Alan Crawford

Title: Alan Crawford - Innovator in NURBS Surface Trimming

Introduction

Alan Crawford is a notable inventor based in Salt Lake City, UT (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of computer graphics and design through his innovative patent. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency of trimming NURBS surfaces, which are widely used in various design applications.

Latest Patents

Alan Crawford holds a patent for a "Method and system for efficiently trimming a NURBS surface." This patent describes a technique where a curve projected onto a NURBS surface defines trim regions. A series of spaced-apart points are established on the curve, and rays are projected through these points toward the NURBS surface. The intersections of these rays with the surface are mapped into the U,V domain. The method allows for real-time trimming of the NURBS surface in response to changes in the curve or surface topology, making it a valuable advancement in the field.

Career Highlights

Alan Crawford has worked at Softimage, a company known for its contributions to 3D graphics software. His role at Softimage has allowed him to apply his innovative ideas and collaborate with other talented professionals in the industry.

Collaborations

One of his notable coworkers is Marc P Stevens, with whom he has likely shared insights and expertise in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Alan Crawford's contributions to the field of NURBS surface trimming demonstrate his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing technology. His patent reflects a significant step forward in the efficiency of design processes, showcasing the impact of his work in the industry.