The Expertise Centre for Digital Media (EDM) is established as a research institute of the University of Hasselt. EDM is active in basic, applied and contract research. EDM concentrates its basic research on three primary domains: 'Multimedia and Internet technology', 'Computer graphics, computer animation and virtual environments', 'Interaction between man and machine'.

Within these three domains, EDM focuses on the following subdomains:

Multimedia and Internet technology

• Broad-scale, virtual, interactive communities;
• Multimedia database systems;
• Interactive multimedia systems, such as interactive television.

Computer graphics, computer animation and virtual environments

• Surface modelling in 2D and 3D, with the help of subdivision surfaces;
• Architecture for motion modelling on the basis of physics;
• Non-photorealistic rendering and image-based rendering;
• Real-time image synthesis;
• Modelling and computer animation in 2.5D (including deformation and morphing).

Interaction between man and machine

• User interfacing for virtual environments, both immersive and non-immersive;
• Haptic (force feedback) user interfacing;
• Multimodal interaction;
• Adaptable UIs for embedded systems;
• 2D multi-device user interfaces.

These three focus domains are closely interlinked with one another. Expertise gained in one domain is used for research in another. This leads to cross-pollination. The basic research is always carried out with a view to possible, future applications. It therefore is an important knowledge base for contract research.

Projects

EDM has carried out more than 25 European research projects, above all in the Framework Programs FP4, FP5 and FP6 of the European commission. EDM has been very successful with IWT research projects, both in basic research via the STWW and SBO programmes, as well as company projects.

In addition, EDM has been doing contract work for companies for many years. It carries out research and development for large companies, among which will be found Alcatel-Bell, Barco, Belgacom, Concentra, Siemens-Atea and Telenet, and also for a number of local SMEs. Among the customers one will also frequently find regional, provincial or federal government agencies. In its contract research, the focus lies on databases, multimedia, telecommunications and the expertise gained in these focus domains.

A number of spin-offs with ICT activities have developed out of EDM, which have been established in the Science Park of Diepenbeek.

Contactgegevens:

Website: http://www.edm.uhasselt.be/