DETAILED ACTION
The following communication is in response to the RCE and IDS filed on 12-February-2026. Claims 1-20 are pending in the application. The IDS received on the same date has been considered.
The present application, filed on or after 16-March-2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103
2.1 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. § 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering the objective evidence present in the application indicating
obviousness or nonobviousness.
2.2 Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al, USP Publication 2022/0317688, in view of Schleicher et al, USP 11,284,556.
2.3 Li discloses the invention substantially as claimed, but does not specifically disclose all of the features of claims 1-20. However, in an analogous prior art reference in the same field of endeavor and/or reasonably pertinent to the problem being solved, Schleicher, hereinafter S, describes these features, including: *Note: unless otherwise indicated, all of the citations listed below are to Li.
Claims 1 and 17: (As amended) A system [¶0001] comprising:
a sensing arrangement that in operation senses alignment of an agricultural vehicle with two reference crop rows [0006; 0040], the sensing arrangement outputting a reference alignment signal representative of relative closeness to the two reference crop rows [0011 (the processing module is configured to extract a feature value based on the first sensor data to obtain a first feature value, and extract a feature value based on the second sensor data to obtain a second feature value.); 0027 (the elastomer arranged on the grain divider in the elastic row sensing module is in direct contact with the high stem crop and is deformed by contact, the sensor in the elastic row sensing module generates the contact data according to the deformation of the elastomer); 0040; 0041; 0044; 0049] [S:col. 3:ln(s) 57-65 (These additional sensor signals can be used in order to determine when automated steering control should be initiated by steering control system 132. For instance, the sensor signals provided by sensors 130 may indicate when machine 100 is traveling on a side hill, when it is turning, when it is traveling uphill or downhill, etc. These signals may be used by control system 132 to initiate automated steering control and to control other items on machine 100.)]; and
processing circuitry that receives and processes the reference alignment signal [0011; 0012; 0027; 0043; 0049] to regulate steering of the agricultural vehicle [0013; 0027 (the processing module analyzes the current alignment state according to the contact data, then the controlling module calculates the required steering direction and the steering angle according to the current alignment state, and sends the steering direction and the steering angle to the steering module through the steering signal.); 0045; 0049] [S:3:50-65 (Sensors 130 illustratively generate corresponding sensor signals that sense the corresponding sensed variables and provide those sensor signals to steering control system 132)];
wherein for correction of alignment of the agricultural vehicle with the reference crop rows in a curve, a turn, a hillside, or a combination thereof, the processing circuitry implements a nudge by altering the reference alignment signal to enhance alignment of the agricultural vehicle with the reference crop rows [0020-0021; 0027 (Finally, the steering module completes the corrective steering action according to the steering signal to realize the automatic row alignment driving of the harvester.); 0046 (The steering signal is a control signal generated when the current alignment state obtained by the processing module 200 includes deviation direction and deviation angle, which is used to control a steering actuator (such as hydraulic cylinder, etc.) to achieve steering.); 0047; 0049] [S:3:39-42 (In addition, where the rows of crop are curved, it can be even more difficult to keep the wheels of machine 100 between the crop rows, especially where they are curved on a side hill.); 5:26-31 (By way of example, system enabling logic 186 may sense a roll angle from roll sensor 194 or boom roll sensor 198 and determine whether machine 100 is traveling on a side hill based on the sensed angles. This can indicate whether automated steering control should be enabled.); 6:57-61 (Thus, the yaw sensor signal may be used by system enabling logic 186 to determine that vehicle 100 is on a side hill or other conditions exist under which automatic steering control should be performed.); 8:40-48 (the present description describes a system that can be used to maintain a desired distance between the wheels of a vehicle and the crop rows. It does this by independently controlling steering of the front and rear wheels, so that the front wheels stay between the rows, and so that rear wheels stay between the rows. This can be very helpful in a wide variety of scenarios, such as where the crop rows are curved, disposed on a side hill, or in other scenarios.)].
Claims 2, 11 and 19: wherein the processing circuitry automatically determines and implements the nudge without operator intervention [0004; 0027 (The system is based on the elastic row sensing module to assist the harvester in automatic row operation, and there is no need to make modifications to the harvester and the harvesting operation of the harvester is not affected)].
