Abstract: The 2-dimensional code formation method of this invention comprises: a process of specifying the code size for 2-dimensional code; a process of specifying storage information to be written in the 2-dimensional code; a process of setting the cell size for the unit cell of the 2-dimensional code; a process of specifying the dot step size or the number of dots n x m (where n and m are natural numbers) arranged vertically and horizontally inside the unit cell; a process of creating laser-marking information based on the code size, storage information, cell size and step size or number of dots; and a process of performing laser marking of the 2-dimensional code based on that laser-marking information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for locating an area of interest within a digital image of a form captured by an imaging scanner. Specific examples include methods and apparatus for optical mark reading with a digital imaging scanner. In many of the methods, an image of a response form is captured by a scanner, and target areas for possible responses are located within the image based upon an expected location being adjusted as necessary for certain error-inducing defects in the forms or scanning process. Also disclosed are steps to normalize the darkness values of pixels captured from an optically scanned form.

Abstract: An image acquiring apparatus capable of processing an image quickly and a method of acquiring the image. The image acquiring apparatus includes an image acquiring unit and a processing unit. The image acquiring unit acquires a source image, converts the source image into a first image data and then outputs the first image data. The processing unit produces a second image data according to the first image data and produces an image parameter according to the second image data. The image parameter executes an image correcting procedure. The size of the second image data is less than the size of the first image data.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: In the blood-sampling-tube preparation device according to the present invention, the each blood-sampling-tube containing section is provided with a number of compartments along a periphery thereof, in which the blood-sampling-tubes are contained one by one in a laying state, and an opening portion at a lower portion thereof for discharging the blood-sampling-tube from the each compartment, the compartments in each of the blood-sampling-tube containing section are intended to be moved in a peripheral direction thereof so that the blood-sampling-tube contained in the compartment aligned with the opening portion falls through the opening portion by moving the compartments at a suitable distance along the peripheral direction, and the blood-sampling-tube transferring means is arranged under the opening portions of the blood-sampling-tube containing sections for receiving the blood-sampling-tube felt from the each blood-sampling-tube containing section.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) tag is provided for reading with an optical reader. The tag includes a locator component for locating the tag. An orientation component is provided so that the reader can sense its orientation relative to the tag. One or more data areas are provided which contain data to be read by the reader. Typically, the locator component includes an endless line, and the data areas are located both inside and outside of the endless line.

Abstract: In order to reduce a two-dimensional data structure to a minimum number of bits, a two-dimensional surface pattern is provided, which can be used in particular for identifying an absolute position on the surface and which has a pattern which comprises a SYNC pattern, which is used for synchronization, and a position-dependent code PC(x, y), with the SYNC pattern being variable and being formed in accordance with an already known formation rule.

Abstract: A data glyph and method, system, and computer program product for creating and reading the data glyph is provided. In one embodiment the data glyph is created by combining individual glyph elements, wherein each glyph element is selected from a list of glyph elements corresponding to one of each of the hexadecimal numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Each glyph element is made from darkening a unique subset of cells from an array of allowable cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading unit and a marking card for optical mark reader. The reading unit comprises a plurality of optical sensing devices (R1, R2, R3, R4 . . . ) corresponding to a plurality of marks (M1, M2, M3, M4 . . . ); and a plurality of counters (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4 . . . ) for converting output signals to output values corresponding to an amount of light sensed, and for sending the output values to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU performs an answer checking process by a logical calculation based on the output values from the counters (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4 . . . ).

Abstract: A printer for generating a surface printed with tags, the tags embedded with data, the printer comprising: an encoder having two or more rendering engines, the encoder rendering a pattern of tags, each tag having a data area comprising data dots and a locator component comprising constant dots; the tag encoder obtaining tag data from a tag format structure, the tag format structure being a dot based data package template containing a plurality of entries, there being an entry associated with each dot's position, an entry indicating whether a data dot or a constant dot, accordingly each entry having either fixed data bits or variable data bits, each entry being interpreted independently without reliance on state information; at least one printhead for printing said pattern of tags.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved scannable answer sheet or document suitable for a balloting process and a method for producing such document using a printing process, particularly a document that may be printed in a single color without impacting the ability of the document to be scanned by an automated mechanism.

