Patent Publication Number: US-2023161521-A1

Title: Methods and printing system for virtual calibration and verification services

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a printing system that implements virtual calibration of printing devices as well as verification services of color reproduction accuracy. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     In the production print space, customers expect ongoing support from the vendor as well as sellers. Most of this support involves the typical hardware breaks and fixes along with troubleshooting such hardware problems. Customers also expect help with ensuring that the printing device&#39;s color reproduction is the best that it can be. In some cases, these scenarios induce support for calls to resolve issues that are either not an issue due to improper customer expectations or that are really operator error. These scenarios may not be apparent to support unless someone visits the production printing shop. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A method for using a cloud-based printing system is disclosed. The method includes defining a reference printing device in the cloud-based printing system using color printing resources and environmental specification information. The method also includes monitoring the reference printing device to be in compliance with requirements for the color printing resources and the environmental specification information. The method also includes installing a new printing device within the cloud-based printing system. The method also includes performing a match calibration of the new printing device using the color printing resources. The method also includes comparing environmental information for the new printing device to the environmental information for the reference printing device. The method also includes alerting an operator if the match calibration is not successful or if the environmental information for the new printing device does not meet the environmental specification information for the reference printing device. 
     A method for monitoring an installed printing device in a cloud-based printing system is disclosed. The method includes sending an instruction to perform a quality check at the installed printing device within the cloud-based printing system from a reference printing device. The method also includes performing the quality check at the installed printing device. The method also includes evaluating the quality check at the reference printing device using a policy for operating the installed printing device. The method also includes determining that an issue with color reproduction exists at the installed printing device based on the evaluation. The method also includes requesting that a correction action be taken at the installed printing device. The correction action is sent from the reference printing device. 
     A cloud-based printing system is disclosed. The cloud-based printing system includes a plurality of printing devices. The cloud-based printing system also includes a reference printing device having color printing resources and environmental specification information defined in a policy. The policy is applied to the plurality of printing devices. The cloud-based printing system also includes an installed printing device of the plurality of printing devices. The installed printing device performs a match calibration to the reference printing device using the color printing resources. The installed printing device performs a quality check when instructed by the reference printing device. The reference printing device evaluates the quality check according to the policy and the match calibration. The reference printing device determines whether an issue exists with color reproduction at the installed printing device based on the quality check or the match calibration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a printing system for printing documents using a virtual calibration system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of components of the printing device for use within the printing system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a block diagram of a match calibration operation according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a block diagram of data and information flow from the initial printing device to the reference printing device according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  4 B  further illustrates a block diagram of data and information flow from the initial printing device to the reference printing device according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a process to enable paper acclimation at a printing device according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a flowchart for using the reference printing device in a virtual calibration system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a flowchart for monitoring a printing device within the virtual calibration system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the present invention. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. While the embodiments will be described in conjunction with the drawings, it will be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the present invention to any one embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     The disclosed embodiments include a printing system of printing devices that facilitates verification of color reproduction accuracy and ensures that operator errors are addressed before a service call is initiated. The printing system implements a virtual calibration system using a reference printing device and the printing devices over a cloud-based service. To enable these features, the printing system would setup a printing device as the reference printing device for the cloud-based service. The reference printing device is defined by performing a calibration on the printing device and then using the measurement and tone reproduction curve (TRC) data from that calibration to define a reference printing device in the cloud-based system. 
     The disclosed embodiments also define policies for the reference printing device. The policies would cover expected operator actions for the printing device. For example, the policies may address temperature range, humidity range, temperature change rate such as the maximum temperature change over a defined time period, humidity change rate such as the maximum humidity change over a defined time period, ink temperature range, ink temperate change rate such as the maximum ink change over defined time period, paper acclimation time, quality check schedule, quality check measurement window, recalibration measurement window, and International Color Consortium (ICC) profile measurement window. 
     The quality check schedule may include days or the week and a window of time in which to perform the quality check. The quality check measurement window may include the time after printing within which to measure a target. The recalibration measurement window may include the time after printing within which to measure a target. Recalibration may be performed if the quality check fails. The ICC profile measurement window may include the time after printing within which to measure the target. 
     Once a reference printing device is defined, the printing system would monitor the printing device for the above information. The printing system would warn the operator if the printing device was close to not being in compliance. The warning may be in the virtual calibration system, the printing device, or via notifications. The printing system also may warn the operator if the printing device is out of compliance. 
     As long as the reference printing device is in compliance, it becomes available for the company or a reseller customer to use as a reference. After a new printing device is installed, the operator registers the printing device with the cloud-based service. As part of this registration, the operator is asked to perform a match calibration against the reference printing device from the cloud-based service. The installed printing device downloads the measurement data and calibration curves from the reference printing device to perform a match calibration against the reference printing device. If the match calibration is successful, then this information is shown to the operator. In addition, the reference printing device in the cloud-based service compiles a list of printing devices that are matched against it. The reference printing device also may note the match calibration status for the installed printing device. 
     The installed printing device then may upload the environmental information to the reference printing device. The environmental information may include temperature, humidity, and ink temperature. If the environmental information is out of compliance, then the installed printing device may show a warning to the operator. In addition, the reference printing device may note this situation as well. 
