1. A method of encrypting information, comprising the steps of: converting an information sequence represented as a string of bits into a curvilinear coding system to provide at least one closed curve; and embedding said at least one closed curve in a 2-dimensional pattern and embedding the 2-dimensional pattern on an article of merchandise, wherein converting a string of bits into a curvilinear coding system to provide at least one closed curve comprises: converting each successive substring of same valued bits in said string of bits into an arc, wherein a radius of each arc corresponds to a number of bits in each sub-sequence and an arc corresponding to a sequence of high-valued bits having a sign opposite to the sign of an arc corresponding to a sequence of low-valued bits; and converting said arc sequence into a closed curve by connecting an end of said arc sequence to a start of said arc sequence.