FIELD OF INTEREST
Creative Engineering and Design for Film Production, Computer Graphics, and Audio/Visual Media

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 1981.
Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 1981.

ENGINEERING BACKGROUND
Digital Electronics: Microprocessors, computer interfaces (bus IO, serial, parallel), and discrete logic circuits.
Computer Programming: Assembler and high-level languages (C,Pascal). System drivers (WIN32, MS DOS, Mac OS).
Motion Control: DC stepper and servo motors. AC synchronous and selsyn motors. Proprietery motion controls.
Optics: Photographic system installations for animation and optical printing. Special time lapse and exposure effects.
Audio: Professional audio and broadcast radio equipment operation. Production studio set-ups.

TECHNICAL JARGON
NuMega SoftIce debugger; SciTech Nucleus; Sun Java; Visual C++, MFC, COM, WIN32; OpenGL; DirectX; VESA BIOS Extensions; CodeWarrior for Mac; Watcom C++; Borland C++; Turbo C/Pascal for MS DOS /Windows; Turbo Vision and OWL user interface libraries; Think C/Pascal for Macintosh; Unix C for SGI; Z80, 80x86 microprocessors; IBM PC bus, STD bus; TTL, CMOS; ThingM.

PROJECT HISTORY

Technical Consulting, SF, '02: Assistance for local film and multimedia artists. Rock Ross Film-DV Capture for Bludgeon: The Movie movie trailer parody, Video Editor for Nectar of the Cyclops II political parody; Mark Taylor Film-DV Capture project using 16mm JK optical printer and custom Mac QuickTime application for single-frame sequencing; Michael Rudnick, Alex Phocas, IOPIX, DV Capture, Editing, and Web site presentation for animation-style product.

Software Engineer Contractor, SciTech Software Inc, Chico, '99-01: Kendall Bennet, CTO. Stereo DirectDraw library development for SciTech Nucleus graphics architecture; GLDirect OpenGL driver enhancement with GL_STEREO quad buffering support; GLDirect OpenGL driver extensions with automatic stereo perspective generation; SDK examples for DirectDraw, DirectShow, Direct3D (IM & RM), MFC, OpenGL. Driver testing on numerous display controller chipsets (ATI, Matrox, NVidia, Rendition, S3, 3DLabs), and OpenGL testing on Quake 3 (GLDirect Game driver) and AutoCAD 2000 (GLDirect CAD driver). Development assistance for NT device driver for Nucleus support on Win2K. Conformance testing for StereoGraphics software partners AutoCAD 2000, 3D Studio Max 3, SolidWorks 2000, Solid Edge 8, WebLab Viewer Pro 3, Pfizer QuikVu. Development of multiple perspective view feature in GLDirect for StereoGraphics SynthaGram autostereoscopic display device. Troubleshooting assistance for StereoGraphics ParallaxPlayer viewing utility.

Consulting, StereoGraphics, San Rafael, '99: Bob Akka, Software Manager. COM-based stereo display plug-in for Unigraphics Solid Edge CAD application, with automatic stereo perspective generation, and support for multiple (MDI) OpenGL client view windows.

Software Engineer, StereoGraphics, San Rafael, '96-98: Lenny Lipton, CTO. Developer support for adapting software applications with stereoscopic display capability. Modified Microsoft SDK examples for OpenGL (screen savers) and Direct3D (flying airplane) for stereo views in WindowsNT/9x applications. Modified Solidworks CAD program with plug-in API for generating OpenGL stereo views in workspace windows. Modified Activision's Interstate76, Interplay's DescentII, and Apogee's Rise of the Triad for stereo views. Provided consultation for Inner Workings' Plane Crazy, Shiny's MDK, ThemeKit's MindRenderVR, Bioware's Shattered Steel, Gremlin's Hardwar, VR Soccer, Whiplash, and Slipstream5000. Proposed stereoscopic support to VESA BIOS Extension 3.0 stereo specification and VESA stereoscopic device connector. Technical support liason for IC vendors Rendition, Alliance, 3DFX, 3DLabs, and OEM board vendors Diamond, Hercules, ELSA, offering stereo-ready products. Adapted SIMBIOS DOS shell for enabling SimulEyes support for stereo-ready games with Virtual-IO line-alternate format like Quake. Created SIMWEB3D Java applet for displaying stereo interlaced images posted on Web sites. Researched stereo image manipulation techniques for autostereoscopic displays (named as co-inventor in patent application).

Consulting, StereoGraphics, San Rafael, '95-96: Bruce Dorworth, Engineering. Device driver programming for SimulEyesVR, low-cost LC shutter glasses for IBM PC. Ported MS-DOS real-mode device driver SVRDOS to DOS/4G protected-mode DOS extender environment; Prototyped video page-flipping driver operation in Watcom C for rapid development as linkable-library driver SVRDOS4G; re-wrote driver entirely in 386 assembler code for operation in DPMI environment (independent of DOS/4G host) as loadable-file driver SVRDOS32; Adapted stereo versions of Argonaut BRender demos for testing; Assisted adapting stereo version of Parallax's Descent 3D VR game on location at Interplay, Irvine, CA, for StereoGraphics OEM release CD. Ported SVRDOS32 for use with Windows 95 DirectX applications, as SVRWINDX VXD system driver; Adapted Microsoft DirectDraw demos for testing; Created SVRWINDX Windows shell for testing page-flipping with stereo-ready images in Virtual-IO line-alternate format, including Reality Bytes' Havoc game.

