JP2020521150A - Earthquake event response warning and equipment control system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A system adapted to provide an alarm signal to an individual or agency and/or to provide a control signal to an equipment control unit to automatically stop the flow of gas, water, electricity, oil, etc., which signal is Sent in response to the detection of an earthquake event, which detection occurs through ground-based surveillance systems and/or satellite-based surveillance systems. Alerts and/or control signals may be sent via various transmission systems such as radio frequency transmitters, internet service providers, mobile phone wireless operators, satellite mobile operators and/or security surveillance service companies or similar communication channels to smartphones, It is supplied to individuals and/or facilities through signal receivers such as landlines, tablets, PCs, voice-controlled web communication devices and/or to signal receivers of equipment control units.

Description

The present application relates generally to the field of systems, devices and methods for providing alerts in response to seismic events, and/or systems and devices for controlling equipment such as water or gas pipelines in response to seismic events.

Seismic events, or earthquakes, can cause little or no damage to human life or infrastructure (buildings, roads, equipment, etc.) or can result in large and widespread damage and loss of life. As described above, the intensity and damage change depending on the magnitude of the earthquake event, the distance from the event, the type of terrain, and the like. Damage can result from direct shock and sway effects such as building collapse or secondary disasters such as gas explosions, fires and floods. Prompt and widespread alerts about the occurrence of seismic events can reduce loss of life and secondary damage to infrastructure. The most commonly known seismic event monitoring systems rely on physical sensor devices that respond to sway or shock waves caused by the seismic event taking place. Such devices include simple ones such as pedestal switches, mercury switches, tilt switches that are actuated by physical vibration, and integrated circuits such as electronic microchips, microprocessors that are also actuated by physical vibration. It can be a more complex device.

One way to mitigate secondary damage to structures is to shut off the flow of gas, water, and/or electricity when an earthquake event occurs. Manual control of equipment by homeowners and business owners is a possible way to deal with this, but personal safety is the most important motivating factor in any action, and damage from an alert alarm to an earthquake event Given that the time until can be only a few seconds, it is unlikely that such an action would take place at the time of the seismic event. With this in mind, California, the state most prone to seismic events, has published regulations requiring households and businesses to have automatic shut-off valves for gas pipelines that respond to seismic events. Similar devices are likewise known which automatically cut off the supply of water and electricity. These devices are usually sensitive to vibrations, as they respond to physical effects, i.e. shaking and shock waves. It has been found difficult to design a device that can distinguish between a true seismic event and false positives caused by sonic booms, truck traffic, building construction, etc. This is to avoid false positives. It means that the threshold sensitivity of must be artificially set high.

Strong ground shakes from earthquakes travel about 2 miles per second, so you can detect large earthquakes near the epicenter and send an impending strong shake alert to more distant areas before the shake arrives. .. A system known as an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system is known. Such EEW systems are in operation in several countries around the world, including Mexico, Japan, Turkey, Romania, China, Italy, and Taiwan. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) operates such an earthquake monitoring and alerting system that initiates the transmission of wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) in the event of an earthquake event.

Since 2006, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has established the California Geological Survey (CGS), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), California Department of Emergency Situation (CalOES), Moore Foundation, University of California, Berkeley, Washington University, Oregon. With the cooperation of several collaborating organizations such as universities, we are developing EEW and WEA systems for the United States. The goal is to provide an effective EEW system for the most risky areas of the United States, including the states of California, Washington, and the west coast of Oregon.

These current systems are only capable of detecting the occurrence of an earthquake event and providing a warning alert and/or controlling the flow at the facility at the same time as or immediately after the occurrence of the earthquake event. Recently, a reliable system for monitoring and predicting seismic events has been developed, which uses early non-physical earthquake signs detected by satellites to provide early warning of seismic events. be able to. The rapid movement of the earth's crust produces electromagnetic radiation that destroys or modifies electromagnetic fields, ionospheric plasmas, and energetic particles. These effects, which are sometimes referred to as lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere (LAI) coupling effects, can be detected before the movement of the crust causes actual ground shaking or impact. Systems based on such satellites have been shown to detect dangerous seismic events several hours before they actually occur on the surface. By detecting these electromagnetic indicia, satellite-based systems can initiate the provision of caution alerts and/or facility flow control signals much faster than known terrestrial systems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide ground-based physical detection of seismic events and prediction by satellite-based detection of electromagnetically generated indicia that occur prior to physical action detectable by physical sensors on the ground. An earthquake alarm and equipment control system and method that responds to both. A further object is to provide such a system and method that utilizes a combination of a ground-based seismic event monitoring system and a satellite-based seismic event monitoring system. A further object is to optimize such provision of attention alerts and/or equipment control signals, both in terms of controlled transmission delivery to the affected area and provision of multiple redundant alert provision systems. And to provide a method. A further object is to provide such a system and method that incorporates different and/or redundant trigger and sensing systems for alarm delivery and equipment control activation. A further object is to provide such a system and method that optimizes the ability of equipment operators and equipment users to bring equipment back into service after an earthquake event. A further object is to provide such a system and method that can transmit data indicating status or conditions after an earthquake event to facility operators, facility operators, and other users. A further object is to provide such a system with a dedicated software interface for smartphones, tablets, or personal computers that provides activation control and information to the user.

