CyberCode

CyberCode is a visual tagging system designed for augmented reality (AR) applications, based on an image recognition technology that uses visual-markers. It was developed by Dr. Jun Rekimoto back in 1996. In addition to its ID number, the 3D position of a printed 2D code can be determined from images captured by low-cost sensors such as webcams.

To recognize a CyberCode, a captured image is binarized and candidate areas are picked up. If the black and white cell pattern in a given candidate area represents a correct bit pattern, the area is recognized as a correct CyberCode.

While recognizing 2D codes, the 3D position and orientation of the camera is estimated in relation to the distortion of the incoming visual code images. CG information is then overlaid on actual images based on such camera position estimation.

By applying this theory, compound of actual images and CG images with correlated position can be easily formulated, without the use of expensive 3D position sensor devices. All it requires is a low-cost camera and visual-markers.

Certain Sony products and services have implemented CyberCode after its development. For example, a CyberCode application was pre-installed in the camera-equipped Sony VAIO C1 in 1998. A kiosk terminal utilizing CyberCode is being installed in the Sony Building in Ginza since 2006. A PLAYSTATION 3 game title, "THE EYE OF JUDGMENT", which combines trading cards and CyberCode was released in 2007.

CyberCode itself is also being extended. Active CyberCode added more interactivity to a printed code. Fractal CyberCode made a recognition range much wider. We think that the CyberCode family is an affordable and flexible solution to construct a wide variety of AR applications.

http://www.sonycsl.co.jp/person/rekimoto/matrix/Matrix.html

The Eye of Judgment Official Site(US)
CyberCode Introduction Movie (81tech.tv @Japan)