Advanced Proximity Sensing Tech for Multi-Industry Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857029_0007_PTD

Published: October 27, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Proximity Sensing Tech for Multi-Industry Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857029_0007_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857029_0007_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 disclosed a foot presence signal processing system for monitoring various conditions in footwear. However, its scope was limited to footwear applications. This invention addresses the need for proximity sensing technology in other industries, where similar principles can be applied to improve performance, safety, and health monitoring.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of proximity sensing technology to various industries, which was not anticipated by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for this technology to be adapted and applied to solve specific problems in these new industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other embodiments of the invention could include sensors integrated into clothing, accessories, or equipment for monitoring proximity and activity in various settings, such as sports, healthcare, or industrial environments. Variations of the system could also incorporate additional sensors, such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, to provide more comprehensive data.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including sports technology, healthcare, aerospace, and industrial safety. The market for proximity sensing technology is expected to grow as the need for real-time monitoring and feedback increases in these industries.

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)

▼

Field of Art

Sensor systems for footwear and wearable technology, involving capacitive proximity sensing, biomechanical monitoring, and human-machine interaction interfaces

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An electrical engineer or sensor systems designer with expertise in capacitive sensing, signal processing, embedded systems, and wearable technology design, holding at least a bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize the source patent's capacitive proximity sensing technology as readily adaptable to multiple domain-specific applications by integrating sensors into different wearable contexts. The fundamental signal processing methodology remains consistent across the disclosed variations, with only contextual modifications to the sensor placement and interpretation algorithm. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the core technological concept by applying the same proximity detection principles to diverse environments like athletic performance, medical monitoring, and industrial safety.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Capacitance-indicating sensor signal for detecting foot proximity and movement

PTD Variation

Integrating proximity sensor into swim cap to detect swimming stroke characteristics

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of adapting sensor technology to new measurement context, with predictable signal processing results

Source Patent Element

Processor circuit configured to detect signal fluctuations and determine step events

PTD Variation

Using sensor fluctuations to monitor fatigue levels in industrial workers

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying established signal interpretation methodology to alternative biomechanical monitoring scenario

Source Patent Element

Multiple sensor integration approach including accelerometer for enhanced movement tracking

PTD Variation

Incorporating proximity sensors into spacesuits for physiological monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending known multi-sensor fusion technique to create comprehensive human activity tracking system

Source Patent Element

Threshold-based signal comparison for detecting proximity changes

PTD Variation

Wheelchair-integrated sensor system for monitoring patient physical activity levels

Obviousness Reasoning

Transferring established proximity detection algorithm to alternative mobility assistance context

Source Patent Element

Flexible sensor design allowing integration into footwear

PTD Variation

Sensor integration into various wearable items like clothing and equipment

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable design extension utilizing known flexible sensor implementation techniques

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857029, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed proximity sensing variations obvious and anticipated, as the fundamental signal processing methodology represents a straightforward technological adaptation across multiple domains, with no inventive step beyond routine sensor integration and signal interpretation techniques.

Original Patent Information

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