Abstract: In order to reduce a two-dimensional data structure to a minimum number of bits, a two-dimensional surface pattern is provided, which can be used in particular for identifying an absolute position on the surface and which has a pattern which comprises a SYNC pattern, which is used for synchronization, and a position-dependent code PC(x, y), with the SYNC pattern being variable and being formed in accordance with an already known formation rule.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46, 48, 50, 51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13, 21, 36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86, 87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88, 89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: An optical readout device for reading out data from an electroluminescent data storage medium, comprising: a driving circuit (4) for driving the radiation-emitting material with a time-varying applied signal; a radiation detector array (6) for detecting radiation emitted from the data storage medium and for generating radiation detection signals; and a processing part (8) arranged to process the detection signals to distinguish a detection signal resulting from reading different types of marks in the data storage medium in dependence on a timing reference signal.

Abstract: A generic data package template is described that allows data to be encoded and printed in any arbitrary shape using an arbitrary encoding scheme. The template comprises an arbitrary shaped constant background pattern that is read to locate and orient a data area. The data are contains a plurality of dots that are decoded to extract the stored information.

Abstract: A generic data package template is described that allows data to be encoded and printed in any arbitrary shape using an arbitrary encoding scheme. The template comprises an arbitrary shaped constant background pattern that is read to locate and orient a data area. The data are contains a plurality of dots that are decoded to extract the stored information.

Abstract: An optical mark reader includes a housing formed by a base and an upper housing assembly. A scanner is associated with the upper housing assembly for performing scanning operations on cards that are input into the housing. The base and the upper housing are detachably connected to each other by a quick connect/disconnect fastening system which permits easy access to the lens of the scanner, whereby the lens can be cleaned as needed. In addition, the housing includes a unique card path defined, in part, by a pair of guide walls on the base. The card path includes an inlet that is tapered both vertically and horizontally make insertion of cards into the housing easier. Further, a single, offset drive wheel is used to transport cards through the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for encoding digital data in a hardcopy rendering of an invisible image of circularly asymmetric dot patterns. The dot patterns are slash-like markings or glyphs tilted to the right and left with respect to the longitudinal axis of the recording medium. The glyphs are written onto a spatially periodic, two dimensional array of cell blocks to encode information without modulating the average reflectances of the cell blocks. In operation the dot patterns are written onto the recording medium in yellow at approximately a 2% pixel density to produce an image that is invisible to the naked eye, but capable of being reliably decoded by conventional machinery.

Abstract: A central controller such as one operating for a credit card account issuer receives one or more billing items which are to be printed on an account holder's billing statement. The central controller determines if the billing items, which typically specify purchases, satisfy any merchant-specified upsell offer conditions. Some upsell offer conditions include the purchase of a predetermined product, or a purchase which exceeds a predefined price. Such upsell offer conditions, when satisfied, direct the central controller to offer an upsell on the billing statement. If any of the upsell offer conditions are satisfied, the central controller determines one or more upsells that correspond to the upsell offer condition. The upsells may be, for example, products complementary to previously-purchased products. The upsells are offered to the account holder by printing onto the billing statement indicia that specifies the upsells.

Abstract: A bar code identification stencil for uniquely identifying a plurality of articles. The stencil includes a carrier strip which carries an identification code. The identification code is formed of a plurality of spaced a part markers which are used to form a machine readable bar code. The bar code is unique for each of the plurality of articles to be identified.

Abstract: A system for printing glyph frames around known obstructions. All frames in an area are determined to be obstructed or unobstructed, based on their location with respect to other printed areas. The unobstructed locations can be numbered and glyph data printed within. In the alternative, the good locations can be numbered modulo some number much smaller that the number of available locations to provide redundancy. The unobstructed locations can be stored in either the sync lines or in the data area of other locations known to be unobstructed. Also, the frame itself can be identified as obstructed or unobstructed to provide more redundancy.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for encoding and decoding a document containing machine-readable code overlaid by human-readable content such that the code and the human-readable content are both discernable. In operation, a background image is generated, wherein the background image comprises coded glyphtone cells based on grayscale image data values, each of the halftone cells comprising one of at least two distinguishable patterns. The background image is overlaid with a second image such that some visible glyphtone cells may be decoded and the second image may be viewed. Finally, the decoded information enables comparison of aspects of the second image with a predetermined nominal reference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composite code symbology having two differently encoded information portions positioned adjacent to each other. The linking between the two portions is achieved by external link-flag that is adjacent to at least one of the encoded portions. The link-flag can extent past one or both of the encoded portions in order to enable skewed scanning of the composite label. Methods for encoding and decoding of the invented composite code that are read by optical readers are presented.

