Abstract:
A method and apparatus for utilizing the specific genetic code of an organism, as defined by the organism&#39;s DNA, to define the unique and specific IPv6 address of the organism is provided. The IPv6 address may be within existing digital network infrastructures and may be decoded to define the organism&#39;s DNA sequence, which uniquely and accurately defines the organism&#39;s digital presence within the network. The described method and apparatus utilizes an algorithm or conversion formula to convert any DNA sequence into a digital IP address via an Alpha-binary-hexagonal converter. The same method may also define an organism&#39;s DNA by virtue of converting the IPv6 address into a DNA sequence, thereby allowing for DNA to be generated from an IPv6 address.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefits of and priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/983,570 filed Apr. 24, 2014, and entitled “Holistic Embodiment of DNA and IPV6,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a process and apparatus for converting a DNA sequence into an Internet Protocol address. More specifically, the IPv6 address associated with the DNA sequence may define the unique and specific IPv6 address of the organism. Likewise, the IPv6 address may be used to define a unique DNA sequence. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    This application contains a Sequence Listing submitted as an electronic text file named “7819-1_Sequence_Listing_ST25.txt,” having a size of 1 KB and created on May 8, 2015. The information contained in this electronic file is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety pursuant to 37 CFR §1.52(e)(5). 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    According to Wikipedia, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices; each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP), the communications protocol that provides an identification and location system for computers on networks and routes traffic across the Internet. See, e.g., Wikipedia. Although IPv6 and the IoT tend to be associated with physical non-living objects, there exists a need to associate or otherwise add a living element to the IoT and the various communication networks that implement the IPv6 protocol. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods relate to creating an environment having a holistic/intrinsic relationship that interchanges DNA genetic code with an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address. Such a relationship with a specific genetic code may be represented by a specific IP address, whereas a specific IP address equates to a specific DNA sequence. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods generate IP address information, such as an IPv6 address itself, into a DNA strand and further utilize a formula, or algorithm, to transform a genetic address into a specific IP address. Accordingly, a mutual relationship between DNA code and IP addresses is created, as the DNA code, or sequence of nucleotides, identifies an individual and the DNA code is correlated to specific IPv6 addresses. The generation of an IP address into the DNA may then define a digital presence of a living thing. Essentially, a network element having location and traceability is created where individuals are both genetic and electronic endpoints existing in a symbiotic relationship. 
         [0006]    Databases may contain both the genetic and electronic information of an individual. That is, the databases may contain DNA based on DNA sampling, IP information, or biometrics. The databases may be filled with information to identify individuals, but may also contain additional information about the individual. For example, the database may contain information associated with the individual, i.e. family, health, location, finances. The database may be the link to the individual and provide a transparent flow of information. These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. 
         [0007]    In accordance with at least one aspect of the current disclosure, network endpoints utilizing a DNA and IP relationship may be provided. In essence, individuals having an identified unique IP address, as defined by their individual DNA, will be transparent to a “network”. 
         [0008]    In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosures, one or more algorithms or formulas are utilized to transform DNA sequence, or code, into an IPv6 address and then back again into the DNA sequence. In some embodiments there is very little variation or alteration in the algorithm/formula such that a DNA sequence can be determined based on an assigned IP address. That is, an individual&#39;s DNA sequence may be derived based on their assigned IP address. Similarly, an IP address may define an individual&#39;s DNA. Thus, DNA can be synthesized by virtue of the IP address of an organism. 
         [0009]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an IP address may be used to determine a new or existing DNA sequence. For example, DNA according to an IP address may be synthesized from base pairs and associated with an existing DNA sequence. That is, by establishing a unique IP address associated with the genetic code, the flow of information and data accumulation may be seamless. 
         [0010]    According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided, the method comprising obtaining a DNA sequence, transforming the DNA sequence into an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and utilizing the IP address, accessing information associated with the IP address from a resource. 
         [0011]    And yet in some embodiments, a system for converting a DNA sequence associated with a user into an Internet Protocol (IP) address is provided. The system may comprise a processor, memory, and a DNA/IP converter, wherein the DNA-IP converter obtains a DNA sequence, transforms the DNA sequence into an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and accesses information associated with the IP address from a resource. 
         [0012]    And further yet, a method for encoding an Internet Protocol (IP) address into a DNA sequence to digitally define a living organism is provided, the method comprising obtaining an IP address, transforming the IP address into a DNA sequence, and synthesizing the DNA sequence, wherein the DNA sequence corresponds to the IP address. 
         [0013]    The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, the summary of the invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. 
         [0014]    The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the summary of the invention, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of the invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
         [0015]    The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
         [0016]    The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
         [0017]    The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material”. 
         [0018]    The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any tangible storage that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Similarly, an in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, DNA may be a form of computer-readable medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the invention is considered to include a tangible storage medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present invention are stored. 
         [0019]    The terms “determine”, “calculate”, and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique. 
         [0020]    The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, Network Functionality Virtualization (NFV) or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. Also, while the invention is described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the invention can be separately claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and in certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts details of a DNA sequence and an IPv6 address in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure (SEQ ID NO:2); 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts an example communication network wherein each item of the network may identify, locate, and communicate, in some manner, using an IP address of the organism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  depicts an example transformation of a DNA sequence belonging to an individual into an IPv6 address in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  depicts an example transformation of an IPv6 address into a DNA sequence in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  depicts an example transformation of an organism&#39;s DNA sequence into an IP address utilizing an algorithm/formula/transformation, the IP address is then transformed back into a DNA sequence to be stored within an Organism B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  depicts an example transformation of data and an IP address being transformed into one or more sequences of DNA to be stored within an organism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  depicts details of a DNA/IP converter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  depicts a first flow diagram depicting an example transformation of DNA into an IPv6 address in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  depicts a second flow diagram depicting an example transformation of an IPv6 address into DNA in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The ensuing description provides embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
         [0032]    The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0033]    Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
         [0034]    To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  depicts an example of an IPv6 address and associated DNA sequence in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. An Internet Protocol Version 6 address (IPv6 address) is an alpha-numeric, or textual, label that is used to identify a network interface of a computer or other network node participating in an IPv6 network. IPv6 was originally developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to deal with the long-anticipated problem of IPv4 address exhaustion. IPv6 addresses are represented as eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons, for example 2001:0DB8:85A3:0042:1000:8A2E:0370:7334, but methods to abbreviate this full notation exist. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fully qualified IPv6 address having eight groups of four hexadecimal digits separated by colons can also be represented by compressing and/or eliminating long strings of zeros. Accordingly, the IPv6 address of 20AA:21A3:AOAA:2A23:0000:0000:0000:0000 may be compressed to 20AA:21A3:AOAA:2A23::, where the colon represents a string of zeros. In accordance with rules set forth by the IETF, some strings of zeros may be eliminated while others must remain. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) represents a newer communications protocol that provides identification and location systems for “computers” on networks and routes traffic based on a computer&#39;s identification and location. Internet Protocol (IP) essentially is a marker used for identification and location in the digital language. 
         [0036]    Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is also illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; DNA is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. One of DNA&#39;s purposes is to transmit information, which is encoded in chemical language. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, these two “elements” (DNA and IPv6) are mutually connected by establishing a link or translation between the digital language and the chemical language. The result is that DNA and IPv6 are tied together having a mutual existence for the purpose of storage, transport, and identification. 
         [0037]    A single strand of DNA contains 4 nucleotides: Guanine, Adenine, Thymine and Cytosine. The combination of these nucleotides makes up the genetic code of any living organism. (GATC in short form). A linkage between location and identification may be established utilizing an algorithm and/or decipher program implemented on one or more hardware elements. By taking the four nucleotides, A, T, G and C and digitizing, or creating a combination of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s for example as a representative of the nucleotide, such a linkage may be established. 
         [0038]    Identification techniques may rely on DNA profiles and/or DNA sequences. Similar to fingerprints, every individual possesses their own unique DNA sequence. Therefore, a genetic profile may include a unique DNA sequence that is exclusive to that person. To generate a genetic profile, a sample of DNA is first obtained. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may then be used to detect and quantify an amount of available DNA from the sample. Specific portions of the DNA are then copied and created using a process called amplification; accordingly, PCR greatly amplifies the amounts of a specific region, or portion, of DNA. In another technique, gel electrophoresis may be utilized; gel electrophoresis separates the different DNA portions according to size. The DNA sample may then be searched for specific segments of DNA that repeat themselves. Although 99% of human DNA is shared, segments, called Short Tandem Repeats (STR), may be unique to individuals. That is, although humans share over 99% of their DNA, every individual has a particular set of STR markers; these STR markers are inherited from different genes from each parent. Accordingly, the chance of two unrelated people having the same pattern is very low. 
         [0039]    Alternatively, or in addition, and in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a sample of DNA may be obtained and sequenced; non-liming methods of obtaining the DNA sample include orally by dry, wet, and/or non-invasive oral procedures such as collecting saliva, or the DNA may be obtained from other sources, such as hair with follicle, blood, urine, sweat or other body fluids. DNA sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. DNA sequencing includes any method or technology that is used to determine the order of the four bases—adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine—in a strand of DNA. 
         [0040]    In accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, the same or similar techniques for obtaining a sample of DNA and generating a DNA profile and/or DNA sequence may be utilized; however, such process becomes unique in that the profile and/or unique strand of DNA base pairs is utilized to generate a unique IPv6 address. That is, an IPv6 address may then be generated based on the sequence of nucleotides within DNA as described herein. Such conversion may rely on a text/binary/hex conversion algorithm. 
         [0041]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, suppose the nucleotides A, T, G, and C are mapped to a binary representation as shown in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Nucleotide 
                 Binary Representation 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Adenine (A) 
                 01000001 
               
