DETAILED ACTION
Response to Amendment
This office action regarding application number 18/538,289, filed December 13, 2023, is in response to the applicants arguments and amendments filed 4/16/2026. Claims 1-2, 4-7, 9 and 16 have been amended. Claims 3 and 11 have been cancelled. New Claims 18-22 have been added. Claims 1-2, 4-10 and 12-22 are currently pending and are addressed below.
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 .
Response to Arguments
The applicants arguments and amendments to the application have overcome some of the objections and rejections previously set forth in the Non-Final action mailed January 30, 2026. Applicants amendments to the specification have been deemed sufficient to overcome the previous objection, therefore the objections are withdrawn. Claims 3 and 11 have been cancelled and therefore all associated objections and rejections are withdrawn. The combination of the applicants arguments and the Applicants amendments to claim 1, 9, and 16 have been deemed sufficient to overcome the previous 35 USC 102 rejections through the inclusion of “determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location, and disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value” therefore the rejections are withdrawn. However as this changes the scope of the claims, new art rejections have been made based on the changes in scope. New rejections have been included for new claims 18-22.
Applicants arguments regarding claims 1, 9, and 16, filed 4/16/2026, in particular with respect to the newly amended subject matter and the Stokosa reference have been fully considered and are persuasive. New rejections have been made below.
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 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.
The factual inquiries 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 objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim 1-2, 4-10, 12-17 and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Stokosa (US-20230251669) in view of Stanhope (US-20200113118).
Regarding claim 1, Stokosa teaches a method comprising storing a plurality of geographical locations in a database (Paragraph [0058], "For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the memory 605 may store one or more work path(s) 620 (for example, as a set of work paths 620). Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the set of work paths 620 may be stored remotely, such as, for example, in a memory of the user device 415 or another remote device or database, such that each work path 620 is accessible by the controller 580.")
each geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations comprising an area (See figure 8 showing an area 805 including a plurality of geographical locations) (Paragraph [0067], “FIG. 8, which is a diagram of an example work path according to some embodiments (represented in FIG. 8 as a dashed line connecting points included within a designated geographical area).”)
providing a specific value for at least one operating parameter of a ground working vehicle for each geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations in the database (Paragraph [0078], “At block 710, after receiving the set of points at block 705, the electronic processor 600 records the points to define a work path for a work task associated with the geographical area 805 … The electronic processor 600 may also store other operational parameters of the power machine during the recorded work task such as heading, turn-radius, blade RPM, mower deck height, etc., ” here the system records/stores a work path comprising a series of points for a geographical area, the system also stores operational parameters for the vehicle in the work area)
determining that a current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to one of the geographical locations included in the plurality of geographical locations in the database based on the plurality of geographical locations in the database and the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0071], “When an appropriate point along a travel path is identified for a work path (e.g., based on an operator input), the electronic processor 600 may determine a current position of the power machine 405 (e.g., based on position data collected by the positioning system 505) and associate the work-path point with the current position of the power machine within the geographical area (for example, as a geographical location or set of coordinates).”)
in response to determining that the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to the one of the geographical locations included in the plurality of geographical locations in the database controlling operation of the ground working vehicle based on the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path, including by monitoring a current position of the power machine 405 and controlling tractive (or other) operations based on the current position and one or more points (e.g., a next point in sequence) along the relevant work path. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 controls the power machine 405 based on positional data received from the positioning system 515. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 additionally or alternatively controls the power machine based on speed data received from the wheel speed sensors 550A-B. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 can similarly monitor a current position of the power machine 405 during a learning mode to define a work path, as well as during an automatic mode in which the power machine 405 is controlled to automatically travel along a work path.”)
by at least determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”).
However while Stokosa teaches comparing current values of operating parameters to specific values for the operating parameters at the geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”) and disengaging the ground working vehicle in response to a determination by the system (Paragraph [0091], “In a second example object detection mode, with reference to FIG. 9B, when the controller 580 detects an object 905 within the work path 620 of the power machine 405, the controller 580 may control the power machine 405 to stop prior to the object 905 and issue an alert that the power machine 405 as stopped.”).
Stokosa does not explicitly teach disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value.
