One lesser-known inventor whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world is Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was an actress and inventor who is often credited as the co-inventor of spread spectrum technology. What is spectrum technology you might be asking? Spectrum technology is a system that is used in modern wireless communication.
Lamarr was born in Austria in 1914 and became an actress in the 1930s. She appeared in a number of Hollywood films, including “Samson and Delilah” and “Ziegfeld Girl.” However, Lamarr was also interested in science and technology. Lamarr spent her free time tinkering with inventions.
One of Lamarr’s most significant contributions. That was the development of spread spectrum technology. She came up with the idea while working with composer George Antheil on her trip to help the Allies communicate during World War II. Their genius idea was to use radio frequencies to transmit messages, but to avoid detection they proposed changing the frequency constantly to prevent the enemy from intercepting them.
Lamarr and Antheil were granted a patent for their idea in 1942, but it was not until the 1960s that spread spectrum technology was developed and put into use. Today, spread spectrum technology is used in a wide range of applications, including wireless communication and GPS.
Despite her important contribution to the field of technology, Lamarr’s name is not as well-known as some of her contemporaries. However, her story illustrates the important role that women have played in the field of inventorship, and it serves as a reminder of the many lesser-known inventors whose contributions have had a significant impact on our world. Contact a patent attorney with Tucker law to see if your idea can turn you into the the next lesser-known inventor.
