The notion of seeing images in three dimensions has long fascinated both scientists and the general public alike. Back in the 1950s, audiences at American drive-in cinemas donned their special red and green lensed spectacles to watch movies such as It Came From Outer Space.

But the technology never really progressed to the point where it became universally accepted - it remained a gimmick with clear technological limits.

Computer aided design and modelling (CAD/CAM) of course offers 3D modelling techniques for information technology which have helped revolutionise high-tech engineering sectors, such as Formula 1, for example.

However, the cost of such applications on a general basis can be prohibitive. That situation could change now, though, with the launch of one of the latest spin-out companies from Oxford University.

Eykona Technologies brought together the expertise of Dr James Paterson and Professor Ron Daniel from the university's department of engineering science.

Both had been working on similar 3D technology in different parts of the faculty and both had approached Isis Innovation, the university's technology transfer company, with a view to commercialising their ideas.

Bringing them togther to form Eykona was a logical step.

The basic principle is to offer 3D software that is not only cheaper than current alternatives but light and easy to use.

Dr Paterson said: "3D imaging has been around for as long as man has had two eyes. The challenge is harnessing it in a practical way.

"There are lots of places where it could be applied and, as yet, the technology has not been fully exploited and we saw an opportunity to bring it to the market."

These markets are primarily computer games, a rapidly evolving area where real 3D effects will literally add another dimension, and the far more serious business of medical imaging, allowing detailed analysis and diagnosis of conditions such as psoriasis and leg ulcers.

In terms of computer games, the Eykona technology, which is basically a camera and flash, allows real images of items as mundane as brick walls to be adapted into the format, rather than such a physically textured surface having to be designed' by hand.

Eykona is building up a library of 3D images which offer tiling technology' of repeating textures which can be used by the games industry at a fraction of the cost of bespoke images.

As for the medical field, 3D offers the opportunity for more thorough analysis and measurement.

Mr Paterson added: "We are turning the real world into a digital form."

Of course, despite these developments, the use of 3D technology is still very much in its infancy.

"It is a question of packaging it in the right way so clients can make best use of it. As a result, we have put a lot of effort into editing tools.

"People are now moving from computing in 2D and finding different ways in which it can be presented."

The long-term aim is to produce a 3D imaging application on a home or office computer.

Mr Paterson said: "I am confident we will see 3D imaging on a desk top using applications that we have not even heard of right now."

Eykona, the university's 65th spin-out company, is being backed by H2O Venture Partners in terms of seed capital and management support.

Dr David Auty of H2O said: "This is a powerful technology platform which is destined for great success in different applications and markets."

Discussions are currently taking place with a couple of Danish companies in the medical field and the future is looking bright.

How far away we are from 3D technology being commonplace on our laptops is difficult to tell.

But it is a far more real possibility than that offered by those early cinema pioneers - and no silly spectacles are required.

n Contact: Eykona Technologies, 01865 251000, www.eykona.com