               
                   
                 Cytosine (C) 
                 01000011 
               
               
                   
                 Guanine (G) 
                 01000111 
               
               
                   
                 Thymine (T) 
                 01010100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]    A typical DNA sequence obtained by conventional sampling methods may be as follows: ATCGATTGAGCTCTAGCG (SEQ ID NO:1). Accordingly, the DNA sequence may be converted to binary format by translating the DNA sequence into a binary format based on the mapping shown in Table 1. The resulting binary sequence of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s based on the DNA sequence is shown in Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 A 
                 T 
                 C 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
               
               
                 01000001 
                 01010100 
                 01000011 
                 01000111 
                 01000001 
                 01010100 
               
               
                 T 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 C 
                 T 
               
               
                 01010100 
                 01000111 
                 01000001 
                 01000111 
                 01000011 
                 01010100 
               
               
                 C 
                 T 
                 A 
                 G 
                 C 
                 G 
               
               
                 01000011 
                 01010100 
                 01000001 
                 01000111 
                 01000011 
                 01000111 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0043]    The resulting binary sequence of: 010000010101010001000011010001110100000101010100010101000100011101000001010001 110100001101010100010000110101010001000001010001110100001101000111 may be converted into hexadecimal format for use by an IPv6 address as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The hexadecimal conversion of the binary equivalent of the first eight DNA nucleotides then becomes: 20AA21A3A0AA2A23, which may be parsed into octets resulting in an equivalent IPv6 address of 20AA:21A3:AOAA:2A23::. 
         [0044]    As another example, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, suppose the nucleotides A, T, G, and C are mapped to a binary representation as shown in Table 3. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Nucleotide 
                 Binary Representation 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Adenine (A) 
                 00 
               
               
                   
                 Cytosine (C) 
                 01 
               
               
                   
                 Guanine (G) 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Thymine (T) 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0045]    A typical thirty-two character DNA sequence  104  obtained by conventional sampling methods may be as follows: AGAAGGGGAGACGGATGGAAGGGGAGGGAGAT (SEQ ID NO:2). Accordingly, the DNA sequence  104  may be converted to binary format  108  by translating the DNA sequence  104  into a binary format  108  based on the mapping shown in Table 3. The resulting binary sequence  108  of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s based on the DNA sequence  104  is shown in Table 4. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 C 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
               
               
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 01 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 11 
               
