First Computer Scanned Image on SEAC

In 1957, Russel Kirsch worked on the Standards Eastern Automatic Computer (SEAC) to create the first-ever computer scanned image. Working with the SEAC team, Kirsch created a rotating drum scanner, allowing him to digitize an image of his son, Walden. The image was a five-by-five centimeter black-and-white shot. This was the first image to be scanned into a computer. Because of its importance in the development of digital photography, Life Magazine put the image in one of their magazines in 2003. It said that the image was one of the “100 Photographs that changed the world.”

Although Kirsch didn't work for NASA, his invention led to technology needed for space exploration including the Apollo moon landing. Medical advancements, such as the CAT scan also came from the help of Kirsch's research. Barcodes on packaging were another advancement due to Kirsh.

I chose this topic to write a blog about because as I read the articles under "Graphics and Games", this article really grabbed my attention. It is amazing how far digital photography has changed in 50 years. Because of advances in memory and processing speed, today's digital photos are now much better than photos on film.

Some facts that stuck out to me were that the photo Kirsch digitized was his 3-month son, Walden and that Life Magazine named this photo one of the 100 photographs that changed the world. Another fact was that the photo was only 176 pixels while photos today are well over a million of pixels.

Sites:

www.computerhistory.org/timeline/graphics-games/

www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/image_052407.cfm