Adaptive Navigation Control: Multi-Industry Header Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0007_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Navigation Control: Multi-Industry Header Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0007_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 disclosed systems and methods for controlling an agricultural header, but the limitations of this technology were confined to agricultural applications. The present invention addresses the need for adaptable, distance-based navigation and control solutions that can be applied to various industries, thereby expanding the scope and utility of the original technology.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the core technology of agricultural header control systems, thereby expanding the scope and utility of the original patent. The inventive step lies in adapting the distance-based navigation and control principles to diverse industries, resulting in innovative solutions that address specific problems and needs in each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different types of sensors, such as lidar or ultrasonic sensors, or various controller architectures. Variations may include integrating the system with existing infrastructure, such as warehouse management software or urban infrastructure monitoring systems, to enhance their functionality and efficiency.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including warehouse inventory management, precision forestry, urban infrastructure monitoring, autonomous underwater exploration, and logistics optimization in manufacturing environments. The target market includes companies and organizations operating in these industries, seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01D41/141
A	A01	A01D41/1278

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Agricultural and robotic navigation systems, focusing on sensor-based distance measurement and autonomous vehicle control across multiple domains

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in sensor technologies, control systems, and autonomous navigation, capable of applying distance-based sensing principles across different technical environments

Obviousness Rationale

The source patent's core technical contribution of using one-dimensional distance sensors for precise navigation and control can be readily extended to other domains by applying the same fundamental sensing and control principles. A PHOSITA would recognize that the distance measurement and autonomous navigation techniques are fundamentally transferable across different vehicle and infrastructure contexts. The sensor-based control methodology demonstrated in the agricultural header system provides a clear technical template for solving navigation challenges in diverse environments.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Controller receiving one-dimensional distance data from sensors mounted on a vehicle

PTD Variation

Applying the same sensor-based navigation principle to warehouse inventory management vehicles

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of adapting sensor control systems to solve similar navigation and collision avoidance problems in a predictable manner

Source Patent Element

Radar sensor determining distance to objects for precise vehicle positioning

PTD Variation

Using radar sensors in forestry vehicles to measure distance to trees and control movement

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable extension of sensing technology to a related outdoor navigation environment with similar technical requirements

Source Patent Element

Controller processing distance data to make autonomous navigation decisions

PTD Variation

Implementing distance-based control for underwater exploration vehicles

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying a known control methodology to a new environment using functionally equivalent sensor and processing techniques

Source Patent Element

Determining vertical and horizontal distances using one-dimensional sensor data

PTD Variation

Monitoring infrastructure by measuring distances to detect structural variations like pavement cracks

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious design choice to repurpose distance measurement techniques for condition monitoring applications

Source Patent Element

Autonomous vehicle control system using sensor-based distance measurement

PTD Variation

Logistics optimization in manufacturing environments using similar sensor navigation principles

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable implementation of a proven technical approach to solve navigation and efficiency challenges

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856891's teachings of sensor-based autonomous navigation, the present disclosure demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the claimed variations obvious through straightforward technical adaptation. The fundamental principles of distance-based sensing and control are shown to be readily transferable across multiple technical domains, rendering subsequent claims involving similar methodologies anticipated and obvious.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,891
Title	Systems and methods for controlling an agricultural header
Assignee(s)	CNH Industrial America LLC