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Vuzix, the world leader in alternate reality display systems for the consumer market, provides ‘The Way In®’ for users to immerse themselves in virtual, augmented and mixed reality applications.
To assist software and hardware developers in their efforts, Vuzix created its Developer Support Program, free of charge and open to all developers; students, hobbyists and professionals.
Developer Program Benefits:- Cost free license for SDKs (Software Development Kit)
- Vuzix Developer Newsletter
- Access to ‘supported applications’ marketing assistance
- Development hardware assistance (qualified commercial developers*)
- Key Product Assistance (select projects*)
- Direct access to Vuzix developer resources
* Requires Vuzix authorization – limited availability
Join the Vuzix Developer ProgramTo join the Vuzix Developer Program simply complete the Developer Program Request form or download one of our SDKs. There is no cost or obligation and you can cancel your participation at any time.
Software Development KitsSDKs are currently available for iWear VR920 support for the Mac O/S and Windows XP/Vista. Additional SDKs are in development for AR applications. -
Vuzix SDKThe Vuzix SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of development resources and examples that demonstrate the application native support for special features and capabilities provided by certain models of Vuzix video eyewear. It is available for download from the Vuzix website and can be used royalty-free in any non-competing application, including commercial software.
Two Vuzix SDKs are available, a Windows and a Mac version. The Mac version is limited, demonstrating iWear VR920 head tracking support only. The Windows version SDK supports both 32 and 64-bit operating systems and supports a more robust feature set covering the iWear VR920 and the Wrap line of video eyewear products and their accessories.SDK – Windows Version
The following, unless stated otherwise, refers to the current Windows version of the Vuzix SDK.
Vuzix SDK examples are provided in: C++, C# and XNA
The Vuzix SDK demonstrates support for:OpenGL: Full screen and windowed mode
Full screen and windowed mode
DirectX: Full screen and windowed mode
Full screen and windowed mode
XNA: Full screen and windowed mode
MFC windowed mode application, demonstrating head tracking only support.
Product ID
The SDK demonstrates using "Product ID" to identify what products features and capabilities are operational. As this SDK supports two Vuzix eyewear model lines, each featuring different stereoscopy and head-tracking technologies, these capabilities enable the correct support to be enabled transparent to the end-user.
Stereoscopic Video
The Vuzix iWear VR920 utilizes USB frame sequential stereoscopy and the Wrap line of video eyewear supports side-by-side stereoscopy. Both types are demonstrated in the SDK and supported by the Vuzix stereoscopic video drivers.
Head Tracking
The Vuzix iWear VR920 includes an integrated 3-degree of freedom head tracker and Wrap video eyewear support a plug-in 6-degree of freedom (DOF) capable head tracker. Both types of trackers are demonstrated in the SDK. RAW and Cooked output is available for the Wrap Tracker 3-DOF tracking is demonstrated in the SDK as is reading raw tracker data. You are free to use the demonstrated 3-DOF tracking or provide your own for 6-DOF algorithm.
AR Extension
Support for the Wrap 920AR stereo camera pair and ALVAR fiduciary markers have been added to the Vuzix SDK in an AR Extension. This Extension is packed in a separate installer so only those developers interested in AR topics need install it. It demonstrates the use of OpenCV with video from the two cameras and ALVAR markers, from VTT, one of the many marker options available to AR developers.
SDK Feature Support by Product
iWear VR920 (Mac)
iWear VR920, 3-DOF head tracking
iWear VR920 (Windows 32 & 64-bit)
iWear VR920, 3-DOF head tracking
USB frame sequential stereoscopy
Wrap 920, 920AR, 1200 & VR1200 (Windows 32 & 64-bit)
Wrap Tracker 6TC, 3-DOF head tracking
Wrap Tracker 6TC, raw data
Side-by-side stereoscopy
Acquiring Vuzix SDK
The Vuzix SDK is available for download and royalty free use in applications, including commercial use, for support of non-competing products. It can be downloaded from the Vuzix website’s Support/Developer Program web page.
Upon clicking the SDK download link, you are presented with a license form and drop list to select either the Windows or Mac version.
Note: Please fill in the License Agreement form accurately. The provision of false or inaccurate information negates your license to use the SDK and its contents. If you intend to use the SDK for multiple applications, please list each in the description section.
