Abstract: Processing an image with embedded metadata by determining an integer value of a byte and separate the integer value into a plurality of digits, converting each of the digits into an encoding value using a predefined conversion function, selecting a pixel block in a metadata container, encoding into the selected pixel block each of the encoding values, and after the pixel block is encoded using a lossy compression scheme and subsequently decoded into raw pixel data, extracting the metadata from the raw pixel data, and performing at least one predefined action using the metadata.

Abstract: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.