Sony is pushing the boundaries of augmented reality with a system that places virtual objects in your physical environment. SmartAR integrated augmented reality captures visuals through a camera on a device such as a tablet or smartphone and displays additional information such as objects, images or text. The object captured by the camera is recognised and can be tracked along with the movement of the camera as it is displayed over the actual 3D space.
SmartAR uses ‘object recognition technology’, an established AR
approach which does not require special markers. Sony has combined
this with its proprietary 3D space recognition technology. Objects
can be recognized and tracked at high-speed.
Sony explains
that: “In addition to displaying virtual objects or additional images
or text information the technology also facilitates the expression
of AR information over an extended space, thus producing
a dynamic, large-scale AR experience”.
Sony is continuing to develop
the technology with its eyes on applications in advertising and gaming.