Business and computing

1

UK COLLEGE

BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

Course: EDEXCEL BTEC

Module: E-commerce Strategy

Lecturer: Mr Suneth Fernando

Student: Adrian Vasile Nichifor

Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................................2

TASK 1 .............................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Digital image sources ................................................................................................................2

a) Primary Sources ......................................................................................................................3

b) Secondary Sources ..................................................................................................................6

1.2 Creating digital image from source .............................................................................................8

TASK 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 10

2.1 Formats and fundamentals ....................................................................................................... 10

2.2 Digital management technique to store imagery......................................................................... 13

TASK 3 ........................................................................................................................................... 16

3.1 Use of software tools to manipulate digital images..................................................................... 16

3.2 Prepare Image files for output .................................................................................................. 23

2

TASK 4 ........................................................................................................................................... 24

4.1 Own use of digital images in meeting the requirements .............................................................. 24

4.2 Others use of digital images in meeting specified purposes......................................................... 25

Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................... 26

References ............................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Introduction

This report deals with the basics relating to primary and secondary sources of image. It is

the premier step to understand the whole process if data imaging. It includes collection of data

image, its alteration and editing and also reversal. Technical aspects play an important role in the

process. However, the artistic facet of the same can’t be ignored and holds equal relevance. All

these factors have been well coordinated and integrated for great understanding of the reader.

Illustrations have also been incorporated so as to provide an in-depth understanding.

The illustrations have been achieved by the fine knowledge and understanding of the

available photo editing software, which are necessary to bring about alteration in the digital

images.

TASK 1

1.1 Digital image sources

The method of creation of digital images from a general physical scene is called Digital

imaging. It might be also called as digital image acquisition. The most usual equipment used for

digital photography is a digital camera.

It is very natural to say that digital image is extracted from artworks, but it cannot be

ignored that they might also be derived from pieces of already generated images or photographs.

With the era of technological advancement and the increased use of sensors, t has become quite

easy to capture images. These images are in the form of pixels. Due to the availability and

acceptability of affordable digital cameras and memory cards, storage and sharing of images no

3

more remains a challenge. Therefore, the whole process has become a lot easier to handle

(Jensen, 1996).

Besides, a digital image may be extracted from another image. This revolves around the

use of analogue medium. Image scanner is one such equipment. A digital image may also be

derived from a mathematical model, known as rendering.

a) Primary Sources

It is the image that was captured during the real occurrence of the event. The individual

who captured the image was physically present during the course of the event and used an

equipment to capture it. These images are stored and used further in digital imaging. Moreover,

this refers to the first-hand experience of the person while creating or capturing the image. These

also refers to the accounts of the witnesses of the events.

This is an image clicked by a digital camera. This is a primary source of digital image.

Digital Cameras

Digital Cameras are important devices that help us to acquire first hand experiences of

the incidents in our life. Hereby, in this section, we would take a look at the important functions

4

of the digital devices that are considered as important parts in capturing primary subjects of

digital images. Following are the different types of digital cameras:

Digital SLR Cameras

This is one of the most convenient cameras for any photo-phallic

person. This is user friendly and gives you the option to click

photographs in manual or automatic mode. Moreover, these are

compact cameras and depend on the diameter and focusing ability

of the lens for further magnification purpose.

Compact Digital Cameras

These are quite handy, and are not as professional as the SLR

cameras. This does not provide the option to detach or attach

higher quality lenses. Moreover, these have a fixed magnifying

ability in order to set a focus at the objects. These are most

suitable for the beginners.

Bridge Cameras

5

These are generally termed as Super Zoom Cameras. This type enables the photographers to

have maximum control over the exposure level of the photo device. Apart from this, suggested

by the name, this device is used to capture a subject as high as with 40x zooming ability. Hence,

this produces high quality images and has the option to vary the

aperture, exposure, shutter speed etc. in the most desired

manner.

Scanners

A Scanner works on the principle of photo-illumination; for

example, one needs to scan an identity card, then, she should

place the same inside the glass plate of the scanner. A CCFL is

placed inside it that illuminated the document to bring out the

result into a paper. These are quite essential devices to convert

primary sources into digitized format in the field of digital

imaging.

Webcams

It works very similar to that of a digital camera. A webcam captures

the light that enters through its tiny opening, which is known as iris

in digital cameras. There, CCD is programmed to convert into

digitized form. Unlike a digital camera, these are real time devices;

hence, on capturing the images, it directly transfers them to the

computer rather than remembering them.

Mobile phone tablets

6

This has changed the way of photography, as it had been perceived

some years ago. Now, it is considered to be one of the most handy

devices of capturing images and modifying them at the same time.

