Patent Examples: GPS

1. GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that allows people to determine their exact location anywhere on Earth. It involves a network of satellites that orbit the Earth. These satellites continuously send out signals. A GPS receiver, like the one in a phone or a car, picks up these signals. By calculating the time it takes for the signals to travel from the satellites to the receiver, the GPS can determine the receiver's position in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude.

GPS technology has transformed how we navigate and use location-based services. Originally developed for military use, GPS technology is now an essential part of everyday life. It powers everything from smartphone navigation to precision agriculture and disaster response. Some key examples of GPS applications include:

• Driving and Public Transport: GPS helps drivers find routes and avoid traffic, and it assists people in finding the best public transportation options.
• Location Sharing: GPS allows real-time location sharing through messaging apps.
• Ride-Hailing: Apps like Uber and Lyft connect drivers and passengers using GPS.
• Emergency Services: GPS pinpoints locations accurately during search and rescue missions.
• Geocaching: An outdoor activity in which participants use GPS to hide and find containers.
• Vehicle Tracking: GPS helps track stolen vehicles and monitor fleet movements.
• Wildlife Tracking: Researchers, including wildlife biologists, ecologists, and conservationists, use GPS to monitor animal movements and study migration patterns.
• Network Timing: GPS is used to synchronize time across networks, which is crucial for financial transactions and communication systems.

The Foundational GPS Patent

While there are numerous variants and modifications of GPS technology that have been patented, the "Navigation system using satellites and passive ranging techniques," credited to Roger L. Easton of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (patent number US3789409A), is considered one of the foundational patents for GPS technology. This patent claims a system for using satellites to provide accurate location information, which is the core principle behind modern GPS. Although Easton’s patent is widely recognized as a foundational patent for GPS technology, the development of GPS as we know it today was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from multiple individuals and agencies.

Easton’s patent was filed on October 8, 1970 and granted on January 29, 1974. Learn about how long it takes to get a patent issued on our website. Easton’s patent is now expired.

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