these systems too
rapidly results in an accumulation of problems for both the users and the designers of the system.
Modelling information systems makes it possible to stop and take stock of the current status of
such systems and to take an in-depth look at the real problems in this area. The main objective of
this research is to model the information systems of the production plant, which was the subject
of the study, by defining a user-centred modelling process. This process has been designed to
suit a situation in which there are serious weaknesses in the modelling and documentation of
information systems, and in which the results of the modelling process will provide a basis for
improvements to the systems. The most important part of the research materials studied is
comprised of the system users' contextual interviews. The modelling process embraces
conceptual modelling, use case briefs and activity diagrams of UML modelling, and models
using data-flow diagrams. In addition, the study discusses the evaluation and usability of
information systems as well as suggestions for the improvement of these systems on the basis of
the modelling process.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
Hänninen, Maria, The Influence of Screen Size and Resolution on the Effectiveness and
Workload of Reading from Screen in Office Work (PDF: Näyttöpinta-alan ja resoluution
vaikutukset näytöltä lukemisen tehokkuuteen ja kuormittavuuteen toimistotyössä). In Finnish, 74
+ 27 pages.
The purpose of this master’s thesis was to determine whether wide-angle or veryhigh-resolution
screens enabling more efficient use of peripheral vision have any advantage over smaller or
lower resolution screens when screens are used for reading large documents in an office
environment. At the same time, interest was taken in if increased visual information provided by
higher resolution required more mental workload or if the amount of workload was diminished
because of increased context information or clearer text.
The literature part dealt with human visual system and knowledge of reading, especially reading
from screens. The concept of mental workload and methods for estimating it were also
discussed.
The experimental part contained experiments run on a 22,2” 16:10-ratio LCD-screen with
maximum resolution of 204 dpi. Tests included three different layouts using wider visual angle
and one test using narrower visual angle. The influence of resolution was also tested. The
performance was measured by reading rate, reading comprehension and reading efficiency.
Workload was measured by subjective estimate calculated by NASA Task Load Index and
physiological estimates measured by eye blink rate and heart rate variability. The subjects also
answered a question about the most pleasant way of displaying text on screen and in what way
they could see themselves using the test display for reading in everyday use.
The experiments showed no statistically significant effects of the way the text was represented
on the screen on reading performance or on mental workload. Reading comprehension was
slightly improved when text representation was larger in peripheral visual field. Improving
resolution reduced workload measured by both subjective ratings and heart rate variability
statistically significantly.
Kallenbach, Jan, Design of Concepts for the Print Media-Based Access to the DVB/MHP-
Environment and Implementation of a Reference Application. In English, 165 pages.
Digital media, like the Internet, have changed the lives of our society quite quickly. Their
increasing use contrasts the decreasing acceptance of analogue media like newspapers. The
“PrintAccess” project at Helsinki University of Technology has the goal to better the
attractiveness of print media towards electronic media. The exchange of information is thereby
centric and achieved by introducing “PrintAccess” codes. Read by today’s available mobile
devices they provide access from print media to electronic media and allow therefore print-based
interactive communication.
The aim of this thesis, as a part of the “PrintAccess” project, is the creation of detailed
conceptual and technological models, which consider relations between print media products and
the digital television system. The research of the RFID technology and the reception of digital
television on mobile devices gives an insight to the technological possibilities. It is expectable
that the interest in the developed concepts will increase during the last years. Therefore, a survey
among several organizations working in the print and broadcast industry is done to find out
possible future developments regarding print-based interactive communication. Finally a
reference application will demonstrate the prototypical functionality of one concept. Thereby
one goal is to realize the connection of today’s available small RFID reader components with
mobile devices to read in smart tags, which can be attached or integrated to any kind of print
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product. A second goal is the implementation of user interface to demonstrate the usability of
mobile devices regarding the reception of digital television.
Kivinen, Jyri, Development of Face Processing Methods for Content-Based Image Retrieval.
In English, 116 pages.
In this thesis it is studied the tasks of face localization and pose estimation from digital color
images of which each contains a single person. Information obtained from the completion of the
tasks is intended to be used in estimating semantic criteria defined by an ontogy for contentbased
image retrieval. The ontology has been developed earlier in the Laboratory of Media
Technology.
The theoretical part of the thesis consists of literature reviews on face localization and pose
estimation. It is concentrated on most recent and suitable methods for the tasks at hand.
