Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an electronics-free method of storing and displaying encrypted images. Inspired in part by color-changing ability of squid, the display will reveal the encrypted information in response to magnetic fields.
The researchers’ screen could be used wherever light and power sources are cumbersome or undesirable, including clothing, stickers, ID badges, barcodes and e-book readers. A single screen can reveal an image for everyone to see when placed near a standard magnet, or a private, encrypted image when placed over a complex array of magnets that acts like an encryption key.
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“This device can be programmed to show specific information only when the right keys are provided. And there is no code or electronics to be hacked,” said Abdon Pena-Francesch, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering and co-corresponding author. “This could also be used for color-changing surfaces, for example on camouflaged robots.”
