Patents by Inventor Curtis A. Maeder
Curtis A. Maeder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 12372959Abstract: A mobile device includes a processor and memory, coupled to the processor, which memory contains instructions that when executed cause the processor to provide an autonomy management application. The autonomy management application includes an autonomy approval function. The autonomy approval function provides a user interface configured to display at least one aspect of an autonomy job to a user and receive user acceptance of the autonomy job. The autonomy approval function is configured to instruct the user to move within a pre-determined distance from an autonomous work machine that will execute the autonomy job and provide a machine-verified indication of user proximity within the pre-determined distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2022Date of Patent: July 29, 2025Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Margaux M. Ascherl, Jeffrey E. Runde, Curtis A. Maeder, David A. Johnson, Erich Wassilak, Mario L. Donini
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Patent number: 12364193Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating an agricultural work machine is provided. The method includes initiating row sensing guidance for the agricultural work machine to guide steering of the agricultural work machine based at least one signal from a row sensor; obtaining contextual information; determining whether a row is present based on the contextual information; and selectively ignoring the at least one signal from the row sensor based on whether a row is present. An agricultural work machine and a control system for an agricultural work machine are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Tyler D. Schleicher, Curtis A. Maeder, Hichem Bouguerra
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Patent number: 12340637Abstract: An implement management system detects implement wear and monitors implement states to modify operating modes of a vehicle. The system can determine implement wear using the pull of the implement on the vehicle, the force and angle of which is represented by an orientation vector. The system may measure a current orientation vector and determine an expected orientation vector using sensors and a model (e.g., a machine learned model). Additionally, the implement management system can determine an implement state based on images of the soil and the implement captured by a camera onboard the vehicle during operation. The system may apply different models to the images to determine a likely state of the implement. The difference between the expected and current orientation vectors or the determined implement state may be used to determine whether and how the vehicle's operating mode should be modified.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 24, 2025Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Curtis A. Maeder, Tyler D. Schleicher, Noel W. Anderson
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Patent number: 12314052Abstract: A device detects a trigger to dispense a product at a using a tool operably coupled to a tractor. The device determines whether the tractor is in an automated mode, the automated mode enabling autonomous speed and direction navigation of the tractor. Responsive to determining that the tractor is not in the automated mode, the device determines whether the tool is in a ready state, and responsive to determining that the tool is in the ready state, commands the tool to dispense the product, wherein the tool is not commanded to dispense the product until the tool is in the ready state. Responsive to determining that the tractor is in the automated mode, the device commands the tool to dispense the product without determining whether the tool is in the ready state.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2023Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Solomon J. Sawlaw, Ryan C. Burnley, Ray M. Scheufler, Curtis A. Maeder, Sean A. Mahrt
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Patent number: 12254689Abstract: An implement management system detects implement wear and monitors implement states to modify operating modes of a vehicle. The system can determine implement wear using the pull of the implement on the vehicle, the force and angle of which is represented by an orientation vector. The system may measure a current orientation vector and determine an expected orientation vector using sensors and a model (e.g., a machine learned model). Additionally, the implement management system can determine an implement state based on images of the soil and the implement captured by a camera onboard the vehicle during operation. The system may apply different models to the images to determine a likely state of the implement. The difference between the expected and current orientation vectors or the determined implement state may be used to determine whether and how the vehicle's operating mode should be modified.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2024Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Tyler D. Schleicher, Curtis A. Maeder, Noel W. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Runde
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Publication number: 20250028323Abstract: A control system for an autonomous work machine includes a robotic controller, a position detection system coupled to the robotic controller, and a sensor coupled to the robotic controller and configured to provide a sensor signal. A controlled system is coupled to the robotic controller to receive control signals from the robotic controller. The robotic controller is configured to generate an event relative to an object in an environment around the autonomous work machine or a machine health/job quality issue, document the event, and store the documented event. The robotic controller is further configured to selectively generate a communication containing at least some information relative to the documented event to a supervisor and to receive user input from the supervisor and take responsive action based on the user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2024Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventors: Margaux M. ASCHERL, Jeffrey E. RUNDE, Curtis A. MAEDER, David A. JOHNSON
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Patent number: 12140964Abstract: A control system for an autonomous work machine includes a robotic controller, a position detection system coupled to the robotic controller, and a sensor coupled to the robotic controller and configured to provide a sensor signal. A controlled system is coupled to the robotic controller to receive control signals from the robotic controller. The robotic controller is configured to generate an event relative to an object in an environment around the autonomous work machine or a machine health/job quality issue, document the event, and store the documented event. The robotic controller is further configured to selectively generate a communication containing at least some information relative to the documented event to a supervisor and to receive user input from the supervisor and take responsive action based on the user input.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Margaux M Ascherl, Jeffrey E. Runde, Curtis A. Maeder, David. A. Johnson
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Patent number: 12102024Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for determining a heading of a vehicle and a heading of an implement of a farming machine when the farming machine is stationary or moving at a speed below a threshold speed. The vehicle and the heading are attached together via a pivot hitch. A farming machine management system receives coordinates from a first location sensor coupled to the vehicle and a second location sensor coupled to the implement. The farming machine management system determines intersection points between a first circle centered at the first location sensor and a second circle centered at the second location sensor. The farming machine management system selects one of the intersection points based on an output of a machine learning model. The farming machine management system determines the headings of the vehicle and the implement and generates instructions for operating the farming machine based on the headings.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Procuniar, Qiang R. Liu, Curtis A. Maeder
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Publication number: 20240312204Abstract: An implement management system detects implement wear and monitors implement states to modify operating modes of a vehicle. The system can determine implement wear using the pull of the implement on the vehicle, the force and angle of which is represented by an orientation vector. The system may measure a current orientation vector and determine an expected orientation vector using sensors and a model (e.g., a machine learned model). Additionally, the implement management system can determine an implement state based on images of the soil and the implement captured by a camera onboard the vehicle during operation. The system may apply different models to the images to determine a likely state of the implement. The difference between the expected and current orientation vectors or the determined implement state may be used to determine whether and how the vehicle's operating mode should be modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Tyler D. Schleicher, Curtis A. Maeder, Noel W. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Runde
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Patent number: 12085955Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to select track paths for one or more vehicles in a field are disclosed. An example apparatus includes input interface circuitry to obtain a request for a first track path for a first vehicle, path instruction generation circuitry to, in response to the request, obtain information defining a plurality of track paths in a field, and select, based on the request, the first track path from the plurality of track paths, and update circuitry to update the information to indicate that the first track path is claimed by the first vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Curtis A. Maeder, Qiang R. Liu
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Patent number: 12026940Abstract: An implement management system detects implement wear and monitors implement states to modify operating modes of a vehicle. The system can determine implement wear using the pull of the implement on the vehicle, the force and angle of which is represented by an orientation vector. The system may measure a current orientation vector and determine an expected orientation vector using sensors and a model (e.g., a machine learned model). Additionally, the implement management system can determine an implement state based on images of the soil and the implement captured by a camera onboard the vehicle during operation. The system may apply different models to the images to determine a likely state of the implement. The difference between the expected and current orientation vectors or the determined implement state may be used to determine whether and how the vehicle's operating mode should be modified.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Tyler D. Schleicher, Curtis A. Maeder, Noel W. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Runde
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Publication number: 20240045437Abstract: A device detects a trigger to dispense a product at a using a tool operably coupled to a tractor. The device determines whether the tractor is in an automated mode, the automated mode enabling autonomous speed and direction navigation of the tractor. Responsive to determining that the tractor is not in the automated mode, the device determines whether the tool is in a ready state, and responsive to determining that the tool is in the ready state, commands the tool to dispense the product, wherein the tool is not commanded to dispense the product until the tool is in the ready state. Responsive to determining that the tractor is in the automated mode, the device commands the tool to dispense the product without determining whether the tool is in the ready state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Solomon J. Sawlaw, Ryan C. Burnley, Ray M. Scheufler, Curtis A. Maeder, Sean A. Mahrt
