Abstract: User-configurable weather warning apparatuses, and methods for providing and configuring user-configurable weather warning apparatuses are presented. For example, according to one aspect, an apparatus comprising a processor and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive a first Special Area Message Encoding (SAME) message may be provided. The processor may be configured to, responsive to a user preference to trigger an alert system only in the event of a tornado warning: determine whether the first SAME message indicates a tornado warning; and in response to determining that the first SAME message indicates a tornado warning, trigger the alert system.

Abstract: An offshore wind farm can include at least two wind energy installations for generating electrical power from wind, at least two acoustic warning devices, and a visibility measuring device for detecting visibility. After detection of a visibility below a visibility limit value, an activation signal can be applied to the at least two acoustic warning devices. One or more synchronization modules can be provided which determine the points in time of the acoustic signals to be emitted by at least one of the acoustic warning devices in relation to the acoustic signals of the other acoustic warning devices. Accordingly, this facilitates the navigation along an offshore wind farm and enables safe circumnavigation. Also, the impression of a contiguous area can be conveyed to the ships by the synchronized emission of the warning signals.

Abstract: A crop's status may be determined from analysis of information regarding the crop received from, for example, a user, an in-season data gathering source, a database, a data feed, an aerial sensor, a UAV, and/or a remote sensor via a communication network. The received data may be compared to, for example, a benchmark, a parameter, a previously determined crop status, and/or a baseline associated with the crop and the comparison may be scored. When the score exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert may be generated and provided to a user via the communication network.

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: A method for passing content to at least one communicator device. The user of a communicator device registers with at least one service provider for delivering a plurality of different types of content to be passed to the at least one communicator device. A user defined priority is assigned to the at least one type of content. The user defined priority is stored on a computer readable medium. The different types of content are passed to the at least one communicator device based on the user defined priority.

Abstract: A system may include a sensor for coupling with a vehicle configured for atmospheric flight. The sensor may be configured for detecting a turbulence event, where the turbulence event is at least one of experienced by the vehicle or occurs proximal to the vehicle during atmospheric flight. The system may also include a transmitter coupled with the sensor. The transmitter may be configured for automatically remotely transmitting data regarding the turbulence event to a ground based entity.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing flood warnings to individuals are provided. The techniques include receiving a message regarding a water level observed in connection with a totem display at a geographic area, using the message and one or more items of available data to generate a flood level prediction for the geographic area, and sending a flood warning to one or more registered individuals if the flood level prediction for the geographic area exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An automated weather alert system using GIS technology automatically ingests weather data and processes the weather data to determine if localized weather conditions pose a threat to any of a plurality of business operations, each of which have a known location. In the event such threat exists, an employee having responsibility for a threatened business operation is provided with an alert message and asked to acknowledge receipt. Additional notification is automatically provided to the employee's supervisor if such acknowledgment is not received within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of severe weather conditions in which radio frequency (RF) signals are received by an AM radio operating in the 525 kHz AM frequency band and the signals are filtered to remove unwanted frequencies. The energy level of the signal is then measured and if the energy level of the signal is above a threshold value, an evaluation period for the signal is initiated. During the evaluation period, the percentage of time the energy level of the signal is above the threshold value is calculated. If the percentage of time that the energy level of the signal is between about 50% and 99%, then a severe thunderstorm warning may be generated. If the percentage of time that the energy level of the signal is above 99%, then a tornado warning may be generated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique includes receiving, at a mobile computing device including one or more processors, an input from a user, the input indicating a weather severity threshold for providing a notification at the mobile computing device. The technique includes determining one or more locations where the mobile computing device is likely to be, indicative of a likely location of a user, during a future period of time based on user-related data. The technique includes receiving a weather prediction for the future period of time for each of the one or more locations. The technique also includes automatically outputting the notification when the weather prediction for at least one of the one or more locations exceeds the weather severity threshold and at a time depending on distances between the one of more locations and a home location of the user.

Abstract: A rain detector for use with an automotive vehicle. The rain detector includes a capacitance sensor mounted to the inside surface of a windshield. The sensor includes at least two output lines which vary in capacitance as the function of magnitude of rain on the outside surface of the windshield. A programmed microcontroller receives the sensor output lines as analog input signals and then compares the magnitude of the capacitance with a threshold capacitance. In the event that the sensed capacitance exceeds the threshold capacitance, indicative of raindrops on the outside surface of the windshield, the microcontroller generates an output signal to the wiper control circuitry of the vehicle to activate the windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A weather forecast system, method of forecasting weather and a computer program product therefor. A forecasting computer applies a grid to a forecast area and provides a weather forecast for each grid cell. Population movement sensors sense population movement in the area. A swarm detector detects patterns in area population movement that indicate swarm activity, from which the swarm detector predicts swarm patterns. A planning module receives area weather forecasts and swarm patterns, and provides swarm path indications to the forecasting system for adjusting the grid applied to the forecast area.

