Fiducial Markers for Agricultural and Livestock Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
Adapting the core technology of medical instrument fiducial markers to agricultural and livestock settings, enabling precise tracking, monitoring, and analysis of crops, livestock, and equipment.
Background and Problem Solved
Conventional agricultural and livestock management systems lack precise tracking and monitoring capabilities, resulting in reduced yields, inefficient resource allocation, and poor decision-making. The original patent's fiducial marker technology, initially designed for medical instruments, is now applied to address these limitations in agricultural and livestock settings.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the fiducial marker technology to create a system for tracking agricultural equipment, monitoring crop health, managing farm operations, precision irrigation, and monitoring livestock health. The physical instrument with fiducial markers is designed for use in various agricultural settings, including fields, farms, and livestock enclosures. The instrument is tracked using visible light cameras, enabling real-time monitoring and data analysis. The system can detect signs of disease or stress in crops and livestock, optimize irrigation schedules, and provide valuable insights for farmers and livestock managers.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of fiducial marker technology to agricultural and livestock settings, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of conventional management systems. The inventive step lies in adapting the technology to address the unique challenges and requirements of these industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors or cameras, integrating the system with existing agricultural software, or developing specialized instruments for specific crops or livestock. Variations may also include using the technology for other applications, such as environmental monitoring or conservation efforts.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the agricultural and livestock industries, with applications in precision agriculture, farm management, livestock health monitoring, and environmental sustainability. The target market includes farmers, agricultural companies, livestock producers, and government agencies involved in agricultural development and conservation.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/10 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/107 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2068 |
| G | G06 | G06F3/011 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical instrumentation and tracking technologies, with expertise in fiducial marker systems, imaging technologies, and precision tracking across medical and industrial applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced engineering or biomedical background, capable of cross-domain technology adaptation, familiar with optical tracking systems, sensor integration, and interdisciplinary problem-solving
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between medical instrument tracking and agricultural equipment tracking as both fundamentally involve precise spatial localization using optical markers. The core technological principles of fiducial marker detection are transferable across domains, with predictable modifications to suit specific environmental requirements. The source patent's core innovations of coded markers and visual tracking are directly applicable to agricultural monitoring scenarios.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,274 |
|---|---|
| Title | Medical instrument with fiducial markers |
| Assignee(s) | Medivis, Inc. |