U.S. patent number RE45,514 [Application Number 13/708,226] was granted by the patent office on 2015-05-12 for severe weather detector and alarm.
This patent grant is currently assigned to La Crosse Technology IP Holdings, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is La Crosse Technology IP Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Anthony Brown.
United States Patent |
RE45,514 |
Brown |
May 12, 2015 |
Severe weather detector and alarm
Abstract
A compact, portable weather station for predicting local extreme
weather conditions and for reporting remote weather conditions. The
weather station has sensors for determining local temperature,
barometric pressure, humidity, ambient light, and ambient static
charge. A microprocessor has memory for storing data relating to
past weather conditions and data processing apparatus and
algorithms for determining probable developing weather conditions
responsive to sensed local conditions. The weather station has a
radio receiver for communicating with global weather reporting
communications systems utilizing cellular communications. Operating
commands, predicted local weather conditions, and remote weather
conditions are annunciated in synthesized voice in any one of a
variety of predetermined languages. The weather station includes
voice synthesizing and recognition apparatus for annunciating
verbal prompts and weather conditions, and for responding to vocal
control. The weather station is formed in two separable components,
one having sensors and the other having radio communications
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Brown; Anthony (Hyattsville,
MD) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
La Crosse Technology IP Holdings, LLC |
La Crosse |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
La Crosse Technology IP Holdings,
LLC (La Crosse, WI)
|
Family
ID: |
25176894 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/708,226 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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11186013 |
Jul 21, 2005 |
Re. 43903 |
|
|
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09246784 |
Feb 1, 1999 |
6076044 |
|
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08799838 |
Feb 13, 1997 |
5978738 |
|
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Reissue of: |
09546333 |
Apr 10, 2000 |
6597990 |
Jul 22, 2003 |
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Reissue of: |
09546333 |
Apr 10, 2000 |
6597990 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/3; 702/2;
342/26R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01W
1/06 (20130101); G01W 1/10 (20130101); G01W
1/04 (20130101); Y02A 50/12 (20180101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01W
1/02 (20060101); G06F 19/00 (20110101) |
Field of
Search: |
;702/3,4,57,58,61,65,68,75,99,104,122,140,138,177,179,188,189,193
;455/412.2,553.1,555,556.1,557 ;370/310,338
;342/26A,26B,26D,26R |
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|
Primary Examiner: Charioui; Mohamed
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
This application .Iadd.is a continuation reissue of application
Ser. No. 11/186,013, which is now U.S. Pat. No. Re. 43,903, which
.Iaddend.is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/246,784.Iadd.,
.Iaddend.filed Feb. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,044, which is
continuation of Ser. No. 08/799,838 filed Feb. 13, 1997, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,978,738.
.Iadd.Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue U.S. Pat. No. 6,597,990. The reissue application
numbers are Ser. No. 11/186,013, filed Jul. 21, 2005, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. Re. 43,903, and Ser. No. 13/708,226 (the present
application), which is a continuation reissue application of
11/186,013, filed Dec. 7, 2012..Iaddend.
Claims
I claim:
.[.1. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at
least one remote location comprising: a detachable, portable,
battery-powered and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at
the at least one remote location including: a microprocessor; at
least one data sensor coupled to the microprocessor for generating
a data signal representative of weather conditions at the at least
one remote location; a transmitter coupled to the microprocessor
for transmitting said data signal; an antenna coupled to the
transmitter, and a detachable, portable, battery powered and hand
holdable weather station receiver for receiving and displaying the
weather conditions received from said weather station unit..].
.[.2. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor
monitors the weather data and wherein the transmitter is configured
to wirelessly transmit a data signal, said data signal being
representative of the weather data monitored at the at least one
location..].
.[.3. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
temperature..].
.[.4. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
wind speed..].
.[.5. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
rain..].
.[.6. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
barometric pressure..].
.[.7. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
ambient light..].
.[.8. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
static charge..].
.[.9. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the data sensor senses
humidity..].
.[.10. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver
comprises an indicating circuit configured to indicate a
temperature trend..].
.[.11. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver further
comprises an alarm configured to indicate an alarm condition
responsive to a comparison of the data signal received by the
receiver with a predetermined threshold value..].
.[.12. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver further
comprises an indicating circuit configured to indicate a signal
strength of the data signal being received by the receiver..].
.[.13. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver is
configured to receive a telemetry signal from a NOAA weather
radio..].
