GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (Nov. 21, 2 p.m. ET) — X-Rite Inc., which makes color measuring and matching equipment and Pantone color products, has acquired Sensible Graphics GmbH, a German company that makes photo-realistic virtual models for the automotive, fashion, advertising and other industries.

X-Rite, based in Grand Rapids, also has forged a long-term relationship with the University of Bonn, Germany in Germany to establish a graduate school in digital appearance.

Sensible Graphics uses an hemispherical array of digital cameras and lighting to photograph a physical prototype and create a realistic virtual model that shows how the object looks when viewed from any angle. Examples include car bodies with pearlescent paints and upholstery made from patterned textiles and leathers.

Sensible Graphics is based in Bonn. Terms were not disclosed.

“X-Rite Pantone dealt with aspects of appearance such as gloss and textures for years, but the work being done at the University of Bonn and at Sensible Graphics takes this to a whole new level of sophistication,” said Francis Lamy, X-Rite’s vice president and chief technology officer.