Methods for estimating watermark signal strength, an embedding process using the same, and related arrangements

An apparatus comprising:

• memory for storing image data;
• means for embedding a machine-readable signal into stored image data, the machine-readable signal comprising a synchronization signal and a plural-bit identifier, thereby generating embedded image data;
• memory for storing substrate data, the substrate data associated with a substrate upon which the embedded image data is to be printed upon;
• memory for storing printer data, the printer data associated with a printer that is anticipated to print the embedded image data upon the substrate;
• means for processing the embedded image data with reference to the substrate data and the printer data, thereby generating processed, embedded image data;
• means for estimating a signal strength of the machine-readable signal embedded within the processed, embedded image data, in which said means for estimating utilizes the synchronization signal, and in which said estimating yields an estimated signal strength;
• and
• means for controlling visual display of the estimated signal strength.

An image processing method comprising:

• embedding a machine-readable signal into image data, the machine-readable signal comprising a synchronization signal and a plural-bit identifier, thereby generating embedded image data;
• accessing substrate data, the substrate data associated with a substrate upon which the embedded image data is to be printed upon;
• accessing printer data, the printer data associated with a printer that is anticipated to print the embedded image data upon the substrate;
• accessing color data, the color data associated with the image data,
• processing the embedded image data with reference to the substrate data, the printer data and the color data, thereby generating processed, embedded image data;
• determining a signal strength of the machine-readable signal embedded within the processed, embedded image data, in which said determining utilizes the synchronization signal, and in which said determining yields a determined signal strength.