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Patent No. 7155343 Nanocircuitry for sensing, recording and outputting data. (Grant, et al., Dec 26, 2006)
Abstract
The device implements nanotechnology by embedding nanocircuits with sensors to surfaces such as walls, wall coverings, clothing, windows, window coverings, flooring, roofs, roadways and telephone poles. Using a plurality of nanocircuits in a multitude of locations, events can be continuously detected and recorded without intrusion, and reconstructed at a later time.
Notes:
FIELD
OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for embedding nanosensors
on a surface for the sensing and recording of data.
BACKGROUND
Today, electrical circuits can be manufactured at the nanometer level. Current
manufacturing processes include the use of lithography to imprint microscopic
circuits on semiconductor materials. Other processes use molecular materials
such as nanotubes to fabricate tiny electric devices such as diodes or transistors.
These molecular nanoelectronics are assembled using contacts and gaps on an
atomic scale to form integrated electrical circuits and nanosensors. The small
size of nanosensors results in reduced weight, low power requirements, and greater
sensitivity. With the development of revolutionary fabrication techniques, nanosensors
can now be mass-produced at a fraction of the cost using convenient and/or known
methods.
Nanotechnology has far-reaching benefits spanning from physical and electro-sensors
to chemical and biosensors. Industries affected by this technology range from
security to transportation. In the security industry, discrete sensors are often
desired in order to clandestinely monitor activities. The vast majority of sensors
used today are large and easily visible, and have to be camouflaged to hide
their position. Thus, it is often possible for criminals to avoid detection
by locating the sensors and avoiding or disabling them. As a result, legal costs
increase as more effort is needed to examine and produce sufficient evidence
to sustain a conviction. In the transportation and insurance industries, a multitude
of sensors recording data is the optimal technique for precise re-enactment
of a traffic accident. Such data collection is not possible with currently-available
sensors, because the placement of such sensors directly on the road would impede
traffic flow. When the use of sensors is necessary, such as for the weight inspection
of commercial cargo trucks, vehicles are forced to exit the freeway. Further,
if placed in the freeway, the sensors would be subject to heavy wear and tear
from the high volume of traffic.
The use of multiple discrete sensors could be used in a variety of other situations
such as, by way of example, re-enactment of crime scenes, monitoring and control
of pedestrian and automobile traffic, providing building safety and security,
collecting data for demographic purposes, even providing aid in the creation
of video games. This is only a small illustration of the benefits available
from a device that detects data invisibly from virtually any position.
What is needed is a device that implements nanosensor technology to allow data
to be detected inconspicuously and simultaneously from a multitude of unanticipated
locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a block circuit diagram of a sensor.
FIG. 2 depicts a wall having sensors embedded therein.
FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 depicts a wall covering having sensors embedded therein.
FIG. 5 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 depicts an orientation device.
FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 depicts an article of wearing apparel having sensors embedded therein.
FIG. 9 depicts a window having sensors embedded therein.
FIG. 10 depicts a window covering having sensors embedded therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 depicts a schematic circuit diagram of a sensor. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the sensor is comprised of an input 104, an analog to digital converter
106, memory 108, an output 110, a power source 112, and an orientation mechanism
114. As is shown in FIG. 1, the input 104 of the sensor can detect data 102.
The input 104 is connected with a converter 106. The converter 106 can convert
the detected data 102 from an analog signal into a digital signal. The converter
106 is connected with memory 108. The memory 108 can store the digital signal
outputted by the converter 106. The memory 108 is connected with an output 110.
The output 110 can transmit the data to a source for data collection and reconstruction.
Also shown is a power source 112 connected with all components of the sensor.
Also, as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an orientation mechanism 114
can be attached to the input 104. In the event that the input 104 of the sensor
was incorrectly situated, the orientation mechanism 114 can be utilized to orient
the sensor to allow for the detection of data 102.
In alternate embodiments, the sensor can be constructed in any convenient and/or
known manner using any convenient and/or known material or components. The sensor,
by way of example, can be fabricated using electron beam lithography, atomic
force microscopes, electrochemical deposition and etching, electromigration,
voltage etching, and/or any other micro-electronic and/or nano-manufacturing
process and/or algorithm. The material of the sensors, by way of example, can
be silicon and/or any other semi-conducting crystalline material, nanotubes
and/or any other semi-conducting molecules, particles, and/or atoms, and/or
any other known and/or convenient material.