Once the license form has been submitted, you’ll be emailed a direct download link. If you do not receive the download link email within 30 minutes, please check you “junk” email folder as auto-reply emails are often trapped by spam filters.
AR Cameras
The iWear CamAR camera for the iWear VR920 and the stereo camera pair on the Wrap 920AR are recognized by Windows based operating systems as standard USB webcams and can be accessed through OpenCV, DirectShow, or DSVL. Their video resolution is 640 x 480 and frame rate is 30 fps. No proprietary APIs are required.
AR Applications and Markers
Vuzix AR systems (iWear VR920 with CamAR and Wrap 920AR) can be used with virtually any AR authoring and marker system.
maxReality
"maxReality" is an Autodesk 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design plugin that enables the creation of virtual and augmented reality content using 3ds Max objects and scenes. It supports numerous special effects such as camera gravity, animation, ambient and 3D sound, interactivity and blue screening. maxReality content is exported in a proprietary .VWD format that can be viewed in 2D or stereoscopic 3D using a freely distributed "maxReality Viewer" application.
Linux Support
Though Vuzix does not officially support Linux operating systems in its SDK, we have assisted the Linux community to do so independently. Information and examples of head tracking and stereoscopy support for the iWear VR920 video eyewear can be found at:
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Developer Program FAQsWith Vuzix products covering a broad range of portable media, virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as both software and hardware development, it is difficult to respond to more than a handful of common questions. If your questions are not answered below, I invite you to submit them through our Developer Program Request form.
Q: How do I get information on new SDKs as they become available?A: There are two ways; check the Vuzix Download page frequently for changes and new additions or register in the Vuzix Developer Program. Developer Alerts are distributed to advise of recommended SDK updates and new releases.
Q: Why do you ask a bunch of questions when registering for the Developer Program or downloading a SDK?A: We ask a small number of questions for records maintenance and to help us determine what form of help and information is appropriate. Most of the information we send out is specific to your stated interests – we know your time is valuable.
Q: If I sign-up with the Vuzix Developer Program, will I get bombarded with junk mail or have my information shared with others?A: No. You will not get excessive emails and all the information you provide will be confidential. This is why we ask a few questions about your areas of interest – to help insure you get only relevant communiqués and the information you provide is not shared with anyone.
Q: How do I update my Developer Program record?A: Fill out a new Developer Program Request form, using your currently registered email address. If you wish to change your email address, enter your current (old) email in that field of the form and advise us of your new email address in the comments section. We’ll look after it from there.
Q: How do I get more information on Augmented & Mixed Reality support?A: The Vuzix Developer Program encompasses support for all Vuzix products. Simply complete the Developer Program Request form and indicate “Augmented Reality” as an area of interest and we’ll notify you as additional information becomes available.
Q: How do I get more information on Mobile Device support?A: The Vuzix Developer Program encompasses support for all Vuzix products. Simply complete the Developer Program Request form and indicate “Mobile Media” as an area of interest and we’ll notify you as additional information becomes available.
Q: My area of interest is not covered by any of those indicated on the Developer Program Request form. How should I communicate my Needs?A: Vuzix near eye display systems are used in so many innovative ways it’s not possible to list al the potential areas of interest. If your area of interest is not listed, just complete the Developer Program Request form and enter it into the comments area.
Q: Does Vuzix have a program to provide discounts to developers and educational institutions?A: In some cases, development hardware assistance may be available to qualified developers and institutions. Quantity and access to this service is limited and determined on a case-by-case basis. For additional information, please submit your request and information on your program or project through a Developer Program Request form.
Q: I have developed a program that includes support for Vuzix products and features. How can Vuzix help me get the word out?A: If you have a program with Vuzix support, we want to help you get the word out. The first step is to submit a Developer Program Request form, telling us about your product, including end-user licensing terms, how it is distributed, availability of a demo version and what and how Vuzix products are supported. Vuzix will post your program and links on our website and consider what additional means of co-marketing support might be appropriate. We are also open to direct discussions and an exchange of ideas – we want to help. -
Welcome to the Vuzix SDK License Agreement & Developer ProgramTo enroll in the Developer program or communicate with the Vuzix Developer Support Team, complete the following form and then press the “Submit” button.Note: To cancel participation in the Vuzix Developer Program, submit the above form with your registered email address and enter “Cancel” in the Comments & Program Description field.