Abstract of the Commemorative lecture
My Computer Odyssey
My early experiences in student government helped me to learn about teamwork and making compromises. My engineering work required teamwork and compromising computer speed for chip size. My student government public speaking experiences helped me in my teaching career. My college education in mathematics and logic helped me to design computer arithmetic units. Although I started college with no particular profession in mind, my college work in computers brought me into industry as a programmer, where I learned about computer design and integrated circuits.
When I started my computer odyssey in college there were only a handful of books on computing, and the state of computer science was quite young. After 35 years I find thousands of books on computers and the field is expanding much more rapidly than I can keep up with. By accident I fell into the computer field and have stayed in this expanding and growing field. I still am inquisitive and take chances in new products and with new companies.
Our microcomputer invention has led to thousands of specialized uses and the personal computers are being used everywhere. I feel that the computers are often abused but that many lives are enhanced because of their use. At the Inventor's Hall of Fame last year, a blind professor came up to me and thanked me for our microcomputer invention, which has enabled him to be productive on his computer even though he has no sight. I was very touched by his comments and his sincerity.
It was gratifying to have worked with these fine engineers and fellow laureates when we were together at Intel. It was great to have been part of an international team and to work in Europe. I am lucky to be surrounded by my sons, my brother and sister and my wife and to share my story with all of you today.
Thank you, Dr. Inamori and the Foundation, for this wonderful award.