The practical part of the thesis was the development and implementation and testing of the
methods. The face processing in the methods consists of two larger stages. The task of the
methods in the first stage is to locate the face and estimate its pose with such precision, that the
methods in the second stage can be used. The first stage uses control strategies in case of some
failures in the localization process. The second stage tries to improve the results of the first
stage.
The coarse stage includes face region, eyes and mouth localization. The face region search
includes using skin detection by adaptive thresholding. The face region in more detail and eyes
are located with locators, that are based on the Viola-Jones face detector. The localization of the
mouth is based on using multiple features and cues such as information drawn from a mean face
model, locations of the detected facial features and the results of color-based segmentation. The
pose classification that is done in the first stage is based on using a combination of two
geometric-transformation based methods and a feature-based approach.
The second stage or the refinement stage is based on using a face Active Shape Model (ASM).
The face ASM is initialized based on the locations of the detected facial feature points and the
estimated head turn in the coarse stage. The estimation of the head turn in the final stage is based
on using the shape parameters of the converged face ASM.
The implemented and developed methods were tested with two different test sets. Various
validation measures were used in the tests. Despite of the fact that many compromises had to be
made in the development and implementation of the methods due to the computational
requirements and partially little training data, some very good results have been obtained.
Koivu, Juha, Reading a Printed Code with a Camera Phone (PDF: Painetun koodin
lukeminen kamerapuhelimella). In Finnish,106 pages.
The object of the master’s thesis was to study what kind of printed codes can be read using a
digital camera. Especially the applicability of mobile devices for the use in question was studied.
In order to make the users’ experience of reading printed codes useful and appealing,
applications have to provide a high-level of usability. One of the most important factors of
usability is readability, which is examined in this research.
Different kind of methods to read printed codes using a digital camera were explored. Applicable
methods include bar codes and matrix codes which are used to encode data in bi-level symbols.
More sophisticated methods also exist but the performance of present-day mobile devices is
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insufficient to process them. The low quality of the cameras in these devices introduces
technological challenges which have to be addressed in order to achieve good usability.
Readability of various symbol types was studied in the empirical portion of this research. In
addition the imaging quality and properties of cameraphones were compared to digital cameras
of good quality considering future possibilities. The tests measured the effect of symbol type,
quality of the camera and imaging properties. The variables used were camera resolution, image
compression ratio, imaging distance and angle as well as focal distance of the lens. In addition
the effect of symbol type, amount of encoded data and symbol size were studied. Especially the
close focusing ability of the lens and imaging resolution had strong influence on readability. The
readability of both bar codes and matrix codes was reasonable but the versatility of matrix codes
is better suited for this kind of use.
Reading of printed codes is possible with present-day mobile devices on the basis of these
measurements. However usability is limited by low data processing power, poor close focusing
ability and low resolution of cameras. As technical properties improve smaller and more
complex codes can be read more easily and reliably.
Korpinen, Olli, Reliability of Teleoperator's IP-network Services. In Finnish, 64 pages.
The importance of communication networks in everyday communications and business life has
increased significantly during the past decades. At the same time requirements for service
capacity and reliability have increased as well.
The scope of this Master's thesis is to evaluate a given teleoperator's IP-network services
reliability with varying data link layer technologies. The literary part introduces different
technologies and operator's corresponding services with their main components. Also the core
elements of SLA :s are introduced. The work part evaluates the actual realisation of the service
reliability compared to the SLA provided. The ratio between realised values and S LA is
analysed and sanction probabilities predicted.
As an outcome the current state of the service can be evaluated. Development needs in the
service, reliability measurement tools and subcontractor relations are pointed out.
The key figures and statistics of this thesis contain deliberate inaccuracy. No additional
conclusions of the teleoperator or the service can be done, but the ones mentioned within this
thesis.
Koskela, Jeremias, Presentation of Financial Information in Digital Television. In Finnish,
82 pages.
It has been known from the start of digital television broadcasting in Finland 2001 that the most
interesting area of this new technology is the new interactive services. MHP-platform which is
based on Java technology makes it possible to produce for example two-way bank or
communication services to the television.
The goal of this research was to investigate how financial information and news can be presented
in digital television. On the basis of tests carried out in test environment specifically built for this
project and the literature study, the new service was decided to create into Superteletext
environment without the use of return-channel. Superteletext service is a new version of analog
teletext service. Pictures, graphic, hyperlinks and other media objects can now be used. Better
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
graphic environment and page description language makes it easy to produce content to the
Superteletext. Existing Internet services were used as a base for designing content to the service.
