Advanced Foot Presence Sensor Tech for Smart Footwear

Publication ID: 24-11857029_0001_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Foot Presence Sensor Tech for Smart Footwear,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857029_0001_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857029_0001_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. 11,857,029.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Foot presence signal processing systems and methods', introduced a system for monitoring foot presence in footwear using capacitance-indicating sensors. However, this system had limitations in terms of accuracy, calibration, and user experience. The new invention addresses these limitations by incorporating temperature sensing, advanced calibration, and modular automated lacing features, providing a more comprehensive and efficient foot presence signal processing system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention provides several novel and non-obvious features compared to the original patent, including the integration of temperature sensing, advanced calibration, and modular automated lacing features. These features enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and user experience of the foot presence signal processing system, providing a significant improvement over the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or optical sensors, to detect foot presence. The system could also be adapted for use in various types of footwear, including athletic shoes, hiking boots, or dress shoes. Additionally, the modular automated lacing feature could be integrated with other types of wearable devices, such as smartwatches or fitness trackers.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced foot presence signal processing system has significant commercial potential in the wearable technology and sports industries. The system could be integrated into various types of footwear, providing a competitive advantage for manufacturers and enhancing the user experience for consumers. The market for wearable devices is expected to continue growing, and the new invention is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43C11/165
A A43 A43B1/0054
A A43 A43B3/0031
A A43 A43B3/34
A A43 A43B3/36
A A43 A43B13/14
A A43 A43B17/00
A A43 A43C1/00
A A43 A43C7/00
A A43 A43C11/008
A A61 A61B5/6807
G G01 G01D5/12
G G01 G01D5/24
G G01 G01L1/12
G G01 G01L1/14
G G01 G01L1/142
G G01 G01L1/144
G G01 G01L5/0009
G G01 G01L5/0014
G G01 G01L5/0071
G G01 G01L5/12
G G01 G01L5/16
G G01 G01L5/165
G G01 G01L5/24
G G05 G05B15/02
G G05 G05B19/048
A A43 A43B3/38
A A43 A43C1/003
A A43 A43C1/006
A A43 A43C1/02
A A43 A43C1/04
A A43 A43C1/06
A A43 A43C11/00
G G01 G01D5/145
G G01 G01D5/2405
G G01 G01D5/34
G G05 G05B2219/24015

Field of Art

Footwear sensor systems and wearable technology, specifically focusing on foot presence detection, sensor integration, and smart shoe design with expertise in capacitive sensing, signal processing, and biomechanical measurement technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled engineer with a background in electrical engineering, sensor design, and wearable technology, possessing knowledge of capacitive sensing techniques, signal processing algorithms, and shoe manufacturing principles, with the ability to combine known technologies in predictable ways

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core capacitive foot presence detection system. The proposed modifications involve standard engineering techniques of adding supplementary sensors, implementing calibration processes, and creating modular design architectures that are well-known in wearable sensor technology. These extensions represent logical combinations of existing technological capabilities that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance foot sensing systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Capacitance-based foot proximity sensor in footwear
PTD Variation
Adding temperature sensing to adjust capacitance signal calibration
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating environmental compensation through temperature sensing is a known technique in sensor systems to improve measurement accuracy, representing a predictable enhancement to existing sensing technologies
Source Patent Element
Processor circuit for detecting foot step and lift events
PTD Variation
Dynamic calibration process using multiple foot placements to refine sensor settings
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive calibration techniques are standard practice in sensor design, allowing systems to improve performance through user-specific data collection, which would be an obvious optimization to a skilled engineer
Source Patent Element
Sensor coupled to footwear for detecting foot presence
PTD Variation
Modular mid-sole plate with interchangeable lacing engines and sensor interfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing modular electronic platforms with standardized connection points is a common approach in wearable technology, representing a design choice that would be obvious to implement for improved manufacturing flexibility
Source Patent Element
Processor circuit for analyzing sensor signals
PTD Variation
Power management module that optimizes energy consumption based on detected user activity
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing intelligent power management in electronic systems is a well-established technique, particularly in battery-powered wearable devices, representing a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Foot presence detection using capacitive sensing
PTD Variation
User interface for selecting multiple lacing modes integrated with foot presence sensing
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining user interface controls with existing sensor systems is a standard approach in smart wearable technology, representing an obvious extension of existing technological capabilities
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857029 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious, as they represent predictable combinations of known sensor technologies, signal processing techniques, and modular design principles. The disclosed innovations constitute routine engineering modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance foot presence detection systems through standard technological improvements.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,029
TitleFoot presence signal processing systems and methods
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.