Abstract: System for reproducing images and method thereof. An image acquisition device belonging to the system acquires the image and converts the image into indicia, which is defined by a digitally encoded compressed representation of the image in the form of one or more data image files. The image files are downloaded to a first printer which prints the indicia onto a first recording medium. The indicia printed on the first recording medium may overlay the image without interfering with enjoyment of the image because the indicia is printed in an invisible dye. In order to produce a quality reproduction of the original image, a sensor, which is disposed in sensing relationship to the indicia on the first recording medium, senses the indicia and generates a digital output signal in response to the indicia sensed thereby.

Abstract: Both a system and method for optically imprinting and reading sound data onto a piece of printed sheet material such as a greeting card is provided. The system includes an encoding device for converting a sound message into a two-dimensional encodement, a printer for invisibly imprinting the encodement onto the greeting card, and a reader for optically reading the encodement and converting it into a sound corresponding to the message. The encoding device preferably converts the sound message into a compressed digitized form prior to its ultimate conversion into a two-dimensional encodement. The reader preferably includes a lens for focusing an image of the encodement onto the image sensor array. The sensor array responds to the image by generating a digital signal representative of the compressed sound that the reader decompresses and renders into an analog sound signal which is representative of the original sound image.

Abstract: Both a system and method for optically imprinting and reading sound data onto a piece of printed sheet material such as a greeting card is provided. The system includes an encoding device for converting a sound message into a two-dimensional encodement, a printer for invisibly imprinting the encodement onto the greeting card, and a reader for optically reading the encodement and converting it into a sound corresponding to the message. The encoding device preferably converts the sound message into a compressed digitized form prior to its ultimate conversion into a two-dimensional encodement. The reader preferably includes a lens for focusing an image of the encodement onto the image sensor array. The sensor array responds to the image by generating a digital signal representative of the compressed sound that the reader decompresses and renders into an analog sound signal which is representative of the original sound image.

Abstract: Both a system and process are provided that utilize infra-red dyes to integrate data in a visually non-perceptible form into a printed, color image. The system operates by first selecting the areas of greatest light absorptivities out of the image to record the data, which may be sound information. Next the system determines a target color for each point on the image, as well as the amount of cyan, magenta and yellow coloring agents that must be deposited at each point to attain the desired color. The system then determines the color component additions that the infra-red dye will add to the darker areas when it is over printed thereon. The system subtracts some of the cyan, magenta and yellow coloring agents for each point in the selected areas prior to printing the image so that the target color is attained after the infra-red dye is printed over the selected areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating images and/or photographs from digital data files with data, e.g., audio data, stored on the photograph are described. Ink which is invisible or almost invisible to the human eye but which can be detected using an optical reader is used for printing the data on the photograph. When the ink used for printing audio data is slightly noticeable to a human, the color or colors of the photo are adjusted to mask the visual effect of the ink. In order to identify the presence and/or location of printed audio data, the audio data region on the photograph is identified using a non-destructive technique. In one embodiment, the optical density of all or a portion of the image area corresponding to the audio data region of a photograph is reduced slightly from that of the original image to identify the presence and location of the printed audio data.

Abstract: An identification card stock comprising a polymeric core substrate having an oriented polymeric film laminated on at least one side thereof, said card stock also having an image-receiving layer located on the outermost surface of at least one side of said card stock, and process of using same.

Abstract: An identification card stock comprising a polymeric core substrate having on at least one side thereof the following layers in order: an oriented polymeric film, a cushion layer of an acrylic polymer, a subbing layer and an image-receiving layer; wherein the subbing layer comprises from about 5 to about 35% by weight of acrylonitrile, from about 2 to about 10% by weight of acrylic acid, and from about 55 to about 85% by weight of recurring units of vinylidene chloride; and process of using same.

Abstract: An image-receiving laminate for an identification card stock, the laminate comprising an oriented polymeric film support having an image-receiving layer located on a first outermost surface thereof, the image-receiving layer having an embossed surface, and the second outermost surface of the oriented polymeric film support having a heat- or chemically-activated adhesive thereon.

Abstract: A process of providing a smooth surface to an image-receiving laminate in an identification card stock, the laminate comprising an oriented polymeric film support having an image-receiving layer located on a first outermost surface thereof, and the second outermost surface of the oriented polymeric film support having a heat- or chemically-activated adhesive thereon, the process comprising applying an embossed surface to the image-receiving layer using a textured plate employed in a laminating process, and then applying a smooth surface to the image-receiving layer using a smooth plate employed in a laminating process.

Abstract: An identification card stock comprising a polymeric core substrate having on at least one side thereof the following layers in order: a hydrophobic antistatic layer, an oriented polymeric film, and an image-receiving layer; and process of using same.