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: A weather radar system includes an input for receiving lightning detection data and processing electronics for determining a presence of a convective cell or associated hazard. The processing electronics receive weather radar data and the lightning detection data. The weather radar data is related to radar returns. The processing electronics provide temporal or spatial filtering of the lightning detection data to provide filtered data and determine a position of the convective cell or associated hazard in response to the weather radar data and the filtered data.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting lightning strike information in a manner so as to be easily understood and appreciated by viewers of televised weather report presentations. Lightning strike information is displayed with a marker and textual indication of the lightning strike location in a viewer friendly format. Lightning strike data from a lightning strike data source is filtered to select individual lightning strikes to be displayed and processed to obtain the viewer friendly lightning strike location information to be presented overlaid on a geographic map or satellite image background. Personalized lightning strike information indicating the distance of a lightning strike from a viewer location of interest may be generated and provided directly to individual viewers via the internet, cellular phone, and/or other wired or wireless communication channels.

Abstract: An adaptive relaying control system and method is disclosed for adapting coordination of protective measures provided to an electric-energy distribution system as a function of at least an ambient weather condition. A weather sensor senses the ambient weather condition within a region adjacent to at least a portion of the electric-energy distribution system. A control unit is operatively coupled to the weather sensor to receive a weather signal indicative of the ambient weather condition and determine whether a storm condition exists based at least in part on the weather signal. The control unit establishes a suitable control philosophy for adapting coordination of the protective measures provided to the electric-energy distribution system based at least in part on whether the storm condition exists.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program is provided. The method includes: quantizing a received time-varying radio frequency signal to produce a series of digital values; maintaining a plurality of data groups, each data group including a cumulative parameter and each data group being defined by a digital value range, wherein maintaining the plurality of data groups includes updating a cumulative parameter for a data group, from the plurality of data groups, when a digital value, from the series of digital values, is within the digital value range for that data group; and processing at least some of the cumulative parameters of the data groups to determine whether the received time-varying radio frequency signal originated from lightning.

Abstract: A lightning detection system (100) includes at least one lightning detector (101-103). The said lightning detector (101-103) includes at least one x-ray detector (110) for providing x-ray data responsive to x-rays received, and an electric field or magnetic field detector (115) for providing electric field or magnetic field data responsive to electric field or magnetic field received. At least one signal processor (122) is coupled to the x-ray detector and the electric field or magnetic field detector. The processor (122) determines whether lightning will strike or has struck proximate to the lightning detector(s) (101-103) based on the x-ray data and electric field or magnetic field data, and can provide a strike point indication having an accuracy of generally better than (100) m.

Abstract: A method of presenting weather phenomenon information including receiving weather data. At least one weather phenomenon represented by the weather data is identified. A plurality of current parameters related to the current state of the at least one weather phenomenon is determined. A plurality of historical parameters corresponding to one or more previous states of the at least one weather phenomenon is associated with the current state of the at least one weather phenomenon if at least one previous state of the at least one weather phenomenon has been identified. A plurality of forecasted parameters for the at least one weather phenomenon is calculated. Characteristics of the at least one weather phenomenon based on at least a first subset of the current parameters, the historical parameters, and the forecasted parameters are displayed.

Abstract: A lightning detector for lightning detection and a lightning detection method, wherein the lightning detector uses at least two separate channels or frequency bands for lightning detection, and wherein the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with radio interfaces for at least two communication channels or frequency bands, whereby at least one of which is normally a telecom channel/frequency range and wherein these channels/ranges are used in lightning detection.

Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and relative dip angles in an earth formation are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in an earth formation.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a predetermined surface portion of the Earth and an airborne object located over the predetermined surface portion, and operating at a known altitude, using position locating signals from a space vehicle. In one exemplary implementation the space vehicle transmits a first position locating signal. The first position locating signal is received by the airborne object directly from the space vehicle. A second position locating signal from the space vehicle is received by the airborne object after being reflected from the predetermined surface portion at a known angle. Phase information from the first and second position locating signals is used to determine a refractivity of the atmosphere between the predetermined surface portion and the airborne object. The refractivity is used to determine weather related information for the atmosphere.

