CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/962,234 filed July 27, 2007; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/962,634 filed July 31, 2007; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/961,857, filed July 25, 2007; the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to weather stations and more specifically to pocket weather stations for calculating and predicting various weather conditions based upon measured weather data and analysis relative to a database of local conditions. 2. Description of the Related Art Weather stations are known in the art. Typically, a weather station is composed of an external array of climate sensors placed outdoors combined with an indoor display unit.

One such weather station is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,105,191 and is designed for severe weather detection such as clear air turbulence or shear winds, primarily intended for aviation purposes. Other severe weather stations, such as the one described in U.S. Patent No. 5,355,350, analyze ambient sound as a method for detecting tornados. U.S. Patent No. 6,076,044 discloses an unmanned weather station with a radio for receiving weather data from remote broadcasting sources, as well as an apparatus for broadcasting inferred and reported weather patterns. While such complicated systems have their uses, they are not portable and therefore of little consequence to hikers, hill walkers and the general public for personal use outdoors. Recent improvements in technology have allowed for greater integration, which has led to smaller, home-based weather station units, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,046,674. However, this unit only measures temperature. U.S. Patent No. 5,920,827 discloses a wireless weather station which relies on measurements taken remotely from an outside sensor unit, including measurements of wind direction.

In general, these home-use weather stations are mounted on a wall or placed on a desk and use wireless transmissions to receive sensor data from a small unit placed outside. Weather stations described in U.S. Patent No. 7,088,221 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0095210 disclose presenting animated pictures, generated sound sequences, or scrolling messages to the user. Again, these weather stations are intended for home use and do not improve much upon existing designs and are of little use to hikers, hill walkers and the general public for personal use outdoors.

The main problem with the conventional weather stations is that traditional designs make them larger and more complex than is necessary. Outdoor mounted wind speed indicators are impractical for a personal-use systems, and home-based sensors utilizing a wireless outdoor sensor and an indoor liquid crystal display (LCD) are not designed to be portable. Neither are suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, hill walking, or boating. No prior art device is pocket sized and small enough to be put on a key ring while also taking into account the dynamic changing altitude of the user, which affects barometric pressure readings and thus the accuracy of the unit's ability to predict weather changes.

Another problem with traditional weather stations relates generally to altitude. Few sensor systems compensate for large changes in altitude which in turn affects the accuracy of the barometric pressure measured. Changes in altitude are normally not an issue with a stationary weather station, since altitude is easily compensated for and is considered a static constant. However, for a portable, personal-use, pocket weather station, it is important to dynamically track altitude, especially if the user is hill walking or hiking. Another problem with traditional weather stations is that no altitude data is presented to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In these respects, the pocket weather station according to the present disclosure substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus of essentially key chain size that is primarily developed for the purpose of having weather details available for personal use while hiking, hill walking, boating or other activities where weather is an important factor.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of weather stations now present in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a new pocket weather station, small enough to be used on a key chain, and having integrated climate measurement sensors, a display, and a small keypad.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new pocket weather station having many of the advantages of the conventional weather stations as well as many novel features that result in a new pocket weather station which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art weather stations, either alone or in any combination. hi one exemplary embodiment, the pocket weather station includes a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing and including a processor and memory module, an input device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, an output device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, and a weather sensor. The weather sensor is adapted and configured to measure at least one ambient condition of a current location of the pocket weather station, and to interface with the processor and memory module to record data regarding the measured ambient condition and display data on the output device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the pocket weather station includes a housing, a circuit board mounted within the housing and including a processor and a memory module, a plurality of input keys connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, a display device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, a weather sensor adapted and configured to measure a plurality of ambient conditions at a current location of the pocket weather station, wherein the weather sensor is adapted and configured to interface with the processor and memory module to record data regarding the measured ambient conditions and to display one or more of the measurements of the plurality of ambient conditions on the display device, and a power source connected to the circuit board, providing electrical power to the pocket weather station. hi another exemplary embodiment, the pocket weather station includes a housing having an integrated key ring, a circuit board mounted within the housing and including a processor and a memory module, a plurality of input keys connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, a display device connected to the circuit board and interfacing with the processor, a power source connected to the circuit board, and a weather sensor. The weather sensor is adapted and configured to measure a plurality of ambient conditions at a current location of the pocket weather station, and to interface with the processor and memory module to record data regarding the measured ambient conditions and to display one or more of the measurements of the plurality of ambient conditions on the display device. The processor is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external server to download historic weather data for the current location of the pocket weather station. The processor is also adapted and configured to analyze the data gathered by the weather sensor and predict future weather conditions for the current location of the pocket weather station, and to display the predicted future weather conditions via the output device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. A primary object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station for determining local weather predictions regardless of height above sea level.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with the ability to predict weather conditions both in the short term (12-24 hours) as well as longer term (24-48 hours).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with integrated forecasting algorithms that compensate for abrupt changes in the user's altitude which would otherwise result in inaccurate weather forecasts as abrupt changes in altitude cause corresponding abrupt changes in barometric pressure. Changes in barometric pressure are the most common basis used to forecast weather in consumer weather stations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with a key-ring for added convenience.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station that provides users with constant (on their person) access to ambient weather conditions and trends. This is useful to anyone and may potentially be lifesaving to hikers, fishermen and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with an integral altimeter function which dynamically tracks the changes in the users altitude and compensates for the error introduced by altitude in any calculation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station which will allow the user to reset the local weather condition indications after travelling to a new location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station that allows the user to set the geographical location of the unit and to have weather data from a multitude of locations on earth and with algorithms that would be based on an analysis of historical weather data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with a built-in alarm clock and calendar. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with an ability to analyze calendar specific expected weather.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket weather station with the ability to calculate and display given moon phases.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. It is intended that these other objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplish the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only; changes may be made to the specific construction illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated and 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 a perspective view of a pocket weather station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the pocket weather station shown in Fig. 1, showing the display, the keypad, and housing of the pocket weather station; Fig. 3 is a side view o the pocket weather station shown in Fig. 1 , showing the display, the keypad, and housing of the pocket weather station;

Fig. 4 is a back view of the pocket weather station shown in Fig. 1, showing the display, the keypad, housing, and power source of the pocket weather station;

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the pocket weather station shown in Fig. 1, showing the display, the keypad, and housing of the pocket weather station;

Fig. 6 is a front view of a pocket weather station according to the present invention showing an exemplary embodiment in greater detail, including details of the display screen; and

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a pocket weather station in accordance with the present invention, clearly showing the keypad, the display screen, the integral climate measurement sensors, the printed circuit board, the power source, and the housing of the pocket weather station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purpose of explanation and illustration, but not limitation, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pocket weather station, in accordance with the present invention, is shown in Fig. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 10. Other aspects of the pocket weather station are provided in Figs. 2 through 7, as will be described. In the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the figures. Pocket weather station 10 includes a housing 12, with a keypad 14 and a display 16 mounted in housing 12. Keypad 14 and display 16 interface with one or more circuit boards 18 mounted within housing 12, as shown in Fig. 7. A power source 20 connects to circuit board 18 and is mounted on, or incorporated within, housing 12. Pocket weather station 10 also includes one or more integral climate measurement sensors 22 interfacing with the circuit board 18.

Housing 12 provides protection for the electronics and other components of pocket weather station 10, and can be constructed from a wide variety of materials in any combination, including plastic, metal, and rubber, hi one exemplary embodiment, housing 12 is formed from an injection-molded plastic. However, housing 12 may be constructed from any suitable material. In one exemplary embodiment, housing 12 is ruggedized and water proof to provide protection from harsh conditions that may be encountered during outdoor use of pocket weather station 10. hi one exemplary embodiment, pocket weather station 10 includes a key ring 24, allowing pocket weather station 10 to be easily attached to a key chain, or to a user's belt or bag. Key ring 24 may be integrally formed with housing 12, or may be securely and removably fastened to housing 12. Weather station 10 can be of any suitable size, hi one exemplary embodiment, weather station 10 is sized to fit within a standard shirt pocket, making the weather station easily portable. Keypad 14 allows a user to access the functions and displays of pocket weather station 10. Further, keypad 14 may be used to input data and select various options presented to the user. In one exemplary embodiment, keypad 14 is a rubber membrane type keypad. As shown in Figs. 1-3, keypad 14 may include distinct sets of keys, including a set of keys located above the display 16, a set of keys located below the display 16, and a set of keys located on either side of the display 16. Each set of keys may control a predetermined function of pocket weather station 10. For example, one key may be used to toggle a temperature display between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius. Another key may be used to set the clock in pocket weather station 10. Yet another key may be used to display or adjust an altitude reading produced by pocket weather station 10. Other keys may be used for scrolling through various options available to the user, for setting an alarm or a timer, and for displaying data held in the memory of pocket weather station 10. In another exemplary embodiment, the keys of keypad 14 maybe programmable and customizable according to the needs of a user. Alternatively, keypad 14 may be integrated into display 16 as a touch- sensitive screen. Pocket weather station 10 may also incorporate a combination of a physical keypad and a touch-sensitive screen.

Display 16 displays data produced by the sensors 22 and processed by circuit board 18. Display 16 may display results of calculations and measurements, as well as system messages and/or network messages that are to be sent to the user of pocket weather station 10. As shown in Fig. 7, pocket weather station 10 may include a glass screen 26 that functions to protect display 16. Display 16 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), or any other suitable display type. For example, display 16 may include a light emitting diode (LED) display. Output of pocket weather station 10 may be presented to the user in any number of audio and/or visual formats. Output messages and instructions may be in the form of text messages displayed on display 16. Output messages and instructions may also be in the form of audio/visual prompts. In one exemplary embodiment, pocket weather station 10 will also respond to voice commands given by the user.

