#Japan #Tokyo #IOWN #Canon #NTT East

Innovating Volumetric Video Experiences

In an exciting collaboration aimed at transforming the realm of video technology, Canon Inc. and NTT East Corporation have taken significant steps towards leveraging their combined capabilities. Utilizing NTT East's next-generation communication framework, IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network), they are set to commence technological verifications of the All-Photonics Connect system in January 2026. This partnership is geared towards creating novel visual experiences through volumetric video systems.

Background of the Collaboration

Canon has established a strong foothold in the realm of volumetric video systems, which allow real-time capture and rendering of images for various applications, including sports broadcasts and live music events. In parallel, NTT East plans to roll out the All-Photonics Connect service by December 2024, emphasizing high-speed, high-capacity, and low-latency communication.

The volumetric video technology captures spatial data through approximately 100 cameras simultaneously, converting it into 3D data. This process involves handling large volumes of data, necessitating seamless and low-latency communication to ensure a smooth viewing experience. Hence, the partners recognize the potential of integrating All-Photonics Connect with volumetric video systems to deliver groundbreaking entertainment.

Overview of the Initiative

Previously, all processes—from camera data processing to viewpoint manipulation and video generation—were carried out on-site. The collaboration aims to connect the filming locations, video generation hubs, and viewing sites through the All-Photonics Connect network. This integration will facilitate the transmission of large camera data that traditional networks cannot handle, enhancing the responsiveness and stability of viewpoint changes from remote locations.

Ultimately, this will lead to the decentralization of functions that were once clustered at filming sites, allowing for the provision of versatile volumetric video systems. Additionally, there will be an exhibition at NTT East's “Regional Future Co-Creation Forum” on January 28, 2026, at NTTe-City Labo, where participants can experience remote viewing and interactive viewpoint manipulation.

Roles of the Partner Companies

• - Canon: Provider of the volumetric video systems.
• - NTT East: Supplier of the All-Photonics Connect environment.

Future Prospects

As a result of this collaboration, the possibilities for generating, viewing, and manipulating volumetric video are set to extend beyond traditional filming locations, allowing remote access to these capabilities. This innovation will eliminate the need for transporting complex equipment to venues like stadiums, effectively lowering costs through optimized layouts.

Consequently, audiences will be able to enjoy volumetric video content from distant places, experiencing entertainment from personalized angles and perspectives. The two companies are committed to working together to pioneer unprecedented video experiences and entertainment offerings through their joint efforts with the volumetric video and All-Photonics Connect integration.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to this initiative, please reach out via the 'Contact Us' form on either company's website:

Canon Inc.
Imaging Business Headquarters
IMG32 Business Promotion Center
Canon Imaging

NTT East Corporation
Business Development Headquarters
Cloud & Network Business
IOWN Service Division
NTT East Business

Notes

1. IOWN stands for Innovative Optical and Wireless Network, an initiative aimed at creating an optimized network and information processing infrastructure focusing on light.
2. The All-Photonics Network offers a communication service utilizing light wavelengths across all network segments. NTT East launched its APN IOWN 1.0 service in March 2023, with plans to provide All-Photonics Connect by December 2024.
3. NTTe-City Labo is a facility where NTT East engages in local problem-solving solutions with various partners, set to open an IOWN Lab in January 2024 for collaborative demonstrations.