
Building City-scale 3D Location Fingerprint Maps for the 5G Era
KDDI CORPORATION
June 24,2019
We are pleased to announce that KDDI has entered into a strategic partnership with Sturfee Inc. (Headquartered in California, USA, CEO: Anil Cheriyadat, Sturfee) to jointly plan and develop services that utilize VPS technology, with the aim of creating a new communication scene in the 5G era and addressing spatial computing.
VPS (Visual Positioning Service) is deemed an evolution of the conventional Global Positioning System (Global Positioning System), a technology that matches 3D maps (3D Mesh), which are digital twins in the real world, with images taken through a camera installed in a smartphone or smart glass to identify highly accurate position information, including direction and orientation. Combined with AR (augmented reality), which also utilizes the camera functions of smartphones and smart glasses, it is expected to create a variety of new experiences, including digital signage and navigation linked to location information, as well as advertising, entertainment, art and education.
Sturfee has technology that can generate 3D location fingerprint maps for VPS from satellite imagery that can provide smartphones and wearable visual intelligence to recognize 3D surroundings anywhere in the city instantly. Compared to conventional method, for example 3D model generation using images taken with a smartphone or camera, it can make AR more seamless and more efficient for the entire city and space.
As part of this strategic partnership, KDDI will combine the VPS platform developed by Sturfee with KDDIs own content management server to offer VPS services to prospective customers and support their domestic usage.
Sturfees technology will be on display at KDDIs corporate event
KDDI 5G SUMMIT 2019 on June 27, 2019.
Anil Cheriyadat, CEO of Sturfee, says:.
Smartphones and wearables capable of recognizing and reacting to your surroundings using computer vision and AI will power the next era of communication in XR. VPS service could be a killer 5G service for smartphones and the anticipated large market for smart glasses in Japan. It is a great honor for us to be involved in making next-generation mobile computing happen in this field together with KDDI, one of the worlds largest telecommunications companies.
As KDDI works to integrate telecommunications with life design, we will fulfill our role as a company that provides excitement, creating new kinds of communication through XR applications in the 5G era to generate new experiential value.
1. Strategic Partnership Overview
Promotion of 3D location fingerprint map generation, joint planning and development for VPS in Japan
Promotion of demonstration tests with partner companies in Japan
2. Sturfee Technology Features
(1)
Precise, and extensive 3D location fingerprint maps
Sturfee can create City-scale 3D models, digital twins of the real world, from satellite imagery. A place where buildings exist, and where satellite photographs can be obtained, it is possible to make Sturfee VPS area.
AI-powered 3D Location Recognition
High esolution Satellite View
Satellite imaging allows us to analyze and organize ground data (trees, roads, and building geometries) from the sky and build a 3D mesh of the city.
City-scale Visual Fingerprint Map
Every single location is converted into a visual fingerprint using the ground data we analyzed from satellite imagery, transforming the city into a fingerprint map.
Computer Vision 3D Recognition
Our proprietary computer vision algorithms instantly extract visual fingerprint map to determine the users exact location and project e 3D mesh for AR usage.
--
(Store information in the city overlaid on the building)
(Show route to destination on road)
(2)
Realization of Marker-less AR outdoors
Instead of using the QR Code (trade mark of Denso wave, Ltd.), which has been used as a location marker in conventional AR services, you can use the landscape of the city itself, including buildings you normally see, to identify the location.
For example, when you get out of a subway station and go up to the ground, you can quickly identify the exact position and the direction to which you are facing by simply holding up your smartphone or smart glass camera. Compared with the existing method of locating using only GPS functions, you can expect to be less likely to get lost.
Moreover, since the surrounding buildings and roads can be grasped as three-dimensional objects, not only the location and direction can be determined, but also the city itself can be used as a 3D space, and by combining with AR technology, it becomes possible to offer more advanced games (Use absolute position information instead of relative one) with the city as the stage.
Recognize surrounding buildings and roads as 3D meshes
(image photo for illustration purposes only)
QR Code (R) is a trademark or registered trademark of DENSO WAVE CORPORATION.
Company and product names used throughout are the registered copyrighted property of their respective owners.
The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.
Asia, Australia & Oceanic Stories
14/05/2026
SBS Board appoints Jane Palfreyman Managing Director
13 May, 2026
Media releases
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to an...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns
14 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS, NITV and Screen Australia have announced ...
14/05/2026
Australia Uncovered Returns to SBS with Bold New Season Featuring John Safran on...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns 14 May 2026
Top (L-R): Bronte Gosper (Musket), Mema Munro (Rogue One), Nathan ...
12/05/2026
One month to go! SBS reveals expansive FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup beyond the pi...
11/05/2026
You're not meant to look at an Eclipse, but you won't be able to take yo...
04/05/2026
It's Andrew! stomps onto screens this June 4 May 2026
The ABC and Screen Australia are delighted to announce that brand new preschool series, It's Andr...
