Machine Vision in Augmented and Virtual Reality Markets

This report discusses the market potential for advanced embedded vision in mobile and AR/VR devices. While a number of mobile devices currently support vision applications through software alone, this report considers more robust solutions that use advanced sensors and/or dedicated hardware. Both the augmented reality and virtual reality markets are still nascent and developing, but early traction in the industrial/commercial and consumer spaces respectively created some separation between the two device categories. VR, in particular, relied on outside-in positional tracking to provide a more immersive user experience but inside-out tracking will bring similar experiences to AR and eventually mixed and merged reality devices.

Embedded vision is a critical element for 6 DoF movement, which will support indoor positioning—a potential “killer app” to help drive wider use of AR and VR devices and embedded vision. The development of key embedded vision applications is paramount to the adoption and rollout of this technology to these devices. Embedded vision also has plenty of room for advancements like convolutional neural networks, which enhance object detection and identification. The markets for smart glasses, VR, and mobile devices with embedded vision are at different stages and will develop at different rates, but all markets are expected to increasingly support advanced vision applications in the coming years.