Another significant factor included in this is the feature of Adobe

Photoshop built in it. This has become more significant with the

coming up of a new photography genre, Selfie.

b) Secondary Sources

A secondary source interprets the primary source, analyses it and reproduce the result.

These may correspond to more information regarding the primary source. These are actually the

sources that have been created, painted, or published later on account of in-depth research of the

particular era.

The book relating to the World War I epic is a secondary source of digital image.

7

The basis of this differentiation is the way it is created. Secondary source of images are

influenced by various factors. A lot of research goes behind the primary source of image and

results into a secondary source of image. A picture depicting the India’s struggle of

Independence must be a combination of various images. Though it is one of its kinds, but still it

is a secondary source of image given the fact that a lot of research has been done to come up

with the final image (Cofield, 2005).

Still Camera Video Camera Mobile tablets

A still camera is generally

opted at times when the

subject’s position is relatively

stationary. This means that

through still cameras, one can

capture photographs that

work on the phenomenon of

traditional photography.

However, there are certain

disadvantages of still cameras

as well; this accounts to the

inability to film motion

pictures at a stable pace.

Video cameras are more often

used for capturing film scenes or

few personal experiences as

well; however, these can also be

applied to capture real time

motion or images. Unlike the

normal still camera, a video

camera has in built settings that

enables it to capture motion

pictures as well. This is done by

adjusting aperture and shutter

speed. The above depiction is

that of a swimmer running

underneath the sea; this has been

Tablet cameras are widely used

these days. With the visage of

tablet cameras, now people can

click photographs anywhere at

their convenience. Hence, this

gives the users the options of

accessibility and convenience.

Moreover, this has found its own

significance at social network

platforms. Now, tablets have

become wide in use by the

professional photographers as

well. Moreover, with the visage

of Adobe Photoshop in tablets,

8

Hence, this brings about

distortion and blurring of

digital images. This uses

CCD to capture pictures and

has memory chips inside it

that are capable of holding

images.

captured with the help of an

underwater camera. This is a

kind of video camera that

enables photography beneath the

sea. Moreover, this is a

waterproof camera that matches

the context of filming the

subject.

photographers have instant

access to editing and modifying

clicked images. The above

depiction is a picture taken

inside the plane by a user with a

mobile tablet (CDL

Guidelines for Digital

Images, 2008).

1.2 Creating digital image from source

Specifying the source and purpose for creation play a very important role in creation of

digital image. This case specified the use of scanners, webcams to depict the conversion.

In order to achieve effectiveness, we should scale out the purpose as well as the

photographic devices used for clicking the images. In addition to this, there is another important

criterion that can be taken in coherence with this topic i.e. devices for conversion. Here, we will

be using scanners, photo camera, and webcams for conversion of the clicked images.

Scanners are used to capture an image from an already taken image. Webcam is used to

capture the reflected light from the subject passing from a pinhole (lens) of the camera (Cofield,

2005).

Photo Camera Webcam

Scanner

9

Purpose and Use of Devices

Scanner: Scanner is used to convert the physical document into its digital format. Its main

purpose is to optically scan documents or images and inputs it into the computer in a digitized

form.

A scanner is a digital device that uses the technique of photo illumination. The hard copy of

already captured image has to place between the glass plates so as to get an exact copy of the

same. It is a secondary source of digital image. Following are the types of scanner:

Flatbed Scanners: These are highly versatile types of scanners and are often used for scanning

documents like legal papers, journals, cd covers etc.

Photo Scanners: This is extremely purposeful for the photographs to use this type, as photo

scanners help in converting the photo negatives into digitized format for further processing.

Sheeted Scanners: These are smaller than the flatbed scanners; as the name suggests, this is as

simple as placing a sheet inside the scanner.

Webcams: A web camera is almost similar to a digital camera. It just has an additional benefit of

connectivity to the internet. It captures images with the help of sensors which are known as

charged coupled device. Here, the boy is required to set the camera so as to capture his face

perfectly. The moment he clicks on Capture with the help of the mouse connected to his PC or

10

laptop, the image of that very moment is captured and sent via the internetwork. Moreover, it

facilitates video conferencing over internet.

Mobile Tablets: These are used for clicking selfies and are quite handy to use by any user.

These are not only portable, but it also enables clicking photos at the most awkward and

uncomfortable positions as well. Moreover, these have in-built Adobe Photoshop software which

enables the modification and editing of clicked images with ease.

TASK 2

2.1 Formats and fundamentals

The file and formats mainly used for Banners and Logos are PNG, JPG and TIFF.