Abstract: A two-dimensional matrix code, method of producing the code and a method and device for reading the code are presented. The code is a round, compact and distinct code that stores an error-corrected 64-bit number, embedded targets, and quality control information within a space small enough for imaging using a compact, hand-held code finder. The code incorporates white space both between the data areas and targets for easy identification of the code and to aid in image processing, and within the data area to correct for errors that sometimes occur when printing using low-quality techniques. Additionally, the code includes features to correct for other printing errors, such as variations in printing press speed and intentional aspect ratio stretching to fill copy space. The code is thus robust enough to be incorporated within newsprint and is also easily imaged using specially constructed code finders.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, high-density, damage-tolerant printed code suitable for encoding multiple biometrics and text for positive off-line identity verification comprises a horizontal header section; a vertical header section; a start pattern; a left row address pattern; an encoded data portion; a right two address pattern; and stop pattern. The horizontal header section encodes the number of bit areas in a transverse row of the encoded data portion; and the vertical header section encodes the vertical height of each bit area. The start and stop patterns of the code demarcate the lateral extent of the code (i.e., the beginning and end) from the adjacent quiet zone. Information is encoded into the ended information portion in bit areas that may be printed or blank. The information is encoded sequentially in the information portion from the top of the encoded information portion along each transverse row of bit areas to the next row of bit areas until the end of the encoded information portion.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46,48,50,51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13,21,36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the primary bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical primary bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86,87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88,89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: In a device for generating acoustic signals, a mechanical profile which contains information in a coded form is arranged on the surface of a plastic card, can be lead over an edge for generating sounds which contain information, and has at least two adjacent tracks. The plastic card can be inserted into a guiding part, for example a card slide, provided with at least one scanning cam of which one edge rattles on the profile when the profile is drawn past it.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imager and the applications of same for the marking and coding of, for example, textiles, linens, garments, documents and packages for high-speed machine identification and sortation. Specific uses include garment and textile rental operations, laundry operations, and the postal and mail sortation of documents and packages. Methods and apparatus are provided to identify items via information encoded within an applied mark, as well as a novel mark reading/decoding scheme. A method is disclosed for printing fluorescent marks on an item, such as a heat-sealable label, to generate a unique identification number or indicia, as well as a reader system for reading applied marks.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage units. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: A dual level encryption method, and document, for providing and obtaining a substantially increased amount of optically readable information from an otherwise conventional and highly visible printed bar code pattern area on a document without interfering with the conventional optical reading of the conventional information in the bar code, comprising integrally printing a second and very much finer pattern of encoded optically machine readable glyph code or other such indicia within the bar code pattern area, containing a much higher level of information, to provide two different levels of information within the same area. Scanning the bar code pattern with a conventional bar code reader extracts conventional bar coded information embedded in the bar code without interference from the second indicia. Scanning the same bar code pattern area with a different, higher resolution, optical scanner extracts the much greater amount of information from the second, much finer, optically readable indicia pattern.

Abstract: A method for printing barcode, comprising the steps of obtaining a 1D barcode for an area of a medium; obtaining a 2D bar code; combining the 1D and 2D bar codes in the area to overlap at least in part; and printing the combination of the 2D barcode with the 1D barcode in the area of the medium.

Abstract: Machine readable coded markings carried on articles to identify various properties of the articles are disclosed. The coded markings are formed integrally of the article in the form of a sequence of areas having contrasting light scattering and reflecting properties incorporated on the article's surface. The areas are arranged in the form of neighboring blocks and empty spaces disposed around and outside of a central target area defined by a sequence of concentric continuous markings, the blocks forming a series of layers containing coded information. Each of the blocks is positioned side-by-side contiguous either with the outermost ring of the target or with a block in a previous layer.

