Description

Introducing the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 camera tracking system

The Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 camera tracking system is an advanced markerless camera tracking designed for modern audiovisual productions. Lightweight, powerful, and extremely versatile, this system allows for the precise capture of camera movements and environmental data, enabling the integration of virtual elements in real time or in post-production.

Designed for demanding environments such as virtual production, augmented reality (AR) , or sets equipped with LED walls and green screens, the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 delivers precise tracking data thanks to a multi-sided sensor unit and a high-performance processing unit. The system can transmit metadata and synchronization information via a single SDI cable to select compatible Sony cameras.

Markerless tracking with Visual SLAM technology

The Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 uses Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to automatically identify key points in the environment. This method enables markerless tracking , eliminating the need for physical markers on the set.

This design reduces unwanted reflections, simplifies installation, and minimizes post-production corrections. The system works both indoors and outdoors and adapts to various setups with different types of cameras and lenses.

5-sided multifaceted sensor unit

The compact sensor unit incorporates a five-sided Multi-Eye. Four of the five sensors can operate simultaneously to capture as many points as possible in the environment. Even if only one side detects valid points, the system can continue to generate reliable tracking data.

Side-mounted infrared (IR) LED sensors allow the system to be used in low-light conditions. The sensor unit is also dust and moisture resistant , making it suitable for demanding filming environments.

It can be mounted in different orientations on the camera thanks to the supplied NATO rail, facilitating its integration into various shooting configurations.

Treatment unit and advanced connectivity

The central processing unit collects the sensor data and transmits it to the production systems. With certain compatible Sony cameras, metadata and synchronization can be retrieved directly via a single SDI cable.

The system can also transmit tracking, camera and lens data in FreeD format via a BaseT Ethernet connection , enabling integration into real-time graphic compositing workflows .

Encoding optical data for lenses

The system includes a lens data encoder that allows lens data to be retrieved when using non-Sony cameras. Its rotating mechanism detects the rotation angle of the zoom, focus, and iris and then transmits this information to the camera body via a 7-pin LEMO cable.

This solution allows for precise synchronization of optical data with camera movements for virtual production or visual effects workflows.

Practical examples with the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1

On a Virtual Production set , the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 allows camera movements to be synchronized with a 3D engine in order to display virtual environments on LED walls.

In Augmented Reality, it allows for the integration of real-time 3D graphics or objects into captured images. On traditional film sets, it also offers a composite preview on set and records tracking and lens data to facilitate post-production work.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1?

This is a professional markerless camera tracking system that allows you to capture camera movements and environmental data for Virtual Production, augmented reality and visual effects.

2. Does the system require markers on the board?

No. The system uses Visual SLAM technology which automatically recognizes characteristic points in the environment , thus avoiding the installation of physical markers.

3. Can it operate outdoors?

Yes. The Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 is designed to work both indoors and outdoors, even in complex environments.

4. How is the target data retrieved?

Thanks to the integrated lens encoder, which detects the rotation of the zoom, focus and iris and transmits this information to the processing unit via a 7-pin LEMO cable.

5. Does the system allow for a composition preview on the set?

Yes. It is possible to immediately view the composited images during filming and to record tracking data for post-production workflows.

Key features of the Sony Ocellus ASR-CT1 camera tracking system:

Markerless tracking based on Visual SLAM for quick, markerless installation

5-sided Multi-Eye sensor unit with IR LED sensors enabling precise tracking even in low light

Transmitting metadata via a single SDI cable with certain Sony cameras

Lens encoder included to retrieve zoom, focus, and iris data

Compatible with Virtual Production, AR and VFX with export of tracking data for post-production