The Color Data Matrix (CDM) is an upgrade of wide-spread bar codes and bi-dimensional codes, and ultimately is a Data Matrix realized using a larger number of colors. The introduction of more colors means that we can increase the code depth, and this means, in turn, that we can convey a larger amount of information in the same amount of space.
The Color Data Matrix is patented as:
“Method for encoding and decoding information in the form of symbols, encoded symbols and method for impressing them on physical supports”
Inventors Filippo Niccolai and Michele Tosti.