3D modelling software may be 'the next big thing'

Professor Anton van den Hengel

Professor Anton van den Hengel
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Friday, 29 May 2009

A University of Adelaide researcher who has developed innovative software to create 3D models from video is one of 25 finalists in an international competition to find "the next big thing".

Professor Anton van den Hengel from the University's School of Computer Science is the brains behind new technology which allows users to quickly extract accurate three dimensional models from video.

The software, called VideoTrace, has been selected for an exhibition at the Melbourne Museum which opens tomorrow, showcasing leading-edge new innovations from Australia and overseas that have the potential to become the hottest new trend among consumers.

The annual International Next Big Thing Award is run by Innovic, a not-for-profit organisation assisting more than 1800 innovators each year, helping to turn new ideas, inventions and technology into viable products and new businesses.

Professor van den Hengel has led a team of researchers at the University's Australian Centre for Visual Technologies in developing the world-first software.

The cutting-edge software has widespread applications for the defence, film, architecture and resources industries, and is presently being trialled by several key market players including Google, Sony Pictures and Autodesk Media & Entertainment.

The technology will allow people to generate a model of their house for Google Earth or a model of their car for video games such as Grand Theft Auto or Unreal Tournament.

Professor van den Hengel says the same software will allow property developers and architects to model a building in order to visualise the impact of its construction, where the shadows will fall and how it sits with adjacent buildings.

VideoTrace is licensed to Punchcard Visual Technologies (www.punchcard.com.au), a University spinout company that is developing the software for public release.

The Chief Executive Officer of Innovic, Joss Evans, says previous competition winners have gone on to reap enormous success in Australia and globally, including establishing over 20 franchise operations, obtaining $7.6 million in finance, exporting to over 42 countries and generating sales exceeding A$119 million a year.

More than 300 entries were received for the 2009 International Next Big Thing Award, with $60,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Last year, more than 76,000 people viewed the exhibits.

The winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony in Melbourne on 2 July. The exhibition runs from 30 May-12 July and on-line voting is available at www.nextbigthingaward.com

 

Contact Details

Professor Anton van den Hengel
Email: anton.vandenhengel@adelaide.edu.au
Director
Australian Centre for Visual Technologies
University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5309
Mobile: 0414 268 662


Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762