     In addition, the installed printing device will provide mechanism for the operator to scan the universal product codes for papers and paper patch identifiers, which are typically another barcode in the secondary packaging. The reference printing device may store this information, along with a timestamp. If the operator of the installed printing device, or even reference printing device, tries to use the paper before it acclimates, then the respective printing device will show a warning to the operator. For example, in some embodiments, the paper must be in the same room as the printing device for a period of 24 hours. The reference printing device also may store this information. 
     When the installed printing device performs a quality check, the information will be sent to the reference printing device. The reference printing device will evaluate the data and return a pass/fail status for the quality check. The reference printing device may retain the status and the status also is shown at the printing device. If the quality check or the measurement of the quality check is not performed per defined policies, then the information also may be shown in the printing device. The reference printing device also may store this information. 
     For a detected issue with the color reproduction of the printing device, the support staff at the sales company or reseller may have the option to review the information in the reference printing device. If anything is out of compliance, then the support staff may request that the customer correct the issues before someone is sent to troubleshoot color printing issues. This feature ensures that support staff are not sent to troubleshoot customer accounts with what in reality is not a printing device problem but an environmental or maintenance issue. 
     Thus, the disclosed embodiments enable virtual calibration in which two printing devices are matched to each other through an intermediary, or cloud-based, service. The disclosed embodiments also provide the ability to programmatically verify customer compliance with quality control policies. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a printing system  100  for printing documents using a virtual calibration system  102  according to the disclosed embodiments. Printing system  100  may be located in a print shop or other environment suitable for production printing operations. Printing system  100  includes one or more printing devices that receive print jobs. Virtual calibration system  102  may include a reference printing device  108 , which is defined using data and information from initial printing device  104 . Initial printing device  104  may be an actual printing device within system  100 . 
     Printing device  104  is disclosed in greater detail below. It includes an embedded digital front end (DFE)  106 , or a printing device controller, that is the workflow touchpoint which accepts a print job, or print file, commonly a PDF or PostScript file. DFE  106  converts the file of a received print job into a format that print engine  260 , disclosed below, can use to lay down the content of the document corresponding to the print job on a media. DFE  106  may include a raster image processor (RIP) as well as other components. DFE  106  also may schedule when a received print job is processed and other operations related to printing operations. 
     In some embodiments, an operator would setup printing device  104  as reference printing device  108  to enable virtual calibration system  102 . A calibration is performed on printing device  104  to generate calibration data  110 . Calibration data  110  may include the measurement data captured during the calibration operations at printing device  104  along with tone reproduction curve (TRC) data as well as any applicable settings determined using the measurement data. Calibration data  110  is provided to virtual calibration system  102  for defining color printing resources  118  at reference printing device  108 . 
     Policies  114  also may be defined for reference printing device  108  and to be used in virtual calibration system  102 . Policies  114  would cover expected operator actions for a printing device within printing system  100 . The policies may address certain environmental parameters applicable to printing device  104 . These parameters corresponding to environmental conditions during normal printing operations. The parameters may be defined by environmental specification information for reference printing device  108 . 
     If a printing device falls outside these parameters, then there may be a problem to be addressed, which does not require personnel to visit the location of the printing device. Example parameters defined by policies  114  may include temperature change, humidity change, temperature change rate (maximum temperature change over a defined period of time), humidity change rate (maximum humidity change over a defined period of time), ink temperate range, ink temperature rate (maximum ink temperate change over a defined period of time), paper acclimation time, and the like. 
     Policies  114  also may define a quality check schedule, which sets forth the days or the week as well as the window of time to perform a quality check. They also may define a quality measurement window for the time after printing within which to measure a target. For example, if a target sheet is printed for a quality check, then a policy may define that it is measured within 15 minutes to accurately capture the capabilities of the printing device undergoing the quality check. Policies  114  also may define a recalibration measurement window for the time after printing within which to measure a target. Recalibration is performed if the quality check fails. Policies  114  also may define an ICC profile measurement window for the time after printing within which to measure a target for ICC profile capability determinations. 
     Once reference printing device  108  is defined and virtual calibration system  102  set up, it may monitor printing device  104  for the parameters specified in policies  114 . As set forth in the policies, a quality check A  116  is sent according to a schedule to printing device A  104  to perform certain operations as well as to generate information to send back to reference printing device  108 . This information may be known as environmental information A  112 . Environmental information A  112  should include data for the parameters defined by policies  114 , such as temperature, humidity, ink temperature, and the like. 
     Virtual calibration system  102  may use environmental information A  112  to determine printing device  104  is close to not being in compliance with policies  114  for a reference printing device  108 . For example, if a temperature detected at printing device  104  is within 10% of a limit specified by the temperature range parameter in policies  114 , then virtual calibration system  102  may warn the operator that the printing device may not be in compliance. These alerts may allow the operator to address potential problems before they impact printing device performance. Printing system  100  or virtual calibration system  102  may warn the operator in the virtual calibration system  102 , printing device  104 , or using a notification  122 . 
     As long as reference printing device  108  is in compliance with policies  114 , it may be used as a reference for sales or resellers when installing new printing devices. For example, printing device B  130  may be a new printing device being installed into printing system  100 . After initial installation, printing device  130  registers with virtual calibration system  102 . This registration includes an expanded process similar to the derived process using printing device  104 , which is the initial printing device to define reference printing device  108 . 
