Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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, 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.
Claim(s) 1-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Loukili et al. (US20210127567, herein Loukili), in view of Sibley et al. (US20220117211, herein Sibley)
Regarding claim 1, Loukili teaches A localized spray system, comprising a spray boom, at least one spray nozzle arranged on the spray boom, said spray nozzle being associated with a sprayable zone, at least one optical sensor and a control system, each optical sensor having a field of view (Fig. 1, [0004] An agricultural sprayer includes a spray boom supported by a frame, a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles spaced along the spray boom, and a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric, [0029] an optical sensor captures images of the spray pattern. In another example, a spray sensor senses electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transmissions, thermal imaging) used to view a change on the agricultural surface or crop upon receiving an applied liquid spray), the control system being configured to process images acquired from the field of view ([0029] imaging sensor that captures images that are processed to detect the spray pattern between the nozzles and the ground), each optical sensor comprising at …location data of the points of interest ([0047] Machine 202 includes a data store 278 configured to store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field), the control system being configured to detect at least one point of interest and to associate said point of interest with location data in a reference frame of the spray boom ([0046] controller 266 comprises a closed-loop control system that controls settings of subsystem 260 to reduce the magnitude of instantaneous acceleration at one or more points of interest (e.g., camera, spray nozzles, etc.)), [0042] Location sensor(s) 248 are configured to determine a geographic position of the machine 202 on the field. Location sensor(s) 248 can include, but are not limited to, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver that receives signals from a GNSS satellite transmitter, [0020] at a particular rate so that a target quantity of the liquid is applied to the dispersal area, [0072] The control signal can also control architecture 200 to store data in data store 278 and/or in remote computing system 214. For instance, this data can indicate the terrain encountered by machine 202, disturbances encountered by machine 202, the performance metrics correlated to the field locations, or any other data) …, and to control said at least one spray nozzle depending on said at least one point of interest, such that, when the location data of the point of interest correspond to a sprayable zone, the control system controls …the spray nozzle(s) corresponding to said sprayable zone to spray the point of interest (Fig. 8, [0004] a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric, [0020] in precision spraying applications, the sprayer is controlled to deliver the liquid to a precise dispersal area, such as directly on a plant (crop or weed), in between plants, or otherwise, at a particular rate so that a target quantity of the liquid is applied to the dispersal area, [0047] store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field. Data store 278 can store other items 282 as well ).
Loukili does not teach least one depth camera configured to allow obtaining three-dimensional location data… the location data being continuously updated via a calculation system of the control system, depending on the movement of said spray boom… opening of
Sibley teaches least one depth camera configured to allow obtaining three-dimensional location data… the location data being continuously updated via a calculation system of the control system, depending on the movement of said spray boom ([0080] The sensing signals from the sensors 432 can also include depth signals from depth sensing cameras, [0108] image features detected that are common between the images, position, depth, localization, and pose related information from image analysis, [0043] including 3D imagery of an agricultural scene such as a tree in an orchard or a row of plants on a farm while the system moves along a path near the crops, [0062] The full frames can be 2D or 3D image showing the images captured directly by one or more cameras and/or rendered by the agricultural treatment system 400, [0092] image analysis of the target plant identified in an image captured in real time, [0118] the computing module can determine a position and orientation for the gimbal assembly to position and orient the treatment head 1120 in real time and make adjustments in the position and orientation).. opening of ([0092] treatment unit 470 such that when the treatment unit 470 activates and opens a valve for the pressurized liquid to pass from the chemical selection module 480 to the treatment unit 470, a fluid projectile of a desired direction, orientation, and magnitude, from the pressure, will be emitted from the treatment unit 470 at the treatment head 472)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Loukili’s teaching of an agricultural sprayer performance control system using sensors with Sibley’s teaching of an autonomous agriculture treatment system using a depth sensor. The combined teaching provides an expected result of an agricultural sprayer performance control system using sensors including a depth sensor. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated for improve the system accuracy acquiring more data.