.[.14. The weather station of claim 1 further comprising an
alarm..].
.[.15. The weather station of claim 14 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition
is detected..].
.[.16. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at
least one remote location comprising: a portable, battery-powered
and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at the at least one
remote location including: a microprocessor; at least one data
sensor coupled to the microprocessor for sensing at least one
weather condition and generating a data signal representative of
the at least one weather condition condition at the at least one
remote location; a transmitter coupled to the at least one data
sensor for transmitting said data signal; and an antenna coupled to
the transmitter, a portable, battery powered and hand holdable
receiver configured to receive the data signal comprising: a
storage device configured to store at least one of a plurality of
measured remote weather conditions; a processor configured to
generate a prediction of a weather condition, the prediction being
based on the data signal received by the receiver and at least one
of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage device;
and an indicating circuit configured to indicate the
prediction..].
.[.17. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further
comprises an interface configured to receive a latitude
coordinate..].
.[.18. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further
comprises an interface configured to receive a longtitude
coordinate..].
.[.19. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further
comprises an interface configured to receive a geographic area
latitude position..].
.[.20. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further
comprises an interface configured to receive a geographic area
longtitude position..].
.[.21. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the processor is
coupled to the receiver and storage device and configured to
generate a prediction of a potential remote weather condition, the
prediction being based on the data signal received by the weather
station receiver and at least one of the measured weather
conditions compared to said stored data..].
.[.22. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the prediction of a
weather condition is based on the received data signal and at least
one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage
device..].
.[.23. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the indicating
circuit is configured to indicate a temperature trend..].
.[.24. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the receiver further
comprises an alarm configured to indicate an alarm condition
responsive to a comparison of the data signal received by the
receiver with a predetermined threshold value..].
.[.25. The weather station of claim 16 wherein the indicating
circuit comprises a signal strength indicator configured to
indicate a signal strength of the data signal being received by the
receiver..].
.[.26. The weather station of claim 1 wherein the receiver is
configured to receive a telemetry signal from a NOAA weather
radio..].
.[.27. The weather station of claim 14 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a predetermined weather condition is
detected..].
.[.28. The weather station of claim 16 further comprising an
alarm..].
.[.29. The weather station of claim 28 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a predetermined weather condition is
detected..].
.[.30. The weather station of claim 28 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition
is detected..].
.Iadd.31. A portable weather station comprising: (a) a portable,
battery-powered weather station sensor unit, said sensor unit
comprising a hand-holdable housing on or in which is provided: a
sensor configured to detect a local area weather condition; and
sensor unit circuitry configured to sample and wirelessly transmit
data of the local area weather condition; and (b) a portable,
battery-powered weather station receiver unit, for use with the
portable, battery-powered weather station sensor unit when in
communication with the portable, battery-powered weather station
sensor unit, wherein the portable, battery-powered weather station
receiver unit includes a hand-holdable housing on or in which is
provided: first radio frequency receiving circuitry configured to
receive, from the portable, battery-powered weather station sensor
unit, the data of the local area weather condition; second radio
frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive a wireless
transmission transmitted by a remote source which is located
remotely from both the portable, battery-powered weather station
sensor unit and the portable, battery-powered weather station
receiver unit, wherein said wireless transmission includes data
from the remote source; at least one data storage device; at least
one visual display; microprocessor circuitry coupled to the first
and second receiving circuits, configured to: store, in said at
least one data storage device, the data of the local weather
condition and the data from the remote source, and output, to said
at least one visual display, the data of the local weather
condition and the data from the remote source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein
the wireless transmission transmitted by the remote source
comprises a transmission over a wireless network..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein
said microprocessor circuitry is further configured to process the
data from the remote source using a protocol compatible with the
wireless transmission, and to select weather information from a
selected geographic location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein
said portable, battery-powered weather station receiver unit
further comprises a user interface for selecting a mode of
operation from a plurality of modes of operation, each mode of
operation in the plurality of modes of operation defining different
operating characteristics for the weather station receiver
unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A portable weather station according to claim 31, wherein
the microprocessor circuitry is further configured to output to the
at least one visual display, a data of a predicted weather
condition..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. An apparatus, comprising: a portable, battery-powered
receiver unit, wherein the portable, battery-powered receiver unit
includes a hand-holdable housing comprising: first radio frequency
receiving circuitry configured to receive data of a local area
weather condition supplied by a first source; second radio
frequency receiving circuitry configured to receive a wireless
transmission transmitted by a second source; at least one data
storage device; at least one visual display; microprocessor
circuitry coupled to the first and second receiving circuits,
configured to: store, in said at least one data storage device, the
data of the local weather condition and the data from the second
source, and output, to said at least one visual display, the data
of the local weather condition and the data from the second