               
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
               
               
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 11 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0046]    The resulting binary sequence  108  of: 0010000010101010:0010000110100011:1010000010101010:0010101000100011 may be converted into a hexadecimal format for use by an IPv6 address as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). For example, the nucleotide sequence of AG in binary is 0010; 0010 in hexadecimal is 2. Similarly, the nucleotide sequence of GG is 1010; 1010 in hexadecimal is A. A hexadecimal equivalent of the binary sequence may then become: 20AA21A3A0AA2A23 which may be parsed into octets resulting in an equivalent IPv6 address  112  of 20AA:21A3:AOAA:2A23::. 
         [0047]    As another example, a typical sixty-four character DNA sequence obtained by conventional sampling methods may be as follows: AGAAGGGGAGACGGATGGAAGGGG AGGGAGATGCACAATGGGATCATGGAAATCCCATGGACTA (SEQ ID NO:3). 
         [0048]    Accordingly, the DNA sequence may be converted to binary format by translating the DNA sequence into a binary format based on the mapping shown in Table 3. The resulting binary sequence of 1&#39;s and 0&#39;s based on the DNA sequence is shown in Table 5. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 C 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
               
               
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 01 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 11 
               
               
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
               
               
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 10 
                 00 
                 11 
               
               
                 G 
                 C 
                 A 
                 C 
                 A 
                 A 
                 T 
                 G 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 T 
                 C 
                 A 
                 T 
                 G 
               
               
                 10 
                 01 
                 00 
                 01 
                 00 
                 00 
                 11 
                 10 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 11 
                 01 
                 00 
                 11 
                 10 
               
               
                 G 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
                 T 
                 C 
                 C 
                 C 
                 A 
                 T 
                 G 
                 G 
                 A 
                 C 
                 T 
                 A 
               
               
                 10 
                 00 
                 00 
                 00 
                 11 
                 01 
                 01 
                 01 
                 00 
                 11 
                 10 
                 10 
                 00 
                 01 
                 11 
                 00 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0049]    The resulting binary sequence of: 001000001010101000100001101000111010000010101000101010001000111001000100001110 101000000100111010000000110101010011101000011100 may be converted into a hexadecimal format for use by an IPv6 address as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Such conversion may obtain a hexadecimal character for each two nucleotide sequence. For example, the nucleotide sequence of AG in binary is 0010; 0010 in hexadecimal is 2. Similarly, the nucleotide sequence of GG is 1010; 1010 in hexadecimal is A. A hexadecimal equivalent of the binary sequence may then become: 20AA21A3A0AA2A23910EA34E80D53A1C which may be parsed into octets resulting in an equivalent IPv6 address of 20AA:21A3:AOAA:2A23:910E:A34E:80D5:3A1C. 
         [0050]    In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a DNA sequence may be obtained based on an IPv6 address. For example, an IPv6 address may be converted directly into hexadecimal by removing the colons. Accordingly, a binary equivalent of 20AA1A3A0AA2A23 is illustrated in Table 6. 
         [0000]                                        TABLE 6                   A   T   C   G   A   T       01000001   01010100   01000011   01000111   01000001   01010100       T   G   A   G   C   T       01010100   01000111   01000001   01000111   01000011   01010100       C   T   A   G   C   G       01000011   01010100   01000001   01000111   01000011   01000111                    
Thus, the IPv6 address may be expressed as a DNA sequence of ATCGATTGAGCTCTAGCG. Clearly the combinations of bits, bytes, IP addresses, and DNA are endless; that is, there are efficient ways to digitally represent the combination of nucleotides utilizing a digital representation.
 
