Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. At least one clamping finger of a movable tray of a compact disc printer pushes against an outer periphery of a compact disc disposed on a surface of the tray to clamp the compact disc between the clamping finger and a pair of studs that protrude from the surface of the tray and engage a periphery of a hole passing through a center of the compact disc. A carriage of the printer for moving an ink jet cartridge attached thereto across the compact disc to deposit an image on the compact disc may include a sensor. The sensor can be used to determine the presence of a compact disc on the tray, whether the compact disc is clamped to the tray, and a dimension of the compact disc, and to perform a calibration method.

Abstract: Validation of printer cartridges using a unique identifier from an RFID tag, a serial number or identifier from a cartridge, and a seed to generate a reproducible key are described. The key is written to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag. The parameters for generation of the key are retrieved when the cartridge is asked to print in a printer, and a second key is generated, and the keys are compared. If the keys match, the cartridge is validated and printing continues.

Abstract: A compact disc processing system allows for more efficient processing of compact discs. The system included a transporter mechanism that can grip and transport more than one compact disc at a time. As such, a second disc can be gripped while a first disc is being processed. This eliminates the need to wait for processing operations, such as recording or printing, to be completed prior to transporting the second disc. The system includes a gripping head with at least two vacuum controlled mechanisms for selectively gripping the discs. A disc organizer can be provided which includes trays that can be used to store discs for selective retrieval. The organizer eliminates the difficulty encountered in locating a processed disc from a large stack of discs.

Abstract: Validation of printer cartridges using a unique identifier from an RFID tag, a serial number or identifier from a cartridge, and a seed to generate a reproducible key are described. The key is written to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag. The parameters for generation of the key are retrieved when the cartridge is asked to print in a printer, and a second key is generated, and the keys are compared. If the keys match, the cartridge is validated and printing continues.

Abstract: A compact disc transporter is described for transporting a compact disc between multiple process stations. These stations may include a printer, a recorder, a verifier, and a compact disc supply station. Methods have been described for pre-positioning a compact disc prior to printing so that an image located on the compact disc can be positioned for subsequent printing operations. A camera may be used in conjunction with a processor to rotatably position a compact disc into a preferred position prior to a printing operation. An optical sensor is also described for detecting a mark, index mark or other image for positioning a compact disc to a preferred rotational position.