Raster algorithms

A raster graphic or bitmap (e.g. PNG or JPEG) consists of individual image points (often called “pixels“), which can have different colors. The individual image points or "pixels" come together to represent a colorful image. The smaller the image points and the greater the amount, the better the quality (resolution) of the image will be. However, a raster graphic has the disadvantage that it cannot be enlarged arbitrarily without being able to see the individual pixels as small squares. The term “raster graphics” is also based on this effect, as the image has different points arranged in a raster.

During the process of laser engraving, the grayscale or color images are converted to black/white images when rasterizing. The impression of a grayscale image is generated through different point sizes and point distances. However, the human eye perceives the raster as a mixture of colors.

What does this mean for laser engraving?
While rasterizing, binary information is calculated from the image data as: "1 = lasering / 0 = not lasering." Grayscale or color images are then converted to a black-white image that can be engraved. There are different algorithms for the arrangement of the individual image points. In the JobControl® laser software, you can simply select the desired raster algorithms.

The following raster algorithms/halftones are available in the JobControl^® laser software:

• Ordered dithering raster
• Error diffusion raster (Stucki, Jarvis, FloydSteinberg)
• Color
• Black/white

"Ordered Dithering" is an ordered raster structure. The individual points are placed along a virtual raster and differ in size depending on the grayscale value. The darker the grayscale value, the larger the point. However, the density and the position remain unchanged.

This raster can be compared with the print of large billboards. The four primary colors are presented as points and are printed above each other. The impression of an arial image results when they are viewed from a distance.

These raster algorithms are a chaotic raster arrangement. In the JobControl® laser software, the following three error diffusion rasters can be selected: Stucki, Jarvis and FloydSteinberg.

The principle of these three algorithms is the same: the darker the grayscale value, the denser the points are set. The point size remains unchanged. They only differ minimally in coarseness and depth sharpness.

The error diffusion algorithms reach a better detail accuracy than the ordered dithering raster.

The two “halftones” color and black/white are used for engraving vector data. In contrast to the ordered dithering and error diffusion rasters, the data is not converted to grayscale here. Instead, the objects with the 16 predefined colors in the JobControl® are directly transferred to the laser software, where an individual parameter can be defined for each color. This allows for different performances, speeds or offsets to be processed in an engraving job.