William Alan Wall

Title: The Innovative Mind of William Alan Wall

Introduction

William Alan Wall, an accomplished inventor hailing from Austin, TX, has made significant contributions to the field of computer graphics and system architecture. With a remarkable portfolio of 7 patents, his work focuses on enhancing graphical performance and efficiency in computer systems. He is currently affiliated with the renowned International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he collaborates with other industry experts.

Latest Patents

One of William's latest inventions is a "Computer Graphics System with Dual FIFO Interface." This innovative computer system incorporates a graphics subsystem that features a rasterizer and a frame buffer accompanied by a digital-to-analog converter, allowing it to produce drive signals for video displays. The system employs a bus interface to efficiently manage the commands and direct memory access (DMA) transactions between the host processor and various components of the graphics subsystem. This advanced design utilizes two command FIFOs—one for 2D display management and another for 3D applications—eliminating the need for host semaphore and reducing latency associated with FIFO draining. The interface also includes timers that regulate the transition frequency between 2D and 3D processing, ultimately minimizing host intervention.

Another notable patent is the "PCI/ISA Bridge Having an Arrangement for Responding to PCI Address." This invention describes a peripheral controller that interconnects the PCI and ISA buses within a computer system. The bridge's advanced logic compares address and address parity information to generate error signals when discrepancies arise. This intelligent design ensures that the PCI slave can manage address parity errors without causing unnecessary interruptions in communication, enhancing the overall reliability of the system.

Career Highlights

William has built a successful career at IBM, where he has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that improve computing performance. His focus on graphics systems and architecture has not only benefited IBM but has also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in computer technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, William has collaborated with renowned colleagues such as Amy Louise Kulik and Sagi Katz. These partnerships have allowed for the exchange of ideas and expertise, furthering the impact of their collective work in the technology sector.

Conclusion

William Alan Wall stands out as a notable inventor whose patents reflect a commitment to advancing technology in computer graphics and system architecture. His contributions at IBM continue to shape the future of computing, and his work serves as an inspiration for aspiring inventors and innovators in the industry.