Sony has claimed it has revolutionised Augmented Reality (AR) by eliminating the need for markers in the real world on which to key virtual graphics.

According to Sony, its SmartAR technology uses "object recognition technology" to spot real objects, such as photographs and posters, plus Sony's proprietary "'3D space recognition technology", which has been comes from it research into robots such as Aibo and Qrio.

"With SmartAR technology, objects can be recognised and tracked at high-speed," the company said. "In addition to displaying virtual objects or additional image or text information, the technology also facilitates the expression of AR information over an extended space, thus producing a dynamic, large-scale AR experience."

In other words, when the system knows where a recognised object is in the room, it can track other items, superimposing additional AR information on screen, even if the original object is out of view. Here's an example of the tech in action"

This is quite a step-up from Nintendo's 3DS, which requires an AR card to be in view at all times. Despite being shown off on a phone, Sony says we'll see SmartAR used for gaming, increasing speculation that the technology could be embedded on the company's next handheld, the NGP. ®