Stanhope teaches a system for monitoring an orientation of an agricultural implement during an agricultural operation including
determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0041], “The controller 102 may be configured to compare the orientation parameter with a predetermined threshold value that is associated with the frame 26 of the agricultural implement 10 impacting the work vehicle 12.”)
disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value (Paragraph [0041], “Examples of the corrective action include reducing the speed of the work vehicle 12 (e.g., stopping the work vehicle 12) and adjusting the orientation of the implement 10 (e.g., by controlling a steering operation associated with at least one of the implement 10 or work vehicle 12, or adjust the hitch assembly 37 coupling the implement 10 to the work vehicle 12).”).
Stokosa and Stanhope are analogous art as they are both generally related to systems and methods for autonomously controlling work vehicles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to include disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value of Stanhope in the systems and methods of controlling a vehicle according to a geographical location of Stokosa with a reasonable expectation of success in order to monitor conditions of the vehicle and implement corrective actions to prevent damage for facilitate correct performance (Paragraph [0018], “The corrective action may be initiated to prevent damage to the implement or facilitate correct performance of the agricultural operation.”).
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein controlling operation of the ground working vehicle comprises (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path”)
alerting an operator of the ground working vehicle about the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0041], “Mowers can sometimes include other human-machine interfaces, including display devices that are provided in the operator station 255 to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example, audible or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can be dedicated to providing dedicated indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assists an operator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine.,” here the system can alert an operator using a display system for displaying various types of information including information relatable to operation of the power machines which includes the operating parameters).
This limitation is also taught by the Stanhope reference (Paragraph [0055], “In some embodiments, the corrective action may include providing a notification or alarm to an operator and/or a supervisor of the work vehicle 12 via the display screen 118 or alarm 120.”).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein controlling operation of the ground working vehicle comprises (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path”)
automatically setting a stored value of the at least one operating parameter to the specific value for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0054], “Alternatively, or in addition, the power machine 405 can function in some modes as an automatic power machine (e.g., in an automated operation mode). As described in greater detail below, in some such embodiments, an operator may select (via, for example, the user device 415) a work path or route for performing a mowing event associated with a geographical area. The control system 515 may receive the selection (via, for example, the communication system 520 through the communication network 420) and control the power machine 405 such that the power machine 405 travels along the work path, including to complete one or more mowing events for the geographical area,” here the system can automatically control the vehicle such that the vehicle controls itself to travel along the path using the stored values such as heading, speed, mowing etc.) (Paragraph [0062], “Alternatively, controller 580 may conduct (near) real-time analysis of the respective points defining the work path and provide control signals to the drive pumps 224A/B to affect the desired speed and course to arrive at a subsequent point of the work path 620 and initiate any required turns.”) (Paragraph [0070], “In some specific embodiments, control system 515 may also record data, in conjunction with the work path, related to other operational aspects of the power machine (and associate that data with one or more locations or segments of the work path). For example, other operational aspects of the power machine may include mower deck height, blade speed, mower ground speed, wheel slip, etc,” here the system can associate other operating parameters with geographical locations such as blade speed and deck height).
Regarding claim 5, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein controlling operation of the ground working vehicle comprises (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path”)
prompting an operator of the ground working vehicle to engage a button configured to control a value of the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0038], “the operator input devices 262 can include a joystick (e.g., only a single electronic joystick for tractive operations), a steering wheel, buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals and the like”) (Paragraph [0073], “the user device 415 may display or provide (via an output mechanism of the user device 415) a graphical representation of the selected geographical area (for example, a solid or dashed line defining a border of the selected geographical area). The operator may then interact with the graphical representation of the selected geographical area via an input mechanism of the user device 415 to identify points within the relevant area. For example, the operator may view the graphical representation of the selected geographical area and sequentially select multiple points included within the selected geographical area to define a work path, or to define related geographical information (e.g., presence of obstacles, or points along a perimeter or other boundary),” here the user device is displaying an image of a selected area and prompting an operator to interact with the device to identify points within the relevant area)
and modifying the at least one operating parameter to the specific value upon engagement of the button (Paragraph [0053], “the control system 515 receives input from an operator input device, such as one of the operator input devices 262 of FIG. 2, including input as command signals provided by an operator of the power machine 405 via the operator input device. In response to receiving the input, the control system 515 may control the power machine 405 to perform a work task based at least in part on the input received from the operator input device”).
