1. A data decoder, comprising: an image sensor configured to capture an input image that includes a plurality of substantially invisible elements of an electronic code as pixels that represent an intensity of light reflected said input image; a code element locator configured to identify a plurality of pixels that have a color value that is substantially different from said average color value for a surrounding neighborhood and a luminance value that is substantially the same as an average luminance value for a surrounding neighborhood; a code element pattern detector configured to detect a layout pattern for said electronic code based upon a spatial relationship of said code element locator identified pixels; and an electronic code generator configured to identify input image pixels corresponding to said electronic code pattern and assign output values to said identified electronic code pattern corresponding pixels based upon a dominance of a selected color of light reflected from said input image.