Abstract: An ink key simulator for image forming devices may simulate the effect of ink key adjustments in offset presses. The image adjustment may be made in response to activation of a simulated ink key, for example, by adjusting the pixel values of the stored data and/or by adjusting imaging light source intensity within a given region of the image. Using the ink key simulator, adjustments to image quality from printers may be made on-the-fly using an interface which is familiar to the operators of offset presses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for implementing a trapping operation on a digital image during image processing. Some embodiments of the present invention provide an intelligent trapping process to compensate for registration errors or halo effect errors by an imaging device. At various times, a set of customized trapping parameters may be determined for the device based on its actual or estimated performance. The imaging device may be checked automatically on a periodic basis, in response to an event, or upon request. The trapping parameters may be unidirectional and may vary temporally or spatially. The imaging device can then print images based on its customized set of trapping parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for test target selection in conjunction with dynamic test pattern generation. In the invention, a test pattern page(s) is composed using an optimal set of test targets, which can be accommodated or adjusted to fit within size constraints of the test pattern. The method of the present invention makes use of layout optimization to ensure that related and optimized test targets are accommodated on a single test pattern. For example, it may be preferable to “squeeze in” a smaller-than-normal uniform area target, rather than not to print it at all during a test.