SRX Racing first up as Pixotope launches AR tracking innovation for drone shots

Pixotope has launched a new camera tracking software innovation that is said to make it easier to create and follow augmented reality (AR) graphics elements that have been designed to work with a live feed from a drone.

Called Pixotope Fly, the markerless, through-the-lens (TTL) tracking solution uses computer vision technology to leverage video from the onboard camera to identify anchor points in the natural live environment such as rocks, trees, buildings, etc., to lock onto and track against 3D graphics. The software uses these natural anchor points to generate a virtual point cloud set of digital tracking markers which respond and adapt to changes in the environment.

Also compatible with cable cams, it “removes the complex set-up and creative constraints imposed by tracking markers,” the company said.

Pixotope Fly has already been put to the test on CBS Sports’ live coverage of SRX Racing, the US stock car racing series. The animation work was done by Pixotope creative partner Silver Spoon Animation.

David Dowling, chief revenue officer at Pixotope said that Fly “needs no specialist sensor cameras, markers, or proprietary hardware to work and it’s deceptively simple to use. All you need is a drone or cable cam and the software to get started. What would have previously required a helicopter and Hollywood blockbuster calibre post-production can now be achieved with a single software solution in real-time.”

During SRX Racing coverage, the Pixotope Fly-calibrated drone pulled away into a wide shot to reveal an animated graphic of the winning driver next to their car surrounded by real-time particle effects. In addition, Silver Spoon delivered a gravity-defying RV stunt jump over the track as an advertisement.

You can see the technology in action here: https://silverspoonanimation.com/work/srx-racing/

“Our client wanted something that viewers had never seen before; but to deliver a first-of-its-kind AR graphics package we needed a first-of-its-kind technology solution,” said Dan Pack, managing director at Silver Spoon Animation.

“Thanks to its software-based TTL tracking technology, Pixotope Fly enabled us to go beyond what was previously possible in real-time and achieve extraordinary live effects for the client.”