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein controlling operation of the ground working vehicle comprises (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path”)
prompting an operator of the ground working vehicle to engage an interface element configured to control a value of the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0097], “For example, the user may use manual inputs on a touchscreen to designate points representing obstacles, waypoints, or the like on a graphical representation of a geographical area. “) (Paragraph [0073], “the user device 415 may display or provide (via an output mechanism of the user device 415) a graphical representation of the selected geographical area (for example, a solid or dashed line defining a border of the selected geographical area). The operator may then interact with the graphical representation of the selected geographical area via an input mechanism of the user device 415 to identify points within the relevant area. For example, the operator may view the graphical representation of the selected geographical area and sequentially select multiple points included within the selected geographical area to define a work path, or to define related geographical information (e.g., presence of obstacles, or points along a perimeter or other boundary),” here the user device is displaying an image of a selected area and prompting an operator to interact with the device to identify points within the relevant area)
and modifying the at least one operating parameter to the specific value upon engagement of the interface element (Paragraph [0053], “the control system 515 receives input from an operator input device, such as one of the operator input devices 262 of FIG. 2, including input as command signals provided by an operator of the power machine 405 via the operator input device. In response to receiving the input, the control system 515 may control the power machine 405 to perform a work task based at least in part on the input received from the operator input device”).
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein controlling operation of the ground working vehicle comprises (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path”)
displaying at least one of the specific value, a current value, and a store value of the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0041], “Mowers can sometimes include other human-machine interfaces, including display devices that are provided in the operator station 255 to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example, audible or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can be dedicated to providing dedicated indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assists an operator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine.”) (Paragraph [0072], “However, in other embodiments, the remote device is off-site from the geographical area 805 (for example, located at another geographical area or location). Such remote data from the user device 415 may allow an operator to remotely plan and execute a work path for the power machine based upon at least one of data provided by the power machine (e.g., telemetry data, imagery, etc.) and satellite imagery interlaid with global positioning information to select a perimeter for a work operation.”) (Paragraph [0091], “when the controller 580 detects an object 905 within the work path 620 of the power machine 405, the controller 580 may control the power machine 405 to stop prior to the object 905 and issue an alert that the power machine 405 as stopped,” here the system can issue an alert and display to an operator that the current speed value of the vehicle is zero/stopped).
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, Stokosa further teaches wherein the ground working vehicle comprises an implement (Paragraph [0039], “Among the functions that are controlled via operator input devices on the mower 200 are operational functions of the tractive system 240, the mower deck 230, other implements (not shown) including various other attachments (not shown), or a combination thereof.”)
and the at least one operating parameter comprises one or more of: a vehicle speed; a height of the implement relative to a ground surface; a rake angle of the implement relative to the ground surface; a position of a baffle of the implement; a treating material application rate of the implement; and a spacing of the implement (Paragraph [0050], “As described in greater detail below, the work element 510 may be controlled by the control system 515 (for example, via one or more control signals received from the control system 515). As one example, a rotational speed of the one or more rotating blades may be controlled based on a control signal received from the control system 515. As another example, a height of the mowing deck and, ultimately, of the rotating blades, may be controlled based on a control signal received from the control system 515.”).
Stanhope further teaches the at least one operating parameter comprises one or more of: a vehicle speed; a height of the implement relative to a ground surface; a rake angle of the implement relative to the ground surface; a position of a baffle of the implement; a treating material application rate of the implement; and a spacing of the implement (Paragraph [0041], “The controller 102 may be configured to compare the orientation parameter with a predetermined threshold value that is associated with the frame 26 of the agricultural implement 10 impacting the work vehicle 12.”) (Paragraph [0026], “The orientation may be defined according to at least one a yaw angle, roll angle, or pitch angle. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the center section 28 may extend in a fore-aft direction 49 of the implement 10. A yaw angle 47 may be defined between the forward direction of travel 14 of the work vehicle 12 and the fore-aft direction 49 of the implement 10. Similarly, a roll angle may be defined as an angle of rotation of the implement 10 relative to the work vehicle 12 about the fore-aft direction 49. A cross direction 51 may be defined that is generally perpendicular to the fore-aft direction 49. A pitch angle may be defined as an angle of rotation of the implement 10 relative to the work vehicle 12 about the cross direction 51.”).
