An introduction to Invention and Innovation

Important Terms  Invention  Innovation  Discovery  Creativity  Patents  Trademarks  Copyrights  Science  Engineering  Technology  Design

Invention Developing a new or useful process tool, machine, etc. that did not exist previously.

Innovation Introducing new ideas or methods to an established process, tool, machine, etc. to produce marketable products.

1 st Cell Phone March 6, 1983 Razr 2006 Alexander Graham Bell’s Phone 1876 Old Phone Evolution of the Telephone

Old Computers Dell Computers 2006

Discovery The primary process used in science to uncover new knowledge.

Creativity  The ability to see a problem in several dimensions.  The ability to truly understand the problem at hand.

Patents  Provide inventors with exclusive rights to manufacture a device for a period of time that has been fixed. (Currently 17 yrs.)  Assigned to individuals, not corporations.

Patents Cont.  The inventor must keep dated logs in order to prove who invented something first.  “Patent Pending” – the inventor has applied for a patent, but not received it yet.

Trademarks  Trademarks give an individual or corporation a right to identify a product with a graphic symbol that customers can readily recognize for the quality and service they have earned.  Generally, a trademark has no time limit.

Trademark Examples Adidas Mountain Dew Abercrombie & Fitch Nike

Copyrights  Provide the creators of written materials the right to a profit from the sale of their works for a definite period of time.  Related to written material, graphic material, or music.

Science  The pursuit of new knowledge about nature.  Its primary goal is knowledge, not solutions to problems.

Engineering  The profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize economically the materials and the forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.  The deliberate, orderly process through which technology is created.

Technology The innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment to satisfy the perceived human wants and needs.

Design The process of designing solutions to technological problems— innovating and inventing.

History of Invention, Innovation and Discovery The greatest difference between science and technology is purpose.

 The main purpose of science was curiosity, where the main purpose of technology was a matter of survival.  Science and technology need and serve each other while serving mankind.

Early civilizations were based on just a few inventions:  The plow  Handwriting  Metallurgy  Pottery  Brick making  Stonecutting  Spinning  Weaving  Surveying instruments  And more…

7 Mechanisms that affect Invention and Innovation 1.Deliberate search 2.Deliberate search for 1 thing that leads to something else 3.Totally unrelated developments have an effect on the main event

4.Military needs or military inventions give rise to intense development efforts and equally significant social change. 5.Result of religion 6.Weather & other natural forces 7.Pure accident

Invention, Innovation and Discovery Today A few of the most influential factors which are of a different origin than the previous 7 mechanisms…

1.Information and Communication Technology  The faster we can communicate, the faster we can influence others with new inspiration and new inventions. 2.Specialization of knowledge and teamwork 3.The rise of organized science  In the past, discoveries often followed the practical application.  Technology preceded science  Today, technology rarely precedes science

4.The influence of government  The need for rapid wartime development of technology tends to push the envelope of efficiency.  The funding of research which is often available for the asking.  Government can also influence invention and innovation by legislation that creates the rules others must play by

To promote rapid growth of technology, there had to be something in it for both users and producers, and if the correct balance could be found, it would be good for the country. Intellectual Property

Inventors  Thomas Edison  Benjamin Franklin  Elijah McCoy  Eli Whitney  Alexander Graham Bell  Henry Ford