Method for embedding non-intrusive encoded data in printed matter and system for reading same
First Claim
1. A method for encoding sequencing information on printed matter having informational content imprinted thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing sequencing information about the printed matter, wherein the sequencing information identifies where the printed matter fits into a sequence; and
printing, at a predetermined position on the printed matter, a non-apparent print control symbol that encodes the sequencing information, the predetermined position being separated from the printed informational content.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Printed matter has printed informational content. This refers to the content of a given document which is relevant to the intended reviewer, e.g., the printed text of the letter or pictures. According to the invention, the printed matter also, however, comprises a print control symbol. This symbol is located at a predetermined position on the printed matter, which is separated from the printed informational content. The print control symbol is hidden such that it is not apparent to a reviewer of the printed matter and encodes information concerning the printed matter such as sequencing information, which is relevant to the printing system during printing and mailing, for example.
98 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for encoding sequencing information on printed matter having informational content imprinted thereon, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing sequencing information about the printed matter, wherein the sequencing information identifies where the printed matter fits into a sequence; and
printing, at a predetermined position on the printed matter, a non-apparent print control symbol that encodes the sequencing information, the predetermined position being separated from the printed informational content. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A printing system comprising
a printer that generates printed matter including printed informational content and a print control symbol; - and
an image capture device configured to read at least the print control symbol from the printed matter; and
a controller in communication with the image capture device that decodes data encoded in the print control symbol and makes sequencing decisions based on the data. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for monitoring the output of a printer, the output being printed matter including a non-apparent print control symbol having sequencing information encoded therein, said method comprising the steps of:
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detecting a presence of the non-apparent print control symbol on the printed matter;
decoding the non-apparent print control symbol to retrieve the sequencing information encoded therein; and
sequencing the printed matter on the basis of the sequencing information from the non-apparent print control symbol. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification