Information is encoded, within a photosensor array, into photosensors which are not used for imaging. Some information encoding photosensors are permitted to receive unimpeded light, and for other photosensors the light is at least partially blocked or filtered. Alternatively, some photosensors may be disabled. When the photosensors are exposed to light, the resulting photosensor signals provide information. Alternatively, some photosensors may accumulate charge in the absence of light, and the resulting photosensor signals in the absence of light provide information. The information can be binary, or multiple-bit per pixel. Information can also be encoded into each individual color channel. Identification of vendor, part type, or other information can be encoded.