dithering

2 definitions found

dithering - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  dithering
      n 1: the process of representing intermediate colors by patterns
           of tiny colored dots that simulate the desired color

dithering - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  dithering
  
     <data, algorithm> A technique used in quantisation processes
     such as graphics and audio to reduce or remove the
     correlation between noise and signal.
  
     Dithering is used in computer graphics to create additional
     colors and shades from an existing palette by interspersing
     pixels of different colours.  On a monochrome display,
     areas of grey are created by varying the proportion of black
     and white pixels.  In colour displays and printers, colours
     and textures are created by varying the proportions of
     existing colours.  The different colours can either be
     distributed randomly or regularly.  The higher the
     resolution of the display, the smoother the dithered colour
     will appear to the eye.
  
     Dithering doesn't reduce resolution.  There are three types:
     regular dithering which uses a very regular predefined
     pattern; random dither where the pattern is a random noise;
     and pseudo random dither which uses a very large, very
     regular, predefined pattern.
  
     Dithering is used to create patterns for use as backgrounds,
     fills and shading, as well as for creating halftones for
     printing.  When used for printing is it very sensitive to
     paper properties.  Dithering can be combined with
     rasterising.  It is not related to anti-aliasing.
  
     (2003-07-20)