Seismic Warning System Using Segmented Transmission Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic warning systems fail to provide timely and certain warnings to the public due to limitations in transmission technologies, such as delays in mobile phone frequencies and battery depletion in emergency conditions, and lack of simultaneous utility shut-off signals during seismic events.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a network of autonomous detection stations and a control center to rapidly transmit seismic alarm signals through dedicated phone lines, radio, and television broadcasts, ensuring almost instantaneous communication of impending seismic events to receivers via software applications on mobile, satellite, and internet-connected devices, allowing for immediate activation of protection systems or safe evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mobile phone frequencies are used to transmit alarm information, then the transmission speed is fast, but the available transmission bandwidth causes delays that exceed the available real time to reach people with the alarm information
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm information is segmented into different transmission channels: voice calls through telephone networks and text messages through SMS systems. This segmentation allows critical alarm data to be transmitted through multiple parallel paths, reducing the overall transmission delay by not relying on a single bandwidth-constrained channel.
Solution Approach 2:
A central control unit acts as an intermediary that receives seismic alarm signals and simultaneously distributes them through multiple transmission systems (telephone network, SMS system). This intermediary coordinates the transmission across different networks to ensure timely delivery of alarm information to all recipients.
2Reliability
If electronic mail messages are used for transmission, then the system can reach users, but the messages can require several minutes to be delivered to the recipient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining persistent connections and pre-configuring transmission paths. The control unit keeps telephone lines open and SMS channels ready, so that when an alarm occurs, the information can be transmitted immediately without the delays associated with establishing email connections and processing queues.
3Loss of information
If video signals are used for transmission of warning messages, then the information can be conveyed, but it causes rapid depletion of the power supply battery of the receiving terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The essential alarm information is extracted from the full video signal and transmitted separately through low-power channels (voice calls and text messages). This extraction allows the critical warning data to be communicated without requiring the high energy consumption needed for video display, thus preserving battery power while maintaining information delivery.
4Reliability
If sensors powered by non-rechargeable electric batteries are used, then the detection network can operate, but the batteries require to be replaced at regular intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The detection network is designed with self-service capabilities where sensors can autonomously manage their power consumption. The system includes power management units that monitor battery levels and can switch between different operational modes or power sources to extend the operational duration without requiring frequent manual battery replacements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a warning system for warning of the imminent occurrence of seismic events (1), comprising: - detection stations (2) for detecting acoustic and dynamic phenomena of seismic events (1), adapted to generate and transmit seismic alarm messages (32); - a control centre (3), adapted to receive seismic alarm messages (32) from the detection stations (2) and distribute them towards receivers (5, 6); - receivers (5, 6), fixed or mobile, possessed by the system users; - a software application, installed in the receivers (5, 6), adapted to receive seismic alarm messages (32) from the control centre (3) and to generate alarm signals that can be perceived by the users.