Abstract: An automatic gray balance control system to produce TRCs for all primary colors in a reproduction device and for each pitch of a photoreceptor system by printing target patches for each pitch, measuring the output colors, and automatically readjusting the tone reproduction curves until a satisfactory level of accuracy is obtained as compared to the theoretical desired output. The system produces pitch-based gray balanced TRCs that are updated frequently for each pitch, with different TRCs for different pitches, to ensure consistency in output from pitch to pitch as well as from page to page on a given pitch.

Abstract: Provided is a method for enabling accurate and consistent imaging of selected colors within a document for various printing device configurations utilizing an automated spot color editor. The method includes determining appropriate target values for a selected color within a print job. The automated spot color editor modifies or adjusts the selected color by selecting a quality level, in the form of a color difference metric, and a maximum number of iterations, which is the maximum number of times the automated spot color editor is operated to calculate a CMYK color formula. Sample patch(es) are printed and analyzed for the selected target value and a CMYK color formula based on the color composition of the sample patch is calculated. The CMYK color formula is inserted into a spot color editing table. Through a graphical user interface, an operator may review the color formula for acceptance.

Abstract: A printer or other marking engine includes a marking material transfer device, such as a photoreceptor drum or belt, that includes a plurality of pitches. Each pitch receives an individual color of marking material and conveys the marking material to a substrate. The marking engine forms a desired image in a main image area of the substrate using marking material from one or more of the pitches, and produces a target patch pattern for each of the pitches in a margin area located outside the main image area. A measuring device such as a spectrophotometer is used to measure each target patch pattern, and based on the measured values, an individual color calibration is performed for each pitch for use in a subsequent marking operation. The color calibration may include generating or modifying a tone reproduction curve for each pitch based on the measured values. The margin area may be later trimmed off, thereby removing the portion of the substrate on which the target patch pattern is formed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for enabling accurate and consistent imaging of selected colors within a document for various printing device configurations utilizing an automated spot color editor. The method includes determining appropriate target values for a selected color within a print job. The automated spot color editor modifies or adjusts the selected color by selecting a quality level, in the form of a color difference metric, and a maximum number of iterations, which is the maximum number of times the automated spot color editor is operated to calculate a CMYK color formula. Sample patch(es) are printed and analyzed for the selected target value and a CMYK color formula based on the color composition of the sample patch is calculated. The CMYK color formula is inserted into a spot color editing table. Through a graphical user interface, an operator may review the color formula for acceptance.

Abstract: A printer or other marking engine includes a marking material transfer device, such as a photoreceptor drum or belt, that includes a plurality of pitches. Each pitch receives an individual color of marking material and conveys the marking material to a substrate. The marking engine forms a desired image in a main image area of the substrate using marking material from one or more of the pitches, and produces a target patch pattern for each of the pitches in a margin area located outside the main image area. A measuring device such as a spectrophotometer is used to measure each target patch pattern, and based on the measured values, an individual color calibration is performed for each pitch for use in a subsequent marking operation. The color calibration may include generating or modifying a tone reproduction curve for each pitch based on the measured values. The margin area may be later trimmed off, thereby removing the portion of the substrate on which the target patch pattern is formed.

Abstract: Methods for automated uniformity assessment and modification of image non-uniformities using an image measurement device capable of determining image reflectance and/or transmitter as a function of position, such as a spectrophotometer, a calorimeter, and/or a densitometer. One or more of these devices scan an image on a substrate, such as a sheet, thereby generating data representing image characteristics, such as, for example, image non-uniformity. The sheet may contain a reference/test pattern including one column, strip or patch intended to have a uniform density. This data generated by the device after the scan of the substrate is analyzed with signal processing algorithms for image characteristics assessment, including image spatial uniformity and compared to reference image characteristics including image spatial uniformity. An image modification profile may be generated to be applied to a marking system to thereby alter subsequent image data and improve image spatial uniformity of the marking system.

Abstract: A method for aligning an endless belt having an optimum position within an acceptable range on associate guide rollers in a machine by manually placing the belt over an outboard end of the guide rollers and sliding the belt inward over the guide rollers to a first rough position. When it is determined that the belt has reached an acceptable range of positions, the belt is steered inward using a given operational steering angle. When it is determined that the belt has reached an optimum position, the belt is driven at an operational speed and steered inward and outward to maintain the optimum position.

Abstract: A method for aligning an endless belt having an optimum position within an acceptable range on associate guide rollers in a machine by manually placing the belt over an outboard end of the guide rollers and sliding the belt inward over the guide rollers to a first rough position. When it is determined that the belt has reached an acceptable range of positions, the belt is steered inward using a given operational steering angle. When it is determined that the belt has reached an optimum position, the belt is driven at an operational speed and steered inward and outward to maintain the optimum position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe assembly in which an ultrasonic transducer is mechanically scanned in response to a drive motor which is located in a housing spaced from the transducer such that the transducer can be positioned in a body cavity of a patient while the housing containing the drive motor remains outside the body of the patient.