This approach was used in the 1950s/60s with ultraviolet light (rather than IR) to create a traveling matte. I'm not sure why visible-light techniques won out. Easier to make sure that the illumination is set up correctly, maybe?
Or maybe they didn't want to blind the talent. UV isn't something you want to bathe your retinas in.
Or maybe they didn't want to blind the talent. UV isn't something you want to bathe your retinas in.