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Patent number: 11877528Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling a mobile agricultural machine includes obtaining prior field data representing a position of plants in a field, obtaining in situ plant detection data from operation of the mobile agricultural machine in the field, determining a position error in the prior field data based on the in situ plant detection data, and generating a control signal that controls the mobile agricultural machine based on the determined position error.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Tyler D. Schleicher, Curtis A. Maeder, Noel W. Anderson
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Patent number: 11825761Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for field operations based on historical field operation data. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a field map generator to generate a field map including locations of a plurality of crop rows, the locations of the plurality of crop rows determined based on a first implement path travelled by a first implement of a first vehicle during a first operation, the first implement having a first operational width, the first implement path different from a first vehicle path of the first vehicle during the first operation, and a guidance line generator to generate a guidance line for a second vehicle during a second operation on the field, the second vehicle including a second implement to perform the second operation, the second implement having a second operational width different from the first operational width, the guidance line based on (a) the field map and (b) the second operational width.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Curtis A. Maeder, Qiang R. Liu, Terence D. Pickett, Jeffery J. Adams
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Patent number: 11822339Abstract: A device detects a trigger to dispense a product at a using a tool operably coupled to a tractor. The device determines whether the tractor is in an automated mode, the automated mode enabling autonomous speed and direction navigation of the tractor. Responsive to determining that the tractor is not in the automated mode, the device determines whether the tool is in a ready state, and responsive to determining that the tool is in the ready state, commands the tool to dispense the product, wherein the tool is not commanded to dispense the product until the tool is in the ready state. Responsive to determining that the tractor is in the automated mode, the device commands the tool to dispense the product without determining whether the tool is in the ready state.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Solomon J. Sawlaw, Ryan C. Burnley, Ray M. Scheufler, Curtis A. Maeder, Sean A. Mahrt
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Patent number: 11778935Abstract: A digital fence of a work area is generated and loaded into a machine control system that controls an off-road machine. The machine control system detects whether the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence and automatically controls operating parameters of the off-road machine when the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: David August Johnson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jeffrey M. Tott, Megan L. Leininger
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Publication number: 20230121416Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to select track paths for one or more vehicles in a field are disclosed. An example apparatus includes input interface circuitry to obtain a request for a first track path for a first vehicle, path instruction generation circuitry to, in response to the request, obtain information defining a plurality of track paths in a field, and select, based on the request, the first track path from the plurality of track paths, and update circuitry to update the information to indicate that the first track path is claimed by the first vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Curtis A. Maeder, Qiang R. Liu
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Publication number: 20230085133Abstract: A digital fence of a work area is generated and loaded into a machine control system that controls an off-road machine. The machine control system detects whether the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence and automatically controls operating parameters of the off-road machine when the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2021Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: David A. Johnson, Curtis A. Maeder, Jeffrey M. Tott, Megan L. Leininger
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Publication number: 20230060628Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling a mobile agricultural machine includes obtaining prior field data representing a position of plants in a field, obtaining in situ plant detection data from operation of the mobile agricultural machine in the field, determining a position error in the prior field data based on the in situ plant detection data, and generating a control signal that controls the mobile agricultural machine based on the determined position error.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Tyler D. SCHLEICHER, Curtis A. MAEDER, Noel W. ANDERSON
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Publication number: 20230004167Abstract: A device detects a trigger to dispense a product at a using a tool operably coupled to a tractor. The device determines whether the tractor is in an automated mode, the automated mode enabling autonomous speed and direction navigation of the tractor. Responsive to determining that the tractor is not in the automated mode, the device determines whether the tool is in a ready state, and responsive to determining that the tool is in the ready state, commands the tool to dispense the product, wherein the tool is not commanded to dispense the product until the tool is in the ready state. Responsive to determining that the tractor is in the automated mode, the device commands the tool to dispense the product without determining whether the tool is in the ready state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Solomon J. Sawlaw, Ryan C. Burnley, Ray M. Scheufler, Curtis A. Maeder, Sean A. Mahrt