Abstract: A printed audio format includes a printed encoding of an audio signal, and a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel rails. The printed encoding of the audio signal is located between the plurality of rails and each rail comprises at least one marker. The printed encoding comprises a first portion and a second portion, each portion comprises a plurality of code frames, and each frame represents a time segment of an audio signal. The first portion encodes a first time period of the audio signal and the second portion encodes a second time period of the audio signal. The second portion is encoded in reverse order with respect to the first portion so that the joining part is on the same end of both portions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to process a digital image is provided. The method may comprise receiving host image data, receiving audio data and embedding the audio data within the host image data to provide an embedded image wherein the audio data if freely recoverable from the embedded image. The method may comprise processing the audio data using a Short Term Fourier Transformation (STFT) prior to embedding the audio data within the host image data. The method may reduce an amount of digital data that represents an audio signal included in the audio data prior to embedding the audio data within the host image. In one embodiment, the method comprises quantizing magnitude data and discarding phase data of the audio signal to provide the audio data for embedding. The method may comprise quantizing the audio data to match a shell of a D4 Lattice.

Abstract: A printed audio format includes a printed encoding of an audio signal, and a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel rails. The printed encoding of the audio signal is located between the plurality of rails and each rail comprises at least one marker. The printed encoding comprises a first portion and a second portion, each portion comprises a plurality of code frames, and each frame represents a time segment of an audio signal. The first portion encodes a first time period of the audio signal and the second portion encodes a second time period of the audio signal. The second portion is encoded in reverse order with respect to the first portion so that the joining part is on the same end of both portions.

Abstract: A digital still camera comprises an imaging system for capturing a single image of printed material containing a printed audio format; a processor for extracting encoded audio data from the image; a decoder for receiving and decoding the encoded audio data to an audio signal; and an audio output for outputting the audio signal as audio.