This is a listing of the individual characteristics of prints of different processes. Some analog and many digital processes are described. It should be remembered that prints and processes mentioned and illustrated here are merely examples for each process and that actual prints can vary greatly in their characteristics.

The rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.windows-processes.com/” target=”_blank”>process database is designed to be updated as new print technologies and materials appear on the market and more information is gathered on the existing and obsolete ones. For this purpose, feedback and updates are highly encouraged! Some parts of the individual process descriptions have not yet been researched and are marked with the link Contribute to this category!.

For this identification guide, it was regarded as practical to use magnifications of a print area that included a human eye, with the goal of following the precedence and facilitating comparisons to the images of the processes described in James Reilly’s “Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographic Prints”. Reilly’s choice of an eye as a motive for his comparative images incorporates a complete tonal scale from the shadows to highlights and consists of an image we can all relate to.

How to use the Process Database:

TIP: to compare characteristics and photomicrographs, open each link you are interested in below in a new window (Macintosh: click and hold on the link until the menu pops up, then select option; Windows: click with the right button and select option from pop-up window). Some photomicrographs can be clicked to open a larger version of the image.
Each entry in the Process Database contains the name of the category of printing process, an image of a magnified area of a sample print, and a list of standard categories to describe the aspects of the process and of the prints. These are:

Other Given Names: any common names other than the category of printing process that have been given to the process or its prints

Dates: beginning (and end) of the use of the printing process

Colorant: type of colorant used

Medium: types of medium commonly used

Surface: description of the surface characteristics

Inscriptions: manufacturers logos or names usually found on the print verso

Formats: typical range of formats of paper used for the process

Image Quality: description of the image quality: halftone, contone, or continuous tone, and image pattern and resolution

Applications: use of the process

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You’ve instructed the photographer, visited the shoot, seen the results on their notebook and are now looking forward to receiving your disk full of amazing new imagery.  The DVD arrives and as expected the photos are stunning, more than you could have asked for,  yet there seems to be a mistake with the invoice, what’s this digital processing fee all about?

From experience many customers either simply don’t recognize the costs associated in shooting digitally or they appear uneager to pay for something that they feel should be free due to the ‘virtual’ nature of digital files.  Indeed there are no pricey Polaroids, film, wet processing, printing and courier charges with digital capture.

In the past working out the costs of a shoot merely involved adding up the price of the film used, the ‘wet’ developing costs and the presentation of the final prints or transparencies, whether conducted by the photo-lab or by myself.  Add on a few percent for the time in handling the whole procedure and the costs involved with the shoot was a simple figure to arrive at.  I hardly ever got involved with scanning and retouching, that was a separate task and an extra cost for the customer which was commonly done by a designer or post-production agency, but on the scarce occasions I did, scanning fees would be extra to these costs also.  Now things are notably different.

I don’t now shoot film and yes the  merits both to myself and the client in shooting digitally are massive.  I feel that the most sizeable pros are the new degree of creative control the professional photographer and customer has over the final images plus the time saved by the whole digital process.  But there are now numerous less apparent and hidden costs involved in getting to this final image file:

Digital Camera Equipment.  Just to be able to capture digital files the photographer must now continually invest in extremely costly digital cameras, far more expensive than their film counterparts.  Film cameras are comparably simple mechanical devices that would last a careful photographer for many years whereas digital cameras are full of technology that soon becomes obselete so therefore need constant upgrading.  Digital cameras also seem to break more often, let alone the regular sensor cleaning required!

RAW file processing and retouching.  Professional digital capture often generates a RAW image file, a kind of negative that unlike jpeg files will need fine tuning to get the correct level of exposure, colour correction and sharpening.  These RAW files can best be compared to a traditional film based negative that needs to be lab processed, printed, scanned and finally retouched to the clients prerequisites.  But rather than dodging or burning with an enlarger the photographer must now do this key retouching work in image manipulation software like Adobe Photoshop.  Last these comprehensively edited and retouched files will either be printed by a calibrated desktop printer, transferred to the client via some sort of digital media or sent via email/ftp.  High end computer hardware doesn’t come cheap, or the image manipulation software that photographers must learn to efficiently use.  Such high-priced items also have the nasty habit of devaluing very speedily too, plus extensive training is often needed to enable the photographer to use skillfully.