Consulting, Gravity, San Francisco, '94-95: Dale McGrew, Zak Zaidman, Producers. Technical Support Programming for PC-based 3D-Graphics Systems. Programming for original game demos Birds of Prey and CyberScuba using Virtek 3D-Ware rendering software; Creation of C++ class library for movable, collidable, and grabbable objects; Programming support and trouble-shooting for games CyberScuba and Ascent using Argonaut BRender software; Development of video display and head tracker drivers for All-Pro Products and Virtual IO head-mounted display units; Integration of sound drivers using SoundBlaster Developer's Kit and HMI Sound Operating System; Adaptation of stereo display drivers for StereoGraphics glasses and Virtual IO HMD. Also developed file conversion utilities for DXF, 3D-Studio ASCII, SuperScape, and Virtek model file formats.

Ironic Research Labs, '94-95: Installation of ThingM motion control systems for following clients:
RoboMaster Industries, adapt ANIMAL for IBM PC integration of RGB light source, JK animation stand, and ThingM;
Michael Rudnick, Exploratorium artist-in-residence, dual-axis stereo camera control for 16mm Mitchells;
Danger Productions, frontlight/backlight exposure control accessories for Clay Fighter II video game animation;
American Time Lapse, dual-axis camera control for Bell+Howell 2709 for remote location field usage;
Webster Colcord Animation, camera control for 35mm Mitchell for remote location field usage;

Consulting, VPL Research, Palo Alto, '93: Jerry Horn , Manufacturing Manager. Design and Development of DataGlove Model 4 system (update model of VPL's proprietery fiber-optics glove). Specification for 486 PC-based embedded system; Hardware Engineering of PC-type ISA expansion board with digital EPROM support and analog Glove interface circuitry (A/D and D/A); Software additions to EPROM controller program; Packaging layout assistance with Mechanical consultant; Host driver software updates for SGI/Unix, Apple Macintosh, and IBM PC computers; Editing of operation manuals. Also assisted in production of DataGlove Model 2 units, Eyephone LX units, and MicroCosm VR systems.

Ironic Research Labs, '93: Installation of ThingM motion control systems for following clients:
Danger Productions, multiple Mitchell 35mm camera controls for Bump in the Night animation series;
George Coates Performance Works, stereo 16mm camera and stereo projector controls for Box Conspiracy;
SF State University Film Dept, JK optical printer;
California College of Arts and Crafts Film Dept, JK optical printer.

Consulting, VPL Research, Foster City, '92: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Product Manager, Hardware Engineering Design for MicroCosm, Macintosh-based low-cost VR system. Hardware engineering of video interface circuitry (RGB-NTSC conversion output), audio interface circuitry (microphone input and headphone output), glove interface circuitry (fiber-optics DataGlove and resistive-sensor PowerGlove); Integration of Polhemus Fastrak subsystem; Packaging layout assistance with Mechanical and Industrial Design consultants.

Ironic Research Labs, '92: Installation of ThingM motion control systems for following clients:
Skellington Productions, multiple camera controls for Nightmare Before Christmas animation feature;
Film Arts Foundation, Post-Production facility, optical printer;
SF Art Institute Film Dept, single-image and aerial-image optical printers.

Consulting, VPL Research, Redwood City, '91: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Product Manager. Hardware Integration of off-the-shelf subsystems for MicroCosm prototype demonstrated at MacWorld 92, including: Ascension tracker, Division graphics video, DigiDesign audio, and MacADIOS anlog/digital interface, with VPL DataGlove and Eyephones (and lots of cables).

Video Motion Control, Pacific Video Resources, SF, 1991. Jim Farney, Production Engineer.
Re-Installation of Korty Films' camera stand with adaptation for Sony professional video camera. Upgraded Compumotor electronics for real-time motion control. Conversion of ANIMAL stop-motion program to real-time motion.

Optical Printer Motion Control, Image FX, Berkeley, 1990-91. Harry Walton, Camera Operator.
Installation of DC stepper motors to Acme optical printer lens axis for IBM computer motion control. ThingM camera controls for 35mm Bell+Howell and Mitchell cameras.

Animation Stand Motion Control, Rock Ross Titles and Credits, SF, 1991. Rock Ross, Camera Operator.
Installation of DC stepper motors to Krepela animation stand compound table for ThingM camera control.

Optical Printer Motion Control, Guerrilla Opticals, SF, 1991. Alan Mukamal, Camera Operator.
Installation of DC stepper motors to JK optical printer main drives for ThingM and Macintosh computer control.

