Laptops as earthquake sensors
"Desktop computers don't have built-in accelerometers, but they can easily be outfitted with inexpensive USB shake sensors...
The Quake Catcher Network's software will analyze shakes sensed by a computer's accelerometer and report only big movements to the central server, ignoring the vibrations from a passing truck, a bump to a table, or even a minor earthquake. The pattern of signals received by the server should allow the network to recognize a significant earthquake, Lawrence says. The location of networked computers will be identified by their IP addresses and from reports from users."
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