source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the wireless
transmission transmitted by the second source comprises a
transmission over a wireless network..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the
microprocessor circuitry is further configured to process the data
from the second source using a protocol compatible with the
wireless transmission, and to select weather information from a
selected geographic location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the portable,
battery-powered weather station receiver unit further comprises a
user interface for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality
of modes of operation, each mode of operation in the plurality of
modes of operation defining different operating characteristics for
the portable, battery-powered weather station receiver
unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the
microprocessor circuitry is further configured to output, to the at
least one visual display, data of a predicted weather
condition..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. A portable weather station, comprising: a portable,
hand-holdable weather station receiver unit, the portable,
hand-holdable weather station receiver unit including: a first
receiver configured for receiving data of a local area weather
condition supplied from a first source; a second receiver
configured for receiving a wireless transmission transmitted by a
second source; at least one data storage device; at least one
visual display; a processing device configured to: store, in said
at least one data storage device, the data of the local weather
condition and the data from the second source, and output, to said
at least one visual display, the data of the local weather
condition and the data from the second source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein
the wireless transmission transmitted by the second source
comprises a transmission over a wireless network..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein
the processing device is further configured for processing the data
from the second source using a protocol compatible with the
wireless transmission, and for selecting weather information from a
selected geographic location..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein
said portable, hand-holdable weather station receiver unit further
comprises a user interface for selecting a mode of operation from a
plurality of modes of operation, each mode of operation in the
plurality of modes of operation defining different operating
characteristics for the portable, hand-holdable weather station
receiver unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein
the processing device is further configured to output, to the at
least one visual display, data of a predicted weather
condition..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. A portable weather station according to claim 41, further
comprising: a portable, hand-holdable weather station sensor unit
including: at least one data sensor for generating the data of the
local weather condition; and a transmitter for transmitting the
data of the local weather condition via a radio frequency
signal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. A portable weather station according to claim 41, wherein
the portable, hand-holdable weather station sensor unit is
battery-powered, and wherein the portable, hand-holdable weather
station receiver unit is battery-powered..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. A weather station for monitoring weather conditions at at
least one remote location comprising: a portable, battery-powered
and hand-holdable weather station unit situated at the at least one
remote location including: a microprocessor; at least one data
sensor coupled to the microprocessor for sensing at least one
weather condition and generating a data signal representative of
the at least one weather condition at the at least one remote
location; a transmitter coupled to the at least one data sensor for
transmitting said data signal; and an antenna coupled to the
transmitter, a portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable receiver
unit comprising: a first receiver configured to receive the data
signal; a second receiver configured to receive a wireless
transmission transmitted by a remote source which is located
remotely from both the portable, battery-powered and hand-holdable
weather station unit and the portable, battery-powered and
hand-holdable receiver unit, wherein the wireless transmission
includes data from the remote source; a storage device configured
to store at least one of a plurality of measured remote weather
conditions; a processor configured to generate a prediction of a
weather condition, the prediction being based on the data signal
received by the first receiver and at least one of the measured
weather conditions stored in the storage device; and an indicating
circuit configured to indicate the prediction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the processor is
coupled to the first receiver and storage device and configured to
generate a prediction of a potential remote weather condition, the
prediction being based on the data signal received by the first
receiver and at least one of the measured weather conditions
compared to said stored data..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the prediction of
a weather condition is based on the received data signal and at
least one of the measured weather conditions stored in the storage
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The weather station of claim 48 wherein the indicating
circuit is configured to indicate a temperature range..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The weather station of claim 48 further comprising an
alarm..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The weather station of claim 52 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a predetermined weather condition is
detected..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The weather station of claim 52 wherein the alarm is
triggered when a probability of a predetermined weather condition
is detected..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an unmanned weather detecting and
reporting station. More specifically, the novel station has
apparatus for detecting severe weather conditions such as tornadoes
and lightning. The station has sensors for sensing certain critical
ambient characteristics, a microprocessor for comparing sensed data
to a database, a radio for receiving weather data from remote
broadcasting sources, and apparatus for broadcasting inferred and
reported weather patterns.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Severe weather conditions can arise quite suddenly, with
potentially great catastrophic consequences in financial and human
cost. To avoid or minimize injury and damage from sudden, violent
weather phenomena, it is desirable to be able to predict such
occurrences. If weather conditions can be predicted, it is possible
in many instances to take steps to mitigate undesirable
consequences of the unleashed forces.