Product Design and Manufacture, Ironic Research Labs, SF, 1989--.
Design, development, and manufacture of ThingM Stop Motion Camera Control. Use of Z80 microprocessor for dedicated DC stepper motor control. Adaptation of various motor drivers. Fabrication of camera motor mounts for 35mm Mitchell and 16mm Bolex cameras. Continued development of ANIMAL Animation motion control program, using Turbo Pascal family of compilers for IBM and Macintosh computers.

Animation Stand Motion Control, Korty Films, SF, 1988--. John Korty, Animation Producer/Director.
Installation of former custom animation stand assemblies from Mill Valley studio to lab facility in SF. Adaptation of ANIMAL motion control program to Compumotor electronics. Custom joystick assembly to facilitate plotting moves.

Computer Consultation, DC Typography, SF, 1985--. Frank Brayton, Typographer.
Configuration of IBM and Mac computer systems for communications with Linotronic L300 typesetter and raster-image processor. Development of patching programs on IBM for integrating disparate system software.

Engineering Consultation, Interformat, SF, 1983-90. Michael Hinton, Optical Printer Operator.
Servicing and repair of 35mm Oxberry and Acme optical printers. Replacement design of DC servo fader system on Acme camera. Installation of pegbars motor assembly onto JK animation stand. Z80 Machine code patching of BASIC motion control program for sequencing camera with pegbars or color wheel accessories.

Computer Consultation, Monaco Labs, SF, 1989. Ilse Ber, Bookkeeper.
Customization and debugging of Great Plains Accounting software on IBM computers for film lab application. Responsible for reconciling computer General Ledger with CPA statements. Training of data entry procedures for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable personnel.

Engineering Consultation, Monaco Labs, SF, 1987-88. Jim Moye, Production Manager.
Fabrication and installation of stainless steel film-breakage sensor for Schmitzer wet-gate printer. Installation of digital thermostats and solid state relay controls for film processor tanks. Design and fabrication of large LED footage display and remote framing and focussing controls for screening room.

Neon Electronics Driver Fabrication, Cork Marcheschi, St. Elmo's Fire, Minneapolis, MN, 1987.
Adaptation and manufacture of electronic fader circuitry for driving neon transformers. Installations include large outdoor neon sculptures in Jamaica, NY, and Des Moines, IA.

Electronics Technician, Monaco Labs, SF, 1986-87. Jim Moye, Production Manager
Servicing and repair of 35mm and 16mm Bell+Howell contact printers and Houston/Pacer film processors.

Animation Stand Motion Control, Animationsakademien, Stockholm, Sweden, 1986. Abdalla Saleh, Director.
Adaptation of ANIMAL motion control software for custom 20-axis animation stand. Development of ANIMAL software features to include: splined curve smoothing for interpolating key-frame points into motion trajectory; follow focus formulas for prime, zoom, and snorkel lenses; trigger interface for single-frame video assist, and lighting accessories.

Production Engineer, Robomaster Industries, SF, 1985-86. Michael Shiess, Camera Operator.
Demonstration and testing of JK motion controlled animation stand. Continued development of ANIMAL motion control software for IBM. Testing of programmable real-time RGB light source on Apple II computer. Filming of special streak effects using frame-by-frame motion control and light control.

Motion Control Consultation, MobileSign, Oakland, 1983-86. Gary Richardson, Sign Fabricator.
Conceptual design of motion control system for large-scale drawing plotter using Conic Section mathematics. Use of Conographics IBM graphics system and FORTH development system. Design and fabrication of stepper motor controller card for IBM XT. Construction of universal breakout box for 4-way switching of IBM controller, Gerber Signmaker controller, Gerber pen-plotter, and custom output plotter.

Design Engineer, JK Camera Engineering, Oakland, 1982-84. Jaakko Kurhi, Machinist.
Design and development of motion control product line for animation and optical printing: MCPU, multiple axis Motion Control Processor Unit; ANIMAL, Animation Applications Language motion control program; ANICAM, electronic drive for 35mm pin-registered Animation Camera; ITSM, Interval-Timer Stop Motion camera control. Design of in-house 3D motion control system for shaping styrofoam sailboard hulls.

Film Technician, University of Illinois Dept. of Cinematography, Urbana, IL, 1980-82. Julius Rascheff, Professor.
Restoration of Magnasync / Amega 16mm magtrack sound editing system, with AC selsyn interlock motors. Servicing and repair of Bell+Howell projectors and Moviola flatbed editor.

Computer Technician, EMDA, Pasadena, CA, 1980. Ed Stevens, Systems Manager.
Installation, servicing and repair of DEC LSI-11 microcomputer systems.

Electronics Technician, Master Control Systems, Lake Bluff, IL, 1978. Jim Nasby, Chief Engineer.
Construction of in-house testing equipment for production line of automatic water pump controllers.

Audio Technician, WNTH Radio, Winnetka, IL, 1977. Richard Dienhart, Chief Engineer.
Rewiring of production recording studios. Servicing and repair of professional broadcast audio systems.