Sony has launched its first camera tracking system, OCELLUS (ASR-CT1), designed to simplify augmented reality (AR) and virtual production applications in broadcast and cinema. Offering marker-free camera tracking, OCELLUS uses multiple sensors to provide precise camera position and orientation data in real time. The system is camera-agnostic, allowing it to be used with both cinema and broadcast cameras, including Sony and non-Sony models.

Designed for virtual production techniques such as in-camera VFX (ICVFX) and AR, OCELLUS comprises a sensor unit, a processing box, and three lens encoders. The system leverages five image sensors and Sony’s Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to create a reference map, enabling stable, marker-free tracking both indoors and outdoors.

When paired with Sony cameras, OCELLUS can extract focus, iris, and zoom metadata via the camera’s SDI output and transmit it in real time via Ethernet. For lenses that do not support direct metadata acquisition, lens encoders can be affixed to the camera to obtain this information. The system also supports recording tracking data, camera and lens metadata, timecode, and file names, streamlining post-production workflows for virtual production and AR applications.

Sony continues to support creators in the virtual production and AR space with an expanding ecosystem, including the Crystal LED VERONA display series and software-based solutions such as the Virtual Production Toolset.

Key Features of OCELLUS (ASR-CT1):

• Stable, marker-free tracking with high occlusion resistance, crucial for AR and virtual production.
• Real-time tracking data extraction from at least one image sensor, even in complex environments.
• IR LED support on each image sensor for low-light tracking.
• Visible Light Cut Unit for stable tracking in environments with frequent lighting changes.
• Compact and lightweight sensor unit (approx. 250g), with easy installation via NATO rail mounting parts.
• Single USB Type-C connection between the sensor unit and processing box, eliminating additional power cables.

With OCELLUS, Sony aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of virtual production workflows, offering seamless integration from acquisition to final display.