Researchers embed ID data in light cast by RGB source

Researchers at Fujitsu Laboratories have developed a technology that can embed ID data in light cast by an LED light source onto objects, and read this ID data from objects that have been lit in this way. Digital data is imprinted on the light from a standard LED lamp – invisible to the viewer. An application installed on a cell phone uses the phones camera to view the object and, simultaneously, read the embedded ID data.

The user can thus retrieve information about the object. The technology may be significant for museums, retail, exhibitions, and buildings. Or, just by pointing a smartphone at a performer on stage, one could download the song the performer is singing. The system modulates the color of the light emitted by a three color (RGB) lamp. Objects with different reflectivity need to be handled somewhat differently and Fujitsu is working to improve accuracy. The plan is for commercial implementation sometime in 2015.