The University of Tokyo develops a system that turns ordinary paper into a display

At the University of Tokyo, The Naemura Group is developing computer technology that can erase, Automatically copy and print hand-drawn drawings on paper, turning this material into a screen. In addition to using a camera and a computer, This system uses a laser light and UV rays, so it is possible to work directly with hand-drawn sketches using the computer.

The University of Tokyo is researching a system that allows deleting, copy, print or modify writing and drawings on plain paper (add 3D effect to texts, coloring drawings, etc…). The Naemura Group of the University of Tokyo is responsible for the development of this new computer paper technology through which, any ordinary paper would acquire display functions.

The new technology, in addition to using a camera and a computer, requires laser light and ultraviolet rays that make it possible to work directly, with hand drawn sketches, via computer. In this way, the user has the possibility of creating texts with a 3D effect, copy resident figures on paper, coloring outlines, etc. All this automatically.

So that the entire process of modifying texts and drawings on paper is possible, It is necessary to first use a special marker with Frixion thermosensitive ink. thanks to him, ink becomes invisible when heat is applied, in such a way that any drawing can be erased at intervals of 0,024 mm.
Regarding the paper used, is coated with a photochromic material, which allows it to change color when it absorbs light. At this point the ultraviolet projector comes into play driven with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, which will allow the image and colors to be printed on the paper.

According to its creators, “This is a technology to actually turn plain paper into a display. Until now, It has been possible to project things onto paper and use it as a screen, or import drawings to PC by using a digital pen. The first method uses light, so the results can only be seen in the dark, and the second method, although it is possible to import things, You can't access them on paper from your computer.. The idea is to do the computing on paper. In the future, we would like to get multiple people to create a document, just like with Google Docs, but using the role of the real world while they are away….”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8iiqFoXaEI[/youtube]