Regarding claim 9, Stokosa teaches a ground working vehicle comprising (Paragraph [0004], “Some embodiments described herein relate to controlling a power machine to determine a work path for a mowing event (or other work task) and then automatically traveling along the work path to complete the mowing event (or other work task).”)
one or more actuators configured to control one or more operating parameters associated with the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0006], “The power machine includes a main frame, a work element coupled to the main frame, a plurality of electrical actuators coupled to the main frame, an electrical power source configured to power the plurality of electrical actuators, and an electronic controller in communication with the plurality of electrical actuators.”)
one or more controllers coupled to the one or more actuators and configured to (Paragraph [0006], “The power machine includes a main frame, a work element coupled to the main frame, a plurality of electrical actuators coupled to the main frame, an electrical power source configured to power the plurality of electrical actuators, and an electronic controller in communication with the plurality of electrical actuators.”)
determine that a current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to a geographical location included in a plurality of geographical locations stored in a database based on the plurality of geographical locations in the database and the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0058], "For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the memory 605 may store one or more work path(s) 620 (for example, as a set of work paths 620). Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the set of work paths 620 may be stored remotely, such as, for example, in a memory of the user device 415 or another remote device or database, such that each work path 620 is accessible by the controller 580.") (Paragraph [0071], “When an appropriate point along a travel path is identified for a work path (e.g., based on an operator input), the electronic processor 600 may determine a current position of the power machine 405 (e.g., based on position data collected by the positioning system 505) and associate the work-path point with the current position of the power machine within the geographical area (for example, as a geographical location or set of coordinates).”)
wherein each geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations comprises an area (See figure 8 showing an area 805 including a plurality of geographical locations) (Paragraph [0067], “FIG. 8, which is a diagram of an example work path according to some embodiments (represented in FIG. 8 as a dashed line connecting points included within a designated geographical area).”)
and corresponds with a specific value for each of the one or more operating parameters (Paragraph [0078], “At block 710, after receiving the set of points at block 705, the electronic processor 600 records the points to define a work path for a work task associated with the geographical area 805 … The electronic processor 600 may also store other operational parameters of the power machine during the recorded work task such as heading, turn-radius, blade RPM, mower deck height, etc., ” here the system records/stores a work path comprising a series of points for a geographical area, the system also stores operational parameters for the vehicle in the work area)
and in response to determining that the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to the geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations stored in the database control operation of the ground working vehicle based on the specific value for each of the one or more operating parameters (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path, including by monitoring a current position of the power machine 405 and controlling tractive (or other) operations based on the current position and one or more points (e.g., a next point in sequence) along the relevant work path. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 controls the power machine 405 based on positional data received from the positioning system 515. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 additionally or alternatively controls the power machine based on speed data received from the wheel speed sensors 550A-B. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 can similarly monitor a current position of the power machine 405 during a learning mode to define a work path, as well as during an automatic mode in which the power machine 405 is controlled to automatically travel along a work path.”)
by at least determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”).
However while Stokosa teaches comparing current values of operating parameters to specific values for the operating parameters at the geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”) and disengaging the ground working vehicle in response to a determination by the system (Paragraph [0091], “In a second example object detection mode, with reference to FIG. 9B, when the controller 580 detects an object 905 within the work path 620 of the power machine 405, the controller 580 may control the power machine 405 to stop prior to the object 905 and issue an alert that the power machine 405 as stopped.”).
Stokosa does not explicitly teach disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value.
Stanhope teaches a system for monitoring an orientation of an agricultural implement during an agricultural operation including
determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0041], “The controller 102 may be configured to compare the orientation parameter with a predetermined threshold value that is associated with the frame 26 of the agricultural implement 10 impacting the work vehicle 12.”)
disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value (Paragraph [0041], “Examples of the corrective action include reducing the speed of the work vehicle 12 (e.g., stopping the work vehicle 12) and adjusting the orientation of the implement 10 (e.g., by controlling a steering operation associated with at least one of the implement 10 or work vehicle 12, or adjust the hitch assembly 37 coupling the implement 10 to the work vehicle 12).”).
Stokosa and Stanhope are analogous art as they are both generally related to systems and methods for autonomously controlling work vehicles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to include disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value of Stanhope in the systems and methods of controlling a vehicle according to a geographical location of Stokosa with a reasonable expectation of success in order to monitor conditions of the vehicle and implement corrective actions to prevent damage for facilitate correct performance (Paragraph [0018], “The corrective action may be initiated to prevent damage to the implement or facilitate correct performance of the agricultural operation.”).