Abstract: The invention provides for printing apparatus comprising printing means and a host processor (28) for delivering print data and command data via a common interface (30) to the said printing means, and characterized in that the host processor is arranged to deliver said print data with a first characteristic and said command data with a second characteristic, and that the printing means comprises a printing device (34) for receiving the said print data and a control device (40) for receiving the said command data, the apparatus further including detecting means (42) for detecting the said characteristic of the data appearing at the common interface (30), and switch means (48) responsive to the detecting means detecting the said first characteristic for switching data from said common interface (30) to the said printing device (34) so that the full potential of the printing device (34) can be realized.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a method of decoding information stored in a two-dimensional barcode printed on a printed medium are introduced. Both embodiments provide an improved method of analyzing horizontal and vertical edge count arrays to identify the column and row centerlines therein to enable the subsequent reading of the binary data located at the intersection of each row centerline and column centerline. In the first embodiment, the centerlines are located by first locating each successive pair of peaks in the respective edge count array, where each peak must have a magnitude greater than a first predetermined value, and then locating a centerline in a valley region between each successive pair of peaks, each of the centerlines having a magnitude less than a second predetermined value. Preferably, each successive pair of peaks in the respective edge count array is separated by a third predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the transitions between binary levels of an input signal such as a scanned bar code label by detecting zero crossings of an approximated second derivative of the input signal. Samples of the input signal are obtained by using delay lines, sample-and-hold circuits, an analog shift register or similar device. The first derivative of the signal is approximated by the slope of a straight line between two sampled points on the waveform. The second derivative is approximated by the difference between two first derivatives. Zero crossings of the second derivative indicating transitions of the input signal may be determined either by detecting a signal peak on both sides of the zero crossing, or by comparing the second derivative signal to zero when the first derivative exceeds a positive or negative threshold. The amount of shift in the zero crossings may be estimated by measuring relative amplitudes or widths of the surrounding signal lobes.

Abstract: A valuable ticket—on which ticketing data is magnetically recorded and which is printed for issuance-includes a base a heat-sensitive layer provided on one side of the base, a protective layer provided on the heat-sensitive layer and a magnetic recording layer provided on the other side of the base. A ticket printer for magnetically recording and printing ticketing data on ticket blanks for issuance includes ticket blank holder means for holding ticket blanks, each comprising a base, a heat-sensitive layer and a protective layer provided on one side of the base and a magnetic recording layer provided on the other side of the base, magnetic recording means for magnetically recording ticketing data the magnetic recording layers of the ticket blanks contained in the ticket blank holder means, and thermal printing means for thermally printing the ticketing data on the heat-sensitive layers of the magnetically recorded ticket blanks for issuance.

Abstract: A user interface is implemented using visual indicia and a background for the visual indicia that encodes address information. The background appears visually as a stipple pattern, but is implemented using glyphs which form an address carpet that encodes address information uniquely identifying each location of the user interface. An image capture device is used to capture an area of the address carpet that is at or near visual indicia of interest to the user while selecting a location in the visual indicia. The image capture device captures the area of interest, and transmits the image area to a computer for processing. The computer first determines the proper orientation of the image, and then decodes the information encoded by the glyphs. The decoding results in an X, Y address identifying the location of the captured area in the address carpet and, by reference, the address of the selected location. Based on the address, the computer may perform an operation associated with the area.

Abstract: A digital information recording carrier has a planar recording surface having an information recording area in which meshes corresponding to bits are virtually set in a matrix form, each mesh being provided with an optically recognizable mark corresponding to digital information so that the digital information is recorded in the information recording area as a two-dimensional pattern. The carrier also has specific patterns each consisting of a plurality of meshes which are linked together and which are given marks in a given pattern. Some of the specific patterns are placed in an inner portion apart from a perimeter of the information recording area.

Abstract: A machine-readable record is provided for storing encoded information comprising a record medium, data glyphs written on the media in a two-dimensional array and a sync code interleaved with the data code with the sync code occupying every MAth and MBth glyph position in the X and Y directions, with MA and MB each being integers greater than 1, such that there is a multiple utility of glyphs of the sync code as common parts of first and second code sequences.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code includes a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined two-dimensional pattern. The code comprises an information recording region constituted by a plurality of blocks. Each block involves a recording mode designating code indicating a recording mode of the information recorded in each block. Partial decode processing is performed for decoding the recorded information in each block in accordance with the recording mode specified by the recording mode designating code. And, the information in the information recording region is read based on the partial decoding result of the plurality of blocks.

Abstract: A process for data coding on any type of support (object, document, plant, animal, any material or materialized surface) calling for affixing on a surface a marking constituted by a plurality of elementary signs belonging to at least two different types, the marking being broken down into a plurality of coding zones each corresponding to coded information of a different nature. At least one configuration zone has content specific to the type of application and determines a characteristic of at least one of the other zones.

Abstract: A bar code reader particularly useful in a photographic film scanner of the type employing a light source and CCD array for sensing the bar code elements. Lateral location of the bar code pattern is established by analyzing the output of the CCD array within a bar code detection window to determine the location of a longitudinal edge transition of the line of clock elements in the bar code pattern and then to use clock and data element detection windows at spaced locations from the line of clock edge transition to read the encoded values of the bar code. In one embodiment, the line of transition between the clock and data elements is used as the line of longitudinal edge transition of the line of clock elements. In another embodiment, the longitudinal clock edge transition remote from the data elements and adjacent the central image frame region is used.

