How Farm Machines Use Maps to Predictively Control Dividers
This patent describes an agricultural system that uses a geographic map of field characteristics to predictively control the end dividers on a harvesting machine, aiming for more efficient operation.
Original patent title: “Systems and methods for predictive end divider control”
This patent describes an agricultural system that uses a geographic map of field characteristics to predictively control the end dividers on a harvesting machine, aiming for more efficient operation. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes an agricultural system that obtains a map of a field. This map shows different values of a characteristic, like crop density or terrain, at various geographic locations (as described in the abstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more →). A control system then uses this map to generate a signal. This signal controls the operation of one or more end dividers on an agricultural harvester. For example, if the map shows a section of the field with very dense crop at the edge, the system could predictively adjust the end divider to ensure all crop is gathered efficiently, rather than reacting only when the harvester reaches that spot.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover systems that control end dividers based solely on real-time sensor readings without using a pre-obtained geographic map.
- Does not cover controlling components of an agricultural harvester other than the end dividers.
- Does not cover systems that use a map for general navigation but not for specific predictive control of end dividers based on mapped characteristics.
- Does not cover non-agricultural vehicles or machinery.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in using a pre-obtained map of field characteristics to *predictively* control the end dividers. Instead of reacting to conditions as the harvester encounters them, the system plans adjustments in advance based on known geographic data, leading to smoother and more optimized operation.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
John Deere X9 Combine harvesters with precision agriculture modules
Case IH Axial-Flow combines integrated with field mapping software
AGCO Ideal combines using smart farming solutions
Any modern agricultural harvester equipped with GPS and field mapping capabilities
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Precision agriculture aims to make farming more efficient and less wasteful. This patent contributes by offering a way to automate and optimize a specific part of the harvesting process: managing end dividers. By using maps to predictively adjust these dividers, farmers can potentially reduce crop loss, improve the quality of harvested material, and save time and fuel during operation.
Filed
February 28, 2022
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major agricultural equipment manufacturers like John Deere, CNH Industrial (Case IH, New Holland), and AGCO are actively developing and integrating precision agriculture technologies. These companies are investing heavily in smart farming solutions that leverage mapping, GPS, and automation to enhance the efficiency and productivity of their machinery.
Market impact
This technology could lead to more precise and efficient harvesting operations, potentially reducing crop waste and optimizing fuel consumption. While this specific patent is newly granted, the broader trend of precision agriculture, which it supports, is already transforming the industry. It enables farmers to make data-driven decisions and automate complex tasks, contributing to higher yields and lower operational costs across the agricultural sector.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes an agricultural system that obtains a map of a field. This map shows different values of a characteristic, like crop density or terrain, at various geographic locations (as described in the abstract). A control system then uses this map to generate a signal. This signal controls the operation of one or more end dividers on an agricultural harvester. For example, if the map shows a section of the field with very dense crop at the edge, the system could predictively adjust the end divider to ensure all crop is gathered efficiently, rather than reacting only when the harvester reaches that spot.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in using a pre-obtained map of field characteristics to *predictively* control the end dividers. Instead of reacting to conditions as the harvester encounters them, the system plans adjustments in advance based on known geographic data, leading to smoother and more optimized operation.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover systems that control end dividers based solely on real-time sensor readings without using a pre-obtained geographic map.
- Does not cover controlling components of an agricultural harvester other than the end dividers.
- Does not cover systems that use a map for general navigation but not for specific predictive control of end dividers based on mapped characteristics.
- Does not cover non-agricultural vehicles or machinery.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 15.4 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How Farm Machines Use Maps to Predictively Control Dividers (U.S. Patent No. 12,733,563). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733563/systems-and-methods-for-predictive-end-divider-control
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Farm Machines Use Maps to Predictively Control Dividers cover?
This patent describes an agricultural system that uses a geographic map of field characteristics to predictively control the end dividers on a harvesting machine, aiming for more efficient operation.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Precision agriculture aims to make farming more efficient and less wasteful. This patent contributes by offering a way to automate and optimize a specific part of the harvesting process: managing end dividers. By using maps to predictively adjust these dividers, farmers can potentially reduce crop loss, improve the quality of harvested material, and save time and fuel during operation.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover systems that control end dividers based solely on real-time sensor readings without using a pre-obtained geographic map.
Patent monitoring