Research stated that the technology of normal CTR-television guides how the service will shape
into the television. For example flickering and colors must be considered thoroughly. The
aspects of using remote controller has to be also taken into account when designing the
navigation and usability of the service.
In the end of the study a new financial information service was created according to the results.
Laine, Mari, Influence of Technical Parameters on the Messages of News Photographs in
Different Viewing Contexts. In Finnish, 125 pages.
The goal of this Master’s Thesis was to investigate the influence of different technical
parameters on the messages of news photographs in different viewing contexts. The technical
parameters included color brightness, contrast and saturation, image size, cropping and
sharpness. Different viewing contexts occur for example while reading a newspaper.
Photographs can be glanced at very quickly, they can be viewed in a more concentrated manner,
or they can be present in the peripheral visual field. The research concentrated on still news
photographs including people as subjects.
The literature survey discussed the messages of images, news photographs and different
technical parameters based on literature mainly in the fields of communication, visual
communication and photojournalism. The perceptual process of viewing images and different
viewing contexts were discussed based on literature in perceptual and cognitive psychology.
Two experiments were conducted in order to study the influence of technical parameters on the
messages of news photographs. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of
subjects. Each photograph was digitally manipulated in terms of a single parameter and different
versions of the same photograph were presented to the groups. In the first experiment subjects
evaluated the photographs by choosing their visually most salient element (e.g. a person or an
object) after a rapid presentation of the photograph and the most important element after viewing
the photograph freely without a time limit. In the second experiment photographs were presented
in the subjects’ peripheral visual field. The subjects chose their visually most salient elements,
described the photographs verbally and judged their impression of the photographs using bipolar
adjectives.
The technical parameters generally had more influence on the visual salience of elements than
on their importance. Adjustments of saturation, cropping and sharpness generally influenced an
element’s salience or importance the most. When the photographs were seen in the peripheral
visual field, saturation had the most influence on the salience of elements and the subjects’
impressions of the photographs.
Muttilainen, Tero, Modification of a Rotogravure Press for Six-around Production. In
Finnish, 94 + 13 pages.
The thesis was made on assignment by a printing house that recently acquired a second
rotogravure press. The purpose of the thesis was to investigate the technical modifications
required and the cost for modifying this press to six-around production. Six-around production in
rotogravure printing means there are six printed pages positioned around the gravure cylinder
instead of the normal four, which is known as four-around production. The number of pages that
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can be printed at the same time with six-around production increases by half in comparison to
four-around production.
The effects of six-around production on efficiency of rotogravure production were also
investigated and the profitability of the investment was evaluated. A simulation model of the
rotogravure production system was constructed to estimate and evaluate the effects of six-around
production on production efficiency. A simulation of the production of a large-circulation
magazine with large number of pages was run. The performance measures selected for
evaluation were the turnaround time and work in process. The cost effects were evaluated on the
basis of production times on each production machine. Also, the importance of proper project
management for successful investment projects was studied.
The result of the thesis is the description of the different alternatives for moving to six-around
production. Modification of the printing units, the folder and the cylinder making equipment are
required. Instead of modification of the old equipment, the cylinder making equipment can also
be replaced and renewed, completely or in part.
Based on the simulation results and the current production of the printing house in question,
moving on to six-around production would be a profitable investment. It would significantly
boost efficiency and cut costs in certain production situations. The thesis also contains a
suggested actions needed and a preliminary project plan for moving on to six-around production.
Nuutinen, Mikko, Factors Affecting the Readability of Codes Printed with Invisible Inks. In
Finnish, 94 pages.
The object of this study was to find out the factors that affect reading invisible codes. In the
study 2-dimensional Data-Matrix codes were printed using inks that were invisible without
ultraviolet radiation. With printed codes it is possible to enhance the synergy between printed
media and a mobile device with camera. With visible codes there are restrictions for size and
alignment of the codes. They could also be esthetically disturbing. These problems could be
removed or reduced by using invisible codes.
In the literature part of this study different phases that affect the imaging process of the codes
were studied. In the imaging process the affecting factors are light sources and properties of
imaging object and reading device. In the empirical part of this study lighting and different
properties of the print carrier were studied. In addition alignment of codes on the print carrier
was studied. The 2-dimensional Data-Matrix codes were printed with different inks to different
paper types. In additition different colors and figures, like text and lines, were used. Present-day
mobile camera phone or sophisticated digital camera were used as imaging devices. After that
imaged pictures were input to the computer based decoder.