     As part of the registration, the operator is requested to perform a match calibration of new printing device  130  against reference printing device  108  of virtual calibration system  102 . Printing device  130  also includes DFE  132 , which enables printing operations. Printing device  130  downloads match calibration data  134  from reference printing device  108  and virtual calibration system  102 . Match calibration is disclosed in greater detail below. Match calibration data  134  includes the measurement data and TRC, or calibration, data stored for reference printing device  108 , preferably as color printing resources  118 . Printing device  130  performs the match calibration against match calibration data  134 . If the match calibration is successful, then printing device  130  is added to a list  136  of printing devices matched to reference printing device  108  and available to virtual calibration system  102 . This information may be shown to the operator. Reference printing device  108  also notes the match calibration status for printing device  130 . 
     After the match calibration, printing device  130  uploads environmental information B  138  to virtual calibration system  102  and reference printing device  108 . Environmental information B  138  includes temperature, humidity, and ink temperature for printing device  104 . DFE  132  may monitor this data and collect it to be sent to reference printing device  108  of virtual calibration system  102 . Reference printing device  108  receives this information and compares it to environmental specification information  120  set forth in policies  114 . If environmental information B  138  is out of compliance, then virtual calibration system  102  may show a warning to the operator. For example, printing device  130  will display a warning. Reference printing device  108  may note this as well. 
     Reference printing device  108  sends quality check B  140  to printing device  130  as well. Printing device  130  performs quality check operations and sends this information to reference printing device  108 . Reference printing device  108  evaluates the check data and returns a pass/fail for the quality check. These operations are disclosed in greater detail below. If quality check B  140  or the measurement of the quality check is not performed per defined policies  114 , then this information also is shown at printing device  130  or elsewhere in virtual calibration system  102 . Reference printing device  108  also stores this information. Recalibration and ICC profile creation may be treated in the same manner as quality check B  140 . 
     If there is an issue with color reproduction of printing device  130 , then support of printing system  100  has the option to review the information in reference printing device  108 . If anything is out of compliance, then the support may request that the customer correct the issues before someone is set to troubleshoot color issues. For example, if printing device  130  does not meet the quality check requirements for color reproduction or is at a high temperature, then an operator at the location for printing device  130  may take steps to bring the printing device into compliance. Using the above example, it may be determined that the paper used for quality check B  140  has not been at room temperature for 24 hours, according to policies  114 . This feature ensures that support personnel are not sent to the location for what in reality is not a printing device problem but an environmental or maintenance issue. 
     It should be noted that printing device  104 , as the initial printing device, also may serve as reference printing device  108 . They are shown separately in  FIG.  1    for illustrative purposes. Further, reference printing device  108  is part of virtual calibration system  102 . Actions for reference printing device  108  may actually be performed at initial printing device  104 .  FIG.  1    discloses the fact that once reference printing device  108  is defined, it interacts with printing device  104  much as it does other printing devices within system  100 . 
       FIG.  2    depicts a block diagram of components of printing device  104  according to the disclosed embodiments. In the disclosure of  FIG.  2   , printing device  104  may be referred to for illustrative purposes. The architecture shown in  FIG.  2    may apply to any multi-functional printing device or image forming apparatus that performs various functions, such as printing, scanning, storing, copying, and the like within system  100 , such as printing device  130 . As disclosed above, printing device  104  may send and receive data from virtual calibration system  102 , reference printing device  108 , and other devices within system  100 . 
     Printing device  104  includes a computing platform  201  that performs operations to support these functions. Computing platform  201  includes a computer processing unit (CPU)  202 , an image forming unit  204 , a memory unit  206 , and a network communication interface  210 . Other components may be included but are not shown for brevity. Printing device  104 , using computing platform  201 , may be configured to perform various operations, such as scanning, copying, printing, receiving or sending a facsimile, or document processing. As such, printing device  104  may be a printing device or a multi-function peripheral including a scanner, and one or more functions of a copier, a facsimile device, and a printer. To provide these functions, printing device  104  includes printer components  220  to perform printing operations, copier components  222  to perform copying operations, scanner components  224  to perform scanning operations, and facsimile components  226  to receive and send facsimile documents. CPU  202  may issue instructions to these components to perform the desired operations. 
     Printing device  104  also includes a finisher  211  and one or more paper cassettes  212 . Finisher  211  includes rotatable downstream rollers to move papers with an image formed surface after the desired operation to a tray. Finisher  211  also may perform additional actions, such as sorting the finished papers, binding sheets of papers with staples, doubling, creasing, punching holes, folding, and the like. 
     Paper cassettes  212  supply paper to various components  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226  to create the image formed surfaces on the papers. Paper cassettes  212  may include papers having various sizes, colors, composition, and the like. Paper cassettes  212  may be removed to refill as needed. The printed papers from components  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226  are placed within one or more output bins  227 . One or more output bins  227  may have an associated capacity to receive finished print jobs before it must be emptied or printing paused. 
     Document processor input feeder tray  230  may include the physical components of printing device  104  to receive papers and documents to be processed. A document is placed on or in document processor input feeder tray  230 , which moves the document to other components within printing device  104 . The movement of the document from document processor input feeder tray  230  may be controlled by the instructions input by the user. For example, the document may move to a scanner flatbed for scanning operations. Thus, document processor input feeder tray  230  provides the document to scanner components  224 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , document processor input feeder tray  230  may interact with engine  260  to perform the desired operations. 
