Product information "Sony OCELLUS Tracking System"
Sony introduces its first camera tracking system, OCELLUS (ASR-CT1), designed to enhance augmented reality (AR) and virtual production workflows in broadcast and cinema. Utilizing marker-free camera tracking with multiple sensors, OCELLUS simplifies and accelerates setup and operation. It is camera-agnostic, making it compatible with both cinema and broadcast cameras.
- Markerless Tracking System for effortless and fast setup
- Multiple camera and IR sensors ensure precise and stable tracking results
- Versatile application support for Virtual Production, Green Screen shooting, AR, On-Set Preview, and Post-Production
- Complete system including Sensor Unit, Processing Box, and Lens Encoders
- Compatible with Sony Cinema Line, HDC cameras, and third-party cameras
- Optimized for use indoors, outdoors, and in low-light conditions
- Tracking data can be recorded as FBX files on SD cards
Advanced Tracking for Virtual Production & AR
OCELLUS is ideal for virtual production scenarios, such as In-Camera VFX and AR, transmitting real-time camera position and orientation data while filming. The system consists of a sensor unit, a processing box, and three lens encoders, ensuring broad compatibility with Sony Cinema Line cameras, system cameras, and non-Sony cameras.
With its five image sensors and Sony’s Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, OCELLUS generates a reference map, enabling stable, marker-free tracking both indoors and outdoors.
When used with Sony cameras, focus, iris, and zoom metadata can be extracted via SDI output and transmitted in real-time to external devices via Ethernet. If a lens lacks direct metadata support, lens encoders can be attached to capture this data, ensuring seamless integration into virtual production and AR workflows. Additionally, the system records tracking data, camera/lens metadata, timecode, and filenames, supporting post-production processes.
Sony continues to empower creators in virtual production and AR, offering solutions from acquisition to display, including the Crystal LED VERONA and software-based tools such as the Virtual Production Tool Set.
Applications
Virtual Production
Perfectly suited for LED volume and green screen workflows, OCELLUS eliminates the need for tracking cameras or IR markers. This removes reflections and reduces the need for corrections in post-production.
Augmented Reality
Deliver an immersive visual experience with real-time AR overlays. The system can transform any studio into a virtual studio, enabling everything from data visualizations to graphical overlays—without needing to reposition equipment or apply new markers.
On-Set Preview
Instantly review composited footage on-set or outdoors, with tracking data recorded as FBX files onto an SDXC memory card (UHS-II/UHS-I). This allows for real-time adjustments and streamlines post-production matching and finishing.
Post-Production
Record tracking and lens metadata during shooting, along with camera motion data obtained through match-moving, to support precise editing in post-production.
System Components
(1) Sensor Unit
The compact, lightweight Sensor Unit can be mounted in any position or orientation, thanks to its multi-eye image sensor. It attaches easily with the included NATO rail and can be adjusted without tools. Synchronization across multi-camera productions is seamless, as the system gathers camera metadata in real time.
- Dimensions: Approx. 86 mm × 60 mm × 43 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight: Approx. 250 g
(2) Processing Box
With a single SDI cable, metadata and sync information can be acquired from the camera (when using a Sony camera that supports lens metadata). The Processing Box features:
- Flexible mounting options with screw holes on the front and rear surfaces
- OLED display for real-time monitoring of camera tracking, lens data, and system status
- Genlock input, Timecode input, SDI input/output, and Lens Encoder connectors
(3) Lens Encoder
If a camera's SDI output does not support lens metadata, the Lens Encoder extracts data directly from the lens. A rotary mechanism precisely detects the rotation angles of the zoom, focus, and iris rings, transmitting this information to the Processing Box via LEMO 7-pin cable.
Key Features
- Marker-free tracking with five image sensors ensures stable, accurate data capture
- Infrared LEDs enhance tracking performance in low-light conditions
- Visible Light Cut Unit maintains stability in environments with flashing lights or rapid lighting changes
- Single USB Type-C® connection to the Processing Box with a secure lock mechanism
- Tracking data can be recorded as FBX files, synchronizing with video files for streamlined post-production
- Real-time transmission of tracking and lens metadata to CG rendering software (e.g., Unreal Engine)
Availability
-
Sony OCELLUS will be available from Oct. 25.