Data collection methods and apparatus

An apparatus comprising:

• at least two output electrical conductors;
• at least one input electrical conductor;
• at least two sensors, the sensors being capable of sensing a parameter and indicating the parameter as an electrical impedance;
• the sensors being connected with the output electrical conductors and with the input electrical conductor so as to form an array of crosspoint connections;
• a controller, the controller being connected with the output electrical conductors and with the input electrical conductor, the controller being capable of applying electrical signals to the output electrical conductors, the controller being capable of measuring electrical signals received from the input electrical conductor;
• the controller being capable of at least one of:
• a) storing information representative of the measurements of the electrical signals received from the input electrical conductors,
• b) calculating the electrical impedance of each of the sensors using an algorithm, information of the electrical signals applied to the output electrical conductors, and measured electrical signals received from the input electrical conductors, and
• c) transmitting information received from the sensors.