Super modular monitoring system

Abstract

A super modular monitoring system is disclosed. The system may include a lattice having a plurality of intersections, and which may be formed of a flexible conductive material having a shape comprising repeating geometric patterns. The lattice of the system may serve as the primary sensor of the super modular monitoring system. The system may also include any number of secondary sensors with each being disposed at an intersection of the plurality of intersections of the lattice. The secondary sensors may be in electrical communication with the primary sensor, which may include transmission of both power and data. The system may further include a monitoring system in electrical communication with the lattice. One or more lattices of the system may be coupled together to form a super lattice. The primary and secondary sensors may transmit data simultaneously to the monitoring system for further analysis.

1 . A system comprising:
 a lattice having a plurality of intersections, the lattice formed of a flexible conductive material having a shape comprising repeating geometric patterns, wherein the lattice comprises a primary sensor; and   a secondary sensor disposed at an intersection of the plurality of intersections, wherein the secondary sensor is in electrical communication with the primary sensor,   wherein the secondary sensor is in electrical communication with the primary sensor for transmission of both power and data.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a monitoring system in electrical communication with the lattice. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lattice is configured to couple to one or more other lattices to form a super lattice. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of additional secondary sensors are disposed at other intersections of the plurality of intersections. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the primary sensor and secondary sensor both transmit data to the monitoring system at the same time through the lattice. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sensor is removable and replaceable with a replacement secondary sensor. 
     
     
         7 . A method for monitoring an object with a sensor-within-a-sensor system comprising:
 approximating a surface area of the object;   determining an area of interest upon the surface area;   providing a lattice formed of a flexible conductive material having a shape of repeating geometric patterns to cover the area of interest, wherein the lattice has a plurality of intersections and is capable of conducting power and data signals;   connecting the lattice to a monitoring system, the monitoring system configured to receive the power and data signals;   sensing a first condition associated with the object by using the lattice;   providing a secondary sensor at an intersection of the plurality of intersections of the lattice, wherein the secondary sensor monitors a second condition; and   transmitting the first and the second conditions to the monitoring system at a same time.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of lattices are provided to monitor the area of interest. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one of: removing the secondary sensor and replacing it with a replacement secondary sensor; and removing the lattice and replacing it with a replacement lattice. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising sensing a first condition using the lattice by monitoring a voltage in the lattice. 
     
     
         11 . A system comprising:
 a primary sensor formed of a conductive material provided in repeating geometric shapes, the repeating geometric shapes including a plurality of intersections of the conductive material; and   a secondary sensor positioned at one of the intersections of the primary sensor, wherein the secondary sensor is connected to the primary sensor through the conductive material.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the conductive material is flexible and is configured to transmit both power and data signals. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a monitoring system that is configured to receive signals from the primary and secondary sensors. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the monitoring system is configured to receive data signals from the primary and secondary sensors on the same system clock. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a plurality of secondary sensors are positioned at a plurality of intersections. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a plurality of primary sensors are connected to one another. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the secondary sensors are primarily formed of gold foil. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the system is configured to monitor at least two conditions of at least a portion an object. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the object is one of an oil pipeline and a human body. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the secondary sensor is removable and replaceable with a replacement secondary sensor.