
Canon is investing in new technologies, and announces MREAL. MREAL is a system based on a software platform (MP-100) and a headset (HM-A1). It generates video of the surroundings by the means of two cameras mounted in front above the eyes of who is using the headset, and combines everything with graphics generated by a computer. The result are 3-D images. Canon is targeting manufacturers, researchers, museum exhibit curators and designers, to name a few. Canon will also let developers access the SDK for application development. There is a hands-on video made by Engadget.
Canon’s press release:
MELVILLE N.Y., February 21, 2013 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the introduction of its Canon MREAL System for Mixed Reality (MR), a new imaging solution that simultaneously merges virtual objects with the real world, at full scale and in three dimensions. By combining the rich, visual information of the real world and the flexibility offered by computer-generated images, MR offers an imaging experience that is a step ahead of existing virtual reality technology, which currently only produces computer-generated environments. The MREAL System and its associated professional services inclusive of MR implementation, integration to customer systems, and custom development can benefit companies in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, construction, aerospace, medical, defense, and entertainment, to name a few.
“In today’s competitive markets, companies are constantly looking for solutions that can help them introduce new products to market in a timely and efficient fashion. The new Canon MREAL System for Mixed Reality allows decision-makers to evaluate a product’s design and operability like never before,” said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A. “Canon has a very strong commitment to the augmented reality space, and by leveraging our strong heritage and leadership in optics, we intend to deliver solutions based upon Mixed Reality for use in industries including manufacturing, aerospace and entertainment.”
Key benefits of the MREAL System are: