Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Taiwan is prone to frequent and strong earthquakes. According to the data from the Central Weather Bureau, during the 16 years from 1991 to 2006, there was an average of 18,500 earthquakes per year in Taiwan, of which approximately 1,000 were felt earthquakes.

1999 was the year that earthquakes happened most frequently. Out of the 49,919 earthquakes that happened, 3,228 were felt earthquakes. According to the statistical analysis on disastrous earthquakes, there have been 97 disastrous earthquakes since 1901 in Taiwan. Hence, an earthquake alarm system is of great importance in Taiwan.

Currently, the disaster prevention products available on the market are mostly fire alarm systems and gas detectors. The traditional earthquake alarm system for domestic use can only sense shaking and activate its siren for warning. However, it cannot read earthquake intensity and is not equipped with lighting and radio. Therefore, the traditional earthquake alarm system fails to provide effective assistance for people under emergency situations.

Photo of actual damage done by a massive earthquake on Sept 21, 1999

A patent application on the Intelligent Earthquake Alarm System with Self-calibration Mechanism has been sent to then Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs. Using an accelerometer as the sensor, the System samples the output from the sensor and analyzes acceleration so that the System can read the seismic waves caused by an earthquake. The sampled data is first stored in the register through a micro-controller,and then converted to show acceleration. Based on the final result calculated according to the acceleration, the System can read the intensity of an earthquake, in conformity with the seismic intensity scale issued by the Central Weather Bureau. The System categorizes earthquakes into three levels: light, moderate, and strong. The alarm will be activated if the intensity of the detected waves exceeds the preconfigured critical point. According to the magnitude of an earthquake, different record circuits will be activated, and the corresponding content and level of volume of the warning alarm will be adjusted and played accordingly; and the LED lighting device of high luminance will also be switched on. In addition, the built-in counter will be activated, too. 15 seconds after sensing an earthquake, the system will switch to Radio Mode. The system will receive FM radio signal and news on the earthquake, offering information and security for people stricken by the disaster. A power model is also built in the system. The system is fully functional when the strike of an earthquake causes outage. The system was fully developed in the lab at Taipei Tech. The cost for all materials is only 1/20 the price of existing products available on the market. The system is commercially competitive.

Taiwan is situated on the Ring of Fire, and earthquakes are inevitable. This Intelligent Earthquake Alarm System with Self-calibration Mechanism is not only commercially competitive, but also precise in computing earthquake intensity. With its comprehensive functions for post disaster needs, it is expected that the System will become the standard disaster prevention equipment in every family in the future. Its high commercial value will create countless business opportunities.