An example of a field of activity which could benefit greatly from
such analysis and warning of weather conditions is that of
aviation. Take off and landing are subject to disruption from
extreme weather conditions. Aircraft may be rerouted or their
departures and landings postponed if significant threats from
weather are identified. Therefore, a need clearly exists for
detection and annunciation of extreme weather conditions.
The prior art has suggested a number of weather analysis and
warning systems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,191, issued to Edgar L. Keedy
on Apr. 14, 1992, describes apparatus and method for detecting and
indicating severe air disturbances such as shear winds and clear
air turbulence. This invention does not address electrical
phenomena, as it is primarily intended for providing information
essential for take off and landing decisions for advising aircraft
pilots. By contrast, the present invention considers different
parameters, and detects electrical phenomena such as lightning.
Apparatus and method for identifying tornadoes are set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,350, issued to Henry E. Bass et al. on Oct. 11,
1994. The subject method employs detection and analysis of ambient
sound for amplitude and frequency which may be associated with
tornadoes. By contrast, the present invention considers other
parameters of ambient conditions, and predicts both tornadoes and
also electrical phenomena, such as lightning.
Another tornado detection scheme is seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,379,025, issued to Frank B. Tatom et al. on Jan. 3, 1995. This
invention monitors seismic waves generated by an impending tornado.
By contrast, the present invention does not consider seismic
phenomena, looking instead to airborne phenomena. The present
invention predicts electrical phenomena as well as tornadoes and
the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,530, issued to Ting-I Wang on Aug. 22, 1995,
describes a remote monitor for airfields which employs distortion
of partially coherent light to detect precipitation and identify
the same as rain or snow. By contrast, the present invention
monitors different parameters of the atmosphere, notably
temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, light, and static
charge. The present invention infers presence of extreme weather
conditions not analyzed by Wang, such as lightning and
tornadoes.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in
combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as
claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention combines weather detecting apparatus for
detecting local conditions with communications apparatus for
obtaining information relating to distant weather conditions. From
this combination, a user may ascertain current local conditions
which are not apparent to the senses and information regarding
imminent or otherwise relevant conditions.
This combination of information enables a person to organize his or
her activities appropriately. Detection of severe weather phenomena
may cause a person to take actions to protect life and property in
the immediate vicinity being monitored. Alternatively, a person may
select an appropriate location for travel, if avoidance of local
weather is required or if previous travel plans must be
modified.
The novel weather station thus both analyzes and reports weather
conditions. The communication apparatus enables selection of
information from any selected location on the globe, and voice
synthesizing apparatus for annunciating selected weather
information in a selected language. The voice synthesizing
apparatus further is capable of offering operating choice selection
prompts in synthesized voice form and of responding to verbal
selections by the user.
Preferably, weather conditions being monitored by sensing or by
gleaning information from remote radio broadcasts relate to violent
or severe conditions most likely to threaten life and property.
Ambient characteristics which may be sensed to infer imminent
actual weather conditions include temperature, humidity, light
intensity, barometric pressure, and potential of ambient static
charges. These conditions may then be analyzed by a data processor
integral with the weather station to predict imminent weather
conditions. The results may be annunciated either by synthesized
voice or by indicating lights or the like. In particular, the
communications apparatus of the novel weather station is compatible
with different international cellular protocols, so that data
corresponding to distant weather conditions is obtained by
receiving distant local weather condition broadcasts.
The actual apparatus is quite compact, and comprises two separably
connected sections. For this reason, the novel weather station is
readily portable and easily utilized. A receiver section includes
cellular circuitry enabling communications with the external world.
A sensor section contains sensors for determining local weather
conditions and a microprocessor for accomplishing the various
functions of the weather stations. Each of the two separably
connected sections has a battery for providing power enabling
operation independently of the other respective section.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a
portable weather station which can predict local severe weather
conditions.
It is another object of the invention to provide a portable weather
station which can obtain information relating to remote weather
conditions.
It is a further object of the invention that the weather station be
operated to a significant extent by vocalized prompts.
