Published Technical Disclosure Archive

AI-Powered Agricultural Header Control System

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0008_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Powered Agricultural Header Control System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0008_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0008_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,' addresses the need for precise header control during crop harvesting. However, it has limitations in terms of sensor capabilities and data analysis. The new invention solves this problem by incorporating advanced sensors and AI algorithms to create a more comprehensive and adaptive system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the novel combination of radar sensors, cameras, and machine learning algorithms to create a more advanced and adaptive agricultural header control system. This integration enables the system to create a 3D map of the crop field and predict optimal harvesting routes, which is not possible with the original patent's technology.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of other types of sensors, such as lidar or infrared sensors, or different machine learning algorithms. The system could also be integrated with other agricultural technologies, such as autonomous tractors or drones, to create a more comprehensive agricultural management system.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced agricultural header control system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in precision agriculture and crop harvesting. The system's ability to optimize harvesting routes and reduce waste could lead to increased efficiency and profitability for farmers and agricultural companies.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/141
A A01 A01D41/1278

Field of Art

Agricultural machinery control systems, specifically header positioning and sensor-based navigation technologies for crop harvesting equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural robotics, sensor integration, control systems design, and machine learning applications in precision agriculture, typically holding a BS or MS in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that extending the source patent's one-dimensional sensor-based header control system to a multi-sensor 3D mapping approach represents a predictable technological progression using known sensor integration and machine learning techniques. The fundamental control methodology remains consistent, with the primary innovation being the expanded sensor suite and data processing capabilities. The technical problem of precise header positioning is directly addressed through more sophisticated sensing and computational approaches.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
One-dimensional distance sensing using radar sensors mounted on agricultural header
PTD Variation
Multi-sensor approach integrating radar and camera sensors to create 3D field mapping
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining sensor types is a known technique for improving spatial sensing accuracy, and a PHOSITA would recognize the predictable benefit of enhanced environmental perception
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to adjust header position based on plant stalk distance measurements
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms predicting optimal harvesting routes using integrated sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Application of machine learning to agricultural sensing represents an obvious extension of existing control system design principles, with predictable improvements in navigation precision
Source Patent Element
Horizontal and vertical distance measurement from agricultural header sensors
PTD Variation
Integration of external data sources like weather, soil moisture, and blockchain-based crop monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding sensor input sources is a standard design approach for improving system intelligence, representing a logical and predictable system enhancement
Source Patent Element
Single-sensor header positioning control system
PTD Variation
Multi-sensor system with real-time adaptive positioning capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Increasing system complexity through sensor fusion is a well-established engineering approach for improving automated control system performance
Source Patent Element
Radar-based distance measurement for agricultural header
PTD Variation
Incorporating alternative sensor technologies like lidar and infrared for enhanced environmental perception
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting equivalent sensing technologies represents a standard design choice with predictable performance characteristics
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: The disclosed technical variations represent obvious extensions of US Patent 11856891's agricultural header control system, wherein a person having ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize the predictable combination of known sensor technologies, machine learning techniques, and control system design principles to achieve enhanced agricultural machinery navigation and positioning capabilities.

Original Patent Information

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