Abstract: A method and system for identifying and providing absolute identification on any visual medium or devices, to permit accurate recall of unique characteristics of the device being identifying. The recorded production information become the characteristics of the device, enabling fast and accurate identification and retrieval at a later date. The recording apparatus basically comprises a keyboard for inputting identification information for each device of a production lot, an electronic encoder for encoding the identification information into an index code, a laser device for etching or engraving the index code to a surface of each device, an inking device for filling the etched surface of each device with ultraviolet or infrared ink, and a spraying device for spraying a protective coat over the etched surface of each device. The index code can be retrieved at a later time for identifying each device from the production lot and the index code will remain invisible and not be seen by the naked eye.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying variable, momentous production information to each frame of a continuous visual image medium at the instant of use or after use, without interfering with the formation or display of the normal visual image on the same frame. The recorded production information become absolute reference points on the continuous visual image medium, enabling fast and accurate identification and retrieval at a later date. The method addresses various needs in an ever increasing market ranging from major motion pictures to home videos. The present invention is also a system of recording or retrieving the production information on each frame of a continuous visual image medium. The system includes the actual hardware for the writing and reading of the index code, and the software necessary to decode the code and translate it into useful and user readable information.