Severe weather detector and alarm

Abstract

A compact, portable weather station for predicting local extreme weather conditions and for reporting remote weather conditions. The weather station has sensors for determining local temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, ambient light, and ambient static charge. A microprocessor has memory for storing data relating to past weather conditions and data processing apparatus and algorithms for determining probable developing weather conditions responsive to sensed local conditions. The weather station has a radio receiver for communicating with global weather reporting communications systems utilizing cellular communications. Operating commands, predicted local weather conditions, and remote weather conditions are annunciated in synthesized voice in any one of a variety of predetermined languages. The weather station includes voice synthesizing and recognition apparatus for annunciating verbal prompts and weather conditions, and for responding to vocal control. The weather station is formed in two separable components, one having sensors and the other having radio communications apparatus.

Description

This application or static ROM 122 (see FIG. 9) and subsequently to microprocessor 100 (see FIG. 9).

800 MHz transmissions by weather station 10 are enabled by a transmission module 124 incorporated into the 800 MHz circuitry shown in FIG. 10. Transmission module 124 may be model BGY110D.

Internal components of sensor section 14 are illustrated in FIG. 11. Sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 communicate with a flash ROM 126 and with a multiplexer 128, which is connected to an encoder and decoder 130. Output of encoder and decoder 130 is transmitted by antenna 132 for reception by antenna 104 of receiving unit 12 (see FIG. 9). Antenna 132 is protected by gold mesh protector 73 shown in FIG. 4. Flash ROM 126 may be model 28F010-15, as manufactured by Intel, and multiplexer 128 may be a model 74151. Encoder and decoder 130 may be a model HT12E/HT12D, as manufactured by Holtek.

Because sections 12 and 14 are separable, each has an internal antenna 104 (see FIG. 9) or 132 for enabling mutual communication. With the exception of sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, antenna 132 and its associated circuitry, and battery 67, all internal components described thus far are located in receiving section 12.

Referring now to FIG. 12, voice simulation and recognition apparatus is also contained within receiver section 12. voice recognition apparatus includes microphone 18 which is connected to a voice recognition device 136. Microphone 18 is located on receiver section 12 in any suitable location for receiving responses and commands spoken by the user. Device 136 is a model UPD 77501, as manufactured by NEC, and is a high quality speech recording and playback LSI. Device 136 communicates with a static RAM device 138 and a flash ROM memory device 140. Static RAM device 138 is preferably a 1 meg, 8 byte 128×8 RAM device, model MCM 6726, as manufactured by Motorola. Flash ROM device 140 is preferably a model 28F400BX-T, as manufactured by Intel.

Voice simulation apparatus is shown in FIG. 9, and includes a 1 Megabyte speech data ROM integrated chip, or digital speech processor 142. Speech processor 142 is a stand alone masked ROM device, and is preferably a model 7758A, as manufactured by NEC. Output of speech processor 142 is projected from speaker 20.

Also shown in FIG. 9 are operative connection of proximity sensors 40 to microprocessor 100 through an operational amplifier 146, and drivers 148, 150 for driving visual indicators and alarm. Driver 150 is associated with a real time clock 152, and drives date and time indicator 24.

Driver 148 drives many of the visual indicators disposed upon the front exterior surface of receiving section 12. These connections are shown in detail in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, it will be seen that display 30 comprises three independent display panels 30A, 30B, and 30C, each capable of displaying a different symbol. Similarly, relative temperature display 38 indicates temperature in several individual steps or range increments by illuminating individual illuminable elements 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38E.

Array 42 of LEDs comprises three independent groups of LEDS 42A, 42B, 42C. This array indicates mode of operation with respect to gathering of broadcast weather data relating to local weather (LEDs 42A), local continent (LEDs 42B), or international continent (LEDs 42C).

Operation of weather station 10 will now be described. Weather station 10 may be operated in any one of three modes. In a local reporting mode, weather station 10 reports conditions, either with sections 12 and 14 connected or separated. The local reporting mode is indicated by illumination of LEDs 42A. A local continent or country reporting mode is signalled by illumination of LEDs 42B. An international or global reporting mode is signalled by illumination of LEDs 42C. Local reporting may proceed with or without connection of sensor section 14. If connected and delivering data, LED 54 will illuminate.

