Dimensional Imaging, the Renfrewshire company whose 3D technology is used in the health sector, has struck a deal with the animator of digital character Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy to apply its revolutionary imaging systems to the world of film and videogaming.

The company, which has its headquarters at Hillington Park Innovation Centre, normally sees its "facial expression capture" technology help surgeons reconstruct patients' facial features.

However, the newest version of its technology - called the "expression capture" system - is now being evaluated by Washington-based Valve, one of the world's leading games developers, which says it intends integrate the system into its future products.

Expression capture uses Dimensional Imaging's DI3D system, which quickly captures high-definition 3D models of many different facial expressions from an actor.

The facial expression models are then turned semi-automatically into "blend shapes" that form the basis of most facial animation systems.

The company said this saves a lot of time and greatly improves realism.

Valve's senior animator, Bay Raitt, who brought the digital character Gollum to life in the Lord of the Rings film, said: "The challenge for game developers is the huge amount of effort required to create the high level of detail required in today's games."

"Running pre-release tests of Dimensional Imaging's new expression capture system at Valve has 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."

No price, or potential value, was disclosed for the deal.

However, Dr Colin Urquhart, chief executive of Dimensional Imaging, said: "The level of detail and realism required by today's video- games presents a huge opportunity for Dimensional Imaging.

"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."

He added: "We've been working with Bay Raitt and Valve for some time to create a super efficient pipeline for blend shape creation and we're delighted that our new expression capture system promises to make such a huge difference to their process. We are also 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".

The UK is already is a world leader in animation and represents one of the key creative industries that Gordon Brown is hoping will define the UK's new digital economy.

More than 300 universities and colleges across the country, as well as industry centres - including the Scotland's games industry hubs in Dundee and Edinburgh - offer specific courses in animation, providing a wealth of talent in production, illustration, narration skills and software development.

The global games industry is estimated was last year estimated to be worth around £50bn, and it is continuing to grow.