DE102004000025A1 - System for recording, transmission, analysis of data, information generated by electromagnetic radiation determines deviation between signal arrival times at measurement station nearest pulse source, station(s) not nearest to pulse source - Google Patents

Abstract

The system enables location of the height of the pulse source, especially the emission height and/or the transmission height and/or the directionality, especially the spatial directional profile, of the pulse output caused by the pulse source or emission by determining the deviation between the time of arrival of the signal at the measurement station nearest the pulse source from the arrival time at one or more, preferably at least two, measurement stations not nearest to the pulse source. An independent claim is also included for the following: (A) a method of recording, transmission and analysis of data and information generated by electromagnetic radiation.

Description

The The present invention relates to a system and a method for Capture, submit and evaluating electromagnetic radiation Data and information.

For over ten Years ago, flashpointing systems are in use worldwide allow the localization of ground flashes with increasing local Accuracy, which in modern networks in the range of under one Kilometers. The detection efficiency is for lightning with a strength of more than five Kiloampere with mostly over ninety percent indicated, but weaker flashes are no statistically reliable Data known.

Traditionally the operational networks are designed to be mainly ground flashes (= CG or cloud-ground) reported and cloud-cloud-flashes (= I [ntra] C [loud] inside a storm cloud or C [loud-] C [loud] between storm clouds) preferably repressed become. Recently strengthened However, the trend, even discharges in the clouds for purposes meteorological use with capture.

A Distinction of CG flashes and IC / CC flashes is with special Methods, especially with three-dimensional methods (so-called 3D method), possible, including measurements in the V [ery] H [igh] F [requenzy] range and in the V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] range can be combined with each other [see. Kawasaki, Z.-I. et al. (1994), SAFIR operation and evaluation of its performance, Geophys. Res. Lett. 21 (12), pages 1133 to 1166; Thery, C. (2001), Evaluation of LPATS data using VHF interferometric observations of lightning flashes during the EULINOX experiment, Atmospheric research 56, pages 397 to 409].

in the Review by Jacobson et al. (2000), "FORTE radio-frequency observations of lightning strokes detected by the National Lightning Detection Network, J. Geophys. 105, pages 15653 to 15662, for example, a three-dimensional Method described in which a three-dimensional bearing initially with VHF radio frequencies occur and then over temporal coincidence the associated VLF signal from an existing two-dimensional VLF network (so-called NLDN) is searched.

Farther describe Smith et al. (1999) in the article "A distinct class of isolated intracloud lightning discharges and their associated radio emission, J. Geophys. Res. 104, pages 4189 to 4212, a three-dimensional method, however, which provides a pure VHF bearing without any VLF reference.

One Describe three-dimensional process with good resolution of discharge channels Krehbiel et al. (1999) in the publication "Three-dimensional lightning mapping observations during MEAPRS in central Oklahoma, 11th Int. Conf. on atmosphere. Electricity, NASA / CP, Alabama, June 1999, pages 376 to 379. However, this process again shows no VLF reference and based purely on VHF bearing in the clouds.

Already very early is described in the document by Taylor (1978), A VHF technique for space-time mapping of lightning discharge processes, J. Geophys. Res. 83, pages 3575 to 3583, the possibility direct spatial Targeting of high emission sites shown by runtime measurements.

at This known method by means of two closely adjacent Stations, each with two sensors in a vertical arrangement need (near the ground and at a height of about fifteen meters) Time differences measured in the nanosecond range and hereby the elevation angle is determined, their intersection by triangulation the emission locations are.

• – Richard and Auffray (1985), VHF-UHF interferometric measurements, applications to lightning discharge mapping, Radio Science 20, Seiten 171 bis 192;
• – Rhodes et al. (1994), "Observations of lightning phenomena using radio interferometry", J. Geophys. Res. 99, Seiten 13059 bis 13082;
• – Laroche et al. (1996), "3D structure of lightning discharge within storms", 10th Int. Conf. Atmosph. Electricity, Osaka, 10. Juni 1996 bis 14. Juni 1996, Seiten 330 bis 332;
• – Onuki et al. (1996), Imaging of lightning channel in three dimensions using interferometer, 10th Int. Conf. Atmosph. Electricity, Osaka, 10. Juni 1996 bis 14. Juni 1996, Seiten 325 bis 332; und
• – Richard and Lojou (1996), "Assessment of application of storm cell electrical activity monitoring to intense precipitation forecast, 10th Int. Conf. Atmosph. Electricity, Osaka, 10. Juni 1996 bis 14. Juni 1996, Seiten 284 bis 287.

Further three-dimensional methods are described in the following documents:

• Richard and Auffray (1985), VHF-UHF interferometric measurements, applications to lightning discharge mapping, Radio Science 20, pages 171-192;
• Rhodes et al. (1994), "Observations of lightning phenomena using radio interferometry", J. Geophys. Res. 99, pages 13059 to 13082;
• - Laroche et al. (1996), "3D structure of lightning discharge within storms", 10th Int. Conf. Atmosphere. Electricity, Osaka, June 10, 1996 to June 14, 1996, pages 330 to 332;
• - Onuki et al. (1996), Imaging of lightning channel in three dimensions using interferometer, 10th Int. Conf. Atmosphere. Electricity, Osaka, June 10, 1996 to June 14, 1996, pages 325 to 332; and
• - Richard and Lojou (1996), "Assessment of application of storm cell electrical activity monitoring to intense precipitation forecast, 10th Int. Conf. Atmosph. Electricity, Osaka, June 10, 1996 to June 14, 1996, pages 284 to 287.

The worldwide over huge surfaces However, locating methods used are based on less complex two-dimensional Systems (so-called 2D systems) that have the CG flash versus IC / CC flash distinction designed more difficult. Although some manufacturers report on impulse-form-dependent reliable discrimination procedures, Overall, however, the literature on this issue is extremely contradictory.

Task of invention

outgoing from the disadvantages and shortcomings set out above as well as in appreciation of the prior art is the present invention the task is based, a system of the type mentioned above as well to develop a method of the aforementioned An so that a precise characterization of the pulse source, for example a reliable Distinction between cloud-ground flashes (C [loud] G [round]) and Cloud-Cloud-Flashing (= I [ntra] C [loud] within a cloud or C [loud-] C [loud] between clouds) is.

Presentation of the invention: Solution, advantages

These Task will be according to the teaching the present invention by a system with the in the claim 1 specified characteristics and by a method with the in the claim 11 specified solved. advantageous Embodiments and expedient developments The present invention is characterized in the respective subclaims.

therefore The core of the present invention lies in the three-dimensional Bearing of impulses / transmissions natural and / or unnatural Origin, in particular of lightning, of charges, of charges or the like, in V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] networks; especially is not use of frequencies in the radio or V [ery] H [igh] F [requency] range required.

to Differentiation from conventional, already known DF methods applies to the present invention that the bearing is not with only one or two of the pulse source near, in particular lightning near, sensors in a direct way, that is not by locating in altitude, but by using Deviations of the signal arrival times at each of the pulse source nearest especially lightning next, Sensor stations opposite other, the source of impulse not nearest, in particular not lightning next Sensor stations.

As a result, The present invention is concerned with a newly designed Impulsortungssystem, in particular lightning detection system, which in principle first on the proven Two-dimensional method (so-called 2D flash bearing) in the V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] range based.

For this It should be noted that in many countries 2D lightning detection systems are in operation. Exemplary are the North American network NALDN in USA [cf. Orville, R.E. et al. (2002), The North American Lightning Detection Network (NALDN) - First results: 1998-2000, Monthly Weather Review 130 (8), pages 2098 to 2109] and the European Network System EUCLID mentioned.

The latter EUCLID system originated from a merger of the German system BLIDS (with US sensor technology and network software) operated by Siemens and the Austrian ALDIS network [cf. Diendorfer, G. et al. (1994), "Results of a performance analysis of the Austrian Lightning Location Network ALDIS, in: 22nd Int Conf. On Lightning Protection, Sept. 19-23, Budapest, Hungary] and its extension to numerous other surrounding countries work in the VLF range and use the classical methods of direction finding (so-called D [irection] F [inding]) and / or the signal transit times (T [ime] O [f] A [rrival]). In particular, lightning emitted by VLF radiation can be received at a plurality of sensor stations with sufficient intensity, and then the directions of incidence (DF) measured at the individual stations and / or the propagation time differences (TOA) can be used to determine the source location With only two sensors detected, the directions provide a bearing point that can be optimized by incorporating signal times, and for signal acquisition at more than two stations, the T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] method is Ge Accuracy because relatively easily achievable accuracies of about one microsecond already to better than egg loci lead a kilometer.

Accordingly, in the schematic diagram according to 5 the critical propagation delay dT = T _P -T _H due to I [ntra] C [loud] discharges (compared to C [loud] G [round] strikes).

The Device of signal processing and pulse processing is So advantageously designed so that significantly higher time accuracy (better than one microsecond, that is, less than a microsecond) than achieved with conventional systems. This accuracy is essential to look for the run-time method of event locations of impulses, in particular lightning.

through the advantageously used analysis method will also with irregular pulse shapes a precise time determination (better than a microsecond, that is smaller as a microsecond), especially for Signals that are detected at different sensors and the same Pulse event, in particular to the same lightning event belong. This may, in a manner essential to the invention, inter alia and shape detection algorithms are achieved.

To the Example in the network control center are thus using special algorithms, in particular by means of algorithmic pattern recognition, from the numerous those signals coming from the individual sensors found out those which belong to the same impulse event.

To For this purpose, those received from the various individual sensors Peak patterns in digitized form "one above the other to put on this way of being able to uniquely identify the beginning peak. through this "matching" method is a precise in time and thus good Peilergebnis achievable, which in turn essential for the Höhenpeilung is. As a result, the high event sensitivity can be achieved and the founded by it high number primary detectable signals actually used and also useful in terms of signal properties be exploited.

• – zum einen einen sehr starken Blitz mehrfach melden, weil die Einzelsignale der Sensoren nicht richtig gruppiert werden, und
• – zum anderen schwache Signale wegen nicht identischer Impulsformen nicht als zusammengehörig erkennen.

Filtering out signals that belong to the same lightning event is not trivial when there is a high volume of data, because time overlaps occur. However, if a wrong signal is contained in a signal group, lightning detection can not take place successfully. In conventional systems this problem is not solved; This is also evident from the fact that conventional lightning detection systems

• - On the one hand report a very strong flash multiple times, because the individual signals of the sensors are not properly grouped, and
• - On the other hand, weak signals because of non-identical pulse shapes do not recognize as belonging together.

Of Further can in conventional lightning detection systems misalignments with considerable Location deviations occur.

are more than three measurement data available, can the three unknown quantities to be determined (= the length; Width; the Impulsabgabezeit, in particular the flash time) with usual Minimization procedures are calculated. As far as systematic Error also in the order of magnitude remain about one microsecond, can be said DF accuracy also sustainable in practical continuous operation and for example based on impacts in Messtürme to verify.

There the system according to the present Invention as well as the method according to the present invention a particularly high detection efficiency even in the area of weak Impulses, especially lightning, achieved and no action for suppression of IC discharges, in particular of IC flashes have to, The new network delivers significantly more discharge events than conventional ones Comparison systems. That's why it turns out in a very special way Measures the Question about the origin of the discharges.

To For this purpose the net becomes according to the doctrine of the present invention to a three-dimensional mode (so-called 3D mode), so that emission levels of pulses, in particular of discharges, can be determined. This is inventively a novel and a decisive contribution to the identification of IC / CC discharges, in particular IC / CC flashes proposed.

