Abstract: A modular multi-sensor fire detector including an evaluation unit having a housing, a plurality of sensor heads, and at least one adapter. At least one of the plurality of sensor heads has at least one hazard parameter conductor with a mounting tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a fastener at the proximal end. The at least one adapter is attached to the mounting tube and includes a first fastening point, a second fastening point and a third fastening point. The first fastening point for connection to the fastener on the mounting tube, the second fastening point for connection to a capping device, and the third fastening point for connection to a wall.

Abstract: A method for detecting an event in or around a building. The method includes recording a baseline signal characteristic that characterizes a wireless signal transmitted between devices in or around the building during a baseline time period and recording a second signal characteristic that characterizes the wireless signal during a second time period after the baseline time period. An event in or around the building is detected in response to a determination that the second signal characteristic is abnormal relative to the baseline signal characteristic, the event degrading the wireless signal during the second time period. An alarm is triggered in response to detecting the event.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for communicating data from a flame detector. A method may comprise detecting, by the flame detector, data related to a fire event; communicating, by the flame detector, the fire event data to a wireless device; forwarding, by the wireless device, the fire event data to a cloud database; accessing the fire event data, via the cloud database, by a central server controlled by an operator of the flame detector; analyzing, by the central server, the fire event data; automatically generating a report based on the analysis of the fire event data, by the central server; and communicating the generated report to a customer employing the flame detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method suitable for use in a sense and avoid system of a vehicle having a hyperspectral imaging system, the method comprising: estimating the range to an object from the vehicle, wherein estimating the range comprises: measuring the emission spectrum of the object using the hyperspectral imaging system; identifying at least one trough and/or discontinuity in the emission spectrum by subtracting the measured emission spectrum from a perfect blackbody emission spectrum; and searching a storage means storing spectral radiances and/or wavelengths of troughs and/or discontinuities, each with an associated known atmospheric path length, for the corresponding spectral radiance and/or wavelength of the identified at least one trough and/or discontinuity in order to estimate the atmospheric path length, and consequently the range, between the object and the vehicle. The present invention also provides a sense and avoid system for performing the same method.

Abstract: A flame detector (1) including: a fire sensor (2a), capable of detecting a characteristic blackbody-type radiated heat signature emitted by a flaming material; and a guard sensor (2b), for detecting an at least further part of the spectrum emitted by the material and which serves to assist in rejecting false alarms, wherein, in use during detection of a flame, the guard sensor (2b) detects an amount of radiation G and the fire sensor (2a) detects an amount of radiation F, and positive detection of a flaming material depends upon the following criteria: F>0; G>0; and F>G.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a user of a camera information about the status of one or more lenses and/or providing a subject of a photograph an indicator of where to look during image capture are described. In some embodiments different sets of camera modules are used for taking photographs depending on user input and/or the distance to the objects to be captured. In various embodiments an indicator, e.g., light emitting element, is associated with each of the different sets of camera modules which maybe used to indicate where a subject should look during image capture by the corresponding set of camera modules. In some embodiment dirty lenses of the camera are detected and the user is notified of the dirty lenses through an audible and/or visual indication. In some embodiments the indication of which lens/lenses are dirty is provided by illuminating light emitting elements corresponding to the dirty lens(es).

Abstract: A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or indicating a blocked sensor and/or blocked camera module are described. The sensor maybe a distance sensor used to support focus operations. Depending on the embodiment, the camera system may include one or more sensors and one or more camera modules. As sensor output is received and/or images are captured by one or more camera modules, the sensor output, e.g., distance sensor output, and/or captured images, e.g., optical image sensor output, are checked to determine if one or more of the sensors and/or camera modules are obstructed. When an obstruction of a sensor or camera module is detected, to make a user aware of the obstruction condition a visual and/or physical indication of an obstructed sensor or camera module is provided to the user of the camera device. The indication may include haptic feedback in the form of vibrations and/or a visual obstruction indication.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring an area for the presence of a flame and/or a leak, such as from a pressurized fluid, is provided. An imaging device can be used that acquires image data based on electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths only corresponding to at least one region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic radiation from an ambient light source is less than the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one type of flame for which the presence within the area is being monitored. An acoustic device can be used that is configured to acquire acoustic data for the area and enhance acoustic signals in a range of frequencies corresponding to a leak of a pressurized fluid present in the area.

Abstract: By detecting the specific frequency component included in an alarm sound by a frequency analysis and a period analysis, even under a noisy and echo environment, a reliable, almost-no-false-detecting and small-sized abnormality detection device, which can detect the alarm sound, can be realized and then an integrated security system can be realized.

Abstract: Gaseous particles or gas-entrained particles may be conveyed by electric fields acting on charged species included in the gaseous or gas-entrained particles.

Abstract: A method for computer-assisted monitoring of the functional performance of a technical system: determining an actual functional performance for each technical component of the technical system; assigning each technical component to a component type, wherein components of identical or similar functional range are assigned to one component type; determining an additional functional performance for each component type, which describes the functional range of the hardware and/or software of a component, wherein the range, among all the available components of one component type, has the highest functional performance; determining a component-related, normalized functional performance from the actual functional performance of a given technical component and from the additional functional performance; determining a component-related, normalized functional performance from the component-related, normalized functional performances of all components of the same type; comparing the component-related, normalized functio

Abstract: A flare monitoring system that receives real-time data associated with the release of a processing facility's combustible fluids to a flare stack and analyzes the data in conjunction with parameters of the processing facility's flare-through elements such as manual valves, control valves, restriction orifices, flow meters, and the like. The results of the analysis are provided to operators in the form of reports that indicate: whether flaring events are of a routine or non-routine nature; the flared volume; the contribution of the flare-through elements to the flared volume; and so forth. The results can aid operators in reducing combustible fluid losses due to flaring and in mitigating emissions of sulfur, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for intercepting a rocket body during boost phase. A sensor is arranged to detect thermal emission in a range that is characteristic of a firing rocket body. The image detected by the sensor is applied to an analog-to-digital converter for digitization and application to a computer that includes a routine for separating the modulated photon energy of the detected image from the substantially unmodulated photon energy that characterizes rocket body emissions. The unmodulated photon energy, signature of the rocket body, may be utilized by a fire control system for tracking, targeting and aiming munitions at the firing rocket body.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting and controlling flashback and flame holding in a combustor of a gas turbine. The system includes at least one flame indicator disposed in a combustor and at least one detector disposed downstream from the flame indicator. The flame indicator may be configured to produce light when exposed to a flame and the detector may be configured to detect the light produced by the flame indicator.

Abstract: Flame detectors and methods of detecting flames are described herein. One device includes an optical element configured to process mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light emitted from an area, and a bolometer configured to detect a flame in the area based on the mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light processed by the optical element.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A self validating flame detection system (10) for a turbine engine (12) configured to determine whether a flame exists in a turbine engine combustor is disclosed. The self validating flame detection system (10) may include two different types of flame detection sensors to reduce the risk of false positive signals. In at least one embodiment, the flame detection system (10) may include one or more infrared sensors (20) that sense infrared radiation within the combustor of the turbine engine (12) and one or more ultraviolet light sensors (22) that sense ultraviolet light within the combustor of the turbine engine (12). The flame detection system (10) may include a processor (24) configured to ignore the steady state infrared signal generated and instead analyze the dynamic infrared signal. The processor (24) may be configured to determine whether both types of sensors indicate a flame out condition so that a false alarm does not occur.

Abstract: A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 ?m and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 ?m, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected.

