JRC spin-off adds new dimension to technology research
A spin-off company formed from research carried out by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission's research organisation, is developing new technology which allows the creation of three-dimensional images of unprecedented clarity and accuracy. 3D Veritas, based in Sesto Calende, northern Italy, uses software which enables the speedy production of photo-realistic 3D models of the interior and exterior of buildings and other large objects. The image is created using laser-based range finders in combination with surface colour information from digital cameras. The new technology has a wide range of potential applications. In civil engineering, for example, it could be used to compile databases of accurate 3D models of potentially hazardous factories. The software could also be used in the architecture to project a planned building in its real environment, or as an initial step in the refurbishment of undocumented buildings. From a cultural point of view, the technology has a potential role in the preservation of architectural heritage and in the production of films and virtual museums. The software used by 3D Veritas, set up by German brothers Erik and Frank Wolfart, originated from research on nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation by the Institute for Systems, Informatics and Safety (ISIS) of the JRC. In a statement, the company said: 'This creation of a high-tech company falls within the policy of promoting innovation in public research driven by Mr Busquin, the European Commissioner for Research. The clear international character of the partnership supporting the project illustrates the relevance of creating a European Area for Research and Innovation.' The JRC has recently set in motion a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging the commercial application of JRC technologies in this way, including an entrepreneurship course for researchers, a professional business incubation support service and the facilitation of access to external finance. 3D Veritas, which currently has four employees but expects to accommodate a further ten workers in the next 2 years, was set up three months ago. Under an agreement with the JRC, the company obtained initial investment for its work from IMH GmbH, a Berlin-based venture capital company.