A color calibration job identification system and method are provided, wherein
the job identification data is encoded on a printed page, in a patch code, along
with color targets, according to a protocol and format approximately identical
to a format of the color targets. The patch code comprises a first portion, including
a start code, and a second portion, including job identification data. The first
portion of the patch code is comprised of two or more small color patches, each
having a predefined color. The second portion of the patch code is comprised of
two or more small color patches wherein each of the patches is comprised of a color
selected from a plurality of colors, wherein each of the colors is indicative of
a unique datum value, preferably an octal digit. The system provides a means for
determining correct functioning of a printer and a means for determining an orientation
of a printed page in a scanning device.