Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Enhanced Camera Control for Agricultural Harvesting

Publication ID: 24-11856889_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Enhanced Camera Control for Agricultural Harvesting,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856889_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856889_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,889.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an automated camera system control for harvesting machine unloading, which, although innovative, had limitations in terms of camera zoom, focus, and image processing. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced camera control capabilities, real-time monitoring, and machine learning algorithms to improve fill efficiency and reduce errors.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce significant advancements over the original patent, including the use of machine learning algorithms, real-time monitoring, and automated camera calibration. These innovations provide a substantial improvement in fill efficiency, reduced errors, and increased overall system accuracy.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different camera types, such as stereo cameras or infrared cameras, or the integration of additional sensors, such as lidar or radar, to further enhance the system's capabilities. Variations of the invention could also include different machine learning algorithms or image processing techniques to optimize camera settings and fill strategy.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced automated camera control system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the development of more efficient and accurate harvesting machines. The system could also be applied to other industries, such as logistics or construction, where real-time monitoring and optimized filling strategies are crucial.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/127
A A01 A01D90/02
B B65 B65G67/22
H H04 H04N23/69
B B65 B65G2814/0302

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery automation, specifically harvesting machine camera systems and unloading control technologies, involving mechanical engineering, computer vision, and precision agriculture systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled engineer with expertise in agricultural machinery design, computer vision technologies, sensor integration, and automated control systems, typically holding a BS/MS in mechanical or agricultural engineering with 3-5 years of experience in precision agricultural equipment development

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's machine learning and real-time monitoring extensions are natural progressions of the source patent's automated camera control framework. The core technological problem of optimizing harvesting machine unloading remains consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental improvements in sensing, processing, and adaptive control that would be predictable to a skilled practitioner in the field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Camera system with variable focal length and digital zoom logic for capturing harvesting unloading images
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms for dynamically adjusting camera settings based on vehicle position and crop distribution
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of known machine learning techniques to existing camera control systems, representing an obvious optimization of existing automated imaging approaches
Source Patent Element
Positioning system receiving vehicle position signals for camera control
PTD Variation
Real-time video analysis and automated issue detection during unloading process
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing positioning and sensing technologies, representing a straightforward implementation of additional processing capabilities
Source Patent Element
Spout configuration and camera-based unloading control
PTD Variation
Automatic object detection and predictive spout positioning using machine learning algorithms
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious combination of existing control logic with emerging machine learning techniques, representing a finite set of predictable technological improvements
Source Patent Element
Camera system for monitoring harvesting machine unloading
PTD Variation
High-frame-rate video capture with processing unit for comprehensive fill strategy analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of increasing sensor resolution and processing capabilities, representing an incremental technological improvement within the existing system framework
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856889 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and lacking in non-obvious technical merit. The presented published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed improvements represent predictable variations within the existing technological domain of automated harvesting machine camera control systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,889
TitleAutomated camera system control for harvesting machine unloading
Assignee(s)Deer & Company