AI-Driven Agricultural Header Control System

Publication ID: 24-11856891_0010_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Driven Agricultural Header Control System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856891_0010_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856891_0010_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 a system for controlling an agricultural header, which, although innovative, has limitations in terms of scalability, precision, and environmental impact. The present invention addresses these limitations by envisioning a more ambitious and forward-thinking approach to agriculture, where autonomous systems, real-time data sharing, and AI-driven decision making converge to optimize crop yields, minimize waste, and reduce environmental footprint.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention introduces a paradigm shift in agricultural technology by integrating autonomous systems, AI-driven decision making, and real-time data sharing to create a more efficient, sustainable, and connected agricultural ecosystem. The new claims are novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as they envision a more ambitious and forward-thinking approach to agriculture, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address the limitations of traditional farming methods.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of other types of autonomous vehicles, such as autonomous tractors or robots, or the integration of additional sensors and data sources, such as weather stations or satellite imagery. Variations of the invention could also include different types of crops or farming methods, such as organic or regenerative farming.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present invention has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, with potential applications in crop harvesting, monitoring, and logistics. The target market includes farmers, agricultural companies, and food distributors, who could benefit from increased crop yields, reduced waste, and improved transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01D41/141
A A01 A01D41/1278

Field of Art

Agricultural automation and precision farming technologies, focusing on sensor-based control systems for agricultural equipment, particularly header and harvesting systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in agricultural engineering, robotics, sensor technologies, and autonomous systems, typically holding a BS or MS in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field, with knowledge of sensor integration, data processing, and agricultural machinery control systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's claims represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core teachings of sensor-based agricultural header control, applying known autonomous technologies and sensor integration techniques to expand agricultural automation capabilities. The variations demonstrate logical progressions of existing sensor and control methodologies by introducing swarm robotics, AI-driven decision making, and expanded sensing modalities that are natural technological evolutions in the field of precision agriculture.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
One-dimensional distance sensing using radar sensors mounted on agricultural headers
PTD Variation
Drone-based swarm sensing with specialized sensors for collective crop monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending single-sensor header control to multi-sensor drone networks represents a predictable application of known sensor integration techniques, where a PHOSITA would recognize the logical progression from fixed to mobile sensing platforms
Source Patent Element
Controller processing distance data from multiple sensors to determine crop and soil surface characteristics
PTD Variation
AI-powered 3D topographical mapping using satellite, drone, and soil moisture sensing
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining multiple sensor data sources to generate comprehensive field insights is a known technique in precision agriculture, representing an obvious enhancement of existing data processing methodologies
Source Patent Element
Agricultural header control system using sensor data for navigation and positioning
PTD Variation
Autonomous crop harvesting using coordinated drone swarms with cutting tools
Obviousness Reasoning
Transitioning from ground-based to aerial autonomous harvesting represents a straightforward technological adaptation using known robotic control principles and sensor guidance techniques
Source Patent Element
Sensor-based distance and positioning determination for agricultural equipment
PTD Variation
Insect-sized robotic sensors for real-time pest and disease detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturizing sensing technologies and applying them to crop monitoring is an obvious technological progression using known sensor integration and robotics principles
Source Patent Element
Controller processing sensor data for agricultural system control
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based farm-to-table logistics tracking platform
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending sensor data processing to supply chain tracking represents a predictable application of existing data management and tracking technologies in agricultural contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11856891 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed agricultural automation techniques obvious, as they represent predictable extensions of existing sensor-based control methodologies through known technological combinations and design adaptations in the field of precision agriculture.

Original Patent Information

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