Autonomous monitoring method and system using sensors of different sensitivities

Abstract

A method and system of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents includes operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area. Concurrently a second type sensor is operated having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, where the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity. Input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor is received and analyzed, at a central location, in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
   
   
       20 . A method for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising:
 operating a first type sensor having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area,   operating a second type sensor having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, and   receiving and analyzing, at a central location, input from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area,   wherein the first type sensor and the second type sensor each comprise a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies on a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance.   
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein at least one of the sensors in the first type sensor and the second type sensor has regions of conducting and non-conducting material. 
   
   
       22 . A system for monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents, comprising:
 a first type sensor, having a first level of sensitivity to an agent, arranged in a monitored area;   a second type sensor, having a second level of sensitivity to the agent, arranged in the monitored area, and   a central analysis unit connected to the first type sensor and the second type sensor, wherein the central analysis unit analyzes data from the first type sensor and the second type sensor in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area,   wherein at least one of the first type sensor or the second type sensor comprises a plurality of orthogonal sensing technologies in a single sensor array, wherein a transduction mechanism in each of the sensing technologies detects a change in electrical resistance.   
   
   
       23 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the orthogonal sensing technologies in the single sensor array comprise respective two or more sensors made from respective two or more from a group consisting of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), composites made from ICPs, sensors made from single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), composites made from SWCNTs, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, and sensors made from porphyrin materials. 
   
   
       24 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the at least one of the first type sensor or the second type sensor comprises a plurality has regions of conducting and non-conducting material. 
   
   
       25 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the orthogonal sensing technologies in the single sensor array comprise respective two or more sensors made from respective two or more from a group consisting of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs), composites made from ICPs, sensors made from single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), composites made from SWCNTs, metal oxide semiconductor sensors, sensors made from porphyrin materials, and sensors made from metallic nanotubes made from metal or metal oxides. 
   
   
       26 - 28 . (canceled)