Abstract: A combined statistical-deterministic approach to methods and systems for assessing risk associated with natural disasters, in particular, hurricane wind risk. One example of a method of predicting wind speed distribution within a predetermined distance from a point of interest includes steps of statistically synthesizing a large plurality of wind storm tracks that pass within a predetermined radius of the point of interest, running a deterministic simulation of wind intensity along each one of the large plurality of wind storm tracks to produce an output representative of wind speed distribution along each track, and using the output to estimate an overall wind speed probability distribution from a combination of the wind speed distributions along each track within the predetermined distance from the point of interest.

Abstract: A radar system is configured to predict future storm cell characteristics and display an indication of the characteristics on an electronic display. The system has an antenna configured to receive radar returns from radar scans of storm cells. The system includes processing electronics configured to determine a characteristic of a first storm cell from the radar returns and identify at least one second storm cell. The at least one second storm cell is in the same weather system as the first storm cell. The processing electronics are configured to determine the characteristic for the at least one identified second storm cell, compare the characteristic of the first storm cell with the characteristics of the at least one second storm cell, determine a growth rate of the first storm cell, and calculate a predicted height of the first storm cell at a future time based on the comparison and determined growth rate.

Abstract: An aircraft lightning event detector includes a sensor mounted to an aircraft. The sensor determines whether a lightning event has struck the aircraft or induced a possibly damaging current into the aircraft. A threshold mechanism determines whether the sensed lightning event is greater than a predetermined size. A memory stores a record of the sensed lightning event for post-flight maintenance analysis when the lightning event is greater than the predetermined size.

Abstract: A system and a method for recording, transmitting and analyzing data and information accrued from, low-frequency, electromagnetic radiation, where the electromagnetic radiation originates from at least one impulse source of natural and/or artificial origin, from at least one atmospheric discharge or from at least one transmitter, a precise characterization of the impulse source, a reliable differentiation between cloud-ground lightning and cloud-cloud lightning within a cloud or between clouds is provided for, including localize the altitude of the impulse source, the emission altitude or the broadcast altitude, and/or the directionality, the spatial direction path of the impulse emission or impulse broadcast caused by the impulse, by determining the difference between the arrival time of the signal at the measuring station located closest to the impulse source and the arrival time of the signal at at least one, preferably two, measuring stations which are not located closest to the impulse source.

Abstract: A diagnostics subsystem for performing predictive diagnostics on a machine such as a vacuum pump. The subsystem has one or more parameter sensors providing measurable data, a process model for modelling machine operation and generating at least one estimated operating parameter, a comparator for comparing the sensed operating parameter with the estimated operating parameter; discontinuous signal injection means for injecting a discontinuity into the model to maintain sliding mode operation in the model; and means for analyzing the discontinuous injection signal for trends indicative of a fault in the machine.

Abstract: A real-time, multi-sensor local-area lightning detection network system. The system uses waveform indicative of electrostatic field changes with respect to time is generated at each of N locations due to a cloud-to-ground lightning strike occurring in the vicinity of the N locations. Each waveform is integrated to generate a corresponding electric field associated with a corresponding one of the locations. A mathematical relationship is used to determine a ground surface location of the lightning strike, height of the lightning strike, and charge per unit length of the lightning strike using each electric field generated during integration of the waveforms.

Abstract: A method includes receiving information related to an operational status of at least one radiating component, and controlling an operation of a lightning detector at least partially in accordance with the information.

Abstract: A long-range lightning detection and characterization system and method. Electromagnetic radiation produced by a lightning strike is sensed at a sensing location and a measured signal representative of the strike is produced that defines an amplitude versus time. A set of reference data containing waveforms comparable to the measured signal is established. The set of reference data defines a set of reference amplitudes versus time, representative of one or more predetermined reference lightning strikes at various predetermined distances, where for each of the distances, the reference lightning strikes have associated therewith various predetermined day/night percentages. The measured signal is compared with the reference data, the comparison including finding a correlation between the measured signal and a correlating waveform in the reference data.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method, a computer program product, a device, and a system for detecting direction information of at least one pulse of at least one received signal, downconverting the at least one received signal, and performing lightning detection based on the at least one detected pulse direction information and the at least one downconverted signal.