Coming back to it, high resolution images are actually not used for the website.

Moreover, it is considered so as such images may take longer time for conversion at the

websites. In addition to this, the largest width of the web page should not exceed 1000px. Hence,

it is claimed that PNG and JPG are highly used for website banners and logos.

Banners: For processing an image for banner, the following things should be considered:

● One should use JPG images.

● JPG images are highly preferred over PNG images.

● JPG images take lesser time for conversion.

Banners are mainly used for promotional purposes for the company. Moreover, such kind of

promotion can be done in two forms i.e. online promotion and Offline promotion. Online

promotion refers to the publishing of online banners and promoting the activities of the company

or institution.

Online Banner:

The size of banners amounts to a list of types; however, the most commonly used is the

resolution of 72px. For designing online banners, one would again prefer JPG images

considering its effectiveness in conversion at the websites.

Printed Banner

11

TIFF and CDR are used for this kind of banners. Here, the minimum resolution should be 300

PX.

LOGO

For logos, PNG format is used. It is highly preferable over any other image format as it does not

have a format and can be placed anywhere at the websites.

Brochures

In Brochures, the Front Page is considered to be the most important as it clearly defines the

purpose and objective of the tangible product. Hence, the front or the cover page should be of

high resolution. I.e. greater than 300 px. Moreover, the preferred file formats are CRD and PSD

or Photoshop file.

Banner

12

Logo

By image processing, we mean the transformation or conversion of an image into a better

one. This process is also termed as image enhancement. Therefore, this section discussed all the

elements that are put in use in order to improvise upon the quality of the image. There are certain

steps that are required in image processing; they are noted below:

● Image grabbing

● Preprocessing of images

● segmentation

● Extraction of features

Let’s begin with the process of Image Grabbing. This is the foremost step that is included

in the process. The examination can be done in two processes. Suppose there is a camera that

clicks many images at an instant. The images are digitized with the help of a frame grabber.

Then the images are taken for pre-processing stage, which is done to enhance the quality of

images. Here pixilation is removed, and at times, the images are enhanced in terms of contrast,

brightness, and saturation etc. at this stage. After this process, comes the turn for segmenting the

images. This refers to the extraction of the desired features of the clicked image. After this

process is done with, the recognition label is applied to the images.

The main file formats that are in use for digital images are JPG, PNG and RAF.

13

JPG format is most commonly used for lossy compressions (to be discussed later in this

report). In this format one can easily modify and adjust the level of compression in those images.

Moreover, they are relatively smaller in sizes, if compared to other formats. Hence, these take

lesser time for image conversion.

PNG format also enables the low resolution images to look crisp and beautiful. These are

generally used for logos that are published on net. This helps the formation of logos without

backgrounds; hence, they can be placed on any random background.

RAF is the raw format that displays images in the format exactly perceived by the

photographic devices. However, this is extremely time taking which lets the photographers avoid

this format.

Now, as we have talked about the bitmap formats, let’s spot out the importance of vector

images as well in processing image data. As the name suggests, we can easily find out the

association of this type with mathematics. Vector images are based on the phenomenon that each

line is made up of a number of points and such an interconnection gives them the formation of a

locus held line. Following are the advantages of using Vector images:

● Creation of images is easier than other formats.

● The drawings are scalable as per the desired size.

● In printed format as well, it looks much better.

● It is also essential for animation purposes.

● Image distortion doesn't take place.

2.2 Digital management technique to store imagery

Storing of digital images is quite important indeed and it requires certain specific storage

systems to enable a sound storage offering for the image files. Following are some of the

important ways to store images in a digitized format:

14

Online Storage: Online storage of files refer to format which can be accessed with the help of a

virtual platform; hence for this purpose, internet connection is required. Through this, the users

can access the files from any location across the globe. Some of the common methods are:

Google Drive, Cloud server etc. However, with the inclusion of Intranet and Extranet, it depends

on the confidentiality of the document or image files to grant complete authentication to those

files.

● Offline Storage: Hard Disk Drives enable the storage of files in an offline format.

Hereby, one can access those files without the intrusion of internet connection as well.

These storage devices possess large storage capacity and data does not get lost, when the

power gets disconnected.

● Removable storages: These basically refers to the portable (and tangible) storage devices

involved in storing purposes. The most common components are Blue ray device, CD,

DVD, HDD etc. Among all these, Blue ray and HDD are the most efficient ones,

considering their storage capacity. Moreover, these work much faster than CDs or Floppy

disk drives.

