Patent Publication Number: US-7724397-B2

Title: Method for compensating for induced artifacts on an image to be printed

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Mechanically induced artifacts are common in inkjet printing. Mechanically induced artifacts can result from a variety of sources, including ink dot placement errors, line feed errors, and nozzle malfunctions and mis-directions. In addition, mechanically induced artifacts can be caused by media or paper shape and thickness, the mechanics of the rollers within the inkjet printer, as well as other mechanical issues. 
   Mechanically induced artifacts can appear in the printed image in a variety of forms including grainy appearance, color-shifts, or banding in the printed image. In addition, it has been identified that certain colors or half-tone dot patterns are particularly susceptible to defects caused by various mechanically induced artifacts. For example, one banding issue is a top of the form transfer error. This error includes a random ink dot shift at the top of an image during printing caused by mechanical feed issues before the page is fed sufficiently into the inkjet printer. As such, pinch rollers do not exhibit adequate control over the page and do not provide a steady state atmosphere for the page. Likewise, another banding issue is a bottom of the form transfer error. This error occurs toward the bottom of an image when the page leaves the pinch rollers of an inkjet printer, thereby losing a control feature of the printer. Bottom of the form transfer errors are more prevalent in full-bleed printing as compared to non-full-bleed printing. Full-bleed printing is known as printing entirely to the edge of the media sheet without leaving an unprinted margin or border. Media shape and thickness issues also play a role in both errors. In both examples, the error occurs due to the page either being transitioned into the pinch rollers of the inkjet printer (top of the form transfer error) or being transitioned out of the pinch roller of the inkjet printer (bottom of the form transfer error). 
   In general, mechanically induced artifacts are more visible to the human eye in relatively uniform image areas. Also, mechanically induced artifacts are more visible where the ink dot fill is designed to cover each addressable pixel location on the page with a single ink drop, also known as 100 percent fill. 
   Previously, one known approach to reduce mechanically induced artifacts is to improve the individual mechanical components of an inkjet printer in an attempt to improve the accuracy of the printer. Another known approach is to print the areas of the image associated with mechanical induced artifacts at a slower speed and with additional passes, in an attempt to correct the problems. Yet another approach is to stop printing at a transition area, feed the page out a predetermined amount, and then resume printing. 
   Improving mechanical components is a robust solution, but can be costly in terms of direct material and increased production costs. Printing with additional passes at a slower speed, while generating fewer mechanically induced artifacts, substantially increases the print time for every print job, including images that are not susceptible to mechanism artifacts, thereby reducing the efficiency of the printer. Feeding the page out without printing necessitates an unwanted visual discontinuity where at least one line of addressable pixels does not contain any ink. 
   SUMMARY 
   One aspect of the present invention provides a method for compensating for induced artifacts on an image to be printed. The method includes processing the image to be printed. An image region of the image susceptible to at least one artifact caused by at least one mechanical error is identified. An imaging process is modified to reduce an effect of the at least one artifact on the image region. The image is printed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating a method for compensating for mechanically induced artifacts on an image in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are pictorial representations of ink drop locations in an image region. 
       FIG. 3  is a pictorial image illustrating the locations of lines of ink drops and the location of a bottom of the form transfer area. 
       FIG. 4  is a pictorial image illustrating the locations of lines of ink drops and the location of an induced artifact error region. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining a correction factor associated with an artifact in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating a randomizing pixel location process associated with an artifact in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a graph illustrating a portion of a correction factor used to correct mechanical artifacts on an image. 
       FIG. 8  is another flow chart illustrating a method for compensating for mechanically induced artifacts on an image in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is yet another flow chart illustrating a method for compensating for mechanically induced artifacts on an image in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating artifact compensation method  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Artifact compensation method  100  provides an imaging solution for induced artifacts on an image to be printed, including mechanically induced artifacts. At step  102 , image data regarding a specific image to be printed is provided to an inkjet printer. In one embodiment, the image data is provided to the printer via a print command from a computer or central processing unit (“CPU”) electrically coupled to the printer. In another embodiment, image data regarding the image to be printed is scanned in or fed through the printer, and a print button depressed directly on the printer. Other known methods of providing image data to the printer are also acceptable. 