Regarding claim 10, claim 10 is similar in scope to claim 2 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 12, claim 12 is similar in scope to claim 4 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 13, claim 13 is similar in scope to claim 5 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 14, claim 14 is similar in scope to claim 7 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 15, claim 15 is similar in scope to claim 8 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 16, Stokosa teaches a ground working vehicle system comprising: a ground working vehicle comprising: (Paragraph [0004], “Some embodiments described herein relate to controlling a power machine to determine a work path for a mowing event (or other work task) and then automatically traveling along the work path to complete the mowing event (or other work task).”)
an actuator configured to control an operating parameter associated with the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0006], “The power machine includes a main frame, a work element coupled to the main frame, a plurality of electrical actuators coupled to the main frame, an electrical power source configured to power the plurality of electrical actuators, and an electronic controller in communication with the plurality of electrical actuators.”)
and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator (Paragraph [0006], “The power machine includes a main frame, a work element coupled to the main frame, a plurality of electrical actuators coupled to the main frame, an electrical power source configured to power the plurality of electrical actuators, and an electronic controller in communication with the plurality of electrical actuators.”)
and a database comprising: a plurality of geographical locations, each geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations comprising an area (Paragraph [0058], "For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the memory 605 may store one or more work path(s) 620 (for example, as a set of work paths 620). Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the set of work paths 620 may be stored remotely, such as, for example, in a memory of the user device 415 or another remote device or database, such that each work path 620 is accessible by the controller 580.")
and a specific value for the operating parameter associated with the ground working vehicle for each geographical location included in the plurality of geographical locations (Paragraph [0078], “At block 710, after receiving the set of points at block 705, the electronic processor 600 records the points to define a work path for a work task associated with the geographical area 805 … The electronic processor 600 may also store other operational parameters of the power machine during the recorded work task such as heading, turn-radius, blade RPM, mower deck height, etc., ” here the system records/stores a work path comprising a series of points for a geographical area, the system also stores operational parameters for the vehicle in the work area)
the controller configured to: determine that a current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to one of the geographical locations included in the plurality of geographical locations in the database based on the plurality of geographical locations in the database and the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0071], “When an appropriate point along a travel path is identified for a work path (e.g., based on an operator input), the electronic processor 600 may determine a current position of the power machine 405 (e.g., based on position data collected by the positioning system 505) and associate the work-path point with the current position of the power machine within the geographical area (for example, as a geographical location or set of coordinates).”)
and in response to determining that the current geographical location of the ground working vehicle corresponds to the one of the geographical locations included in the plurality of geographical locations in the database control operation of the ground working vehicle based on the specific value for the operating parameter (Paragraph [0082], “As also noted above, once a work path has been defined, the electronic process 600 can automatically control the power machine 405 to execute a work task along the work path, including by monitoring a current position of the power machine 405 and controlling tractive (or other) operations based on the current position and one or more points (e.g., a next point in sequence) along the relevant work path. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 controls the power machine 405 based on positional data received from the positioning system 515. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 additionally or alternatively controls the power machine based on speed data received from the wheel speed sensors 550A-B. In some embodiments, the electronic processor 600 can similarly monitor a current position of the power machine 405 during a learning mode to define a work path, as well as during an automatic mode in which the power machine 405 is controlled to automatically travel along a work path.”)
by at least determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter for the current geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”).
However while Stokosa teaches comparing current values of operating parameters to specific values for the operating parameters at the geographical location (Paragraph [0065], “For each point (including intermediate points of the work path), application 625 may compare the desired position to telemetry data from positioning system 505 (including, for example, wheel speed data, wheel encoder/position data, heading data from a magnetometer and/or global position data from antenna 545) to determine a control signal for power conversion system 224.”) and disengaging the ground working vehicle in response to a determination by the system (Paragraph [0091], “In a second example object detection mode, with reference to FIG. 9B, when the controller 580 detects an object 905 within the work path 620 of the power machine 405, the controller 580 may control the power machine 405 to stop prior to the object 905 and issue an alert that the power machine 405 as stopped.”).
Stokosa does not explicitly teach disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value.
Stanhope teaches a system for monitoring an orientation of an agricultural implement during an agricultural operation including
determining that a current value for the at least one operating parameter is not equal to the specific value for the at least one operating parameter (Paragraph [0041], “The controller 102 may be configured to compare the orientation parameter with a predetermined threshold value that is associated with the frame 26 of the agricultural implement 10 impacting the work vehicle 12.”)
disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value (Paragraph [0041], “Examples of the corrective action include reducing the speed of the work vehicle 12 (e.g., stopping the work vehicle 12) and adjusting the orientation of the implement 10 (e.g., by controlling a steering operation associated with at least one of the implement 10 or work vehicle 12, or adjust the hitch assembly 37 coupling the implement 10 to the work vehicle 12).”).