Still another object of the invention is that the weather station
be compatible with a variety of languages.
An additional object of the invention is to cooperate with a
variety of international cellular protocols.
It is again an object of the invention that the novel weather
station comprise two manually separable sections.
Yet another object of the invention is that the novel weather
station carry on board a source of power for its operation.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and
arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described
which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the
present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is an environmental, diagrammatic view of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of one of the two separable sections of
the novel weather station, illustrating control and communications
apparatus located on the exterior thereof, this section being
referred to as a receiver section.
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the other of the two separable
sections of the novel weather station, illustrating components
mounted on the exterior thereof, this section being referred to as
a sensor section.
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the two sections of the novel
weather station united.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the sensor section.
FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the receiver section.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an accessory for supporting the
receiver section when disconnected from the sensor section.
FIG. 9 is a diagram of internal data and signal processing
components of the receiver section and their interconnections.
FIG. 10 is a diagram of internal data and signal processing
components relating to 800 MHz frequency communications, and is an
extension of the diagram of FIG. 10.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of internal data and signal processing
components and associated interconnections of the sensor
section.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of voice recognition circuitry components and
interconnections, and is an extension of the diagram of FIG.
10.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of a visual indicator driver and its driven
indicators and interconnections therebetween, and is an extension
of the diagram of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 of the drawings shows cooperation between the novel weather
analyzing and reporting station 10 and a conventional
communications system utilizing cellular technology. The
conventional system includes weather satellites, represented by
satellite 2, radio receiving and broadcasting facilities,
represented by towers 4, and cellular transmission facilities, such
as Mobile Telephone Switching Offices, represented by cells 6.
Satellite 4, towers 6, and cells 8 are conventional. The novel
weather station 10 cooperates with these conventional facilities in
gathering weather data.
Weather station 10 comprises two manually separable sections,
including a receiver section 12 having radio communication
apparatus therein for communicating with an external cellular radio
frequency communication system, as represented by cells 6, and a
sensor section 14 containing sensors for sensing local ambient
weather conditions. Receiver section 12 also contains a
microprocessor 16 and a source of power for operating weather
station 10. Sections 12 and 14 are removably connected to one
another by structure which will be further described
hereinafter.
FIG. 2 shows the front panel of receiver section 12, whereon
controls, visual displays, and a microphone 18 are mounted. An
omnidirectional speaker 20 and a volume control 22 are disposed
proximate microphone 18. A visual display 24 indicates date or
time. Selector buttons 26, 28 enable selection of date or time to
be indicated on display 24. A three digit display 30 is provided
for indicating temperature. Selector buttons 32 and 34 select
between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. A display 36 indicates radio
signal strength by progressive illumination of its individual
illuminable elements.
A relative temperature display 38 indicates local temperature. A
proximity sensor 40 detects whether the user is so close to weather
station 10 as to interfere with reception of radio signals. An
array 42 of light emitting diodes (LED) is utilized to display
information regarding mode of operation. A master on-off switch 44
and a reset button 46 are provided. An emergency light 48 and a
switch 50 for a purpose described hereinafter are disposed upon the
front panel of receiver section 12. Switch 50 is identified by a
bas relief or raised symbol 52 for the benefit of the blind. A
T-LED 54 is disposed at the bottom of the front panel.
FIG. 3 shows components mounted on the exterior of sensing section
14. A temperature sensor 56, such as model MTS102, manufactured by
Motorola Corporation, is provided to sense ambient temperature. A
barometric pressure sensor 58, such as model MPX200A, manufactured
by Motorola Corporation, senses ambient air pressure. A humidity
sensor 60, such as model Minicap 2/5, manufactured by Panametrics
Corporation, senses ambient humidity. A light sensor 62, which may
be a model TSL235, as manufactured by Texas Instruments, senses
visible light, and a static charge sensor 64, which may be model
KML10/B/2, as manufactured by Phillips Semiconductor, senses
ambient static potential. Sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 each
incorporate a transducer for generating a data signal indicative of
values of their respective sensed weather characteristics.
A closure 66 affording access to a battery 67 (concealed in FIG. 3)
within sensor section 14 is also disposed upon the exterior of
sensor section 14. Battery 67 is preferably a 9 volt lithium
battery. A snap 68 for removably connecting sensor section 14 to
receiver section 12 is provided. A corresponding second snap 70
(see FIG. 2) is located on receiver section 12.