         [0051]    In addition, the IEEE, or governing bodies may allocate a block of designated IPv6 addresses for human or any living organism classification. The methodology herein encompasses the means of conversion of nucleotides to IPv6 address which may be dependent upon agreed or authorized convention—thus, the process may vary depending on acceptance criteria lawfully in effect. The particular conversion process, as outlined above, may convert a textual DNA sequence of A, C, T, and Gs into a binary representation, which is then converted into a hexadecimal representation. Alternatively, or in addition, the textual DNA sequence of A, C, T, and Gs is directly converted into a hexadecimal representation. 
         [0052]    In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the role of Internet Protocol, or IPv6, may be used for identification and transport of information in a network/Internet world. Utilizing a DNA/IP relationship creates a number of different roles for IP in a DNA world. For example, in the context of transport, DNA may be utilized for digital storage; inevitably there is a need for a source and destination to be embedded within the digital content in front of the media encoded in the DNA. An encoded IPv6 address in front of the stored media, which is also encoded in DNA, may be used for a number of things. For example, the encoded IPv6 address may be used as an identifier of the source and destination and/or the rules by which the media is sent through a network to a specific identifier of the media or content itself, for example, the genetic code of a person. Moreover, such transport based on the IPv6 address may coincide or otherwise be performed in accordance with the Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification RFC 2460 published in December 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference for all that it teaches and for all purposes. In the context of storage, an IPv6 address may be used in a number of ways. Similar to transport, for example, the IPv6 address may provide the content identification, be the identifier of the content, and/or be utilized as the source and destination of the content that is stored. 
         [0053]    In the context of identification, the ability to have a unique IP address associated with an individual and directly correlating the IP address to the individual&#39;s genetic code provides a method of identification. For example, a DNA-IP linkage may be used for military purposes, healthcare, finances, finding lost children, etc. Accordingly, an individual may be effectively connected to the world; that is, the individual is likened to a network element with not only a genetic identifier, but a digital one. 
         [0054]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, potential uses will coexist with centralized, secure database(s). The mode of interconnection to these databases may operate in a number of ways, be it webpage based portals, VPN, SDN, or other secure software based models. Or, such uses may essentially evolve with the ever-changing dynamics of the network themselves. The critical aspect with respect to data will be the security of the connection and the robust nature of secure applications utilizing or sampling the data. Potential uses for a DNA-IP linkage may include, but are not limited to, the following: 
         [0055]    Law Enforcement—Tracking of human beings over the global network infrastructure. Convicted criminals or prisoners may be tracked for life everywhere and anywhere. Accordingly, the DNA-IP linkage may facilitate automatic lockdowns of prisoners in half-way homes or on parole. Secondary offenders may be tracked and captured more easily via triangulation and GPS. 
         [0056]    Defense—Control of soldier populations, troop tracking, digital records retention, friendly fire confirmations, etc. For example, a soldier may not only be identified, but may also be located based on the DNA-IP linkage. 
         [0057]    Medical—As one example, a patient may enter a hospital and one or more charts that include medical information associated with the patient are automatically updated via their presence. In some instances, the IP address associated with the patient&#39;s DNA may be utilized to access additional information, or records, containing information concerning the patient. 
         [0058]    Government—SIN numbers, tax laws tracking, census counts, etc. via human recognition. 
         [0059]    Financial—In some instances, an IPv6 address linked to personal banking information may be utilized. Accordingly, debit cards and credit cards may no longer required. In addition, the valuation of a person may occur upon entry into a store, banking institution, etc. 
         [0060]    Workplace—In some instances, an employee may be tracked, for example when the employee enters a work area. As such, the DNA-IP linkage may be utilized for timecard tracking, payroll, etc. 
         [0061]    Social—Essentially, an individual may be linked to a webpage. That is, the DNA-IP linkage may provide for real-time tracking and updating of activities, moods, thoughts etc. In accordance with at least some embodiments, if an individual were to take a photographic image, the image may be accessible via the IP address associated with the individual&#39;s DNA. 
         [0062]    In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a person can function as an “end point” of a computer network, by virtue of their genetic code—IPv6 address. From a practical standpoint, having the ability to associate an individual&#39;s or organism&#39;s genetic code with a specified IP (IPv6) address enables the possibility for individuals to essentially be “web pages.” That is, a unique DNA string makes it the “holy grail” of identification. With the concept of a web page for an individual, the applications become endless. From a page popping up at a country&#39;s border when a person enters customs, to law enforcement &amp; military uses, to health care fields, financial, and the list goes on. 
