Added value for readers with new PAPER.plus app

Berlin – With PAPERplus, ProcSet GmbH has developed an app to bridge the gap between print and online. Readers receive additional information on their mobile device when scanning images from newspapers or other printed products. The PDF documents supplied by customers need to be submitted in a print-ready format, which ProcSet ensures by using pdfToolbox from callas software. This software contains reliable rendering technology, ensuring accurate image reproduction.

PAPERplus enhances printed images with augmented reality functionality

Wherever the PAPERplus logo is displayed, whether it’s in newspapers or magazines, on posters or flyers, readers can visualise additional offers. All they need to do is scan the image with their smartphone or tablet. Alongside features including direct access to websites and shops, the enhanced images are leading the user into a world of augmented reality, showing videos, 3D models and other effects.

Image recognition and augmented reality

Reliable image recognition that delivers a well-defined digital fingerprint of the identified image is required. This is then compared with a database holding the supplementary information. "It is necessary to manipulate the image such that it matches the printed result exactly", explains Stefan Rost, Managing Director at ProcSet GmbH. "We decided to use pdfToolbox, as it provides very reliable rendering technology."

Dietrich von Seggern, Managing Director at callas software GmbH, adds: "PAPERplus is a smart app, transporting readers of printed products into the digital world with a simple scan. We are delighted to be able to deliver a key component with pdfToolbox that will ensure a smooth process."

Behind all this is a lean workflow. Customers upload their advertisements or articles as PDF files via a cloud-based SaaS composer tool by a simple drag and drop. This action employs the pdfToolbox to create the print-ready image. As a final step, the supplementary information to be displayed when the user scans the image is added using an easy-to-use web application.

ProcSet has been a callas customer since 2008 and has been using pdfToolbox as part of its print production for publishers ever since. This is where the software fully comes into its own, for instance for proofing, converting and print preparation.

The PAPERplus app is available for free download in the AppStore and Play Store.

For more information, please visit www.paper.plus.