Advanced Signal Processing for Multi-Industry Sensing

Publication ID: 24-11857029_0002_PTD

Published: October 27, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Signal Processing for Multi-Industry Sensing,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857029_0002_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857029_0002_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 capacitance-based sensor signal processing approach for monitoring foot presence and activity. However, this technology has broader potential applications beyond footwear. The new claims address the limitations of the original patent by exploring entirely new industries and use cases, providing innovative solutions for monitoring and predicting various parameters.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in its application of capacitance-based sensor signal processing to entirely new industries and use cases, such as agriculture, athlete monitoring, infrastructure health, and industrial equipment performance. The inventive step is in recognizing the potential of this technology to be adapted and scaled for diverse applications, overcoming the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of this invention could include using different types of sensors, such as inductive or resistive sensors, to detect changes in capacitance. Variations could also involve integrating the capacitance-based sensor signal processing with other sensing technologies, such as machine learning or computer vision, to create more comprehensive monitoring systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, sports technology, infrastructure monitoring, and industrial automation. The market for these applications is substantial, with opportunities for partnerships, licensing, and product development.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
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

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Sensor systems for detecting proximity, force, and environmental conditions, with expertise in capacitive sensing technologies, signal processing, and embedded sensor networks across domains like footwear, biomechanics, and industrial monitoring

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled electrical engineer or sensor systems designer with advanced knowledge of capacitive sensing principles, signal processing techniques, and cross-domain sensor applications, capable of adapting sensing technologies to novel contexts

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental capacitive sensing principles disclosed in the source patent are universally applicable across multiple domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the core signal processing methodology by applying capacitance-based proximity detection to different sensing environments. The technical approach of detecting changes through threshold comparisons and signal fluctuation analysis remains consistent across the proposed variations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Capacitance-based sensor for detecting foot proximity and movement in footwear

PTD Variation

Embedding capacitive sensors in agricultural soil to monitor moisture levels

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying capacitive sensing to measure environmental parameters is a known technique with predictable results, representing a straightforward technological translation using standard signal processing methods

Source Patent Element

Processor circuit configured to detect signal fluctuations by comparing values to threshold

PTD Variation

Processing sensor signals to determine optimal irrigation schedules or predictive maintenance intervals

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending threshold-based signal analysis to different decision-making contexts represents a routine design choice for a skilled practitioner familiar with signal processing techniques

Source Patent Element

Using multiple sensors like accelerometers to enhance signal interpretation

PTD Variation

Integrating capacitive sensors with machine learning or computer vision for comprehensive monitoring systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Combining sensing technologies is a predictable approach for enhancing measurement accuracy and extracting more complex insights, representing an obvious technological progression

Source Patent Element

Detecting foot step and lift events through sensor signal analysis

PTD Variation

Detecting muscle fatigue levels or structural integrity changes through similar signal fluctuation techniques

Obviousness Reasoning

Translating event detection methodologies across biomechanical and structural monitoring domains represents a straightforward application of established signal processing principles

Source Patent Element

Capacitance-based proximity sensing in a wearable context

PTD Variation

Embedding capacitive sensors in industrial machinery or infrastructure for condition monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Adapting sensor technologies to new environmental contexts is a standard engineering practice with predictable implementation strategies

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857029, a person having ordinary skill in sensor systems would find the proposed technical variations obvious, as they represent predictable extensions of established capacitive sensing and signal processing methodologies. The disclosed variations demonstrate routine technological translation across multiple domains, utilizing known techniques to achieve foreseeable results in sensor network design and signal interpretation.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,029
Title	Foot presence signal processing systems and methods
Assignee(s)	NIKE, Inc.