System and method for performing measurements on a target medium

A measuring system comprising:

• a printer having a cartridge carriage in which a printer cartridge can be installed, said printer being configured to move said cartridge carriage to scan a target medium;
• and
• a measurement apparatus having a configuration of said printer cartridge such that said measurement apparatus can be installed in said cartridge carriage, said measurement apparatus including optoelectronic and electrical components configured to make single measurements at different non-contiguous locations of said target medium that can be used to enhance performance of a selected printer.

A method for performing measurements on a target medium, said method comprising:

• providing a measurement apparatus in a cartridge carriage of a printer, said measurement apparatus including optoelectronic and electrical components configured to make said measurements of said target medium;
• and
• moving said cartridge carriage to scan said target medium with said measurement apparatus in said cartridge carriage, including making said measurements at different locations of said target medium using said measurement apparatus.

A measurement apparatus comprising:

• a housing having a configuration that substantially conforms to a printer cartridge such that said measurement apparatus can be installed in a cartridge carriage of a printer;
• and
• means for making single measurements at different non-contiguous locations of a target medium that can be used to enhance performance of a selected printer, said means being contained within said housing.