User Manual - P+S TECHNIK

Before operating this product, please read the
instruction carefully and save this manual for future
use. Subject to technical change without any prior
notice.
Art. Nr. xxxxx | v1103
Putora
HDTV Sharpness Indicator
User Manual
ENGLISH

Putora HDTV Sharpness Indicator Chart.
Instructions for Use.
Introduction and Tips
The HDTV Sharpness Indicator is the most exacting and advanced technology test chart available to
evaluate the sharpness of lenses, and to check overall performance of video and digital video cameras and
to check any process of imaging technology including printers and scanners. It is not restricted to testing
high definition equipment.
The Sharpness Indicator is photographically complex and theoretically and practically impossible to
reproduce by any means to the integrity of the original; therefore, any deviation from the original version
allows you to study deficiencies in the chain of image reproduction processes.
A measurement tool, like a thermometer, that would immediately indicate a level of quality in lenses and
cameras does not exist. Fortunately, the HDTV Sharpness Indicator Chart is available to accurately
evaluate and draw your own conclusions regarding image quality by using the combination of imaging
measurement tools contained on one chart.
Before you begin your evaluation, we strongly suggest that you use a high quality camera to take a photo of
the chart to keep as a reference to help you compare the quality of cameras used in the future.
The HDTV chart has 9 Degrees of Sharpness or “DS”. If the chart is photographed with a 2/3 inch
camera, the Degree of Sharpness frequencies represent lines per mm as written on the chart. Note that any
other camera format can be tested in terms of relativity. In this case, the resultant measurement would be
“Degrees of Sharpness as compared to 2/3” or simply “as tested on the Sharpness Indicator HDTV chart.”
Set-up
The HDTV Sharpness Indicator Chart is printed with white, triangular arrows arranged at the top, bottom
and each side. Adjust your camera distance, or zoom, in such a way that the tips of the arrows touch the
top and the bottom of the picture framed in your viewfinder. Some cameras “see” more than the
viewfinder frame indicates. Use the viewfinder framing because this is the image of most concern to you.
Be sure that the camera plane and the chart are parallel. Light the chart from the sides, at 45 degrees or
less. You may choose any light temperature (Kelvin), but be sure to conduct each test using the same light
temperature unless, of course, you have a reason to do so. Light intensity should also be the same every
time to obtain the same lens aperture.
The are more ways how to evaluate. 1. Output from the TV camera going directly in to the High Resolution
monitor. 2. From the same camera, recorded on a tape and from the tape into Hi Res. monitor. You have
to expect quality losses from the tape. Of course the picture is grey and not always optimal way to get the
most of the chart.
You have to always understand, that your picture was made by the lens, electronic of the camera and the
tape recorder and the tape player and monitor.
1

For deeper evaluation we recommend Putora’s method: Save the image of the Sharpness Indicator from the
camera or the tape into the computer file and open it in a graphical software like Adobe Photoshop or
Corel Photo Paint .Note : It was developed with Corel Photo Paint, but it would work with other similar
programs too.
Evaluation Procedure
Use a Computer Graphics Program like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Photo Paint
Follow the steps below to evaluate the sharpness of your lens and camera:
Step 1 Take the picture of the Sharpness Indicator HDTV chart.
Step 2 Capture a frame from a TV camera or VTR or if you are still
camera user, load the picture onto a computer.
Step 3 Open the test file in a computer graphics program like Adobe
Photoshop or Corel Photo Paint.
Step 4 Set enlargement to 100%.
Step 5 Pick up the tool < P a i n t >,
Step 6 Chose any color that will contrast well with gray.
Step 7 Set the tolerance to 6.
Note: The settings for Corel Photo Paint. (Adobe
Photoshop was not yet tested - most likely the same.)
Step 8 Click on the gray area close to the targets. The paint is
immediately “spilled” in all interconnected gray areas, where
nothing was recorded or something was recorded very poorly.
The paint will also bleed between lines where the contrast
between black and white is degraded to an ineffective level.
If nothing was recorded, it will be flattened to the level of the
gray that will now be colored. This will stand out from
everything else that was recorded.
Step 9 You may now crop part of the image of the Sharpness Indicator
and print it on a paper and keep the hard copy for future
evaluation comparisons.
Tip: When observing images on a computer screen, it is customary for the zoom enlargement to
be set to 100%, but we believe in comparing a reproduction to reality; therefore, to analyze
individual frequency targets, enlarge the image to 1:1 to compare it to the actual chart. The larger
zoom is handy if you are curious about the digital image structure.
2

