Applying augmented reality techniques in the field of interactive collaborative design

In this paper we present a new interactive collaborative Augmented Reality system and demonstrate its functionality in a collaborative design application. After a short investigation of the requirements of a collaborative AR-system we introduce the main components and key features of our implementation. An easy and intuitive method for augmenting video frames based on available 3D geometry is introduced. Our system is able to handle object interactions such as mutual occlusion of real and virtual objects or collision between objects of both types. "Reality" is transmitted as a video stream to all partners in the collaboration. Compression technique is used to compress the PAL-size color video frames before transmission. Our system has been successfully tested in a test environment between Darmstadt and Rostock.