Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
GPS Enabling Patent Filed 50 Years Ago Today
Fifty years ago, my dad filed a patent for a passive ranging Navsat system. It has been called the enabling patent for GPS.
It is not surprising that many people want credit for such a momentous invention. A major rival, Dr. Brad Parkinson, has claimed that the patent’s two dimensional illustration means that Easton’s Navsat Timation was two dimensional. But his own 1974 document states that it was 3D.
The 1971 Timation Development Plan contains many 3D discussions including the following figure.
A 2019 study concluded that GPS has added $1.2T to the US civilian economy with 90% of the benefits coming since 2019. It has been called the first global utility but its history has been poorly understood as is illustrated by this dispute. I’m working on another article to rectify this situation.
Published in Science & Technology
It seems you’ve been fighting this battle for awhile – like Alexander Graham Bell! Keep going!
Thanks! Here’s my one opportunity to directly respond to Parkinson. https://insidegnss.com/letters-timation-developers-honor-draws-fire/