The company has developed a system known as “Earthquake Alerts on Android,” which takes advantage of millions of smartphones to form a huge sensor network capable of detecting earthquakes and issuing early warnings, especially in countries that do not have advanced seismic warning systems or that are difficult to afford.
The system relies on motion sensors (Accelerometers) built into phones, which can capture the initial vibrations of earthquakes and analyze them instantly.
“Mechanism of action”
The system is based on a simple and effective principle. Phones near the epicenter send anonymous signals to Google servers when they detect mild vibrations that resemble the initial waves of an earthquake.
After analyzing data received from several devices, the system verifies the occurrence of an earthquake, estimates its location and strength, before sending immediate alerts to users in threatened areas, giving them precious seconds to take safety measures, such as taking cover or moving away from dangerous objects.
“Two types of alerts”
The system provides two levels of warnings depending on the severity of the expected tremor. The first is “Be Aware” or “Be Aware,” and is used when mild or moderate tremors are detected. The second is “Take Action,” which appears prominently on the screen accompanied by a loud sound when strong vibrations are expected that require an immediate response.
This mechanism aims to improve user response and reduce unnecessary panic situations.
“Wide spread around the world”
According to Google, the system has been activated in about 100 countries, benefiting billions of users around the world, in an unprecedented expansion of earthquake early warning systems.
The company explained that the number of beneficiaries of these systems was previously limited to hundreds of millions, before it rose to billions of people thanks to reliance on the Android phone network.
The system also recorded thousands of earthquakes and sent hundreds of millions of alerts, becoming one of the largest smartphone-based seismic warning systems in the world. “Challenges and improving accuracy.”
Despite the success of the system, Google confirms that the biggest challenge is to estimate the strength of the earthquake quickly and accurately in real time, as early warning requires issuing a quick estimate that may not be completely accurate in some cases.
Therefore, the company continues to constantly develop the system software by analyzing incoming data and user feedback, with the aim of improving the accuracy of estimates and increasing the reliability of alerts.
“Towards a broader use of technology to save lives”
Google believes that this system represents an important step towards using everyday technology to protect people, as the smartphone can transform from a means of communication into an early warning tool that gives the user crucial seconds that may contribute to saving his life when earthquakes occur. (aitnews)