The results showed that reading codes, which are printed with fluorescence ink, require that
emission of the ink is high enough compared to the emission of the paper. Emission of the ink
depends highly on the paper types. It was possible to read codes that were printed over a thin line
or certain colour or onto a blank surface when degree of success was set to 90 %. Reading
performance reduces significantly if lighting also include visible light. Reading was impossible
when codes were printed over text. It is possible to read codes that are printed with fluorescence
ink, but it requires careful application specific planning.
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Penttilä, Jopi, Efficiency and Workload of Multiple Display Use in Office Work. In Finnish,
57 + 4 pages.
Due to developments in display technology and software, it is now possible to use a large display
area in conventional office work. A large display area can be achieved either with one big
display or by connecting several small displays. A large display area can contain a lot of
information, which has the potential of improving efficiency. On the other hand, the higher
amount of information and unfamiliar display combinations can be more demanding mentally
and therefore decrease efficiency.
This thesis studied the suitability of different display combinations for office work. It
investigated the different ways of using a large display area through literary research and
interviews. In the experimental part of the thesis different kinds of display combinations were
formed. Voluntary test subjects carried out simulated office tasks using the display
combinations. Subjective and objective methods were used to study the relation between the
display combination and efficiency and mental workload.
According to the interviews, using a combination of two regular displays was both practical and
efficient. With this combination, one display was clearly the main one and the other display was
used for supportive or secondary work. The laboratory research supported these results.
Unfamiliar display combinations proved to be less efficient and caused more mental workload.
Rinnemaa, Tommi, Synergy of Paper and Online Publications: Development of Weekly
Journal from Readers' Perspective. In Finnish, 91 pages.
Digital publishing methods and especially web environment have strongly affected the business
of publication companies. At the same time these companies have adjusted their business
processes to meet the demands of the changing competition environment.
The development processes of the publishing methods and the competition environment bring
not only threats but also opportunities for publications. This research focused on these
possibilities and created an improved journal concept from readers' perspective. Two Finnish
weekly joumals were included in the research.
Qualitative interviews, expert opinions and aspects from other sources were combined to solve
the research problem. In addition, some aspects were verified using quantitative interviews. The
development phases of press and online publishing were linked with topics related to
bidirectional functions of the journal concept, interactive features, journalistic style and
financing of the publication. The journal concept consisted of weekly paper, web site and daily
email newsletter.
The research found a link between reading conditions and the characteristics of the article. It was
concluded that the paper, web site and the email newsletter should be utilized in a way that takes
into account different roles of the readers. In this research two main roles – business role and
leisure role – were pointed out for readers working either as information technology experts or as
directors. Especially time constraints were concluded to have a high importance in business role.
This led to conclusion that relatively short news stories and unidirectional operating model are
important elements even if interactivity and bidirectional model should be emphasized in the
whole journal concept.
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Ruuhonen, Samu, Visual Information of 3D Objects in Real-Time Rendering. In English, 62
pages.
The purpose of the thesis was to study methods of adding visual information into Tekla
Structures, which is structural building information modeling (BIM) system made by Tekla
Corporation, and possibly implement some of them. At the time, only some colors and lighting
were used to separate different materials of 3D objects from each other, when viewing the
structural model in a computer screen.
The author of this thesis had some previous knowledge about real-time rendering and based on
that some advanced 3D graphics techniques were studied and tested with simple self-made
testing software. These techniques included 2D texturing, texture projector functions, bump
mapping, procedural texturing, shading languages and anti-aliasing.
Based on research and testing, the 2D texturing support was implemented into Tekla Z-kit,
which is a 3D graphics software library used by Tekla Structures. Material and lighting editors
were also created to make the use of Z-kit easier. In the future, the purpose is to take some
shading language in use, and study what other 3D techniques mentioned in this thesis could and
should be implemented.
Räsänen, Pia, Detail Rendering of Dry Toner Based Digital Electrophotography (PDF:
Yksityiskohtien toistokyky pulveritooneripohjaisessa digitaalisessa elektrofotografiassa). In
Finnish, 108 pages.
The objective of this research was to define the current level of detail rendering of digital
printing presses based on electrophotography by collecting samples printed by commercial
digital presses. For the study, electrophotographic office printers were selected as a reference.