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 1, comprising a set of nozzles (Loukili, [0004] a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles spaced along the spray boom), each of the nozzles being associated with a sprayable zone and each of the nozzles being controlled such that, when the location data of a point of interest correspond to the sprayable zone of a nozzle with which it is associated, the control system controls opening of said spray nozzle to spray said point of interest ([0026] Thus, in this state, each spray nozzle 184 (only four spray nozzles are illustrated in FIG. 3A, but the sprayer can have more or less nozzles) are a similar distance to the field surface 180. The spraying system is configured to pump the liquid to nozzles 184 at a rate that will result in a desired application to the dispersal area, generally represented at 186, based on this distance of nozzles 184. In other words, this configuration provides a target or prescribed amount of liquid chemical to the dispersal area 186, [0144] controlling a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles mounted on a spray boom of the agricultural machine to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, [0047] store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field. Data store 278 can store other items 282 as well, [0021] has multiple nozzles that spray liquid chemical onto the field).
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 1, comprising a set of nozzles forming groups of nozzles corresponding to spray sections, each of the groups of nozzles being associated with a sprayable zone and each of the groups of nozzles being controlled depending on the point of interest associated therewith, such that when the location data of the point of interest correspond to the sprayable zone of a group of nozzles with which it is associated, the control system controls opening of said group of spray nozzles to spray said point of interest (Loukili , Fig. 8, [0004] a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric, [0020] in precision spraying applications, the sprayer is controlled to deliver the liquid to a precise dispersal area, such as directly on a plant (crop or weed), in between plants, or otherwise, at a particular rate so that a target quantity of the liquid is applied to the dispersal area, [0047] store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field. Data store 278 can store other items 282 as well, [0026] Thus, in this state, each spray nozzle 184 (only four spray nozzles are illustrated in FIG. 3A, but the sprayer can have more or less nozzles) are a similar distance to the field surface 180. The spraying system is configured to pump the liquid to nozzles 184 at a rate that will result in a desired application to the dispersal area, generally represented at 186, based on this distance of nozzles 184. In other words, this configuration provides a target or prescribed amount of liquid chemical to the dispersal area 186, [0144] controlling a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles mounted on a spray boom of the agricultural machine to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field ).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 3,
Sibley further teaches comprising a set of nozzles forming groups of nozzles, each group of nozzles being controlled independently of each other by the control system ([0098] the microcontroller receiving instructions and power signals to change an orientation of a treatment unit having a turret 618 based on sending one or more motor commands for changing an axis orientation 614, 616 of a nozzle head of the turret 618. The treatment unit can include a turret 618 that can orient and direct a treatment head supporting a nozzle, with one or more motors that can change axis orientation 614 and 616, [0116] Each treatment unit 1100 may have one or more nozzles for spraying a fluid, [0149] Each treatment system supported by the vehicle 1610 can include treatment units 1653 for emitting a treatment projectile or droplet onto a treatment target 1660 including agricultural objects of interest, [0104] each of the treatment modules 804 can perform actions independently of each other).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Loukili’s teaching of an agricultural sprayer performance control system using nozzles with Sibley’s teaching of an autonomous agriculture treatment system adjusting motor commands of nozzle heads where each treatment modules performs actions independently . The combined teaching provides an expected result of an agricultural sprayer performance control system adjusting motor commands of nozzles heads where each treatment modules performs action independently. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated for allowing independent control to enhance adaptability in applications.
Regarding claim 5, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to process the images acquired from the field of view, detect at least one point of interest and associate said point of interest with the location data in a reference frame of the spray boom (Loukili , [0029] an optical sensor captures images of the spray pattern. In another example, a spray sensor senses electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transmissions, thermal imaging) used to view a change on the agricultural surface or crop upon receiving an applied liquid spray, [0047] Machine 202 includes a data store 278 configured to store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field, [0060] a target or prescribed application to a dispersal area of the agricultural field is identified. This can be done in any of a number of ways… the target application can be determined dynamically during operation of machine 202, such as based on sensor inputs that detect the presence of crops, weeds, or other plant to be sprayed. For instance, imaging sensors can detect the presence of these plants in a path ahead of machine 202.)).
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to process the images acquired from the field of view, detect at least one point of interest and associate said point of interest with the location data in a reference frame of the spray boom (Loukili , [0029] an optical sensor captures images of the spray pattern. In another example, a spray sensor senses electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transmissions, thermal imaging) used to view a change on the agricultural surface or crop upon receiving an applied liquid spray, [0047] Machine 202 includes a data store 278 configured to store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field, [0060] a target or prescribed application to a dispersal area of the agricultural field is identified. This can be done in any of a number of ways… the target application can be determined dynamically during operation of machine 202, such as based on sensor inputs that detect the presence of crops, weeds, or other plant to be sprayed. For instance, imaging sensors can detect the presence of these plants in a path ahead of machine 202.))
