Frequently asked questions

We are currently developing this WIKI and your feedback is precious to us, so please send any question you have to [mailto:support@covii.pt support@covii.pt].

What are the minimum requirements?
You need to have a x86 or x64 computer (choose your platform here) and a 3D sensor like Microsoft Kinect or Asus Xtion pro live.

How do I install ViiM?
First download the correct version of ViiM and then head to the instruction and choose your operating system.

Do I need to do anything after ViiM's installation?
Technically no, you're ready to roll, but we strongly advise you to download the samples file here and read the tutorials and technical documents. You can start by running each sample executable and if everything goes fine it'll be very simple for you to build the samples code. Just open the samples project and build it. You also have one tutorial for each one of the samples, thus things should go nice and smooth, but if you have any questing just send us an e-mail ([mailto:support@covii.pt support@covii.pt]). Don't forget to visit our discussion group, many times you will get your answer faster there and you'll be always up to date with the news.

In what language is ViiM's API available in?
ViiM's API is available in C++, but we are working to provide bindings to other programming languages, such as: C#, java and action script (see future features).

What programming bindings does ViiM has?
At the moment ViiM can only be compiled using a C++ compiler, but we are working to provide C#, java and action script bindings in ViiM's future versions (see future features).

How do I create my first project using ViiM?
You can start by downloading the samples file here and then running the Simple_viewer application. If it runs, read the corresponding tutorial, open the project and build it. Then go on to the other tutorial and experimenting with ViiM's capabilities.

How do I start to develop with ViiM?
First download the correct version of ViiM and then head to the instruction and choose your operating system. After installation we advice you to download the samples file here, to try them and to start reading the tutorials and the technical documents. Go on experimenting with the samples and you'll see that in no time you'll be able to implement your own ideas.

What are the current units available on ViiM?
ViiM has currently 5 units available: 1) User segmentation, 2) User cropping, 3) Skeleton tracking, 4) Gesture recognition, 5) Optical flow. Check them out on the technical documents. In the very near future we'll have another unit named Face analysis.

Can I register more than once unit in the same application?
Yes, you can register any number of units you what, just notice that you'll be processing more data, thus increasing the processor load.

Which devices are supported by ViiM?
At the moment we tested ViiM with Microsoft Kinect or Asus Xtion, but theoretically it should work with other 3D sensor. Feel free to try it with your preferred sensor and send us your feedback.

Can I use the Microsoft SDK?
No. ViiM's sdk is develop on top of OpenNI.

Do I need to buy a 3D Sensor to try ViiM?
If you don't have a 3D sensor you can try ViiM using an oni video. Oni videos are videos previously recorded with a 3D sensor and ViiM can process them as if it was processing live stream. Technically you can also try ViiM with cameras other than 3D sensors, but ViiM was intentionally build to take advantage of using 3D sensors, thus we advice you to have one or try the oni videos.

Although I have no errors compiling my application, it crashes when I try to run it. Why is that?
Try unplugging your 3D sensor and plugging it again.

How can I report a suggestion or a bug?
You can use our [mailto:support@covii.pt support mail] to report any question or bugs, but we strongly advice you to become a member of our discussion group. In the discussion group you will be up to date with all the news and also benefit from all knowledge from the other developers.

My application crashes after some time, what's the problem?
Probably you're using the trial version, that only allows continuous running time of 4 minutes.

Can I create my own processing unit?
Yes, the ability to create personalized units is a big thing in ViiM. You can use ViiM's UnitProcess or any other unit and extend them (they are C++ classes). Please read the tutorials that explains this process.

Can I share a processing unit I create with other developers?
Yes, any processing unit you create will run in other installation of ViiM and the other developer will only need to register the unit to use it. We encourage everyone to develop their own units and to share them with others as add-ons. At the moment we don't have a platform to manage add-ons, but if sufficient interest is created we'll be happy to do it.

In which platforms can I use ViiM?
You can use ViiM on Windows, Linux or MacOSX. To try it, go to the downloads page and then follow the desired installation guide.

Are any demos available?
Yes. You can find the samples that explore ViiM's potentiality in the downloads section. At the moment we have samples for Irrlicht and openFrameworks, but we want to add samples for other graphic engines in the future, such as: Ogre and Unity3D.

Can I have both 32 and 64 bits versions installed?
Yes, you can install both versions and chose which to compile against. In your project you just have to choose the right libraries and paths.

What is the ViiM's include, lib and staticlib path?
For a 32 bit installation, the path are defined in: VIIM_INCLUDES, VIIM_LIBS and VIIM_STATICLIBS. For a 64 bit installation, the path are defined in: VIIM_LIBS64 and VIIM_STATICLIBS64.

In a 32 bit windows machine the paths are in C:\Program Files \ViiM\, if your machine is 64 bit a ViiM's 32 bit installation will be in C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\ and a ViiM's 64 bit installation in C:\Program Files \ViiM\.

For example, the paths of a 32 bit installation of ViiM in a 64 bit windows machine are:

VIIM_INCLUDES

C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\include; C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\third-party\opencv\include

VIIM_LIBS

C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\lib; C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\third-party\opencv\libs\lib

VIIM_STATICLIBS

C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\staticlib; C:\Program Files (x86)\ViiM\third-party\opencv\libs\staticlib

Once we have the versions for the other operating systems we'll explain the paths for them.

Can I use other compilers like MinGW for windows?
In theory that is possible but we currently do not give support to do that. If you really want to do it you have to do it yourself, figuring it out. It will certainly take you some time.

Is there a reference documentation online?
Yes, we provide ViiM's API with a reference to all the functions and ViiM's organization. You can also download ViiM's technical documents and tutorials.

How can I access technical information about ViiM and each unit process?
You can read ViiM's technical documents and tutorials.

How is ViiM delivered? Is there a CD, manual or box included?
ViiM is delivered online as an electronic download. There is no disc, box, manual nor other physical product, consequently there are no shipping fees with your purchase. You can access all needed information through our site, wiki and online reference documentation.

How is the trial version different from the licensed version?
Without buying the license you are limited to exporting only 90 frames (~3 seconds of video) to a file and 4 minutes of continuous application runtime (i.e. when you run or debug the application). When the four minutes are up, the application will crash. In the licensed version of the software these restrictions don't exist. To buy the license head to CoVii's store and follow the steps to complete the process.

How do the licensing process works?
To buy the license head to CoVii's store and follow the steps to complete the process. When installing the licensed version you'll be prompted to insert a serial key. That serial key will be given to you at buy time and need to be verified on-line during installation, so you'll need to have an internet connection active during the license installation.

I want to run my application on a different computer. How can I do it?
In this case you'll need to buy another license, i.e. another serial key. You don't need to download the licensed version again, just need to insert the new serial key when asked. To obtain the new key go to CoVii's store. Don't forget to have your internet connection working during installation.

I need several licenses, how can I buy them?
If you intend to use several licences of the program we advise you to contact us at [mailto:sales@covii.pt sales@covii.pt] or by phone (contacts). Maybe we can arrange a better deal for you.

I need to migrate my license from one computer to another. How can I do it?
Simply email [mailto:support@covii.pt support@covii.pt] with your serial number and brief explanation, we'll reply as soon as possible.