In a broad embodiment, the present invention provides a system for providing an alarm signal to an individual or institution and/or providing a control signal to an equipment control unit to automatically stop the flow of gas, water, electricity, oil, etc. The signal is sent in response to the detection of an earthquake event, which detection occurs through a combination of a ground-based surveillance system and a satellite-based surveillance system, which may, for example, be swayed by a vibration sensor. Satellites using physical response sensors that detect or shock waves and other sensors that detect geological, surface and near surface effects caused by seismic events occurring at or near the surface. A monitoring system utilizing the sensor detects a LAI action caused by an earthquake event, for example, an LAI action caused by an earthquake event such as an electromagnetic field detectable in the upper atmosphere, ionospheric plasma, and destruction or change due to electromagnetic radiation of energetic particles. Is used, for example. Warning and/or control signals may be sent through various transmission systems or similar communication channels such as television or radio frequency transmitters, internet service providers, cell phone wireless carriers, satellite cell phone companies and/or security surveillance service companies. Through a signal receiver such as a smartphone, a landline phone, a tablet, a PC, a voice control web communication device, etc., incorporated in or directly with an equipment control unit for operating an individual and/or facility and/or an equipment control mechanism. It is supplied to a signal receiver that communicates. The equipment control unit and/or equipment control mechanism can also be activated directly by manual control or by a dedicated physically responsive sensor. The electromagnetic effects of seismic events are detected by satellites shortly before the physical system detects signs of physical seismic events by terrestrial systems, and such effects in the upper atmosphere can lead to damage to infrastructure and risk of human life. It can be considered to be a detection that predicts imminent surface sway, shock waves, etc. that could be connected. Mass supply of alarm and/or control signals is preferably limited to areas of high risk and may be based, for example, on postal codes or addresses, GPS defined areas, groupings of mobile phone base stations, etc. .. Various embodiments can be considered for the equipment control unit and the equipment control mechanism such as the flow control valve. In a preferred embodiment, the equipment control unit or equipment comprises a detection system for detecting post-earthquake problems or hazardous conditions, such as gas leaks, which detection system is suitable for post-earthquake problems. Until it is dealt with, it is made impossible to restart the equipment control mechanism.

In other words, the present invention is a seismic event response alert and facility control system in various embodiments, a ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system adapted to detect physical seismic effects caused by seismic events. And an atmospheric seismic event monitoring system using a satellite adapted to detect seismic effects in the atmosphere caused by an earthquake event, the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system and the atmospheric seismic event monitoring using the satellite Read the information received from either or both systems to determine the potential ground damage caused by the seismic event, determine areas likely to be adversely affected by the seismic event, and identify emergency alert protocols. A data analysis and processing system for starting, whereby alarm and equipment control signals are provided to one or more transmission systems, and one or more adapted to send said alarm and equipment control signals to a signal receiver A transmission system, a signal receiver including an equipment control unit adapted to control the equipment control mechanism, for receiving the alarm and equipment control signals, and an equipment control mechanism adapted to stop the flow in the equipment. A flow at the facility by the facility control mechanism upon detection of seismic effects caused by a seismic event by at least one of the ground-based physical seismic event surveillance system and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event surveillance system. Alarm and equipment control signals are initiated to be turned off and sent to the signal receiver by the one or more transmission systems. The embodiment further comprises that said physical seismic effect comprises a geological, surface- and near-surface effect caused by said seismic event, wherein said atmospheric seismic effect is said physical earthquake on said surface. Including LAI effects in the upper atmosphere that cannot be detected by an event monitoring system, said LAI effects including electromagnetic radiation that destroys or modifies electromagnetic fields, ionospheric plasmas and energetic particles, and said one or more transmission systems are Internet service providers. , A mobile phone wireless carrier, a satellite mobile operator, a corporate or home surveillance service company, a radio frequency transmitter or station, and a public service alert system, and one or more of the following: The machine further comprises one or more of the group of signal receivers consisting of smartphones, tablets, PCs, landlines, satellite phones and voice controlled web communication devices, wherein the equipment control mechanism is gas, water, electricity and oil. Stopping the flow of one or more lifelines selected from the group of lifelines consisting of: the equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system comprising: Is adapted to detect a dangerous condition after termination, the transmission system is adapted to transmit a warning signal upon detecting a dangerous condition, and/or the transmission system is adapted to transmit the warning signal. Is transmitted to one or more institutions selected from the group of institutions consisting of utility companies, security surveillance service companies, and facility managers.

