Abstract: For determining the regional impact of earthquake events, geographical regions are associated with reference measuring stations located in the respective geographical region. For each of the geographical regions, regional earthquake indices are determined based on instrumental intensity values that are received from the region-specific measuring stations and indicate the strength of seismic motion. Each of the intensity values are weighted with a weighting factor assigned to the reference measuring station that provided the intensity value. Associating only selected reference measuring stations with a geographical region and weighting the intensity values with station-specific weighting factors make it possible to select reference measuring stations and weighting factors according to the geographical distribution of replacement values and, thus, to provide earthquake indices that correlate accurately with potential earthquake damages.

Abstract: An earthquake disaster prevention system having: an estimation section to estimate a size of an earthquake from a P-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a stopping control section to control to stop the motion of the operation device when the size of the earthquake estimated by the estimation section exceeds a stopping reference value; a calculation section to calculate at any time the size of the earthquake from the S-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a convergence judgment section to judge convergence of the earthquake by judging whether a predetermined earthquake convergence condition is satisfied from the size of the earthquake calculated by the calculation section; and a resumption control section to resume a predetermined motion of the operation device stopped by the stopping control section when the earthquake is judged to have converged by the convergence judgment section.

Abstract: A structure is isolated from a seismic event by inducing soil liquefaction in an isolation layer beneath the structure and soil foundation zone, such as by activating an electro-osmosis gradient toward the isolation layer, during the seismic event, based on detection of movements associated with the seismic event.

Abstract: For determining the regional impact of earthquake events, geographical regions (3, 4, 5) are associated with reference measuring stations (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53) located in the respective geographical region (3, 4, 5). For each of the geographical regions (3, 4, 5), determined are regional earthquake indices based on instrumental intensity values that are received from the region-specific measuring stations (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53) and indicate the local strength of seismic motion. Each of the intensity values is weighted with a weighting factor assigned to the reference measuring station (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 51, 52, 53) that provided the intensity value.

Abstract: A method for prospecting for oil and gas deposits is provided, said method comprising: outlining of highly permeable collecting basins development zones, performing an aerospace survey of a landscape, determining a spectral reflectivity over the landscape, and incorporating the height profile, block fields, aerospace survey and spectral relativity in order to produce a predictiveis provided.

Abstract: Vehicles or ships each carry a magnetic force line sensor, a GPS position detector, and a data transmitter and travel within an observation area transmitting magnetic field data and position data to an earthquake prediction center. A telluric current induction field estimation unit of the earthquake prediction center estimates telluric current induction fields based on the received observation data. A telluric current estimation unit estimates telluric currents based on the results of estimating the telluric current induction fields. A telluric current induction field intensity change pattern generation unit generates patterns indicating the change over time of the intensity of telluric current induction fields. An earthquake prediction unit analyzes the state of distribution of the telluric currents and the patterns of change in the intensities of the telluric current induction fields and estimates a seismofocal zone, seismic intensity, and time of occurrence of a seismic event.

Abstract: A data-driven method and system to forecast earthquakes worldwide over a broad range of time (from days to years in advance). The system includes the compilation of a diverse set of historical geophysical and environmental databases, a program that determines correlations between earthquake occurrence and the state of other geophysical or environmental phenomenon, and a program to forecast earthquakes. The forecasts allow users to make informed risk management decisions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to predict the onset of earthquakes, one to three days prior to the event. Predictions of latitude, longitude, and time of occurrence of an incipient earthquake, by monitoring and exploiting unique changes in the ionosphere and atmosphere, may be obtained. The methodology, focused on radio-tomography of the ionosphere, includes data receiving, transmission, and analysis stations on the earth's surface; data from satellite transmitters; and mechanisms to extract earthquake-related signatures that are correlated, processed, interpreted, and disseminated as warnings from central analysis centers. Additionally, data from ground-based radars that display unique clutter maps during earthquake pre-cursor activity and data from cellular telephone networks that display signal fading may also be used.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the sensing and measurement of infrasound (pressure variations with frequency content under 10 Hertz). The invention measures the infrasound pressure variations and then attenuates undesired contributions due to, but not limited to, changes in ambient fluid speed and changes in altitude of the sensing device. The undesired contributions are attenuated using an adaptive filter with the measurements of the change in ambient fluid speed and the change in altitude. This approach differs from existing applications of adaptive filtering in that the invention uses measurements of speed and displacement to improve a pressure measurement. This approach differs from existing methods for attenuating the affects of the wind on the measurement of infrasound in that it does not require the use of a large spatial averaging filter.

