Luxology Licenses Pixar Animation Studios' Subdivision Surface Patents

[JakalDesign]

http://www.luxology.com/press/release/100807_pixar.aspx

Intellectual Property License Covers Key Pixar Patents in the Area of Computer Graphics
San Mateo, Calif. – Oct. 8, 2007 – Luxology® LLC, an independent technology company developing next–generation 3D content creation software, today announced that Pixar Animation Studios and Luxology have finalized an agreement under which Pixar has licensed its Subdivision Surface Patents to Luxology. The agreement covers key Pixar proprietary computer graphics technology that will enhance Luxology's products. Luxology is making no specific announcements as to when this technology might be incorporated into future Luxology software offerings. The specific terms of the agreement are confidential.
"Pixar is not only an important client of Luxology's, they are also a key source of technology for the computer graphics and entertainment industries," said Brad Peebler, President and Co-founder of Luxology. "We are very excited to have clear rights to use some of the most fundamental SubDivision surface modeling and rendering algorithms on the planet."
"Luxology is a key provider of outstanding software for 3D content creation," said Rob Cook, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Pixar. "We are very pleased to have licensed these Pixar patents to Luxology for use in its products, and we look forward to seeing those enhanced products arrive in the marketplace."
About Pixar
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, and most recently, Ratatouille. The Northern California studio has won 20 Academy Awards and its eight films have grossed more than $4 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from DisneyoPixar is WALLoE (June 27, 2008).
About Luxology
Based in San Mateo, Calif., Luxology® LLC is an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software that enhances productivity via artist-friendly tools powered by a modern underlying architecture. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Brad Peebler, Luxology is home to some of the top 3D engineering expertise in the industry. More information on Luxology, its flagship product modo™, a gallery of artists' images and the active modo community is available online at modo3d.com.

[Couerl]

Interesting news, I'm glad I picked up 301.

[Grendel]

Soooo are they now going to use Catmull-Clak instead of the "visually identical" smoothing? Is that what it is saying?

[steama]

Every single industry leader knows how spectacular Luxolgy and modo are.

Just one more of many reasons that modo is THE excellent choice.

Peace,
Stan

[JakalDesign]

Originally Posted by Grendel

Soooo are they now going to use Catmull-Clak instead of the "visually identical" smoothing? Is that what it is saying?

What they are saying is that they are licened to use Pixar's subdivision technology. From what I understand it is quite advanced compaired to the standard.