Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Powered Adaptive Agricultural Header Control System

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Powered Adaptive Agricultural Header Control System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0006_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) provided a foundational control system for agricultural headers. However, it had limitations in adapting to varying crop canopy heights, soil inclinations, and crop density. The present invention addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced sensor arrays, machine learning, and real-time data analysis to optimize harvesting parameters and minimize crop loss.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the use of advanced sensor arrays, machine learning, and real-time data analysis to optimize harvesting parameters, which is not present in the original patent. The integration of these components provides a significant improvement in harvesting efficiency and crop loss minimization.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different sensor types, such as lidar or camera-based systems, or the integration of weather data and soil moisture sensors to further optimize harvesting parameters. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various crop types and agricultural environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Adaptive Agricultural Header Control System has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the areas of precision farming and autonomous harvesting. The system could be marketed to farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and equipment manufacturers, with potential applications in various crop types, including corn, soybeans, and wheat.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/141
A A01 A01D41/1278

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery control systems, specifically header guidance and sensor-based crop harvesting technologies, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, sensor integration, and agricultural automation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with a degree in agricultural engineering or mechanical engineering, familiar with sensor technologies, control systems, and agricultural machinery design, with 3-5 years of experience in precision agriculture systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core sensor-based header control technology. The additional machine learning, multi-sensor integration, and autonomous path planning are logical progressions of existing agricultural sensing and control methodologies. These variations represent incremental improvements using known techniques in sensor fusion, data analysis, and adaptive control systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
1D distance data collection from sensors mounted on agricultural header
PTD Variation
Multi-sensor array creating real-time 3D field mapping and adaptive harvesting parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding single-sensor distance measurement to multi-sensor mapping is a predictable technological progression using known sensor fusion techniques
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to receive and process sensor data for header positioning
PTD Variation
Machine learning module analyzing historical and real-time crop data to predict optimal harvesting parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating machine learning into existing control systems is a standard approach for improving adaptive performance in sensor-based technologies
Source Patent Element
Radar and distance sensors for detecting crop and soil conditions
PTD Variation
Incorporating additional sensor types like lidar, cameras, and environmental sensors for comprehensive field analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting or adding sensor types is a routine design choice for expanding sensing capabilities in agricultural control systems
Source Patent Element
Header control system with basic steering and height adjustment
PTD Variation
Autonomous harvesting system with real-time path optimization and dynamic parameter adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Evolving from manual to autonomous control represents a natural technological progression in precision agriculture
Source Patent Element
One-dimensional distance measurement for header positioning
PTD Variation
Three-dimensional field mapping and adaptive harvesting strategies
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding single-dimensional sensing to comprehensive spatial analysis is an obvious technological enhancement using standard sensor integration techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856891 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed agricultural header control system innovations obvious and non-patentable. The proposed variations represent predictable technological extensions utilizing standard sensor integration, machine learning, and adaptive control methodologies known in the precision agriculture domain.

Original Patent Information

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