Abstract: A lightning detection system (100) includes at least one lightning detector (101-103). The said lightning detector (101-103) includes at least one x-ray detector (110) for providing x-ray data responsive to x-rays received, and an electric field or magnetic field detector (115) for providing electric field or magnetic field data responsive to electric field or magnetic field received. At least one signal processor (122) is coupled to the x-ray detector and the electric field or magnetic field detector. The processor (122) determines whether lightning will strike or has struck proximate to the lightning detector(s) (101-103) based on the x-ray data and electric field or magnetic field data, and can provide a strike point indication having an accuracy of generally better than (100) m.

Abstract: A sensor fixture can be affixed within a wall and powered using the same cable along which data signals are transmitted. A data cable is attached to the fixture, and power for a sensor is isolated from the data signals. The sensor may be used in conjunction with a building automation system in order to provide environmental inputs, such as from a motion sensor, a light sensor, and an audio sensor. The sensor may also be combined with LED lights for a combined fixture that lights when sensing motion or other environmental changes, for example.

Abstract: A system, device and method for analyzing power grid data is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a data collection module comprising a plurality of database adapters configured to retrieve non-operational utility data, a data storage module in communication with said data collection module and comprising a database for storing the non-operational utility data, and an analysis and reporting module in communication with said data storage module and configured to process the non-operational data and to provide a plurality of reports and a plurality of alarms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting lightning activity. When a lightning strike is close enough to a receiver, the strength of the signal received will cause the receiver to saturate. In such a situation, a non-filtered signal is used to calculate a range and bearing. In one specific embodiment, a receiver detects energy emitted by a lightning strike and separates the lightning strike to a filtered signal and non-filtered signal. A saturation detector determines if the filtered signal is saturated prior to the filtered signal being filtered. In response to the filtered signal being saturated, a processor processes the non-filtered signal from the receiver, estimates locations of the detected lightning strike relative to the system, determines a cumulative effect of the lightning strike spaced in distance and time, and generates display signals to illustrate the cumulative effect with respect to a grid.

Abstract: A weather forecast providing easy access to Internet, a subscriber's network, and a computer connected to Internet or the subscriber's network for retrieving correct weather forecast information in time without being vulnerable to interference includes a casing; and a sensor unit to detect ambient weather information, a sensor signal process and data output unit to process those signals, a display unit to display weather data, and a key-in unit disposed to the casing; and further includes an interface unit to capture data from a network, and a unit to process data captured by the interface unit and convert them into that is identified by and inputted into the display unit.

Abstract: On the basis of rainfall amount data (24) representing a timeseries change in the amount of rainfall in a district as an estimation target and unascertained water amount data (23) representing a time-series change in the amount of unascertained water at a base point located downstream of each district, an unascertained water occurrence distribution estimating unit (12) of a control unit (10) calculates a correlation value between the rainfall amount data (24) in each district and the unascertained water amount data (23), and outputs each correlation value as an unascertained water occurrence distribution in each district.

Abstract: A weather radar system or method can be utilized to determine a location of a weather hazard for an aircraft. The weather radar system can utilize processing electronics coupled to an antenna. The processing electronics can determine presence of the hazard in response to data related to returns received by the weather radar antenna and data from a lightning sensor. The system can include a display for showing the hazard and its location.

