Ncam to demo live augmented reality

Augmented reality overlays virtual graphics on top of images of a physical environment.

Ncam says its system enables live virtual broadcast graphics in a studio or on location and on any camera rig through use of a sensor bar attached to the camera which tracks points on a set irrespective of camera movement.

A stream of positional and rotational data is then sent to a graphics engine for the blending of real and virtual elements.

On display at BVE will be the Ncam Live 7D system, which provides six degrees of freedom in camera tracking: the position in X, Y and Z space, plus pan, tilt and roll, allowing for handheld use.

The addition of zoom, focus and aperture settings from the lens means that the precise field of view of the camera can be calculated, the firm said.

Also on show will be Ncam’s new PTZ software, which provides a “low-cost” route to camera tracking when the camera is on a fixed mount and only pan, tilt and zoom are required.

“Augmented reality has had a huge impact on broadcast television and our aim is to help broadcasters achieve remarkable immersive coverage,” said Ncam chief executive Nic Hatch.

“Our unique patented camera tracking solution offers broadcast productions virtual and augmented graphic technology without limits – it’s virtually instantaneous to set up, completely stable in long-term operation, and applicable to any camera and style of shooting.”