     Memory unit  206  includes memory storage locations  214  to store instructions  215 . Instructions  215  are executable on CPU  202  or other processors associated with printing device  104 , such as any processors within components  220 ,  222 ,  224 , or  226 . Memory unit  206  also may store information for various programs and applications, as well as data specific to printing device  104 . For example, a storage location  214  may include data for running an operating system executed by computing platform  201  to support the components within printing device  104 . According to the disclosed embodiments, memory unit  206  may store the tokens and codes used in performing the deferral operations for printing device  104 . 
     Memory unit  206  may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM). Examples of non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), digital tape, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD). Memory unit  206  also includes any combination of readable or writable volatile memories or non-volatile memories, along with other possible memory devices. 
     Computing platform  201  may host one or more processors, such as CPU  202 . These processors are capable of executing instructions  215  stored at one or more storage locations  214 . By executing these instructions, the processors cause printing device  104  to perform various operations. The processors also may incorporate processing units for specific purposes, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Other processors may be included for executing operations particular to components  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  226 . In other words, the particular processors may cause printing device  104  to act as a printer, copier, scanner, and a facsimile device. 
     Printing device  104  also includes an operations panel  208 , which may be connected to computing platform  201 . Operations panel  208  may include a display unit  216  and an input unit  217  for facilitating interaction with a user to provide commands to printing device  104 . Display unit  216  may be any electronic video display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Input unit  217  may include any combination of devices that allow users to input information into operations panel  208 , such as buttons, a touch screen, a keyboard or keypad, switches, dials, and the like. Preferably, input unit  217  includes a touch-screen digitizer overlaid onto display unit  216  that senses touch to receive inputs from the user. By this manner, the user interacts with display unit  216 . Using these components, one may enter codes or other information into printing device  104 . 
     Printing device  104  also includes network communication processing unit  218 . Network communication processing unit  218  may establish a network communication using network communication interface  210 , such as a wireless or wired connection with one or more other image forming apparatuses or a network service. CPU  202  may instruct network communication processing unit  218  to transmit or retrieve information over a network using network communication interface  210 . As data is received at computing platform  201  over a network, network communication processing unit  218  decodes the incoming packets and delivers them to CPU  202 . CPU  202  may act accordingly by causing operations to occur on printing device  104 . CPU  202  also may retrieve information stored in memory unit  206 , such as settings for printing device  104 . 
     Printing device  104  also includes engine  260 . Engine  260  may be a combination of hardware, firmware, or software components that act accordingly to accomplish a task. For example, engine  260  is comprised of the components and software to print a document. It may receive instructions from computing platform  201  after user input via operations panel  208 . Alternatively, engine  260  may receive instructions from other attached or linked devices. 
     Engine  260  manages and operates the low-level mechanism of the printing device engine, such as hardware components that actuate placement of toner onto paper. Engine  260  may manage and coordinate the half-toner, toner cartridges, rollers, schedulers, storage, input/output operations, and the like. Raster image processor (RIP) firmware  290  that interprets the page description languages (PDLs) would transmit and send instructions down to the lower-level engine  260  for actual rendering of an image and application of the ink onto paper during operations on printing device  104 . RIP firmware  290  may be located in DFE  106 , as disclosed above. 
     Printing device  104  may include one or more sensors  262  that collect data and information to provide to computing platform  201  or CPU  202 . Each sensor  262  may be used to monitor certain operating conditions of printing device  104 . Sensors  262  may be used to indicate a location of a paper jam, failure of hardware or software components, broken parts, operating system problems, document miss-feed, toner level, as well as other operating conditions. Sensors  262  also may detect the number of pages printed or processed by printing device  104 . When a sensor  262  detects an operational issue or failure event, it may send a signal to CPU  202 . CPU  202  may generate an error alert associated with the problem. The error alert may include an error code. 
     Sensors  262  also may be used to collect environmental information A  112  for use with virtual calibration system  102 . For example, sensors  262  may capture temperature, humidity, ink temperature, and other data to be used to determine whether printing device  104  meets the environmental specifications and associated parameters set forth by virtual calibration system  102 . 
     Some errors have hardware-related causes. For example, if a failure occurred in finisher  211 , such as a paper jam, display unit  216  may display information about the error and the location of the failure event, or the finisher. In the instance when the paper jam occurs in paper cassettes  212 , display unit  216  displays the information about the jam error as located in one of the paper cassettes. 
     Some errors have a type of firmware-related cause. For example, network communication processing unit  218  may cause a firmware or software error. Display unit  216  may display the firmware-related error, any applicable error codes, and provide recommendations to address the error, such as reboot the device. 
     Memory unit  206  may store the history of failure events and occurred errors with a timestamp of each error. Printing device  104  may communicate with virtual calibration system  102  and printing device  130  via network communication interface  210  by utilizing a network protocol, such as the ones listed above. In some embodiments, printing device  104  communicates with other devices within system  100  through REST API, which allows the server to collect data from multiple devices within system  100 . REST API and SOAP are application protocols used to submit data in different formats, such as files, XML messages, JSON messages, and the like. By utilizing applicable network communication protocols and application protocols, printing device  104  submits and receives data from other devices within system  100 . 
       FIG.  3    depicts a block diagram of a match calibration operation according to the disclosed embodiments. Match calibration is performed between two or more printing devices, for example, reference printing device  108  and printing device  130  which is being added to virtual calibration system  102 . This feature ensures that a printing device within virtual calibration system  102  produces a reasonable maximum density. Reference printing device  108  provides a benchmark to use in this initial calibration. The embodiments disclosed by  FIG.  3   , however, also may be used in verification operations after recalibration to determine if the recalibration passed. 
