Machine-readable symbol and related method

A machine readable symbol, comprising:

• a data field comprised of a plurality of data cells, each data cell being assigned a color corresponding to a data pattern value or a finder pattern value, or an overlapping data pattern value and finder pattern value, wherein at least a subplurality of the data cells are assigned an overlapping data pattern value and finder pattern value;
• wherein a finder pattern is discernable when the symbol is subjected to a first color filter by viewing the symbol through a first color filter, exposing the symbol to a first color light source, or utilizing an electronic device to process the symbol image in accordance with a first color filter;
• and
• wherein a data pattern is discernable when the symbol is subjected to a second color filter by viewing the symbol through a second color filter, exposing the symbol to a second color light source, or utilizing an electronic device to process the symbol image in accordance with a second color filter.

A method for creating and reading a machine readable symbol, comprising the steps of:

• creating a data field having a plurality of data cells;
• assigning a data pattern value at least some of the data cells;
• assigning a finder pattern value to at least some of the data cells, wherein at least one data cell is assigned an overlapping finder pattern value and a data pattern value;
• assigning a color to each data cell, the color corresponding to the data pattern value, the finder pattern value, or an overlapping data pattern value and finder pattern value;
• subjecting the symbol to a first filter to discern a finder pattern;
• and
• subjecting the symbol to a second filter to discern a data pattern.