Alternatively, the seismic event response alert and equipment control system is a ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system adapted to detect physical seismic effects caused by an earthquake event, wherein the physical seismic effects are An atmospheric seismic event monitoring system utilizing satellites adapted to detect seismic effects in the atmosphere caused by seismic events, including geological, surface and near-surface effects caused by the event; Seismic action in the atmosphere includes LAI action in the upper atmosphere that cannot be detected by the physical seismic event monitoring system on the ground; the physical seismic event monitoring system on the ground and the atmospheric seismic event monitoring system using the satellite Read information received from either or both of the above to determine potential ground damage resulting from the earthquake event, determine areas likely to be adversely affected by the earthquake event, and initiate emergency alert protocol A data analysis and processing system whereby alarm and equipment control signals are transmitted to one or more transmission systems; one or more data analysis and processing systems adapted to send said alarm and equipment control signals to a signal receiver A transmission system, wherein the one or more transmission systems are an Internet service provider, a mobile radio operator, a satellite mobile operator, a corporate or home surveillance service company, a radio frequency transmitter or station, and a public service alert system. A signal receiver for receiving the alarm and equipment control signals, the signal receiver comprising an equipment control unit adapted to control an equipment control mechanism. And the signal receiver further comprises one or more of the group of signal receivers consisting of smartphones, tablets, PCs, landlines, satellite phones and voice-controlled web communication devices; And a facility control mechanism, wherein the facility control mechanism terminates the flow of one or more lifelines selected from the group of lifelines consisting of gas, water, electricity and oil. When the seismic action caused by the seismic event is detected by at least one of the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system, the facility control mechanism stops the flow of the lifeline. The provision of alarms and equipment control signals is initiated and sent to the signal receiver by the one or more transmission systems. Still further, the equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system is adapted to detect a dangerous state after the earthquake event is completed, and the transmission system is A warning signal upon detection of a dangerous condition, and/or the transmission system sends the warning signal to a group of institutions consisting of a utility company, a security surveillance service company, and a facility manager. To one or more institutions selected from.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of various elements of the system, showing various paths for providing alarms and control signals to individuals, signal receivers and equipment control units. A diagram of an embodiment of an equipment control mechanism or equipment control system having a detection system for detecting leaks or other dangerous conditions present after the occurrence of an earthquake event, and further having a transmission system for communicating the condition to various institutions Is.

Broadly speaking, the present invention is a seismic event response alert and equipment control system, and in a preferred embodiment, one or more ground-based physical seismic event monitoring systems and one or more satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring systems. including. As used herein, the term "seismic event" refers to a geological event caused by the movement of plates below the surface or volcanic forces underground, commonly referred to as earthquakes, which usually damage infrastructure. Causes surface effects and a risk to human life. The term "physical seismic effects" refers to geological, surface- and near-surface effects, and effects in the lower atmosphere caused by seismic events occurring at or near the surface, such as shaking or shock waves. .. The term "seismic action in the atmosphere" refers to the LAI in the upper atmosphere that is detectable by satellites in the upper atmosphere, such as the destruction or change by electromagnetic radiation of electromagnetic fields, ionospheric plasmas and energetic particles, caused by seismic events. Refers to the action. The term "ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system" refers to a system, facility, or device on or at the surface that detects physical seismic effects. The term "satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system" refers to an orbit satellite system or device that detects seismic effects in high-altitude atmospheres, and is particularly undetectable by terrestrial physical seismic event monitoring systems. Seismic effects in high altitude atmospheres, which may be due in part to jamming frequencies or air pollution).