Abstract: A lightning detector for lightning detection and a lightning detection method, wherein the lightning detector uses at least two separate channels or frequency bands for lightning detection, and wherein the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with radio interfaces for at least two communication channels or frequency bands, whereby at least one of which is normally a telecom channel/frequency range and wherein these channels/ranges are used in lightning detection.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a state of a planetary atmosphere or of a part of the atmosphere, especially of the ionosphere of the earth includes determining values of an ionization state, especially of an electron density and/or of an electron content, in the atmosphere or in the part of the atmosphere as a function of a location variable and as a function of a time variable and determining at least one characteristic quantity for the atmosphere or the part of the atmosphere. The characteristic quantity is determined on the basis of the values of the ionization state found for the atmosphere or the part of the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of predicting storm cell characteristics at a future time is provided. A value relating to a characteristic of the storm cell is determined from reflectivity data processed from signals received from a radar scan of the storm cell. A second storm cell is identified that is part of the same weather system as the storm cell. A plurality of values relating to the characteristic for the identified second storm cell is received from a memory wherein the plurality of values were determined at a plurality of different times. The determined value of the storm cell is compared with the determined plurality of values of the identified second storm cell. A growth rate of the storm cell is determined. A maximum height of the storm cell at a third time in the future is calculated based on the comparison and the determined growth rate and presented to a user.

Abstract: Described are a method and a system for detecting an atmospheric feature. A value of a meteorological scalar field at an initial time is determined for a set of tracers. Each tracer is initialized at a first tracer location. An integration time is selected according to a coherence time of a type of the feature to be detected. Alternatively, or in combination with the selected integration time, a spatial resolution of the wind field is selected according to a spatial scale of the type of feature to be detected. Each tracer is advected to a second tracer location at an earlier time according to the integration time and the wind field. A value of the meteorological scalar field at the earlier time and second tracer location is determined for each tracer and summed with the value at the first location to generate an integrated value of the meteorological scalar field.

Abstract: A lightning detection system provides an estimated location of a lightning stroke. The system includes sensors, and an analyzer. Each sensor provides messages having sensor identification, an amplitude responsive to the lightning stroke, and a time of detecting the lightning stroke. The analyzer applies time corrections and amplitude corrections to improve the accuracy of determining the location of the lightning stroke. Time adjustments and amplitude adjustments for the time and amplitude corrections are recalled from a matrix accessed according to a suggested or estimated location. The matrix may be organized by coordinates of longitude and latitude.

Abstract: There is discloses a new method for identifying an electromagnetic signal having a known waveform. The method includes using a lightning matched filter receiver having a bank of filters matched to nominal but arbitrary lightning waveforms for detecting lightning. The use of a lightning matched filter receiver facilitates detection of lightning discharges below the noise level. Positioning three or more monitoring stations at different spaced apart geographic locations where each monitoring station has a lightning matched filter receiver where the filters are matched to nominal but arbitrary lightning waveforms can be used to detect and determine the location of a lightning discharge.

Abstract: A process includes providing a plurality of forecasts from a plurality of forecasting models. The plurality of forecasts each includes a mean and a variance. A model weight is calculated for each forecasting model. The model weight is proportional to the ability of that model to successfully forecast a queried situation. The plurality of forecasts are combined using an aggregate mean and an aggregate variance of the plurality of forecasts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting volcanic eruption and predicting plume hazards are described. The system comprises a processor and a database having the location of a plurality of volcanoes communicating with the processor. The system also comprises a lightning detector communicating with the processor. The system further comprises a weather radar communicating with the processor. Further still, the weather radar comprises program logic running on the processor. The program logic is configured to correlate the location of a volcano from the database with the presence of lightning from the lightning detector and a volcanic ash plume from the weather radar.

Abstract: A lightning detector system monitors the lightning strikes requires a real-time detection and processing system. A real-time processing system requires the use of a high-speed processor with floating-point math capability and multiple analog to digital channels. The cost, power and size requirements of such a system make it difficult to develop a low cost, pocket size lightning detector with long battery life. This invention provides a method of detecting and ranging lightning strikes using an inexpensive eight-bit processor with a single A/D channel and without floating point hardware.