     Once match calibration is established between printing devices, virtual calibration system  102  may consider them a group to be used in conjunction with updating color printing resources to provide stable and predictable color reproduction. In some embodiments, a determination is made that an output A  308  of reference printing device  108  matches a density of output B  318  of printing device  130  as well as other printing devices. 
     Reference printing device  108  implements color printing resources  118 , which include calibration TRCs  302  that are associated with measurement data  304  and TRC settings  306 . In some embodiments, printing device  104  provides the data for these items in calibration data  110 . In other words, measurement data  304  is captured by printing device  104  using calibration operations. Calibration TRCs  302  and TRC settings  306  are defined at printing device  104  as well. These features then are provided to define color printing resources  118  for reference printing device  108  in order to enable match calibration with other printing devices added to virtual calibration system  102 . As may be appreciated, output A  308  actually comes from printing device  104  acting as reference printing device  108 . 
     Printing device  130  implements color printing resources  310 , which include calibration TRCs  312  that are associated with measurement data  314  and TRC settings  316 . Printing devices  108  and  130  may determine if they “match” in that they are expected to provide the same linearized output using their respective TRCs during color printing operations. In other words, a print job distributed across both printing devices should yield the same result when it comes to the printed colors. There should not be any variation between the colors. 
     According to the disclosed embodiments, printing device  130  downloads color printing resources  118  as match calibration data  134 . Thus, calibration TRCs  302  are downloaded from reference printing device  108  to printing device  130 . Measurement data  304  are downloaded from reference printing device  108  to printing device  130 . TRC settings  306  are downloaded from reference printing device  108  to printing device  130 , if applicable. In some instances, color printing resource  118  may include target output  308  generated using calibration TRCs  302 . 
     Printing device  130  also includes its own calibration TRCs  312 , measurement data  314 , and TRC settings  316 . Printing device  130  performs its own calibration operations to generate these features, shown as color printing resource  310  in  FIG.  3   . These items differ from color printing resources  118  provided by reference printing device  108 . Calibration TRCs  302  downloaded from reference printing device  108  are used as the target in the match calibration. In other words, the linearized densities from reference printing device  108  are downloaded to printing device  130  so they can be used as the target for the match calibration. Printing device  130  will use its measurement data  314  to create a calibration TRC  312  that produces the same densities as reference printing device  108 . 
     It should be noted that the values for reference printing device  108  and printing device  130  may be defined as absolute densities. An operator, however, may see values that are percentages of each printing device&#39;s maximum density. For example, to achieve the same density in output A  308  and output B  318 , reference printing device  108  may define an end point target (EPT) of 95% and printing device  130  may define an EPT of 97%. The CMYK values, however, shown in output A  308  and output B  318  should be substantially identical. The operation to compare or match output A  308  and output B  318  may be referred to as a verification operation. The disclosed embodiments may execute a verification operation between reference printing device  108  and one or more printing devices within system  100 . 
     For example, output A  308  and output B  318  may show densities for a colorant at each step, or show a percentage of colorant for each step. Output  308  may act as a target output. Instead of finding the highest densities, the match calibration operation may analyze the highest density for printing device  130  to compare density ramp for the calibration to make sure these densities match the densities of reference printing device  108 . Thus, output B  318  may include the density curve from printing device  130 . As long as maximum density of printing device  130  is higher than the maximum density of reference printing device  108 , the color curves are built to give the same output. 
     During the match calibration operations, printing device  130  performs a calibration operation to determine whether its response is the same as reference printing device  108 . Printing device  130  may use measurement data  314  which results in calibration TRCs  312 . The verification operation may be used to determine whether a match calibration between the two printing devices results is a pass or fail. In other words, the match calibration operations may be treated as a calibration operation for printing device  130 . Match calibration pass/fail status  320  is determined based on the comparison of output A  308  and output B  318 . The match calibration should match densities that are output at the printing devices to print consistent colors. For example, stable reproduction, or matched densities, may be achieved between calibration TRCs  302  and calibration TRCs  312 . 
     As disclosed above, if the match calibration is successful, then this information may be shown to the operator. Reference printing device  108  has a list  136  of printing devices that are matched against it. List  136  also may note pass/fail status  320  to indicate a status for accepted printing devices in virtual calibration system  102 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  depict block diagrams of data and information flow from initial printing device  104  to reference printing device  108  according to the disclosed embodiments. As disclosed above, “initial” printing device  104  may serve as the basis for data used for reference printing device  108  when it is set up and maintained in virtual calibration system  102 . Printing device  104  and reference printing device  108  physically may be the same printing devices. The match calibration operations disclosed above would be performed as though the match calibration occurs between print device  104  and printing device  130 , based on the color printing resources provided when reference printing device  108  is defined. 
     Printing device  104  may perform a calibration operation or operations to generate TRCs, TRC settings, ICC profiles, and the like used for color printing operations. Printing device  104  may print one or more targets and measure them using known processes to generate measurement data  304 . Measurement data  304  is then used to generate calibration TRCs  302 . TRC settings  306  also may be defined. TRC settings  306  may include end point targets, aims, ink limits, and the like. Printing device  104  may use these components when color printing. 