Claims 3 and 12: wherein a magnitude of the nudge is determined by reference to a lookup table relating relative current or anticipated misalignment of the vehicle with the reference crop rows [0041 (as the harvester 1000 moves forward, the elastomer will deform by contact with the high stem crops. The sensor is used to detect the degree of deformation of the elastomer. If the deformation of the elastomer reaches certain level, it indicates that there is a deviation between the positioning of the grain divider and the high stem crop.); 0043 (The processing module 200 is used to process the contact data detected by the elastic row sensing module 100, mainly for feature extraction and calculation, so as to obtain the current alignment state of the harvester according to the original sensor data. The current alignment state is used as a reference to detem1ine whether the grain divider is aligned with the high stem crop, the current alignment state specifically includes the offset direction and offset distance. When the offset distance is less than a certain threshold, the high stem crop is deemed aligned with the grain divider.); 0047 (The current alignment state includes offset direction and offset, a formula for calculating the steering direction and steering angle of the harvester according to the offset direction and offset is preset in the controlling module); 0056 (After receiving the first sensor data and the second sensor data, the feature value is extracted through the preset algorithm to obtain the first feature value and the second feature value.)].
Claims 4 and 13: wherein the nudge is implemented in a stepwise manner based on predetermined alterations in the (claim 13: voltage) reference alignment signal [0024 (comparing the first feature value and the second feature value with preset feature thresholds to determine left-right alignment gap states); 0041 (The sensor is used to detect the degree of deformation of the elastomer. If the deformation of the elastomer reaches (a) certain level); 0047 (The controlling module is used to determine the steering direction and the steering angle of the harvester according to the offset direction and the offset amount, and generate a steering signal according to the steering direction and the steering angle.); 0049 (The steering module 400 receives the steering signal, and can apply continuous adjustment to the steering wheel of the harvester according to the steering direction and the steering angle in the steering signal. The contact data will change again with a different driving direction, the offset amount will also change continuously, and the steering angle will change accordingly, the steering wheel will be adjusted continuously during driving, and finally desired alignment will be realized.)].
Claims 5 and 14: comprising an operator interface configured to receive operator input of the nudge [0068 (The input module 700 is used to obtain the operation parameters entered by the user. The operation parameters can include operation spacing, offset values, sensor calibration, and voltage feature threshold. The operation parameters are used in conjunction with the contact data to generate steering signals.)].
Claims 6, 15 and 20: wherein the processing circuitry is configured to generate and display a recommended nudge that may be accepted by the operator via the interface [0068 (the controlling module 300 also stores information such as operation parameters of the harvester for generation of various control signals. The operation parameter information needs to be input through a certain channel, the input module 700 may be a touch screen, a keyboard, and other input devices. Of course, the output module and the controlling module 300 can also be integrated into a display and control module, which can realize the functions of input and control at the same time.)].
Claims 7 and 16: wherein the sensing arrangement contacts crops in the reference crop rows and produces a variable voltage output signal corresponding to the reference alignment signal based upon relative contact with the reference crop rows [0027 (the elastomer arranged on the grain divider in the elastic row sensing module is in direct contact with the high stem crop and is deformed by contact, the sensor in the elastic row sensing module generates the contact data according to the deformation of the elastomer); 0047; 0049].
Claim 8: wherein the nudge comprises an adjustment that increases or decreases the voltage output signal [0049 (The steering module 400 receives the steering signal, and can apply continuous adjustment to the steering wheel of the harvester according to the steering direction and the steering angle in the steering signal. The contact data will change again with a different driving direction, the offset amount will also change continuously, and the steering angle will change accordingly, the steering wheel will be adjusted continuously during driving, and finally desired alignment will be realized.)].
Claim 9: wherein the agricultural vehicle comprises a combine harvester [0005; 0036], and wherein the sensing arrangement is provided in a header snout of the combine harvester [0006 (an elastic row sensing module is disposed on a grain divider of the harvester); 0052 (The ends of the elastomer are on each side of the grain divider)].
Claim 10: A system comprising:
a sensing arrangement that in operation senses alignment of an agricultural vehicle by contact with two reference crop rows [0006; 0040], the sensing arrangement outputting a voltage reference alignment signal representative of relative closeness to the two reference crop rows [0011; 0027; 0040; 0041; 0044; 0049] [S:3:57-65]; and
processing circuitry [0011; 0012; 0027; 0043; 0049] that receives and processes the voltage reference alignment signal to regulate steering of the agricultural vehicle [0013; 0027; 0045; 0049] [S:3:50-65]; and
wherein for correction of alignment of the agricultural vehicle with the reference crop rows in a curve, a turn, a hillside, or a combination thereof, the processing circuitry implements a nudge by altering the voltage of the reference alignment signal to enhance alignment of the agricultural vehicle with the reference crop rows [0020-0021; 0027; 0046; 0047; 0049] [S:3:39-42; 5:26-31; 6:57-61; 8:40-48]
Claim 18: wherein the sensing arrangement contacts crops in the reference crop rows and produces a variable voltage output signal based upon relative contact with the reference crop rows [0027 (the elastomer arranged on the grain divider in the elastic row sensing module is in direct contact with the high stem crop and is deformed by contact, the sensor in the elastic row sensing module generates the contact data according to the deformation of the elastomer); 0047; 0049], and wherein the nudge comprises an adjustment that increases or decreases the voltage output signal [0049 (The steering module 400 receives the steering signal, and can apply continuous adjustment to the steering wheel of the harvester according to the steering direction and the steering angle in the steering signal. The contact data will change again with a different driving direction, the offset amount will also change continuously, and the steering angle will change accordingly, the steering wheel will be adjusted continuously during driving, and finally desired alignment will be realized.)].
