Claims
- 1. A method for embedding information in an image so that the image will have different information when the image is reproduced by a scanning or printing process, the method comprising the steps of:
embedding digital information in an image; printing the embedded digital information and the image to produce a original printed image; scanning the original printed image to obtain a digital image of the embedded information and the image; determining the signal strength of the original image; and comparing the signal strength of a printed image with the signal strength of the original printed image to determine whether or not the printed image is a copy of the original printed image.
- 2. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein the image is a postal indicia.
- 3. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein the image is a graphic.
- 4. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein a bit map file is created for the original printed image.
- 5. The method claimed in claim 1, wherein the comparing step further including the step of:
measuring the signal strength of the original printed image to set a threshold value for the original printed image and copies of the original printed image.
- 6. The method claimed in claim 5, whereby if the signal strength of a printed image is greater than the threshold value the printed image is the original printed image.
- 7. The method claimed in claim 5, whereby if the signal strength of a printed image is less than the threshold value the printed image is not the original printed image.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/283,565 filed Apr. 13, 2001, which is owned by the assignee of the present Application.
[0002] Reference is made to commonly assigned copending patent application Docket No. F-290 filed herewith entitled “Method For Embedding Information In An Image” in the names of Claude Zeller, Robert A. Cordery, Donald G. Mackay and William A. Brosseau; and Docket No. F-285 filed herewith entitled “Method For Reading Information That Has Been Embedded In An Image” in the names of Robert A. Cordery, Claude Zeller, Donald G. Mackay and William A. Brosseau.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60283565 |
Apr 2001 |
US |