Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Agricultural Harvester Navigation Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856890_0010_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Agricultural Harvester Navigation Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856890_0010_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856890_0010_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. 11,856,890.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Automated turn patterns in an agricultural harvester,' provided a foundational solution for automating turns in agricultural machines. However, this invention had limitations, such as relying on operator input and lacking real-time adaptability to changing field conditions. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a suite of autonomous and predictive capabilities that enable more efficient, sustainable, and adaptive agricultural practices.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in its integration of advanced predictive analytics, machine learning, and autonomous technologies to create a holistic agricultural ecosystem that can adapt to changing field conditions in real-time. The inventive step is the introduction of a modular, interchangeable unloading auger and the self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem, which enables unprecedented levels of flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in agricultural operations.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include the use of different machine learning algorithms, varying levels of autonomy in the harvesting machines, or the integration of additional sensors and data sources. Variations of the invention may be tailored to specific crop types, regional climates, or farm sizes, ensuring broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse agricultural contexts.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural technology sector, with potential applications in precision agriculture, autonomous farming, and sustainable agriculture practices. The target market includes large-scale commercial farms, agricultural cooperatives, and government agencies responsible for agricultural policy and environmental stewardship.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/1278
G G05 G05D1/0212
G G05 G05D2201/0201

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery automation, specifically autonomous harvesting systems with guidance and control technologies, requiring expertise in agricultural engineering, robotics, machine learning, and precision agriculture systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced degree in agricultural engineering or robotics, familiar with autonomous vehicle control systems, machine learning techniques for predictive analytics, and agricultural equipment design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's automated turn pattern and guidance technologies. The integration of machine learning, predictive analytics, and modular design represents natural technological progression in agricultural automation. These variations apply known machine learning and sensor integration techniques to enhance the core guidance and turn pattern management disclosed in the original patent.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Detecting turn patterns of agricultural harvester using processor and data store
PTD Variation
Predictive analytics module forecasting crop yields and dynamically adjusting turn patterns
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to existing turn pattern detection is a known technique for improving agricultural system performance, representing an obvious design optimization
Source Patent Element
Automatically controlling agricultural harvester path selection
PTD Variation
Autonomous land allocation using machine learning models to assign harvesting sections
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending path selection with dynamic resource allocation is a predictable application of existing guidance system technologies
Source Patent Element
Operator input for defining harvester turn patterns
PTD Variation
AI-powered decision-making capabilities for autonomous turn pattern generation
Obviousness Reasoning
Replacing manual operator inputs with algorithmic decision-making is a standard evolutionary step in automation technologies
Source Patent Element
Agricultural harvester with guidance system
PTD Variation
Modular, interchangeable unloading auger adaptable to different crop types
Obviousness Reasoning
Introducing modular design elements to improve system versatility represents a common engineering approach to enhancing agricultural machinery
Source Patent Element
Computer-executable instructions for harvester control
PTD Variation
Integrated agricultural planning tool combining weather, soil, and crop growth modeling
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding control systems to incorporate additional environmental data sources is an obvious technological enhancement
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856890 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed agricultural automation techniques obvious and anticipated. The published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed innovations represent predictable combinations of known agricultural guidance, machine learning, and autonomous control technologies, thereby rendering subsequent similar claims obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,890
TitleAutomated turn patterns in an agricultural harvester
Assignee(s)Deer & Company