   At step  104 , the image to be printed is processed within the inkjet printer such that numerous aspects of the print image are identified in preparation for printing. For example, specific combinations of ink are identified for each and every addressable pixel location of the print image. In addition, the percentage of ink fill throughout the print image is identified. Also, the size and quality of the print image are identified. Further, various information is processed, which, in combination, permit the printer to properly print the desired image. 
   At step  106 , image regions of a print image susceptible to known artifacts are identified. At step  108 , artifacts that are empirically known are accessed. The known artifacts are identified from previous print processing jobs or from empirical information stored within the driver of the printer. Information or data regarding the known artifacts are identified from data stored in a driver of the inkjet printer. The driver of the inkjet printer can warehouse a variety of information and data including information and data regarding the same or similar print images as the print image currently undergoing processing. The driver can also warehouse information and data pertaining to specific image regions which are the same or similar to image regions of the print image currently undergoing processing. 
   At steps  104  and  106 , an image to be printed is processed image region by image region, and “trouble” regions are identified. “Trouble” regions are regions in which artifacts within the print image, such as mechanically induced artifacts, are visible to the naked eye. One example of a known mechanically induced artifact identified at step  108  is a top of the form transfer error. This banding issue error includes a random dot shift of ink drops at the top of a media page during printing caused by mechanical feed issues before the page is sufficiently fed into the inkjet printer. As such, the pinch rollers of the inkjet printer do not exhibit control over the page and do not provide a steady state atmosphere for the page. Likewise, another known banding issue identified at step  108  is a bottom of the form transfer error. This error also includes a random dot shift of ink drops and occurs toward the bottom of the media page due to the page leaving the pinch rollers of the inkjet printer. The printer, thereby, loses a control feature over the page. In one embodiment, a bottom of the form transfer error occurs between approximately one-fourth of an inch to one inch from the bottom of the page and is approximately one-half of an inch wide. Both top of the form transfer errors and bottom of the form transfer errors are more prevalent in full-bleed printing, where ink is supplied to the print media throughout the entire surface of the print media, without unprinted borders. However, these errors can also occur in non-full-bleed printing. Imaging solutions for form transfer errors will further be discussed with reference to later figures. 
     FIG. 2A  is a pictorial representation of ink drop locations of ink dots  140  and  142 . While only two distinct types of ink drops are shown in  FIG. 2A , it is understood that several distinct types of ink drops can be located within the pictorial representation of  FIG. 2A  without deviating from the present invention. In one embodiment, three, four, six, eight, or more types of ink drops can be provided by an inkjet printer system. In an embodiment, having four distinct types of ink drops, the colors of the four distinct types of ink drops usually include cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. However, for clarity purposes, only two types of ink drops colors are shown. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the pattern of ink drop placement is substantially uniform, with most types of ink drops spacially positioned from all other types of ink drops. The pictorial representation of  FIG. 2A  represents ink drop placement or locations of types of ink drops in an image region of an image in which no artifacts are inducing errors. Conversely, as shown in  FIG. 2B , the location and placement of ink drops  140  and  142  are no longer substantially spatially located throughout the image region. Rather, a large percentage of types of ink drops are located adjacent one or more other types of ink drops. In addition, several types of ink drops can be overlapping other types of ink drops. The pictorial representation of  FIG. 2B  represents an image region in which errors are induced due to artifacts. As compared to the pictorial representation shown in  FIG. 2A , the pictorial representation shown in  FIG. 2B  appears “noisy” to the human eye. Therefore, an image printed with image regions having induced artifacts ( FIG. 2B ) does not print with the proper clarity as compared to an image printed without induced artifacts ( FIG. 2A ). 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , at step  106 , identifying image regions susceptible to known artifacts also includes identifying certain colors, combination or colors, or half-tone densities susceptible to various artifacts. Artifacts sometimes visible to the human eye include certain colors in combination with the percentage of ink fill or the percentage of an image page covered by ink. Empirically, it is understood that some color combinations, such as those combinations making up the color of the blue sky in a print image, are susceptible to banding artifacts when combined with a percent ink fill in the range of approximately 75-125 percent. 100 percent ink fill equates to a single ink drop for each addressable pixel location throughout the entire print image, or image region. The combination of colors used to generate the blue coloring of the sky in a printed image is only one example of a color susceptible to artifacts when combined with a 100 percent ink fill. 
