PolarTag: Invisible data with light polarization

Abstract

Visual tags (e.g., barcodes, QR codes) are ubiquitous in modern day life, though they rely on obtrusive geometric patterns to encode data, degrading the overall user experience. We propose a new paradigm of passive visual tags which utilizes light polarization to imperceptibly encode data using cheap, widely-available components. The tag and its data can be extracted from background scenery using off-the-shelf cameras with inexpensive LCD shutters attached atop camera lenses. We examine the feasibility of this design with real-world experiments. Initial results show zero bit errors at distances up to 3.0 m, an angular-detection range of 110°, and robustness to manifold ambient light and occlusion scenarios.