You can freely build on How Caterpillar Compresses Heavy Machinery Data Using Neural Networks

What this patent covers

This patent describes a system to reduce the cost of sending data from remote construction machines to a central office. It uses a neural network to group similar operational data points into 'neurons' within a multi-dimensional space. Instead of sending every single sensor reading, the machine only sends the coordinates of these neurons, the average distance of data points to those neurons, and how often each neuron was 'hit' by incoming data. This allows the remote office to reconstruct the machine's behavior without needing the raw, high-bandwidth data stream.

What is now free to use

All 1 claims of US 7664715 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover general-purpose data compression algorithms like ZIP or JPEG.

• Does not cover supervised learning where the machine is trained on labeled data.

• Does not cover transmission methods that do not rely on neuron-based model parameters.

• Does not cover data processing that occurs entirely on an external server without local compression.

Who is building on this today

Caterpillar remains the primary entity utilizing this specific approach for their proprietary fleet management suites. Modern industrial IoT platforms from companies like Komatsu and John Deere have since adopted similar edge-computing and data-reduction strategies to manage the massive influx of sensor data from modern 'smart' equipment.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Caterpillar Japan Ltd. US Patent 7664715. Apparatus and method for compressing data, apparatus and method for analyzing data, and data management system. Granted 2010, expired 2025. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.