ALVAR for Virtools

Table of contents

• AlvarForVirtools
• Introduction
• Main Features
• Examples (videos, pdf)
• Contact
• Using AlvarForVirtools
• Install AlvarForVirtools.dll
• Verify Installation
• Test and Calibrate
• Virtools Resources
• Sample Compositions

Introduction

ALVAR is a software library for creating virtual and augmented reality applications. ALVAR has been developed by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

AlvarForVirtools.dll is a plug-in for 3DVia Virtools 5.0 implementing the main functionalities of ALVAR 1.3.0 Basic.

Thus the AlvarForVirtools.dll plug-in adds Augmented Reality support to Virtools.

In order to use AlvarForVirtools.dll, you need the AlvarForVirtools distribution package, Virtools 5.0, and a webcam.

Main Features

• AlvarForVirtools detects binary markers with bit matrix content, there are 256 different markers
• AlvarForVirtools detects the markers in a Virtools Texture
• Usually the input texture is acquired with Virtools Video
• Detection inputs: marker id, marker scale, mode, marker orientation
• Normal mode: AlvarForVirtools returns the position and orientation of the target marker in camera coordinates
• Inverted mode: AlvarForVirtools returns the position and orientation of the camera in marker coordinates
• Marker orientation: marker up axis mapping to virtools axis (+-X, +-Y, +-Z)
• AlvarForVirtools also detects multimarkers, i.e. a marker field:
• A set of markers can be defined to form a marker field. Detection succeeds even if only one of the markers is visible
• AlvarForVirtools supports camera calibration and image undistortion option
• AlvarForVirtools supports marker hiding option
• AlvarForVirtools supports simple optical flow tracking option

Examples

• See AVI video (20 MB) of using AlvarForVirtools: Eva character
• See WMV video (3 MB) of using AlvarForVirtools: Eva character
• See WMV video (17 MB) of using AlvarForVirtools: Crusher machine
• See WMV video (5 MB) of using AlvarForVirtools: Star engine


• Download AlvarForVirtools features description PDF

Contact

Currently only a free three-month evaluation license is available: The license contract (*.doc) must be signed.

• For licensing options and other questions please contact alvar.info@vtt.fi
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VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Vuorimiehentie 3, Espoo, Finland
charles.woodward@vtt.fi

Copyright © 2010 VTT, Finland

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