Interval Research

1990s research lab exploring computation, communication, and media technologies.

Palo Alto, USA
Founded 1992

Company Links

Industries

ComputingTelecomArts

Funding

Corporate Funded

Narrative

Interval Research, established in the early 1990s, cultivated a distinct culture by intentionally blurring disciplinary boundaries. Its methodology centered on attracting leading experts from fields as diverse as computer science, art, music, and social sciences, placing them in close proximity and encouraging collaborative exploration of emerging technologies. This interdisciplinary approach fostered innovation by dismantling traditional silos and facilitating the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to novel inventions in areas like interactive television, virtual reality, and online communities. Researchers were given considerable autonomy to pursue their own investigations, further incentivizing blue-sky thinking.

Located in Silicon Valley and funded by Paul Allen, Interval Research benefited from a fertile environment steeped in technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. However, unlike many startups, its primary focus was not on immediate commercialization but on long-term research. This emphasis on open research, coupled with a less hierarchical structure, allowed for a more experimental and less risk-averse approach, contributing to its unique "scenius" – a collective intelligence fostered by the freedom to explore, collaborate, and challenge conventional wisdom.

Key People

  • Paul Allen: Founder, Co-founder of Microsoft. A significant investor and driving force behind Interval's research initiatives.

  • Nathan Myhrvold: Founder, Chief Technology Officer. Headed Interval's research efforts and led numerous projects across diverse fields.

  • Edward Fredkin: Key Member, Professor of physics and computer science. Contributed significantly to Interval's theoretical research.

  • Gregory Chaitin: Key Member, mathematician and computer scientist, contributed to Interval's research in computational complexity and information theory.

Breakthroughs

  • Name: Pen-based computing interface and technologies.

    • Description: Advanced pen-based computing technology including pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and gesture recognition, significantly improving the user experience.
    • Year: Early to mid 1990s.
  • Name: Early Web technologies and development.

    • Description: Contributions to early web browser technology and development, although specifics are difficult to definitively isolate.
    • Year: Early to mid 1990s.
  • Name: Various digital ink technologies.

    • Description: Research and development in digital ink processing and recognition, advancing capabilities beyond simple character recognition.
    • Year: 1990s.
  • Name: Specifics regarding many projects remain undisclosed due to the secretive nature of Interval Research.

    • Description: A significant portion of Interval's work remains confidential or unpublished, hindering a complete accounting of its breakthroughs.
    • Year: NA (due to confidentiality)

Related Entities

  • Spun Off: Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Interval Research was founded by Xerox and staffed largely by former PARC researchers.

  • Funded By: Xerox Corporation. Xerox provided significant funding for Interval Research's research and development.

  • Collaborated With: Various universities and research institutions (specific names unavailable without further information). Interval Research engaged in collaborative projects, though specifics are not readily available.

  • Was Acquired By: (Information unavailable. Interval Research's ultimate fate is unclear from readily available information.)

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