Judging the Result
The last target observed with full circle lines is the achieved Degree of Sharpness (DS).
The target where the lines only partially show circles is evaluated accordingly – ¼ , ½ or ¾ points.
The rest are scrambled or flipped lines. Targets with only scrambled or flipped lines means that the
camera failed in this frequency, but the lens performed. We refer to this target as the Lens
Signature.
Using the Multi Cycle (MC) Scale.
The MC scale, located near the top center of the chart, is based on the standard in the television industry.
To set up for evaluation using the MC scale, frame the chart accurately within the white, triangular arrows
located at the top and bottom of the chart.
Important: Do not zoom-in to line up the arrows. If your camera has a correct framing dimension and the
plane of the camera is parallel to the chart, then position the frame to the tips of the arrows on the sides of
the chart also. You may either lift the camera or lower the chart to get the MC scale to the middle or bottom
of the picture as you prefer.
The MC scale lines are placed on a gray background (the Reference Field Level). Using the
method is very effective because the paint will bleed where nothing or almost nothing was
recorded.
A frequency with clearly discernable lines constitutes a valid MC. Note that digital still cameras
will resolve more than video cameras. MC patches that resolve “something” in the form of
confused pixels, do not count. The first MC patch where nothing is observed but flat gray is valid
and is called Critical MC. After the Critical MC, some pretending lines may follow. Lines that
appear after the Critical MC are not true frequency lines and do not count; nevertheless, they
confirm that the lens still performs.
Extra: By judging overall camera performance you can also calculate points to the last MC patch
with false lines because there is a connection with lens performance. If such an MC patch occurs to
MC 12 or higher, then we acknowledge it with 12 points. However, all lines after the critical MC
are not a positive aspect in the process of image reproduction.
Comment on the Procedure:
The tolerance of the paint setting can also be higher than 6 (...7 to 9). The higher the number, the
more the paint will “spill.” Note: Sometimes clicking at the top of the image may reflect a different
outcome from clicking on the bottom of the image. An additional click will be needed to cover all
of the gray area. Take heart: it takes a short time to become experienced at this! All images should
be computer-altered (like ) using the same enlargement = 100%. After manipulation and
saving, you can change the enlargement to your needs.
3

The Naked Truth: Digital Still Cameras and Lenses
The same method is used for evaluation. Because digital still cameras save images with
larger amounts of information than a television camera, and can save even more with a larger
CCD, they can reach a sharpness of DS 6 and higher. The Sharpness Indicator has a Hexagon Area
with three DS frequencies: DS 7, 8, and 9. Even the camera cannot discern the lines, but it will
leave the Lens Signature, which is your proof of the working lens.
Procedure for Applying the Tool
Step 1 Enlarge the image and crop the hexagon area.
Step 2 Save as separate file
Step 3 Go to then to hen to .
Adjust the level to 100 (1010)
Fig. 5 shows the cropped hexagon area.
Fig. 6 shows Fig. 5 after applying the tool.
Fig. 7 shows Fig. 5 after applying the tool.
Fig. 8 shows Fig. 7 after applying the tool.
Note: the tool for has to be set higher than in the previous manipulation. It
was 6 before, now it is 7.
Sample Table Using a Points Scale
Shown below is a sample table in the form of a points scale. The numbers shown were gathered from the results of a
photo of the HDTV Sharpness Indicator taken with a digital camera:
Camera
Name
Zoom
Lens
Angle
Camera
Resolution.
Mode
Original
File
Size in
KB
*.jpeg
Tripod/
Handheld
DS Last DS
Lens
Signature*
Points
for
Hexagon
Area
MC Critical
MC
The
Last
Visible
MC
False
Lines
Summar
y
Points
A Long High 912 tripod 6.25 9 3 3.5 7 12 40.75
A Long Low 74 tripod 3.75 5.25 0 2 4 3 18
* The last DS signature is given also if the lines in the hexagon area are visible. For example, if DS 9 is achieved, the last DS
signature will be 9.
Working with the Hexagon Area
During a sample evaluation I was unable to distinguish numerically between High and Middle
resolution camera mode. DS was the same; MC was the same. Only the appearance of the picture
was slightly different. In the hexagon area, there was a coarse structure in Middle resolution,
compared to the High resolution. “Coarse structure” is a relative meaning that cannot be assigned a
4