In further alternate embodiments, the component arrangement of the sensor can
be in any convenient and/or known configuration. By way of example, the input
104 can be directly connected with a data collection source thereby removing
the converter 106, memory 108, and output 110; the converter 106 can be directly
connected with a data collection source thereby removing the memory 108 and
output 110; the converter 106 can be connected directly to the output 110 thereby
removing the memory 108; the memory 108 can be connected with a data collection
source thereby removing the output 110; the orientation mechanism 114 can be
removed or positioned in any known and/or convenient location on the sensor.
In addition, the power source 112 can be constructed in any convenient and/or
known manner using any convenient and/or known material. By way of example,
the power source can use direct or alternating current being rechargeable or
non-rechargeable. Also, by way of example, the components of the sensor can
be connected in any convenient and/or known parallel/series combination. Furthermore,
additional components can be included and/or excluded in any convenient and/or
known arrangement.
In addition, in alternate embodiments, the input 104 of the sensor can be calibrated
to detect a variety of data 102. By way of example, the input 104 of the sensor
can be calibrated to detect image, temperature, sound, motion, chemical, biological,
or any other convenient and/or known data capable of detection. Also, in alternate
embodiments, the output of the sensor can be, by way of example, a transmitter,
transponder, antenna, receiver, responder or any other convenient and/or known
device capable of data transmission and/or storage. Using a plurality of sensors,
recorded events can be reconstructed from the transmitted and/or stored data
102.
In still further alternate embodiments, the device can include a clock and/or
timing mechanism 116. The clock and/or timing mechanism can be used to time
stamp data at is it received. In alternate embodiments, the clock and/or timing
mechanism 116 can be used to cause the device to record data at specified time
intervals and/or can be used to erase memory at specified times and/or time
intervals. In alternate embodiments, the clock and/or timing mechanism 116 may
not be present, can be external to the device and timing can be controlled by
a transmitted or received signal and/or signals and/or controlled by any other
convenient mechanism.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a wall having embedded sensors therein. As shown
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, sensors 202 are embedded in a wall 204 composed
of gypsum. The placement of the sensors 202 in the gypsum 204 allows for the
inconspicuous detection of data 101 from the various locations of the sensors
202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the sensors 202 can be positioned and
fixed during construction of the gypsum 204 thus eliminating the orientation
of the sensors 202. The sensors 202 shown in FIG. 2 are similar to the sensor
202 depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Thus, as shown in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, the sensors 202 detect data 101, covert the data from an analog
to digital signal, and then transmit the data to a data collection source.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 202 can be embedded in the wall 204 using
any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the sensors 202 can be
buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained, inlayed, inserted,
installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted in the wall
204 during or after construction. In addition, the wall 204 can be composed
of any convenient and/or known material and can be constructed using any convenient
and/or known method of construction. By way of example, the wall can be composed
of drywall, sheetrock, wallboard, greenboard, backerboard, plaster, brick or
lumber. Also, in alternate embodiments, the sensors can be calibrated to detect
a variety of data 101, including, by way of example, image, temperature, sound,
motion, chemical, biological, or any other convenient and/or known data capable
of detection. The wall 204, in alternate embodiments, can be interior and/or
exterior and used to detect inside and/or outside data 101 in and/or from any
convenient and/or known structure. In alternate embodiments, the sensors 202
can be constructed in any convenient and/or known manner with any convenient
and/or known material using any convenient and/or known combination of components
and/or circuitry. Further, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 202 can output
the data using any convenient and/or known method and/or can store the data
for collection at a later time. Using a plurality of sensors, recorded events
can be reconstructed from the transmitted and/or stored data 101.
FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, sensors 302 are embedded in a wall 304 composed
of stucco. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sensors 302 are positioned
and fixed during construction of the stucco 304 thus eliminating the orientation
mechanism. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is intended to illustrate an alternate
composition of a wall 304 in which the sensors 302 can be embedded to detect
data 101 invisibly from one or more sensor locations.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 302 can be embedded in the wall 304 using
any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the sensors 302 can be
buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained, inlayed, inserted,
installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted in the wall
304 during or after construction. In addition, the wall 304 can be composed
of any convenient and/or known material and can be constructed using convenient
and/or known methods of construction. Also, in alternate embodiments, the sensors
can be calibrated to detect a variety of data 101, including, byway of example,
image, temperature, sound, motion, chemical, biological, or any other convenient
and/or known data capable of detection. The wall 304, in alternate embodiments,
can be interior and/or exterior and used to detect inside and/or outside data
101 in and/or from any convenient and/or known structure. In alternate embodiments,
the sensors 302 can be constructed in any convenient and/or known manner with
any convenient and/or known material using any convenient and/or known combination
of components and/or circuitry. Further, in alternate embodiments, the sensors
302 can output the data using any convenient and/or known method and/or can
store the data for collection at a later time. Using a plurality of sensors,
recorded events can be reconstructed from the transmitted and/or stored data
101.
FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a wall covering having embedded sensors therein.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, sensors 402 are embedded in a wall covering
404 composed of wallpaper that is attached to a wall 406. The sensors 402 in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 detect data 101 invisibly by being embedded in
the wallpaper 404. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sensors 402 are positioned
and fixed during construction of the wallpaper 404 thus eliminating the orientation
mechanism. The sensors 402 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are similar
to the sensors 202 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 402 can be embedded in the wall covering
404 using any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the sensors
402 can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained,
inlayed, inserted, installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the wall covering 404 during or after construction. In addition, the wall
covering 404 can be composed of any convenient and/or known material and can
be constructed using any convenient and/or known method of construction. In
alternate embodiments, the wall covering 404 can be associated with the wall
406 or any other surface using any convenient and/or known method. Also, in
alternate embodiments, the sensors can be calibrated to detect a variety of
data 101, including, by way of example, image, temperature, sound, motion, chemical,
biological, or any other convenient and/or known data capable of detection.
The wall covering 404, in alternate embodiments, can be interior and/or exterior
and used to detect inside and/or outside data 101 in and/or from any convenient
and/or known structure. In alternate embodiments, the sensors 402 can be constructed
in any convenient and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material
using any convenient and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry.
Further, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 402 can output the data using
any convenient and/or known method and/or can store the data for collection
at a later time. Using a plurality of sensors, recorded events can be reconstructed
from the transmitted and/or stored data 101.
FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a spreadable medium having sensors embedded therein
associated with a surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the spreadable
medium 504 composed of paint is applied to a wall 506. Sensors 502 are embedded
in the paint 504 to detect data 101. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
sensors have been oriented after application of the paint 504 to the wall 506
and can be in a fixed position. Because the sensors 502 are embedded within
the paint 504, the sensors 502 are able to detect data 101 discreetly. The sensors
502 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are similar to the sensors 202
shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
In alternate embodiments, the spreadable medium 504 can be composed of any convenient
and/or known material. By way of example, the spreadable medium 504 can be paint,
cement, asphalt, concrete, acrylic, chroma, coloring, dye, emulsion, enamel,
flat, gloss, greasepaint, latex, oil, overlay, pigment, rouge, stain, tempera,
varnish, veneer or wax. Also, in alternate embodiments, the spreadable medium
can be associated using any convenient and/or known method to any convenient
and/or known surface. In addition, in alternate embodiments, the sensors can
be calibrated to detect a variety of data 101, including, by way of example,
image, temperature, sound, motion, chemical, biological, or any other convenient
and/or known data capable of detection. The spreadable medium 504, in alternate
embodiments, can be used to detect inside and/or outside data 101 in and/or
from any convenient and/or known surface being interior and/or exterior. In
alternate embodiments, the sensors 502 can be constructed in any convenient
and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material using any convenient
and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry. Further, in alternate
embodiments, the sensors 502 can output the data using any convenient and/or
known method and/or can store the data for collection at a later time. Using
a plurality of sensors, recorded events can be reconstructed from the transmitted
and/or stored data 101.
FIG. 6 depicts an orientation device that can be used to orient the sensors.