Abstract: Automated notification systems and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage temperature conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined temperatures, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide high and low temperature information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple temperature conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a required storage temperature has been reached with a passive temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote detection of volcanic plumes using satellite signals. The invention solves the problem of remotely detecting volcanic plumes, including those embedded in clouds, by providing a system that can be installed onboard a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, a satellite, a weather balloon, a ship or a buoy. The volcanic plume detection system tracks RF signals (such as GPS signals from satellites) arriving at the mobile platform, and issues an alert or warning when characteristics of the RF signals indicate the likely presence of a volcanic plume in the monitored space. More specifically, the system in accordance with one embodiment utilizes the refractive properties of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas that is abundant in nearly all volcanic eruptions, to infer the presence of a volcanic plume.

Abstract: A portable, high-capacity data storage device for storage, transport, and retrieval of multi-terabyte-level data sets comprises a plurality of individual main data storage units coupled to a data bus and a controller isolated from the data bus. The data storage device can be coupled to an external system to establish data access connections between the external system and the individual main data storage units via a first communication path comprising the data bus, with the controller and external system communicating with one another via a second communication path logically isolated from the first communication path. The data storage device can be provided with sensors that enable the controller to monitor the surrounding environment, and can be provided with a non-volatile display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Alert information is provided to a user of a device. In response to receiving an alert notification, a current location of the device is determined and converted to a device geographical tile that encompasses the determined current location; alert data received about the alert are processed and stored in an alert database if it is determined that a device tile code of the device geographical tile matches any alert geographical tiles that define the alert; a database query of the alert database is performed to identify alerts having one or more alert geographical tile codes that match the device tile code that have not been presented to a user of the device; and the user of the device is notified via the user interface of the device of the identified alerts and the user is prompted to view the identified one or more alerts via the user interface of the device.

Abstract: A tsunami warning system (10) comprising a remote server with evaluation system with means for monitoring tsunami indicating parameters (16, 20), means for determining the possibility of a tsunami occurring and means for issuing a triggering signal, wherein the evaluation system is configured to issue a triggering signal when the possibility of a tsunami occurring is identified. The tsunami warning system (10) further comprises at least one tsunami warning device (14) arranged in a public area, the tsunami warning device (14) being configured and arranged so as to provide a tsunami warning to the general public when a triggering signal is received. The at least one tsunami warning device comprises means for also monitoring tsunami indicating parameters and means for transmitting information collected by the tsunami warning device to the remote server for integration in modelling means therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the localized presence of severe weather and signaling an alarm. An outdoor sensor assembly may contain a number of sensors including a barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor. The outdoor sensor assembly is in electrical communication with an indoor controller assembly. A plurality of parameters may be measured and compared with pre-established threshold values. The alarm may be signaled when the measured parameters meet or exceed the selected threshold values.

Abstract: Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft is approaching a volcanic (ash) plume or a gas plume having a concentration of a volcanic gas which would be toxic to humans. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the concentration of one or more volcanic gases in air circulating in a space inside an aircraft and generating an alarm when one or more measured volcanic gas concentrations exceed a respective user-specified threshold or when a pattern of volcanic gas concentration is recognized with a user-specified confidence level. These systems are configured so that the alarm indicates the proximity of dangerous levels of either a volcanic gas or of volcanic ash. In particular, the detection system utilizes the air circulating through an aircraft cabin or cockpit to enable use of low-cost, carry-on electronic devices.

Abstract: A system and method for directing and monitoring the whereabouts of persons within an environmentally hazardous area includes equipping each person with devices for monitoring personal physiological conditions (56), equipment conditions (64), topographical locations (34), environmental conditions (57) and other pertinent data. The data are individually encoded and uploaded to a processing center (36) where they are analyzed (58,60,61) in order to ensure compliance with health or environmental norms and safety regulations, generate hot-spot mapping (53) and to issue real-time risk avoidance behavior directives (62), worker, mechanism and material traffic directions, warnings (59), permissions or interdictions.

Abstract: A lightning detection system is presented. The lightning detection system includes a plurality of sensing devices configured to generate sensor signals representative of one or more working state parameters of an object. The lightning detection system further includes a lightning signal processing subsystem configured to combine the sensor signals representative of the one or more working state parameters received from the plurality of sensing devices to generate a composite signal, extract noise signals from the composite signal, and compare the extracted noise signals with one or more lightning signal profiles to determine existence of lightning noise signals in the extracted noise signals, wherein the lightning noise signals are induced in the sensor signals in response to a lightning strike on the object.