Time.  These ‘unseen’ duties and skills all require the professional photographer to spend appreciable time in processing the perfect shot before the files are handed over to the client.  The client may well receive the completed work sooner than with traditional film based media but in many ways the work load and skill set of the photographer has actually increased.  Separate scanning and retouching costs could be a thing of the past for customers but the photographer still needs compensating for his, now significant, part in this digital production process.

Overall, photographers digital processing fees simply reflect the ongoing capitol investments in appropriate professional equipment, skills essential to undertake such tasks and the labour time incurred in delivering the customer with finished digitally captured, edited and presented image files.

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This is the simplest version of how a Digital Signature works. A “Digital Signature” is slightly different than an “Electronic Signature”, which is a broader term simply referring to any indication of agreement and identity.

A “Digital Signature” often refers to a Public / Private Key encryption system, the most common of which is “PGP”, or “Pretty Good Privacy”, which is a bit of humorous understatement as it’s the basis of most military security and included in export regulations as a U.S. national security secret.

The way this works is each person has TWO keys, one private, kept secret, and one public, which you publish online, give away freely, paste on your website, and add to a type of “public address book” called a keyserver. Anyone who wishes to ensure that only you will open a message will need this.

The way a digital signature (public / private key encryption) works is:

- The public key can only unscramble what the corresponding private key has protected.

- The private key can only decrypt what the corresponding public key has encrypted.

So when Bob sends Jane a message, and both want to be sure it’s kept secret.

Bob then encrypts the message using his personal private key (which ensures he’s the only writer, since Jane will later retrieve Bob’s “Public Key” from the key-server), and then encrypts it again, for the 2nd time, using Jane’s public key (which requires her private key in order to read).

This ensures that Jane is the only reader, and Bob was the only writer.

Anyone who wanted to maliciously forge Bob’s message would need access to Bob’s private key. Once any message is encoded using Jane’s public key, only her private key could make the message (or digital file) decipherable.Encrypting it only once using Jane’s public key ensures she’s the only reader, but anyone could have written it.

As a practical matter, many people are concerned over legal enforceability. To date, there have been numerous legal cases in which documents signed digitally were used or referenced, and digital signatures have been legally binding since signed into law since President Clinton. However, laws vary by jurisdiction outside the U.S. though they are legally binding within the E.U.

Electronic Signatures technically is a more liberal term referring to anything that shows identity and intent. This could be a digital signature, but could also be a pasted image or graphic signature, or digital signature that is not encrypted via a 3rd-party authentication disinterested party such as <a target=”_new” rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” rel=”external nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://www.iSignature.com”>http://www.iSignature.com</a>, an electronic signature service provider.

To get a free trial of the iSignature electronic signature system, please visit us at iSignature.

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The legal validity to digital signatures has changed the landscape for e-commerce globally. Along with popular applications like e-banking, e-tendering, and e-procurement, e-approvals, etc., the wagon of e-commerce is reaching new milestones everyday with the help of legally valid digital signatures. While assuring authentication and non-repudiation, digital signature (PKI) technology maintains integrity and confidentiality of digitally signed electronic documents.

Several countries have now come up with laws assigning legal validity to digital signatures, as the latter ensures authenticity, and security. Along with the security aspects, digital signatures also help businesses go paperless and efficient. Therefore, many countries are promoting the use of digital signatures, and are making their use mandatory in the applications, which deal with sensitive data.

In today’s ‘small’ world, organizations are utilizing ‘big’ tricks like Internet to reap maximum business benefits. And legality and security associated with digital signatures is helping them in generating pace and profits within their business ideas. Several countries have laid out certain legal standards that promote digital signatures. Let us have a look at some of the digital/electronic signature laws and regulations across the world put in place to encourage e-transactions:

· ESIGN Act (Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act) 
· UETA (Uniform Electronic Commerce Act) 
· GPEA (Government Paperwork Elimination Act) 
· EU law (EU Directive for Electronic Signatures) 
· US DoD JITC (Joint Interoperability Test Command)
· Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
· SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)
· 21 CFR Part 11
· Indian IT Act 2000

Anything, which is legal, takes less time to become popular and stable in any form of social or business environment. The emphasis is given simulating ideas, which are established, or have gained popular ground. In case of digital signatures, worldwide legislations have fueled their acceptance in every possible business that we can think of. From banking to insurance, and from health care to retail, common consensus is moving towards digitally signed electronic documents, saving time, money, and paper.

