Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Powered Autonomous Weed Control System

Publication ID: 24-11856937_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Powered Autonomous Weed Control System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856937_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856937_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. 11,856,937.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Apparatus for weed control', has limitations in terms of real-time processing, adaptability, and autonomous operation. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing a real-time image processing unit, a machine learning module, and an autonomous system for weed control, thereby improving the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of the apparatus.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the concept of real-time image processing, machine learning, and autonomous operation, which are not present in the original patent. The combination of these features provides a significant improvement in efficiency, accuracy, and safety, thereby constituting a novel and non-obvious invention.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include using different types of sensors, such as lidar or radar, to detect vegetation. The machine learning module could be trained using different algorithms or datasets to improve its accuracy. The autonomous system could be integrated with other agricultural equipment, such as tractors or drones, to expand its capabilities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced apparatus for weed control has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the areas of precision farming and autonomous agriculture. The invention could be marketed to farmers, agricultural companies, and governments, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for weed control.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01M21/043
A A01 A01M7/00
E E01 E01H11/00
G G05 G05B15/02
G G06 G06F18/24
G G06 G06T7/0008
G G06 G06T7/70
G G06 G06V20/188
G G06 G06V20/56
H H04 H04N23/54
G G06 G06T2207/30188

Field of Art

Agricultural automation and precision weed control technologies, involving image processing, machine learning, and autonomous agricultural equipment systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural robotics, computer vision, machine learning, and precision agriculture technologies, typically holding a masters or PhD in agricultural engineering, robotics, or computer science with specialized knowledge in autonomous agricultural systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating real-time machine learning, autonomous operation, and advanced image processing into the source patent's weed control apparatus represents a natural technological progression. The core technical problem of precise vegetation management remains consistent, with the PTD offering incremental improvements in sensing, decision-making, and autonomous execution that would be predictable extensions of existing agricultural automation technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Image acquisition and processing for vegetation identification from source patent claims
PTD Variation
Adding machine learning module to improve image recognition accuracy over time
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to image classification is a known technique in computer vision, representing a predictable enhancement to existing image processing systems with expected improvements in detection precision
Source Patent Element
Chemical spray unit for targeted vegetation management
PTD Variation
Replacing chemical spraying with mulch application unit using similar targeting logic
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting one vegetation management technique for another is a standard design choice within agricultural technology, with predictable results in precision targeting
Source Patent Element
Camera-based environment scanning for vegetation detection
PTD Variation
Integrating multiple sensor types like lidar and radar for enhanced environmental perception
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding sensor modalities is a routine optimization in robotic perception, offering complementary data sources with expected improvements in detection reliability
Source Patent Element
Apparatus for inhibiting vegetation growth
PTD Variation
Implementing fully autonomous operation without human intervention
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing fully autonomous systems is a predictable technological progression in agricultural robotics, representing an incremental improvement in existing semi-automated technologies
Source Patent Element
Location-specific vegetation management approach
PTD Variation
Adding feedback loop to dynamically adjust mulch application based on subsequent environmental imaging
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing adaptive control systems is a standard engineering approach to improving precision and efficiency in automated technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable technological extensions of the foundational teachings in US Patent 11856937, combining known techniques in agricultural automation, machine learning, and precision targeting with expected results.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,937
TitleApparatus for weed control
Assignee(s)Discovery Purchaser Corporation