WATCH: Pikachu runs behind objects in augmented reality demo
“Pokémon Go” creator Niantic demonstrated new augmented reality (AR) technology that allows Pikachu and other Pokémon to go behind real-world objects.
Current AR technology used in “Pokémon Go” simply overlaid 3D Pokémon characters on a view of the real world without any regard for the objects present. This means Pikachu could just randomly run over a table or a potted plant as if it were running on flat ground.
The Real World AR Occlusion featured on Niantic’s demo video demonstrated how a 3D AR character could navigate around real-world objects as if they were really there. What’s more, the technology can be applied to multiple 3D characters.
This technology made use of computer vision and deep learning artificial intelligence technology to develop methods of getting computer-generated 3D characters to interact with the real three-dimensional world.
The research team involved with the technology dubbed it “Codename: Niantic Occlusion.” The demonstration is still just a proof-of-concept, so hardware requirements for smartphones or whether the feature will make it to a future “Pokémon Go” update was not disclosed.
Nonetheless, the demo provides a glimpse of what can be achieved in future AR implementations. /ra
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