Non-linear flash and lightning detection device

A flash detection device for use in combination with associated equipment, said device comprising:

• photoresponsive means for detecting, light flash events of wavelengths including deep UV through far IR and producing an output signal in response thereto;
• means for operatively connecting said device to said associated equipment;
• an internal means of controlling the field of view detected by said photoresponsive means;
• and a multiple mode detection means wherein said light flash detection or cloud-ground lightning flash detection may be selected and wherein a predetermined time period is included by an actuator means controlling said associated equipment, said time period being sufficient to prevent undesired repetitive activation during the course of a single flash event.

A flash detection device having enhanced sensitivity to detecting light flash events of wavelengths including deep UV through far IR comprising:

• a photosensor having a predetermined spectral sensitivity capable of detecting light flash events and producing an output signal in response thereto;
• a non-linear amplification means electrically connected to said photosensor providing a substantially constant sensitivity to varying ambient light and/or electromagnetic field levels while providing intensified amplification of said light flash event based on the difference between ambient and flash event light levels, wherein said non-linear amplification means provides substantially constant sensitivity to flash events within a selected intensity and/or distance;
• a feedback device electrically connected to said non-linear amplifier, said feedback device functioning to adjust the gain of the non-linear amplification means based on the difference between the ambient light levels and the flash event levels;
• a comparator means electrically connected to said non-linear amplifier for monitoring and enhancing sensitivity to said output signal, said comparator being capable of discriminating between flash event levels and ambient light levels to prevent false triggering;
• a timing circuit electrically connected to said comparator for receiving said output signal, said timing circuit functioning to maintain said output signal for a predetermined time period;
• and actuator means electrically connected to said timing circuit for receiving said output signal and effecting operation of an associated device.

A flash detection device for use in combination with an associated equipment, said device comprising:

• a photoresponsive array sensor means for detecting directed electromagnetic frequency and light flash events of wavelengths including deep UV through far IR and producing an output response and having an assigned address signal simultaneously output thereto;
• an amplification means electrically connected to said photosensor array providing a substantially constant sensitivity to varying ambient light and/or electromagnetic field levels while providing intensified amplification of said event based on the difference between ambient and flash event levels, wherein said amplification means provides substantially constant sensitivity to flash events within a selected intensity and/or distance;
• a feedback device electrically connected to said amplification, said feedback device functioning to automatically adjust the gain of the amplification means based on the difference between the ambient light levels and the flash event levels;
• an analog to digital signal converter means for digitally converting said intensified output response of the amplification means;
• a computation means connected to said amplification means for the purpose of receiving said digitally converted response and simultaneous address signal and wherein said computation means computes range and azimuth to said flash source from said output response and said address signal and therein driving an actuator means, said actuator means controlling associated equipment in response thereof to the position and location of said flash source.