Abstract: A fire alarm consists of a housing in which sensors, a radiation source, and an optical window are disposed. A reflector protection basket or ring is disposed above the optical window. The basket or ring is suitable for protecting the optical window against mechanical influences, allows UV and IR radiation to pass through to a sufficient degree, and reflects UV and IR radiation from the housing interior, on its inside. Monitoring of the contamination of the window, function monitoring of the sensors and of the signal processing electronics, as well as easy replaceability of the components in the fire alarm are provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting flames in which at least two identical detectors are disposed next to one another. Each detector has an identical signal processing circuit having an amplifier and an A/D converter, and a symmetrical and similar layout, i.e., conductor track placement. Each of the detectors covers a different wavelength range, by way of a preceding filter, and the signal detection takes place at the same time and synchronously, so that a precise analysis of the received radiation occurs using simple algorithms, independent of disruptive influence variables. By using the same detectors and the same signal processing systems, as well as the symmetrical and similar configuration of the conductor track placement, as well as the synchronous control of the signal recording, interference variables occur uniformly on all optical reception channels. This uniform interference can be compensated without complicated algorithms.

Abstract: A flame detection apparatus is provided that provides low cost fire detection with improved false alarm discrimination and that includes at least two optical sensors, each configured with a Long Wave Pass IR filter with distinct minimum responsive wavelengths and arrayed to broadly sample the MWIR band.

Abstract: A self validating flame detection system (10) for a turbine engine (12) configured to determine whether a flame exists in a turbine engine combustor is disclosed. The self validating flame detection system (10) may include two different types of flame detection sensors to reduce the risk of false positive signals. In at least one embodiment, the flame detection system (10) may include one or more infrared sensors (20) that sense infrared radiation within the combustor of the turbine engine (12) and one or more ultraviolet light sensors (22) that sense ultraviolet light within the combustor of the turbine engine (12). The flame detection system (10) may include a processor (24) configured to ignore the steady state infrared signal generated and instead analyze the dynamic infrared signal. The processor (24) may be configured to determine whether both types of sensors indicate a flame out condition so that a false alarm does not occur.

Abstract: A flame detection apparatus is provided that provides low cost fire detection with improved false alarm discrimination and that includes at least two optical sensors, each configured with a Long Wave Pass IR filter with distinct minimum responsive wavelengths and arrayed to broadly sample the MWIR band.

Abstract: A flame detector is provided which comprises a housing (1), a test source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and a sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and the sensor (7) are mounted within the housing (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to direct its output onto the sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to emit radiation which simulates a flame. In this way, a means is provided within the housing (1) of the flame detector to test the flame detector without the need for an external test source, such as a test fire or a bulky and expensive test torch.

Abstract: A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.

Abstract: A system of ignition-source detection and prevention in containers and open materials handling systems. The system includes an electronic processor located in close proximity to a detector, a spray nozzle, and a valve. The electronic processor may be configured to be placed in a dust-hazard environment. The detector may be configured to detect radiation and/or a flame. Associate methods are also disclosed, including: a method of responding to an ignition source, a method of installing an ignition-source detection system, and a method of testing an ignition-source detection system.

Abstract: A device for detecting flames in which at least two identical detectors are disposed next to one another. Each detector has an identical signal processing circuit having an amplifier and an A/D converter, and a symmetrical and similar layout, i.e., conductor track placement. Each of the detectors covers a different wavelength range, by way of a preceding filter, and the signal detection takes place at the same time and synchronously, so that a precise analysis of the received radiation occurs using simple algorithms, independent of disruptive influence variables. By using the same detectors and the same signal processing systems, as well as the symmetrical and similar configuration of the conductor track placement, as well as the synchronous control of the signal recording, interference variables occur uniformly on all optical reception channels. This uniform interference can be compensated without complicated algorithms.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a fire includes a fire detection device and a control center terminal. The fire detection device includes an LRF for calculating a distance to a location of breakout of a fire using a laser. An infrared camera captures an infrared image and transmits the infrared image to a control unit. A CCD camera captures a CCD image and transmits the CCD image to the control unit. The control unit analyzes the infrared image, determines whether a fire has broken out, performs processing such that the CCD camera captures an area on fire, determines the location of breakout of the fire, performs processing such that the captured image is output to the control center terminal, and controls a function of a warning unit. The warning unit outputs a warning sound or a warning message.

