ALVAR – A Library for Virtual and Augmented Reality

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www.vtt.fi

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ALVAR – A Library for Virtual and

Augmented Reality

ALVAR is a suite of products and libraries for creating virtual and augmented reality applications. ALVAR has been developed by the VTT Technical Research Center of Finland.

• ALVAR Library includes a high-level application programming interface (API) and several tools to create augmented reality applications with just a few lines of code. Low-level interfaces also make it possible to develop your own solutions using alternative approaches or completely new algorithms.

• ALVAR Studio offers high-level tools for creating AR applications for desktop and mobile platforms with just a few mouse clicks.

• ALVAR Industrial Solutions are specifi c applications for industrial users, such as Architectural, Interior Design, and Publishing companies.

MAIN FEATURES

Marker based tracking

• Accurate marker pose estimation

• Two types of square matrix markers

• New marker types easy to add

• Recovering from occlusions

• Multiple markers for pose detection Markerless tracking

• Feature-based (tracking features from environment)

• Template-based (matching against predefi ned images or objects)

Rendering

• Materials, refl ections, transparency

• Matching image quality to video, motion blur

• Lighting from real environment, soft shadows Other features

• Hiding markers from view

• Tools for camera calibration

• Several methods for tracking optical fl ow

• Distorting/undistorting points, projecting points

• Kalman framework and several other fi lters Platforms

• Windows, Linux, mobile phones

ALVAR Library

Basic Pro Render Mobile

ALVAR Studio

Project Compose Application

Industry Solutions

Publishing Games Interiors Buildings Production

Research Scope

VR HTI VW

Publish AR

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Contact

Charles Woodward Research Professor Tel +358 20 722 5629 charles.woodward@vtt.fi Harri Nurmi

Customer Manager Tel +358 20 722 6199 harri.nurmi@vtt.fi

VTT Augmented Reality Team

www.vtt.fi /multimedia alvar.info@vtt.fi

ALVAR Business Solutions

SOLUTIONS FOR PUBLISHING COMPANIES

Adds augmented information to printed publications (technical and educational books, cartoons, product catalogues etc.)

• Based on markers or real features in the printed material

• Augmented objects can support various interactions and narratives

• Allows photorealistic renderings, soft shadows, marker erasing etc.

• Supports both desktop and mobile use

SOLUTIONS FOR INTERIOR DESIGN

Provides augmented reality tools for furniture manufacturers, interior designers and home decoration purposes.

• Marker-based furniture positioning

• Supports multiple room images and multiple markers

• Live webcam, still image or mobile phone view

• Highly realistic designs with lighting, shadows and textures

• VividAR – Alvar-based web service for consumers by VividWorks

SOLUTIONS FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

Seamless integration between architectural and BIM (building information model) systems:

• Compare project plans (4D BIM) with situation on-site

• Provide real-time mobile feedback from site to BIM-system

• Client-server system: Scalable even to mobile phones

• Construction site web cameras can be attached for public 4D demonstrations

ALVAR – A Library for Virtual and Augmented Reality

Business from technology