Reynold B. Johnson facts for kids

Reynold B. Johnson (born July 16, 1906 – died September 15, 1998) was an amazing American inventor. He was a computer pioneer who worked for IBM for many years. People often call him the "father" of the hard disk drive, which is super important for computers! He also invented machines that could score tests automatically and helped create the videocassette tape.

About Reynold B. Johnson

Reynold B. Johnson was born in Minnesota. His parents came from Sweden. He finished high school at Minnehaha Academy in 1925. Later, he earned a degree from the University of Minnesota in 1929.

Early Inventions and IBM

In the 1930s, Reynold was a science teacher in Michigan. He invented a cool machine that could score tests by reading pencil marks! This was a big deal for schools. Columbia University professor Benjamin D. Wood had created the multiple-choice test, and Johnson's machine could quickly grade them.

IBM bought the rights to Reynold's invention. They also hired him as an engineer to work in their lab in Endicott, New York. The test scoring machine was sold as the IBM 805 Test Scoring Machine starting in 1937.

Mark Sense Technology

One of Reynold's first jobs at IBM was to create a way for people to record data using just a pencil. This was called "mark sense" technology. It allowed pencil marks to be turned into punched cards, which computers could then read.

This technology was used a lot in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. For example, phone companies used it to record long-distance calls. Utility companies used it to read meters. The government even used it for their own records.

The Hard Disk Drive

In 1952, IBM sent Johnson to San Jose, California. His job was to set up and manage a new lab there. In 1956, a research team led by Johnson created something revolutionary: disk data storage technology. IBM released this as the IBM 305 RAMAC.

The first disk drive was very big and held much less data than today's tiny drives. But it was the start of a huge industry that helps us store all our digital information, from photos to games!

Videocassette Tape

Johnson also worked with Sony on another project. During this time, he developed the first idea for a half-inch videocassette tape. Before this, video tapes were much wider and harder to use.

He cut the tape to a half-inch and put it inside a cartridge. This made it much easier for people, especially kids, to use. His goal was to create a "video textbook" for children, making learning more fun and accessible.

Life After IBM

Reynold Johnson retired from IBM in 1971. He had more than 90 patents for his inventions!

After retiring, he developed "microphonograph" technology. This was used in the Fisher-Price "Talk to Me Books." These books won a "Toy of the Year" award! This same technology also helped the National Audubon Society teach bird watchers how to identify birds by their songs.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan gave him the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Awards and Recognition

• In 1991, the IEEE Reynold B. Johnson Information Storage Systems Award was created. This award is given each year to people or teams who have made great contributions to information storage.
• In 1996, he received the Franklin Institute's Certificate of Merit.

Reynold B. Johnson passed away in 1998 at the age of 92 in Palo Alto, California.

See also

In Spanish: Reynold B. Johnson para niños