2.4 Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art, as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the automatic row alignment driving system as described by Li, with the crop row sensing vehicle as disclosed by Schleicher, because doing so would allow an agricultural vehicle disposed on a curved row, a side hill, or other scenarios, to maintain a desired distance between the wheels of a vehicle and the crop rows, by independently controlling steering of the front and rear wheels, so that the front wheels and the rear wheels stay between the rows [S:8:40-48], with a reasonably predictable expectation of success.
Prior Art
3. The following prior art, discovered in an updated search and herein made of record, is considered pertinent to Applicant’s disclosure, and consists of document A on the attached PTO-892 Notice of References Cited:
Document A defines a document of particular relevance, wherein the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Prior Art of Record
4. The Examiner has cited particular paragraphs or columns and line numbers in the references applied to the claims above for the convenience of the applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings of the art and are applied to specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages and figures may apply as well. It is respectfully requested of the applicant in preparing responses, to fully consider the references in their entirety as potentially teaching all or part of the claimed invention, as well as the context of the passage as taught by the prior art or disclosed by the Examiner. The prompt development of a clear issue requires that the replies of the Applicant meet the objections to and rejections of the claims. Applicant should also specifically point out the support for any amendments made to the disclosure (see MPEP §2163.06). Applicant is reminded that the Examiner is entitled to give the Broadest Reasonable Interpretation (BRI) of the language of the claims. Furthermore, the Examiner is not limited to Applicant’s definition which is not specifically set forth in the claims. [SEE MPEP 2141.02 [R-07.2015] VI. PRIOR ART MUST BE CONSIDERED IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING DISCLOSURES THAT TEACH AWAY FROM THE CLAIMS: A prior art reference must be considered in its entirety, i.e., as a whole, including portions that would lead away from the claimed invention. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. v. Garlock, Inc., 721 F.2d 1540, 220 USPQ 303 (Fed. Cir. 1983), cert, denied, 469 U.S. 851 (1984). See also MPEP §2123].
In addition, disclosures in a reference must be evaluated for what they would fairly teach one of ordinary skill in the art [See In re Snow, 471 F.2d 1400, 176 USPQ 328 (CCPA 1973) and In re Boe, 355 F.2d 961, 148 USPQ 507 (CCPA 1966)]. Specifically, in considering the teachings of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only the specific teachings of the reference, but also the inferences that one skilled in the art would reasonably have been expected to draw from the reference [See In re Freda, 401 F.2d 825, 159 USPQ 342 (CCPA 1968) and In re Shepard, 319 F.2d 194, 138 USPQ 148 (CCPA 1963)]. Likewise, it is proper to take into consideration not only the teachings of the prior art, but also the level of ordinary skill in the art [See In re Luck, 476 F.2d 650, 177 USPQ 523 (CCPA 1973)]. Specifically, those of ordinary skill in the art are presumed to have some knowledge of the art apart from what is expressly disclosed in the references [See In re Jacoby, 309 F.2d 513, 135 USPQ 317 (CCPA 1962)].
Response Guidelines
5.1 A shortened statutory period for response to this non-final action is set to expire 3 (three) months and 0 (zero) days from the date of this letter. Unless the applicant is notified in writing that a reply is required in less than six months (see the shortened response period previously noted), a maximum period of six months is allowed, if a petition for an extension of time and the fee set in § 1.17(a) are filed [see MPEP 710 and 35 U.S.C. 133]. Failure to respond within the required period for response will cause the application to become abandoned [see MPEP 710.02, 710.02(b)].
5.2 Any response to the Examiner in regard to this non-final action should be
directed to: Russell Frejd, telephone number (571) 272-3779, Monday-Friday from 0730 to
1600 ET. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful,
please contact the examiner’s supervisor, Peter Nolan, who can be reached at
(571) 270-7016.
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/RUSSELL FREJD/
Primary Examiner AU 3661