Stokosa and Stanhope are analogous art as they are both generally related to systems and methods for autonomously controlling work vehicles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to include disengaging the ground working vehicle when the current value is not equal to the specific value of Stanhope in the systems and methods of controlling a vehicle according to a geographical location of Stokosa with a reasonable expectation of success in order to monitor conditions of the vehicle and implement corrective actions to prevent damage for facilitate correct performance (Paragraph [0018], “The corrective action may be initiated to prevent damage to the implement or facilitate correct performance of the agricultural operation.”).
Regarding claim 17, claim 17 is similar in scope to claim 4 and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Regarding claim 22, claim 22 is similar in scope to claim 8, and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Claim 18 and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Stokosa (US-20230251669) in view of Stanhope (US-20200113118) and further in view of Bertucci (US-20200029488).
Regarding claim 18, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, however the combination does not explicitly teach wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises turning off the ground working vehicle.
Bertucci teaches systems and methods for vehicle controllers for agricultural and industrial applications including
wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises turning off the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0189], “The vehicle may be constantly monitoring system health and has ability to terminate operations if any parameter goes out of predetermined safety limits/thresholds or if an operator or user decides to stop operations based on remotely detected conditions. For example, termination of operations can include a command to pause operations by stopping movement of the vehicle or cutting power to the entire system, which may stop all motors, engines, and actuators. In some implementations, termination of operations can also be based on monitored environmental conditions (e.g., detecting a thunderstorm coming),” here the system is monitoring a system health of the vehicle and the implement, and in response to the parameter being outside the threshold the system can perform an emergency stop which includes turning off the vehicle by cutting power to the entire system).
Stokosa, Stanhope, and Bertucci are analogous art as they are both generally related to systems and methods for autonomously controlling work vehicles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to include wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises disabling the implement of the ground working vehicle of Bertucci in the systems and methods of controlling a vehicle according to a geographical location of Stokosa and Stanhope with a reasonable expectation of success in order to ensure the safety of the system by monitoring conditions and shutting down when an unsafe condition is detected (Paragraph [0192], “The emergency stop (e-stop) system 2440 is built to ensure remote or on-vehicle immediate shut down of the engine 2410 in the case of emergency.”).
Regarding claim 20, claim 20 is similar in scope to claim 18, and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Claims 19 and 21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Stokosa (US-20230251669) in view of Stanhope (US-20200113118) and further in view of Andre (US-20190357429).
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Stokosa and Stanhope teaches the method as discussed above in claim 1, however the combination does not explicitly teach wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises disabling the implement of the ground working vehicle.
Andre teaches systems and methods for inhibiting implement-induced stall of a prime mover associated with a turf vehicle including
wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises disabling the implement of the ground working vehicle (Paragraph [0005], “The method includes monitoring, with an electronic controller (EC) associated with the vehicle, one or both of a speed of the prime mover and a speed of an implement powered by the prime mover while a power take-off (PTO) operatively connecting an output of the prime mover to the implement is engaged. The method further includes: detecting, with the EC, when one or both of the speed of the prime mover and the speed of the implement falls below a speed threshold; and automatically disengaging, with the EC, the PTO to operatively disconnect the prime mover from the implement before the prime mover stalls,” here the system is comparing operating parameters of the vehicle and the implement to thresholds, and in response to the operating parameters being outside the threshold the system is disconnecting the PTO/disabling the implement).
Stokosa, Stanhope, and Andre are analogous art as they are both generally related to systems and methods for autonomously controlling work vehicles.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to include wherein disengaging the ground working vehicle comprises disabling the implement of the ground working vehicle of Andre in the systems and methods of controlling a vehicle according to a geographical location of Stokosa and Stanhope with a reasonable expectation of success in order to prevent damage to the vehicle and reduce instances of engine stall (Paragraph [0005], “Embodiments described herein may provide systems and methods that reduce the instances of engine stall.”).
Regarding claim 21, claim 21 is similar in scope to claim 19, and therefore is rejected under similar rationale.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Borinato (US-20120228041) teaches comparing a cutting speed of the blade to a predetermined value and if the speed is less than a threshold the system will turn off the motor. Carrier (US-5937622) teaches a cordless electric lawnmower in which operating parameters of the motor are compared to thresholds and if certain conditions are met the system will interrupt power to the motor. Willgert (US 20150025755) teaches comparing a current vehicle position to known obstacle locations and if the vehicle approaches within a predetermined distance of a known obstacle the system may disengage the working implement.
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/CHRISTOPHER GEORGE FEES/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3662
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