   Half-toning patterns or frequency of information in conjunction with, or instead of, color information can also be used in identifying image regions susceptible to a known artifact. A half-tone process is a coloring and shading technique. Half-toning includes breaking up an imaging into a series of dots or pixels. Pixel fill combinations determine color, shading, and intensity, and permit reproduction of the full-tone range of a photograph or artwork. By applying various ink drops or combination of ink drops at pixel locations throughout the print image, the print image can replicate an image shown on a screen, such as a computer display; or replicate a color image provided to an inkjet printer via a variety of input means, including scanning the image into the inkjet printer, mechanically feeding the image into the inkjet printer, or electrically providing the image via coupling from a computer or CPU. 
   Therefore, at step  106 , image regions susceptible to a known artifact, including images suffering from coloring artifacts or half-toning artifacts, are identified. Imaging solutions associated with coloring artifacts issues and half-toning issues will further be discussed with reference to later figures. 
   At step  110 , it is determined whether modifications to the imaging process are needed to correct image regions susceptible to identified artifacts. If modifications are not necessary, the image is printed, as shown at step  112 . However, if modifications are needed, image data associated with the image or particular image regions is modified to reduce the effect of the known artifact, as shown at step  114 . Therefore, the image data associated with the image to be printed is modified prior to printing the image at step  112 . Thus, during the print process, corrections for induced, known artifacts are applied to the image. At step  116 , an image error profile is generated, which includes data or information regarding the induced artifact for future reference. After printing the image at step  112 , it is determined whether another copy of the print image associated with image data  102  has been requested as shown at step  118 . If such a request has been made, the image is printed again, as shown at step  112 . Conversely, if there has been no request to reprint the same image, it is determined at step  120  whether a new image to be printed is requested. If a new image to be printed is requested, artifact compensation method  100  is repeated, beginning with image data step  102 . If a new image is not requested at step  118 , the process is complete, as shown at end step  122 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary pictorial image  150 . Pictorial image  150  includes lines of ink drops  152 - 166  and bottom of the form transfer error area  170 . The page on which pictorial image  150  is fed through an inkjet printer is in a direction shown by arrow A such that top surface  174  is fed through the inkjet printer first, while bottom surface  176  is fed through the inkjet printer last. It is understood that numerous lines of ink drops, similar to lines of ink drops  152 - 166 , are provided between each illustrated pair of lines of ink drops, but are not included in  FIG. 3  for clarity purposes. It is also understood that each line consists of numerous addressable pixel locations. For example, in a full-sheet print at 1,200 dots per inch (dpi), such as an 8½×11 inch form or page, there are approximately 10,200×13,200 pixels. Therefore, there are approximately 13,200 pixel lines, each line having approximately 10,200 pixels in each line. However, for clarity purposes, only eight lines of ink drops or pixels are shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   Bottom of the form transfer region  170  represents the region in which there is an increased error in ink dot placement. This error occurs due to mechanics of the rollers of an inkjet printer, as well as the shape and thickness of the print media. A random ink dot offset, as shown in  FIG. 2B , increases the grain and noise within region  170  and changes the color and clarity of region  170 . In one example, the defect caused in region  170  is primarily visible as a color shift. The ink dot placement error generally occurs in relatively smooth image areas, and is magnified when ink dot fill just covers white space, such as in the range of approximately 75-125 percent ink fill, and more specifically 100 percent ink fill. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary pictorial image  180 . Pictorial image  180  includes lines of ink drops  182 - 192  and induced artifact  194 . The page on which pictorial image  180  is fed through an inkjet printer is in a direction shown by arrow B such that top surface  196  is fed through the inkjet printer first, while bottom surface  198  is fed through the inkjet printer last. It is understood that numerous lines of ink drops, similar to lines of ink drops  252 - 262 , are provided between each illustrated pair of lines or ink drops, but are not included in  FIG. 4  for clarity purposes. It is also understood that each line consists of numerous addressable pixel locations. Artifact induced error  194  represents the region in which there is an increased error in the ink dot placement. This error occurs due to specific color combinations when combined with a percent ink fill in the range of approximately 75-125 percent. In one embodiment, induced artifact region  194  represents a sky blue color portion of pictorial image  180 , while pictorial image  180  represents an outdoor picture including a substantial amount of blue sky. A random ink dot offset, as shown in  FIG. 2B  increases the grain and nose within region  194  and changes the color and clarity of region  194 . In one example, the defect caused in region  194  is primarily visible as a color shift. The ink dot placement error generally occurs in relatively smooth image areas, and is magnified when ink dot fills just covers white space, such as a 100 percent ink fill. 