From the printed samples various print quality measures were determined in order to find out the
factors affecting detail rendering in electrophotography. In this study only dry toner based
electrophotography was considered.
In the literature survey electrophotographic process, factors affecting electrophotographic print
quality and measurement of print quality were discussed. According to the literature detail
rendering is affected for example by spreading of the charge pattern on photoconductor, toner
particle size, edge noise and dot spreading.
Samples for the experimental part were gathered by printing a test image designed for this study
using three office printers and five digital printing presses. The effect of paper on print quality
was beyond the scope of this study. Thus, the samples were printed only on one paper grade.
Detail rendering was studied using microdensitometer to measure dynamic range, contrast
transfer and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition to microdensitometric measurements detail
rendering was measured by image analysis methods which were used primarily to determine
sharpness measures from the printed line patterns. The objective was to study the applicability of
these measures determined image analytically in characterizing detail rendering. From the
samples also densitometric measurements were carried out in order to define quality in macro
scale. In addition to objective measures also subjective measures were used to evaluate print
quality.
Smallest reproducible detail size determined from the CTF curves of samples was 57 microns.
Detail rendering was found to be limited by dot spreading and scattering of toner particles
outside the printed image area. According to the results no single process parameter studied was
found to affect the quality. Instead, print quality was concluded to be a result of various factors
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in the transfer and fusing stages. The limiting factor of SNR at high frequencies was concluded
to be the surface structure of the copy paper used.
Detail rendering was found to be better in paper machine direction that is, in the direction of
fiber orientation. Microdensitometric quality measures and image analytical quality measures
were found to have statistically significant connections. Microdensitometric measurements were
also found to correlate with subjective sharpness assessments
Salo, Eeva Leena, Communication Practices in Project Management – the Relation of
Media to Message. In Finnish, 114 pages.
The purpose of the thesis was to find out what is communication in project management like in
large industrial projects. Another objective was to find out what kind of genres appear in
communication in project management. Identifying problems and development needs concerning
forms of communication was also a goal. The thesis is a part of a project which aims at finding
ways to utilize the amount of knowledge in projects more efficiently and productively using new
information technology and communications media.
In the experimental part of the thesis interviews were carried out in order to get information
about communication in project management in selected case companies. A questionnaire and
telephone interviews were also used to get complementary information about media usage and
communication genres. Six persons from four companies took part in the interviews and 15
persons from three companies took part both in the questionnaire and the telephone interviews.
According to the results e.g. information overload, problems in information flow, inadequate
information, deficiencies in realizing the importance of communication, deficiencies in
communication skills and media usage skills, and excessive use of electronic communications
media were mentioned as problems related to communication. The interviewees brought out for
example continuous development of the currently used media like document management
systems, increasing usage of metadata and automatic document handling, and training of the
employees as important targets for development. The interviewees gave contradictory opinions
about the need for new communications media. On the other hand some of them said that new
media would be useful and the others said that currently used media are sufficient for their
needs. For example face-to-face communication, well-defined instructions, traceability of
communication, and use of appropriate media were mentioned as things which should be taken
into consideration.
In addition to factors influencing organizational communication also media usage and opinions
concerning different media are discussed. Based on literature and the findings it can be stated
that genres are useful in defining different forms of organizational communication and they can
be utilized in for example developing information systems and creation of metadata.
Syrjänen, Karoliina, Visual Colour Sharpness – Influencing Factors. In English, 89 pages.
The objective of this study was to examine, which printing parameters, and to what extend,
influence perceived colour sharpness. It was assumed, that the sharpness of natural images is the
result of detail and colour reproduction. In offset printing line frequency of halftoning and the
size of the colour gamut influence these factors. Therefore these two parameters were chosen to
the study. Another aim of the study was to find a method to examine printed halftone dots and to
find a connection between dot properties and image sharpness.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
In the literature part of this study the factors influencing sharpness perception – colour vision
and spatial frequency response of human visual system – were reviewed. Also the importance of
sharpness for the perceived image quality as well as the reproduction of sharpness in offset
printing was examined. The influence of paper properties on reproduction of sharp images was
discussed.
In the experimental part the significance of edge width and height for perceived image sharpness
were first examined in preliminary visual tests. It was found that, with images containing skin
tones the importance of detail reproduction exceeds the importance of colour contrast. In the
actual study images containing more chromatic colours were studied and it was concluded that,
the importance of line frequency and gamut size are similar. The influence of increasing line
frequency 10 lines / cm corresponded with the influence of enlarging colour gamut with small
raise in density level.