Abstract: A lightning detector for lightning detection and a lightning detection method, wherein the mobile lightning detector is provided with an antenna, an amplifier front-end, an A/D converter and a digital signal processor, and wherein the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with an audio codec whereby the preamplifier of the codec is used for amplification of the detected lightning signal, the A/D converter of the codec is used for the A/D conversion of the amplified lightning signal, and whereby the digital audio processing unit of the codec is used for the signal processing of the lightning detection.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for estimating or deriving weather observations/conditions for any given location using observed weather conditions from neighboring locations, radar data, lightning data, satellite imagery, etc. An initial estimate of weather conditions for a location is made based on a downscaling process using the current conditions the neighboring locations. A measure of corroboration between the radar data and surface weather conditions at official observing stations may be established. Through the results of the downscaling process, radar calibration statistics and estimates of ground-based precipitation, the corroboration can be iteratively tuned, resulting in a weather conditions vector containing associated meteorological fields for locations that lie between or near the sparse network of official observing sites from which an estimate of the weather conditions may be made.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile radio-frequency enabled device. In order to enable a lightning detection by means of such a device, it comprises an electromagnetic interferences detection component detecting electromagnetic interferences in at least one radio-frequency channel, which at least one radio-frequency channel is usable by the mobile radio-frequency enabled device for a communication link. The device further comprises a processing component adapted to determine whether a lightning stroke can be assumed to have occurred in the vicinity of the mobile radio-frequency enabled device due to an electromagnetic interference detected by said electromagnetic interferences detection component. The invention relates equally to a corresponding system, to a corresponding method and to a corresponding software program product.

Abstract: A weather station for providing weather information to a user, especially weather information related to lightning and severe thunderstorm activity. In accordance with the present invention, the weather station includes one or more antennas for receiving GPS transmissions, weather radio transmissions, and a separate radio band, such as the AM radio band for use in detecting lightning strikes. The GPS signal is used to determine the position of the user. A lightning detector coupled to the antenna for receiving the AM (or other band) signal calculates the proximity of any detected lightning strikes. The national weather radio band antenna receives information from NOAA and similar organizations and presents it to the user in the normal fashion.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for estimating or deriving weather observations/conditions for any given location using observed weather conditions from neighboring locations, radar data, lightning data, satellite imagery, etc. An initial estimate of weather conditions for a location is made based on a downscaling process using the current conditions the neighboring locations. A measure of corroboration between the radar data and surface weather conditions at official observing stations may be established. Through the results of the downscaling process, radar calibration statistics and estimates of ground-based precipitation, the corroboration can be iteratively tuned, resulting in a weather conditions vector containing associated meteorological fields for locations that lie between or near the sparse network of official observing sites from which an estimate of the weather conditions may be made.

Abstract: A mobile radio-frequency enabled device that provides a reliable and inexpensive lightning alerting of a user. The device comprises an electromagnetic interferences detection component detecting electromagnetic interferences in radio-frequency signals received by the mobile radio-frequency enabled device for a communication link. The device further comprises a processing component to determine whether a lightning stroke can be assumed to have occurred in the vicinity of the device due to an electromagnetic interference detected by the electromagnetic interferences detection component, and to cause a notification of a user about an assumed lightning stroke via a user interface. The invention relates equally to a system which comprises such a device and a network element of a communication network, to a corresponding method and to a corresponding software program product.

Abstract: Electric utility storm outage management is performed by determining an interconnection model of an electric utility power circuit, the power circuit comprising power circuit components, determining information indicative of weather susceptibility of the power circuit components, determining a weather prediction, and determining a predicted maintenance parameter based on the interconnection model, the weather susceptibility information, and the weather prediction.

