devEyes: Tangible Devices on Augmented Passive Surfaces

Abstract

We present a novel approach to turn smartphones/ tablets into tangible near-surface devices with augmented reality (AR) capability on virtually any passive surface, like desks, tables and wallboards. A low-cost optoelectronic add-on for the device back camera enables position tracking on an almost-invisible printable fiducial marker grid. This approach is promising in terms of adoption potential because it can be used anywhere with existing devices, requires no dedicated hardware installations and is applicable to a broad range of real-world applications.