A method and system for reading an identifier from an object having a portion of a repeating image imparted thereon. The system preferably includes an imaging apparatus for imaging a portion of the repeating image from the object, the repeating image repeating in the direction of continuous travel of one or more objects through a printing location, at least the portion of the repeating image being printed to each of a plurality of objects, including the object, as the plurality of objects reach the printing location. The system further preferably includes a comparator for comparing one or more expected attributes of the imaged repeating image with one or more corresponding actual attributes of the imaged repeating image.