Abstract: A method for determining a speed compensation factor includes the steps of transporting a media moving at first speed; printing a first image on the media using at least one printhead while moving at the first speed; capturing the first image in a first frame of an image capture device; transporting the media moving at a second speed different from the first speed; printing a second image on the media using the at least one printhead while moving at the second speed; capturing the second image in a second frame of the image capture device; determining using a change of position of the first image relative to the second image using automated image analysis; and inputting the determined change of position into a processor for computing the speed compensation factor from the determined change of position and a known difference in speed between the first and second speeds.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-printhead printing system, the method includes the steps of employing an encoder to track movement of a media through the printing system; providing a first printhead that prints a first image plane that includes a first test mark at a first defined location on the media as the media moves relative to the first printhead; providing a second printhead that prints a second image plane that includes a second test mark at a second defined location on the media as the media moves relative to the second printhead; employing a first image capture device that captures an image that includes both the first and second test marks; determining an error factor based on the placement of the second mark relative to the first mark in the captured image; and creating a frequency-shifted pulse train of the encoder in which the frequency shift is based on the error factor; wherein the first printhead prints the first image plane in response to output of the encoder and the second printhead print

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-color inkjet printing system includes using a 3×2 test target array. The test target includes printing a first color three times in which two of the three colors are aligned along a first axis and the third is offset from the first axis and at a midway point between the other two test marks along the other axis. A second test color is aligned with at least one of the first colors along both axes.

Abstract: A method for capturing an image in a multi-color printing system, the method includes the steps of providing a test pattern on a print media having a plurality of test patterns aligned in a first direction in a repeating pattern; providing an image capture device having a shutter that controls a time interval during which a single image is captured; and flashing a strobe light multiple times within the time interval in which a single image is captured; wherein each strobe light flash is synchronized with motion of the test pattern past the image capture device so that each test pattern is illuminated by a single strobe-light flash at substantially the same location within the captured image.

Abstract: A method for determining a speed compensation factor includes the steps of transporting a media moving at first speed; printing a first image on the media using at least one printhead while moving at the first speed; capturing the first image in a first frame of an image capture device; transporting the media moving at a second speed different from the first speed; printing a second image on the media using the at least one printhead while moving at the second speed; capturing the second image in a second frame of the image capture device; determining using a change of position of the first image relative to the second image using automated image analysis; and inputting the determined change of position into a processor for computing the speed compensation factor from the determined change of position and a known difference in speed between the first and second speeds.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-color inkjet printing system includes using a 3×2 test target array. The test target includes printing a first color three times in which two of the three colors are aligned along a first axis and the third is offset from the first axis and at a midway point between the other two test marks along the other axis. A second test color is aligned with at least one of the first colors along both axes.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a multi-printhead printing system, the method includes the steps of employing an encoder to track movement of a media through the printing system; providing a first printhead that prints a first image plane that includes a first test mark at a first defined location on the media as the media moves relative to the first printhead; providing a second printhead that prints a second image plane that includes a second test mark at a second defined location on the media as the media moves relative to the second printhead; employing a first image capture device that captures an image that includes both the first and second test marks; determining an error factor based on the placement of the second mark relative to the first mark in the captured image; and creating a frequency-shifted pulse train of the encoder in which the frequency shift is based on the error factor; wherein the first printhead prints the first image plane in response to output of the encoder and the second printhead print