By Dan DiGiacomo, Associate Editor, March 6, 2012
After several years of development, Canon took over Manhattan’s Classic Car Club on February 20 to unveil the MREAL System for Mixed Reality (MR), a new imaging solution that merges computer-generated virtual objects with reality in three dimensions. The technology is one of many that demonstrate the company’s wide reach in digital imaging, which goes far beyond cameras and document imaging devices like printers and MFPs. Consistently among the top recipients of US patents, Canon also makes broadcasting equipment, camcorders, and radiography and ophthalmic diagnostic equipment for use in medical fields.
Canon envisions numerous uses for MR technology, including the ability for manufacturers of high-end products, such as automobiles or MFPs, to create and visualize virtual prototypes without the expense of building actual test models. “In today’s competitive markets, companies are constantly looking for solutions that can help them introduce new products to market in a timely and efficient fashion,” said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager of marketing for Canon U.S.A.’s Business Imaging Solutions Group. “Canon has a very strong commitment to the augmented reality space, and by leveraging our strong heritage and leadership in optics, we intend to deliver solutions based upon Mixed Reality for use in industries including manufacturing, aerospace and entertainment.”