Embedding invisible digital information in printed documents
Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Adobe Research have presented Imprinto, a system for embedding invisible digital information in printed documents using infrared ink and a special camera. This technology introduces a new generation of hybrid interfaces between paper and augmented reality.
The tool has been developed with the aim of enabling advanced interaction with physical documents, without altering their visual appearance. “Imprinto uses an infrared ink that is invisible to the human eye but detectable by means of a near-infrared camera, such as those that can be integrated into mobile devices by simply modifying the photographic sensor,” said Raúl García Martín, from UC3M’s Department of Electronic Technology.
This technique opens the door to new methods of product traceability, document authentication and enrichment of educational or professional content. Moreover, it all can be done without reliance on visible codes such as QR codes or adding external devices to the document.
Imprinto is part of a broader ecosystem of tools that UC3M and MIT researchers are exploring based on the possibilities of infrared technology. The authors have also developed, and are in the process of patenting, a portable camera, connectable via USB-C to any mobile device, which allows blood vessels to be observed under the skin to facilitate medical procedures. The system, called VeinGoOne, also allows biometric recognition based on the vascular patterns of the palm of the hand thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms.
Another of the developments presented by the UC3M team is BrightMarker, a system that allows invisible codes to be embedded in 3D objects using fluorescent polymers. This innovation makes it possible to print objects containing hidden digital labels, useful for industrial traceability, advanced logistics or personalised interaction in augmented reality environments without altering the appearance of the object.
“In this near future, technologies such as Imprinto, BrightMarker and VeinGoOne will allow users to interact with physical objects and documents in a digital, intuitive and personalised way,” García Martín said.
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