BoxFinder: Finding items in boxes using images and visual markers

We propose a novel search technique using images and visual markers to help users find commodities stored in boxes. Users capture images of the commodities stored in boxes with a visual marker, and the images are automatically uploaded onto an online database tagged with the box ID. Users can then browse these images using either an offsite Web browser or an onsite mobile computer. In the latter case, users superimpose images on the corresponding boxes using a camera-equipped portable computer. Moreover, while browsing the images, users can detect the location of the boxes using visual markers attached to each shelf. This information is used to locate a box in future quests for items.