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an earthquake event response alert and equipment control system in which a complementary ground-based physical earthquake event monitoring system 101 and a satellite-based atmospheric earthquake event monitoring system 102 detect an earthquake event. Used to do. A data analysis processing system 100 incorporating a computer processing system that operates with appropriate software upon detection of an earthquake event by either a ground-based physical earthquake event monitoring system 101 or a satellite-based atmospheric earthquake event monitoring system 102. The information received from either or both of the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system 101 and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system 102 is read to indicate that there is a high potential for potential surface damage caused by the seismic event. To determine which areas are likely to be adversely affected by the seismic event and initiate an emergency alert protocol based on a preset communication channel whereby alerts and equipment control signals are sent to multiple signal receivers 104. Sent by a deliverable transmission system 103, which is preferably, for example, an Internet service provider 201, a mobile radio operator 202, a satellite mobile operator 203, a corporate or residential security surveillance service company 204, a radio or Includes a plurality of signal carrying systems such as a television frequency transmitter 205 and/or a public service alert system 206 such as the USGS WEA system. The ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system 101 and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system 102 may include a dedicated or separate ground-based data analysis and processing system 100, and the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system 101 and The satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring systems 102 may each include a data analysis processing system 100 therein, or one of the transmission systems 103, such as, for example, the USGS WEA system, may receive seismic data and In addition to sending alerts and equipment control signals to its signal receiver 104, a data analysis processing system 100 may be provided that provides alerts and equipment control signals to other transmission systems 104.

The alarm and equipment control signals are provided immediately and simultaneously to multiple signal receivers 104 in the area determined to be affected by the seismic event. For example, a wide area or blast alert signal is sent by Verizon to all individuals with a Verizon mobile phone account that have been determined to have a mobile phone within the expected hazardous area, such as 5 miles from the expected epicenter of the earthquake. In addition, the equipment control signal can be transmitted to the signal receiver 104 associated with the equipment control unit 302. Similarly, Comcast can send alerts and control signals to all Comcast computer accounts or internet connection facility control units 302 in the area. The alarm and control signals can also be sent directly to recipients of predetermined local agencies such as government agencies, schools, hospitals, universities, large industrial sites, chemical manufacturing plants and the like. The signal receiver 104 includes, for example, a fixed line telephone, a personal smartphone, a satellite telephone, a tablet or a PC 301, an equipment control unit 302 for controlling the flow in equipment such as gas, water, electricity, and/or a voice control web communication device 303. , A smart speaker sold under the brand name of ECHO DOT or GOOGLE HOME, for example. The signal can be provided by radio, television, wifi, the Internet or any other suitable transmission medium in the form of voice recording, text message, instant message, app alert, etc. The equipment control unit 302 allows selection of a primary or dedicated signal type (eg, mobile phone signal), or redundant active receiver systems, both of which are active to receive equipment control signals. As it can have (eg mobile phone signals, wireless signals, wifi), it may have multiple receiver systems, ie mobile phone antennas or wireless antennas, wifi receivers, landlines, etc. ..

Ground-based physical seismic event monitoring systems 101 are known and use conventional physical seismic sensors, eg, sensors activated by excessive vibration, to perform basic physical seismic events, such as shakes or shock waves. Minimize the effect. A physical seismic sensor, even an electronically highly sophisticated device such as an OMRON integrated circuit chip, can be as simple as a pedestal type sensor in which a physical object is dropped or seated by seismic vibration. It may be one. These systems are capable of detecting physical seismic effects above ground or in the lower atmosphere, such as charged aerosols, radioactivity, gas composition, DC electric fields and conductivities, and VHF transmitted radiation, as well as ULF/ELF. /VLF/LF waves may be included to explore the ionosphere. For example, the United States Geological Service (USGS) 206 is a text-based physical earthquake that sends wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) in text format to wireless phones and other available mobile devices within geographically determined regions. The event monitoring system 101 is operated to warn the user of the threat of an imminent earthquake. For example, once the hazardous area is determined, the alert signal may be sent only through a limited number of mobile phone base stations located within or near the hazardous area. Other public safety alerts such as weather, terrorists, chemical spills or similar emergencies may be provided by other governmental authorities through this WEA system.

The satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system 102 is relatively new. Such systems utilize earth-orbiting satellites to detect seismic effects in high altitude atmospheres caused by natural geophysical activity, which are not detectable by ground-based seismic event monitoring system 101. To do. The sensor detects electromagnetic radiation in a wide frequency range, ULF/ELF/VHF radiation, ionospheric fluctuations, and anomalies in observing VLF transmitter signals, DC electric fields and/or night light. Atmospheric seismicity is often detected up to 30 seconds before physical seismicity occurs, sometimes hours before, and thus predicts or predicts possible seismic events in the near future. It can be used as a warning indicator. Combining a satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system 102 with a physical terrestrial seismic event monitoring system 101 provides maximum protection, because not all seismic events produce atmospheric seismic effects. It

The effectiveness of this system lies in the ability of the transmission system 103 to immediately provide alert and control signals to specific geographic areas that are expected to be affected by an earthquake event, the signals being sent to as many people, agents, Most preferably, it is transmitted through a number of different signal providers, carriers, etc., so that it reaches an institution or the like. Thus, for example, the transmission system 103 is preferably an internet service provider 201, a cell phone wireless carrier 202, a satellite cell phone company 203, a corporate or home surveillance service company 204, a radio frequency transmitter or station 205, and a public service alert system. Includes all or a portion of 206, which sends alert and control signals to various signal receivers 104. Examples of providers of the transmission system 103 include Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Google, Microsoft, ADT Security Services, and USGS WEA. The signal receiver 104 may be a landline phone, a smartphone, a satellite phone, a tablet or a PC 301, an equipment control unit 302, and/or a voice control web communication device 303, or a radio frequency, a landline phone, a mobile phone base station, wifi, or Bluetooth. Any similar device adapted to receive a message or an activation signal.

An important component of the seismic event response warning and equipment control system is the flow of equipment such as gas, water, oil, electricity, etc. in order to minimize secondary damage such as fire, explosion and flood caused by a large earthquake event. The ability to stop immediately. Accordingly, the seismic alert and equipment control system signal receiver 104 includes an equipment control unit 302 adapted to activate one or more dedicated equipment control mechanisms 105. The dedicated equipment control mechanism 105 includes a gas valve, a petroleum valve, a water valve, an electric switch, etc., which stops the flow in the equipment. Upon receiving a control signal from the transmission system 103 indicating that an earthquake event is imminent or occurring, the equipment control unit 302 causes the equipment control to shut down the supply of gas, water, oil and electricity through the equipment system. The mechanism 105 is activated. One equipment control unit 302 may operate one equipment control mechanism 105, but preferably one equipment control unit 302 controls a plurality of equipment control mechanisms 105. In this respect, the equipment control unit 302 is a communication hub connected to a plurality of nodes. The working communication may take place via directly wired circuitry, or via wireless transmission, wifi, Bluetooth, or similar means.

The equipment control unit 302 or equipment control mechanism 105 may comprise or be used in combination with redundant actuation mechanisms or systems. For example, the equipment control unit 302 may comprise both a system for receiving control signals from the transmission system 103 and a physical vibration sensor equipment control unit 401 adapted to actuate the closure at the equipment control mechanism 105. it can. Furthermore. The equipment control unit 302 or the equipment control mechanism 105 can be activated by the manual control 402, or can be activated by a user input command from the smartphone, tablet, or PC 301 of the signal receiver. An automated system that does not require user input or action is most preferred because it can take a short time from signal transmission to the occurrence of a physical seismic event.

Since smartphones 301 are ubiquitous today, a preferred embodiment of an earthquake event response alert and equipment control system comprises a transmission system 103 that includes a mobile wireless carrier 202, which in most cases will have an impact. It is an optimal way to provide alerts and equipment control signals to the maximum number of people and devices in the geographical area that receives them.

In an even more preferred system, the transmission system 103 includes both a mobile wireless carrier 202 and a security surveillance service company 204, such as ADT Security Services. The inclusion of the security surveillance service company 204 is very beneficial in implementing and establishing the system of the present invention, as the security surveillance service company 204 provides an existing transmission system 103 with multiple signal receivers 104. .. Thus, a complete seismic event response alerting and facility control system can be readily implemented in earthquake prone areas where the security surveillance service company 204 is already laying the foundation. Each security surveillance service company 204 provides one source for emergency provision of alert signals. In addition, many security surveillance service companies 204 also incorporate device control systems that can operate cameras, locks, fire fighting equipment, and the like. Therefore, the installation of the equipment control unit 302 and the equipment control mechanism 105 into their existing system is easily performed.