• – weil nur eine Station impulsquellennah, insbesondere blitznah, sein muss, sind große Sensorabstände möglich, das heißt es ist kein dichtes teures Netz erforderlich;
• – aufgrund der Nutzung G[lobal]P[ositioning]S[ystem]-gesteuerter Zeitmessungen können auch noch größere Entfernungen von bis zu etwa einhundert Kilometern zur Blitz-Station als "der Impulsquelle nah" bzw. als "blitznah" gelten und signifikante, das heißt für die Höhenpeilung nutzbare Zeitabweichungen produzieren;
• – die Verwendung von V[ery]L[ow]F[requency]-Messnetzen (= Bereich um zehn Kilohertz) sichert eine große Reichweite der der Impulsquelle nicht nächstgelegenen Messstationen, zum Beispiel der nicht blitznächsten Blitzstationen (, die den Blitz auch noch erfassen müssen), das heißt etablierte VLF-Netze können eingesetzt werden, sofern die Zeitmessungen im Mikrosekundenbereich genau sind;
• – das System gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung wie auch das Verfahren gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung kann auf der Hardware herkömmlicher 2D-Blitzortungsverfahren aufsetzen; eine Verwendung "echter" 3D-Techniken im Radio- oder VHF-Bereich ist insofern nicht erforderlich, als Ziel der vorliegenden Erfindung nicht die räumlich präzise Auflösung von Entladungskanälen, zum Beispiel von Blitzkanälen, im 100 Meter-Bereich, sondern die Bereitstellung einer Datenbasis für eine Entscheidung hinsichtlich der Frage ist, ob das detektierte Ereignis als I[ntra]C[loud]-Impuls, insbesondere als I[ntra]C[loud]-Blitz, einzustufen ist;
• – die Existenz von Impulsabgaben bzw. Impulsaussendungen, insbesondere von Blitzemissionen, aus Kilometer-Höhen lässt sich theoriefrei und ohne Annahme justierbarer Parameter aus einem Vergleich der an einzelnen (,jeweils blitznächsten) Sensoren und an Gruppen von (nicht blitznächsten) Sensoren gemessenen Verteilungen von Zeitabweichungen zweier Impulsabgabezeiten (im Netz durch Gesamtpeilung ermittelte Impulszeit minus Differenz von Ankunftszeit und Laufzeit an der jeweiligen der Impulsquelle nächstgelegenen Station), insbesondere zweier Blitzzeiten (im Netz durch Gesamtpeilung ermittelte Blitzzeit minus Differenz von Ankunftszeit und Laufzeit an der jeweiligen blitznächsten Station), erkennen;
• – die Emissionshöhe lässt sich mit Algorithmen, die mit denen der Ortspeilung zumindest vergleichbar sind, durch Hinzufügen der Höhenvariablen berechnen;
• – das Verfahren kann in andere existierende Impulsortungssysteme, insbesondere Blitzortungssysteme, integriert werden, sofern die notwendige Zeitgenauigkeit erzielt wird;
• – das Verfahren kann auch bei intensitätsschwachen Impulsen, insbesondere bei intensitätsschwachen Blitzen, eingesetzt werden, sofern der Impuls, insbesondere der Blitz, an drei, bei Nutzung von Einfallsrichtungen zur Peilung auch an nur zwei Sensoren gemessen wird;
• – die Ergebnisse des Verfahrens können dazu benutzt werden, Fragen einer Impulsform-Diskriminierung von Wolke-Wolke-Entladungen (IC), insbesondere von Wolke-Wolke-Blitzen, gegenüber Wolke-Erde-Entladungen (CG), insbesondere Wolke-Erde-Blitzen, zu klären; und
• – das System gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung wie auch das Verfahren gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung kann zusammen mit der Impulsform-Analyse zur Diskriminierung eingesetzt werden, um den (kleinen) Prozentsatz strittiger Fälle zu lösen, der weder mit dem einen Verfahren noch mit dem anderen Verfahren klar entscheidbar ist.

Such a procedure offers a number of technical as well as economic advantages:

• - Because only one station must be close to the pulse source, especially close to the lightning, there are large sensor distances possible, that is it is not a dense expensive network required;
• - due to the use of G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] -controlled time measurements, even greater distances of up to about one hundred kilometers to the flash station can be considered "near the pulse source" or "close to the flash" and significant, that is to produce usable time deviations for the height bearing;
• - the use of V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] measurement networks (= range around ten kilohertz) ensures a long range of the measuring stations not closest to the pulse source, for example the non-lightning flash stations (which still detect the flash) must), that is established VLF networks can be used, provided that the time measurements in the microsecond range are accurate;
• The system according to the present invention as well as the method according to the present invention can be based on the hardware of conventional 2D flash detection methods; a use of "real" 3D techniques in the radio or VHF range is not required, as the object of the present invention does not provide the spatially precise resolution of discharge channels, for example, flash channels, in the 100 meter range, but the provision of a database for a decision as to whether the detected event is to be classified as an I [ntra] C [loud] pulse, in particular an I [ntra] C [loud] flash;
• The existence of momentum emissions, in particular of lightning emissions, from kilometer altitudes can be calculated theory-free and without assuming adjustable parameters from a comparison of the time-deviations measured at individual (, respectively closest to the lightning) sensors and at groups of sensors (not the closest to the lightning) two pulse delivery times (in the network by total bearing determined pulse time minus the difference of time of arrival and transit time at the respective closest to the pulse source station), in particular two flash times (in the network determined by total bearing flash time minus difference of arrival time and duration at each lightning next station) recognize;
• - The emission level can be calculated with algorithms that are at least comparable to those of the location bearing, by adding the height variables;
• The method can be integrated into other existing pulse localization systems, in particular flash detection systems, provided the necessary time accuracy is achieved;
• - The method can also be used in low-intensity pulses, especially in low-intensity flashes, provided that the pulse, in particular the flash, is measured at three, when using directions of incidence for bearing also on only two sensors;
• The results of the method can be used to address issues of pulse shape discrimination of cloud-to-cloud discharges (ICs), in particular cloud-to-cloud flashes, to cloud-to-earth discharges (CG), in particular cloud-to-earth flashing, to clarify; and
• The system according to the present invention as well as the method according to the present invention can be used together with the pulse shape analysis for discrimination to solve the (small) percentage of controversial cases which is not clear either with the one method or with the other method is decidable.

at an advantageous embodiment According to the present invention, the sensor operates passively and without power supply. This saves error sources compared to known systems. moreover If the sensor works passively and without power, the sensor can significantly higher Processing data rates than previously described or existing Prior art systems were the case.

• – meteorologisch und wolkenphysikalisch wichtige Erkenntnisse über das Auftreten von IC-Blitzen,
• – eine höchst sichere Unterscheidung von CG-Blitzen versus IC-Blitzen,
• – eine bessere Identifizierung von CG-Blitzen, was zu wichtigen Folgedaten in Form von zuverlässigeren Blitzdichte-Karten führt (Verbesserung des Blitzschutzes, was zum Beispiel für die Automobilindustrie, für das Baugewerbe, für Freizeitveranstalter, für Reiseveranstalter und/oder für die Versicherungswirtschaft interessant ist) oder
• – eine Erfassung von wesentlich mehr Blitzen, als herkömmliche Netze melden, was in Zusammenhang mit CG-Identifizierungen zu deutlich höheren Boden-Blitzdichten als bisher angenommen führt.

In addition to the technical and economic advantages set out above, the present invention also offers a number of application advantages, such as

• - Meteorological and cloud physical important knowledge about the occurrence of IC flashes,
• A most reliable distinction of CG flashes versus IC flashes,
• - A better identification of CG flashes, which leads to important follow-up data in the form of more reliable flash density cards (improvement of lightning protection, which is interesting for example for the automotive industry, for the construction industry, for leisure operators, for tour operators and / or for the insurance industry ) or
• - Detecting significantly more flashes than conventional grids report, resulting in connection with CG identifications to significantly higher ground-lightning densities than previously thought.

• – dem Erfordernis einer genauen Zeitbestimmung auch bei intensitätsschwachen, verrauschten, komplex geformten und/oder übersteuerten Signalen, um eine möglichst quantitative Erfassung und Unterscheidung von Impulsen (I[ntra]C[loud] versus C[loud-]G[round]), insbesondere von Blitzen, zu gewährleisten,
• – der Notwendigkeit einer effizienten Erkennung nicht impulskorrelierter, insbesondere nicht blitzkorrelierter, Störsignale,
• – dem Erfordernis einer optimalen Einrichtung des Zeitmanagements aller Stations- und Netzkomponenten oder
• – der Notwendigkeit einer Benutzung komplexer Algorithmen zur möglichst zuverlässigen

Furthermore, the present invention provides a contribution to a number of difficulties, such as

• The requirement of accurate time determination even in the case of weak-intensity, noisy, complex-shaped and / or overdriven signals in order to obtain the most quantitative possible detection and differentiation of pulses (I [ntra] C [loud] versus C [loud-] G [round]), in particular of lightning, to ensure
• The need for efficient detection of non-pulse-correlated, in particular non-lightning-correlated, interference signals,
• The requirement of an optimal time management of all station and network components or
• - the need to use complex algorithms for the most reliable

Pulse delivery of distinctive, in particular discharge discrimination, of real and statistical as well due to systematic errors random height estimates.

The Requirement of time determination thus includes according to a advantageous embodiment of the present invention a particular precise time marking of the arriving at the individual sensors Signals. This time tag is for signals of the same pulse, especially the same flash, at the different sensor stations preferably similar.

by virtue of This exact time mark can be determined from the marking times be, whether at one of the pulse source near sensor, in particular on a lightning near sensor, - relative to the other sensors - one delayed Signal time is measured; if such a delay of the Signal time is present, this indicates a prolonged running distance and thus on an origin of great Height.

There this usable time difference with increasing distance between pulse source location, in particular flash location, and considered Sensor is getting smaller, requires efficient height bearing the measurement and use of very small time differences of at most about a microsecond. In an advantageous embodiment of Invention are therefore not the marks of the individual signals less accurate than this time difference.