30/04/2026
SBS & NITV LEAD NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 WITH LANDMARK GULPILIL DOCUMEN...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
23/04/2026
Apply now to join the 2026 Producer Delegation to TIFF: The Market 23 April 2026
Screen Australia, in partnership with Ontario Creates, has opened application...
22/04/2026
SBS names shortlisted brands for 2026 SBS Media Sustainability Challenge
22 April, 2026
Media releases
National broadcaster also releases its second annual...
21/04/2026
Applications open for 2026 AISF and Screen Australia Writer/Director Virtual Ses...
20/04/2026
Register now - Market & Audience Department Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 11 February 2026
Screen Australia Head of Market & Audience Rakel Tansley
Talking to...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces funding for 44 documentary projects that reflect a s...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia appoints Tanya Phegan as Narrative Content Head of Development 17 March 2026
Tanya Phegan
Screen Australia has today announced the appointmen...
20/04/2026
Applications Open for Skip Ahead 11 19 March 2026
Past Skip Ahead recipients (L-R): Macfarlane Bros, Rainbow Bop, Lyanna Kea.
Screen Australia and YouTube Aus...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia empowers the next games generation, including new creatives fro...
20/04/2026
Official Co-production Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session 26 March 2026
Image (L-R): Mix Tape, Michele McDonald, Flower & Flour.
Interested in international Co-pro...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia announces Narrative Content funding for 91 projects, including ...
20/04/2026
Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) pinpoints four key workfo...
20/04/2026
Australians in Film and Screen Australia Announce the 2026 Participants in the T...
20/04/2026
Screen Australia relaunches website with new tools and improved user experience 16 April 2026
Screen Australia relaunches website
Screen Australia has relaun...
16/04/2026
SBS reveals all-star alumni team to celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Co...
02/04/2026
SBS Welcomes Back Cup Fever! For The Biggest FIFA World Cup Ever
2 April, 2026
Media releases
Santo Cilauro, Ed Kavalee and a host of special guests retur...
02/04/2026
Truth. Power. Perspective: NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return t...
27/03/2026
NITV to broadcast farewell to Rhoda Roberts AO with special coverage and week-lo...
21/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnect highlights how we all deserve t...
21/03/2026
Statement regarding Rhoda Roberts AO
21 March, 2026
Media releases
SBS is deeply saddened by the passing of Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Na...
20/03/2026
Feast for cycling fans as SBS extends road cycling broadcasts to include all Gra...
19/03/2026
Silicon Valley satire The Audacity premieres 15 April on SBS and SBS On Demand
19 March, 2026
Media releases
From one of the writer/producers of Succession...
19/03/2026
SBS brings communities together at Bondi Pavilion for Harmony Week multilingual ...
19/03/2026
Clarification from SBS regarding Western Sydney expansion
19 March, 2026
Media releases
From an SBS spokesperson:
SBS wishes to clarify some media coverag...
19/03/2026
Techtel announces inctrl : web-based production control for content creators, co...
18/03/2026
Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture
18 March, 2026
Media releases
New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...
17/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnnect highlights how we all deserve ...
12/03/2026
AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle&...
06/03/2026
Statement on the appointment of Dr Nicholas Pappas AM as SBS Chair
6 March, 2026
Media releases
The SBS Board and Executive have welcomed the appointment o...
05/03/2026
SBS and Mint Pictures to chronicle the Bondi terror attack in major feature docu...
05/03/2026
Winter Olympic stars return to the ice for ISU World Figure Skating Championship...
04/03/2026
100 Days to Go: SBS Unveils World Class Team for The Greatest Show on Earth -The...
02/03/2026
Global powerhouse Delta Goodrem to represent Australia at this year's Eurovi...
02/03/2026
SBS brings together prominent voices to discuss rising social division and seek ...
02/03/2026
NITV Unveils Wednesday Night Sport Night
2 March, 2026
Media releases
A Midweek Hub for Blak Sport
Flagship NRL program Over The Black Dot moves to Wednes...
02/03/2026
Ausfilm and Screen Australia launch joint UK market initiative 2 March 2026
Ausfilm and Screen Australia have announced Partner with Australia (UK), a new init...
27/02/2026
Screen Australia announces Rachel Perkins as Director of First Nations Strategy 27 February 2026
Screen Australia has today announced the appointment of Rachel...
18/02/2026
SBS brings Australians together to mark Ramadan and Eid with communities nationw...
16/02/2026
SBS's Powerhouse Current Affairs Line-up is Back with the Conversations and ...
12/02/2026
Our Medicine S2: Frontline Medicine Through A Blak Lens
12 February, 2026
Media releases
A Bigger, Bolder Second Series showcasing First Nations Frontline ...
11/02/2026
ABS Strengthens Ku-Band Capacity and Expands Regional Reach Through Strategic Pa...