Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Harvesting Machine Control System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856889_0008_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Harvesting Machine Control System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856889_0008_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856889_0008_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 addressed the limitation of manual camera control during harvesting machine unloading. However, this invention takes a significant leap forward by integrating the harvesting machine with other distinct technologies to create a more powerful and efficient system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novel combination of the harvesting machine with AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials provides a synergistic effect that is not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to achieve optimal crop deposition and autonomous unloading, which was not anticipated by the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different types of sensors, such as lidar or radar, to detect crop height and distribution. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with different types of agricultural vehicles or receiving vehicles. The new material-based adaptive spout could be replaced with other adaptive materials or mechanisms.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The synergistic harvesting machine control system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in precision agriculture and autonomous farming. The system's ability to optimize crop deposition and autonomous unloading could lead to increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and improved crop quality. The target market includes agricultural companies, farmers, and manufacturers of agricultural vehicles and equipment.

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 systems, specifically harvesting equipment with automated camera and sensor-based control systems for crop unloading and vehicle positioning

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural machinery, computer vision, sensor integration, and control systems, typically holding a BS or MS in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical field with 3-5 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's automated camera and unloading control system provides a natural foundation for integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and machine learning. The core technical problem of optimizing crop deposition and vehicle positioning remains consistent, with the PTD representing predictable technological extensions using standard engineering approaches to enhance the existing automated system.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Camera system with variable focal length and digital zoom logic for tracking receiving vehicle position
PTD Variation
Adding machine learning and computer vision to analyze crop deposition locations using stereo camera inputs
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending camera-based positioning with machine learning is a predictable enhancement that applies known computer vision techniques to improve existing sensor tracking capabilities
Source Patent Element
Spout configuration for side and rear unloading with position-based control
PTD Variation
Implementing an adaptive material-based spout that can dynamically adjust shape and size based on real-time sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Using smart materials to create adaptive mechanical components represents a standard engineering approach to improving mechanical system flexibility and responsiveness
Source Patent Element
Positioning system for tracking receiving vehicle location
PTD Variation
Integrating blockchain and IoT networks for secure, distributed data transmission about vehicle and crop positioning
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying distributed network technologies to existing positioning systems is a routine engineering solution for improving data reliability and transmission
Source Patent Element
Control system for managing harvesting machine unloading operations
PTD Variation
Implementing cloud-based analytics platform with machine learning to generate crop deposition recommendations
Obviousness Reasoning
Leveraging cloud computing and machine learning to optimize existing control systems represents a standard technological progression in automated agricultural systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856889's teachings of automated harvesting machine camera and positioning systems, the present disclosure demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in agricultural engineering would find the integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and adaptive materials to be obvious extensions of existing automated unloading technologies, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

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