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ABOUT US

"DAE-Research offers an attractive information service for organizations facing challenges, for which game technology might offer a solution"

DAE-Research is the research cell of the bachelor study program Digital Arts and Entertainment of Howest Kortrijk, where both demand-driven applied research projects and applied research projects on its own initiative are set up.

The research projects are oriented on exploring new game, VFX, animation & film technology (hard- and software) and transferring that knowledge to the bachelor program as well as companies in different sectors. Besides entertainment purposes, technology can be used in multiple ways to stimulate innovation tracks in companies, social-profit organizations as well as a partner in research consortia.

What is applied research? Scientific findings from university and other research labs, combined with experts’ experiences in the respective professional field and expectations of the envisioned end users, are creatively translated into innovative solutions and prototypes. This offers a surplus value for achieving the goals within the industry and/or social impact.

In addition to projects on demand, DAE-Research also conducts exploratory research on its own initiative. Hereby, the potential surplus value of new technology, whether this is hardware or software, is mapped out to work out innovative solutions for the various sectors.

Recent research topics are linked to our 6 majors within the DAE bachelor program: game development, game graphics production, independent game production, interactive sound production, VFX and 3D animation.

Research topics include immersive technology (VR/AR) and metaverse, spatial computing, applied games, artificial intelligence, conversational AI, motion capture, immersive sound, pose estimation and body tracking, procedural 3D content and automation (Houdini, photogrammetry, …)

Do contact us for more information on project ideas.

OUR LATEST REEL

HIGHLIGHTED USE CASES

Procedural 3D Asset creation
A classic example for the use of procedural 3D in the gaming industry is the creation small tools that accelerate the creation of 3D objects . In certain games, the in-game weapon is prominently displayed on the screen. In these situations a lot of detail and variation is expected on the weapons to keep it visually appealing. The different parts of the rifle can differ per type of weapon. In this use case a gun was used as an object to illustrate the usefulness of procedural tools.
Virtual Reality Training: Dana Case
Together with Dana, Picanol, CNH industrial, Barco and Cronos aan de Leie, game technology was brought in to investigate a new form of training. A combination of a scanned working environment, supplied cad models and an interactive game engine made it possible to prototype a virtual reality training framework. Employees can learn how to assemble virtually using a digital twin of the production line.
Facial retraining game for facial palsy
The game provides an answer to the international demand from therapists and patients for a more innovative, interactive format of facial retraining (mimetherapy). Through MimiQgame, the patient is offered varied and individually customizable exercises within a gaming context. Adjustable feedback options are provided. MimiQgame aims to increase patient adherence to therapy and enable therapists to work much more time-efficiently and cost-effectively. The TPOC being developed will be iteratively evaluated and adjusted through user testing. In addition, valorization pathways are further explored and developed.
Bomenbos: Real time Virtual Camera
Credit to Sputnik for the behind the scene video of the Bomenbos project, where we experimented with a real-time virtual camera on-set while recording with real actors and a director. Some cool results, and lots of lessons learnt from this one.

CONTACT US

Vicky Vermeulen – Research manager
vicky.vermeulen@howest.be

Jan Pauly – Project manager
jan.pauly@howest.be

Howest Campus The Level
Digital Arts & Entertainment

Botenkoperstraat 2
8500 Kortrijk
Belgium

Howest Campus The Square
Digital Arts & Entertainment Research Lab

Luipaardstraat 12A
8550 Kortrijk
Belgium