   Again, referring to  FIG. 1  at steps  114  and  116 , a profile of the intensity of ink dot placement error is generated. A random ink dot placement model is used to determine the amount of ink absorption efficiency which is lost for a random offset of the ink dots. In regions of sparse fill, such as regions having less than 75 percent ink fill, the amount of ink absorption efficiency which is lost is minimal due to the sparse placement of ink drops. In regions of near-complete white space fill, such as in the range of 75-125 percent ink fill, a random ink dot displacement causes significant overlap of ink dots, increases the amount of white space within the print image, and alters the shade of the color that was near fill such that the color visually appears lighter than intended. In over-saturated ink regions, such as regions having greater than 125 percent ink fill, the amount of ink absorption efficiency which is lost is again minimal due to minimal white space. 
   The image error profile describes the shape of the artifact error. A correction factor is determined for each pixel location on the page taking into account the location on the page of the image error and the combination of colors for the particular pixel location. Ink values at each pixel location of the page are multiplied by the correction factor, thereby generating corrected ink values or amounts. These corrected ink amounts are used to print the various ink lines, such as ink lines  152 - 166  shown in  FIG. 3 , and ink lines  182 - 192  shown in  FIG. 4 , thereby reducing the visual color error. 
   More specifically,  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate flow charts  200  and  250  for determining a correction factor associated with an artifact and a randomizing pixel location process, respectively. Flow charts  200  and  250  each represent a distinct solution to the issue of induced artifacts on an image to be printed. At step  202  of  FIG. 5 , the image to be printed is processed. At step  204 , a mask or error profile is created and includes identification of the percentage of random displacement of ink drops, line-by-line or pixel-by-pixel, from top surface  174  to bottom surface  176  of image  150  shown in  FIG. 3 , or from top surface  196  to bottom surface  198  of image  180  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 7  is a graph illustrating the percentage of random displacement of ink drops, line-by-line, through an exemplary image to be printed; the image including a bottom of the form transfer error  302 . It is understood that other induced artifact errors are not shown in  FIG. 7  for clarity purposes. With the displacement artifact region near the bottom of the page, such as bottom of the form transfer region  302  of  FIG. 7 , the random displacement at the top of the page is approximately 0. In other words, there is no random displacement at the top of the page since the top of the page is distally located from the artifact-affected region. As the mask or error profile travels down the page, as shown as the y-direction in  FIG. 7 , and gets closer to the artifact-affected region, the percentage of random ink displacements  300  ramps up in a bell-shaped curve. The percentage of random ink displacement ramps up to a maximum at the artifact-affected region  302 , where the displacement of ink is totally random. In one embodiment, the percentage of random ink displacement at artifact-affected region  302  is 100 percent. In other words, the dots of ink are going down with no specific pattern. As the mask or error profile travels away from the artifact-affected region, the percentage of random ink displacements  304  ramps down indicating that less and less ink drops are being randomly displaced. In one embodiment, a percentage of ink drops that are randomly displaced ramps down at a slower rate after the artifact-affected region than the ramping up of random displacement of ink drops prior to the artifact-affected region. 
   In addition to identifying the percentage of random displacement of ink drops, at step  206  of  FIG. 5 , the color or combinations of inks used to generate specific colors at each line or pixel location is identified. At step  208 , a correction factor is determined for each pixel or line location, based upon two variables: 1) the location on the page or y-direction and associated percentage of random ink dot displacement caused by an artifact at that location, and 2) the color or combination of inks at that location. At step  210 , the correction factor is multiplied by the amount of each ink color that would be put down at a given location without the presence of an artifact, thereby generating a new amount of ink to be put down to correct for the artifact. Therefore, line and pixel locations located both out of and within affected region  302  are compensated by additional amounts of ink to minimize the visual effects of the artifact. At step  212 , a new image profile is generated and followed during a subsequent printing of the image. The correction factor process is then complete, as shown by end step  214 . 
