A compute-intensive process that used to require high-end hardware and plenty of patience can now be done in real time on a mobile device, thanks to a 3D rendering engine developed by Singapore start-up Sheer Industries. The 3D Graphics Rendering Engine, which is based on a patent-pending multi-pass technique, allows photorealistic imagery to be rendered on leading mobile platforms such as Android and iOS.

Established in 2011, Sheer Industries is a Research and Development (R&D) firm which provides small companies with an avenue to conduct R&D using its in-house resources. It also works with Institutions of Higher Learning and Research Institutions to translate new technologies into niche solutions that can help solve specific business problems.

The development of the 3D Graphics Rendering Engine was supported by a Proof of Concept grant under the Technology Enterprise Commercialisation Scheme (TECS) administered by SPRING Singapore and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA).

A key innovation with Sheer’s rendering engine is the multi-pass framework that breaks down existing rendering techniques into modular components and combines them with advanced algorithms to enable the rendering to be done in real time. The engine also provides users with more controls to change the various settings of a 3D model without having to re-render an entire scene, which they would have had to do using existing single-pass techniques. This effectively cuts down redundancies and sub-optimal work processes in the rendering workflow.

With the multi-pass technique, Sheer has also been able to export the rendering capabilities onto a Graphics Processing Unit that is small enough for mobile devices. This helps bridge the workflow gap in sectors such as engineering and architecture, where personnel often require visualisation capabilities while on-site or on-the-go.

Besides providing the grant, IDA and SPRING Singapore also played a very important role in providing guidance on market entry, said Mr Shawn Ignatius (third from left in picture above), Managing Director, Sheer Industries. “They have programmes that link us with MNCs in Singapore and have constantly supported us in trying to nurture our technology to a global scale. This is especially important as we approach a more globalised society, where big competitors who used to be 6,000 miles away from us are now in our backyard; all thanks to the influx and outflow of information on the Internet.”

Sheer Industries itself has extended its presence beyond Singapore and set up an office in Houston, Texas. It is also looking to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia as there are ample opportunities for increasing innovation output and research in this region. At the same time, more businesses are being established in Asia, leading to increased budgets for R&D here.

“We believe that through R&D, all things are possible,” said Mr Ignatius. “We’ve had clients come to us with specific key problems that no other consultant company has been able to solve. We were able to do groundwork search for available technologies, and translate the raw technology into a solution for them.”

“The technology translation process is an integral part of real innovation. There is no point in research if the technology cannot be applied to a business application. This is where we intend to stand out from other companies.”