To operate, it is required that switch 42 be on, that proximity sensors 40 detect a person disposed immediately in front of receiver section 12, and that an appropriate voice command or radio frequency signal be received. When the first two conditions are satisfied, reception of a radio signal indicative of severe weather conditions will initiate operation. Microprocessor 100 (see FIG. 9) is provided with a five year history of weather data for the geographic area selected to be monitored, and with algorithms for comparing input data to stored data to determine correlation to severe weather conditions. These weather conditions include tornadoes, high winds, lightning, high level of rainfall, among others. Correlation of input data with a severe weather condition will cause operation.

If no such correlation is received and the first two conditions for operation are present, a control algorithm will initiate a series of vocalized prompts generated by speech processor 142 and speaker 20 (see FIG. 9). When a verbal response is received, recognized, and correlated to predetermined responses by microphone 18 and associated voice recognition circuitry shown in FIG. 12, commands are executed and further verbal prompts, as appropriate, are generated.

One selection that is made by the user responsive to a prompt is the geographic area that is to be regarded as local. This information may be provided by the user verbally by responding with the latitude and longitude of the selected local area, or with a nearby city and state, according to initial programming of weather station 10.

Certain verbal prompts occur only during initial preparation of weather station 10, and are programmed such that once answered, they will not be repeated at each usage of weather station 10. These prompts concern language selection, as will be discussed hereinafter, and intervals and nature of audible alarms which sound automatically when microprocessor 100 determines that there is a high probability of severe weather conditions. A value relating to threshold of probability of severe conditions may also be included in prompts for initially preparing weather station 10.

When operating in the local reporting mode, sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 periodically sense conditions and transmit collected data to microprocessor 100 for assessment of conditions and annunciation of the same. Routine information such as temperature is indicated on display 30 or relative temperature display 38, which indicates a range rather than specific values, as indicated on display 30. If severe conditions are calculated as probable, an audible alarm in the form of a high pitched tone or a simulated voice message in the selected language is sounded from speaker 20. After the user responds to predetermined verbal prompts to assure that correct selections are made, sensing becomes dormant and will reactivate at predetermined intervals, such as every fifteen minutes.

Memory of weather station 10 is loaded with data corresponding to a selected historic base time period, such as the previous five years. Real time weather data received by antenna 104 is reconfigured by digital-to-analog converter 110 and is routed to microprocessor 100 and to flash ROM 102. Analysis by comparison to known or pre-calculated conditions will generate outputs conducted to visual indicators shown in FIG. 2 and, if predetermined threshold values are met, sound an alarm as described above. In addition to an audible alarm, emergency indicator 48 will illuminate.

Voice recognition utilizes adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM). Speech processor 142 features low-pass filtering microphone amplifiers with a variable fixed gain ADPCM coder and decoder. Voice recognition device 136 receives a pulse code modulated signal from microphone 18. The signal is low pass filtered, converted to a ten bit digital value and converted to ADPCM. After conversion by the analog-to-digital converter 110, the signal is encoded to a shortened ADPCM code, such as two, three, or four bits. From the analysis circuit, the data is routed to external memory utilizing static RAM device 138 and associated flash ROM device 140. Data is retrieved when microprocessor addresses the voice recognition circuitry.

In the local reporting mode, LEDs 42A (see FIG. 13) will be illuminated. LED 38E is preferably red in color, and will indicate temperatures exceeding ninety degrees Fahrenheit. LED 38D is preferably amber in color, and indicates temperatures in a range of seventy to ninety degrees. LED 38C is preferably green in color, and indicates temperatures in a range of fifty to seventy degrees. LED 38B is preferably blue in color, and indicates temperatures in a range of thirty to fifty degrees. LED 38A is preferably red in color and indicates temperatures below thirty degrees Fahrenheit.

LED 54 will illuminate when the local reporting mode is in operation. This serves as warning that only local weather data is being reported.

To select a reporting mode, or to change an existing selection, switch 42 is switched to on, or switched to off followed by switching to on, if weather station 10 is already operating. Predetermined simulated voice prompts will request responses in a preselected code. This may comprise a letter or number corresponding to a particular selection, rather than a value or location being selected.

Language of communication is selected at this time. When a language prompt is answered in a preferred language, all responses by the user thereafter will be treated in the selected language, and all simulated voice prompts will be issued in the selected language. It is preferred that the memory of weather station 10 be loaded to include a range of languages for selection. Preferred languages include English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Arabic, one or more Chinese dialects, Italian, and Japanese.

