Method and apparatus for the automatic generation of image capture device control marks

A printer comprising:

• at least one of either:
• an image detector configured to detect image areas within print data, and to output image block data;
• or
• a text detector configured to detect text areas within said print data, and to output text block data;
• and
• an encoder configured to receive said image block data from said image detector and said text block data from said text detector, and to output image capture device control data;
• wherein said printer is configured to receive said print data and said image capture device control data, and to print at least one page including at least one image capture device control mark.

A method for generating image capture device control marks comprising the steps of:

• a) detecting text within print data;
• b) when text is detected, generating text block data;
• and
• c) encoding said text block data into at least one image capture device control mark.

A method for generating image capture device control marks comprising the steps of:

• a) detecting images within print data;
• b) when images are detected, generating image block data;
• and
• c) encoding said image block data into at least one image capture device control mark.