Dimensional Imaging has announced its new Expression Capture system, which uses its DI3D platform to capture facial data as models; Valve is evaluating the system in an early partnership. Dimensional Imaging's DI3D platform already offers surface image capturing and analysis of human subjects; with this latest update, integration of facial expression capture is added to the package. It is designed to quickly capture high definition models of different facial expressions from an actor, which are "semi-automatically" turned into blend shapes for integration with game facial animation systems, says the DI release. The company also announced that it has been working with Valve "for some time" to integrate the data from this package into the developer's art pipeline. In the press release, Valve senior animator Bay Raitt says, "Running pre-release tests of Dimensional Imaging’s new Expression Capture System at Valve have shown great promise for reducing the time needed to create next generation character animation. Valve is looking to integrate the use of this exciting new technology in future products." Says Dr. Colin Urquhart, Dimensional Imaging's CEO, "Several leading game developers have already completed projects that used our DI3D facial and head capture systems to instantaneously capture that required level of detail and realism... We are... very excited to see the incredible detail and realism of game character that our systems and software will help Valve to achieve in future games."