We present an expert system for identifying print artifacts. The system balances between subjective sensitivities of print quality with an evaluation of the objective machine state (which may result in visible print artifacts). For example, fine bands may appear due to the mis-calibration of one machine component, while low contrast stains may exist on the same printing due to the state of another component. Different markets have different needs and hence may have different sensitivities to the same two artifacts: Marketing collateral customers may be more sensitive to the low contrast stains and less to the fine bands. On the other hand, photo album's customers may be more sensitive to the fine bands, and Direct Mail customers may accept the printing as valid.To achieve this balance, we combine an interactive expert system with an automatic analysis of dedicated print jobs. The expert system guides the user in classifying the print artifact according to his subjective sensitivities. Utilizing an inline-scanner enables automatic procedures for the detection of artifacts caused by an objective machine state. Benefits of the system include better control of print quality and better use of consumables.
Hila Nachlieli, Zachi Karni, Shaul Raz, "Perception Guided Automatic Press Diagnosis" in Proc. IS&T Int'l Conf. on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication (NIP27), 2011, pp 784 - 787, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2011.27.1.art00096_2