Test image data is introduced into the image processing path of a marking
device, at various points prior to the marking engine. Comparison of
output of the marking engine from various sources of image data is made
to diagnose imaging path component failure. Imaging data at various
points in the image processing path is captured for analysis as part of
component failure diagnosis. Various memory devices are used to both
introduce test data at various points in the image processing path and
capture data at various points of the image processing path.