As shown in Fig. 6, display 16 may include a barometric reading (A) in mbar/inHg; a weather forecast icon (B), which may include SUNNY, PARTLY CLOUDY, CLOUDY, and RAINY; an indication of moon phase (C); a relative humidity reading (D); a temperature reading (E); a time display (F); an alarm on/off indicator (G); an AM/PM and clock mode indicator (H); a calendar indicating in the date (I); a day of the week indicator (J); and a low battery indicator (L). Time display (F) may vary depending on whether the pocket calculator is in a clock mode, an alarm mode, an altimeter mode, or a timer mode. Circuit board 18 can be populated with analog and/or digital, discrete components or be integrated in multi-chip modules or custom integrated chips including memory chips and a microprocessor. In one exemplary embodiment, circuit board 18 may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). The microprocessor on circuit board 18 receives data entered from keypad 14 or via a network connection, samples data from the integral climate measurement sensors 22, performs calculations, and displays the results on display 16.

Power source 20 provides power to the components of pocket weather station 10, including display 16, circuit board 18, and integral climate measurement sensors 22. In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 7, power source 20 is a battery. Alternatively, power source 20 may include a solar panel or any other suitable power source. If batteries are used, the batteries may be of the disposable or rechargeable type. Power source 20 may also include a plug module that plugs into a standard power outlet, a direct current (DC) adaptor, or an electrical generator.

Integral climate measurement sensors 22 take accurate measurements of ambient conditions surrounding pocket weather station 10, such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet light levels, pressure, altitude, and others. It should be understood that reference to climate measurement sensors or weather sensors refers to any sensor or device capable of measuring ambient conditions. Weather sensors 22 may include one or more of a temperature sensor, such as a thermometer; a humidity sensor; an altimeter; an ultraviolet light sensor; a pressure sensor; or any other sensor or measuring technique that achieves the same effect. Integral in this context means integral to the function of pocket weather station 10. In one exemplary embodiment, pocket weather station 10 may include external sensors 22 that are not physically connected to the housing or other components of pocket weather station 10, but are connected either by wires or wirelessly to the components of pocket weather station 10. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, sensors 22 may be integrated into the structure of pocket weather station 10 and contained within housing 12.

To operate pocket weather station 10, a user first presses an unlock button on keypad 14, as shown in Fig. 6. This places pocket weather station 10 into user mode. The lock function will automatically re-engage after a predetermined time if no input is received. When pocket weather station 10 is first turned on, the current temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure readings will be displayed on display screen 16, as illustrated in Fig 6. A weather indicator will blink to indicate that the user should set the weather status by scrolling through the options using keypad 14. After setting the initial weather status, pocket weather station 10 accumulates weather trend data via sensors 22 for a predetermined period of time before it begins forecasting the weather. Once the predetermined time period has passed, pressing a button on keypad 14 will result in data being displayed on display 16 for a specified period of time.

Advantageously, pocket weather station 10 is portable and able to provide weather forecasts and other data in various locations as a user travels. Upon arrival at a new location, the user presses a specified key on keypad 14 for a predetermined time, for example three seconds, to reset and recalibrate pocket weather station 10 to the current location. Pocket weather station 10 will then begin measuring ambient conditions at the new location using sensors 22. After a specific period of time, pocket weather station will start to display data regarding ambient conditions at the new location, as well as weather forecasts for the new location, hi one exemplary embodiment, pocket weather station 10 will automatically recalibrate according to the new location. Pocket weather station 10 also gives the user the option of selecting the nearest major city. Based upon the selected city, the microprocessor of circuit board 18 will retrieve information on local weather patterns and historic trends from a database. The microprocessor will then perform calculations and adjust the output to display 16 according to the local weather patterns and historic trends, if necessary, hi another exemplary embodiment, the local weather data is accessed remotely by pocket weather station 10 through an appropriate wireless or wired protocol. This feature makes use of previously collected data to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts produced by pocket weather station 10. For example, it is known that in some areas weather is less sensitive to barometric pressure changes than others; pocket weather station 10 takes such local variations into account in producing weather forecasts.

Pocket weather station 10 also includes clock, calendar, and alarm functions. These functions may be set using specified keys of keypad 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the clock, calendar, and alarm features automatically update the time according to the location. A moon phase display feature is set automatically once the date is set. Pocket weather station 10 includes an altimeter which dynamically senses and records the current height above sea level of weather station. Pocket weather station 10 calculates this parameter automatically and compensates for barometric pressure change difference using a proprietary ensemble running averaging algorithm which eliminates outside range erroneous data, as set forth in International Patent Application No. PCT US 2008/70644, filed July 21 , 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, hi one exemplary embodiment, the user is able to override or recalibrate the altimeter by entering altitude or other data.

To conserve power, pocket weather station 10 will automatically turn off display 16 after not receiving input for a predetermined length of time. When pocket weather station 10 is subsequently turned on, it will display the same information as when the display was automatically turned off.

The present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provides for an improved weather station that is portable and includes one or more integrated weather sensors. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the weather station without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents. Optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the pocket weather station may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, and such variations are within the scope of the invention described by this disclosure. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.