Use of imperfect patterns to encode data on surfaces

An article associated with a data record, the article comprising:

• a surface including two adjacent instances of a pattern unit, the pattern unit including a plurality of graphic elements, wherein:
• a graphic element of the plurality of graphic elements is configured within the pattern unit to communicate the data record associated with the article;
• the two adjacent instances of the pattern unit each having a boundary coincident with a boundary of its adjacent instance (to form a coincident boundary separating the two adjacent instances), to ensure visual continuity without misalignment or overlap, with the graphic element or another graphic element of the plurality of graphic elements extending across the coincident boundary, divided in such a manner that portions on either side of the coincident boundary align with their counterparts in the adjacent instance, creating a complete and uninterrupted visual element across the coincident boundary;
• and
• the data record is recoverable from an image showing less than the entirety of a single adjacent instance of the two adjacent instances of pattern unit on the surface of the article.