FIG. 4 shows sections 12 and 14 connected. A screw 72 passes
journaled or similarly entrapped within section 12 passes through a
bored boss (not shown) formed in section 14. A screw (not shown)
similar to screw 72 but oppositely directed is utilized at the
opposite, concealed end of sections 12 and 14 to complement screw
72. Sections 12 and 14 are separated or disconnected by removal of
these screws. A gold mesh protector 73 protects an antenna (further
described hereinafter) serving sensor section 14.
FIG. 5 shows sections 12 and 14 connected, and clearly shows
grooves 74, 76 formed in sensor section 14 for manually grasping
sensor section 14.
Referring now to FIG. 6, when separated or disconnected, sensor
section 14 may be suspended from a selected external or
environmental object (not shown) by the following arrangement.
Sensor section 14 has a closure 78 which may be opened to reveal a
chamber (not shown) and a strip of hook and loop fastener (not
shown). The strip of hook and loop fastener extends outside the
chamber so that it may be removably mated with a corresponding
patch of hook or loop material (not shown) which has been
permanently mounted on the selected environmental object. This
arrangement allows temporary support of sensor section 14 in a
designated location when not connected to receiver section 12. The
chamber enclosing the strip of hook and loop material is sealed to
prevent ingress of moisture into sensor section 14.
As shown in FIG. 7, receiver section 12 has an external antenna 80,
a stepper motor controller 82, a power supply 84, and a standard DC
power connection port 86. Power supply 84 comprises a converter for
converting 120 volt AC power to nominal 12 volt DC power and a
nominal 12 volt lithium battery. Port 86 is configured to accept
any one of many well known connectors. Port 86 is electrically
connected to power supply 84, so that supply 84 may be recharged
when connected to an external source of power. When not so
connected, receiver section 12 derives power from power supply
84.
FIG. 8 illustrates a holder 88 for holding receiver section 12 when
separated from sensor section 14. This feature enables receiver
section 12 to be supported on any convenient horizontal surface
(not shown) when detached or disconnected from sensor section
14.
Externally visible or accessible components of weather station 10
have been described thus far. Internal components and circuitry
will now be described, with reference first to FIG. 9. A
microprocessor 100 processes incoming data, stores historical data
relating to weather, and manages the system by responding to
control commands and issuing prompts where required and providing
information to the user by visual and audible outputs. Historical
data recorded for a selected immediate area of usage is stored in
memory of a flash ROM 102. Microprocessor 100 may be a model 386
microprocessor by Intel Corporation, and flash ROM 102 may be model
28F400BX-T, also by Intel. A voice recognition and simulation
system enables bidirectional vocal communication between weather
station 10 and the user.
Incoming data is received either from sensor section 14 or by radio
transmission from remote, external weather data broadcasting
sources, as summarized in FIG. 1. Data derived by sensing is
received by antenna 104 and communicated to conventional 49 MHz
transmission and reception circuitry 106. Incoming signals are
processed by a decoder and encoder 108, and are digitized within an
analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter 110. Decoder and
encoder 108 may be model HT12E/HT12D, by Holtek Corporation.
Digitized data is then communicated to microprocessor 100 and flash
ROM 102.
Incoming data received from external sources at 800 MHz frequency
is processed as follows, referring now to FIG. 10. 800 MHz signals
are received by antenna 112 and communicated to a duplex filter 114
which switches between transmission and reception functions. Duplex
filter 114 may be model DFY2R836CR881BTJ, by Phillips
Semiconductor. Data then passes to an 800 MHz receiver 116 and
subsequently to a data processor 118 and to a microcontroller 120.
Data processor 118 may be may be model UMA1000, as manufactured by
Phillips Semiconductor, and microcontroller 120 may be model
8XC51RA, as manufactured by Intel. From microcontroller 120, data
is passed to a flash ROM .Iadd.or static ROM .Iaddend.122 (see FIG.
9) and subsequently to microprocessor 100 (see FIG. 9).
800 MHz transmissions by weather station 10 are enabled by a
transmission module 124 incorporated into the 800 MHz circuitry
shown in FIG. 10. Transmission module 124 may be model BGY110D.
Internal components of sensor section 14 are illustrated in FIG.
11. Sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 communicate with a flash ROM 126 and
with a multiplexer 128, which is connected to an encoder and
decoder 130. Output of encoder and decoder 130 is transmitted by
antenna 132 for reception by antenna 104 of receiving unit 12 (see
FIG. 9). Antenna 132 is protected by gold mesh protector 73 shown
in FIG. 4. Flash ROM 126 may be model 28F010-15, as manufactured by
Intel, and multiplexer 128 may be a model 74151. Encoder and
decoder 130 may be a model HT12E/HT12D, as manufactured by
Holtek.
Because sections 12 and 14 are separable, each has an internal
antenna 104 (see FIG. 9) or 132 for enabling mutual communication.
With the exception of sensors 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, antenna 132 and
its associated circuitry, and battery 67, all internal components
described thus far are located in receiving section 12.
Referring now to FIG. 12, voice simulation and recognition
apparatus is also contained within receiver section 12. voice
recognition apparatus includes microphone 18 which is connected to
a voice recognition device 136. Microphone 18 is located on
receiver section 12 in any suitable location for receiving
responses and commands spoken by the user. Device 136 is a model
UPD 77501, as manufactured by NEC, and is a high quality speech
recording and playback LSI. Device 136 communicates with a static
RAM device 138 and a flash ROM memory device 140. Static RAM device
138 is preferably a 1 meg, 8 byte 128.times.8 RAM device, model MCM
6726, as manufactured by Motorola. Flash ROM device 140 is
preferably a model 28F400BX-T, as manufactured by Intel.
Voice simulation apparatus is shown in FIG. 9, and includes a 1
Megabyte speech data ROM integrated chip, or digital speech
processor 142. Speech processor 142 is a stand alone masked ROM
device, and is preferably a model 7758A, as manufactured by NEC.
Output of speech processor 142 is projected from speaker 20.
Also shown in FIG. 9 are operative connection of proximity sensors
40 to microprocessor 100 through an operational amplifier 146, and
drivers 148, 150 for driving visual indicators and alarm. Driver
150 is associated with a real time clock 152, and drives date and
time indicator 24.
Driver 148 drives many of the visual indicators disposed upon the
front exterior surface of receiving section 12. These connections
are shown in detail in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, it will be seen that
display 30 comprises three independent display panels 30A, 30B, and
30C, each capable of displaying a different symbol. Similarly,
relative temperature display 38 indicates temperature in several
individual steps or range increments by illuminating individual
illuminable elements 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38E.
Array 42 of LEDs comprises three independent groups of LEDS 42A,
42B, 42C. This array indicates mode of operation with respect to
gathering of broadcast weather data relating to local weather (LEDs
42A), local continent (LEDs 42B), or international continent (LEDs
42C).
Operation of weather station 10 will now be described. Weather
station 10 may be operated in any one of three modes. In a local
reporting mode, weather station 10 reports conditions, either with
sections 12 and 14 connected or separated. The local reporting mode
is indicated by illumination of LEDs 42A. A local continent or
country reporting mode is signalled by illumination of LEDs 42B. An
international or global reporting mode is signalled by illumination
of LEDs 42C. Local reporting may proceed with or without connection
of sensor section 14. If connected and delivering data, LED 54 will
illuminate.
To operate, it is required that switch 42 be on, that proximity
sensors 40 detect a person disposed immediately in front of
receiver section 12, and that an appropriate voice command or radio
frequency signal be received. When the first two conditions are
satisfied, reception of a radio signal indicative of severe weather
conditions will initiate operation. Microprocessor 100 (see FIG. 9)
is provided with a five year history of weather data for the
geographic area selected to be monitored, and with algorithms for
comparing input data to stored data to determine correlation to
severe weather conditions. These weather conditions include
tornadoes, high winds, lightning, high level of rainfall, among
others. Correlation of input data with a severe weather condition
will cause operation.
If no such correlation is received and the first two conditions for
operation are present, a control algorithm will initiate a series
of vocalized prompts generated by speech processor 142 and speaker
20 (see FIG. 9). When a verbal response is received, recognized,
and correlated to predetermined responses by microphone 18 and
associated voice recognition circuitry shown in FIG. 12, commands
are executed and further verbal prompts, as appropriate, are
generated.
One selection that is made by the user responsive to a prompt is
the geographic area that is to be regarded as local. This
information may be provided by the user verbally by responding with
the latitude and longitude of the selected local area, or with a
nearby city and state, according to initial programming of weather
station 10.
Certain verbal prompts occur only during initial preparation of
weather station 10, and are programmed such that once answered,
they will not be repeated at each usage of weather station 10.
