Visual Contrast In Photographic Prints^*

* Communication No. 2327 from The Kodak Research Laboratories.

Abstract

A method of predicting visual contrast in the context of a photographic print is described. The method employs an equation derived from functions of the density scale, average gradient and density frequency response of the objective tone reproduction. Predictions of visual contrast based on this method are in good agreement with average evaluations of contrast made by a panel of 20 observers on a variety of photographic prints. The method also provides information on the relative contributions to over-all contrast of the factors in the prediction equation. In addition, the results provide an indication of the threshold for detection of over-all contrast in the context of a photographic reproduction.

Notes

* Communication No. 2327 from The Kodak Research Laboratories.