         [0063]    Due to the nature of the IPv6/DNA relationship as described herein, a person&#39;s IPv6 address and associated web page may be intertwined. As the person moves within a network structure, the webpage may be updated with location information. If a person goes to a restaurant, spends money, and then buys a ticket for a show, the webpage can essentially reflect these events as they are intertwined and the information for each of these events resides within the IPv6 node or web page. 
         [0064]    In accordance with some embodiments, proponents of utilizing a DNA-IPv6 link include security proponents and moralistic/big brother proponents. The idea of having a “singular” type of control like an IP address linking to a “web page” or as “defined by the standards or governing bodies” is that security will be far easier to control. For example, it is easier and more efficient to protect a single pin hole, as opposed to multiple holes. Accordingly, an individual&#39;s security and private data may be controlled by a single path in-route to a field of customized “web type” pages. Governing bodies may have the ultimate control as to how this data is utilized; but, more importantly, the ultimate control to protecting the data. 
         [0065]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary communication network according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a communication network may include an individual such as an individual  204  having a DNA sequence  208  and associated IP address  212 , a communication network  220 , a computing device  216 , a resource  224 , and an organism  236  other than the individual  204 , where the organism  236  has a unique DNA sequence  232  and an associated IP address  228 . In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, the individual  204  may communicate with a computing device  216 , resource  234 , or other organism  236  either directly or via the communication network  220 . That is, an individual may provide a DNA sequence  208  which is transformed in a unique IP address  212 . Upon detecting, or otherwise receiving, the unique IP address  212 , the computing device  216 , resource  234 , and/or other organism  236  may perform some function. In at least one embodiment, the DNA sequence may be created by obtaining a sample of DNA and sequencing the sample to generate a portion of the individual&#39;s DNA sequence, such portion may then be converted into an IPv6 address. For example, as the user  204  walks into a hospital, a sample or detected instance of the individual&#39;s DNA sequence  208  may be converted into an IP address  212 ; this IP address  212  may then allow the computing device  216  and/or resource  224  to identify, locate, and retrieve medical records or other such information  226  associated with the individual  204 . Such information  226  may be stored within a database of resource  224 ; alternatively, or in addition, resource  224  may be a database. In some instances, and utilizing the IP address  228  of an organism  236 , the IP address  212  associated with the individual  204  may be provided, along with other optional data, to the organism  236  such that the organism  236  may store information, such as information associated with the user  236 , in a DNA sequence. 
         [0066]    The communication network  220  may be packet-switched and/or circuit-switched. An illustrative communication network  220  includes, without limitation, a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) network, a cellular communications network, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, a Voice over IP (VoIP) network, a SIP network, or combinations thereof. The Internet is an example of the communication network  220  that constitutes an Internet Protocol (IP) network including many computers, computing networks, and other communication devices located all over the world, which are connected through many communication systems and other means. In one configuration, the communication network  220  is a public network supporting the TCP/IP suite of protocols. Communications supported by the communication network  220  include real-time, near-real-time, and non-real-time communications. For instance, the communication network  220  may support voice, video, text, web-conferencing, or any combination of media and may facilitate one or more signaling protocols to set up, maintain, and/or tear down a communication session, communication thread, communication flow, and the like. Moreover, the communication network  220  may comprise a number of different communication media, such as coaxial cable, copper cable/wire, fiber-optic cable, antennas for transmitting/receiving wireless messages, and combinations thereof. It can be appreciated that the communication network  220  need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may be comprised of a number of different networks and/or network types. In particular, and as described herein, the communication network  220  may be capable of routing IPv6. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 3A-3B  depict one or more transformations of a DNA sequence in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in at least  FIG. 3A , DNA sequence  208  associated with an individual  204  is transformed into an IP address  212 . Such a transformation may utilize the DNA/IP converter  304  to make such a transformation. For example, and as will be described later, the DNA/IP converter  304  may include one or more algorithms that directly convert a DNA sequence  208  into an IP address  212 . In some instances, such an algorithm may include one-way and/or two-way hashes such that a unique IP address  212  is generated based on a unique DNA sample or DNA sequence  208 . As illustrated in at least  FIG. 3B , an IP address  212  may be converted directly into a DNA sequence  308  using the DNA/IP converter  304 . That is, the DNA/IP converter may include the necessary functionality to not only convert DNA into an IP address, but also convert an IP address into DNA. Similar to the DNA to IP conversion, the DNA/IP converter may rely upon a specific process or algorithm to convert the IP address into DNA. In some instances, such an algorithm may include one-way and/or two-way hashes such that a unique IP address  212  generates a unique DNA sequence. 
