US Patent:
20080122424, May 29, 2008
Inventors:
Yongming Zhang - San Diego CA, US
Andrew D. Hibbs - La Jolla CA, US
Robert Matthews - San Diego CA, US
David Matthew Jabson - San Diego CA, US
International Classification:
G01W 1/00
Abstract:
A compact sensor system integrates electric and magnetic field sensors to accurately measure, with a high level of sensitivity, electric and magnetic fields. The sensor system is self-contained so as to include a built-in power source, as well as data storage and/or transmission capability. The integrated sensor system also preferably includes a global positioning system (GPS) to provide timing and position information, a sensor unit that can determine the orientation and tilt of the sensor system, and self-calibrating structure which produces local electric and/or magnetic fields used to calibrate the sensor system following deployment. The system measures the electromagnetic signals produced by lightning and more has the capability to determine the direction and distance to a lightning event without input from sensors at other locations. Furthermore, the system can detect both conventional short-duration lightning events and also the less common, but more destructive, continuing current lightning.