number. High resolution mode showed a more cultivated picture with finer edges around the thick
lines and a cleaner white. Use the and/or tool to see the difference reflected
in how the paint is spilled within the Hexagon area.
Assign points according to a 4 point scale for the hexagon area:
4 points All frequencies DS 7, 8, and 9 are discernable regardless of quality.
Note: the DS value will be also given for resolved lines.
3 points All frequencies DS 7, 8, and 9 are not necessarily discerned but show Lens
Signature and, after the tool there is a relatively clear border between
DS 7 and DS 8 and, the fine line of the hexagon is visible. See Fig 5 and 6.
2 points Same as for 3 points, except that the border between DS 7 and DS 8 bleeds,
combining the two levels together and, the fine line of the hexagon is still
visible.
1 point After applying the tool, the paint bleeds from DS 8 to DS 7, and the
overall random paint leaks around targets edges and, none of the fine lines of
the hexagon are visible. Assign a weak Lens Signature to this category as long
as there is a very different image structure from the plain gray of the Reference
Field Level.
0 points The hexagon area is empty.
With the Sharpness Indicator Chart also other Camera or Lens Deficiencies can be revealed.
Optical deficiencies will appear like
(1) a geometric aberration. The white grid shows barrel or cushion shape,
(2) different levels of sharpness in the middle and sides of the image, or
(3) “gray butterflies” inside the frequency targets. If the “butterflies” are in a diagonal direction it
indicates likely lens astigmatism. If they are horizontal or vertical it indicates lower resolution in
either direction.
Certainly, some aberrations and deficiency will be within the range of acceptable.
Checking COLOR of the light.
The Sharpens Indicator can unveil the incorrect color of the light.
Watching the chart through the camera viewfinder, discerned white and black lines, hardly visible by
eyes will averaged as gray, while, in contrast, the grey background unveil different color.
5

Appendix:
The theory about the Sharpness Indicator charts was firs published in the Journal of the SMPTE, USA,
November, 1969 : The Sharpness Indicator, by Ivan Putora, abridgement by Pablo Weinshenk - Tabernero.
The chart Sharpness Indicator was invented by Ivan Putora, MgA,, in 1966, in former Czechoslovakia.
In 1996, developed in Canada and then manufactured. Since 2008 is made in Slovakia - Europe.
For the article about Sharpness Indicator, Ivan Putora received Denis Wratten Award, given by BKSTS,
UK, in 1999 and for the chart, Bill Hilson Award, given by C S C, in Canada, 2003.
Additional printings: Journal of The SMPTE, USA, February 1998 and magazine IMAGE Technology, UK, February
and March 1998.
A new method for evaluating TV and digital cameras was described in the IMAGE Technology, UK, in the issue
July/August, September and October 2000.
Some more information about charts you can fin on the ZGC WebPage.
Warning!
Since 2008, charts are made in Europe - SK .
ALL SHARPNESS INDICATOR CHARTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT !
Any reproduction, imitation or copy of a whole chart or some parts of it in any form is
illegal and will be prosecuted!
Distributor: ZGC Corp. U.S.A, Phone: (973) 335 4460, FAX (973) 335 4560,
e-mail: les@zgc.com
6