Analysis methods for dot properties were also examined. Halftone dots were photographed with
microscopic camera and histograms were drawn for the images. Thus the density variation
within halftone dots could be examined. The halftone dots printed with different line frequencies
were studied with the histogram method. It was concluded that, when same density was printed
with different line frequencies, the fields printed with higher frequencies were more chromatic
than those printed with lower frequencies. This was due to the higher dot gain, because of which
larger area of achromatic paper was covered.
As the higher dot gain influenced the perceived image sharpness through both smaller details
and more chromatic colours, it could not be concluded which of these influenced more on the
sharpness. It was, however, found that, in printing situation both of these methods can be used to
improve image sharpness. This requires some optimization, because the line frequency and
gamut size are interdependent through their contradictory effects on dot gain.
Venho, Tuomas, PrintAccess Methods in the DVB-MHP Environment (PDF: PrintAccessmenetelmät
DVB-MHP-ympäristössä). In Finnish, 76 pages.
One of the central factors in the media convergence is the establishment of the means of
communication between different media terminals. Since printed products have an essential role
in the overall media consumption, there is a need for improving the communication and synergy
between them and different digital media devices. The solutions that combine the properties of
printed and infocom products are called hybrid media. The applications in this area aim to
produce new ways of using these two media together.
The DVB-MHP-technology makes possible to add interactivity to the digital television. The
interactive television is forecasted to become a central media device in every household in few
years. The ways of interactivity develop all the time.
The research presented in this thesis focuses to the problem of how the information that is read
automatically from a printed product and digitized can be utilized in the DVB-MHPenvironment.
The objective of this research was to find the most usable ways of transferring the information to
that environment and using the information to give commands to the MHP application. The
research consisted of studying the technical characteristics of the MHP platform and developing
an application framework to provide all the essential services to applications of this area.
Accordingly to the principles of object-oriented programming, this framework can be further
utilized in the application development in this domain.
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Graphic Arts in Finland 33(2004)3
The framework was tested by developing a test application that makes it possible for the user to
get additional information to a television program by using a code that is read with a camera
phone from a printed product. A Bluetooth connection and the return channel of the MHP
platform were used in transferring the information from the mobile phone to the MHP platform.
Westman, Stina, The Utilization of Image Selection Knowledge in an Editorial System (PDF:
Kuvanvalintaan liittyvän tietämyksen hyödyntäminen toimitusjärjestelmässä). In Finnish, 129
+14 pages.
The objective of this Master’s thesis was to investigate what kind of knowledge is used during
the selection of images in a newspaper. The goal was to classify the knowledge and discover
ways to leverage it in the editorial process via the editorial system. Particularly the roles of tacit
knowledge and textual information were under study.
Knowledge management in the media is a new area of study and knowledge pertaining to images
has not been studied until now. Previous studies were available from the fields of knowledge
management and image retrieval. The literature survey conducted focused on the theory and
applications of knowledge management and the definitions and classifications of knowledge. It
also addressed visual knowledge and indexing and retrieval of images both on a general level
and concerning press images.
The research was conducted as a case study using both quantitative and qualitative data.
Requests for images, orders for images and image search logs from the case newspaper were
used as data for the study as well as interviews and observations of various actors of the image
selection process. In addition, two surveys were conducted concerning the criteria for image
selection and work tasks and tools.
According to the results the knowledge used in the image workflow is practical, varied, dynamic
and complex. The staff’s knowledge included knowledge about the images as objects, their
contexts and their functions in the paper. Part of the knowledge employed was implicit and
general knowledge played an important role. The textual components attached to the images
were utilized in various ways, including relevance assessments. In the requests and searches for
images the knowledge was often simplified into themes, pair comparisons and minimum criteria.
The knowledge dealt with concrete objects, domains or events and the context of the publication
which was used to form a mental model of the image to be sought. Criteria pertaining to the
conceptual content, visual factors and the viewer’s response were all used in the selection of
images. The final image selection criteria were dynamic and arose from the viewed images.
The results of the study were used to amplify an analysis tool for the content description of
images to be better suited for the characterization of image requests in a newspaper. A model for
the observed process of image selection was constructed and the related knowledge classified
according to the knowing entity and the nature and content of the knowledge. Several parts of
the knowledge were identified as candidates for codification into the editorial system. Also
recognized were ways of supporting image searches of different types and the storage and
transfer of image knowledge.
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