• (i) Zunächst könnte unterstellt werden, dass verzögerte Ankunftszeiten aufgrund von Systemfehlern rein statistisch verteilt auftreten und keine physikalische Bedeutung haben. Da die in Rede stehenden Verzögerungen je nach Distanz zur Impulsquelle, insbesondere zum Blitz, meist mehrere Mikrosekunden betragen, müssten relativ große Zeitfehler unterstellt werden, die aufgrund der nachweislich genauen Peilungen auszuschließen sind. Ferner würde man dann erwarten, dass Fehler mit kleineren Verzögerungszeiten häufiger auftreten und die resultierende Höhenverteilung entgegen den tatsächlichen Ergebnissen zu geringen Höhen der Impulsquelle, insbesondere zu niedrigen Blitzhöhen, nahe Null stark zunimmt. Eine Untersuchung der Zeitabstände zwischen ermittelter Impulsabgabe- oder -aussendungszeit, insbesondere ermittelter Blitzzeit, und den aus den Einzelstationen gemäß Ankunftszeit und Laufzeit zum Ort der Impulsquelle, insbesondere zum Blitzort, resultierenden Impulsabgabe- oder -aussendungszeiten, insbesondere Blitzzeiten, ergeben erfindungsgemäß keinerlei systematische Abweichungen der Zeitmeldungen einer Station relativ zur Gesamtheit der Stationen.
• (ii) Signalverzögerungen an einer Sensorstation können durch elektronische Effekte zustande kommen und an den verschiedenen Stationen unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägt sein. Wäre dies der Fall, würde die 3D-Peilung in praktisch allen Fällen zu fiktiven, stationsbezogen unterschiedlichen Impulsquellenhöhen, insbesondere Blitzhöhen, führen und nicht nur bei einem Bruchteil der Signalgruppen. Zudem wäre dieser Fehler in der Prüfung gemäß vorstehendem Punkt (i) zu entdecken.
• (iii) Falsche Ankunftszeiten können durch fehlerhafte Auswertung der eintreffenden Signale verursacht sein; insbesondere bei Impulsen mit mehreren signifikanten Extremwerten oder bei nicht aufgelösten Doppelpeak-Strukturen könnte eine falsche Zeitmarkierung entstehen. Bei noch gut aufgelösten Peaks würde ein solcher Fehler jedoch in der Regel zum gegenteiligen Effekt führen (--> zu frühe Ankunftszeit anstatt zu später Ankunftszeit), weil die impulsnächste, insbesondere blitznächste, Station, das stärkste Signal empfängt und daher kaum zu erwarten ist, dass der erste relevante Signalpeak unterdrückt und statt dessen der zweite ("verzögerte") Peak zur Zeitmarkierung erfasst wird. Bei schlecht aufgelösten Doppelstrukturen könnte allerdings bei der impulsnächsten, insbesondere blitznächsten, Station das Maximum im zeitlich späteren Teil liegen, während bei weiter entfernten Stationen infolge von Dämpfungs- und Ausbreitungseffekten die Struktur nicht mehr aufgelöst und ein früheres Maximum in der Mitte des Gesamtpeaks gefunden wird. Die Signalauswertung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung berücksichtigt und löst derartige Probleme.
• (iv) Die Sensoren können insbesondere bei nahen Impulsquellen, insbesondere bei nahen Blitzen, übersteuern und daher keine oder verfälschte Zeitmarkierungen und Einfallsrichtungen melden. Es wird über vorhandene Ortungsnetze häufig berichtet, dass zur Vermeidung solcher Komplikationen der Impulsquelle nahe Stationen, insbesondere blitznahe Stationen, bei der Auswertung nicht berücksichtigt werden. Für eine 3D-Peilung würden dann die interessantesten Informationen verloren gehen. Die Empfangsstationen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung sind daher auf hohe Intensitätsauflösung mit großem Dynamikbereich ausgelegt – ohne bei schwächsten Signalen unempfindlich zu werden –, und die Impulsbehandlung kann auch gesättigte Signale in zuverlässiger Weise verarbeiten. Dies ist dadurch erleichtert, dass das Feld B(t) und nicht die Ableitung dB/dt gemessen wird, so dass Integrationsprozeduren entfallen.
• (v) Es ist wohlbekannt, dass lokale "site-errors" zur Verfälschung der gemessenen Einfallsrichtungen führen; weniger ist über die damit verbundenen Zeitfehler berichtet worden. Sollten diese Zeitfehler den Bereich von etwa einer Mikrosekunde übersteigen, was durchaus vorstellbar erscheint, würden sich zwar nicht zwingend gravierende Fehler in der 2D-Lokalisierung des Netzes, jedoch fiktive Emissionshöhen in der dreidimensionalen Ortung ergeben. Ein solcher Effekt würde dann bei nahezu allen Signalen auftreten und dadurch feststellbar sein (vgl. vorstehender Punkt (i)).

Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to discuss new questions concerning VLF emission from storm clouds. Thus, for the possibility of altitude estimation essential to the invention that the delay of the pulse arrival time, in particular the flash arrival time, has its cause in the longer term to the emission source and is not caused by equipment or other systematic errors. In the following, the five most important possible effects that can influence the altitude determination are discussed:

• (i) First, it could be assumed that delayed arrival times due to system errors occur purely statistically distributed and have no physical significance. Since the delays in question, depending on the distance to the pulse source, in particular to the flash, usually amount to several microseconds, relatively large time errors would have to be assumed, which can be ruled out due to the verifiable accurate bearings. Further, one would then expect errors with smaller delay times to occur more frequently, and the resulting altitude distribution greatly increases, contrary to the actual results, to low heights of the pulse source, especially to low flash heights, near zero. An investigation of the time intervals between determined Impulsabgabe- or -aussendungszeit, in particular determined flash time, and from the individual stations according to arrival time and duration to the location of the pulse source, in particular the flash point resulting Impulsabgabe- or -aussendungszeiten, in particular flash times, according to the invention result in any systematic deviations of Time messages of a station relative to the totality of the stations.
• (ii) Signal delays at a sensor station may be due to electronic effects and vary in severity at the various stations. If this were the case, the 3D bearing would in almost all cases lead to fictitious, station-related different pulse source heights, in particular flash heights, and not just a fraction of the signal groups. In addition, this error would have to be detected in the test according to (i) above.
• (iii) Incorrect arrival times can be caused by incorrect evaluation of the incoming signals; in particular with pulses with several significant extreme values or with unresolved double peak structures, a wrong time marking could arise. In the case of well-resolved peaks, however, such an error would generally lead to the opposite effect (-> too early arrival time instead of too late arrival time), because the next impulse, especially lightning-fast, station receives the strongest signal and is therefore hardly to be expected, that the first relevant signal peak is suppressed and instead the second ("delayed") peak is detected for timing. In the case of poorly resolved double structures, however, the maximum at the impulse-next, especially lightning-next, station could lie in the temporally later part, while at more distant stations due to damping and propagation effects the structure is no longer resolved and an earlier maximum in the middle of the total peak is found. The signal evaluation according to the present invention takes into account and solves such problems.
• (iv) The sensors can, in particular at near pulse sources, especially near flashing over control and therefore report no or falsified timestamps and directions of incidence. It is frequently reported on existing localization networks that in order to avoid such complications of the pulse source near stations, in particular lightning near stations, are not taken into account in the evaluation. For a 3D bearing then the most interesting information would be lost. The receiving stations according to the present invention are therefore designed for high intensity resolution with a large dynamic range - without becoming insensitive to the weakest signals - and the impulse treatment can also process saturated signals in a reliable manner. This is facilitated by measuring the field B (t) and not the derivative dB / dt, thus eliminating integration procedures.
• (v) It is well known that local "site-errors" lead to falsification of the measured directions of incidence; less has been reported about the associated timing errors. If these time errors exceed the range of about one microsecond, which seems quite conceivable, not necessarily serious errors would result in the 2D localization of the network, but fictitious emission levels in the three-dimensional location. Such an effect would then occur in almost all signals and thus be detectable (see the above point (i)).

In In view of the above findings, in the present invention It can be assumed that the 3D bearings presented here real runtime delays signal that by emission in storm clouds instead near the ground arise.

The determined according to the invention Heights of Pulse sources, especially flash heights, are also related to geometry typical storm clouds well tolerated. As general and out good reasons It is believed that CG discharges, especially CG flashes, are close Generating the main emission in the VLF range on the ground is the Conclusion implies that it is the 3D bearings negative and positive IC discharges, in particular IC flashes, acts, which have a strong vertical discharge direction.

Rather horizontally oriented IC or CC discharges, for example IC or CC flashes, are allowed because of the the invention applied Measuring technology unfavorable Radiation characteristic hardly at several stations with amplitudes according to a 1 / R dependence to be received.

The The present invention also includes, especially for linear pulse sources Option of separation of pulse sources, for example IC (resp. CC) flashes, in vertical and horizontal discharge channels, in particular Lightning channels this means the possibility discrimination against IC (or CC) discharges, in particular of IC (or CC) flashes, mainly vertical or horizontal run.

This is characterized according to the invention achieved that at a sufficient number of sensor stations measured amplitudes A with respect to their distance R: Is the distance-dependent amplitude A (R) compatible with a 1 / R law and is the impulse event, in particular lightning event, by means of of the 3D method as I [ntra] C [loud] or I [nter] C [loud] type been, then it is a predominantly vertical flash.

To let However, strong deviations from the 1 / R-law can be found and left These correct themselves by the fact that the radiation characteristic according to two Angle, for example the elevation angle and the angle between the pulse output / output axis, in particular Flash axis, and direction to the sensor, then act it is a predominantly horizontal discharge channel, in particular lightning channel.

The dependent on the distance R Amplitudes A (R) can by variable soil conductivity attenuated be what a 1 / R dependency to disturb can. This fact is taken into account in the present invention supported by groups of impulse sources, for example of lightning, from tight spatial Areas according to a preferred development of the present system as well as the be analyzed together. With this optional technical measure let yourself determine whether the damping effect is the same or very similar running distance resistant or only with individual (horizontal) pulses, in particular lightning, occur.

These The latter group analysis can conveniently be done online, if, for example, the respective thunderstorm within the selected reporting period for three-dimensional Impulsortungen, in particular lightning, (of for example a Minute) enough Lightning from the same area delivers. Otherwise, this additional information about horizontal Impulses, especially about horizontal flashes, in any case offline, so at later Analysis, to be determined.

Interesting is in connection with the present invention the question to what extent upward Earth-cloud discharges (G [round-] C [loud]), for example earth-cloud flashes, emit at the cloud base. In that sense it is useful the invention obtained Examine findings by means of real 3D systems [cf. Defer, E. et al. (2000), Simultaneous observations of CG activity from NALDN and ONERA-ITF interferometric mapper during the STERAO-A experiment. In: Int. Lightning Detection Conf., Nov. 7-8, Tucson, Arizona (Global Atmospherics Inc.)].

A Refinement of the present invention, so the pseudo-3D system or the pseudo-3D method for determining heights of Pulse sources, for example of lightning emission levels, in terms of VLF range even more accurate time resolutions, as they are realized in the first phase of the network, and the Combination with pulse shape analysis allows minimal additional effort a more reliable and almost quantitative (online) discrimination of CG impulses, in particular of CG flashes, and IC pulses, especially IC flashes.

Basically allowed by the teaching according to the present Invention mediated use of the 2D lightning localization network as a pseudo-3D network the identification of discharges emitted in storm clouds from high altitude become.

at an advantageous embodiment In the present invention, the sensor actually measures the magnetic induction B (t) directly as a function of time. It becomes - as physically compelling given - that Induction law used. The use of the law of induction leads conventional application to a measuring voltage, that of the derivative dB / dt of the magnetic induction B (t) proportional to the time t is.

A expedient embodiment However, the present invention includes an electrical engineering Switching mode in the selected Frequency range actually leads to B (t). An important side effect is that there are no subsequent elements to integrate dB / dt into B (t) (if necessary would, would Such subsequent elements in turn lead to additional inaccuracies because also over the unavoidable noise would be integrated). This is according to the invention System also designed so that at the same time extremely high signal sensitivity arises.

requirement for the Application of the system as well as the method according to the present invention Invention is one even with complex pulse shapes, in particular Lightning pulse shapes, accurate to about one microsecond the signal arrival times at the individual sensor stations, the with optimal use of GPS receivers and more intelligent Pulse analysis is achievable.

It So is possible according to the invention, a large part the pulses that can be deflected in a localization network, in particular flashes, in networks with smaller station distances even the majority of all Impulses, especially lightnings, undergo a 3D analysis and very direct - without any theoretical assumption and without any adjustable parameter - whether the emission took place close to the ground.

In order to is an essential contribution to a comprehensible reliable identification CG pulses, in particular CG flashes, even in spatially large networks achieved, without significant additional effort to operate. The advantages of "true" 3D systems remain of it entirely untouched, because this is more fundamental physical processes as well as smaller-scale ones Discharge channel resolutions, for example, flash channel resolutions, to have the goal, as in the case of pure lightning detection treated here the case is.