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Left: Original camera image. On the right the same, after the grey replaced by a color, using computer.
Another images of two different cameras.
An interesting founding on the picture on the right.
The camera on the target DS 4 performs better
horizontally, while on the higher frequency,
target DS 5 vertically. However, this my not
be what was on the CCD, but some result of
a deformation in the digital process.
7

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Different Camera would show different pattern
of performance.
The choose of collor is an option.
Left: Camera direct. Right: From VCR.
Patterns from two different cameras.
8

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
A typical signature of the lens.
It tells, that the lens has performed.
Missing lines are due to other
insuffitiency.
Left: cropped “hexagon” area and
enlarged to1:1, in order to match to
the size on the chart
The same as above, after applying
tool.
The same as below,
only in black version.
Right: the same as left,
color processed in computer.
The picture on the left, after applying
tool.
9

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Closer look.
good MC bad MC
false MC
achieved MC
half point value
Instruction for Sharpness Indicator HDTV chart
Putora - SHARPNESS INDICATOR Products
critical MC (end of resolution)
Copyright: Ivan Putora
10

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Left: Original camera image. On the right the same, after the grey replaced by a color, using computer.
Another images of two different cameras.
An interesting founding on the picture on the right.
The camera on the target DS 4 performs better
horizontally, while on the higher frequency,
target DS 5 vertically. However, this my not
be what was on the CCD, but some result of
a deformation in the digital process.
7

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Different Camera would show different pattern
of performance.
The choose of collor is an option.
Left: Camera direct. Right: From VCR.
Patterns from two different cameras.
8

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
A typical signature of the lens.
It tells, that the lens has performed.
Missing lines are due to other
insuffitiency.
Left: cropped “hexagon” area and
enlarged to1:1, in order to match to
the size on the chart
The same as above, after applying
tool.
The same as below,
only in black version.
Right: the same as left,
color processed in computer.
The picture on the left, after applying
tool.
9

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Closer look.
good MC bad MC
false MC
achieved MC
half point value
Instruction for Sharpness Indicator HDTV chart
Putora - SHARPNESS INDICATOR Products
critical MC (end of resolution)
Copyright: Ivan Putora
10

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Left: Original camera image. On the right the same, after the grey replaced by a color, using computer.
Another images of two different cameras.
An interesting founding on the picture on the right.
The camera on the target DS 4 performs better
horizontally, while on the higher frequency,
target DS 5 vertically. However, this my not
be what was on the CCD, but some result of
a deformation in the digital process.
7

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Different Camera would show different pattern
of performance.
The choose of collor is an option.
Left: Camera direct. Right: From VCR.
Patterns from two different cameras.
8

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
A typical signature of the lens.
It tells, that the lens has performed.
Missing lines are due to other
insuffitiency.
Left: cropped “hexagon” area and
enlarged to1:1, in order to match to
the size on the chart
The same as above, after applying
tool.
The same as below,
only in black version.
Right: the same as left,
color processed in computer.
The picture on the left, after applying
tool.
9

Instruction for Putora SHARPNESS INDCATOR
HDTV Chart
Closer look.
good MC bad MC
false MC
achieved MC
half point value
Instruction for Sharpness Indicator HDTV chart
Putora - SHARPNESS INDICATOR Products
critical MC (end of resolution)
Copyright: Ivan Putora
10

POSITIONING AND LIGHTING
SHARPNESS INDICATOR
Instructions
CORRECT WRONG
chart chart
RECOMMENDED WRONG
DARK WALL
chart
black panel
or curtain
I.P. © 1996
WINDOW
LIGHT
SOURCE
LIGHT WALL