As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a magnetic orientation device 602
is being passed over a surface covered by a spreadable medium 606 composed of
paint with sensors 604 embedded therein. The paint 606 is not settled and the
sensors 604, at first, are not correctly situated. As can be seen in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic orientation device 602 is being passed over the
unsettle paint 606. The sensors 604 are pulled to the surface of the paint 606
by the magnetic force resultant from the orientation mechanism on the sensors
604 and the magnetic orientation device. After the sensors 604 have been oriented
properly, the paint 606 dries and the sensors 604 are in a fixed position on
the wall 608. The sensors 604 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are
similar to the sensors 202 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
In alternate embodiments, the orientation device 602 can be any constructed
in any convenient and/or known manner using any convenient and/or known method
and/or force to orient the sensors 604. Also, in alternate embodiments, the
spreadable medium 606 can be composed of any convenient and/or known material.
In alternate embodiments, the spreadable medium 606 can be associated using
any convenient and/or known method to any convenient and/or known surface. In
addition, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 604 can be constructed in any
convenient and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material using
any convenient and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry. The
orientation mechanism on the sensors 604 can be any convenient and/or known
material being drawn and/or attracted to any convenient and/or known force.
In an alternate embodiment, the device 602 can be used to collect and/or retrieve
data and/or recharge the sensors with or without the capability to orient the
sensors. In further alternate embodiments, any known and/or convenient manner
to orient the sensors can be used or the sensors may not be oriented.
FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. As
shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an orientation device 702 is embedded
in a wall 608. The wall 608 is covered with a spreadable medium 606 composed
of paint with embedded sensors 604. The paint 606 is not settled and the sensors
604, at first, are not correctly situated. As can be seen in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7, the orientation device 702 is activated. The sensors 604 are
repelled from the orientation device 702 and pushed toward the outer surface
of the paint 606. After the sensors 604 have been oriented properly, the paint
606 dries and the sensors 604 are in a fixed position on the wall 608. The sensors
604 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are similar to the sensors 202
as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with the exception of the orientation
mechanism being attached at the opposite end.
In further alternate embodiments, the orientation device 702 can be any constructed
in any convenient and/or known manner using any convenient and/or known method
and/or force to orient the sensors 604. Also, in alternate embodiments, the
wall 606 can be composed of any convenient and/or known material and the orientation
device 702 can be embedded in any convenient and/or known arrangement using
any convenient and/or known manner and/or method of construction. In alternate
embodiments, the spreadable medium 606 can be associated using any convenient
and/or known method to any convenient and/or known surface. In addition, in
alternate embodiments, the sensors 604 can be constructed in any convenient
and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material using any convenient
and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry. The orientation mechanism
on the sensors 604 can be arranged in any convenient and/known manner and can
be constructed with any convenient and/or known material being repelled from
and/or attracted to any convenient and/or known force. In an alternate embodiment,
the device 606 can be used to collect and/or retrieve data and/or recharge the
sensors with or without the capability to orient the sensors.
FIG. 8 depicts an article of wearing apparel having sensors embedded therein.
As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, sensors 802 are embedded in a long-sleeve
shirt 804. The sensors 802 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 detect
and transmit biological data. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sensors
802 are positioned and fixed during construction of the shirt 804 thus eliminating
an orientation mechanism. The sensors 802 as shown in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8 are similar to the sensors 202 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG.
2.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 802 can be embedded in an article of wearing
apparel 804 using any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the
sensors 802 can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained,
inlayed, inserted, installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the article of wearing apparel during or after construction. In addition,
the article of wearing apparel 804 can be composed of any convenient and/or
known material and can be constructed using any convenient and/or known method
of construction. Also, in alternate embodiments, the sensors can be calibrated
to detect a variety of data, including, by way of example, image, temperature,
sound, motion, chemical, biological, or any other convenient and/or known data
capable of detection. For example, the sensors 802 can be calibrated to detect
motion data. Because of the multiple sensor locations within the article of
wearing apparel 804, the motion data can provide for a detailed reconstruction
of any movement. In alternate embodiments, the sensors 802 can be constructed
in any convenient and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material
using any convenient and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry.
Further, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 802 can output the data using
any convenient and/or known method and/or can store the data for collection
at a later time. Using a plurality of sensors, recorded events can be reconstructed
from the transmitted and/or stored data.
In still further alternate embodiments, the sensors 106 can be included in a
spreadable liquid and/or other known and/or convenient medium which can be associated
with an article of wearing apparel 804 in any known and/or convenient manner.
FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a window having sensors embedded therein. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the sensors 902 are embedded in a window 904.
Because of the small size of the sensors 902, the sensors 902 are invisible
and do not impair images seen through the window 904. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9, the sensors 902 are positioned and fixed during construction of the
window 904 thus eliminating an orientation mechanism. The sensors 904 as shown
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 are similar to the sensors 202 as shown in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 904 can be embedded in the window 904
using any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the sensors 904
can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained, inlayed,
inserted, installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the windows during or after construction. In addition, the window 904 can
be composed of any convenient and/or known material and can be constructed using
any convenient and/or known method of construction. In alternate embodiments,
the sensors 904 can be placed in the window frame as well in the glass or in
any convenient and/or known combination and/or arrangement thereof. Also, in
alternate embodiments, the sensors 904 can be calibrated to detect a variety
of data, including, by way of example, image, temperature, sound, motion, chemical,
biological, or any other convenient and/or known data capable of detection.
The window 904, in alternate embodiments, can be used to detect inside and/or
outside data in and/or from any convenient and/or known structure. In alternate
embodiments, the sensors 802 can be constructed in any convenient and/or known
manner with any convenient and/or known material using any convenient and/or
known combination of components and/or circuitry. Further, in alternate embodiments,
the sensors 802 can output the data using any convenient and/or known method
and/or can store the data for collection at a later time. Using a plurality
of sensors, recorded events can be reconstructed from the transmitted and/or
stored data.
FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a window covering having sensors embedded therein
attached to a window. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, sensors 1002
are embedded in a window covering 1006 comprised of drapes. The drapes 1006
are used to cover the window 1004. The sensors 1002 detect data 101 unnoticeably
because the sensors 1002 are embedded within the material of the drapes 1006.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sensors 1002 are positioned and fixed
during construction of the drapes 1006 thus eliminating an orientation mechanism.
The sensors 1002 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 are similar to
the sensors 202 as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
In alternate embodiments, the sensors 1002 can be embedded in the window covering
1006 using any convenient and/or known method. By way of example, the sensors
1002 can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained,
inlayed, inserted, installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the window covering during or after construction. In addition, the window
covering 1006 can be composed of any convenient and/or known material and can
be constructed using any convenient and/or known method of construction. For
example, the window coverings 1006 can be composed of mini-blinds or any other
blinds and/or material used to cover a window 1004. In alternate embodiments,
the sensors 1002 can be placed in the window 1004, the window frame, or the
window covering 1006 in any convenient and/or known combination and/or arrangement
thereof. In addition, in an alternate embodiment, the window covering can be
associated with the window in any convenient and/or known manner and/or method.
Also, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 1002 can be calibrated to detect
a variety of data 101, including, by way of example, image, temperature, sound,
motion, chemical, biological, or any other convenient and/or known data capable
of detection. The windows covering 1006, in alternate embodiments, can be used
to detect inside and/or outside data 101 in and/or from any convenient and/or
known structure. In alternate embodiments, the sensors 1002 can be constructed
in any convenient and/or known manner with any convenient and/or known material
using any convenient and/or known combination of components and/or circuitry.
Further, in alternate embodiments, the sensors 1002 can output the data using
any convenient and/or known method and/or can store the data for collection
at a later time. Using a plurality of sensors, recorded events can be reconstructed
from the transmitted and/or stored data 101.
In one embodiment of the invention, sensors that are fabricated on the nanometer
level (typically 100 .mu.m 30 nm) are embedded in a wall during the construction
of the wall. The nanosensors are able to detect external data, convert the data
from an analog signal to a digital signal, store the data in memory, and transmit
the data to a receiver. The external data may include temperature, light, movement,
chemical makeup, and pressure applied. The receiver collects and compiles this
data from the sensors and outputs an intelligible readout and/or report of the
data collected. The data can be stored and retrieved at a later time to reconstruct
prior events.
The wall can be constructed in any manner using any conventional material. Commercially
available examples include gypsum, drywall, sheetrock, wallboard, greenboard,
backerboard, stucco, or plaster. The wall can be interior or exterior. In addition,
the wall may be constructed on-site or imported from an off-site location. The
sensors can then be embedded within the wall using any method. By way of example,
the sensors can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, ingrained,
inlayed, inserted, installed, lodged, planted, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
into an outer surface of the wall. The wall structure can then be used to detect
and record data from any source that the wall surface is exposed to, inside
or outside. The sensors can be embedded during or after construction of the
wall in any conventional arrangement.