As already in the presentation of the present invention the location of momentum sources, in particular the lightning location, using V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] measurements either by the method Direction bearing (so-called "D [irection] F [inding]") and / or by means of the transit time difference method (so-called "T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] method ").

at traditional direction finding (DF = direction finding) at the sensor stations, the direction of incidence of the electromagnetic Radiation, in particular the direction of incidence of the flash signal, measured and the pulse source localized by means of intersection methods, in particular the flash location is determined. In this conventional method occur Inaccuracies on what are referred to as a local error or "site error".

In the past, methods have been published to correct these errors retrospectively and thus to increase the locating accuracy. This is usually done by locating without a specific sensor; this results from the location of the pulse source, in particular from the flash location, and from the sensor location a target angle. This target angle is compared with the actually measured angle, and an angle correction is derived from the difference. By cyclically repeating the process, an optimization can take place. In this case (more precise) T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] -local determinations can also be used.

• – unterschiedliche Laufzeiten der Signale in der Elektronik der einzelnen Sensorstandorte und/oder
• – umgebungsbedingte Zeitverzögerungen, wie sie zum Beispiel durch Unterschiede in der Leitfähigkeit und damit in der Signal-Ausbreitungsgeschwindigkeit oder durch Reflexionen und Überlagerungen infolge nicht-ebener Geländestrukturen auftreten können.

The angle errors to be corrected are caused by errors in the antenna structure as well as by influences such as reflections or conductivity gradients of the environment. The correction methods compensate for the total error, in particular if not a single angular correction but a correction function is determined as a function of the angles of incidence. In the T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] method, the two aforementioned errors are also possible accordingly, namely

• - Different maturities of the signals in the electronics of the individual sensor locations and / or
• Ambient time delays, such as those that may occur due to differences in conductivity and thus signal propagation speed, or reflections and overlaps due to non-planar terrain structures.

So far are not corresponding to the D [irection] F [inding] correction Correction procedure for the T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] method known.

by virtue of the problem described should be the system of the aforementioned Type and the method of the type mentioned so further developed be that error in determining the respective temporal Course, in particular the respective arrival time and / or the signal delay, the detected signals are minimized.

• – zum Lokalisieren der Höhe, insbesondere der Emissionshöhe bzw. der Sendehöhe, der Impulsquelle und/oder
• – zum Bestimmen der Direktionalität, insbesondere des räumlichen Richtungsverlaufs, der Impulsabgabe/-aussendung

natürlichen und/oder nichtnatürlichen Ursprungs, insbesondere des Blitzes, der Ladungsabgabe, der Ladungsaussendung oder dergleichen, erfolgt.This problem is solved by a system and by a method in which at least one of the measuring stations or sensor (station) s is adjusted and / or calibrated, this adjustment and / or this oak instead of or in addition

• For locating the altitude, in particular the emission level or the transmission altitude, the pulse source and / or
• - To determine the directionality, in particular the spatial direction curve, the pulse output / -aussendung

natural and / or unnatural origin, in particular the flash, the charge, the charge or the like, takes place.

This Calibration and / or adjustment method can in particular for optimization and / or for correcting the T [ime] O [f] A [rrival] technique be, because it offers a significant advantage in terms of Achieving improved timestamps. through This calibration and / or adjustment method can be both 2D spatial bearings as well as 3D height bearings of lightning discharges with improved accuracy.

at an advantageous embodiment will be first the position, in particular the location and / or the height, the Pulse source localized by excluding the to be adjusted and / or to be calibrated measuring station from the determined respective time course, in particular from the determined respective Arrival time, the respective transit time difference of pulses of the same Pulse source is determined for each measuring station.

Of Further, the respective time course, in particular the respective time of arrival, originating from the localized pulse source and detected at the measuring station to be adjusted and / or calibrated Signals calculated.

Thereon building up the difference between the calculated respective time course, in particular the calculated respective time of arrival, and the determined respective time course, in particular the determined respective time of arrival, that of the localized Pulse source originating and to be calibrated and / or calibrated Measured station detected signals and in a statistically meaningful way edited. If necessary, will eventually be determined on the basis of respective difference at least one time correction term, in particular for later localizations and / or for latter Locations, determined and to be calibrated and / or calibrated Adjusted measuring station by means of this determined time correction term and / or calibrated.

The present adjustment and / or calibration method is based on the invention essential to the fact that the signal analysis in the central station, the detection of the distribution of time deviations between measured signal arrival time and due to the successful bearing of electromagnetic radiation, in particular the flash bearing, calculated time of arrival in a statistically meaningful manner processed to the proper technical time management of the signal delays from the form of the determined distribution check and readjust if necessary. After carrying out this test and adjustment procedure, an optimal use of the transit time differences for height bearing is guaranteed.

• – der Höhe der Impulsquelle, insbesondere der Emissionshöhe bzw. der Sendehöhe, und/oder
• – der Direktionalität, insbesondere des räumlichen Richtungsverlaufs, der durch die Impulsquelle bewirkten Impulsabgabe oder Impulsaussendung;

insbesondere kann die vorliegende Erfindung bei der genauen sowie zuverlässigen Abgrenzung von Impulsabgaben oder Impulsaussendungen, zum Beispiel von Entladungen, innerhalb einer Gewitterwolke (sogenannte I[ntra]C[loud]-Blitze) und/oder zwischen mindestens zwei Gewitterwolken (sogenannte C[loud-]C[loud]-Blitze), gegenüber Impulsabgaben oder Impulsaussendungen, zum Beispiel Entladungen, zwischen Wolke und Erde (sogenannte C[loud-]G[round]-Blitze) eingesetzt werden, was wiederum eine im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik zuverlässige Erstellung von Impulsdichtekarten, zum Beispiel von Blitzdichtekarten, ermöglicht.Finally, the present invention relates to the use of at least one system according to the type set out above and / or a method according to the above-described type for localization

• The height of the pulse source, in particular the emission level or the send height, and / or
• The directionality, in particular the spatial direction, of the pulse output or pulse emission caused by the pulse source;

In particular, the present invention can be applied to the accurate and reliable delimitation of pulse outputs or pulse emissions, for example of discharges, within a storm cloud (so-called I [ntra] C [loud] flashes) and / or between at least two storm clouds (so-called C loudspeakers). ] C [loud] flashes), in contrast to pulse outputs or pulse transmissions, for example discharges, between cloud and earth (so-called C [loud-] G [round] flashes) can be used, which in turn is reliable in comparison with the prior art of momentum density maps, for example of density maps.

The System according to the above set forth and / or the method according to the above Type can be used to calibrate and / or to adjust at least one measuring or sensor station be used in networks for lightning detection.

• – zur Vorhersage und zur Lokalisation, insbesondere zur Früherkennung, von klimatologischen und/oder meteorologischen Vorgängen, wie etwa von Blitzschlag, von (Extrem-)Niederschlag, von Gewittern, von Hagel, von Orkanen, von (Stark-)Regen, von Sturm, von Unwettern, von Wind oder von anderen besonderen klimatologischen und/oder meteorologischen Ereignissen,
• – zur dreidimensionalen Ortung von Impulsquellen, zum Beispiel von Blitzen, unter Einbeziehung schwacher Signale zum Optimieren der Vorhersage und Lokalisation, insbesondere der Früherkennung, von Gewitterzellen,
• – zur Erkennung von Signalherden zur Vorhersage und Lokalisation, insbesondere zur Früherkennung, von Gewitterzellen,
• – zur Analyse von Gruppen der Daten und Informationen zur Charakterisierung meteorologischer Klassen,
• – zur Extrapolation von räumlichen Zugbahnen erkannter Gewitterherde und/oder
• – zur Gewinnung biometeorologischer Informationenverwendet werden.

Regardless or in connection therewith, the present invention, that is to say the system according to the kind set forth above and / or the method according to the kind set out above, can be realized in the real time or in the short term

• - for prediction and localization, in particular for early detection, of climatological and / or meteorological processes, such as lightning, extreme precipitation, thunderstorms, hail, hurricanes, (heavy) rain, storm, from severe weather, wind or other special climatic and / or meteorological events,
• For the three-dimensional location of pulse sources, for example of lightning, using weak signals to optimize the prediction and localization, in particular the early detection, of thunderstorm cells,
• For detecting signal sources for prediction and localization, in particular for the early detection of thunderstorm cells,
• - for the analysis of groups of data and information for the characterization of meteorological classes,
• - For extrapolation of spatial train tracks recognized thunderstorms and / or
• - be used to obtain biometeorological information.

Short description of drawings

As already discussed above, there are various possibilities for embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 11, on the other hand, further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention hereinafter with reference to the by 1 to 8D illustrated embodiment explained in more detail.

It shows:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention, which operates according to the method according to the present invention;

2A a schematic representation of an embodiment of a measuring station of the system 1 ;

2 B in perspective view an embodiment of an antenna unit, the measuring station from 2A assigned;

3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a central station of the system 1 ;

4 in topographical representation of an embodiment of a geographical distribution of the measuring stations and the central station of the system 1 ;

5 schematically the principle of the method according to the present invention, wherein H is the emission level of V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] flash radiation;

6 in diagrammatic representation, the signals occurring within a longitude range plotted on the right axis and within a latitude range plotted on the vertical axis of atmospheric discharges evaluated by the method according to the present invention;

7A a diagrammatic representation of the determined according to the method according to the present invention, plotted on the vertical axis time delay of the signal arrival times as a function of the plotted on the right axis observation distance for different emission levels;

7B a diagrammatic representation of a first example of a determined according to the method according to the present invention discharge height distribution (= number of discharges noted on the right axis, plotted against the recorded on the vertical axis, measured in kilometers emission level);

7C a diagrammatic representation of a second example of a determined according to the method according to the present invention discharge height distribution (= number of discharges noted on the right axis, plotted against the recorded on the vertical axis, measured in kilometers emission level);

7D a diagrammatic representation of a third example of a determined according to the method according to the present invention discharge height distribution (= number of discharges noted on the right axis, plotted against the recorded on the vertical axis, measured in kilometers emission level); and

8th in a diagrammatic representation, the distribution (= number) of the vertical axis, determined by the method according to the present invention, on the right axis applied time deviations (in μs or microseconds) of the arrival signals (negative times mean time delay).

The same or similar embodiments, elements or features are in the 1 to 8th provided with identical reference numerals.

Best way to execute the invention

• – sowohl zur Charakterisierung von nichtnatürlicher Strahlung, zum Beispiel – von mittels eines Senders K eines Flugzeugs M gesendeten Signalen oder – von Mobilfunksignalen,
• – als auch zur Charakterisierung von natürlicher Strahlung, zum Beispiel von Blitzentladungen P,

eingesetzt werden kann.In 1 is a system 100 represented, that

• Both for the characterization of non-natural radiation, for example signals sent by means of a transmitter K of an aircraft M or mobile radio signals,
• - as well as for the characterization of natural radiation, for example of lightning discharges P,

can be used.

Since the principles underlying the measurement of such pulse outputs or charge discharges (charge discharges) for the electromagnetic radiation originating from pulse sources of unnatural origin and for the electromagnetic radiation originating from pulse sources of natural origin are the same or at least analogous, the system becomes 100 described below by way of example when used in the flash measurement.

