A method includes ejecting ink from a first set of one or more nozzles to form a first image pattern at least partially within an image field. The method likewise includes ejecting ink from a second set of one or more nozzles to form a second image pattern at least partially within the image field. The first image pattern and second image pattern form a composite pattern within the image field. Then, an optical detector obtains a measurement of an optical characteristic of the image field. The measurement may be compared with a reference optical characteristic for the composite pattern within the image field.