Smart Earthquake Monitoring: SPP/BLE Bluetooth Modules Bring New Functionality to Seismometers

The application of seismometers in home scenarios requires convenient, real-time, and reliable data transmission, along with the capability to issue clear alerts to users. In this context, Bluetooth audio modules, leveraging their high-quality audio transmission capabilities, can not only facilitate the transfer of seismic data but also alert users to emergencies via audio alarms. A home seismometer using a Bluetooth audio module can monitor seismic activity and warn users through sound, enhancing their awareness of seismic signals.

1. Solution Design

The home seismometer designed under this solution utilizes a Bluetooth audio module to achieve both data transmission and audio signal alarming, providing timely alerts to users. Its overall architecture includes:

• Sensor Module: High-precision sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) for detecting seismic activity.
• MCU Data Processing Unit: Processes sensor data and determines if the data reaches preset earthquake warning thresholds.
• Bluetooth Audio Module: Implements audio alarm and data transmission functions, enabling audio communication and status indication with the user's smart devices.

2. Bluetooth Module Selection

• The RHA-BT301M is a Bluetooth module integrating BLE, SPP, and audio functionalities. It supports analog audio, Dynamic Range Compression (DRC), and a 10-band EQ. It supports Bluetooth protocols including HID, BLE, SPP, AVRCP, A2DP, HFP, and PBAP. Users can configure the module via AT commands through the UART interface. It supports audio interfaces such as analog, I²S, and PCM, expanding application possibilities.

3. Workflow

a. Earthquake Data Acquisition: The seismometer's built-in sensors continuously monitor ground vibrations, transmitting data to the MCU for analysis and processing.

b. Vibration Data Processing: The MCU uses preset algorithms to analyze the amplitude and frequency of vibration signals, identify potential earthquake signals, and set different alarm levels.

c. Audio Alarm Triggering: When the system determines that a seismic signal exceeds the preset threshold, the MCU triggers the speaker via the RHA-BT301M Bluetooth audio module to emit a warning sound. The alarm sound can be configured with different tones or frequencies to differentiate the severity level.

d. Data and Alarm Notification Transmission: The RHA-BT301M Bluetooth audio module is used not only for alarm audio output but also for transmitting data to the user's mobile phone or other Bluetooth devices, allowing users to remotely view current seismic activity data.

e. Real-time Interaction: Users can receive real-time earthquake information and historical vibration data via a mobile app or other smart devices, and can remotely disable or adjust the audio alarm settings.

4. Application Advantages of the Bluetooth Audio Module

• Integrated Audio Alarm: The RHA-BT301M supports high-quality audio output, enabling it to directly issue audible alarms to alert household users of potential danger without requiring an additional alarm system.
• Low Power Consumption Design: The RHA-BT301M features low power consumption, making it suitable for devices like seismometers that require long-term operation, ensuring continuous and stable device function.
• Wireless Transmission and Control: The RHA-BT301M can transmit not only audio alarms but also device status and sensor data wirelessly, reducing wiring complexity.
• Flexibility of Audio Output: Audio output allows users to intuitively understand the seismometer's operating status. For example, different vibration intensity levels can correspond to alarm sounds with distinct tones and volumes, helping users quickly assess the danger level.

5. Application Scenarios

• Home Earthquake Monitoring and Early Warning: When the seismometer detects seismic activity, it issues an audible alarm via the Bluetooth audio module to alert family members. Combined with a smartphone app or other Bluetooth devices, users can receive instant audio notifications indoors or in other locations.
• Community or Public Place Seismic Monitoring: In communities, schools, and other public areas, seismometers can use the audio module to broadcast wide-area alarm sounds, quickly prompting personnel in multiple areas to evacuate or take protective measures.
• Remote Data Monitoring and Alarm: Through the Bluetooth audio module, the device can also connect to smart speakers and other home audio systems, transmitting alarm signals to more devices within the home to increase alarm coverage.

6. Solution Expansion and Upgrade

Future developments based on this solution could incorporate more advanced Bluetooth audio modules to achieve diversified audio output functions, such as using different sound modes to distinguish earthquake intensity levels, or integrating with smart home systems for more complex alarm response procedures. Furthermore, supporting wider-range audio transmission and multi-device connectivity can effectively expand the alarm range and enhance the overall protective capabilities of home seismometers.

The application of Bluetooth audio modules in home seismometers not only provides high-quality audio transmission, facilitates remote data monitoring and device operation, but also alerts users through real-time audio alarms, ensuring timely awareness of seismic activity. Seismometers with integrated audio functionality offer a better user experience and greater practicality, representing an important development direction for future smart home anti-seismic systems.