That on the basis of 1 to 8th illustrated, in particular, as a sferics / flash measurement arrangement educated (= to some extent three-dimensional lightning location network 100 ) System has several, namely up to one hundred individual measuring stations 20 . 20 * (in 1 are exemplarily four such measuring stations 20 . 20 * shown) and a central device or central station 10 on.

As the representation of 1 and 2A is removable, is every measuring station 20 . 20 * an antenna or an antenna body 30 (see. 2 B ), which is designed for the measurement of low-frequency magnetic fields.

This is off 2 B it can be seen that this antenna body 30 is designed in a mechanically self-supporting form without moving and / or weather-sensitive components for outdoor installation. The primary circuit of the antenna body 30 is from the secondary circuit of the antenna body 30 galvanically isolated; The electromagnetic fields can be coupled out in a broadband and low-noise manner and can therefore be measured in real time.

The in the housing of the measuring station 20 respectively. 20 * arranged station electronics 40 initially has an amplifier 42 for low-noise amplification of the antenna body 30 coming signals S and S * on. The amplifier 42 Downstream is a filter stage 44 , That by means of the filter unit 44 filtered signal S "is then in the unit 46 subjected to a signal digitization.

By means of the low-noise amplifier 42 and the filter stage 44 a smoothing and optimization method of the signals S and S * can be performed, which represents a significant advantage due to the problems presented below.

at Signals with large Amplitude and with simple, undisturbed form is the determination a characteristic arrival time relatively easy to accomplish. Conventional systems according to the state The technique relates to their application - in contrast to the present Invention - only on such cases smooth waveforms and seek only the maximum of the respective signal.

• – klein,
• – mit eigenen, oft komplexen und unregelmäßigen Strukturen behaftet und
• – von Rauschanteilen überlagert.

The in practice at the sensors 20 respectively. 20 * however, incoming signals S and S * are mostly

• - small,
• - Afflicted with its own, often complex and irregular structures and
• - superimposed by noise.

In order to It becomes more difficult to get a clear timestamp, in particular if the signal S or S * is weak and close to the lower detection threshold lies.

Especially then leads searching for the (single) absolute signal maximum at different Sensors conventionally cause inaccuracies that are independent of using the most accurate time normals, such as the G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] method, usually clearly over one microsecond. In rare cases, the difficulty or Inaccuracy of a conventional one Maximum finding ultimately to the rejection of the entire signal.

To eliminate the aforementioned problems, the system 100 according to 1 combined with 2A the signal amplitudes, which are predominantly, but not exclusively, around a maximum, are subjected to a smoothing and optimization process with which irregularities in the signal curve can be compensated.

• – in der Art der Anwendung auf die speziellen Verhältnisse des Systems 100 adaptiert und
• – mathematisch auf kurze Rechenzeit optimiert.

The corresponding algorithms are based essentially on standard methods, however they are

• - in the way of application on special conditions of system 100 adapted and
• - Optimized mathematically for short computing time.

In order to will it be possible also weak, irregular and to mark noisy signals with sufficient time accuracy.

Furthermore, the system 100 according to 1 combined with 2A not only the largest peak of a signal S or S * subjected to the smoothing and optimization method set forth above; rather, the entire signal structure above the noise threshold is analyzed according to this smoothing and optimization method. Thus, a plurality of time or structure information can be available for each individual signal S or S * as a function of the actual total pulse shape actually present.

With regard to the station electronics 40 It should be noted that between the digitizing unit 46 and one for storing the of the station electronics 40 processed data and information D or D * provided storage unit 50 a P ersonal C [computer] 22 is switched. In the central evaluation software of the P [ersonal] C [omputer] s 22 the structures of the time information determined according to the described smoothing and optimization method are matched with one another.

In In this context, it should be remembered that conventionally for the sensor signal only one timestamp available stands, so that in the prior art, an (unwanted) inclusion from simultaneous interference signals can occur.

to Avoiding this disadvantage is the analysis properties of the central Evaluation with regard to the smoothing and optimization method designed so that the possibly existing multiple information in the form of time structures in the individual sensor signals, the is called within a signal group belonging to the same flash, due accurate time registration and marking are sufficient compatible are.

• – die Genauigkeit der Signalzeit-Markierung erhöht und
• – die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines (unerwünschten) Einbezugs eines Störsignals, zum Beispiel technischen Ursprungs mit anderen Zeitstrukturen, erheblich verringert, so dass die sich anschließende Analyse zu keiner Fehlpeilung führt.

By the system preferred use of multiple time stamps and / or multiple time structures is

• - Increases the accuracy of the signal time marker and
• - Significantly reduces the probability of (unwanted) inclusion of an interference signal, for example of technical origin with other time structures, so that the subsequent analysis does not lead to a mis-bearing.

Starting from the memory arrangement 50 Finally, you can have a basically bi-directional connection 60 a transmission of selected parameters of the signals S and S * to the central station 10 be made.

In 3 is the structure of the central station 10 shown. The Sferics online recording takes place in different amplitude and time ranges on two separate recording systems 40 . 40 ' , Both recording systems 40 . 40 ' is a highly accurate G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] time base 38 with an accuracy of about three hundred nanoseconds. All other individual components of the local network are GPS time via a central data server 70 made available.

The trained as station electronics first recording system 40 (See also 2A ) is used to collect so-called standard sferics and is not only part of the central station 10 but also of all measuring stations 20 respectively. 20 * , The recording of the field amplitudes takes place in each case for a time interval of 512 microseconds in an amplitude range of the magnetic field strength to six nanotesla.

If the specific trigger condition for a component of the signal S or S * is fulfilled, the GPS event time is frozen in a hardware register. After completion of the digitization, the magnetic field vector is calculated from the ratio of the time-dependent magnetic field profiles and its time-dependent amount, that is, the current Sferics position, on a screen or monitor 72 shown.

With an uncertainty of 180 degrees, the magnetic field vector indicates the direction of incidence of the signal S or S *. If the time course of the electric field amplitude is also available, the direction of incidence can be determined relatively accurately. This direction of incidence is combined with the trigger time and the time course of the magnetic field amount on the central data server 70 stored. In addition, a F [ast] F ourir T ransformation 74 the signal S or S * with online representation.

• – für ein Zeitintervall von 512 Mikrosekunden sowie
• – für ein Zeitintervall von 655 Millisekunden

in einem Feldstärkebereich bis sechzig Nanotesla aufzeichnet.For purposes of lightning research using measurement arrangements in the V ery] [ow] F [requency] range (so-called applied sferics research) is at the central station 10 a second recording system 40 ' installed, the amplitudes respectively

• - for a time interval of 512 microseconds as well
• - for a time interval of 655 milliseconds

in a field strength range up to sixty nanotesla records.

With this second recording system 40 ' Consequently, both the first events of a possible sequence of partial flashes over a period of 512 microseconds and the entire temporal structure of partial pulses within a flash P can be detected. The record of the strong, from the Near-range signals S and S * therefore occur simultaneously in two different time windows with different temporal resolution: In addition to the standard time window of 512 microseconds (see first recording unit 40 ), which in general records the signal S or S * generated by the first partial flash (= so-called "first return stroke") in high resolution, the time sequence of the individual strokes is recorded in a 655 millisecond time window (temporal interpolation points of sixteen kilobits ).

The sensitivity can be reduced because of the generally strong signals S and S *, so that in the second recording unit 40 ' a measurement range up to about sixty nanotesla results. The trigger time, the direction of incidence and both digitized waveforms are in turn centrally on the server 70 saved.

The second recording system 40 ' at the central station 10 therefore allows to observe events in two different time windows with different resolution. Thus, both the time sequence of the strokes within a lightning event as well as high-resolution the Sferics caused by individual strokes can be recorded.

By means of the communication unit 76 All required data and information D or D * from the external measuring stations 20 respectively. 20 * retrieved and on the central server 70 be filed. For certain standard data, this happens fully automatically at fixed times; special data records can be transferred manually.

In addition, by means of the communication unit 76 also serves external data requirements; For this a Fileil [ransfer] p [rotocol] server and a mailbox are available. All measuring stations 20 respectively. 20 * are via modem 76m and dial-up line 76w to the central station 10 tethered.

• – ein Meteosat-Empfänger 16, der stets die aktuellen Satellitenbilder anzeigt und archiviert, sowie
• – die Mailbox 18 eines Wetterdienstes, die per Wählleitung den Zugriff auf Bodenwetterkarten, auf Radarwetterkarten oder auf dergleichen ermöglicht.

In order to be able to examine the obtained Sferics data for correlations with meteorological parameters, weather information Q is required. Essentially two sources are available, namely

• - a Meteosat receiver 16 who always displays and archives the current satellite imagery, as well
• - the mailbox 18 a weather service that allows dial-up access to ground weather maps, on radar weather maps or the like.

Satellite images, the ground weather maps, the radar weather maps and the like are thus displayed online by means of a screen or monitor (= reference numerals 78 in 3 ). How finally the representation according to 3 is removable (in 3 exemplarily three) jobs 80 for data analysis to the central server 70 [= File Server, GPS Time Server (Netware Server)] connected.

• – die von den jeweiligen Messstationen 20 bzw. 20* übermittelten Daten und Informationen D bzw. D*, insbesondere auch in hohen Raten und/oder insbesondere auch ohne zeitlichen Verlust, auszuwerten und
• – abgestufte und/oder vollautomatische Warnungen vor klimatologischen und/oder meteorologischen Vorgängen, insbesondere vor Gewittern, abzugeben.

The invention essential functions of the central station 10 consist in

• - that of the respective measuring stations 20 respectively. 20 * transmitted data and information D or D *, especially in high rates and / or in particular without loss of time to evaluate, and
• - deliver graded and / or fully automatic warnings of climatological and / or meteorological processes, in particular thunderstorms.

In the flash detection system according to the invention 100 We have succeeded in making all essential components particularly efficient, emphasizing simplicity and cost minimization. The essential characteristics are briefly listed:
The sensors for the V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] radiation of flashes are two simple, crossed coils, with which the magnetic flux B (t) from the two components B _x (t) and B _y (t) of the flash field is measured (see. 2 B ).

A sufficiently faithful representation of the temporal course of the incoming impulses is given in the range of almost ten kilohertz to about four hundred kilohertz. From the ratio of the magnetic field components B _x and B _y , the direction of incidence of the lightning radiation can be determined. The VLF sensor works passively and does not require power.

to Timestamp becomes a commercial, separately mounted G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] receiver used with that the signal arrival time is accurate to about a microsecond can be determined; This accuracy is for the functionality and for the efficiency of the bearings of importance.

The sensor data runs in a commercial P [ersonal] C [computer] with specially developed Mo Dulkarte for digitization and preprocessing.

The Sampling rate for signal digitization is set to one megahertz. Incoming signals are recorded continuously and analyzed in parallel, so that no loss occurs even at extremely high rates. The maximal Processing rate is over thousand signals per second.

By continuously sampling and using a parallel processing loop, the sensor measures 20 . 20 * without dead time. This allows the sensor 20 . 20 * process much higher data rates than conventional systems of the prior art. In conventional systems, after a signal detection for a certain (processing) time can not respond to other signals, so at high signal rates data loss occurs.

• – Signale können zeitlich früher gemessen werden, wodurch eine zuverlässige Gewitter-Frühwarnung ermöglicht wird; und
• – die Form von Gewitterzellen wird wesentlich besser sichtbar, weil aufgrund der hohen Empfindlichkeit um etwa eine Größenordnung (= um etwa Faktor zehn) mehr Signale erfasst werden als in Systemen gemäß dem Stand der Technik. Damit werden die Zellenkonturen besser sichtbar, und eine neuartige meteorologische Nutzung der Daten wird ermöglicht. Insbesondere eignen sich diese Daten wegen ihrer großen Anzahl zur Einspeisung in andere meteorologische Anwendungen, wie zum Beispiel für eine Veredlung und Vorhersagenutzung mittels der M[odel]O[utput]S[tatistics]-Technik.

