Open source C++ library
What is RAVL
RAVL - Recognition And Vision Library - provides a base C++ class library together with a range of computer vision, pattern recognition, audio and supporting tools.
RAVL was originally developed here at the Centre. Subsequently it was moved into the public domain to support its use in a wider community.
Find out more about Programming in C++ using RAVL in Bill Christmas' introductory presentation.
Features
Some of the features that set RAVL apart from other C++ libraries are:
- SMP/thread-safe reference counting, allowing easy construction of large programs that takes full advantage of multiprocessor servers
- Powerful I/O mechanism, allowing issues for file formats and type conversion to be handled transparently, separately from the main code
- JAVA-like class interfaces which largely avoid the direct use of pointers, allowing code to be written in a clear, readable style
- Easy-to-use and powerful make system suitable for building both large and small projects.
Supported platforms
RAVL is written in ANSI C++ and is intended to work on a wide range of platforms and compilers. Currently it is actively maintained under:
| Operating system | Processor | Compiler |
| Linux | i386 | GNU gcc v. 4.4.3 |
| Windows | i386 | Visual Studio 2005 |
In the past it was also maintained under these platforms:
| Operating system | Processor | Compiler |
| Solaris | Sparc | GNU gcc v. 3.3 |
| IRIX | Mips | MIPS Pro |
Licensing
RAVL is provided under the Lesser GNU Public License.
Users
RAVL is being used by a (small) number of organisations...
- Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing (University of Surrey, UK)
- Digital Barriers / Omniperception Ltd.
- Advanced Technology Laboratories, Lockheed Martin
- Vicomtech
If you're using RAVL, please tell us and we'll add you to the list!
Bug reporting
Sourceforge.net, who kindly host RAVL, also maintain our bug reports.
Frequently asked questions
Please see the RAVL FAQs on our external site for more information.
Acknowledgements
RAVL was originally derived from AMMA, written by Radek Marik with help from many other members of CVSSP. The work of porting AMMA to RAVL was largely being undertaken by Charles Galambos, again with help from other members of CVSSP. The RavlMath library includes ccmath, written by Daniel A. Atkinson. RAVL is currently maintained by members of CVSSP and Omniperception.