Taking a Two-Dimensional view of character codes to facilitate data

A scheme is described which views an alphabet as a 2-dimensional table where the column and row numbers may be specified as 4-, 5-, or 6-bit 'chunks' called quartets, quintets or sextets resp. In transmitting an element of the alphabet, the column number is NOT transmitted unless it is different from the current or default value; the row number is always transmitted. The possible omission of the column number in transmitting an element provides scope for data compression to a modest degree. The degree of data compression is improved by extending the alphabet to include tokens as well as single ASCII characters. To point out the various parameters involved and justify the options chosen the development of the scheme is explained stage by stage. A side effect of the scheme is customised and secure data encryption.