Application Of The ACR-NEMA Digital Data Interchange Standard To The Graphics Art Industry

Efforts are underway in the graphic arts industry to specify a standard for interchange of digital data between digital, electronic equipment used within the industry, in such areas as color electronic prepress systems, design/paint systems, color digital proofing, and electronic page layout. A similar effort began around four years ago in the medical digital imaging field, culminated successfully with the ACR-NEMA (American College-of Radiologists-National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standard of 1985. Although significant differences exist between the two applications, the intent in both is to allow transfer of digital images between mixed-vendor equipment. The ACR-NEMA standard provides an excellent template for formulating corresponding standards for the graphic arts industry.