Data addition to optical storage cards using ink dots

Abstract

A method of information distribution on printed cards is disclosed including the steps of dividing the surface of the card into a number of predetermined areas; printing a first collection of data to be stored in a first one of the predetermined areas; utilizing the printed first predetermined area when reading information stored on the card; and when the information stored on the card is to be updated, determining a second one of the predetermined areas to print further information stored on the card, the second area not having being previously utilized to print data. The areas are selected in a predetermined order and the printing utilizes a high resolution ink dot printer for printing data having a degree of fault tolerance with the fault tolerance, for example, coming from Reed-Solomon encoding of the data. Printed border region delineating the border of the area can be provided, in addition to a number of border target markers to assist in indicating the location of the regions. The border targets can comprise a large area of a first color with a small region of a second color located centrally in the first area. The data is printed utilizing a high frequency modulating signal such as a checkerboard pattern. The printing can be an array of dots having a resolution of greater then substantially 1200 dots per inch and preferably at least 1600 dots per inch. The predetermined areas can be arranged in a regular array on the surface of the card and the card can be of a generally rectangular credit card sized shape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.