US Patent 7307589 Large-scale adaptive surface sensor arrays

An adaptive surface has a dielectric surface with a repeating pattern of electrically conductive structures disposed thereon or therein, the dielectric surface in combination with repeating pattern of electrically conductive structures forming a metasurface for binding surface waves thereto. A plurality of actuators on the dielectric surface alter the shape of the metasurface in response to control signals. A plurality of sensors on the dielectric surface for measuring a desired parameter and converting it to data. A plurality of rectennae disposed on the dielectric surface for providing electrical power to said actuators and to said sensors. A plurality of data antennas are disposed on or in the dielectric surface, the data antennas being coupled with data receivers and data transmitters for receiving data from an external source for controlling the actuators and for transmitting data from said sensors to an external receiver.