1. A method for decoding data stored in a partial area of a coding pattern on a surface, based on a recorded image of the partial area, said coding pattern containing elements which each have at least two possible decoding values, said method comprising: identifying in the image a plurality of said elements; calculating, for each identified element, an associated value probability for each possible decoding value that the element has this decoding value; and performing the decoding of data based on the decoding values and the corresponding value probabilities.