Another important consideration while choosing the image storage format is

compression. Compressing means reducing the size of the image so that it requires less storage

space and is easily transferred over a medium. They are of two types: a) Lossy compression b)

Lossless Compression. The former one is the type of compression where there is a chance of the

data getting diminished; while in Lossless compressions, the retention of data is better and it

does not get lost. Hence, where there is a higher need of preserving data, Lossless compressions

are employed.

For managing images, photographers also prefer Adobe Light room. This is a software

that keep a track of all the entered digital images and arranges them in an organized manner.

Following are the tips of managing the images in an organized manner:

Tagging images: Keywords can be used as image titles for tracking them in future.

15

Streamline: Only the needed photos should be kept and rest shall be deleted from the memory.

Apart from this, Google Picasa, Apple’s IPhoto are also good software to organize images.

THE PROCESS

Now, it’s time to discuss the situation which is likely to arise with a large number of

images stored in the database. The foremost problem that will pose as a threat is the issue to

manage the database. In such cases, a proper way for managing the data should be enforced into

the system. This is also termed to be the system of data documentation. The process of data

documentation is initiated in the below mentioned manner.

Each image is supposed to be attributed by name, level, descriptive values, name of

owner, and most importantly metadata. Metadata lets a user identify all such values associated

with an image and helps in a sound management process.

16

Metadata of the image

TASK 3

3.1 Use of software tools to manipulate digital images

Alteration, modification and manipulation of digital images can be carried out with the help of

available software. The most popular tool is Adobe Photoshop. The use of software does not

diminish the quality of the images; rather enhances it.

With the help of the features of these software, one can undoubtedly modify the images without

affecting the quality in an adverse way.

In this task we have made use of Adobe Photoshop to modify the attributes of the images. It is a

software for professional use.

17

Original Image

An image can be modified in the following ways:

18

1. CROPPING

Cropping means cutting. It is used to cut short a particular portion of an image. One can crop a

particular portion of an image to focus on that particular area. Various social network sites

prompts a user to crop images while uploading a profile picture.

2. HUE

19

This is based on the basic attributes of colors. Green, Red, yellow, Blue are the base colours.

Hue Image

3. SATURATION ADJUST IMAGE

Intensity of light has a major role to play in the Saturation of an image. The various technical

aspects are important as well. Light spectrum consists of various wavelengths. The level of this

20

adjustment technically relies upon the simulation of the intensity of the light.

ADJUSTED IMAGE

4. FILTERED IMAGE

21

Adobe Photoshop allows us to provide filter to an image, very similar to that of the filters in

cameras. These filters are of various types like Blur, tiles noise etc. They are majorly used to

change the background layer so as to focus on the top layer.

5. COLOR ENHANCEMENT

Color balance allows alterations to be made to the intensity of the colours. Colour balance should

be adjusted at the very starting before clicking the picture.

6. RESIZE

22

Resizing leads to change in the dimensions and pixels of a particular image. With the help of this, the

resolution of an image can be easily changed.

7. PAINT

This allows to draw on the image. Adobe Photoshop provides us with various user friendly painting tools.

23

3.2 Prepare Image files for output

There are certain things to keep in mind while talking about the output of files. Firstly, we should

consider that:

● The quality of image is not compromised on alteration

● The visuals shall only get enhanced not degrade

● Colour clarity should be of high quality

● Brightness, contrast, saturation should only act to enhance the overall quality of the

image

Image file formats

CMYK should be preferred over other formats. GIF and PNG formats are used in case of the

need of high quality images. RGB should be used for storage purposes and CMYK for printing.

However, we should also consider the fact that RGB gives real time image quality. Hence, this is

more favourable for soft copy format. GIF file format is used for high quality website publishing.

The images delivered should be in large enough size as required because large pictures can be

used for making print out in large banners and flux boards. The large size images are also useful

for producing quality of the text and very small part in the large picture. Along with the

dimensions of the picture for larger size the resolution should also be large for quality picture.

CDs and DVDs are used for storing images. DVDs are used for real time storage purpose. It also

has more storage space. CDs are not reliable. Memory cards may also be used to store images. It

is very user friendly to transfer images using a memory card reader across devices as well.

Key Features of Photoshop

Following can be noted as the key features of Photoshop in redefining the above mentioned

properties of digital images:

● The images can be enhanced with the help of blur reduction feature of Adobe Photoshop.

24

● In spite of the fact that Photoshop has a threatening design to new clients, it really is

much less demanding to work with than contending projects, which can be conflicting.

Each of the windows that show data or give capacity can be opened from a solitary menu,

resized and moved for individual inclination.

● The programming specialists at Adobe are gifted at decreasing a visual component into

information that PCs can control. This outcomes in a higher-quality result with regards to

shading revision, resizing, HDR imaging etc.