Abstract: A lightning strike simulation apparatus includes a storage device for storing lightning strike data, a setting unit for setting a simulation target in a simulation space, a downward leader advancing unit for advancing a downward leader from a lightning strike start position set by the setting unit, an upward leader advancing unit for advancing upward leaders from lightning strike-receiving candidate points set in the simulation space when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a reference point is within a first threshold value, and a lightning strike point determination unit for, when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a leading edge of any one of the upward leaders is within a second threshold value, determining that the lightning strike-receiving candidate point corresponding to the any one of the upward leaders is a lightning strike point.

Abstract: A module with a radio transceiver device, an actuator, and an activation device. Also disclosed is a system comprising such a module and a central unit, and a method with such a module and a central unit and the activation device with the radio transceiver device. The radio transceiver device is coupled with the actuator and with an electrical energy source, and the activation device is constructed to feed electrical energy from the electrical energy source to the radio transceiver device and the actuator.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for monitoring an atmosphere includes a sensor system arranged to obtain data about the atmosphere at its location and a communications system coupled to the sensor system for providing data obtained by the sensor system to a monitoring facility, e.g., by wireless transmits, which monitors the atmosphere. A location determining system may be arranged in connection with the sensor system for determining the location thereof. The communication system is coupled to the location determining system and transmits the location of the sensor system along with the data obtained by the sensor system to the remote facility.

Abstract: An automatic headlamp control system for a vehicle which has an image sensor having a forward field of view that captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The image processor processes the image data and detects objects of interest. A controller is responsive to the image processing to control a beam illumination state of the headlamps of the equipped vehicle. The controller is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the image sensor and is operable to limit switching to a different beam illumination state in response to a signal indicative of an outside temperature at the equipped vehicle being below a threshold temperature level.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative embodiment, among others, is a method for a notification system having a computer-based architecture using one or more computers, one or more memories associated with the one or more computers for storing computer program code, and one or more processors for executing the computer program code. One representative method, among others, involves enabling a user who receives a notification communication from a notification system, in connection with the delivery or pickup of a good or service at a stop location, to select whether or not to communicate with an entity having access to the particulars of the delivery or pickup and to change the stop location for the delivery or pickup.

Abstract: Advertisement systems and methods are provided for use in connection with notification services or systems. One such method, among others that are disclosed, can be practiced by performing at least the following steps: (a) monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; (b) contacting a party based upon the travel data; (c) providing an advertisement to the party during the contact; and (d) charging a fee for or otherwise monetarily benefiting from providing the advertisement.

Abstract: An automated trigger device and a corresponding method for dynamic triggering of developing and/or imminent tropical storms for integrated monitoring devices and/or control devices and/or early warning systems. The trigger device includes a trigger module, and measurement devices arranged in cellular, geographically and/or topologically definable units or zones. Geophysical measurement parameters can be transmitted from the measurement devices to the trigger module. By a Monte Carlo module—and based on the measurement parameters—data records can be dynamically generated for definable future time intervals. By an extrapolation module track distribution parameters of a track distribution integrable over the plurality of data records are generated for each of the definable future time intervals. By an activating device—and based on the generated track distribution parameters and/or the trigger parameters—a corresponding control signal is transmitted to the monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for predicting the potential for severe weather. Data associated with lightning activity is received by a computing device. A location, a movement speed, a movement direction, and a lightning rate of one or more cells of lightning activity are determined by the computing device based on the received data. The lightning rate is compared, by the computing device, to a threshold lightning rate. One or more geographical areas at risk are determined by the computing device based on the location, the movement speed and the movement direction of the one or more cells of lightning activity. An alert is issued by the computing device to one or more remote devices monitoring the geographical areas when the lightning exceeds a value of the threshold lightning rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a storm, including a partially transparent housing defining a cavity and a suspended magnetic element positioned within the cavity. The magnetic element is rotatable in a first plane and pivotable in second plane and third planes, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the second plane. A rapid pivot of the magnetic element away from the pull of gravity signals a close proximity of a storm. A first sensor operationally connected to the magnetic element for measuring the deflection of the magnetic element, dampening fluid substantially fills the cavity, a second sensor positioned within the housing for measuring the degree to which the magnetic element is level, and a laser operationally connected to the magnetic element and positioned to emit a beam of light corresponding to the orientation of the magnetic element.

Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons detection system is disclosed that comprises an array of spatially-disparate hazardous material sensors that all feed into a centralized system control center. This enables the embodiment to receive and coordinate in one place all of the hazardous material sensors spread over a wide area, and, therefore, enables an alarm to be quickly issued in the event of a real attack. To accurately reduce false alarms, the illustrative embodiment requires that at least N of M neighboring stations report an alarm for the same hazardous material within an interval of time, and that the values of at least one of N and M change and are based on at least one environmental factor.

