Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Harvesting Camera Control System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856889_0009_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Harvesting Camera Control System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856889_0009_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856889_0009_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. However, this invention is limited to general harvesting operations. The present invention addresses the need for specialized camera systems that cater to specific, niche requirements, enhancing the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of harvesting operations in challenging environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the invention lies in the adaptation of the automated camera system to specific, niche requirements, providing enhanced functionality and value in challenging environments. The inventive step is the integration of encryption, weather-resistance, wind-speed adjustment, and low-light capability into the camera system, which is non-obvious and surpasses the original patent's limitations.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as infrared or ultrasonic sensors, to capture images in low-light conditions. Variations may include adapting the camera system for use in other agricultural vehicles, such as tractors or plows, or integrating the system with other harvesting machine components, such as GPS or yield monitoring systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in niche markets such as high-security harvesting operations, disaster relief, and extreme weather conditions. The target industries include agricultural equipment manufacturers, harvesting service providers, and government agencies involved in disaster relief and agricultural development.

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 vehicle tracking technologies, involving mechanical engineering, computer vision, and agricultural equipment design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural machinery automation, familiar with camera systems, sensor integration, machine control interfaces, and agricultural vehicle positioning technologies, typically holding a BS/MS in mechanical or agricultural engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's automated camera system provides a foundational framework for extending functionality through predictable variations in sensing, environmental adaptation, and operational context. The PTD's proposed modifications represent logical extensions of existing camera control and imaging technologies already demonstrated in the source patent. These variations would be considered routine engineering adaptations within the established technical domain of harvesting machine camera systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Camera system with variable focal length and digital zoom logic for tracking receiving vehicle
PTD Variation
Low-light capable camera system with infrared or enhanced sensor capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting camera sensors for different environmental conditions is a predictable design variation using known imaging technologies
Source Patent Element
Automated camera control based on receiving vehicle positioning signals
PTD Variation
Encryption and remote monitoring of captured unloading images
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding data security and transmission features represents a standard software/network engineering enhancement to existing imaging systems
Source Patent Element
Spout configuration and camera view selection during unloading
PTD Variation
Wind speed and direction-based camera and unloading operation adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating environmental sensing for operational adaptation is a routine engineering optimization using available sensor technologies
Source Patent Element
Camera system for tracking agricultural vehicle interactions
PTD Variation
Disaster relief infrastructure damage assessment using harvesting machine camera
Obviousness Reasoning
Repurposing existing sensing technologies for alternative contextual applications is an obvious technical adaptation
Source Patent Element
Automated camera control logic for harvesting machine unloading
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant camera system with environmental condition compensation
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing sensor durability and environmental adaptability represents a standard engineering improvement using known protective technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856889, the variations disclosed herein would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in agricultural machinery automation. The proposed technical extensions represent predictable combinations of known imaging, sensing, and control technologies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight. Consequently, any patent claims substantially similar to these variations would be rendered obvious and lack non-obvious technical merit under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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