The Multi-Parameter Wireless Sensing System (MPwise): Its Description and Application to Earthquake Risk Mitigation

Abstract

The Multi-Parameter Wireless Sensing (MPwise) system is an innovative instrumental design that allows different sensor types to be combined with relatively high-performance computing and communications components. These units, which incorporate off-the-shelf components, can undertake complex information integration and processing tasks at the individual unit or node level (when used in a network), allowing the establishment of networks that are linked by advanced, robust and rapid communications routing and network topologies. The system (and its predecessors) was originally designed for earthquake risk mitigation, including earthquake early warning (EEW), rapid response actions, structural health monitoring, and site-effect characterization. For EEW, MPwise units are capable of on-site, decentralized, independent analysis of the recorded ground motion and based on this, may issue an appropriate warning, either by the unit itself or transmitted throughout a network by dedicated alarming procedures. The multi-sensor capabilities of the system allow it to be instrumented with standard strong- and weak-motion sensors, broadband sensors, MEMS (namely accelerometers), cameras, temperature and humidity sensors, and GNSS receivers. In this work, the MPwise hardware, software and communications schema are described, as well as an overview of its possible applications. While focusing on earthquake risk mitigation actions, the aim in the future is to expand its capabilities towards a more multi-hazard and risk mitigation role. Overall, MPwise offers considerable flexibility and has great potential in contributing to natural hazard risk mitigation.

Geophonino-W: A Wireless Multichannel Seismic Noise Recorder System for Array Measurements

“…The main objective of this work is to develop an open-source wireless acquisition system suitable for seismic noise array measurements. From a deployment point of view, some situations, in which the use of a wireless connection would be more suitable, are as follows:When accessibility to the desired location of the sensors is complicated, and the whole setup has to be established in-situ.In array measurements, when the deployment of several sensors, especially those with large apertures, may make the connection of the sensors with the recorder extremely difficult and even more difficult, if these measures are carried out in urban areas.In ambient noise measurements of buildings, in which their dynamic characteristics, such as their natural frequencies and mode shapes, may be evaluated [18]. …”

“…In ambient noise measurements of buildings, in which their dynamic characteristics, such as their natural frequencies and mode shapes, may be evaluated [18].…”

“…Finally, Boxberguer et al [18] presented a new instrumental design for seismic data acquisition and processing (MPwise). While most of the components were off-the-shelf, the digitizer board was developed by GFZ Potsdam, and its design was not published, which made the reproduction of the system difficult.…”

Design and Implementation of an Arduino-Based Plug-and-Play Acquisition System for Seismic Noise Measurements

“…This fact, together with the growing development of microcontrollers and open-source electronic platforms, has led to the development of seismic recorders by some researchers. In this way, we can find in the literature different works based on one [24,25], three [26], and more than three [27][28][29][30][31][32] channel recorders.…”

“…However, the anti-aliasing filter and the wireless communication were not detailed. Jamali-Rad et al [30], Boxberger et al [31] and Tian et al [32] developed other systems specifically for array measurements. The main drawback in these works is that they are not open projects, so their design and source code implementation are not published.…”