Abstract: A dot code is provided for recording digital data, such as multi-media information, as an optically readable code pattern, using various modulation methods, and a code reading apparatus is provided for restoring modulated information recorded as the dot code. The dot code includes a plurality of blocks. Each block has a marker section for recognizing the block, a data dot pattern section which is modulated to be structurally discriminated from the marker section and to represent modulated information, and a block header section as a non-modulation area which contains block address data. The block header section stores restoration parameter data necessary to restore the modulated information, thereby enabling the dot code to be variously modulated.

Abstract: A method of formatting digital data and a method of decoding the formatted digital data. User selectable format parameters vary the dimensions and other attributes of spots and the cells containing those spots as well as other features which the formatting process formats into a pattern. A method of encoding the formatted digital data using these format parameters allows for encoding a substrate optimally for any given printer or scanner. One embodiment provides for markers to facilitate determination of cell locations. In one embodiment the decoding process achieves a pyramid gain of knowledge by locating a landmark (801), which is located in a known position relative to a metasector (802), which contains information about the encoding process used to encode the main body of data (803), which the decoding process decodes to recover the original digital data. Further embodiments include encryption, transmission by facsimile, inclusion of human readable information, and automatic launches of computer files.

Abstract: A formation method of a two-dimensional code according to the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: substituting a square unit cell, in which a plurality of dark round dots 6 are arranged in a matrix, for a dark unit cell from image data of a two-dimensional code 1 formed in a bright and dark pattern to transform the image data; burning these dark round dots 6 on a marking surface with a laser beam; and forming the two-dimensional code in a dark and bright pattern formed by combining dark unit cells 2A, formed with dark round dots 6, and bright unit cells 2b to which laser burning has not been performed.

Abstract: A preferred medicament dispensing station (10) includes a computer (16) with a bar code reader (18) and a printer (20) coupled therewith. When filling a prescription from a supply container (12) of a medicament, the bar code reader (18) scans the bar code (28) on the container (12) and a computer (16) compares the bar code data with prescription data to determine a match before activating a printer (20) to print a prescription label (30) for the prescription. The preferred station (10) also includes databases (26) including an attribute database and a language database. The computer (16) activates the printer (20) to print medicament indicia on the prescription label (30) representative of physical attributes of the medicament including a word description (32) such as the shape, color pattern, color, scoring and form and an image (34). The computer (16) is operable also to prompt the printer (20) to print prescription data on the same label or on a second label in a second language.

Abstract: A code pattern image printed/recorded on a recording medium and adapted to be picked up and read is electronically taken up and read and then processed by a decoder to restore the original data, which is then transformed into an image data of the code pattern image by an encoder and printed/recorded on another predetermined recording medium to reproduce the code pattern image by a printer. The code pattern image printed/recorded on the recording medium is made to contain an operation control data for permitting or prohibiting the operation of the encoder and the operation control data is extracted from the code pattern image by an operation control data extracting unit so that encoding operation control section permits or prohibits the operation of the encoder according to the extracted data.

Abstract: Inventive two-dimensional barcodes, each having encoded digital information in a bitmap representing preferably randomized encoded data bits, are printed onto a printed medium. The bitmap may further include a plurality of block identifiers, spaced a predetermined number of encoded data bits apart, which are used to make corrections for missing or added data bits when the barcode is decoded. Upon decoding a barcode printed on the printed media, the digital information is scanned and the number of horizontal and vertical edges in each respective column and row of the barcode are determined. An edge is determined by selecting a pixel and determining if the two pixels adjacent to the selected pixel are of different colors. After all of the edges are counted, selected groups of columns and rows are analyzed to determine local minimas in the number of counted horizontal and vertical edges in each selected group which provide the column and row center line for each selected group.

Abstract: This invention provides self-clocking glyph shape codes for encoding digital data in the shapes of glyphs that are suitable for printing on hardcopy recording media. Advantageously, the glyphs are selected so that they tend not to degrade into each other when they are degraded and/or distorted as a result, for example, of being photocopied, transmitted via facsimile, and/or scanned-in to an electronic document processing system. Moreover, for at least some applications, the glyphs desirably are composed of printed pixel patterns containing nearly the same number of ON pixels and nearly the same number of OFF pixels, such that the code that is rendered by printing such glyphs on substantially uniformly spaced centers appears to have a generally uniform texture. In the case of codes printed at higher spatial densities, this texture is likely to be perceived as a generally uniform gray tone.