Because the system 100 according to the present invention can process significantly higher data rates compared to the prior art, two follow-up properties are possible:

• - Signals can be measured earlier in time, allowing a reliable lightning early warning; and
• - The shape of thunderstorm cells is much more visible, because due to the high sensitivity by about an order of magnitude (= by about a factor of ten) more signals are detected than in systems according to the prior art. This makes the cell contours more visible and allows a novel meteorological use of the data. In particular, because of their large number, these data are suitable for feeding into other meteorological applications, such as for example for refining and forecasting using the M [odel] O [utput] S tatistics technique.

To Each signal is a compact data packet and formed by telephone line transferred to a central office; due to the data transfer bandwidth only about one hundred signals per second can actually be transmitted, which, however, is also strongest Thunderstorms proves to be sufficient, so buffer functions only rarely needed become.

The entire digitized pulses B _x (t) and B _y (t) are archived at each station and retrieved at low-activity times, ie usually at night, in order to be usable for research and development purposes.

The sensors 20 . 20 * (see. 2A ) are at, for example, six locations in southern Germany (cf. 4 ) mounted at a mean distance of about 115 kilometers, run in continuous operation and send data to the control center 10 (see. 3 ).

Of the Central computer is also a common P [ersonal] C [computer], equipped with software for data organization and flash bearing and for the continuous operation is designed. Even larger networks can be due the efficiently designed operating modes and software solutions according to the invention with a suitable equipped P [ersonal] C [omputer] operate, so for the application the present invention no new and / or expensive additional measures required are.

• – die Emissionshöhe H und/oder
• – die Direktionalität C, das heißt der räumliche Richtungsverlauf

einer Blitzentladung P lokalisiert werden kann, wenn die Abweichung der Ankunftszeit des Signals S an der der Blitzentladung P nächstgelegenen Messstation 20 von der Ankunftszeit des entsprechenden Signals S* an zum Beispiel drei der gleichen Blitzentladung P nicht nächstgelegenen Messstationen 20* bestimmt werden kann (vgl. 1), sind als praktisches Beispiel gemessene Blitze im Überwachungsgebiet mit Längen von 9,5 Grad bis 13,3 Grad und mit Breiten von 47 Grad bis 49,8 Grad in 6 dargestellt.Based on the basis 5 illustrated principles of the present invention, according to which

• - the emission level H and / or
• - the directionality C, that is the spatial direction course

a lightning discharge P can be located if the deviation of the arrival time of the signal S at the nearest of the lightning discharge P measuring station 20 from the arrival time of the corresponding signal S * to, for example, three of the same lightning discharge P measuring stations not nearest 20 * can be determined (cf. 1 ), as a practical example, measured flashes in the surveillance area with lengths of 9.5 degrees to 13.3 degrees and with widths of 47 degrees to 49.8 degrees in 6 shown.

It's just over 14,000 flashes, including partial flashes that are sent to at least three sensors 20 . 20 * were recorded. Bearings with only two sensors 20 . 20 * are not included and would increase the total number of events even more; However, the inclusion of these data requires, for reasons of avoiding incorrect bearings beforehand, a correction of the bearing directions with regard to the so-called "site error", which can only take place after an overall evaluation of seasonal data.

The in the 6 to 8th presented data of the network 100 According to the present invention, they are consistent in their direction and show an apparently meteorologically meaningful structure. It rises now the question of how to split into C [loud] G [round] and I [ntra] C [loud] flashes.

The for the discrimination of CG and IC flashes available literature is contradictory and should not be deepened here. Anyway, this question can be still considered open, with still ongoing pulse shape analyzes with improved time resolution more clarity can be expected.

Accordingly, the 2D network according to the teachings of the present invention is extended, namely in the form of the use of this 2D network as a pseudo-3D network, whereby a precise detection of the signal times, in particular the signal propagation times, at the individual sensor stations 20 . 20 * is realized.

• – für eine Emissionshöhe H von fünf Kilometern (= unterste Kurve),
• – für eine Emissionshöhe H von 7,5 Kilometern (= zweitunterste Kurve),
• – für eine Emissionshöhe H von zehn Kilometern (= mittlere Kurve),
• – für eine Emissionshöhe H von 12,5 Kilometern (= zweitoberste Kurve) und
• – für eine Emissionshöhe H von fünfzehn Kilometern (= oberste Kurve).

In this way, the possibility opens up to perform three-dimensional bearings at sufficiently close to the station lightning. The diagram shows 7A while the 7B . 7C and 7D set the appropriate sensitivity for altitude measurements:
So is in 7A the expected delay of the arrival times of the signals S, S * (in microseconds: us = μsec) as a function of the (observation) distance (in kilometers) for different emission levels H, namely

• - for an emission height H of five kilometers (= lowest curve),
• - for an emission height H of 7.5 kilometers (= second lowest curve),
• For an emission height H of ten kilometers (= mean curve),
• - for an emission height H of 12.5 kilometers (= second highest curve) and
• - for an emission height H of fifteen kilometers (= top curve).

7B shows the distribution (= number plotted on the right-hand axis) of the high-axis, measured in kilometers emission levels H of 951 flashes, which are targeted within a radius of up to about sixty kilometers around three measuring stations. It shows an emission maximum at a height H of just under ten kilometers.

in this connection At least three other measuring stations have detected the flashes. Altogether 6,929 lightnings were sent to four or more during the same period more measuring stations targeted; In addition, there are about 7,800 bearings with three Measuring stations only under additional Use of bearing directions to allow 3D bearing.

• – in einer Höhe H zwischen sechs und sieben Kilometern (vgl. 7C) bzw.
• – in einer Höhe H von etwa zehn Kilometern (vgl. 7D).

In the 7C and 7D is in each case a corresponding lightning height distribution, that is to say a distribution of the emission height H of three-dimensionally-targeted lightnings during a thunderstorm at other times than in 7B shown. This results in an emission maximum

• - at a height H between six and seven kilometers (cf. 7C ) respectively.
• - At an altitude H of about ten kilometers (cf. 7D ).

The The data shown does not contain ground flashes.

According to the present The invention is at an assumed time resolution of the flash arrival times of about a microsecond a height bearing at least in the distance range of up to about a hundred kilometers possible.

The results of the evaluations based on this are in the 7A to 7D exemplified. It turns out that the focus of the V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] emission of discharges is in many cases not close to the ground, but at a higher altitude within the storm clouds.

The Method according to the present The invention as well as its results should now be examined more closely the relevance and the reliability to be able to judge better. If the process is illustrated by a concrete example, that for the height estimates presented here is typical, so may be an unusual strong lightning, the one 251 milliseconds later only weaker one Discharge at the same place follows.

Table 1 lists the essential data of the DF method for this event, namely the peak data of the main flash with the subsequent flash after 251 milliseconds:

The specified deviations apply relative to the former bearing; the inner quality of the obtained with data from six stations Peilergebnisses according to the present Invention improves during the transition from the two-dimensional bearing to the three-dimensional bearing quite considerably.

If the lightning location without consideration of emission levels takes place, the result is a quality of acceptable location, however, the bearing error is higher, than would be expected on average.

A Inspection of the flash times recorded at all six stations of the network proves that the arrival time at the station concerned is opposite the expected from the total network time and contrary to the corresponding Time errors of the other five Stations atypical delayed by just under seven microseconds.

Becomes Now according to the invention, the 3D effect switched on and a new bearing with the flash height as additional, executed parameters to be optimized, resulting in a significant more coherent overall result. The newly introduced and optimized emission level gives to 15.7 kilometers with a statistical error of 3.5 kilometers. Will the completely independent Following flash analyzed as well, you get a nearly identical Flash location with an emission level from 16.4 +/- 3.5 Kilometers.

The described procedure is applied to all data considered applied and delivers comparable results. To the 3D bearing preferably reliable it is possible to design only such cases in which discharges to at least four sensor stations be measured.

It is according to the invention but also possible by means of weaker, at only three stations detected signals with the addition of the directions of incidence in the optimization procedure a 3D bearing with sufficient accuracy perform.

Table 2 shows the number of flashes (= detected signals) in the vicinity of a measuring station, for example around the central station 10, and compares these with the total number in the network according to the present invention (R denotes the radius of circumference, Ns the number of two-dimensional bearings each used stations, under "H>0" are those with at least four stations 20 respectively. 20 * three-dimensionally-targeted signals S and S * with high emission levels H are listed; Consider an exemplary surveillance area with longitudes between 9.5 degrees and 13.3 degrees and latitudes between 47 degrees and 49.8 degrees):

One Findings leaves to the extent that they differ from those in the network according to the present invention Invention registered signals only a significant proportion higher Allocate emission locations.

According to the invention can with the present system 100 as well as with this system 100 Underlying method also a delineation or separation of cloud flashes (= discharges P within a cloud W and / or between at least two clouds W) against earthflashes (= discharges P zwi cloud W and earth E) are made.

So is in 8th the symmetrical curve around the zero time point (= no temporal deviation) can be identified as a bottom flash or earth flash curve, that is, in 8th Symmetrical curve shows the 4,450 non-height detectable ground flashes (C [loud] G [round] * 0,26).

• – für den Distanzbereich bis zwanzig Kilometer (= Wolkeblitzkurve mit dem niedrigsten Peak in 8),
• – für den Distanzbereich zwischen zwanzig und vierzig Kilometern (= Wolkeblitzkurve mit dem drittniedrigsten Peak in 8),
• – für den Distanzbereich zwischen vierzig und sechzig Kilometern (= Wolkeblitzkurve mit dem viertniedrigsten Peak in 8) und
• – für den Distanzbereich über sechzig Kilometer (= Wolkeblitzkurve mit dem zweitniedrigsten Peak in 8).

In the 8th The other four curves shown are from the cloud flashes, the negative times signifying a time delay; these are plotted for four different distances between flash and sensor station, namely

• - for the distance range up to twenty kilometers (= cloud flash curve with the lowest peak in 8th )
• - for the distance range between twenty and forty kilometers (= cloud flash curve with the third lowest peak in 8th )
• - for the distance range between forty and sixty kilometers (= cloud flash curve with the fourth lowest peak in 8th ) and
• - for the distance range over sixty kilometers (= cloud flash curve with the second lowest peak in 8th ).

Overall is in 8th a distribution of 2,247 determined time deviations of the next closest station at a total of 6,697 lightning strikes.

All in all, the present invention relates to a system and to a method for lightning detection, which not only has an increased efficiency, but also offers the inventive possibility to perform a three-dimensional differentiation of discharges within a cloud and cloud-bottom discharges:
For the past twenty years, flash-localization systems have been developed for commercial use primarily in the US, but also in France and Japan; this development culminated in the construction of the North American Lightning Detection Network (N [orth] A [merican] L [ightning] D [etection] N [etwork]) in 1989. Since then, various upgrades have been carried out, and the technique has been expanded into many Countries introduced.

• – werden Effizienzen im Hinblick auf Blitz-Nachweise berichtet, die etwa neunzig Prozent betragen,
• – sind die erreichten Lokalisierungsgenauigkeiten besser als ein Kilometer und
• – wird die IC-CG-Unterscheidung durch Wellenform-Kriterien als nahezu perfekt bezeichnet.

