摘要 |
A reproduction apparatus (e.g., photo kiosk) includes a lens for imaging a customer-provided original onto an opto-electronic detector for producing image data, and a reproduction system for producing a copy therefrom. Images that are to be resistant against copying on such apparatuses can be printed on photographic emulsion medium having a subliminal marking. The marking can be detected from visible-light scan data corresponding to the medium, yet such marking is inconspicuous upon human inspection. The apparatus passes the scan data to a processor that looks for evidence of such a marking. If found, the processor issues a signal that interrupts a usual reproduction-making process of the apparatus. The system is useful, e.g., to prevent unauthorized copying of professional photographs, such as wedding portraits.
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