     When virtual calibration system  102  indicates that reference printing device  108  is to be set up, printing device  104 , acting as the initial printing device, provides calibration data  110  to act as color printing resources  118  for the reference printing device. Calibration data  110  includes calibration TRCs  302 , measurement data  304 , and TRC settings  306  generated at printing device  104 . This data is sent to virtual calibration system  102 . As disclosed above, this information captures the operation condition of printing device  104  at that point in time. These resources may change at printing device  104  over time, but are used by reference printing device  108  when adding new printing devices to the virtual calibration system. 
     Virtual calibration system  102  also monitors printing device  104  using reference printing device  108 . Environmental information A  112  is provided from printing device  104 . This information includes temperature  402  as detected at the printing device, humidity  404  as detected at the printing device, ink temperature  406  as detected at the printing device, and paper information  408  regarding papers being used at the printing device. The use of paper information  408  is disclosed in greater below. 
     Temperature  402  may be taken at printing device  104  at a point in time. Alternatively, several data points may be taken for the temperature to determine any rate of temperature change. Humidity  404  and ink temperature  406  may be treated in the same manner. When reference printing device  108  is being defined, printing device  104  may provide environmental information A  112  to virtual calibration system  102  to ensure the printing device meets the parameters set forth in policies  114  for the proper operation of a printing device in system  100 . If environmental information A  112  is acceptable, then calibration data  110  may be used to define color printing resources  118  of reference printing device  108 . If not, then the setting up of reference printing device  108  may be delayed until printing device  104  is operating within the conditions to comply with policies  114 . Alternatively, virtual calibration system  102  may look for another printing device to use in defining reference printing device  108 . 
     Environmental information A  112  from printing device  104  may be analyzed in view of environmental specification information  120 .  FIGS.  1  and  4    show environmental specification information  120  as being part of reference printing device  108 , but it also may be stored at a location accessible by virtual calibration system  102 . Environmental specification information  120  includes parameters that define the preferred operation conditions of printing devices within system  100 . These parameters are defined by policies  114 , which may be generated by operators of system  100 . 
     The parameters include temperature range  410 , which may define the acceptable temperature range for a printing device to operate. If the printing device is outside temperature range  410 , then a problem may be occurring as result. The temperature at the location of the printing device may be addressed instead of sending personnel to service the printing device. Temperature change rate  411  also may be defined. Temperature  402  may include several instances of temperature data taken over a period of time. If the change rate shown by these instances exceeds temperature change rate  411 , then operators of the printing device may be alerted. 
     The same analysis may be used with regard to humidity range  412  and humidity change rate  413  as well as ink temperature range  414  and ink temperature change rate  415 . Ink temperature may be important as properties of the ink may vary at different temperatures. If the ink temperature is high, then printing reproduction is impacted at the printing device. Reference printing device  108  receives environmental information A  112  received from printing device  104  and compares it to the parameters to ensure that the printing device is in compliance. If not, then a notification  122  may be issued as a warning that there may be a problem at the printing device. 
     Environmental specification information  120  also includes paper acclimation time  416 . If an operator tries to use a paper before it has acclimated to its location at the printing device, then printing reproduction may be impacted as the paper is not at “room temperature” along with the printing device. For example, policies  114  may specify using paper acclimation time  416  that the paper must be in the same room as the printing device for 24 hours. Thus, paper information  408  may provide such information on the papers being used at the printing device to be used in verification operations. 
     As disclosed above, reference printing device  108  or virtual calibration system  102  may send quality check A  116  to printing device  104  to elicit the collection of environmental information A  112 . Thus, policies  114  may define how to use the quality checks, and used in environmental specification information  120 . Alternatively, quality check specification information  418  may be its own dataset within reference printing device  108 . 
     Quality check specification information  418  includes quality check schedule  420 , which specifies the days of the week and window of time in which to perform a quality check. The quality check may include a match calibration operation, if desired, and the capture of environmental information A  112  at the printing device. Quality check measurement window  422  may define the time after printing within which to measure a target being used for the quality check. For example, the printing device may print a target sheet with color patches on it that are used to capture data from the quality check. Any measurements using the target sheet should occur within quality check measurement window  422 . Otherwise, the quality check may need to be redone. 
     In the same manner, recalibration measurement window  424  and ICC profile measurement window  426  may be defined. Recalibration may be done if the quality check fails. A time is specified in which to measure a target in order to complete the operation. If the measurements are not received within the specified times, then the operations may need to be repeated. 
     It should be noted that when a printing device is added to virtual calibration system  102 , the same analysis may be performed. For example, environmental information B  138  from printing device  130  is provided with temperature  402 , humidity  404 , ink temperature  406 , paper information  408 , and any measured data. Environmental information B  138  is compared to environmental specification information  120  as disclosed above. Quality check B  140  to printing device  130  is treated much the same way as quality check A  116  to printing device  104 . Thus, policies  114  are enforced to programmatically verify compliance using virtual calibration system  102 . 
       FIG.  5    depicts a process to enable paper acclimation at a printing device according to the disclosed embodiments. As disclosed above, policies  114  may define paper acclimation time  416  as a parameter to be used by virtual calibration system  102  in verification operations. Paper should be acclimated to the room or location of the printing device before being used in printing operations. Use before the paper is acclimated may result in problems with printing reproduction. 
     A printing device within system  100 , such as printing device  104  or printing device  130  will provide a device for the operator to scan paper UPCs and paper patch identifiers, which may be another barcode in the secondary packaging. Thus, scan device  502  may be connected to the respective printing device, either directly or wirelessly, to capture data that is provided to the printing device. Scan device  502  may scan barcodes, QR codes, or other graphical information that identifies the paper being captured. 
