ABSTRACT
At the end of the imaging chain (see Figure 1.3), image data, however it was captured, has to be output in such a way that the image can be viewed. In this chapter we will consider output principally in the form of hard copy (images that are tangible, usually as reflection or transmission print media, rather than transient images on a screen or display). In conventional analogue systems this is achieved mainly by the negative-positive process by photographic printing. In hybrid systems output may be laser or LED writing of digital data to photographic paper or other material. In digital systems hard copy output may be by direct output to photographic paper, to plain or special papers via electrophotographic or ink-jet printing, or using special thermal transfer and other materials (see Figure 21.1). The processes and media for hard copy output from digital systems are in a stage of continuing development and systems are being improved and evolving at a very high rate.
