Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Foot Presence Detection System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11857029_0009_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Foot Presence Detection System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857029_0009_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857029_0009_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' (U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,332) provides a foundation for foot presence detection. However, its limitations in adapting to diverse environments and operational conditions led to the development of this new invention, which addresses the need for specialized variations and niche solutions.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the original patent, including temperature resistance, altitude compensation, ruggedization, secure communication, and modular design, which provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of foot presence detection in specialized environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or optical sensors, or integrating the system with other wearable devices. Variations may include adapting the system for use in other specialized environments, such as underwater or space exploration.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has potential commercial applications in industries such as disaster relief, high-security facilities, extreme sports, and environmental monitoring, offering a unique solution for foot presence detection and analysis in diverse operational environments.

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 capacitive foot presence detection and sensor integration in specialized environments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in sensor design, electrical engineering, and wearable technology, familiar with capacitive sensing, signal processing, and adaptable sensor systems for diverse environmental conditions

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental capacitive foot presence detection system provides a clear technical foundation for extending the technology into specialized environments. The variations in the PTD represent predictable engineering adaptations that address specific use cases by applying known techniques of sensor modification, environmental compensation, and communication enhancement. These extensions would be considered routine design iterations for a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize foot presence detection across different operational contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Capacitance-based sensor for detecting foot proximity in footwear
PTD Variation
Temperature-resistant sensor with heat-dissipating mechanism for high-temperature environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting sensor materials and adding thermal management is a predictable solution for extending operational range, using known thermal engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Processor circuit for analyzing sensor signal fluctuations
PTD Variation
Altitude compensation algorithm to adjust capacitance signal based on air pressure changes
Obviousness Reasoning
Signal calibration for environmental variables is a standard engineering approach for maintaining sensor accuracy across different conditions
Source Patent Element
Sensor signal processing for step detection
PTD Variation
Secure communication module for encrypted transmission of sensor data
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing data security protocols is a standard design choice for protecting sensor information in sensitive environments
Source Patent Element
Footwear-integrated sensor system
PTD Variation
Modular automated lacing platform adaptable to extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design and environmental adaptation represent standard engineering approaches for creating versatile technological platforms
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 technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The proposed modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to adapt foot presence detection technology for specialized environmental contexts, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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