Abstract: A method of predicting earthquakes includes the step of positioning a first transducer array adjacent to a seismically active region and below the water table, i.e., within the zone of saturation. The first transducer array includes a first plurality of seismometers, at least one first clock, and at least one first digitizer. The at least one first clock is in communication with at least one of the first plurality of seismometers, and the at least one first digitizer also is in communication with at least one of the first plurality of seismometers. The method also includes the steps of detecting a plurality of wave movements resulting from dilation of the crust of the Earth prior to an earthquake, and converting at least one of the wave movements into a first voltage. The method further includes the step of discriminating between wave movements resulting from dilation of the crust of the Earth and movements resulting from at least one other event.

Abstract: An evolvable circuit includes a plurality of reconfigurable switches, a plurality of transistors within a region of the circuit, the plurality of transistors having terminals, the plurality of transistors being coupled between a power source terminal and a power sink terminal so as to be capable of admitting power between the power source terminal and the power sink terminal, the plurality of transistors being coupled so that every transistor to transistor terminal coupling within the region of the circuit comprises a reconfigurable switch.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for analyzing a structure subjected to a catastrophic event. Based on linear elastic input data, the system automatically determines non-linear hysteretic behaviors. The nonlinear models are then analyzed through any one of a number of nonlinear analysis techniques. Processing load of a computer is substantially reduced through various mathematical functions.

Abstract: Method for the prediction of earthquakes comprising the following phases: Detecting the low frequency electromagnetic waves that are released due to mechanical stress in underground rock layers, with at least three peripheral detecting stations distributed in predetermined positions over a territory, temporally marking the premonitory signals received relating to said electromagnetic waves by means of a GPS receiver, sending said marked signals to a central processing station, calculating the differences in the receiving times between a signal coming from a peripheral station and another signal coming from a different peripheral station.

Abstract: A method for automatic classification, according to various selection criteria, of seismic or microseismic events picked up by seismic receivers coupled with an underground formation under development, according to whether the events are purely of microseismic nature or depend, on any account, on artifacts related to the outer environment or to formation development or monitoring activities, and for selection of the significant parts of traces for the purpose of analysis. The method has an application for monitoring of production or storage reservoirs under development.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating the origin time, the hypocentral distance, and the scale from time-series measured data of the electric field intensity which is observed accompanying a seismic ground motion, comprising a measuring means 21, 22 for measuring the electric field intensity, a data storing means 24, 25 for collecting and storing measured data from the measuring means, and a data analyzing means 26 for analyzing measured data stored in the storing means to detect origin time from the starting time of electric field increase, and to predict the hypocentral distance and the magnitude from the elapsed time from said origin time and said measured data, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a space-based Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field detector in conjunction with ground-based network of ELF magnetic field detectors. In particular, a space based ELF detection system can be used to perform a wide area search and find precursor earthquake signals in both known and unknown earthquake zones, and a ground-based network of ELF detectors can be used to verify that the signals are indeed earthquake generated signals. The use of this invention will minimize cost and manpower necessary to effectuate an accurate and reliable earthquake detection system.

Abstract: A method of predicting earthquakes includes the step of positioning a first transducer array adjacent to a seismically active region and at least about 3 meters below the surface of the crust of the Earth. The first transducer array includes a first plurality of seismometers, at least one first clock, and at least one first digitizer. The at least one first clock is in communication with at least one of the first plurality of seismometers, and the at least one first digitizer also is in communication with at least one of the first plurality of seismometers. The method also includes the steps of detecting a plurality of wave movements resulting from dilation of the crust of the Earth prior to an earthquake, and converting at least one of the wave movements into a first voltage. The method further includes the step of discriminating between wave movements resulting from dilation of the crust of the Earth and movements resulting from at least one other event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for analyzing the correlation geophysical data and seismic data, physical data monitoring apparatus and method, and an earthquake monitoring method.

Abstract: A method and system of isolating a structure and soil mass from earthquake induced vibration by inducing soil liquefaction beneath a structure during an earthquake event, by monitoring local seismic precursor events, such as early arrival ground motion using an accelerometer, predicting the onset of a major earthquake tremor and energizing conductors in the ground by a dc power source for moving the ground water by electro-osmosis towards a suitable isolation layer, whereby raising the pore water pressure in the isolation layer and thus preferentially inducing localized soil liquefaction of the particular isolation layer during the earthquake event and thus isolating the structure and soil above the particular soil horizon from the upward propagating shear wave ground motions arising from the earthquake event.

Abstract: A P-wave sensing apparatus including a printed circuit board having mounted thereon from one to three orthogonally disposed miniature sensors that function as inertia monitoring devices with respect to motion of the external supporting structures, a plurality of amplifying and filtering circuits for amplifying and filtering the outputs generated by the sensors, and a central processing unit responsive to the amplified signals and operative to generate output signals which can be used to drive optical and audible annunciators, automated data recording systems, or other device actuating systems. Each sensor is formed by a thin piezo-electric film sandwiched between two metallization layers and is laminated to a small rectangular sheet of polyester mounted in cantilever fashion with one edge thereof firmly affixed to a supporting circuit board or clamped between two flat, solid layers (such as miniature circuit boards) and then firmly affixed to the main supporting circuit board.

