A System For Development and Display of A Consensus of Model Data

The UltraGraphix ULTRA Weather Workstation (tm) is a low-cost forecasting and analysis tool, that can also be used to automatically animate numerical model data.

The UltraGraphix ULTRA (R) directly ingests numerical model data from the AVN/MRF, NGM, Eta, RUC and other models, as well as MOS data, all received via satellite or over the Internet. It then utilizes this data to automatically create desired forecast animations, in a matter of seconds. It will create animations of temperature, pressure, dew point, wind arrows, or derived fields such as cloudiness and precipitation, directly from any of the models.

The system's unique ModelBlender (tm) feature enables the user to specify how to weigh and combine multiple numerical models for each individual parameter, yielding animations that show a "consensus" of the models. With these tools, the user can view multiple predictions of weather system movement, thereby seeing the forecast flow of pressure, moisture and other parameters based upon each individual model or upon different model combinations.

The UltraGraphix ULTRA can be used as either a forecast tool or as a presentation system for weather briefings and/or television weather presentations. It offers full 3D capabilities and the ability to ingest, display and overlay standard weather graphics and animations such as NEXRAD Doppler radar and satellite imagery. The system's new software upgrade enables automated real-time updating of data.

Currently used by CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Tokyo Broadcasting System and many local television stations, the UltraGraphix ULTRA is configured to create a complete, animated weather presentation in less than 30 minutes.

Designed as a single integrated system, the UltraGraphix ULTRA operates on the low-cost Silicon Graphics O2 platform.