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spray system according to claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to process the images acquired from the field of view, detect at least one point of interest and associate said point of interest with the location data in a reference frame of the spray boom (Loukili , [0029] an optical sensor captures images of the spray pattern. In another example, a spray sensor senses electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transmissions, thermal imaging) used to view a change on the agricultural surface or crop upon receiving an applied liquid spray, [0047] Machine 202 includes a data store 278 configured to store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field, [0060] a target or prescribed application to a dispersal area of the agricultural field is identified. This can be done in any of a number of ways… the target application can be determined dynamically during operation of machine 202, such as based on sensor inputs that detect the presence of crops, weeds, or other plant to be sprayed. For instance, imaging sensors can detect the presence of these plants in a path ahead of machine 202.))
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach A method for spraying a product to be sprayed by means of a spray system according to claim 1, carried or trailed by an agricultural machine, wherein the control system (Loukili , Fig. 1, [0004] An agricultural sprayer includes a spray boom supported by a frame, a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles spaced along the spray boom, and a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric, [0029] an optical sensor captures images of the spray pattern. In another example, a spray sensor senses electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio frequency (RF) transmissions, thermal imaging) used to view a change on the agricultural surface or crop upon receiving an applied liquid spray): - processes the images acquired from the field of view by the optical sensor ([0029] imaging sensor that captures images that are processed to detect the spray pattern between the nozzles and the ground): - detects at least one point of interest; - associates said point of interest with location data in a reference frame of the spray boom ([0046] controller 266 comprises a closed-loop control system that controls settings of subsystem 260 to reduce the magnitude of instantaneous acceleration at one or more points of interest (e.g., camera, spray nozzles, etc.)), [0042] Location sensor(s) 248 are configured to determine a geographic position of the machine 202 on the field. Location sensor(s) 248 can include, but are not limited to, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver that receives signals from a GNSS satellite transmitter, [0020] at a particular rate so that a target quantity of the liquid is applied to the dispersal area, [0072] The control signal can also control architecture 200 to store data in data store 278 and/or in remote computing system 214. For instance, this data can indicate the terrain encountered by machine 202, disturbances encountered by machine 202, the performance metrics correlated to the field locations, or any other data);- controls said at least one spray nozzle depending on said at least one point of interest; such that, when the location data of the point of interest correspond to a sprayable zone, the control system controls opening of the corresponding spray nozzle to spray the point of interest considered (Fig. 8, [0004] a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric, [0020] in precision spraying applications, the sprayer is controlled to deliver the liquid to a precise dispersal area, such as directly on a plant (crop or weed), in between plants, or otherwise, at a particular rate so that a target quantity of the liquid is applied to the dispersal area, [0047] store data for use by machine 202, such as field data 280. Examples include field location data that identifies a location of the field to be operated upon by machine 202, field shape information that identifies a shape of the field, and field topology data that defines the topology of the field. Data store 278 can store other items 282 as well, [0060] a target or prescribed application to a dispersal area of the agricultural field is identified. This can be done in any of a number of ways… the target application can be determined dynamically during operation of machine 202, such as based on sensor inputs that detect the presence of crops, weeds, or other plant to be sprayed. For instance, imaging sensors can detect the presence of these plants in a path ahead of machine 202).
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Loukili and Sibley teach The spraying method according to claim 8, wherein the control system further associates said point of interest with a dose of product to be sprayed (Loukili , [0060] a target or prescribed application to a dispersal area of the agricultural field is identified. This can be done in any of a number of ways… the target application can be determined dynamically during operation of machine 202, such as based on sensor inputs that detect the presence of crops, weeds, or other plant to be sprayed. For instance, imaging sensors can detect the presence of these plants in a path ahead of machine 202).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure.
Serrat (US20240224973) discloses a system for treating plants comprising a spray boom capable of moving over an area to be treated, and in respect to the nozzle each valve can be opened selectively, independently of the other at any desire time.
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/YVONNE TRANG FOLLANSBEE/Examiner, Art Unit 2117
/Christopher E. Everett/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2117