Subscribe now

A simple method of encrypting paper documents so that they cannot be read by the naked eye yet can easily be decrypted without a computer has been devised by MM Comercial of Brazil (WO 03/005634).

A computer creates an apparently random pattern of dots and prints it on a transparent overlay. The original text or picture is then printed onto paper as a pattern of dots, with enough dots missing to make it unrecognisable. When the mask is placed over the original, the two sets of dots combine to recreate the original image. What’s more, a single decryption mask…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop