Calgary, AB —July 14, 2008 — (TSX: HEM) Today Hemisphere GPS, a leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced GPS products; announced an expansion of its intellectual property portfolio with four new patents. These patents are the latest innovations in the areas of GPS positioning and automated steering.
“Hemisphere GPS has built a reputation for creating optimized solutions, especially with our positioning and machine control products,” says Dr. Michael Whitehead, Chief Scientist of Hemisphere GPS. “We are proud that we not only meet the demands of the market, we anticipate future needs while protecting our intellectual property. Our patents are evidence of our commitment to provide customers with precise and innovative technology.”
The Satellite Position and Heading Sensor for Vehicle Steering Control patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,400,956) is based on the company’s successful and patented Crescent® Vector™ technology used in marine navigation and various precise positioning and attitude determination applications. Multiple antennas are used to provide accurate heading and roll data in addition to position. The heading and roll information provides accurate and dynamic steering information, even on rough or sloped terrain. The data is provided instantaneously and the quality is sustained over long periods of time. Alternative methods use inertial components that offer short-term accuracy but drift over time. Sophisticated steering algorithms based on accurate position and attitude from the Crescent Vector technology, along with dynamic calibration techniques that compare the vehicle response with the steering commands, ensure simple operation and precise steering performance.
The technology outlined in the Portable Reference Station for Local Differential GPS Corrections patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,400,294) is currently employed in the popular Outback Guidance® BaseLineHD™. This portable base station provides differential corrections and requires minimal user setup – a great choice for real-time centimeter-level positioning for machine control applications. New reference locations are stored in the base station, and additional locations can also be uploaded. The base station first determines its own position, and then automatically determines the appropriate reference location. From GPS data and the reference location, the base station computes and broadcasts GPS corrections to a rover GPS receiver that can accurately navigate a user. The user only has to place the base station in the desired location and turn it on. It can provide centimeter-level performance and accuracy that is repeatable from day to day, week to week, and even year to year.
The Articulated Equipment Position Control System and Method patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,373,231) enables the position of an implement to be controlled while it is being towed behind a tractor or other self-propelled vehicle. Using an articulated connector between the vehicle and the implement, the control system interfaces with a steering guidance system to keep the implement on a predetermined course. With this implement control technology, a driver is able to make tighter turns at the end of a row without the implement drifting to the inside of the turn and restricting movement. It will keep implements on a precise path even on slopes, and can keep an implement on a preset curve where the implement may not otherwise follow the direct path of the vehicle. The patent covers the guidance algorithms and electrical components that interface with the steering system.
The Carrier Track Loop for GNSS Derived Attitude patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,388,539) provides a method and system for reducing inconsistencies on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) carrier tracking loop. This technology provides direct communication between two GPS receivers’ tracking loops in order to minimize common noise induced effects. By connecting two GPS receivers and employing this communication method, the positional accuracy and precision are enhanced. This technique also reduces the number of components needed to achieve this level of performance, all of which translates into a lower cost, higher value product for users. This technology is featured in the Vector systems such as the popular V100™ and VS100™ products.
“The addition of these patents further strengthens our intellectual property portfolio,” says Steven Koles, President and CEO of Hemisphere GPS. “With 20 awarded patents and 19 more pending, Hemisphere GPS is confirming our commitment to innovation and leadership in precise positioning, guidance and machine control markets.”
About Hemisphere GPS
Hemisphere GPS designs and manufactures innovative, cost-effective GPS products for positioning, guidance, and machine control applications in agriculture, marine and other markets. The Company holds numerous patents and other intellectual property and owns leading brand names, including Outback Guidance® and BEELINE®, two of the leading brands in precision GPS for ground agriculture. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with major product development, sales, and marketing facilities in Arizona, Kansas, Texas, and Australia. For more information about Hemisphere GPS, please go to www.hemispheregps.com.
The above disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Hemisphere GPS’ control, including: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and market valuations of companies with respect to the announced transactions and the final valuations thereof, and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. Hemisphere GPS’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amount of proceed, that Hemisphere GPS will derive there from.