Visual augmented reality interface for table-top e-business environment

With rapid development of the Internet, diversified e-business models encourage changes in consumers´ shopping behaviors. In existing e-business models, most of the Web sites only provide images and limited information of the products for the consumers. Provided only with virtual images, it is difficult for them to judge how the products will afterwards fit in the real environments. In this research, the authors have attempted to provide precise visual images and correct information of the products for the consumers. To achieve this goal, the authors have adopted augmented reality technology as a tool to develop a system which allows the virtual products adopted from Web sites to merge in consumers´ actual home environment. In the developmental stage of the system, a desktop computer, a Web camera, location cards, and an interface in Web page form are incorporated to develop an interactive human/computer interface. This interface lets consumers augment the three-dimensional virtual artworks to a specified location of the actual environment. It also creates new shopping experiences for consumers