According to the commonly used, discussed at the beginning of the prior art

• Efficiencies are reported with regard to lightning evidence, which is about ninety percent,
• - the localization accuracies achieved are better than a kilometer and
• The IC-CG distinction is called nearly perfect by waveform criteria.

Ground lightning densities are calculated from operating results and are intended to provide important data for lightning protection technologies represent.

For more modern Networks have conventionally been the possibility of precise flash localization mainly checked by means of measurements, the Flashes in radio towers yet the detection efficiency and method remain a very dubious matter to distinguish between IC discharge versus CG discharge; so were initially Networks developed only on the ground potentially damaging CG discharges should display while IC discharges through not published in detail Methods suppressed were.

Though reportedly the rise time and the peak zero crossing time the detected VLF pulses are used; were repeated relevant distinctions in the past, however, changes subjected. In recent years, it was finally realized that IC discharges are at least metereologically relevant, and thus show modern Networks also the detected IC flash events.

Accordingly, according to the invention, a three-dimensional option opens up for the determination of emission levels as well as for an online differentiation of C [loud] G [round] and G [round] C [loud] discharges in demarcation or in comparison to I [ntra ] C [loud] - or C [loud] C [loud] discharges:
The new, continuously operable and, for example, in South-East Germany, an area of approximately 300 kilometers over 400 kilometers covering the flash detection network according to the present invention makes it possible to analyze the recorded lightning activity, in particular with respect to the occurrence of severe thunderstorms and a comparison with To draw data from established lightning localization networks.

• – Verglichen mit konventionellen Netzwerken gemäß dem Stand der Technik zeigt das Netzwerk gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung bis zu einer Größenordnung mehr Entladungen an; die meisten zusätzlichen Signale weisen eine niedrigere Amplitude auf.
• – Für die Unterscheidung von Entladungen innerhalb einer Wolke (I[ntra]C[loud]) gegenüber Wolke-Boden-Entladungen (C[loud]G[round]) wird eine neue dreidimensionale Technik angewendet; dies bedeutet unter anderem, dass die konventionelle, mittels Wellenform-Kriterien bewerkstelligte Unterscheidung von IC- und CG-Entladungen in Kenntnis der vorliegenden Erfindung zu modifizieren ist, nicht zuletzt weil die meisten lokalisierten Ereignisse Bodenblitze waren.
• – Verglichen mit dem Stand der Technik sind auch die Bodenblitzdichten einer Revision in Richtung höherer Anzahlen zu unterziehen.

The most notable results can be summarized as follows:

• Compared with conventional networks according to the prior art, the network according to the present invention displays up to an order of magnitude more discharges; most additional signals have a lower amplitude.
• - For the differentiation of discharges within a cloud (I [ntra] C [loud]) against cloud-to-ground discharges (C [loud] G [round]), a new three-dimensional technique is applied; this implies, inter alia, that the conventional waveform-based discrimination of IC and CG discharges must be modified with knowledge of the present invention, not least because most localized events were bottom flashes.
• Compared with the prior art, the bottom flash densities are also subject to a revision in the direction of higher numbers.

The Network according to the present For example, the invention includes six sensor stations and is so construed that there is so much arising from thunderstorms V [ery] L [ow] F [requency] activity as possible measures; Highly efficient and modern data processing is in the present Invention implemented to the metereologically relevant output to maximize and possible Chances for to identify better data and information related to early warning purposes.

When Result can By means of the present invention, lightning discharges in much larger quantities be collected as expected. A comparison with the data of conventional Networks shows a surplus of Factor three to ten, allowing a much better detection of thunderstorm cells and thunderstorm contours possible becomes. These results lead to the question, from where the additional Get hits, and give to a more detailed investigation the procedure for IC-CG distinctions cause.

There the method of analysis of waveform criteria known from the prior art is highly complex, according to the invention is the more immediate method the 3D localization applied, which neither has any assumptions still needs to be adjusted any parameters.

In a manner which is surprising to a person skilled in the art, this technique according to the invention, which has hitherto been used in no other network, proves to be very successful and permits the identification of IC flashes in approximately 85 percent of all cases. The principle of this method is shown below:
If a sensor sufficiently close to a discharge senses an IC event (as opposed to horizontal propagation in the event of a CG thunderbolt), that sensor receives the VLF signal with a time delay dT = T _P -T _H (see FIG. 5 ). An emissions level of ten kilometers, for example, causes a delay of about three microseconds at a sensor distance of fifty kilometers.

There the accuracy of GPS-based measurements of arrival times usually in of the order of magnitude is one microsecond or better, is a 3D distinction IC flashes possible, as long as the average distance of the network sensors from the discharge event not too big.

The Applicability of the 3D method to a given network can by examining the distribution of the time delay P (dT) which is obtained from the respective sensor that localized to Flash next is located. In this context, localization includes that the discharge at a sufficient number of sensor stations must be demonstrated.

In the absence of IC discharges, P (dT) is a highly symmetric distribution, while the existence of detectable IC discharges causes a shift in P (dT) distribution to negative times (corresponding to a time delay) (cf. 8th ).

in view of the latter circumstances, the emission level H as additional Parameters are introduced in the localization algorithm. The experimental distributions p (dT) according to the present invention are actually asymmetric and give typical results. The derived emission levels of a few kilometers appear reasonable, can not by CG discharges result and therefore probably represent IC discharges.

In a refinement essential to the invention, network simulations are used to make the results more resilient in accordance with the present invention:
Thus, calculated arrival times are statistically deformed until the accuracy of the entire localization for the network matches actual results, and thus lies between half a kilometer in the center and one kilometer near the network boundary.

If no IC discharges are accepted, the artificial ones result Time shifts in about fifteen Percent of "false" IC identifications, while assuming one hundred percent IC discharges with the assumed height distribution 85 percent are recorded.

A Examination of the actual Data Example cases according to the present Invention makes it clear that less than thirty percent of Events IC discharges can be assigned. As a consequence, it must be stated be that the biggest part the additional recorded events are CG discharges.

• – Eine neue Technik für IC-CG-Unterscheidungen, die im Prinzip jedes moderne Lokalisierungsnetzwerk bewerkstelligen kann und die neuen Input in Bezug auf die Wolkenphysikforschung gibt, wird zur Verfügung gestellt.
• – Die Ergebnisse gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung können genutzt werden, um die vorstehend erwähnten, an sich bekannten Wellenform-Kriterien zu überprüfen und zu verbessern; es steht zu erwarten, dass eine Kombination der beiden Verfahren eine sehr zuverlässige IC-CG-Unterscheidung ergibt.
• – Das Auftreten einer großen Anzahl zusätzlicher Ereignisse erfordert eine Aktualisierung der Nachweiseffizienzen von Netzwerken.
• – Der erfindungsgemäß erhaltbare Anstieg von CG-Entladungen erfordert eine Aktualisierung der Karten von Bodenblitzdichten.

Various implications of the results according to the present invention require further attention:

• - A new technique for IC-CG distinctions, which in principle can accomplish any modern localization network and gives new input in terms of cloud physics research, is provided.
• The results according to the present invention can be used to check and improve the above-mentioned waveform criteria known per se; It is expected that a combination of the two methods will yield a very reliable IC-CG distinction.
• - The occurrence of a large number of additional events requires updating the detection efficiencies of networks.
• The increase of CG discharges obtainable according to the invention requires an update of the maps of bottom flash densities.

With The results of the present invention may be the waveform criteria on a much larger data base checked beforehand; Also according to the invention is an optimization the detection efficiency, a comparison with VHF data of other highly specialized 3D research systems and an investigation of processes related guaranteed on IC discharges.

Finally allowed the application of the signal analysis according to the invention the use of weak and irregularly shaped lightning impulses and allows in all such cases a sufficiently accurate time recording. This has proven to be one Significant improvement in the detection efficiency of the lightning network as well as next to a reliable one two-dimensional spatial bearing also to a clear height bearing of lightning emissions in the VLF range.

In addition to this two-dimensional spatial bearing and / or to this three-dimensional height bearing or directionality bearing according to the present invention, at least one of the measuring stations 20 respectively. 20 * Adjusted and / or calibrated, whereby an improved time tracking is achieved.

• a) die zweidimensionale Blitzortung wird ohne Einbezug der zu eichenden Station 20 bzw. 20* ausgeführt;
• b) es wird die Laufzeit vom Blitzort zur betrachteten Station 20 bzw. 20* ermittelt;
• c) die so ermittelte Signal-Ankunftszeit wird mit der tatsächlich gemessenen Ankunftszeit verglichen;
• d) es wird eine Statistik über die unter Schritt c) ermittelten Zeitdifferenzen erstellt;
• e) bei korrekter Eichung sollte die Differenz den Mittelwert Null aufweisen und um Null schwanken;
• f) es stellt sich im Allgemeinen heraus, dass besagte Differenz einen Trend entweder zu positiven Werten oder zu negativen Werten aufweist; diese Differenz ist der Zeit-Korrekturterm;
• g) es ist jedoch darauf zu achten und durch geeignete Maßnahmen zu berücksichtigen, dass eine Signalverzögerung nicht durch Wolke-Wolke-Blitze verursacht wird (vgl. unten) bzw. als solche erkannt wird;
• h) bei folgenden Ortungen ist die gemittelte Differenz aus Schritt f) als Zeit-Korrektur anzubringen;
• i) die besagte Korrektur kann ebenfalls in Abhängigkeit von der Richtung zum Blitzort als Korrekturfunktion ermittelt werden, um gegebenenfalls nicht-isotrope Umgebungseffekte einzubeziehen.

Such a calibration (correction) method advantageously has the following steps:

• a) the two-dimensional lightning location is without involving the station to be calibrated 20 respectively. 20 * performed;
• b) it will be the duration of the flash to the station under consideration 20 respectively. 20 * determined;
• c) the thus determined signal arrival time is compared with the actually measured arrival time;
• d) a statistic is generated on the time differences determined in step c);
• e) if correctly calibrated, the difference should be zero and fluctuate around zero;
• f) it generally turns out that said difference has a trend towards either positive values or negative values; this difference is the time correction term;
• (g) however, care should be taken and appropriate measures taken to ensure that signal delay is not caused by cloud-cloud flashes (see below) or recognized as such;
• h) in the case of subsequent location, the averaged difference from step f) is to be applied as the time correction;
• i) said correction can also be determined as a function of the direction of the flash location as a correction function, to include possibly non-isotropic environmental effects.

• – wird die zweidimensionale Ortspeilung verbessert und/oder
• – wird bei Einbezug blitznaher Sensorstation(en) die dreidimensionale Höhenpeilung hinsichtlich der Wolke-Erde-Blitz-Diskriminierung sicherer, weil noch kleinere Zeitverzögerungen als signifikant zu werten sind; die Höhenpeilung wird quantitativ verbessert, weil die ermittelten Höhen aufgrund genauerer Zeitdifferenzen ebenfalls automatisch genauer werden.

As a result of the calibration correction or (post-) adjustment

• The two-dimensional spatial bearing is improved and / or
• - When incorporating lightning-fast sensor station (s), the three-dimensional height bearing becomes safer with regard to cloud-earth-lightning discrimination, because even smaller time delays are considered to be significant; the height bearing is improved quantitatively, because the determined heights also automatically become more accurate due to more precise time differences.