It is not uncommon to have electronically controlled non-communicating devices such as cameras, fire alarms, automatic door locks, automatic garage doors, elevators, escalators, etc., especially in commercial settings or in homes set up as "smart homes". .. Such a device may be referred to as a facility control unit so that it may be deactivated (or activated) by a facility control signal that is equivalent to the facility control signal provided by one of the transmission systems 103. The equipment control unit 302 may be equivalent to the equipment control unit 302. In particular, the facility monitored by the security monitoring service company 204 can send specific facility control signals to shut down the elevator or lock or unlock the door.

In yet another embodiment, after the seismic event, facility control unit 302 or facility control mechanism 105 is enabled to remotely open valves, circuits, etc. to resume flow at the facility. Preferably, remotely or even locally, issued by the facility operator before the restart, to ensure that the reopening of valves, circuits, etc. takes place only after the situation is considered safe. A password or authorization code is required. In such a system, the seismic event response alert and equipment control system is adapted to resume supply at the equipment to determine whether it is safe after the seismic event danger has passed, a detection or detection system, equipment or It is preferable to further include the equipment control unit 302 having the mechanism 403 or the equipment control mechanism 105. For example, for a gas flow valve, the equipment control unit 302 or equipment control mechanism 105 may include a gas detection or detection system 403 that may detect a gas leak when gas flow is resumed. Similar detection systems 403 can be provided for water pipes, oil pipes, and power lines to indicate and alert when a hazardous condition exists. In a basic embodiment, the facility control unit 302 or facility control mechanism 105 provides a visual indicator signal and/or reopens a facility valve, circuit or shut-off mechanism until inspected by a technician. You can make it impossible.

In a more preferred embodiment, the equipment control unit 302 or equipment control mechanism 105 provides a warning signal indicating the presence (or absence) of a hazardous condition such as a flow stop at equipment, dispatch of repair teams, evacuation of a building, etc. An appropriate processor or integrated circuit system adapted to transmit to the appropriate agency (facility 501, security surveillance services company 204, facility operator or control system 502 at a hospital, school, chemical manufacturing plant, etc.) A provided transmission system 404 is also provided. Transmission system 404 can send information in any known manner (wired, landline, wifi, Bluetooth, wireless, etc.). The detection system 403 may also serve the further purpose of continuously monitoring the facility so that future hazardous conditions, such as gas leaks, may be reported and addressed.

In the case of a lifeline supply facility such as a gas supply station, a power generation facility, a water supply facility, the equipment control unit 302 or the equipment control mechanism 105 is provided so that a large supply of gas, electricity, or water can be stopped at the supply source. , Installed in large-scale transportation pipelines, power grids or conduits at facilities. Similarly, the equipment control unit 302 or equipment control mechanism 105 is installed locally for the recipient or end user of a lifeline (house, commercial facility, hospital, apartment complex, factory, school, etc.). In this way, individual homes, buildings, facilities, etc. that have localized damage to the lifeline are independently protected when the supply of lifelines is resumed.

Currently, a large number of standard equipment control mechanisms are used, and the state of the valve (ie open or closed) depends on the standard control unit being actuated manually or manually, eg by turning a switch. It is controlled by the received electrical signal. Therefore, one scenario for implementing the system of the present invention is to retrofit existing equipment control mechanisms and control units to incorporate them into the seismic event response alert and equipment control systems described herein. Is converted to the equipment control unit 302 or the equipment control mechanism 105 suitable for the above. This is achieved by providing a communication module interconnected to a standard control unit of a standard equipment control mechanism or directly to a standard equipment control mechanism. The communication module is adapted to receive equipment control signals from the transmission system 103 and send an actuation signal to a standard control unit, thereby actuating a closure at the equipment control mechanism. The communication module is wired to a standard equipment control unit and allows the closure to be activated by receiving equipment control signals in the same manner as if it were manually activated. A standard equipment control unit or standard equipment control mechanism, operating herein as equipment control unit 302 or equipment control mechanism 105, communicates to provide enhanced functionality for detecting and reporting hazardous conditions after an earthquake event. A detection system 403 and a transmission system 404 configured as part of the module may be included.

Rather than controlling individual facility control mechanisms 105 in multiple buildings that receive gas, water, electricity, or oil from large-scale facilities or pipeline systems, or in addition, the entire grid or at the time of an earthquake event. Seismic event response alerts and equipment control systems can be used to control large installations or pipeline systems with the ability to close miles of gas, water or oil pipelines.

