In 1984 at the SIGGRAPH computer graphics conference, Pat Kane, Jim
Bozek and myself displayed a technology that we developed for using
sound to drive computer graphics animations. The technique itself was
invented during a conversation at the Computer Services Office at the
University of Illinois in the spring of 1981 when I was completing a
course in electromagnetic field theory. Around this time I was watching
the Van Kliburn piano competition and it occurred to me that we could
run the keys of a piano IN REVERSE from any sound using the Fast Fourier
Transform. After a lot of trouble this was implemented and used to
produce a film in 1983, and the film was shown at the SIGGRAPH
conference in front of 8000 people in 1984.
Todd Rundgren held a SIGGRAPH seminar on related technologies in 1985.
This technology later found its way into winamp media player and other
applications.
We never attempted to patent the prior art we developed as we believed
that to do so would obstruct the creativity of other artists and
technicians.
On my birthday, 5, 24, 2005, Yamaha corporation of Japan was awarded a
US Patent on this technology. 6,898,759. They filed in 1998.
An explanation of this technology has been posted on my website since
1996.
I am not alleging that Yamaha "stole" our technology, only they
are
attempting to patent a technology which we developed before they did.
Pat Kane and I do not think it is either fair or appropriate that Yamaha
control a technology that we invented. We are currently attempting to
reach Jim Bozek who was present in the room at the Computing Services
Office when the idea was first broached. J.W. Hamilton may have also
been in the room. Pat Kane was informed either at that time or shortly
afterwards and actively participated in development of the techniques.
http://www.wdv.com/Eye/SndN2Grfx/index.html
http://www.wdv.com/Eye/SndN2Grfx/SIGMap/SIGMap.html
http://www.wdv.com/Eye/SndN2Grfx/Sound/
Cheers,
- Van
L. Van Warren
Director
[phone number elided] home office
[phone number elided]
www.wdv.com