Decoding of digital data formatted into a pattern

摘要

The method involves formatting the data into a series of digital data values. The series of digital data values are formatted into a pattern consisting of a number of spaces at least some of which have dimensions M pixels by N pixels. At least one bit in the series of digital data values are represented in each of the number of spaces where at least one logical state is expressed by the presence in the space of a spot of a spot size with dimensions X pixels by Y pixels. The pattern is outputted onto at least one substrate, such that the data is represented in digitised form on the substrate. The series of digital data values are formatted into a number of spaces. A number of bits in the series of digital data values are represented in each of the number of spaces where a number of logical states are expressed by a number of colours for a spot which the space may contain where each colour represents a different logical state for the space. The number of colours consists of a number of shades of gray.