Abstract: A method of applying content and a data encoding pattern 18 to a product 10 comprises: applying the content 14 to a substrate 12; modifying the reflectivity of the content 14 at a predetermined wavelength; and applying the pattern 18 to the product, wherein the method is such that the pattern can be distinguished from the content at the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A print engine receives image data elements relating to an image to be printed and generates print element control instructions for communication to a plurality of pens (e.g. inkjet pens) the control of the print engine. The print engine includes: a halftoning processor for receiving the image data elements and generating a halftone data set therefrom; and a plurality of print element controllers associated with said halftoning processor, each print element controller being adapted to generate print element control instructions from said halftone data set to drive different printing elements.

Abstract: A method of halftoning monochrome contone image data with a colour pixel processor, the processor being arranged to halftone substantially simultaneously a plurality of image data corresponding to a plurality of different colours, the method comprising the step of: halftoning substantially simultaneously a plurality of monochrome image data corresponding to a plurality of separate pixel positions of a print job.