Abstract: A dual polarized radar system transmits a waveform having energy polarized in a direction to permit the waveform to be separately received by orthogonally positioned waveguides. Specifically, receivers are able to separately measure a vertically polarized component of the returns and a horizontally polarized component of the returns without requiring the transmitter to divide the transmit signal across polarization angles. Thus, components for dividing the transmit signal and calibrating the system to account for inaccuracies resulting from such division can be eliminated, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the radar system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system that predicts the occurrence and location of a severe weather event including a non-transitory tangible media containing software or firmware encoded thereon for operation by one or more processors that receive a plurality of weather variables, at least one of said weather variables being from radar data from a dual-polarization radar, where the processor (i) generates at least one derived radar variable based on the weather variables, (ii) identifies a geographical region of interest, (iii) validates the presence of the region of interest, (iv) determines whether there is a vertical column of regions of interest, wherein the presence of the vertical column of regions of interest is indicative of the vertical size of the severe weather event and (viii) validates the presence of the vertical columns of regions of interest.

Abstract: A messaging system comprises memory for storing contact information and location information for a plurality of users, referred to hereafter as “participants,” who may be dispersed across a wide geographic area. When a user desires to solicit images from a particular geographic region of interest, the user provides inputs indicative of such region, and messaging logic then automatically determines which participants are within the region of interest based on the stored location information. Using the contact information, the messaging logic then initiates communication with the identified participants in order to solicit images of the region of interest. In response, willing participants may capture and return images as may be desired. Thus, the system facilitates the process of finding people at or close to an event of interest, communicating with such people to solicit images of the event or the effects of the event, and then collecting such images.

Abstract: A messaging system comprises memory for storing contact information and location information for a plurality of users, referred to hereafter as “participants,” who may be dispersed across a wide geographic area. When a user desires to solicit images from a particular geographic region of interest, the user provides inputs indicative of such region, and messaging logic then automatically determines which participants are within the region of interest based on the stored location information. Using the contact information, the messaging logic then initiates communication with the identified participants in order to solicit images of the region of interest. In response, willing participants may capture and return images as may be desired. Thus, the system facilitates the process of finding people at or close to an event of interest, communicating with such people to solicit images of the event or the effects of the event, and then collecting such images.

Abstract: A dual polarization radar system is calibrated based on real-time data measurements, such as measured horizontal and vertical reflectivities, ZH and ZV. In this regard, the radar system analyzes the reflected power measurements to identify which measurements are associated with reflections from a respective spherical object. Using such measurements, the system determines a system differential reflectivity value, and combines such value with reflected power measurements for calibration. Since the calibration is based on real-time data measurements, the calibration process may run simultaneously with the collection of weather data. Thus, it is unnecessary to suspend weather monitoring activities in order to perform the calibration, and the calibration can be run as often as is desired without interfering with such weather monitoring activities. Further, the calibration process is immune to the weather events within range of the radar system.

Abstract: A dual polarization radar system is calibrated based on real-time data measurements, such as measured horizontal and vertical reflectivities, ZH and ZV. In this regard, the radar system analyzes the reflected power measurements to identify which measurements are associated with reflections from a respective spherical object. Using such measurements, the system determines a system differential reflectivity value, and combines such value with reflected power measurements for calibration. Since the calibration is based on real-time data measurements, the calibration process may run simultaneously with the collection of weather data. Further, the calibration process is immune to the weather events within range of the radar system. Accordingly, it is possible for the calibration to be performed at any time and without interfering with the weather monitoring activities regardless of the types of weather events occurring within the vicinity of the radar system.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating weather related information to a vehicle has been developed. The invention includes, a navigational positioning system that provides the location of the vehicle and a receiver for receiving weather related data at the vehicle that includes road conditions, atmospheric conditions, weather warnings and watches, and forecast conditions. The weather related data is associated with a geographic grid that is made of a plurality of cells. The invention's processor determines if the weather related data is associated with the vehicle location and displays the weather related data to the vehicle's occupants.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: A flood modeling system defines virtual cells of a geographic region. Some of the cells, referred to as “channel cells,” represent areas within a channel for a moving body of water, such as a stream or river. Other cells, referred to as “land cells,” represent areas external to the channels within the geographic region. The flow of water through the geographic region is modeled as a virtual flow of water through the channel cells and the land cells. For each time step, the system calculates the amount of water that virtually flows out of one cell into adjacent cells. The water estimated to virtually flow above ground represents flood water, and the estimates of such water can be used to generate an inundation map or initiate flood warnings.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating weather related information to a vehicle has been developed. The invention includes, a navigational positioning system that provides the location of the vehicle and a receiver for receiving weather related data at the vehicle that includes road conditions, atmospheric conditions, weather warnings and watches, and forecast conditions. The weather related data is associated with a geographic grid that is made of a plurality of cells. The invention's processor determines if the weather related data is associated with the vehicle location and displays the weather related data to the vehicle's occupants.