         [0068]    In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure,  FIG. 4  illustrates transportation of information utilizing an IP-DNA relationship. For example, an Organism A&#39;s  404  DNA sequence  408  may be converted into an IP address  412  utilizing the previously described DNA/IP converter  304 , which may utilize an algorithm and/or formula. Additionally, an Organism B&#39;s  420  DNA sequence  424  may be converted into an IP address  428  utilizing the previously described DNA/IP converter  304 , which may utilize an algorithm and/or formula. Other information, such as other information  436  or information that may be included in a sequence of Organism&#39;s A  404  DNA sequence  408  may be converted to a form of electronic data and included in a payload  434  such that in combination with the IP addresses  412 ,  428  of Organism A  404  and Organism B  420  respectively, the other information  436 , in electronic data form, such as a packetized payload  434 , may be transported or otherwise communicated across the communication network  220  as packetized data  432 . Once communicated to an intended location, the information, including the IP address  412 ,  428  of Organism A  404  and Organism B  420  respectively, may be converted into a DNA sequence utilizing an algorithm and/or formula within the DNA/IP converter  304 . Utilizing the IP address converted to DNA, the other information  436  may be stored at Organism B  420 . In at least one embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, Organism A  404  may communicate with Organism B  420  and vise-versa utilizing their respective IP addresses based on their respective DNA sequences. 
         [0069]      FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary embodiment for making, or otherwise synthesizing, DNA from an IP address. In some embodiments, DNA  504  may be first digitized for transport, transported across a communication network  220  from location A to another location B, and then synthesized at location B. For example, and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a DNA sequence  504  may be transformed into an IP address  508  as illustrated. The IP address  508 , and any other data associated with the IP address  508 , such as other information  436 , may then be transported to location B. At location B, the IP address  508  may then be synthesized into DNA  520 . As one example, the IP address  508  may be first converted to a digital sequence of DNA  520  representing nucleotide pairs and then synthesized into actual DNA nucleotides; that is, the DNA sequence  520  may be synthesized into a nucleic acid and/or short fragments of a nucleic acid. Such synthesis may be performed utilizing existing oligonucleotide synthesis and artificial gene synthesis techniques, but other techniques are contemplated. 
         [0070]      FIG. 6  depicts additional details of the DNA/IP Converter  304  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the DNA/IP Converter  304  may reside within, or be part of a computing device  216  and/or a resource  224 . The DNA/IP Converter  304  may generally include a processor/controller  604 , memory  608 , storage  612 , a converter  616 , a communication interface  620 , and an optional DNA interface  624 . The processor/controller  604  is provided to execute instructions contained within memory  608 . Accordingly, the processor/controller  604  may be implemented as any suitable type of microprocessor or similar type of processing chip, such as any general-purpose programmable processor, digital signal processor (DSP) or controller for executing application programming contained within memory  608 . Alternatively, or in addition, the processor/controller  604  and memory  608  may be replaced or augmented with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). 
         [0071]    The memory  608  generally comprises software routines facilitating, in operation, pre-determined functionality of the DNA/IP Converter  304 . The memory  608  may be implemented using various types of electronic memory generally including at least one array of non-volatile memory cells (e.g., Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) cells or FLASH memory cells, etc.) The memory  608  may also include at least one array of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cells. The content of the DRAM cells may be pre-programmed and write-protected thereafter, whereas other portions of the memory may selectively be modified or erased. The memory  608  may be used for either permanent data storage or temporary data storage. Alternatively, or in addition, data storage  612  may be provided. The data storage  612  may generally include storage for programs and data. For instance, and with respect to the DNA/IP Converter  304 , data storage  612  may provide storage for the DNA/IP Converter  304  to store DNA sequences, IP addresses, one or more conversion tables for use by the converter  616  in transforming DNA into IP addresses or IP addresses into DNA. The converter  616  may convert or otherwise transform one or more sequences of DNA, as previously discussed, into one or more IP addresses by implementing one or more conversion formulas, functions, and/or algorithms. The DNA/IP Converter  304  may further include a DNA interface  624 ; the DNA interface  624  may provide functionality to obtain a sample of DNA in accordance with previously described DNA sampling techniques. The DNA interface  624  may further provide the functionality to sequence at least a portion of the sample of DNA into a sequence of nucleotides. Alternatively, or in addition, the DNA interface  624  may provide the necessary functionality to synthesize one or more DNA sequences into DNA nucleotides in accordance with previously described DNA synthesis techniques. The communication interface  620  may provide then necessary functionality to communicate with the network  220  and/or receive one or more DNA sequences. Communications between various components of the DNA/IP Converter  304  may be carried by one or more buses  628 . 
