Al Middleditch
email: Al_Middleditch@mac.com
Al Middleditch is the Professor of Geometric Computing at
Brunel University, and
a partner in the computing consultancy
Janus Computer Systems.
He is also a founder member of the Geometric Modelling Society.
This web site contains a selection of peer reviewed publications and a short biography.
Current and previous research
Although previous work has ranged from factory automation through computer aided design to computer games, there is the common link of geometry. Alan Middleditch retains a strong interest in practical applications of geometric computing, in particular with the construction of robust software on a sound mathematical basis. Current and previous research, in approximate chronological order, includes:
- Computer numerical control (CNC) of machine tools.
- Adaptive and optimal control of machine tools.
- Set theory for the definition, representation and manipulation of mechanical components. This resulted in the construction of a solid modelling system in 1977.
- CAD/CAM integration: the generation of machine tool control sequences
directly from solid models.
- Solid model simulation of machine tool material removal.
- Mathematical theory and algorithms for the definition and manipulation of complex (i.e. free-form) surfaces and
blends.
- Graph processing algorithms to expedite the solution of large systems of
constraint equations for geometric design.
- Feature based cellular geometric modelling of mixed dimension objects.
- Design of the Djinn API, an interface for a representation independent solid modelling kernel (in collaboration with members of the Geometric Modelling Society).
- Algorithms for the triangulation of sets of points in a space of arbitrary dimension.
- Algorithms for the generating the medial axis of polyhedra in a space of arbitrary dimension (in collaboration with Prof. Cecil Armstrong).
Some current research is being conducted during retreats to a
secluded cottage
in rural France.