     For example, the printing device may use three different types of paper. First paper  504  includes barcode  505 . When first paper  504  is placed in the location with the printing device, it is scanned (or a package of paper if in one or more boxes). Scan device  502  uses the captured barcode to identify the type of paper, size, and other information. This data may be placed along with a timestamp in paper information  408  that will be provided from the printing device to reference printing device  108 . 
     Second paper  506  may arrive later in the day than first paper  504 . Barcode  507  is scanned to capture the information for second paper  506  along with the timestamp. Third paper  508  may be delivered the day after first paper  504  and second paper  506 . Barcode  509  is scanned as well and the information for third paper  508  provided along with a timestamp in paper information  408 . The printing device may forward paper information  408  whenever a new paper delivery is made or new paper brought to the printing device. Alternatively, paper information  408  may be sent when requested by reference printing device  108  or at set times during the day or week. 
     Reference printing device  108  stores paper information  408 . For example, reference printing device  108  may store the paper information in paper data list  510 . First paper information  512  is stored based on the information captured for first paper  504  by scan device  502  along with timestamp  513 . Second paper information  514  is stored based on the information captured for second paper  506  by scan device  502  along with timestamp  515 . Third paper information  516  is stored based on the information captured for third paper  508  by scan device  502  along with timestamp  517 . 
     When a paper is to be used at the printing device, a check may be made to reference printing device  108  to determine whether the paper is acclimated. The disclosed embodiments may check the information in paper data list  510  to ensure that the paper is acclimated based on the stored timestamp. If the acclimation period has not elapsed, then a warning may be displayed to the operator at the printing device. Printing operations may not necessarily be stopped but the operator is made aware that problems may occur with printing reproduction. If a problem occurs at the printing device, then virtual calibration system  102  may verify when the paper used in the printing operation was scanned and if the acclimation time is an issue. These features may result in lowering of service calls because paper is being used too soon than specified by paper acclimation time  416 . 
       FIG.  6    depicts a flowchart  600  for using reference printing device  108  in a virtual calibration system  102  according to the disclosed embodiments. Flowchart  600  may refer to  FIGS.  1 - 5    for illustrative purposes. The embodiments disclosed by flowchart  600 , however, are not limited by the embodiments disclosed by  FIGS.  1 - 5   . 
     Step  602  executes by capturing measurement data  304  at initial printing device  104  using calibration operations. As disclosed above, the operator may perform the calibration operations using a target printed at printing device  104 . The operator captures the measurement data using the target. Step  604  executes by generating calibration TRCs  302  and TRC settings  306  from measurement data  304 . Printing device  104  may use these items for printing operations to improve reproduction. Step  606  executes by placing calibration TRCs  302 , measurement data  304 , and TRC settings  306  into calibration data  110  at printing device  104  and forwarding calibration data  110  to virtual calibration system  102 . Calibration data  110  may serve as the basis for color printing resources. 
     Step  608  executes by generating policies  114  that set forth the operating conditions for printing devices within system  100  and subject to verification by virtual calibration system  102 . Step  608  may execute independently from steps  602 - 606 . Policies  114  are provided to virtual calibration system  102 . Step  610  executes by defining parameters to be used by environmental specification information  120  to monitor and verify the operating conditions of the connected printing devices. Example parameters are disclosed above. 
     Step  612  executes by defining reference printing device  108  using calibration data  110  as color printing resources  118  and environmental specification information  120  derived from policies  114 . As disclosed above, reference printing device  108  physically may be the same actual printing device as printing device  104  but uses color printing resources when it is defined, whereas the color printing resources used by printing device  104  may change over time. Step  614  executes by enabling virtual calibration system  102  to monitor and verify printing devices brought into the system. 
     Step  616  executes by installing a new printing device, such as printing device  130 . As part of the installation, printing device  130  is evaluated and verified by virtual calibration system  102  using reference printing device  108 . Step  618  executes by performing a match calibration of printing device  130  to reference printing device  108  using color printing resources  118 . Match calibration data  134  may be forwarded to printing device  130 . Match calibration data  134  may include the information from color printing resources  118 , including calibration TRCs  302 , measurement data  304 , and TRC settings  306 . The match calibration operation is disclosed above. 
     Step  620  executes by determining whether printing device  130  passed the match calibration operation. A pass/fail status  320  may be generated that indicates whether the match calibration is successful. If no, then step  622  executes by issuing notification  122 . Notification  122  may alert the operator that the match calibration is not successful. Perhaps some maintenance needs to be done on the printing device. Notification  122  also may include a warning on continued use of printing device  130  based on the verification attempt by virtual calibration system  102 . 
     If step  620  is yes, then step  624  executes by capturing environmental information B  138  at printing device  130 . As disclosed above, temperature  402 , humidity  404 , ink temperature  406 , and paper information  408  is determined and provided to reference printing device  108 . Environmental information B  138  is then evaluated in view of the parameters defined for environmental specification information  120 . 
     Step  626  executes by determining whether printing device  130  passed the verification operations based on environmental information B  138 . If no, then printing device  130  has an operating condition that is not within the prescribed parameters for printing devices within system  100 , as set forth by policies  114 . Flowchart  600  proceeds to step  622 , disclosed above. If step  626  is yes, then step  628  executes by registering the new printing device, or printing device  130 , with virtual calibration system  102 . Reference printing device  108  may include printing device  130  on list  136  of accepted printing devices within virtual calibration system  102 . When printing within system  100 , virtual calibration system  102  may check list  136  to make sure the printing device is available and verified. 
