An introduction to Invention and

Innovation

Important Terms

InventionInnovationDiscoveryCreativityPatentsTrademarks

CopyrightsScienceEngineeringTechnologyDesign

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.

1st Cell PhoneMarch 6, 1983

Razr 2006

Alexander Graham Bell’s

Phone1876

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.

PatentsProvide 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.

TrademarksTrademarks 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

CopyrightsProvide 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

HandwritingMetallurgyPotteryBrick making

StonecuttingSpinningWeavingSurveying

instrumentsAnd more…

7 Mechanisms that affect Invention and Innovation1. 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 Intellectual PropertyProperty

Inventors

Thomas EdisonBenjamin FranklinElijah McCoyEli WhitneyAlexander Graham BellHenry Ford