100

system

10

Central station or headquarters

16 18

Interface of the central station 10 , especially

16

Meteosat receiver

18

mailbox a weather service

20

one Spatial source spatially nearest Measuring station or sensor (station)

20 *

one Spatial source spatially not nearest Measuring station or sensor (station)

22

Data processing system, in particular P [ersonal] C [omputer]

30

Antenna, in particular broadband antenna body

38

Time measuring device, in particular G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] clock

40

Station electronics of the central station 10 as well as the measuring station 20 . 20 * .

in particular first Sferics online recording system of the central station 10

40 '

second station electronics of the central station 10 , especially second

Sferics online recording system of the central station 10

42

Amplifier unit of the station electronics 40

42 '

Amplifier unit of the central station 10

44

Filter unit of the station electronics 40

44 '

Filter unit of the central station 10

46

A [nalog] / D [igital] converter unit of the station electronics 40

50

Storage unit of the measuring station 20 . 20 *

60

Connection between central station 10 and measuring station 20 . 20 *

70

Server unit of the central station 10 , especially central data server

and or time server

72

the server unit 70 associated display unit, for example screen

or Monitor, in particular for displaying the current Sferics situation

74

F [individual Fourier] T [ransformation] the signal S, S * with online representation

76

Communication center of the central station 10

76m

Modem of the communication center 76

76w

Dial-up line of the communication center 76

78

Online display from satellite imagery, from ground weather maps, from

Radar weather maps and the like by means of at least one display unit,

especially using at least one screen or monitor

80

Workplace for analysis of data and information D, D *

A

amplitude the signal S, S *

C

Directionality, in particular spatial Direction course, the impulse delivery or

pulse transmission

d

Distance of the measuring stations 20 . 20 * to each other

dT

Propagation delay, where dT = T _P -T _H

D

from that of a momentum source spatially the nearest Measuring station or

Sensor (station) 20 upcoming data and information

D *

from that of a momentum source spatially not nearest Measuring station or

Sensor (station) 20 * upcoming data and information

e

Earth, especially soil

H

Height of the pulse source, especially emission level or send height

K

transmitter

M

plane

P

atmospheric discharge, especially lightning

Q

Further climatological and / or meteorological data and information source

R

Removal of the pulse source from the measuring station 20 . 20 *

S

of the Spatial source spatially the nearest Measuring station or sensor (station)

20 associated signal

S *

of the Spatial source spatially not nearest Measuring station or

Sensor (station) 20 * associated signal

S '

by means of the amplifier unit 42 amplified signal

S ''

by means of the filter unit 44 filtered signal

T _H

around Effect of height H cleaned pulse output time or pulse transmission time,

especially to effect the height H cleaned discharge time

T _P

Pulse delivery time or pulse emission time, in particular discharge time

W

cloud

Claims (18)

System ( 100 ) for detecting, transmitting and evaluating data and information (D or D *) resulting from, in particular, low-frequency, electromagnetic radiation, comprising - several spatially separated measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) - each with at least one particular broadband antenna body ( 30 ) for detecting signals that can be assigned to the electromagnetic radiation (S or S *), and - each having at least one time measuring device ( 38 ), in particular at least one G [lobal] P [ositioning] S [ystem] clock, for determining the respective time profile, in particular the respective arrival time, of the detected signals (S or S *), characterized in that - Radiation from at least one pulse source of natural and / or unnatural origin, in particular from at least one atmospheric discharge (P) or from at least one transmitter (K), and - that - the height (H) of the pulse source, in particular the emission level or the Transmission height, and / or - the directionality (C), in particular the spatial directional course, the pulse source or impulse emission caused by the pulse source - can be localized by the deviation of the arrival time of the signal (S) at the nearest measuring station of the pulse source ( 20 ) from the arrival time of the signal (S *) at at least one, preferably at least two, measuring stations not next to the same pulse source ( 20 * ) is determinable. System according to claim 1, characterized in that, in particular in the case of linear pulse sources, the directionality (C) of the pulse delivery or pulse emission is identifiable as substantially vertical, if the amplitude (A) of the signal (S or S *) is reciprocally proportional to the distance (R) the pulse source from the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ), and - is substantially horizontally identifiable when the amplitude (A) of the signal (S or S *) differs from the reciprocal proportionality, this deviation taking into account - the elevation angle and - the angle between the momentum output or the momentum axis , in particular discharge axis, and direction to the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) is correctable. System according to claim 2, characterized - that several, from momentum sources of a spatially and / or temporally limited Range originating signals (S or S *) can be summarized into groups are and - that the deviation of the amplitude (A) of a single signal (S or S *) for the particular mean deviation of the amplitude (A) of can be set in relation to the group assigned to the signal (S or S *) is, in particular one by variable soil conductivity conditional damping effect to eliminate. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when pulse delivery or pulse emission from heights (H) in the kilometer range by means of comparing the nearest to at least one of the pulse source measuring station ( 20 ) and at at least two of the same pulse source not nearest measuring stations ( 20 * ) measured distributions of time deviations (dT) at least two Impulsabgabe- or pulse transmission times, in particular at least two discharge times (T _P ), can be detected. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the height (H) of the pulse source and / or the directionality (C) of the pulse delivery or pulse emission by means of the pulse source closest measuring station ( 20 ) and by means of a single, not the pulse source nearest measuring station ( 20 * ) is determinable if the direction of incidence of the pulse delivery or pulse emission can be determined. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) at least one separately from the antenna body ( 30 ) arranged station electronics ( 40 ) for processing by means of the respective antenna body ( 30 ) detected signals (S or S *) to the data and information (D or D *), wherein the station electronics ( 40 ) - at least one amplifier unit ( 42 ) for low-noise amplification by means of the respective antenna body ( 30 ) detected signals (S or S *); At least one filter unit ( 44 ) for filtering by means of the amplifier unit ( 42 ) amplified signals (S '), in particular with regard to, for example, from radio stations originating technical interference signals; At least one A nog / D [igital] conversion unit ( 46 ) for converting by means of the filter unit ( 44 ) filtered signals (S '') to the digital data and information (D or D *); and at least one self-regulating threshold for optimizing the sensitivity of the station electronics ( 40 ) having. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the signal (S or S *) - provided with at least one particular multiple time mark and / or at least one time frame and / or at least one time stamp and, in particular by means of Amplifier unit ( 42 ) and / or by means of the filter unit ( 44 ), smoothed and optimized and - is analyzed with respect to its signal structure, in particular with respect to its above the self-regulating threshold signal structure, after this smoothing and optimization, so that the signal (S or S *), in particular depending on its pulse shape, a More or variety of time and / or structure information is provided. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that - the antenna body ( 30 ) is designed in a mechanically self-supporting form without moving and / or weather-sensitive components for setting up outdoors, - that the primary circuit of the antenna body ( 30 ) from the secondary circuit of the antenna body ( 30 ) is galvanically isolated and - that the electromagnetic fields broadband and low noise can be coupled out and thus timely measurable. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) - are arranged at a distance (d) of about one hundred kilometers to each other and - each in bidirectional, in particular wired and / or wireless connection ( 60 ) with a central station ( 10 ), to which at least one part, in particular at least one selected parameter, of the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ), processed and stored data and information (D or D *) is transferable. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by at least one in particular a central station ( 10 ) associated interface ( 16 . 18 ) for integrating at least one further climatological and / or meteorological data and information source (Q) for characterizing the total weather situation, which can be assessed in particular by means of M [odel] O [utput] S [tatistics]. Method for detecting, transmitting and evaluating data and information (D or D *) arising in particular from low-frequency electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprises at least one pulse source of natural and / or unnatural origin, in particular of at least one atmospheric discharge (P ) or of at least one transmitter (K), originates in which method [i] the electromagnetic radiation assignable signals (S or S *) by means of a plurality of spatially separate measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ), in particular by means of at least one example broadband, the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) associated antenna body ( 30 ), [ii] the respective time course, in particular the respective arrival time, the detected signals (S or S *) by means of at least one of the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) associated time measuring device ( 38 ), in particular by means of at least one GPS clock, and [iii] the height (H) of the pulse source, in particular the emission level or the transmission altitude, and / or the directionality (C), in particular the spatial direction course, by the pulse source localized pulse output is determined by measuring the deviation of the arrival time of the signal (S) at the measuring station nearest to the pulse source ( 20 ) from the arrival time of the signal (S *) at at least one, preferably at least two, measuring stations not next to the same pulse source ( 20 * ) is determined. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the directionality (C) of the pulse output is identified as being substantially vertical when the amplitude (A) of the signal (S or S *) is inversely proportional to the distance (R) of the signal Pulse source from the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ), and is identified as substantially horizontal if the amplitude (A) of the signal (S or S *) deviates from the reciprocal proportionality, this deviation taking into account the elevation angle and the angle between the momentum output axis and the momentum axis , in particular discharge axis, and direction to the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) can be corrected. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that pulse outputs or pulse transmissions, in particular discharges (P), within a cloud (W) and / or between at least two clouds (W) of pulse outputs or pulse transmissions, in particular discharges (P), between cloud (W) and earth (E) distinguished can be. Method according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that by means of at least one station electronics ( 40 ) - the electromagnetic radiation which typically occurs in individual wave trains is analyzed with reference to their spectral properties by means of F [our] T ransformation], - the respective temporal course of the signals (S or S *) in the case of variable pulse shapes is complete is detected, - even at high signal rates, all signals (S or S *) are detected without dead time and / or - determined in particular based on at least one algorithm signal-specific parameters for classifying and assigning the signals (S or S *) to certain atmospheric processes become. Method according to at least one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that - at the measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) signals (S or S *) are provided with at least one exact time marking, in particular signals (S or S *) of the same pulse source are uniformly time-marked, and - that the deviation of the arrival time of the signal (S) is closest to that of the pulse source Measuring station ( 20 ) from the arrival time of the signal (S *) at the measuring stations not nearest to the same pulse source ( 20 * ) is determined by means of the time mark. Method according to at least one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that instead of or in addition to locating the height (H) of the pulse source and / or the directionality (C) of the pulse delivery (= method step [iii] in claim 11) at least one of Measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) is adjusted and / or calibrated. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that [iii.a] the position, in particular the location and / or the height, of the pulse source is located by excluding the measuring station to be adjusted and / or calibrated ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) from the determined respective time profile, in particular the determined respective arrival time, the respective transit time difference of pulses of the same pulse source to the respective measuring station ( 20 respectively. 20 * ), [iv] the respective time course, in particular the respective arrival time, of the measuring station originating from the localized pulse source and to be calibrated and / or calibrated ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) is calculated, [v] the difference between the calculated respective time profile, in particular the calculated respective arrival time, and the determined respective time profile, in particular of the determined respective arrival time, originating from the localized pulse source and at the measuring station to be adjusted and / or calibrated ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) is detected and processed in a statistically meaningful manner and [vi] if necessary, [vi.a] at least one time correction term, in particular for later localizations and / or locations, is determined on the basis of the determined difference vi.b] the measuring station to be calibrated and / or calibrated ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) is adjusted and / or calibrated by means of this determined time correction term. Use of at least one system ( 100 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a method according to at least one of claims 11 to 17 - for localization - the height (H) of the pulse source, in particular the emission level or the send height, and / or - the directionality (C), in particular the spatial direction, the pulse output or impulse emission caused by the pulse source and / or - for calibrating and / or adjusting at least one of the measuring stations ( 20 respectively. 20 * ) and / or - for delimiting pulse outputs or pulse transmissions, in particular discharges (P), within a cloud (W) and / or between at least two clouds (W) with respect to pulse outputs or pulse transmissions, in particular discharges (P), between cloud (W) and earth (E) and / or - for the creation of flash density maps and / or - for accurate time and / or structure detection of the pulses, even using weak and / or irregularly shaped lightning impulses.