Perry Kivolowitz
Encyclopedia
Perry Kivolowitz is an American
computer scientist
and business person. In 1985, he co-founded Advanced Systems Design Group which built hardware for the Commodore
Amiga
. This company was renamed Elastic Reality, Inc. and became well known as a digital imaging software provider. In 1995 this company sold to Avid Technology
, Inc.
In 1996 he received an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement
for the invention of shape-driven warping
and morphing
as exemplified in the Avid Elastic Reality
package once in widespread use. Dr. Garth Dickie was a co-recipient of this award. The invention is noteworthy in that it provided a means of creating warping and morphing effects using an interface which was more optimized for the user rather than the computation. Previous methods were economical for computers to calculate but difficult for users to use. Most warping software today (such as those linked from the Wikipedia morphing
page) are based on the shape-driven method.
Perry is a principal in SilhouetteFX LLC. He co-founded Profound Effects, Inc. (2001–2008) and Hypercosm Inc. (1999–2001).
Starting in 1997 Perry has had a continuing relationship with the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin–Madison
, first as an adjunct faculty member and more recently as an administrator.
As an undergraduate Kivolowitz authored one of the earliest key logger programs, the source code of which was posted to Usenet in November 1983.
Since 2004 Perry has been an invited speaker and provided expert testimony on the subject of detecting tampered digital images (both still images and video).
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
computer scientist
Computer scientist
A computer scientist is a scientist who has acquired knowledge of computer science, the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their application in computer systems....
and business person. In 1985, he co-founded Advanced Systems Design Group which built hardware for the Commodore
Commodore International
Commodore is the commonly used name for Commodore Business Machines , the U.S.-based home computer manufacturer and electronics manufacturer headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which also housed Commodore's corporate parent company, Commodore International Limited...
Amiga
Amiga
The Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...
. This company was renamed Elastic Reality, Inc. and became well known as a digital imaging software provider. In 1995 this company sold to Avid Technology
Avid Technology
Avid Technology, Inc. is an American company specializing in video and audio production technology; specifically, digital non-linear editing systems, management and distribution services. It was created in 1987 and became a publicly traded company in 1993...
, Inc.
In 1996 he received an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement
Academy Award, Scientific or Technical
Since 1931, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has given the Scientific and Technical Award, an Academy Award for scientific or technical achievements, which are presented at "a dinner ceremony separate from the annual telecast."...
for the invention of shape-driven warping
Image warping
Image warping is the process of digitally manipulating an image such that any shapes portrayed in the image have been significantly distorted. Warping may be used for correcting image distortion as well as for creative purposes...
and morphing
Morphing
Morphing is a special effect in motion pictures and animations that changes one image into another through a seamless transition. Most often it is used to depict one person turning into another through technological means or as part of a fantasy or surreal sequence. Traditionally such a depiction...
as exemplified in the Avid Elastic Reality
Avid Elastic Reality
Elastic Reality was a warping and morphing software application available on Windows, Macintosh and Silicon Graphics workstations, discontinued in 1999.-Features:...
package once in widespread use. Dr. Garth Dickie was a co-recipient of this award. The invention is noteworthy in that it provided a means of creating warping and morphing effects using an interface which was more optimized for the user rather than the computation. Previous methods were economical for computers to calculate but difficult for users to use. Most warping software today (such as those linked from the Wikipedia morphing
Morphing
Morphing is a special effect in motion pictures and animations that changes one image into another through a seamless transition. Most often it is used to depict one person turning into another through technological means or as part of a fantasy or surreal sequence. Traditionally such a depiction...
page) are based on the shape-driven method.
Perry is a principal in SilhouetteFX LLC. He co-founded Profound Effects, Inc. (2001–2008) and Hypercosm Inc. (1999–2001).
Starting in 1997 Perry has had a continuing relationship with the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, first as an adjunct faculty member and more recently as an administrator.
As an undergraduate Kivolowitz authored one of the earliest key logger programs, the source code of which was posted to Usenet in November 1983.
Since 2004 Perry has been an invited speaker and provided expert testimony on the subject of detecting tampered digital images (both still images and video).