Patent ID: 7535582
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: G06K,H04N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for reproducing a visible image depicted in a photograph, the photograph also carrying digitally encoded data printed in invisible ink, the digitally encoded data having pixel values for all pixels in the visible image, the apparatus comprising: means for advancing the photograph through the scanner means; an illuminating means for illuminating the photograph with invisible radiation; a sensing means for receiving the invisible radiation illuminated on and reflected from the photograph by the illuminating means, the sensing means adapted to detect an interaction of the invisible radiation with the digitally encoded data carried on the photograph; a top substrate in which the illuminating means is encased, the top substrate being transparent to infra red light and having a semi circular cross section in a portion thereof, the top substrate further having a elongated recess in another portion thereof, the elongated recess adapted to receive therein the sensing means; an array of microlenses disposed on the top substrate, the array of microlenses being arranged on the top substrate to focus the radiation reflected from the photograph onto the sensing means; means for processing data output from the scanner means, the means for processing data including means for decoding the plurality of copies of data relating to the visible image from the digitally encoded data scanned by the scanner means; and, inkjet printer means for receiving data from the means for processing data to print the visible image depicted in the photograph, the data used to print the visible image being generated using one of the plurality of copies of data relating to the visible image which the means for decoding correctly decoded from the digitally encoded data.