Project Tango, Google's 3D camera scanning, has graduated from experimental laboratory of Google and is on its way to the real world.
The scanner began as a concept for a smart phone to explore the world around them in 3D. Then you could make a model that could be used for augmented reality or shortcuts to important things or people.
"The technology could be used to map the dimensions of a home before buying furniture or give simple instructions around a new building:" Google says. It could also help people with visual disabilities by providing assistance to walk around.
Over time, it could be integrated into the games, too, allowing children to play hide and seek with animated characters or change known places at sites of other animations.
Now it has moved from experimentation to Google Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) division, and a "new home within Google".
In a Google+ post announcing the move, ATAP, said: "We are very excited about continuing commitment to the development of technology to our customers."
The move is likely to indicate that the technology could be on their way into consumer devices. Google said it is working with LG to make a version of the technology that people can buy ready for release this year.
Journey of project Tango
Kit Development of Project Tango allows other applications engineers do using technology. It has been used in projects such as augmented reality application Target, which scans store shelves.
Running is done on a special tablet that is made for developers to test the kit. It has also been released in a device which is in the size of a phone.
The technology track people through a combination of "advanced computer vision, image processing and specialized sensors," according to the official project page. It is built on the back of a tablet, which can display the results in the front.
The scanner began as a concept for a smart phone to explore the world around them in 3D. Then you could make a model that could be used for augmented reality or shortcuts to important things or people.
"The technology could be used to map the dimensions of a home before buying furniture or give simple instructions around a new building:" Google says. It could also help people with visual disabilities by providing assistance to walk around.
Over time, it could be integrated into the games, too, allowing children to play hide and seek with animated characters or change known places at sites of other animations.
Now it has moved from experimentation to Google Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) division, and a "new home within Google".
In a Google+ post announcing the move, ATAP, said: "We are very excited about continuing commitment to the development of technology to our customers."
The move is likely to indicate that the technology could be on their way into consumer devices. Google said it is working with LG to make a version of the technology that people can buy ready for release this year.
Kit Development of Project Tango allows other applications engineers do using technology. It has been used in projects such as augmented reality application Target, which scans store shelves.
Running is done on a special tablet that is made for developers to test the kit. It has also been released in a device which is in the size of a phone.
The technology track people through a combination of "advanced computer vision, image processing and specialized sensors," according to the official project page. It is built on the back of a tablet, which can display the results in the front.