Abstract: A lightning detection system provides an estimated location of a lightning stroke. The system includes sensors and an analyzer. Each sensor within range of a lightning event provides messages to the analyzer. Each sensor includes a waveform engine that converts a signal received from the lightning event to a series of frequency domain components having respective magnitude and phase. The waveform engine adjusts magnitudes and phases of the frequency components, for example, to mitigate the effects of terrain conductivity where the received signal traveled across terrain. The adjusted frequency components are then converted by the waveform engine into a second time domain signal that is described in a message to the analyzer. Each message includes sensor identification, peak amplitude, and time of detecting the lightning event. The analyzer provides an estimated location of the lightning stroke and an estimated peak current of the lightning stroke in accordance with messages received from sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a power disruption index indicative that provides subscribers with a forecast of weather conditions that are likely to cause interruptions to power distributions systems within their specific areas of service. The Power Disruption Index (PDI), is a calculation of a number of forecast weather parameters including severe thunderstorm probabilities and intensities, wind speeds, wind gusts, and snowfall and ice accretion. The index combines each of these input parameters with a specific weighting based on the forecast intensity of each of the parameters, along with alert threshold criteria provided by each client utility. The output PDI is a forecast of local weather conditions for a specific local service area or power distribution network.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an information display, wherein a value of a variable is selected from the group consisting of percentage of maximum daylight, sunrise, sunset, phase of the moon, tide height, wave height, wind speed, probability of precipitation, a birthday, a graduation day, and an anniversary. The value of the variable pertains to a particular time and the value of the variable is associated with a portion of the information display.

Abstract: A lightning detection system provides an estimated location of a lightning stroke. The system includes sensors, and an analyzer. Each sensor provides messages having sensor identification, an amplitude responsive to the lightning stroke, and a time of detecting the lightning stroke. The analyzer applies time corrections and amplitude corrections to improve the accuracy of determining the location of the lightning stroke. Time adjustments and amplitude adjustments for the time and amplitude corrections are recalled from a matrix accessed according to a suggested or estimated location. The matrix may be organized by coordinates of longitude and latitude.

Abstract: A lightning detection system provides an estimated location of a lightning stroke. The system includes sensors and an analyzer. Each sensor within range of a lightning event provides messages to the analyzer. Each sensor includes a waveform engine that converts a signal received from the lightning event to a series of frequency domain components having respective magnitude and phase. The waveform engine adjusts magnitudes and phases of the frequency components, for example, to mitigate the effects of terrain conductivity where the received signal traveled across terrain. The adjusted frequency components are then converted by the waveform engine into a second time domain signal that is described in a message to the analyzer. Each message includes sensor identification, peak amplitude, and time of detecting the lightning event. The analyzer provides an estimated location of the lightning stroke and an estimated peak current of the lightning stroke in accordance with messages received from sensors.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for detecting and predicting lightning strikes via specialized electrostatic detection using highly sensitive atmospheric static electric detection, interpretation, and alarm signal distribution. The system employs a detection means which includes a designated lightning sensor having a surface which carries a high impedance static voltage reference charge. This reference charge, called the pilot voltage, is a static charge delivered to the lightning sensor at very low currents. The pilot voltage influences the relative charge in the molecules found in the atmosphere immediately surrounding the lightning sensor. There is a gradual transition in the charge between the lightning sensor's surface and the molecules in the atmosphere that surrounds the sensor. It is this varying molecular state that creates a modulation process which the present invention uses to determine a lighting strike.

Abstract: A lightning detection system provides an estimated location of a lightning stroke. The system includes sensors, and an analyzer. Each sensor provides messages having sensor identification, an amplitude responsive to the lightning stroke, and a time of detecting the lightning stroke. The analyzer applies time corrections and amplitude corrections to improve the accuracy of determining the location of the lightning stroke. Time adjustments and amplitude adjustments for the time and amplitude corrections are recalled from a matrix accessed according to a suggested or estimated location. The matrix may be organized by coordinates of longitude and latitude.

Abstract: A lightning detection and data acquisition system. A plurality of remote programmable sensor is utilized to detect cloud to ground and IC lightning strikes. Analog representations of the lightning strikes are converted to digital signals. The digital signals are classified according to user changeable criteria. The classified digital signals are compressed and optionally decimated. The compressed information is transmitted to a central location where it is decompressed and used to correlate the location, magnitude, and travel path of the detected lightning strikes.