Search results
Apr 20, 2024 · John Vincent Atanasoff was an American engineer, physicist, mathematician, and computer scientist. He spurred major innovations in the field of computing, ultimately earning the nickname of “the father of the modern computer”. In this regard, he is one of the most famous inventors in modern history.
Mar 27, 2024 · Atanasoff and his ABC computer unlocked pioneering concepts that accelerated computing capabilities far faster than ever envisioned. His foundational insights around electronic, binary computing set the blueprint driving exponential leaps in processing speeds over subsequent decades.
John Vincent Atanasoff (October 1903 – June 1995) [BSE 1925] created and built the first electronic calculating machine. Atanasoff is one of the most distinguished alumni of the College of Engineering and was so recognized with an honorary doctorate of science degree from UF in 1974.
John Vincent Atanasoff was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for his invention of the electronic digital computer and for contributions toward the development of a technically trained U.S. work force.
- Introduction
- State of The Computing Art
- The Prototype Computer
- Us Naval Ordnance Laboratory
- The Ordnance Engineering Corporation
- Preliminaries of Litigation
- Formal Litigation
- Honeywell Versus Sperry-Rand
- Disposition of The Two Cases
I am writing a historical account of what has been an important episode in my life. During the last half of the 1930s I began and, later with Clifford E. Berry, pursued the subject of digital electronic computing. Included were my conceptions of computing, and the construction both of a prototype and of what I later called the Atanasoff Berry Compu...
As I came to feel the basic need for more powerful means of computing, I examined, in more detail, the types of apparatus that were available. I soon determined that computers could be divided into two classes, analog and digital. In analog computers, a number is represented by a physical quantity in the machine as measured by some system of units....
Even before the fall quarter had begun, Clifford had studied my plans and we were soon involved in a discussion of how we should proceed. We both agreed that the theoretical aspect of these plans, however necessary it had been, would have to be reduced to practice. Each portion of my design would have to be built, examined and fully tested. In the ...
I began work at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) late in September. The NOL was the research laboratory of the Bureau of Ordnance. It had responsibility for depth charges, and mines and various other projects, as assigned. Historically, it had been located in the US Naval Gun Factory, beside the Anacostia River, and there it remained until the w...
Early in 1952, I was thinking of the types of experience I had encountered. I was 48 years old and I knew that if I wanted to be involved in private enterprise, the time had come; one of my friends, in fact, had told me that I was already too old. However, with a few firm friends, I incorporated The Ordnance Engineering Corporation (TOEC) in the st...
On April 26, 1967, I was visited by Mr. Allen Kirkpatrick, a patent attorney of Washington, who represented Control Data Corporation (CDC). He had learned of me by reading a book, Electronic Digital Systems,by R. K. Richards. Mr. Richards had seen our computer with Clifford Berry. I soon was told that Sperry-Rand Corporation was suing CDC, and was ...
We use the term "formal litigation" for the two processes, deposition and trial, by which evidence is produced for the judge (or jury) to use in reaching a verdict. This part of litigation is the major part; in important cases, the records become voluminous. In the matter of computer litigation being considered here, there were only two cases at th...
This trial was held in the federal court at Minneapolis, with judge Earl R. Larson presiding. It began June 1, 1971. Knowing that I would be an early witness, I went to Minneapolis on June 7. For the moment, I spent my time listening to the court testimony and having private briefings by counsel for Honeywell. This being my first testimony in a fed...
Everyone expected that judge Larson's decision would be appealed, but rather quickly it was settled by the payment of money and an agreement between the parties that each would support the judge's decision of 1973. I have been told that Sperry-Rand paid $3,500,000, sufficient to reimburse Honeywell for the cost of the trial. Thus ended this importa...
John Vincent Atanasoff. 1903-1995. American Inventor, Physicist and Mathematician. It is impossible to imagine a world without computers. Computers control nearly every facet of our lives, from car air bags to airplanes, schools, businesses, and space shuttles.
People also ask
How did John Vincent Atanasoff contribute to modern technology?
Why was John Vincent Atanasoff awarded the National Medal of Technology & Innovation?
Who was John Vincent Atanasoff?
What computer did Atanasoff invent?
He developed a fascination with calculating devices when his father gave him a slide rule, with which JVA used to solve simple math problems. Amazed at the precision achieved, he experimented with more complex equations and began studying logarithms, algebra, and differential calculus.