Needless to say, organizations will adopt tools that are affordable, and yet faster and simpler than traditional ones. This so-called ‘cost-effective’ business approach is at the core of growing paperless environment. As we move ahead, the scope for paperless procedures will become broader.

Every industry, irrespective of its functionalities, is adopting digital signatures in one or the other way. From external communications to internal communications, digitally signed electronic documents have changed the way communications take place. Faster, simpler, yet secure and confidential, these communications have ignited the competition amongst businesses like never before. Digital signature solutions providers are also customizing their products to meet various requirements of several industries to serve their customers efficiently and effectively.

In the passage of time, digital signatures have become a tool to garner customers’ confidence and support. But at the core is digital signatures’ legal validity. From banking transactions to medial records, and from online loan applications to tendering, digital signatures have the ‘Golden Touch’ to transform hectic business processes into simpler ones.

Therefore, a tool for securing the integrity of digitally signed documents; the legal validity is pumping the acceptance of digital signatures in various environments. This legal validity is not only helping the end users, but also organizations to reach out to larger customer base with innovation and simplicity. 

For more information on digital signature, please visit http://www.elock.com

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There are 10 simple points to consider when choosing a Digital Signature Solution (standard electronic signature) for your organization. While not all are obvious, they are critical make-or-break factors for the smooth implementation, management and use of such a system, impacting on every aspect of your business processes. To ensure a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a speedy Return on Investment (ROI) from your Digital Signature solution, read on.

1. Seals Documents – This is the basic building block of a true digital signature solution. It guarantees the document is sealed from changes, whether incidental or the result of a late night hacking of your network.
Tip: Only digital signatures based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology can truly seal a document. Any other type of solution can be easily forged.

2. Multiple Application Support – Many digital signature solutions support only PDF and Word applications, which may be sufficient support for some. However, if your organization needs to digitally sign in additional programs such as Excel, AutoCAD, and web applications, this type of solution will fall short of your needs.
Tip: Make sure the applications you intend to sign in your organization are supported by the solution you choose.

3. Graphical Signatures – Of the standard applications that have digital signature capacity, almost all lack graphical signature support. This is a major shortcoming. Graphical signatures ensure the signature is visually noticeable, and have a psychological impact: the signer is reassured they have signed the document and that it is legally compliant.
Tip: Occasionally, different graphical signatures are required (e.g., initials, full signature). Verify that your solution has this capability.

4. Multiple Signatures – Many digital signature solutions do not allow altering the document once a signature is applied. This is good in terms of sealing the document, but problematic if the technology also prevents additional users from adding their required signatures to the document.
Tip: If your company requires several people to digitally sign a document, ensure that your solution offers this feature.

5. Zero IT Management – Be aware that the time to deploy a system is typically lengthy and resource-intensive. IT staff can find themselves spending weeks every year managing the selected digital signature solution. Then again, the company may opt to employ an additional staff member to manage the task, or implement a help-desk just to ensure users can digitally sign their documents. Costs can skyrocket.
Tip: Ensure your solution is operational the moment it is deployed on your network, and that the “Zero-Management” requirement on your checklist is met.

6. Compliance – Each regulation has its own specific requirements pertaining to electronic documents. For example, the FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulation for the Pharmaceutical market has numerous requisites that are not met by most digital signature solutions.
Tip: Review the regulations for your industry and make sure the solution covers all of those requirements.

7. Transportability (Worldwide Verifiable) – Do you want your customers or partners to be able to validate files you’ve signed electronically? This seemingly trivial task is not so trivial at all. Not every digital signature may be transportable outside of your organization. In fact, digital signature technology is not always embedded in your document.
Tip: Make sure your documents can be validated by external users without them having to install a 3rd-party application.

8. Seamless User Registration – Implementing your digital signature solution must be as simple as possible. Make sure that the moment the solution has been deployed, staff at your organization can start digitally signing documents without having to start a “wizard” to enroll or call on the IT department for support.
Tip: Make certain that your solution is capable of automatically and seamlessly updating user profiles from the company’s user directory.