In addition to controlling the flow at the facility when an earthquake event occurs, the system of the present invention can also be used with control mechanisms that are not connected to the facility. For example, any control mechanism that operates a mechanical system, such as an elevator, escalator, drawbridge, etc., can be incorporated into the seismic event response alert and equipment control system to disable or lock the mechanical system during an earthquake event.

For signal receivers 104, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc., a further embodiment provides a dedicated software app or website where the user or installer has individual or multiple equipment control units 302, equipment controls 105, It includes the ability to specify or pair with the transmission system 103, etc., which allows for customization of seismic event response alerts and equipment control systems. The app or website may provide status indicators, status checks, providers of other alert systems, operational controls, and so on. The app or website may provide a means of direct communication with the security surveillance service company 204.

In a stepwise method, the method at hand includes, as a first step, the described monitoring devices, systems, receivers, and control mechanisms in the interconnected seismic event response alert and equipment control system, ie, one or more. A physical earthquake event monitoring system 101 on the ground, an atmospheric earthquake event monitoring apparatus 102 using one or more satellites, an Internet service provider 201, a mobile phone wireless communication carrier 202, a satellite mobile phone company 203, a company or a house. A transmission system 103 including one or more of a surveillance service company 204, a radio frequency transmitter or station 205, and a public service alert system 206, a landline phone, a smartphone, a satellite phone, a tablet or PC 301, an equipment control unit 302, and voice control. Providing a signal receiver 104 including one or more of the web communication devices 303 and an equipment control mechanism 105.

In an additional step, a ground-based physical seismic event monitor 101 and a satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitor 102 monitor seismic activity and, if such seismic activity is detected, initiate an alarm protocol. Providing alarm and facility control signals to one or more signal receivers 104 over one or more transmission systems 103 on one or more communication media, preferably to multiple signal receivers 104 by multiple transmission systems 103. To do. Some signal receivers 104 are a plurality of equipment control units that actuate a plurality of equipment control mechanisms 105 to stop the equipment flow through the equipment supply system when receiving equipment control signals.

One embodiment of the method may also include the step of communicating with the equipment control unit 302 or the equipment control mechanism 105 or providing the detection system 403 and the transmission system 404 as components thereof, whereby the detection system 403 is dangerous. Upon monitoring and detecting such a post-earthquake condition, the transmission system 404 provides such information to a utility operator 501, a security monitoring service company 204, a facility operator or manager at a hospital, school, chemical manufacturing plant, or the like. It is transmitted to various organizations such as 502. The method may further include providing an authorization code or similar authorization prior to reopening the facility control mechanism 105 to resume flow at the facility.

Equivalents and alternatives to the components, apparatus, systems and method steps described above may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus the true scope and definition of the invention is as set forth in the claims. It is understood and considered that there is.

100 data analysis processing system 101 physical seismic event monitoring system on the ground 102 atmospheric seismic event monitoring system using satellite 103 transmission system 104 signal receiver 105 facility control mechanism 201 internet service provider 202 mobile phone wireless communication operator 203 satellite mobile Telephone company 204 Security monitoring service company 205 Radio or television frequency transmitter or station 206 Public service warning system 301 Smartphone, tablet, PC, landline phone, satellite phone 302 Facility control unit 303 Voice control web communication device 401 Facility control unit 402 Manual control 403 Detection or detection system, device or mechanism 404 Transmission system 501 Utility company 502 Facility operator or control system

Claims (18)

