Searching algorithm for hypocenter location in convex polygon boundaries

In an earthquake monitoring system, seismic waves are analyzed by experts or computer software to determine a magnitude and to locate the hypocenter of the earthquake. A common method for locating the hypocenter is the optimization of the least square error approach, LSE, where at least three distance values gathered from three or more different monitoring stations are required. This paper presents an approach to locating a hypocenter by employing convex polygon boundaries when computing the location. The boundaries defined by multiple planes avoid computational iterations leaving the polygon where the hypocenter is expected. The LSE approach is then applied for the calculation. Simulation results show that when using this approach the hypocenter can be identified more efficiently.