In-place Augmented Reality

In this paper we present a new vision-based approach for transmitting virtual models for augmented reality (AR). A two dimensional representation of the virtual models is embedded in a printed image. We apply image-processing techniques to interpret the printed image and extract the virtual models, which are then overlaid back on the printed image. The main advantages of our approach are: (1) the image of the embedded virtual models and their behaviors are understandable to a human without using an AR system, and (2) no database or network communication is required to retrieve the models. The latter is useful in scenarios with large numbers of users. We implemented an AR system that demonstrates the feasibility of our approach. Applications in education, advertisement, gaming, and other domains can benefit from our approach, since content providers need only to publish the printed content and all virtual information arrives with it.