DataGlyphs®: Embedding Digital Data

Basic DataGlyphs are a pattern of forward and backward slashes representing ones and zeroes. This pattern forms an evenly textured field.     PARC DataGlyphs® are a robust and unobtrusive method of embedding computer-readable data on paper surfaces. Unlike most barcodes, DataGlyphs are flexible in shape and size. Their structure and robust error correction also make them suitable for curved surfaces and other situations where barcodes fail. PARC invented DataGlyphs in 1993, and has licensed the basic software patents to Microglyph Technology GmbH to form the foundation of their microglyph® code. While PARC developed DataGlyphs for document management systems, Microglyph Technology has developed additional, proprietary code structures and algorithms to enable parts-marking for the manufacturing industry, to enable the embedding of computer-readable data on surfaces such as plastic, glass, or metal.

	Roll mouse over image to zoom in. Original size: 3.3" x 3.3" @ 600dpi. Glyphtones, DataGlyphs of varying weights, emulate the look of a grayscale image.

Features:

• Flexibility -- adjustable size, shape, color
• High data density
• Robustness
• Adjustable error correction
• Compatible with cryptography

At 600dpi, DataGlyphs offer up to 1KB per square inch of data. At this density, the Gettysburg Address fits in a block the size of a small United States postage stamp.

Applications:

• document management
• fraud prevention
• inventory tracking
• ID cards
• parts marking
• product tagging

DataGlyphs have been used in several Xerox products, licensed to a major manufacturer of airplane parts, licensed to Progressive Casualty Insurance for use in turnaround documents, and more. Other markets include financial services, software, government, health care, and pharmaceuticals.

Roll mouse over image to zoom in. Original size: 5.9"x4.8" @600dpi. Color DataGlyphs provide a similar functionality as Glyphtones but extend the applications to color images. Roll mouse over image to see "invisible" glyphs as seen by the blue channel of a scanner. "Invisible" DataGlyphs are fine yellow glyphs printed on white. This drawing shows them at 200% and 1000% enlargement.       Combining different types of DataGlyphs increases the options for encoding digital information.