Nokia has applied for a U.S. patent for a lightning detector system designed for use in mobile phones, adding a new feature that could detect imminent lighting strikes.

This involve the use of radio frequency receivers in the mobile phones, such as FM radio, Bluetooth, FM, tri-band GSM, Wi-Fi and RFID , to detect radio waves emitted by lightning. Typical lightning bolts produce frequencies between 10Hz and 5GHz.

A special software program designed by Nokia analyzes the signals, calculates the distance to the lightning and informs users of imminent strikes.

Details of the invention are available in the company's patent application.

"A lightning detector wherein the detector uses at least two separate channels or frequency bands for lightning detection, characterized in that the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with radio interfaces for at least two communication channels or frequency bands, whereby at least one of which is normally a telecom channel/frequency range and wherein these channels/ranges are used in lightning detection." (United States Patent Application)

According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, an average of 67 people are killed by lightning each year and about 300 are injured.

With this innovation, looks like cell phones will no more remain only a communication and entertainment device, but will play the role of an indispensable safety device for people when they are out-of-doors.

written by Cristian L.