9. Simple-To-Use – Be sure to choose a system that is easy-to-use. You don’t want staff to run a wizard application when they A) load the signature application onto their PC and then B) every other time they want to sign a document. IT staff involvement should be kept to a minimum.
Tip: It should take a single click to ensure your document is sealed and legally compliant.

10. Total Cost of Ownership – Not everyone considers TCO when purchasing a digital signature solution. But to ensure you don’t pay too much in the long run, take the following costs into account: initial product cost, deployment, help desk, digital certificates (which may be a recurring annual cost), and development of support for the application you’re going to sign with.
Tip: Project your TCO three years into the future to reveal any hidden costs, such as renewal of annual certificates.
 

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Digital Processing modifies the pictures by restoring or enhancing them, involves analysis and recognition while changing their structure in terms of composition and image editing. There are various means to do the above mentioned i e the image processing could be done either by photographic, optical or by electronic means, however it is noticed that the image processing done by the digital devices are proved more flexible, precise, outstanding and fast.

We will be able to get an effective and outstanding image enhancement by improving on the visual quality of the digital images that are captured under extremely low or non-uniform lighting conditions. Image enhancement improves the clarity of the images to a very great extent and helps in the overall output of the image. The removal of the blurring, increase in the contrast etc fall under the image enhancement operations. There could be instances where the original images have the very high or very low intensity that masks the details.

An effective and robust image enhancement algorithm could be then presented for the improvement of the visual quality of digital images captured under extremely low or non-uniform lighting conditions.  There are two separate processes. They are the adaptive luminance enhancement and the adaptive contrast enhancement in order to provide flexibility and better control over the image enhancement. Adaptive algorithms adjust their operations based on their image process being processed. Based on the pixel intensity statistics it will be easy to adjust the intensity, contrast and sharpness.

The analysis is based on the other color image enhancement methods, and accordingly the HSV (hue, saturation and value) color space is opted for. There will hardly be any change in the hue in order to avoid any distortion or shifting of the color. When can closely analyze when this is being compared with other algorithms. It has been noticed that there has always been a wide contrast in terms of colour, clarity in details and much better visual effects.

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PDF document signing and encryption using Digital Signature Solutions

Introduction

Many Digital Signature solutions allow documents of PDF format to be signed and encrypted natively, without having Adobe Acrobat installed. This feature enables users and organizations to send invoices, credit card or bank transaction statements, purchase orders and other reports in PDF format where the recipients are assured of the authenticity of the document. Digital signing solution can also be used to encrypt the PDF file, giving the sender assurance that only the authorized recipients would be able to read the documents.

These solutions automate the signing and encryption process so that the process can be carried out without any user intervention. These solutions also provide a number of additional features along with the PDF document signing facility.

Various features of PDF signing using digital signing solutions:

The PDF documents are signed in an embedded fashion, in a way that is compatible with how Adobe Acrobat signs them. There are several features accompanying this facility.

1. While signing, a visual representation of the signature can be embedded in the PDF document.

2. The user can select the placement of signature in the document in terms of the page and the location on the page. For example, the signature can be placed at the top-right corner of the first page or at bottom-right on the last page.

3. The user can display scanned handwritten signature or a logo inside the digital signature on the PDF document.

4. The visual signature can also incorporate the reason for signing, time of signing, and location. The time of signing can be taken from the local machine clock or can use third party time stamp server.

5. Signing with certificates from a variety of locations such as certificate installed in IE or Netscape family of browsers, PFX / P12 files, smart cards or hardware tokens.

6. The PDF documents signed using digital signature software do not need any specific verification software. They allow the document recipients to verify the signatures using free Adobe reader

7. The PDF files can be encrypted using password of users choice for maintaining confidentiality. As with signed files, the encrypted files do not require any third party software for decryption. When the file is opened in Adobe Reader, the user is prompted for the password. The file can be opened only if the correct password is supplied.

Benefits of using signing software to sign PDF documents

The key features that make for a very easy deployment of signing and encryption into Business to Consumer (B2C) applications in verticals like banking, finance, insurance etc. are:

· Signing and encryption can be done without using Adobe Acrobat

· Signing and encryption can be done in automated fashion without any user intervention

· The encrypted files can be opened and signatures verified with Adobe Reader, without needing any third party software

For more information visit: www.elock.com OR write to info@elock.com

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