Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Distance Control Systems for Multi-Industry Automation

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0002_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Distance Control Systems for Multi-Industry Automation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0002_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0002_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. 11,856,891.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Systems and methods for controlling an agricultural header,' introduced a control system that utilizes 1D distance data from sensors to optimize agricultural header performance. However, this technology has broader implications and can be applied to other industries where distance-based control is crucial. The present invention addresses the limitation of the original patent by exploring new use cases and applications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the extension of the original patent's technology to new, unrelated industries, demonstrating the versatility and broad applicability of the distance-based control system. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the potential for this technology to be adapted and applied to solve specific problems in various fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as lidar, ultrasonic, or camera-based systems. Variations may involve integrating the control system with other technologies, like machine learning or computer vision, to enhance its capabilities and accuracy.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial automation, logistics and supply chain management, autonomous systems, renewable energy, and smart transportation infrastructure. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety in their respective domains.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/141
A A01 A01D41/1278

Field of Art

Agricultural and robotic control systems involving sensor-based distance measurement and automated positioning, with expertise in sensor integration, signal processing, and control system design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, experienced in sensor technologies, control systems design, and cross-domain technology adaptation, familiar with radar, lidar, and distance measurement techniques

Obviousness Rationale

The PTD demonstrates that the core technical concept of using 1D distance sensors for precise positioning and control is readily adaptable across multiple technical domains. A PHOSITA would recognize that the agricultural header control system's fundamental principles of sensor-based distance measurement and automated positioning are universally applicable to robotic, industrial, and transportation contexts. The technical solution represents a generalizable approach to spatial awareness and automated control that transcends specific industry boundaries.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Controller receiving 1D distance data from sensors mounted on agricultural equipment
PTD Variation
Applying the same sensor-based distance measurement principle to robotic arm control and warehouse storage optimization
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of translating sensor-based positioning across domains, with predictable results in spatial measurement and automated control
Source Patent Element
Determining horizontal and vertical distances using radar or similar sensors
PTD Variation
Extending sensor distance measurement to underwater exploration, wind turbine navigation, and traffic management
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite set of known sensor technologies with established methods for distance calculation and environmental interaction
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to control steering and positioning based on sensor data
PTD Variation
Adapting control system logic to different mechanical systems like robotic arms, storage racks, and vehicles
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering solution using standard control system design principles and modular sensor integration approaches
Source Patent Element
One-dimensional distance data processing for agricultural header positioning
PTD Variation
Implementing similar distance data processing in diverse technological contexts like underwater exploration and traffic management
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious design choice demonstrating the generalizability of sensor-based control system architectures
Source Patent Element
Sensor mounted on mobile equipment for real-time distance measurement
PTD Variation
Applying sensor mounting and data processing techniques to wind turbines, warehouse infrastructure, and roadside systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Well-known engineering approach of adapting sensor integration strategies across different mechanical and technological platforms
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as demonstrated by the generalizable sensor-based control system principles derived from US Patent 11856891, which disclose a foundational approach to automated positioning and distance measurement that is readily adaptable across multiple technological domains.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,891
TitleSystems and methods for controlling an agricultural header
Assignee(s)CNH Industrial America LLC