Computer Systems Laboratory Colloquium

4:15PM, Wednesday, December 6, 2000
NEC Auditorium, Gates Computer Science Building B03

Technology and the Future of Toys

Ralph Osterhout, CEO
Osterhout Design Group
About the talk:

The Toy Industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation, from the use of very low technology to reliance on the newest and most sophisticated high-tech systems. This lecture will explore the latest trends in the industry, and the dramatic impact technology is having on it.

Technologies covered will include: microprocessors, advanced voice recognition, voice morphing, text-to-speech, sensors, communications, remote-control, robotics and the role of the Internet. The presentation may involve demonstrations of recent commercial products as well as prototypes of toy technology currently being developed.

About the speaker:

As the founder of companies in sporting goods, defense contracting, personal electronics and now high tech toys, Ralph Osterhout has often been called a Renaissance Product Designer. His design expertise can be found in miniature scuba regulators, injection-molded dive scooters, office systems and lighting, solid state recording pens, PVS-7 night vision goggles (used in Operation Desert Storm), and now the world of high-tech toys.

Mr. Osterhout has been a long time consultant to the US military and intelligence community. He is currently infusing technology into high tech toys as the CEO of Osterhout Design Group, as well as being the CEO of Inter-4, a low cost Internet Appliance startup.

Contact information:

Ralph Osterhout
Osterhout Design Group
78 First Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone 415-369-0100
Fax 415-369-0200
http://www.osterhoutgroup.com
info@osterhoutgroup.com