Abstract: A road data apparatus is disclosed that predicts road conditions comprising a land surface data generator which derives a land surface data output from a plurality of current and forecast weather and location data, said current and forecast weather and location data comprising surface temperature, subsurface temperature, and precipitation depth, a pavement data generator which derives a road temperature and a road condition from said land surface data output and a plurality of pavement generator input data, said plurality of pavement generator input data comprising road layer data; and a roadway status indicator generator which derives a roadway status indicator from said road temperature, road condition and precipitation data. In one embodiment, the roadway status indicator is communicated to an end user through a distribution network.

Abstract: The present system and methods provides for distribution of weather and other environmental information to remote users within a wireless transmitter coverage area. The system and method assigns meteorological data to a plurality of cells, each corresponding to a communication range of a wireless transmitter. The data is then distributed by the appropriate wireless transmitter to all users within its coverage area. The system and method does not distribute information to a particular user based upon a known communication address, user profile, or identification, but rather is directed to any user falling within the communications range of the wireless transmitter. By indiscriminate distribution of reportable events, the system provides timely, site-specific information without requiring the location of the remote units.

Abstract: A Klystron transmitter for use in weather radar systems has a transmitter module for operating with any of various Klystron tubes designed for different frequency ranges, such as a low S-Band range, a high S-Band range, and a C-Band range. Each of the Klystron tubes is designed to have similar operating characteristics, such as output power and operating voltages. In addition, the transmitter module has driver circuitry for driving the Klystron tube of the transmitter, and such driver circuitry is operable over a wide frequency range so that the same driver circuitry can be used for any of the contemplated bands. Accordingly, the same core transmitter circuitry can be used for any of the Klystron tubes allowing a manufacturer to control which of the contemplated bands is implemented by selecting the appropriate Klystron tube and stable local oscillator (STALO) for the desired band.

Abstract: A system that predicts current tornado activity has been developed. The system includes a processor that receives model data from a meteorological data source that indicates tornadic activity and generates a model data tornado potential index. The processor also receives radar data indicative of tornadic activity and generates a radar data tornado potential index using weighted values assigned to different components of the radar data, where the components of the radar data comprise, a tornado vortex signature (TVS) data value, a mesocyclonic activity (MESO) data value, a precipitation and intensity (dBz) data value, a vertically integrated liquid (VIL) data value, and hail size data value. The processor further generates a composite tornado potential index using weighted values of the model data tornado potential index and the radar data tornado potential index and stores the index in an electronic, data storage media.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating weather related information to a vehicle has been developed. The invention includes, a navigational positioning system that provides the location of the vehicle and a receiver for receiving weather related data at the vehicle that includes road conditions, atmospheric conditions, weather warnings and watches, and forecast conditions. The weather related data is associated with a geographic grid that is made of a plurality of cells. The invention's processor determines if the weather related data is associated with the vehicle location and displays the weather related data to the vehicle's occupants.

Abstract: A calibration system for a dual polarization radar system with built in test couplers has been developed. The system includes a dual polarization radar transmitter antenna that generates a transmission pulse. A test coupler is located behind the antenna that reads a sample of the transmission pulse a test signal. A calibration circuit receives the sample of the transmission pulse and generates a test signal that simulates a desired atmospheric condition. Finally, a test antenna transmits the test signal to the dual polarization radar transmitter antenna for calibration of the system.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: A calibration system for the receiver of a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The system includes a radar transmitter that transmits signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations and a radar receiver that receives the horizontal and vertical polarization signals. The system also includes a test signal generator that generates a continuous wave test signal. A calibration circuit for the radar receiver modifies the test signal to simulate weather conditions by adjusting the attenuation and Doppler phase shift of a continuous wave test signal.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.