Method and system for designing spatially-partitioned and correlated stochastic screens for color halftoning

摘要

A method and system for designing a plurality of correlated stochastic screens or conjugate screen portions intended for use in color halftoning of a corresponding plurality of color separations. A merit function is associated with each screen or screen portion. The merit function represents a measure of the desirability of the screen, particularly with regard to maximizing ink dispersion and optimizing spatial frequency response. An additional merit function value is associated with a combination of the screens and screen portions. Additional merit function represents a measure of desirability of the screen combination with regard to ink dispersion and combined spatial frequency response. The merit functions are iteratively applied to possible screens until an optimized merit value is calculated. The screens are selected that correspond to the optimized merit value. The image is generated using the selected screens in a conventional color halftoning process with a plurality of color separations. <IMAGE>