Canon develops augmented reality for rapid product development

Canon has developed an augmented reality system that it will use for visualizing prototypes. Called Mixed Reality by Canon, the system should not only improve time-to-market, but also cut costs.

The Japanese company has been researching augmented reality applications for some time now. For example, Canon already demonstrated similar technology in 2009 using, among other things, a virtual aquarium as an overlay on live image. The company has now developed its Mixed Reality technology to the point where it is suitable for use as a product development tool.

The system uses a head-mounted display that is connected to a computer. The HMD is equipped with two cameras that transmit the live image of an object covered with special QR codes to a PC. This computer analyzes the incoming live streams and the QR codes, and ensures that the live image is combined with graphics, after which the resulting images are sent to the screens.

To make the graphics match the live image as closely as possible, Canon has constructed the hmd helmet in such a way that the optical axes of the cameras and the displays are in line. The video cameras use a simple prism to capture the image, while a three-sided free-form prism is used to display the combined image.

The ar system can be used, among other things, to help with product development. For example, a simple model can be used to visualize the final product. According to Canon, the system can lead to cost savings and faster product development, because employees gain insight earlier and faster through the visualization. Canon also sees opportunities for sales support and furnishing rooms.