Abstract: A detector assembly for imaging a scene over a predetermined temperature range and a predetermined wavelength range including a central wavelength includes an imaging-sensor array, a plurality of focusing elements and a plurality of optical filtering elements. The imaging-sensor array includes a plurality of detector-array sections and the focusing elements are arranged with respect to the detector array such that each focusing element is capable of focusing upon a corresponding one of the detector-array sections an image of the scene correlating to the image of the scene that each of the other focusing elements is capable of focusing upon the detector-array section corresponding thereto. Each focusing element and the detector-array section corresponding thereto defines an associated optical path.

Abstract: A first band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength specific to flame. A first infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the first band pass filter. A second band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength which is not the infrared wavelength specific to flame. A second infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the second band pass filter. A first output of the first infrared-ray receiving element is compared with a second output of the second infrared-ray receiving element to detect the flame.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for generating a trapezoidal excitation waveform includes a controllable frequency source and a trapezoidal waveform generator. The controllable frequency source generates a source waveform that, upon energization thereof, has an initial frequency value, and decreases in frequency to a substantially constant frequency value a time period after energization. The trapezoidal waveform generator receives the source waveform and, in response, generates a trapezoidal waveform at least when the source waveform frequency attains the substantially constant frequency value.

Abstract: A flame detector is provided which comprises a housing (1), a test source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and a sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and the sensor (7) are mounted within the housing (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to direct its output onto the sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to emit radiation which simulates a flame. In this way, a means is provided within the housing (1) of the flame detector to test the flame detector without the need for an external test source, such as a test fire or a bulky and expensive test torch.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.

Abstract: Methods for remotely detecting a gun muzzle flash, using frequency-optimized detection methods. Small explosive charges are best detected at I/R and visible wavelengths, using optical detectors, whereas large explosive charges may also be detected with antennas. Details of the time course and spectral properties of the flash can be used to distinguish gun muzzle flashes from other radiation.

Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR sensor to generate a detector signal based upon one or more absorption bands selected from the 15.1? absorption band of CO2, the 6.27? absorption band of H2O and the 4.67? absorption band for CO and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The fire detector has a waveguide sample chamber (which can be of a re-entrant design) with at least one opening covered by a thin filtering membrane and a heat exchanger thermally connected to the sample chamber with at least one opening covered by another thin filtering membrane.

Abstract: A flame detector having the following features is capable of simple and reliable determination of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of fire resulting from a flame based on waveforms detected from detection signals from infrared sensors. The flame detector includes an infrared sensor for detecting an infrared ray, a RAM serving as a waveform storing unit for storing a plurality of waveforms detected from an output signal from the infrared sensor, and a CPU serving as a wavelength determining unit for determining succession of waveforms when at least a first predetermined number of waveforms stored in the RAM are produced for a first predetermined time and at least a second predetermined number of waveforms different from the first predetermined number of waveforms are produced for a second predetermined time different from the first predetermined time.

Abstract: An imaging fire detector is used to detect a fire from a recorded image sequence. Either a video camera or an infrared camera is used as an imaging device. Characterizing parameters of a fire are either analyzed individually or in combination. In order to detect changes, an object analysis, a pattern analysis or a spatial-frequency analysis of the recorded image sequences is conducted. Using a threshold value for the duration of the changes, short-term changes are detected and discarded. In a further embodiment, the fire detector may also be used as a burglar alarm. With the aid of communication means, the fire detector transmits a fire alert to a master station.

Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR CO2 sensor to generate a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The NDIR CO2 sensor can also generate a reference detector signal based upon a 9.0? neutral band with a FWHM=0.5? while the signal processor utilizes a detection algorithm that is based upon a synchronized output signal representative of CO2 concentration to generate an alarm signal when a preselected criterion indicative of the onset of a fire is met.

Abstract: A fire detector with a passive CO2 sensor generates a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and a signal processor generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The passive CO2 sensor has a passive infrared source with a source temperature, a waveguide sample chamber with a gas medium temperature (which is less than the source temperature), a heat exchanger (that reduces the temperature of CO2 gas as it passes into the waveguide sample chamber and may be thermally coupled to the sample chamber) and an infrared detector assembly with a detector temperature (which is less than the source temperature). An exterior surface of the passive infrared source has a high emissivity while the detector assembly and the sample chamber (which can be thermally coupled to each other but not the passive infrared source) have a low emissivity.

