Spatial Filtering Technology for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857341_0007_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Spatial Filtering Technology for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857341_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857341_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. 11,857,341.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Adapting spatial filtering for measuring electrical signals to new industries, including environmental noise pollution monitoring, seismic activity detection, athlete performance tracking, structural integrity assessment, and material defect detection.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed systems and methods for spatial filtering in measuring electrical signals, primarily focused on electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. However, the technology's potential extends beyond biomedical applications. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying spatial filtering to various industries, providing innovative solutions to distinct problems.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept leverages the core technology of spatial filtering to develop systems and methods for diverse applications. For instance, in environmental noise pollution monitoring, a plurality of measurement electrodes can detect sound waves, and the controller can selectively transmit data from low-noise measurement electrodes. Similarly, in seismic activity detection, the system can contact a surface with measurement electrodes, obtain noise levels, and select a group of measurement electrodes for detecting seismic activity. Other applications include wearable devices for monitoring athlete performance, systems for monitoring structural integrity of buildings, and methods for detecting defects in materials.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for spatial filtering technology, which were not originally considered in the biomedical context. The inventive step lies in adapting the core technology to address distinct problems in various industries, providing innovative solutions that were not obvious from the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include different types of measurement electrodes, customized controllers, and varied interface modules. Variations may involve integrating spatial filtering technology with existing systems, such as incorporating it into smart home devices for environmental noise monitoring or using it in conjunction with machine learning algorithms for material defect detection.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including environmental monitoring, construction, sports technology, and materials science. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions for monitoring and detecting specific phenomena, as well as startups and researchers exploring new applications for spatial filtering technology.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B5/681
A	A61	A61B5/0006
A	A61	A61B5/282
A	A61	A61B5/304
A	A61	A61B5/316
A	A61	A61B5/332
A	A61	A61B5/7214
A	A61	A61B2560/0468
A	A61	A61B2562/0209

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Biomedical signal processing and sensor systems, with expertise in electrical signal measurement, noise filtering, and multi-electrode sensing technologies across medical, environmental, and engineering domains

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced electrical engineering or biomedical engineering training, capable of understanding signal processing techniques, sensor array design, and cross-domain technology adaptation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core spatial filtering technique disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable signal measurement approach that can be systematically adapted across multiple technical domains by applying consistent principles of noise reduction and selective electrode data transmission. The fundamental method of obtaining noise levels, selecting optimal measurement electrodes, and filtering signals is technically transferable between biomedical, environmental, and engineering contexts. The variations represent predictable extensions of the original spatial filtering methodology using standard engineering design practices.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Plurality of measurement electrodes configured to detect electrical signals from a user's body

PTD Variation

Adapting measurement electrodes to detect sound waves, seismic vibrations, muscle activity, and material defects

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that electrode sensor arrays are fundamentally adaptable measurement instruments, with signal detection principles remaining consistent across different input modalities

Source Patent Element

Selective transmission of low-noise electrode data using a controller

PTD Variation

Implementing noise filtering techniques in environmental monitoring, structural integrity assessment, and athlete performance tracking

Obviousness Reasoning

The core signal processing technique of identifying and prioritizing low-noise measurement channels represents a known and predictable engineering approach applicable across diverse sensing domains

Source Patent Element

Wearable device with multiple electrode contact points on different body regions

PTD Variation

Extending multi-electrode configuration to surfaces like building structures, geological sites, and material testing environments

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would understand that spatial filtering principles can be systematically translated between different physical contact surfaces using standard sensor array design techniques

Source Patent Element

Method of obtaining noise levels across measurement electrodes

PTD Variation

Applying noise level assessment to detect defects, environmental changes, and performance variations

Obviousness Reasoning

The systematic approach of noise level quantification represents a generalizable signal processing technique with predictable application across multiple technical domains

Source Patent Element

Interface module for managing electrode data transmission

PTD Variation

Developing customized interface modules for different industry-specific sensing applications

Obviousness Reasoning

Interface design represents a routine engineering task where core signal processing principles can be adapted through standard modular design approaches

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the spatial filtering methodology disclosed in US Patent 11857341, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed variations in environmental monitoring, seismic detection, athlete tracking, structural assessment, and material testing to be obvious extensions of the fundamental signal processing technique, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,341
Title	Systems and methods of spatial filtering for measuring electrical signals
Assignee(s)	Apple Inc.