Ncam Demos At Inter BEE 2015

Ncam will demonstrate the capabilities of live augmented reality in broadcast alongside partner company Vitec Videocom at Inter BEE 2015, 18–20 November.

Augmented reality places virtual graphics elements into real images, but as sports or news coverage cannot be delayed while virtual graphical elements are processed and added, it is important to the success of the technique that the virtual elements should remain perfectly positioned in the real image. This means tracking the view of the camera to a very high degree of precision.

The Ncam solution, which enables live virtual broadcast graphics in a studio or on location, and on any camera rig, uses a sensor bar attached to the camera to automatically identify points of interest and track them whatever the camera movement. The resultant stream of positional and rotational data is sent to the graphics engine for the accurate blending of real and virtual elements.

Featuring at Inter BEE will be the NNcam 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. Adding zoom, focus and aperture settings from the lens means that the precise field of view of the camera can be calculated.

Ncam's new PTZ software will also be on display. It provides a low-cost route to camera tracking when the camera is on a fixed mount and only pan, tilt and zoom are required. Through the company's core tracking technology, the PTZ software is capable of providing real-time adjustments, i.e. if the camera is on a high platform or a crane which will have its own uncommanded movements.

"Augmented reality has already had a huge impact on broadcast television and our aim is to help broadcasters achieve remarkable immersive coverage," said Nic Hatch, CEO of Ncam. "At Inter BEE we'll be demonstrating our Ncam Live Products – 7D and PTZ. This unique 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."

www.ncam-tech.com

(JP/LM)