         [0072]    Alternatively, or in addition, the computing device  216  and the resource  224  may include the DNA/IP Converter  304 . Alternatively, or in addition, the computing device  216  and the resource  224  may include the processor/controller  604 , memory  608 , storage  612 , and communication interface  620 . Accordingly, the addition of the converter  616  and/or the optional DNA interface  624  to the computing device  216  and/or the resource  224 , provides the computing device  216  and/or the resource  224  with the DNA/IP Converter  304  functionality described herein. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a method  700  of converting a DNA sequence into an IP address will be discussed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Method  700  is in embodiments, performed partially or wholly by a device, such as the DNA/IP converter  304 . More specifically, one or more hardware and software components may be involved in performing method  700 . In one embodiment, one or more of the previously described modules and/or devices perform one or more of the steps of method  700 . The method  700  may be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system or DNA/IP converter  304  and encoded or stored on a computer-readable medium. Hereinafter, the method  700  shall be explained with reference to systems, components, modules, software, etc. described with  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0074]    Method  700  may continuously flow in a loop, flow according to a timed event, or flow according to a change in an operating or status parameter. Method  700  is generally initiated at step S 704 , where the DNA/IP converter  304  may initiate a DNA conversion process. Accordingly, at step S 708 , a DNA sequence may be received. Once the DNA sequence is received, the DNA/IP converter  304  may convert, at step S 712 , the received DNA sequence into hexadecimal form as previously discussed herein. Such hexadecimal form may then be converted, at step S 716 , into an IP address, such as an IPv6 address, wherein the IPv6 address is formatted for use within an IPv6 network. The method  700  may then end at step S 720 . 
         [0075]    Additional details of the DNA to IP conversion process are described with respect to step  712 . That is, as illustrated, once the DNA sequence is received at step S 724 , the DNA/IP converter  304  may convert the DNA sequence first into a Binary representation at step S 728  as previously discussed. The Binary representation may then be converted to a hexadecimal representation at step S 732 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a method  800  of converting a DNA sequence into an IP address will be discussed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Method  800  is in embodiments, performed partially or wholly by a device, such as the DNA/IP converter  304 . More specifically, one or more hardware and software components may be involved in performing method  800 . In one embodiment, one or more of the previously described modules and/or devices perform one or more of the steps of method  800 . The method  800  may be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system or DNA/IP converter  304  and encoded or stored on a computer-readable medium. Hereinafter, the method  800  shall be explained with reference to systems, components, modules, software, etc. described with  FIGS. 1-7 . 
         [0077]    Method  800  may continuously flow in a loop, flow according to a timed event, or flow according to a change in an operating or status parameter. Method  800  is generally initiated at step S 804 , where the DNA/IP converter  304  may initiate an IP conversion process. Accordingly, at step S 808 , an IP address may be received. Once the IP address is received, the DNA/IP converter  304  may convert, at step S 812 , the received IP address into a DNA sequence as previously discussed herein. At step S 816 , an optional step, the DNA sequence may be synthesized into DNA nucleotides as previously discussed. The method  800  may then end at step S 820 . 
         [0078]    In the foregoing description, for the purposes of illustration, methods were described in a particular order. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the methods may be performed in a different order than that described. It should also be appreciated that the methods described above may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in sequences of machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a machine, such as a general-purpose or special-purpose processor or logic circuits programmed with the instructions to perform the methods. These machine-executable instructions may be stored on one or more machine-readable mediums, such as CD-ROMs or other type of optical disks, floppy diskettes, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions. Alternatively, the methods may be performed by a combination of hardware and software. 
         [0079]    Specific details were given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. 
         [0080]    Also, it is noted that the embodiments were described as a process, which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function. 
         [0081]    Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc. 
         [0082]    While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.