● Photoshop can do almost anything with respect to online media. In spite of the fact that it

began as a photograph handling project, it has developed to make and alter feature, make

3-D pictures and encourage visual communication.

TASK 4

Digital images are nowadays an important medium of expression. Thoughts, ideologies, ideas are

being exchanged via digital images. These images give a vision of the person’s personality. It

has slowly and gradually become an important media. Digital images are also being taken as a

motivation.

Now let’s look into the other aspects of digital images.

4.1 Own use of digital images in meeting the requirements

Design Constraints deal with the enhancement of the quality of pictures. This is achieved by the

help of Adobe Photoshop. As a matter of fact, some design constraints do affect the quality of

digital images adversely. Hence the image size has to be kept limited.

Colour correction should not diminish the essence of the picture. This needs to be handled with

care. Layering, Saturation and hue and filtering are all methods of Colour correction.

The following ensure to maintain the originality of an image:

1) Images are captured by the use of digital electronic device and thereafter modified.

25

2) Editing should be kept minimal so as to retain the aesthetic value of the picture.

3) The size of the image should be in accordance with design constraints.

The basic difficulty I had to cope up with is the problem to differentiate between primary and

secondary sources of digital image; for the same, I had to go through a lot of in-depth research

and finally came to the conclusion with a list of resources found in various archives. Moreover, I

had to learn many new things that were not completely explored regarding the usage of Adobe

Photoshop. Hence, a lot of time as well as effort were invested in this report. Since, the

application of Adobe Photoshop was very new to me, I had to even take aid from an expert in

order to complete the project in the desired way. Hence, you might say that it was not at all easy

for me to complete this report without the aid of an expert. Apart from this, there was huge

amount of time invested in completing the first two parts of Task 1. This is more valid due to the

formation of a pillar through its visage. This is the task that lets a person understand the

difference between primary source of digital image and secondary source of digital image.

Firstly, I would go through the various devices that are used for capturing different sources of

image in their digitized formats. This is followed by examples relating to each one of them.

Now, in Task 2, I did not many difficulties as it was confined to theoretic aspects of digital

images. Hence, it did not take much time and effort. However, it owes to an intricate research

over Internet.

4.2 Others use of digital images in meeting specified purposes.

The use of secondary image also leads to new creations. They can also be modified using Adobe

Photoshop. They have lesser constraints. Digital images have become very important in today’s

world of communication. They have become successful. Many individuals have taken up

photography as their part time profession. The affordable digital cameras have made this

possible.

In this section, we will discuss and analyze the work of my colleague. Her name is Marcella

Trifan.

Marcella had to face a lot of limitations, when it comes to have a strong grip over the topic. This

has led to certain faults on his front. Due to this, firstly, she was indulged more into researching

26

about the images than developing the whole topic. Moreover, he should have also made sure that

he keeps a balance between researching and developing the topic. However, in certain topics, to

say Task 1.1 and Task 1.2., she has been able to express better regards to originality. She has

been found to use mobile tablets and she has been contained with a definite approach in making

clear the difference in quality of images presented by each of the primary sources of digital

images. However, difficulty has been faced by her in Task 3; while conducting the same, she has

found it difficult to click classroom images and the same can be seen in her work. The work

seems callous in Task 3, which presents a back view image of the student sitting in a classroom.

But, the most appreciable fact is the use of life like images for the project. Moreover, attribution

has also been made to a good extent. in the project.

Digital imaging also plays an important role in the field of cinema. Animation movies and Sci-fi

uses a lot of techniques of Digital imaging. They earn good revenue as well. Hence digital

images helps in economic growth.

Social and Political awareness has a lot to do with digital imaging. Visual graphics are easier to

retain than verbal and written text.

In the field of science and technology digital imaging has an important part to render. Capturing

celestial movements and natural phenomena helps a lot in research work. In the medical field

instant imaging loaded with information has fastened the process of medication and surgery.

Many diseases that earlier could not be explained are now even curable.

Mapping and locating particular places have become a lot easier with the help of GPS.

Moreover, storage of digital images is no more a challenge. Hence, it has opened a new horizon

of development. (Columbia University Libraries, 1997).

Conclusions

We may conclude the report now. Digital images have a crucial role to play in today’s world of

development, industrialization and globalization. The sources of digital images have been taken care of in

this report. The various modification offered by Adobe Photoshop have been illustrated. The various

design aspects have been well explained. To make it more comprehensive the report has been

27

incorporated with various illustrations. Overall, it has been able to define, analyse and review all the

aspects of digital images.