   Expanding the correction factor process, the determined correction factor for a particular location can be multiplied by each of the amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, to be put down under conditions of no artifacts; thereby generating a new amount of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to be put down in that region. 
     FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating randomizing pixel location process  250 . Randomizing pixel process  250  introduces half-toning pattern noise, rather than pixel noise, into an image to be printed to mask out artifacts from the human visual system. The half-tone pattern noise is generated by randomly displacing half-tone pixels by a distributing parameter, β. In one embodiment, where β is maximized, all pixels are displaced in a predetermined direction, either right, left, up, or down equally. If β is minimized, no pixels will be displaced. For each value of β between the minimum number and the maximum number, an equivalent percentage of pixels will be displaced. In one embodiment, based upon the β factor, the percentage of pixels to be displaced is randomized. In another embodiment, based upon the β factor, the direction of displacement is randomized. In yet another embodiment, based upon the β factor, the distance of displacement in one or more directions of a pixel location is randomized. 
   The β factor is a function of the physical location on the page of the pixel or line to be printed and of the physical location of the artifact to be corrected. The highest bid value equates to image regions associated with the identified trouble region to be corrected. The β values reduce in magnitude as the location of pixels moves away from the image region to be corrected. Various shapes of β curves, as well as varying the highest point of the β value, can be used for different printer mechanics to fully exploit the flexibility of randomizing pixel process  250 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , at step  252 , the image to be printed is processed. At step  254 , the location of a known artifact within the image to be printed is identified. At step  256 , a β factor for each line of pixels is determined. The β factor is determined based upon the location of specific pixels or of the specific line of pixels in conjunction with the location of the known artifact to be corrected. At step  258 , at least one control feature for each line of pixels is randomized based upon the beta factor. In one embodiment, the percent of chance that a drop of ink may be shifted, either in a known or unknown direction is randomized. In another embodiment, the direction in which a drop of ink is shifted is randomized. In yet another embodiment, the amount of pixel shift for a drop of ink is randomized. In yet another embodiment, the pattern of placement of ink drops is randomized in that both the direction and the amount of displacement are randomized. Therefore, line and pixel locations located both out of and within an artifact affected region are compensated by randomizing the location of distributed ink drops to minimize the visual effects of the known artifact. At step  260 , a new image profile is generated and followed during a subsequent print of the image. The randomized pixel process is then complete, as shown by end step  262 . 
     FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating another artifact compensation method  350 . Artifact compensation method  350  provides an imaging solution for induced artifacts on an image to be printed, including mechanically induced artifacts. At step  352 , image data regarding a specific image to be printed is provided to an inkjet printer. In one embodiment, the image data is provided to the printer via a print command from a computer CPU electrically coupled to the printer. In another embodiment, image data regarding the image to be printed can be scanned in or fed through the printer, and a print button depressed directly on the printer. Other known methods of providing image data to an inkjet printer are also acceptable. 
   At step  354 , the image to be printed is scanned or reviewed within the inkjet printer such that numerous aspects of the print image are identified in preparation for printing. For example, specific combinations of ink are identified for each and every addressable pixel location of the print image. In addition, the percentage of ink fill throughout the print image is identified. Also the sizing quality of the print image are identified. Further, various information is scanned, which, in combination, permit the printer to properly print the desired image. 
   At step  356 , image regions of a print image susceptible to known artifacts are identified. At step  358 , artifacts that are empirically known are accessed. The known artifacts are identified from previous print processing jobs or from empirical information stored within the driver of the printer. Information or data regarding the known artifacts are identified from the data stored in a driver of the inkjet printer. The driver of the inkjet printer can also warehouse a variety of information and data including information and data regarding the same or similar print images as the print image currently undergoing processing. The driver can also warehouse information and data pertained to specific image regions which are the same or similar to image regions of the print image currently undergoing processing. 
