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QR UV / IR INK PRINTER SETUP

A project log for Invisible QR Code Navigation for Robots 2020

Cheap UV invisible QR codes for indoor navigation of robotics. Print labels from Inkjet Printer and read with a normal camera.

josh-starnesJosh Starnes 10/05/2018 at 14:391 Comment

This is a invisible code fresh from the printer, in the picture the ink has not dried yet, so you can clearly see that some thing was printed there. 

Using a 405nm LED on this code we get a bright and easily readable code, also the same code can be printed in the same area and lit with 780 nm IR and wold show as grey through a camera without an IR filter.

Using a workforce Epson W3700 printer I used fake ink cartridges and chips that trick the printer into thinking that the cartridges are genuine epson and also that the inks inside the cartridges are the correct type. In addition the chips also also never report empty, instead each time they are removed and re added they show full. This is very useful because these cartridges have rubber plugs that can be opened and refilled with the desired invisible ink.

I conclude printing the code was a great success that did not offer any issues once the printer was setup with the custom cartridges. My next test will be printing these onto clear matt stickers for use on the floor as well as furniture and other objects to be discretely marked.

Discussions

cutiepututie wrote 04/03/2025 at 11:12 point

Hi Josh, I loved your work on UV QR Codes usage in robotics
I am working on developing something where I require printing UV QR Codes
I have an inkjet printer from Canon Pixima I wish to modify it put in suitable uv ink and print it
If you can suggest how to get my hands dirty and get it done, it will be a great help. What ink to buy and how to utilise this non-standard ink in the printer to print it

It will be a great help if you can share your email or can connect over email.

~ Vishal
Research Scholar
IIT Jodhpur

p23cs0009@iitj.ac.in

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