Ken Perlin | |
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Alma mater | Harvard University New York University |
Scientific career | |
Thesis | Synthesizing Realistic Textures by the Composition of Perceptually Motivated Functions (1986) |
Doctoral advisor | David G. Lowe |
Website | cs |
Kenneth H. Perlin is a professor in the Department of Computer Science at New York University, founding director of the Media Research Lab at NYU, director of the Future Reality Lab at NYU, and the Director of the Games for Learning Institute. [1] He holds a BA. degree in Theoretical Mathematics from Harvard University (7/1979), a MS degree in Computer Science from the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University (6/1984), and a PhD degree in Computer Science from the same institution (2/1986). [1] His research interests include graphics, animation, multimedia, [2] and science education. [3] He developed or was involved with the development of techniques such as Perlin noise, [4] real-time interactive character animation, [5] and computer-user interfaces. He is best known for the development of Perlin noise and Simplex noise, both of which are algorithms for realistic-looking Gradient noise.
He is a collaborator of the World Building Institute. [6]
In 1996, K. Perlin received an Academy Award for Technical Achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, for the development of Perlin noise. [7] He had introduced this technique with the goal to produce natural-appearing textures on computer-generated surfaces for motion picture visual effects, while working on the Walt Disney Productions' 1982 feature film TRON for which he had developed a large part of the software. [1]
Perlin noise is a type of gradient noise developed by Ken Perlin in 1983. It has many uses, including but not limited to: procedurally generating terrain, applying pseudo-random changes to a variable, and assisting in the creation of image textures. It is most commonly implemented in two, three, or four dimensions, but can be defined for any number of dimensions.
The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is the mathematics research school of New York University (NYU). Founded in 1935, it is named after Richard Courant, one of the founders of the Courant Institute and also a mathematics professor at New York University from 1936 to 1972, and serves as a center for research and advanced training in computer science and mathematics. It is located on Gould Plaza next to the Stern School of Business and the economics department of the College of Arts and Science.
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