In an alternate embodiment of the device, nanosensors are embedded in a wall
covering which is then associated with a wall. The wall covering can be constructed
in any manner. The wall covering can also constructed using any conventional
material, including by way of example, as paper, tile, or paneling material.
The material can be artistic or functional. The sensors can be embedded within
the wall covering using any method. By way of example, the sensors can be buried,
deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, planted, ingrained, inlayed,
lodged, inserted, installed, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted in the wall
covering. The wall covering can then be associated with the wall in any manner.
By way of example, the wall covering can be affixed, attached, bound, bonded,
brazed, clasped, fastened, fixed, fused, glued, hung, lodged, pasted, soldered,
stuck, united, or welded to the wall. The wall covering can be associated using
a removable or non-removable adhesive. The wall covering can be used to detect
data inside or outside of a structure. The sensors can be embedded during or
after construction of the wall covering and can be placed in any conventional
arrangement.
In a further embodiment of the invention, nanosensors are dispersed in a spreadable
medium and the medium applied onto a surface. The spreadable medium can be composed
of any conventional material. By way of example, the spreadable medium can be
composed of paint, cement, asphalt, concrete, acrylic, chroma, coloring, dye,
emulsion, enamel, flat, gloss, greasepaint, latex, oil, overlay, pigment, rouge,
stain, tempera, varnish, veneer, wax, or any other material that can be applied
to a surface. The spreadable medium can be applied to a surface using any known
method. By way of example, the spreadable medium can be applied to the surface
by being painted, brushed, smeared, coated, washed, buffed, glazed, glossed,
laid, set, spread or any other method of association. The spreadable medium
can be used to detect inside or outside data from any surface.
In a further embodiment of this device, nanosensors are embedded in an article
of apparel. The article of apparel can be composed of any conventional material
and the sensors can be embedded using any method. By way of example, the sensors
can be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, planted, ingrained,
inlayed, lodged, inserted, installed, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the article of wearing apparel. The sensors can be embedded during or after
construction of the article of wearing and placed in any arrangement.
In an alternate embodiment of this device, nanosensors are embedded in a window.
The window can be composed of any material and the sensors can be embedded using
any method. By way of example, the window can be made of aluminum, vinyl, wood,
fiberglass, fibrex and can be a single hung, double hung, casement, awning,
bay, bow, fixed frame, skylight, or slider. By way of example, the sensors can
be buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, planted, ingrained,
inlayed, lodged, inserted, installed, plunged, pressed, stuck, or implanted
in the window. The window can be used to detect data inside or outside of any
structure. The sensors can be embedded during or after construction of the window
and placed in any conventional arrangement.
Further, in an alternate embodiment, nanosensors are embedded in window coverings.
The window coverings can be composed of any material and the sensors can be
embedded using any conventional method. The window covering, by way of example,
can be composed of blinds, drapes, shades, or any other material used to cover
a window. The sensors can be embedded using any method, including by way of
example, being buried, deposited, enclosed, fastened, fixed, infixed, planted,
ingrained, inlayed, lodged, inserted, installed, plunged, pressed, stuck, or
implanted in the window covering. The window covering can be used to detect
data inside or outside of a structure. The sensors can be embedded during or
after construction of the window covering and placed in any conventional arrangement.
In alternate embodiments, nanosensors are embedded in a number of other unanticipated
locations. These locations include, by way of example, flooring, roofs, and
telephone poles.
The sensors can be constructed in any manner using any conventional material.
The sensors, by way of example, can be fabricated using electron beam lithography,
atomic force microscopes, electrochemical deposition and etching, electromigration,
voltage etching, and/or any other micro-electronic and/or nano-manufacturing
process and/or algorithm. The material of the sensors, by way of example, can
be composed of silicon and/or any other semi-conducting crystalline material,
nanotubes and/or any other semi-conducting molecules, particles, and/or atoms,
and/or any other semi-conducting material.
There are various changes and modifications that can be made as would be apparent
to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the device be limited only
by the scope of the claims appended hereto.