The application discloses apparatus and systems for authenticating physical object, identification documents and security documents. Some such methods and apparatus involve signal encoding or digital watermarking.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.

The present disclosure relates generally to physical object authentication. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus relate to physical object authentication through comparison of randomly or pseudo-randomly occurring features with expected features. In some cases digital watermark or other indicia is used to convey the expected features. Of course, other combinations, embodiments and features are disclosed.

The present disclosure relates generally to physical object authentication. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus relate to physical object authentication through comparison of randomly or pseudo-randomly occurring features with expected features. In some cases digital watermark or other indicia is used to convey the expected features. Of course, other combinations, embodiments and features are disclosed.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.

In one or more embodiments, a control unit reads image data and date information of a main image from a memory card into a RAM. When a watermark printing is set, the control unit combines characters of the date information having a high gradation value with overcoat layer data having a mixture pattern in which pixels having a high gradation value and pixels having a low gradation value are located randomly or alternately in rows and columns to generate overcoat layer print data and stores the data in an overcoat layer data storage area. The control unit generates CMY print data from the image data of the main image to print it on image-receiving paper by using a print processing section. After printing of the main image, the control unit prints the overcoat layer print data so that it is superimposed on the main image on the image-receiving paper.

Systems and methods are directed towards generating a verified unique watermark. More specifically, the systems and methods are directed towards generating a watermark that is as long as possible without any repetition. Such watermarks are possible by selecting characteristics of the watermark and methods for producing the watermarks (e.g., dandy rollers). By producing longer unique watermarks, users would be capable of generating longer rolls of paper whereby more sheets can be produced that each possesses a unique watermark. With the unique watermark, users can identify what information is printed on each sheet as well as authenticate the contents of each individual sheet.