Metaio announced today that it has developed the first hands-free, marker-less augmented reality car manual on Google Glass, the prototype has been developed as a proof-of-concept of the capabilities of Metaio’s AR platform on wearable devices. The core technology and platform will both be updated to accommodate wearable devices from other manufacturers such as Epson and Vuzix.
Up until now, AR technology has used point clouds or algorithms to recognize objects or images before overlaying the related content. Metaio’s platform uses 3D model frameworks of objects, making it easier for the camera to recognize objects and overlay content in dynamic environments, such as the outdoors or under variable lighting. Metaio calls it “edge-based tracking”, since the camera is essentially comparing a lite 3D model to the actual object. Edges are lined up and the augmented reality experience immediately starts. It can also track things like furniture, cars, toys, airplanes, product packaging, electronics and even entire buildings. This technology will be showcased at InsideAR 2013, Metaio’s annual tech conference which takes place between October 10 and October 11 in Munich, Germany. Attendees will be able to try out the demo on Google Glass and will also be able to experience many other wearable demos that feature hands-free AR.