       FIG.  7    depicts a flowchart  700  for monitoring a printing device within virtual calibration system  102  according to the disclosed embodiments. Flowchart  700  may refer to  FIGS.  1 - 6    for illustrative purposes. The embodiments disclosed by flowchart  700 , however, are not limited by the embodiments disclosed by  FIGS.  1 - 6   . Flowchart  700  may apply whenever reference printing device  108  instructs a connected printing device to perform a quality check. Policies  114  may set forth how often quality checks are performed at a printing device. For illustrative purposes, printing device  130  will be used in the disclosure of flowchart  700 , but the same principles may apply to printing device  104 . 
     Step  702  executes by determining that a quality check needs to be performed at printing device  130 . As disclosed above, quality check schedule  420  may be a parameter defined by policies  114  and used by reference printing device  108  to know when to send a quality check, such as quality check B  140 . For example, quality check schedule  420  may indicate to perform a quality check B  140  every Thursday at 2 pm. Step  704  executes by sending an instruction to perform quality check B  140  at printing device  130 . 
     Step  706  executes by performing quality check B  140  at printing device  130 . This step also may include ensuring that quality check B  140  is performed within quality check measurement window  422 , which is another parameter defined by policies  114  at reference printing device  108 . A quality check may involve printing a target at printing device  130  and measuring patches or other data on the target using scan device  502 . The quality check may indicate the color printing performance currently available at printing device  130 . Step  708  executes by capturing information about printing device  130  along with capturing measurement data from the quality check. The quality check also may include capturing information about printing device  130 , such as temperature  402 , humidity  404 , ink temperature  406 , and any paper information  408  not yet reported to reference printing device  108 . 
     Step  710  executes by forwarding the information, such as environmental information B  138 , to reference printing device  108  from printing device  130 . Printing device  130  also may send measurement data resulting from capturing color printing results using the target. Step  712  executes by evaluating the quality check information against parameters specified by policies  114 . These parameters may be within environmental specification information  120 . As disclosed above, environmental information B  138  may be compared to temperature range  410 , humidity range  412 , and ink temperature range  414 . Any observed changes in the temperature, humidity, or ink temperature may be compared to temperature change rate  411 , humidity change rate  413 , and ink temperature change rate  415 . Color printing measurement data may be evaluated in light of color printing resources  118 . Reference printing device  108  may determine whether printing device  130  is meeting the specifications for color printing reproduction. 
     Step  714  executes by determining whether the data and information from the quality check passes or fails according to the evaluation. A status may be determined from printing device  130 . If any of the data or information falls outside the parameters specified by policies  114 , then the printing device may fail the quality check. It also may fail if the color printing results do not meet the standards set forth at reference printing device  108 . If step  714  is yes, then printing device  130  passes the quality check. Step  716  executes by logging the status at reference printing device  108 , such as in list  136 . If, for some reason, the quality check is not performed at printing device  130 , then this information may be shown at printing device  130  and logged at reference printing device  108 . 
     If step  714  is no, then printing device  130  fails the quality check. It does not mean, however, that there is a problem with the color printing at the printing device. Other factors may be causing the printing device to fail. Step  718  executes by performing a recalibration at printing device  130  to ensure the color printing resources are up to date. In some instances, the disclosed embodiments may repeat the match calibration disclosed above. Step  720  executes by reviewing the information and data compiled during the quality check at reference printing device  108 . An operator may review to see if any of environmental information B  138  indicates that the temperature or humidity at the printing device or the ink temperature of the ink at the printing device falls outside the parameters from these features. Should there be an issue with the color reproduction for printing device  130 , the operator at the location of reference printing device  108 , and not printing device  130 , will have the option to review the information using virtual calibration system  102 . 
     Step  722  executes by taking an action to change the status from fail to pass at printing device  130 . If anything is out of compliance, then the operator may request that the customer or operator at printing device  130  correct the issues before someone is sent to address possible color printing issues. This feature makes sure that support staff are not sent to customer locations to address what in reality is not a printing device problem but an environmental or maintenance issue. 
     For example, if printing device  130  fails quality check B  140 , then reference printing device  108  may evaluate temperature  402 , humidity  404 , and ink temperature  406  returned as environmental information B  138 . Ink temperature  406  relates to the temperature of the color ink as it is being used for printing. Reference printing device  108  determines that it falls outside ink temperature range  414 . Thus, the operator at printing device  130  may be instructed to take actions to address the temperature issue and then may redo the quality check. If the quality check now passes, then time and money is saved by not sending out support staff to address what is actually an ink temperature issue and not a color printing issue. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. 
     Any combination of one or more computer usable or computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
     The present invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Embodiments may be implemented as a computer process, a computing system or as an article of manufacture such as a computer program product of computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and encoding computer program instructions for executing a computer process. When accessed, the instructions cause a processor to enable other components to perform the functions disclosed above. 
     The corresponding structures, material, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     One or more portions of the disclosed networks or systems may be distributed across one or more printing systems coupled to a network capable of exchanging information and data. Various functions and components of the printing system may be distributed across multiple client computer platforms, or configured to perform tasks as part of a distributed system. These components may be executable, intermediate or interpreted code that communicates over the network using a protocol. The components may have specified addresses or other designators to identify the components within the network. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations disclosed above provided that these changes come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.