Abstract: A fire detector and method for detecting fires uses a passive NDIR sensor that generates a detector signal based upon either a 15? absorption band of CO2 or a 6.27? absorption band of H2O and a signal processor which receives the detector signal and generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The NDIR sensor relies upon a passive infrared source (such as a very thin film of black plastic material) with a high emissivity (e.g., approximately 1.0), a sample chamber with a low emissivity (e.g., approximately 0.03) thermally decoupled from the passive infrared source and an infrared detector located in a detector assembly thermally coupled to the sample chamber while a heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the sample chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing first and second imaging processes contemporaneously, in particular where one of the processes is detecting fires based on images of the flames. The apparatus includes an image sensor for producing a video image, a frame grabber for capturing first frames and second frames, a processor for processing the data within the frames, and an output device. The apparatus may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the image settings of the image sensor between settings suitable for flame imaging and non-flame imaging, and a control mechanism for controlling the image settings of the image sensor. In the method at least two first frames are obtained, and a plurality of second frames are obtained. The first and second frames are used for first and second processes. The first and second processes are contemporaneous, so that they are carried out within the same time period without interfering with one another.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer for combustion flame temperature determination includes at least two photodetectors positioned for receiving light from a combustion flame, each of the at least two photodetectors having a different, overlapping bandwidth for detecting a respective output signal in an ultraviolet emission band; and a computer for subtracting a respective output signal of a first one of the at least two photodetectors from a respective output signal of a second one of the at least two photodetectors to obtain a segment signal, and using the segment signal to determine the combustion flame temperature.

Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with a first sensor for sensing temporal energy in a first optical frequency range, and a second sensor for sensing temporal energy in a second optical frequency range. The temporal energy sensed in the respective first and second optical frequency ranges are transformed into respective first and second spectra of frequency components. A compensated spectrum of frequency components is generated by performing a frequency bin subtraction of the first and second spectra of frequency components. The compensated spectrum represents the energy emitted from the environment with energy emitted from false alarm sources. An average amplitude and centroid of the compensated spectrum are obtained and used to determine if a monitored phenomenon represents an unwanted fire situation.

Abstract: A method for spatially resolving flame temperatures in which a temperature-dependent wavelength region of a molecule radical spectrum and a normalization wavelength region of the molecule radical spectrum suitable for normalizing spectral data are identified. An algorithm based upon a relationship between a temperature-dependent intensity range within the temperature-dependent wavelength region at a plurality of temperatures and a normalized intensity range within the normalization wavelength region is formulated. Flame spectral data from a flame is obtained and the algorithm is applied to the flame spectral data, resulting in generation of a flame temperature profile of the flame.

Abstract: A method for driving a plasma display panel is provided in which wasteful power consumption is reduced and ion bombardment that may deteriorate cells is suppressed for a long life of cells. A ratio of lighting that is a ratio of the number of cells to be lighted to a total number of cells is detected in accordance with display data that determine contents of addressing. In accordance with the detected ratio of lighting, a waveform of a voltage pulse that is applied in the sustaining step for displaying the corresponding display data is changed so that a gradient of the voltage change at a leading edge becomes smaller for a large value of the ratio of lighting than for a small value of the same.

Abstract: A flame detection device for detecting a flame caused by a fire, including a light attenuation filter for attenuating 90% or greater of light with wavelengths in a visible to near-infrared band radiated from the flame. The flame detection device further includes an imager for photographing an image of the attenuated light incident thereon, and a processing section for deciding the flame from the image obtained by the imager.

Abstract: An automated fire extinguishing apparatus includes a turret with a nozzle connected to a water supply. A plurality of sensors are used to detect a fire monitored by the apparatus. The signals from the sensors are used to aim the nozzle toward the fire and to initiate water ejection therefrom. After the fire is extinguished the water is turned off.