Abstract: A method of predicting impending coastal seismic activity by using ocean-based acoustic sensors. Acoustic sensors are used to sense and record low frequency acoustic events, including primary and tertiary waves. Characteristics that may be sensed and recorded include frequency, amplitude, and duration of the acoustic events. More specifically, the occurrence of T-waves over a selected time period are sensed and recorded. A decrease in the rate of the occurrence of T-waves during a portion of the selected time period is an indication of impending seismic activity.

Abstract: Foreshocks are key to understand the dynamics of earthquake processes, thus, they can lead to short-term earthquake prediction.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a seismic emergency response system (SERS) to control fabrication equipment and material flow for prevention of damage to wafers and equipment within a wafer fabrication plant during an earthquake. The SERS having a facility manager control system having one or a plurality of seismic detection devices, and at least one voting logic device for outputting an alarm triggering signal to a computer integrated manufacturing system; and a computer integrated manufacturing system having an emergency response system and an equipment server (tool application program) for sending a pause equipment command to an associated piece of equipment and a hold lot command to a material execution system to prevent damage of wafers during an earthquake. Optionally provided is one or a plurality of false alarm prevention devices and one or a plurality of enabling switches provided to selectively enable or disable the SERS.

Abstract: A method of judging the degree of risk of a seismic event by obtaining a condition of activities in the earth's crust using seismic data disclosed in the Internet and the like. An analysis and calculating method capable of calculating sufficiently by way of a personal computer for the purpose of obtaining the conditions of the activities in the earth's crust by means of a dynamical analysis of a continuum more than M5 greater than the value of an empirical rule based on the common analyzing results before a seismic event by analyzing the characteristics of the seismic activities from the value of magnitude and the value of coordinates indicating a seismic source and an occurrence time among seismic data.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a seismic emergency response system (SERS) to control fabrication equipment and material flow for prevention of damage to wafers and equipment within a wafer fabrication plant during an earthquake. The SERS having a facility manager control system having one or a plurality of seismic detection devices, and at least one voting logic device for outputting an alarm triggering signal to a computer integrated manufacturing system; and a computer integrated manufacturing system having an emergency response system and an equipment server (tool application program) for sending a pause equipment command to an associated piece of equipment and a hold lot command to a material execution system to prevent damage of wafers during an earthquake. optionally provided is one or a plurality of false alarm prevention devices and one or a plurality of enabling switches provided to selectively enable or disable the SERS.

Abstract: A computer implemented physical signal analysis method is includes two essential steps and the associated presentation techniques of the results. All the steps exist only in a computer: there are no analytic expressions resulting from the method. The first step is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition to extract a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) from nonlinear, nonstationary physical signals based on local extrema and curvature extrema. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the physical signal. Expressed in the IMF's, they have well-behaved Hilbert Transforms from which instantaneous frequencies can be calculated. The second step is the Hilbert Transform. The final result is the Hilbert Spectrum. Thus, the invention can localize any event on the time as well as the frequency axis. The decomposition can also be viewed as an expansion of the data in terms of the IMF's.

Abstract: Foreshocks are key to understand the dynamics of earthquake processes, thus, they can lead to short-term earthquake prediction.

Abstract: A casing pipe is inserted into a drilled hole reaching the inside of a confined aquifer in which groundwater is stored and flows or a position near the confined aquifer. A measuring device measures an electromagnetic field at the distal end of the casing pipe. An analyzing device analyzes data concerning the electromagnetic field measured by the measuring device to sense motion of ground pore water, thereby predicting rapid motion in the earth's crust, such as a volcanic eruption, an earthquake, a landslide and ground collapse. The casing pipe is an electrically conductive pipe having a non-magnetic screen portion formed at the distal end thereof so that recycling groundwater passes through the screen portion. The measuring device includes an electromagnetic field sensor placed in the screen portion and the conductive casing pipe as an electrode for measuring an electric potential relative to an electric potential at the earth's surface detected with a reference electrode.

Abstract: Data storage devices of an enterprise system are tested to determine whether the enterprise system is optimally configured. Each data storage device is tested to determine whether it can satisfy a performance requirement for an assigned group of n workloads. A group of n inequalities are generated, and only up to n of the inequalities may be evaluated to determine whether the device satisfies the performance requirement for the assigned group of workloads. The inequalities are based on a phased, correlated model of I/O activity.

