Abstract: The present invention is a symbol 10 that includes a square array 12 of data cells 14 surrounded by a border 30 of orientation and timing data cells. The border 30 can be surrounded by an external data field 18 also including information data cells 20. The orientation and timing for sampling each data cell can be determined from the border 30 or from additional orientation and timing cells in the internal data field 12 or external data field 18. A system 40 and 42 is also included that captures an image of the symbol, determines symbol orientation, decodes the contents of the symbol and outputs the decoded contents to a display or other device. The present invention also includes a device 48 that can produce symbols on a substrate such as a label.

Abstract: A symbol reader which projects an illumination window or field that is the same size as a field of view of a sensor used to read a symbol. The illumination window is aligned with the field of view of the sensor. The window or field can provide an area of relatively constant illumination or edges of the window or field can be at a higher illumination creating an outline or capture border. The outline alone can be projected when the ambient light level is sufficient for capture of the symbol. The window or field can be created by projecting light from various light sources.

Abstract: A matrix code generating method generates a first predetermined code in binary form. A second step permutes the first determined code according to a non-linear feedback method described as pseudo-random. The code is segmented with linear segments positioned in a two dimensional matrix array. Apparatus generates and permutes the code, and segments the resultant code into matrix array form. Apparatus encrypts such information onto objects, photo-optically reads such encrypted information and deciphers the coded information.

Abstract: The present invention is a symbol 10 that includes a square array 12 of data cells 14 surrounded by a border 30 of orientation and timing data cells. The border 30 can be surrounded by an external data field 18 also including information data cells 20. The orientation and timing for sampling each data cell can be determined from the border 30 or from additional orientation and timing cells in the internal data field 12 or external data field 18. A system 40 and 42 is also included that captures an image of the symbol, determines symbol orientation, decodes the contents of the symbol and outputs the decoded contents to a display or other device. The present invention also includes a device 48 that can produce symbols on a substrate such as a label.