Digital duplication of images using encoded data

An apparatus for reading data encoded as an array of dots carried on a substrate, the substrate carrying an image, and the array being substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source for illuminating the substrate;
• a detector for receiving the illumination from the light source reflected off the substrate, and detecting the array of dots on the substrate, the detector outputting a first signal representative thereof;
• a decoder interconnected to said detector for receiving and decoding said first signal to produce a second signal corresponding to the first signal;
• a top substrate covering the detector and the light source, the detector having an emission portion and a reception portion, the emission portion shaped with a semicircular cross section adapted to focus illumination from the light source onto the substrate, and the reception portion shaped to define a series of microlenses adapted to focus illumination reflected off the substrate into the detector;
• and
• a printer that prints information derived from said second signal onto media, wherein
• the information printed includes the image and the data, and
• the data printed by the printer is encoded as an array of dots being substantially invisible to an average unaided human eye.