Method and apparatus for ink jet printer color balance calibration and correction
 A method, for adjusting the color balance of printheads in a color printer, utilizes a matrix of image data including a reference image data set for a reference image and a plurality of color modified image data sets for plural color modified images. The reference image data set includes in-balance component color data values and each of the color-modified image data sets include out-of-balance component color values. A printer is controlled to operate the printheads to print the reference image and each of the color modified images at pre-determined locations on a media sheet in accord with the matrix of image data. If the printheads are not properly adjusted, the printed reference image and each of the color modified images appear positionally offset on the media sheet. A user, upon examining the media sheet selects one image on the media sheet as the reference image (e.g., the image which exhibits best black/white characteristics and contrast). In response to that selection, control signals are altered to the printheads in accord with component color values that are initially established for the matrix position that is now occupied by the image selected as the reference image. Such component color values are thereafter used to correct for subsequent printing. 
Hewlett-Packard Company
B H
B41J H04N
inventional inventional
Guo Francis E. Joseph M.
Li Bockman Torgerson