Patent 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.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for embedding nanosensors on a surface for the sensing and recording of data.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     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.  
         [0003]     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.  
         [0004]     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.  
         [0005]     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  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts a block circuit diagram of a sensor.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  depicts a wall having sensors embedded therein.  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  depicts a wall covering having sensors embedded therein.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 6  depicts an orientation device.  
         [0012]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 8  depicts an article of wearing apparel having sensors embedded therein.  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  depicts a window having sensors embedded therein.  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  depicts a window covering having sensors embedded therein.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]      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 .  
         [0017]     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.  
         [0018]     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.  
         [0019]     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 .  
         [0020]     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.  
         [0021]      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.  
         [0022]     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 .  
         [0023]      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.  
         [0024]     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 .  
         [0025]      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 .  
         [0026]     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 .  
         [0027]      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 .  
         [0028]     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 .  
         [0029]      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 .  
         [0030]     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.  
         [0031]      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.  
         [0032]     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.  
         [0033]      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 .  
         [0034]     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.  
         [0035]     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.  
         [0036]      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 .  
         [0037]     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.  
         [0038]      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 .  
         [0039]     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 .  
         [0040]     In one embodiment of the invention, sensors that are fabricated on the nanometer level (typically 100 μm-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.  
         [0041]     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.  
         [0042]     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.  
         [0043]     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.  
         [0044]     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.  
         [0045]     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.  
         [0046]     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.  
         [0047]     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.  
         [0048]     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.  
         [0049]     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8