   At steps  354  and  356 , an image to be printed is scanned image region-by-image region, and “trouble” regions are identified. “Trouble” regions are regions in which artifacts within the print image, such as mechanically induced artifacts, are visible to the naked eye. Examples of known mechanical induced artifacts identified at step  358  include top of the form transfer errors, bottom of the form transfer errors, and certain colors, combination of colors, or half-tone densities susceptible to various artifacts. 
   At step  360 , it is determined whether modifications to the image process are needed. If modifications are not necessary, an electrical process is performed, as shown at step  362  in preparation for printing the image. In one embodiment, the electrical process can include generating, altering, and/or storing software within the inkjet printer necessary to print the desired image with minimal effects from the induced artifacts. At step  364 , a mechanical process is performed. In one embodiment, the mechanical process includes feeding a page of printable material through the inkjet printer and providing at least one of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to the page of printable material via mechanical and electrical steps including firing a plurality of ink nozzles such that ink drops are properly provided to the page of printable material in accordance with the electrical process shown at step  362 . 
   At step  360 , if image modification is needed, the image is modified to reduce the effect of the identified artifacts, as shown at step  366 . Therefore, the image data associated with the image to be printed is modified prior to printing the image. Thus, during the print process, correction for induced, known artifacts are applied to the image. At step  368 , an image error profile is generated, which includes data or information regarding the induced artifact for future reference. The electrical and mechanical processes of steps  362  and  364 , respectively, are then performed. 
   At step  370 , it is determined whether another copy of the print image associated with image data  352  has been requested. If such a request has been made, the image is printed again, as shown at step  364 . Conversely, if there has been no request to reprint the same image, it is determined at step  372  whether a new image to be printed is requested. If a new image to be printed is requested, artifact compensation method  350  is repeated, beginning with image data step  352 . If a new image is not requested at step  370 , the process is complete, as shown at end step  374 . 
     FIG. 9  is another flow chart illustrating artifact compensation method  400 . Artifact compensation method  400  provides an imaging solution for induced artifacts on an image to be printed, including mechanically induced artifacts. At step  402 , red, green, blue image data regarding a specific image to be printed is provided to an inkjet printer from a computer or CPU electrically coupled to the printer. Other known methods of providing red, green, blue image data to the inkjet printer are also acceptable. At step  404 , a mask or error profile is generated and includes known problem colors. At step  406 , known problem colors are identified and provided to the mask or error profile. At step  408 , it is determined whether modifications to the imaging process due to color association artifacts are needed. If modifications are necessary, the image is modified to reduce the effect of the one or more color artifacts, as shown at step  412 . The modification to the image to reduce the effect of a color artifact is more particularly shown and described in modification steps shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . At step  414 , an image error profile is generated. 
   At step  410 , red, green, blue, and cyan, magenta, yellow color matching is provided, while at step  416 , cyan, magenta, yellow half-toning is provided. At step  418 , a mask or error profile regarding problem patterns is generated. At step  420 , known problem patterns are accessed. The known problem patterns are identified from previous print jobs or from empirical information stored without the driver of the printer. At step  422 , it is determined whether modification to the image process due to the known problem patterns is needed. If modifications are not necessary, the image is printed as shown at step  424 . However, if modifications are needed, image data associated with the image is modified to reduce the effect of the known pattern artifact, as shown at step  426 . The modification to the image to reduce the effect of a pattern artifact is more particularly shown and described in the modification steps shown and described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Therefore, the image data associated with the image to be printed is modified prior to printing the image at step  424 . Thus, during the print process, corrections for known color and pattern artifacts are applied to the image. 
   At step  428 , an image error profile is generated, which includes data or information regarding the induced pattern artifact for future reference. At step  430 , it is determined whether another copy of the print image associated with red, green, blue image data  402  has been requested. If such a request has been made, the image is printed again, as shown at step  424 . Conversely, if there has been no request to reprint the image, it is determined at step  432  whether a new image to be printed is requested. If a new image to be printed is requested, artifact compensation method  400  is repeated, beginning with red, green, blue image data step  402 . If a new image is not requested at step  432 , the process is complete, as shown at end step  434 . 
   Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.