An earthquake event response warning and equipment control system,
A ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system adapted to detect physical seismic effects caused by an earthquake event;
An atmospheric seismic event monitoring system utilizing satellites adapted to detect atmospheric seismic effects caused by seismic events;
Reading information received from either or both of the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system to determine the potential for potential surface damage caused by the seismic event; A data analysis processing system adapted to determine areas likely to be adversely affected by said seismic event and initiate an emergency alert protocol whereby alert and equipment control signals are provided to one or more transmission systems; ,
One or more transmission systems adapted to send said alarm and equipment control signals to a signal receiver;
A signal receiver for receiving the alarm and equipment control signals, comprising an equipment control unit adapted to control an equipment control mechanism;
A facility control mechanism adapted to stop the flow at the facility, whereby the seismic event is caused by at least one of the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system. A system, upon detection of seismic effects, wherein the equipment control mechanism initiates the provision of alarms and equipment control signals to stop flow in the equipment and is sent by the one or more transmission systems to the signal receiver. The system of claim 1, wherein the physical seismic effects include geological, surface and near surface effects caused by the seismic event. The system of claim 1, wherein the atmospheric seismic effects include upper atmospheric LAI effects that are not detectable by the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the LAI action includes electromagnetic radiation that destroys or modifies electromagnetic fields, ionospheric plasmas and energetic particles. The system of claim 2, wherein the atmospheric seismic effects include LAI effects in the upper atmosphere that cannot be detected by the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system. The system of claim 5, wherein the LAI action comprises electromagnetic fields, ionospheric plasma and electromagnetic radiation that destroys or modifies energetic particles. The one or more transmission systems are a group of transmission systems comprising an Internet service provider, a mobile radio operator, a satellite mobile operator, a corporate or home surveillance service company, a radio frequency transmitter or station, and a public service alert system. The system of claim 1, comprising one or more of: The system of claim 1, wherein the signal receiver further comprises one or more of the group of signal receivers consisting of smartphones, tablets, PCs, landlines, satellite phones and voice controlled web communication devices. The system of claim 2, wherein the signal receiver further comprises one or more of the group of signal receivers consisting of smartphones, tablets, PCs, landlines, satellite phones and voice controlled web communication devices. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility control mechanism stops the flow of one or more lifelines selected from the group of lifelines consisting of gas, water, electricity and oil. The equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition after the seismic event has ended, and the transmission system is The system of claim 1, wherein the system is adapted to transmit a warning signal upon detecting a condition. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transmission system transmits the alert signal to one or more institutions selected from the group of institutions consisting of utility companies, security surveillance service companies, and facility managers. The equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition after the seismic event has ended, and the transmission system is The system of claim 5, adapted to transmit an alert signal upon detecting a condition. The equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition after the seismic event has ended, and the transmission system is 8. The system of claim 7, adapted to transmit a warning signal upon detecting a condition. The equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition after the seismic event has ended, and the transmission system is 9. The system of claim 8, adapted to transmit an alert signal upon detecting a condition. An earthquake event response warning and equipment control system,
A ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system adapted to detect physical seismic effects caused by seismic events, wherein said physical seismic effects are geological, surface and Including the action near the surface of the earth,
Atmospheric seismic event monitoring system utilizing satellites adapted to detect atmospheric seismic effects caused by seismic events, wherein said atmospheric seismic effects cannot be detected by said ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system Including LAI action in the upper atmosphere,
Reading information received from either or both of the ground-based physical seismic event monitoring system and the satellite-based atmospheric seismic event monitoring system to determine the potential for potential surface damage caused by the seismic event; A data analysis processing system adapted to determine areas likely to be adversely affected by said seismic event and initiate an emergency alert protocol whereby alert and facility control signals are sent to one or more transmission systems; ,
One or more transmission systems adapted to send the alarm and equipment control signals to a signal receiver, wherein the one or more transmission systems are an internet service provider, a mobile radio carrier, a satellite mobile operator. , A corporate or residential surveillance service company, a radio frequency transmitter or station, and a group of transmission systems consisting of public service alert systems,
A signal receiver for receiving the alarm and equipment control signals, wherein the signal receiver comprises an equipment control unit adapted to control an equipment control mechanism, the signal receiver being a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, a fixed Further comprising one or more of the group of signal receivers consisting of telephones, satellite telephones and voice controlled web communication devices,
An equipment control mechanism adapted to stop the flow in the equipment, wherein the equipment control mechanism stops the flow of one or more lifelines selected from the group of lifelines consisting of gas, water, electricity and oil Let
The lifeline is detected by the facility control mechanism upon detection of seismic activity caused by an earthquake event by at least one of the ground-based physical earthquake event monitoring system and the satellite-based atmospheric earthquake event monitoring system. System to initiate provision of alarms and equipment control signals to be sent to the signal receiver by the one or more transmission systems so that the flow of the signals is stopped. The equipment control mechanism or the equipment control unit includes a detection system and a transmission system, the detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition after the seismic event has ended, and the transmission system is 17. The system of claim 16, adapted to transmit an alert signal upon detecting a condition. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the transmission system transmits the alert signal to one or more institutions selected from the group of institutions consisting of utility companies, security surveillance service companies, and facility managers.

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