These prompts concern language selection, as will be discussed
hereinafter, and intervals and nature of audible alarms which sound
automatically when microprocessor 100 determines that there is a
high probability of severe weather conditions. A value relating to
threshold of probability of severe conditions may also be included
in prompts for initially preparing weather station 10.
When operating in the local reporting mode, sensors 56, 58, 60, 62,
64 periodically sense conditions and transmit collected data to
microprocessor 100 for assessment of conditions and annunciation of
the same. Routine information such as temperature is indicated on
display 30 or relative temperature display 38, which indicates a
range rather than specific values, as indicated on display 30. If
severe conditions are calculated as probable, an audible alarm in
the form of a high pitched tone or a simulated voice message in the
selected language is sounded from speaker 20. After the user
responds to predetermined verbal prompts to assure that correct
selections are made, sensing becomes dormant and will reactivate at
predetermined intervals, such as every fifteen minutes.
Memory of weather station 10 is loaded with data corresponding to a
selected historic base time period, such as the previous five
years. Real time weather data received by antenna 104 is
reconfigured by digital-to-analog converter 110 and is routed to
microprocessor 100 and to flash ROM 102. Analysis by comparison to
known or pre-calculated conditions will generate outputs conducted
to visual indicators shown in FIG. 2 and, if predetermined
threshold values are met, sound an alarm as described above. In
addition to an audible alarm, emergency indicator 48 will
illuminate.
Voice recognition utilizes adaptive differential pulse code
modulation (ADPCM). Speech processor 142 features low-pass
filtering microphone amplifiers with a variable fixed gain ADPCM
coder and decoder. Voice recognition device 136 receives a pulse
code modulated signal from microphone 18. The signal is low pass
filtered, converted to a ten bit digital value and converted to
ADPCM. After conversion by the analog-to-digital converter 110, the
signal is encoded to a shortened ADPCM code, such as two, three, or
four bits. From the analysis circuit, the data is routed to
external memory utilizing static RAM device 138 and associated
flash ROM device 140. Data is retrieved when microprocessor
addresses the voice recognition circuitry.
In the local reporting mode, LEDs 42A (see FIG. 13) will be
illuminated. LED 38E is preferably red in color, and will indicate
temperatures exceeding ninety degrees Fahrenheit. LED 38D is
preferably amber in color, and indicates temperatures in a range of
seventy to ninety degrees. LED 38C is preferably green in color,
and indicates temperatures in a range of fifty to seventy degrees.
LED 38B is preferably blue in color, and indicates temperatures in
a range of thirty to fifty degrees. LED 38A is preferably red in
color and indicates temperatures below thirty degrees
Fahrenheit.
LED 54 will illuminate when the local reporting mode is in
operation. This serves as warning that only local weather data is
being reported.
To select a reporting mode, or to change an existing selection,
switch 42 is switched to on, or switched to off followed by
switching to on, if weather station 10 is already operating.
Predetermined simulated voice prompts will request responses in a
preselected code. This may comprise a letter or number
corresponding to a particular selection, rather than a value or
location being selected.
Language of communication is selected at this time. When a language
prompt is answered in a preferred language, all responses by the
user thereafter will be treated in the selected language, and all
simulated voice prompts will be issued in the selected language. It
is preferred that the memory of weather station 10 be loaded to
include a range of languages for selection. Preferred languages
include English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Arabic, one or
more Chinese dialects, Italian, and Japanese.
Within the U.S., NOAA Weather Radio is monitored for the standard
1050 Hz tone employed by the NOAA to indicate an emergency.
Detection of this tone preferably triggers an appropriate alarm and
may initiate a simulated vocal query to monitor specific severe
conditions, such as identified existing hurricanes, tropical
storms, and the like.
When selecting the international or global reporting mode,
connection with the appropriate remote cellular protocol is
arranged by prompts. Memory of weather station 10 is loaded with
available international protocols to assure reception of the
requested data.
After certain necessary selections have been made, weather station
10 will issue a general query as to other requirements not
addressed by prompts. These may be specified by utilizing a
prearranged code or signal.
When initial prompts have been satisfactorily answered, a vocal
signal will be issued. Preferably, this signal will be a
distinctive sound, such as the Boatswain's Whistle. The Boatswain's
Whistle is a melody employed by the U.S. Naval Fleet.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to
the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all
embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *
References