Abstract: A method of using a seismic detector including four seismic sensors having axes which are in a substantially tetrahedral configuration, each of the sensors being in a respective signal channel, includes one or more of the following steps: combining outputs from the sensors to check that their polarities are correct; testing to ascertain if one of the sensors is not working and, if so, using the outputs from the other three sensors to obtain an indication of motion in three dimensions; if all four sensors are working, using their outputs to obtain an indication of motion in three dimensions on a least squares basis; checking that the outputs from the sensors are coherent; and checking the gains (or sensitivities) of the four channels.

Abstract: An earthquake-alarm device has a housing, an upper metal plate, a lower metal plate, a contacting device, an alarm and a power supply. The lower metal plate is attached to the housing below the upper metal plate. The contacting device is arranged between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate to electrically communicate the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate when an earthquake occurs. The contacting device has a metal rod pivotally attached to the upper metal plate and a conic weight screwed with the metal rod. The alarm is electrically connected to the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate. The power supply is electrically connected to the alarm to provide an electric power to the alarm. Accordingly, the alarm will sound as earthquake occurs. In addition, the alarming device is adjustable to adapt for different magnitudes of earthquake.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring rub-off from an image-bearing substrate.

Abstract: A method of judging the degree of a risk of a seismic event by getting hold of a condition of activities of the earth's crust using seismic data disclosed on the Internet and the like.

Abstract: An invention for the filtering, sorting and analysis of microseismicity induced during production of fluid resources from their reservoirs which allows direct 4 dimensional measurements of all or many of the components of the permeability field as well as other petrophysical rock properties important to reservoir analysis and monitoring. The seismicity associated with the permeability field is identified by its spatial and temporal location in two general conoidal volumes, symmetrically disposed about the injection point in any well being used for this purpose (FIG. 1). The cone axes are parallel to the maximum compressive stress directions of the ambient stress field. Increasing fluid pressure causes seismicity to rapidly migrate outward from the injection points (FIG. 2). The seismicity moves at rates that are order of magnitudes greater than that of D'arcyian flow and covering distances measured in kilometers.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of processing two-dimensional physical signals includes five basic components and the associated presentation techniques of the results. The first component decomposes the two-dimensional signal into one-dimensional profiles. The second component is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition that extracts a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF's) from each profile based on local extrema and/or curvature extrema. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the profiles. In the third component, the IMF's of each profile are then subjected to a Hilbert Transform. The fourth component collates the Hilbert transformed IMF's of the profiles to form a two-dimensional Hilbert Spectrum. A fifth component manipulates the IMF's by, for example, filtering the two-dimensional signal by reconstructing the two-dimensional signal from selected IMF(s).

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for analyzing a structure subjected to a catastrophic event. Based on linear elastic input data, the system automatically determines non-linear hysteretic behaviors. The nonlinear models are then analyzed through any one of a number of nonlinear analysis techniques. Processing load of a computer is substantially reduced through various mathematical functions.

Abstract: A novel earthquake sensing device is disclosed. The earthquake sensing device comprises a vertical vibrating wave sensing module, a horizontal wave sensing module and a determination module to determine the existence of an earthquake, based on, in combination, the vertical waves and the horizontal waves of an earthquake. In determining the existence of an earthquake, both the vertical waves and the horizontal waves of the earthquake are taken for consideration. Errors in the determination of earthquakes may thus be avoided.

Abstract: A method of predicting an earthquake in a seismically active region below an inosphere, including the steps of measuring (10, 12) a relative fluctuation of plasma density (26) in the inosphere (20), inferring a relative amplitude of an acousto-gravity wave in the inosphere (20), and inferring an earthquake magnitude from the relative amplitude of the acousto-gravity wave.

Abstract: A computer implemented physical signal analysis method is invented. This method includes two essential steps and the associated presentation techniques of the results. All the steps exist only in a computer: there are no analytic expressions resulting from the method. The first step is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition to extract a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) from nonlinear, nonstationary physical signals. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the physical signal. Expressed in the IMF's, they have well-behaved Hilbert Transforms from which instantaneous frequencies can be calculated. The second step is the Hilbert Transform. The final result is the Hilbert Spectrum. Thus, the invention can localize any event on the time as well as the frequency axis. The decomposition can also be viewed as an expansion of the data in terms of the IMF's.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring parameters of changes in space and time of seismic activity at predetermined points of investigation and times thereof in a region of investigation, more particularly the forecasting of earthquakes, the location and time of quakes of relative low strength (microquakes) are sensed in said region being investigated and the seismic activity of the microquakes is quantified in time and space by means of at least one parameter (SEISMOLAP) at the point of investigation and at the times of investigation, a probability value is established for the occurence of the parameter, and the development of the probability value in time is monitored to detect SEISMOLAP anomalies by clusters of microquakes and/or phases of relative seismic inactivity as activities leading up to more severe quake occurences more accurately in location and more reliably.