Abstract: A device for detecting soiling, having a light source, which emits a light beam, and a layer having a first boundary surface and a second boundary surface, whereby the light beam emitted by the light source first impinges on the first boundary surface, and part of a light beam fraction, which is scattered at the second boundary surface, impinges on a receiver and forms a measuring signal, and hereby the first boundary surface is set up to scatter part of the incident light beam, and the part impinging on the receiver of the light beam, scattered at the first boundary surface, forms a reference signal, and the device is set up further to determine a measure for the soiling of the second boundary surface from the comparison of the reference signal and measuring signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of an electronic system includes a network having a first sensing device with a first address and a second sensing device with a second address. The first sensing device includes first sensors, a first processor, a first memory, and a first communications device. The first sensors include a first dry bulb temperature sensor, a first relative humidity sensor, and a first radiant energy sensor. The second sensing device includes a second sensor, a second processor, a second memory, and a second communications device. The second processor includes a program to use the second communications device to communicate the second address and data derived from the second sensor to the first communications device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.

Abstract: An emergency management system includes a plurality of command centers, each having real time updated information about an area of interest, a plurality of uniquely identifiable portable monitors, each of the monitors including a sensor portion for determining one or more exposure parameters, and each of the monitors including a communications portion for providing two-way communications over redundant communications channels with at least two of the command centers. A method of managing emergency responders is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for personal threat notification. The method includes determining a device location. The device location is a location of a device. The method includes determining a threat location. The threat location includes a location of a threat. The method includes presenting a notification to the device in response to determining that the threat location is within a predetermined distance of the device location.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for detecting lightning activity. Waveform data indicative of lightning activity is received by a waveform sensor from one or more signal converters. The waveform data comprises a group of electromagnetic waveforms. The waveform data is filtered by a processor to remove noise frequencies. One or more uncompressed portions of the waveform data are transmitted to a processing server. Digital filter data based on the one or more uncompressed portions of waveform data are received from the processing server. One or more frequencies are removed from the waveform data based on the digital filter data. The waveform data is compressed. The compressing includes selecting one or more points on a waveform, wherein the one or more points are above a predetermined threshold. The compressing includes determining an inflection of the selected points based on a predefined algorithm.

Abstract: Described is a method of updating meteorological information for an aircraft, which includes automatically providing a request by an on board computer (FMS, flight management system) for the meteorological data so as to anticipate the updating of the latter as soon as an update is available. This automation allows the crew to have the data ready for display and use without waiting, to reduce and smooth the workload of the crew by anticipating the request and the processing of these data, and to limit the potential confusion associated with the receipt, hitherto verbal, of the ATIS (Air Traffic Information Service) information.

Abstract: A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.

Abstract: In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device includes sensing at least one environmental condition, selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the environmental condition, and selectively altering size of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage temperature conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined temperatures, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide high and low temperature information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple temperature conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a required storage temperature has been reached with a passive temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating a microenvironment condition report. The microenvironment condition report is generated from information related to a plurality of vehicle conditions. The vehicle condition information is gathered from a plurality of in-vehicle technologies such as a stability control system, ABS, and navigation system. The vehicle condition information is sent to a remote terminal that organizes the information with respect to a set of microareas. The information for each microarea is analyzed and used to generate the microenvironment condition report.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.

Abstract: Information about an environmental condition of a remote device is received, the environmental condition being determined based on a signal output from a sensor of the remote device or a sensor coupled to the remote device. An advertisement is identified based on the environmental condition, and the advertisement is provided to the remote device.

Abstract: In one aspect, an alarm mask for condition monitoring in a wind turbine is automatically generated. A reference data selecting definition is selected from a control definition repository in the wind turbine. The reference data selecting definition specifies a time interval of recorded reference data. Reference data is selected from a sensor located in the wind turbine recorded during the time interval. A reference value is calculated based on the reference data. A first and a second alarm mask factor are selected from the control definition repository. A first alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the first alarm mask factor and the reference value. A second alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the second alarm mask factor by the reference value.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed is provided with detection components for determining meteorological conditions. The detection components comprise sensors for determining temperature, air velocity, gas, analysis, light, air pressure, and air humidity. The detection sensors are disposed at different heights on the vehicle and on a telescopic carrier for providing determinations at variable altitudes. The vehicle includes a data processing unit for storing and analyzing data. The vehicle also includes a transmitting unit and signaling device for transfer of data and for alerting an operator of threatening meteorological conditions and when they become hostile. Composition and quantity of feed which is provided to animals in the stable is varied dependent on changes in climate detected by the vehicle.