Within the U.S., NOAA Weather Radio is monitored for the standard 1050 Hz tone employed by the NOAA to indicate an emergency. Detection of this tone preferably triggers an appropriate alarm and may initiate a simulated vocal query to monitor specific severe conditions, such as identified existing hurricanes, tropical storms, and the like.

When selecting the international or global reporting mode, connection with the appropriate remote cellular protocol is arranged by prompts. Memory of weather station 10 is loaded with available international protocols to assure reception of the requested data.

After certain necessary selections have been made, weather station 10 will issue a general query as to other requirements not addressed by prompts. These may be specified by utilizing a prearranged code or signal.

When initial prompts have been satisfactorily answered, a vocal signal will be issued. Preferably, this signal will be a distinctive sound, such as the Boatswain's Whistle. The Boatswain's Whistle is a melody employed by the U.S. Naval Fleet.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at least one remote location comprising:

a detachable, portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at the at least one remote location including:

a microprocessor;

at least one data sensor coupled to the microprocessor for generating a data signal representative of weather conditions at the at least one remote location;

a transmitter coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting said data signal;

an antenna coupled to the transmitter, and

a detachable, portable, battery powered and hand holdable weather station receiver for receiving and displaying the weather conditions received from said weather station unit.

2. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor monitors the weather data and wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a data signal, said data signal being representative of the weather data monitored at the at least one location.

3. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses temperature.

4. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses wind speed.

5. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses rain.

6. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses barometric pressure.

7. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses ambient light.

8. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses static charge.

9. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses humidity.

10. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver comprises an indicating circuit configured to indicate a temperature trend.

11. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver further comprises an alarm configured to indicate an alarm condition responsive to a comparison of the data signal received by the receiver with a predetermined threshold value.

12. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver further comprises an indicating circuit configured to indicate a signal strength of the data signal being received by the receiver.

13. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver is configured to receive a telemetry signal from a NOAA weather radio.

14. The weather station of claim 1 further comprising an alarm.

15. The weather station of claim 14 wherein the alarm is triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition is detected.

16. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at least one remote location comprising:

a portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at the at least one remote location including:

a microprocessor;

at least one data sensor coupled to the microprocessor for sensing at least one weather condition and generating a data signal representative of the at least one weather condition condition at the at least one remote location;

a transmitter coupled to the at least one data sensor for transmitting said data signal; and

an antenna coupled to the transmitter,

a portable, battery powered and hand holdable receiver configured to receive the data signal comprising:

a storage device configured to store at least one of a plurality of measured remote weather conditions;

a processor configured to generate a prediction of a weather condition, the prediction being based on the data signal received by the receiver and at least one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage device; and

an indicating circuit configured to indicate the prediction.

17. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further comprises an interface configured to receive a latitude coordinate.

18. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further comprises an interface configured to receive a longtitude coordinate.

19. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further comprises an interface configured to receive a geographic area latitude position.

20. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further comprises an interface configured to receive a geographic area longtitude position.

21. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the processor is coupled to the receiver and storage device and configured to generate a prediction of a potential remote weather condition, the prediction being based on the data signal received by the weather station receiver and at least one of the measured weather conditions compared to said stored data.

22. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the prediction of a weather condition is based on the received data signal and at least one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage device.

23. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the indicating circuit is configured to indicate a temperature trend.

24. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further comprises an alarm configured to indicate an alarm condition responsive to a comparison of the data signal received by the receiver with a predetermined threshold value.

25. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the indicating circuit comprises a signal strength indicator configured to indicate a signal strength of the data signal being received by the receiver.

26. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver is configured to receive a telemetry signal from a NOAA weather radio.

27. The weather station of claim 14 wherein the alarm is triggered when a predetermined weather condition is detected.

28. The weather station of claim 16 further comprising an alarm.

29. The weather station of claim 28 wherein the alarm is triggered when a predetermined weather condition is detected.

30. The weather station of claim 28 wherein the alarm is triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition is detected.

31. A portable weather station comprising:

(a) a portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit, said sensor unit comprising a hand-holdable housing on or in which is provided:

a sensor configured to detect a local area weather condition; and

sensor unit circuitry configured to sample and wirelessly transmit data of the local area weather condition; and

(b) a portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit, for use with the portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit when in communication with the portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit, wherein the portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit includes a hand-holdable housing on or in which is provided:

first radio frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive, from the portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit, the data of the local area weather condition;

second radio frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive a wireless transmission transmitted by a remote source which is located remotely from both the portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit and the portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit, wherein said wireless transmission includes data from the remote source;

at least one data storage device;

at least one visual display;

microprocessor circuitry coupled to the first and second receiving circuits, configured to:

store, in said at least one data storage device, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the remote source, and

output, to said at least one visual display, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the remote source.

32. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein the wireless transmission transmitted by the remote source comprises a transmission over a wireless network.

33. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein said microprocessor circuitry is further configured to process the data from the remote source using a protocol compatible with the wireless transmission, and to select weather information from a selected geographic location.

34. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein said portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit further comprises a user interface for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation, each mode of operation in the plurality of modes of operation defining different operating characteristics for the weather station receiver unit.

35. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein the microprocessor circuitry is further configured to output to the at least one visual display, a data of a predicted weather condition.

36. An apparatus, comprising:

a portable, battery-powered receiver unit, wherein the portable, battery-powered receiver unit includes a hand-holdable housing comprising:

first radio frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive data of a local area weather condition supplied by a first source;

second radio frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive a wireless transmission transmitted by a second source;

at least one data storage device;

at least one visual display;

microprocessor circuitry coupled to the first and second receiving circuits, configured to:

store, in said at least one data storage device, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the second source, and

output, to said at least one visual display, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the second source.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the wireless transmission transmitted by the second source comprises a transmission over a wireless network.

38. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the microprocessor circuitry is further configured to process the data from the second source using a protocol compatible with the wireless transmission, and to select weather information from a selected geographic location.

39. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit further comprises a user interface for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation, each mode of operation in the plurality of modes of operation defining different operating characteristics for the portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit.

40. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the microprocessor circuitry is further configured to output, to the at least one visual display, data of a predicted weather condition.

41. A portable weather station, comprising:

a portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit, the portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit including:

a first receiver configured for receiving data of a local area weather condition supplied from a first source;

a second receiver configured for receiving a wireless transmission transmitted by a second source;

at least one data storage device;

at least one visual display;

a processing device configured to:

store, in said at least one data storage device, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the second source, and

output, to said at least one visual display, the data of the local weather condition and the data from the second source.

42. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein the wireless transmission transmitted by the second source comprises a transmission over a wireless network.

43. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein the processing device is further configured for processing the data from the second source using a protocol compatible with the wireless transmission, and for selecting weather information from a selected geographic location.

44. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein said portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit further comprises a user interface for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation, each mode of operation in the plurality of modes of operation defining different operating characteristics for the portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit.

45. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein the processing device is further configured to output, to the at least one visual display, data of a predicted weather condition.

46. A portable weather station according to claim 41, further comprising:

a portable, hand-holdable weather station sensor unit including:

at least one data sensor for generating the data of the local weather condition; and

a transmitter for transmitting the data of the local weather condition via a radio frequency signal.

47. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein the portable, hand-holdable weather station sensor unit is battery-powered, and wherein the portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit is battery-powered.

48. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at least one remote location comprising:

a portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at the at least one remote location including:

a microprocessor;

at least one data sensor coupled to the microprocessor for sensing at least one weather condition and generating a data signal representative of the at least one weather condition at the at least one remote location;

a transmitter coupled to the at least one data sensor for transmitting said data signal; and

an antenna coupled to the transmitter,

a portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable receiver unit comprising:

a first receiver configured to receive the data signal;

a second receiver configured to receive a wireless transmission transmitted by a remote source which is located remotely from both the portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable weather station unit and the portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable receiver unit, wherein the wireless transmission includes data from the remote source;

a storage device configured to store at least one of a plurality of measured remote weather conditions;

a processor configured to generate a prediction of a weather condition, the prediction being based on the data signal received by the first receiver and at least one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage device; and

an indicating circuit configured to indicate the prediction.

49. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the processor is coupled to the first receiver and storage device and configured to generate a prediction of a potential remote weather condition, the prediction being based on the data signal received by the first receiver and at least one of the measured weather conditions compared to said stored data.

50. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the prediction of a weather condition is based on the received data signal and at least one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage device.

51. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the indicating circuit is configured to indicate a temperature range.

52. The weather station of claim 48 further comprising an alarm.

53. The weather station of claim 52 wherein the alarm is triggered when a predetermined weather condition is detected.

54. The weather station of claim 52 wherein the alarm is triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition is detected.