Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for detecting impending earthquakes includes at least one sensor, and preferably multiple sensors, for mounting on a building or other like structure, and include a transducer for converting vibration signals to electronic impulses. The signals are transmitted to a solid state detection circuit, which distinguishes between extraneous signals and signals indicative of the P-waves which signal an impending earthquake. Discrimination between relevant and non-relevant may be achieved by selecting a minimum amplitude and duration of signals within a selected frequency range, and triggering an alarm when the selected minimums are exceeded. Where multiple sensors are deployed, temporal overlap between selected signals can be assessed for further discrimination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discriminating between conventional earth tremors and those which are precursors to an earthquake are provided. The method involves detecting vibration signals indicative of an earthquake. The method provides a structural vibration detecting means for detecting vibration signals in a structure responsive to vibration of a substrate upon which the structure is mounted. The detecting means is mounted to a structure. The vibration signal of the structure, e.g. the vibrations received by the wall, is determined. Any extraneous vibration signal different from the vibration signal of the structure are compared. If the extraneous signal is within a predetermined alarm signal level, the apparatus is actuated to indicate that an earthquake is imminent. The apparatus involves the use of a detector, an amplifier for amplifying the received signal, and a comparator for determining whether a received amplified signal is an earthquake signal.