A barcode includes a plurality of blocks arranged to define a coordinate system across the barcode. A method determines sizes of at least first and second blocks into which arbitrary information is to be encoded such that the blocks have a pair-wise anharmonic relationship with each other. A first portion of the arbitrary information to be encoded in the first block and a second portion of the arbitrary information to be encoded in the second block are then selected. The method encodes the first portion and the second portion, and provides a decode verification mechanism in each of the first and second blocks. A plurality of the encoded first blocks and a plurality of the encoded second blocks are arranged to form a barcode and to define a coordinate system therein, whereupon the barcode may be stored to a memory device.