Mumbai: Autodesk has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of REALVIZ S.A., the privately held developer of image-based content creation software.

Aditionally, the company has also completed the acquisition of Kynogon SA, the privately held maker of Kynapse artificial intelligence middleware. Autodesk announced its intent to acquire Paris-based Kynogon on 19 February, 2008.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

REALVIZ was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France. REALVIZ’s technology provides efficient ways to generate 3D content and visual effects from photo imaging and 2D environments. Its products are used for panoramic photography, image-based modeling, match moving and optical motion capture. REALVIZ’s flagship products are Stitcher software for the creation of panoramas and 360° virtual tours, and Image Modeler software to produce 3D models from photographs.

"REALVIZ’s technology bridges 2D and 3D, linking the virtual and real worlds. 3D models can be created from simple 2D images, and virtual environments can be built from conventional photographs," said Autodesk senior vice president platform solutions and emerging business Amar Hanspal. "REALVIZ’s technology is complementary to Autodesk’s modeling, visual effects and animation products. It will enable us to increase the use of 3D technology across many industries, including architecture, film, broadcast and game development."

REALVIZ’s clients include Boeing, NASA, Daimler Chrysler, Cinesite, Framestore CFC, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Warner Brothers Animation, Electronic Arts and Activision. REALVIZ technology has been used to create visual effects for Zodiac, The Host, Children of Men, Superman Returns, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and many other blockbuster films.

Autodesk intends to develop and sell REALVIZ’s Stitcher Unlimited, Stitcher Express, Image Modeler and Movimento software as standalone products. Matchmover, Retimer and VTour will no longer be available as standalone products; core technology from these REALVIZ products will be integrated into future versions of Autodesk’s existing products, enabling customers to bring the real world into design environments.

The following REALVIZ offerings have been discontinued: Stitcher Pro, Stitcher Unlimited DS, StoryViz, and hardware and software product bundles. Education versions of Image Modeler and Stitcher continue to be available.

On the other hand, Kynapse has been used to develop more than 65 AAA game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments. As well, Kynapse is widely used in simulation industries.

"The acquisition of Kynogon extends Autodesk’s leadership in game development and simulation technology. We welcome Kynogon’s customers, partners, and employees to Autodesk," said Autodesk Media & Entertainment senior vice president Marc Petit. "The future of video games is about more believable characters and environments. Due to the increasing complexity of video games, developers are adopting commercial middleware solutions such as Kynapse and Autodesk HumanIK to improve game play and to stay on time and on budget."