Abstract: A system and method for providing a safety alert for a device is disclosed. The invention minimizes or prevents the affects of programming errors and/or provides enhanced alert information to a monitoring healthcare provider, wherein the alert information may relate to a potential safety concern. The method includes monitoring data transmitted from a device and comparing the data to pre-established rules. When the data violates the rules, the system compiles an alert information packet, wherein the alert information packet includes information related to the device and the data. The system then transmits the alert information packet and/or an enhanced alert to multiple computer screens in a particular area.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones. A second signal sent in close proximity to the synchronization signal is implemented to trigger a second function of the alarm units, such as a silence function.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system is capable of tracking information associated with one ore more items and/or passengers. The central control computer network can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images, alarms, and performance data to the central computer that can be distributed to one or more operator stations and/or other command and control centers for review and analysis. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers. The tracked information and alarm generation and distribution allow, for example, comparison to other information to determine if an alarm or change in thresholds or sensitivity is warranted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere.

Abstract: The present invention is to an integrated end-to-end system and process composed of numerous application systems and subsystems (applicable in total or in subparts) which enables parties (such as businesses, buildings, prisons, governments, etc.) to acquire information (biometric and textual) regarding an applicant requesting entry, verify the acquired information—checking it against defined (e.g., government enforcement agencies) offender lists, and utilizing the acquired information at defined points in the process to track individuals. Further, the system preferably includes mandatory, scheduled check-ins to ensure compliance with the visitation requirements during the stay by the party in the sponsoring facility, country, business, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling part picking in a manufacturing facility comprises a conveyor 30 for transporting containers each bearing a barcode defining a plurality of parts to be placed in the container and, disposed at intervals along the conveyor, a plurality of barcode readers 26, a plurality of part storage racks 34, and a plurality of display screens 36. A control system 44, 46, 48 can selectively assign the code readers, storage racks and display screens to one or more zones each including at least one active barcode reader, at least one active display screen and at least one storage rack. In operation the control system displays on at least one display screen of each zone the parts to be picked from the at least one storage rack according to the barcode read by the at least one active scanner.

Abstract: Detection of the presence of an animal body, for instance a human, in a detection zone is achieved by generating a low power LF field (17) between antennae (12, 18), and by measuring the disturbance of this field by the body. An analyser (16) is used detect such disturbance by measuring changes in the phase of the received signal (19).

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones. A second signal sent in close proximity to the synchronization signal is implemented to trigger a second function of the alarm units, such as a silence function.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.

Abstract: Multiple components of a motorcycle theft-deterrent device are enclosed within a single weather-resistant module, to ensure that wiring thereof is protected from the elements. The theft-deterrent device permits secure starting of the engine with a remotely operated device. The theft-deterrent device includes a CPU 41, a remote control receiver 42 for detecting a locking/unlocking signal from a remote operation device, and a vibration sensor 43 as theft-deterrent equipment in a handlebar lock module 12, including a handlebar lock mechanism. As a result of this inclusion, wiring is protected. The protected wiring sends locking/unlocking signals, which have been received by the remote control receiver 42, to the CPU 41, as well as vibration sense signals from the vibration sensor 43 to the CPU 41, for protecting the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of an event from amongst a plurality (A to P) of locations. Lines of communication (R1 to R4, C1 to C4), commonly pipes of a smoke detection system, cover the locations in such a fashion that the location of an event can be determined uniquely but the number of pipes is minimized.

Abstract: Electro-optical device for the acquisition and processing of images, provided with an image acquisition unit and a calculator unit. The calculator unit comprises at least a neural-type processor. The image acquisition unit and the calculator unit are made using CMOS technology, and are integrated on the same silicon support element to implement the device in a single microchip.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.

Abstract: A danger detecting system has a danger detecting control center, at least one detector, at least one conductor connecting the danger detecting control center with the at least one detector, the danger detecting control center producing an output signal depending on a signal of the detector, the danger detecting control center being composed of a plurality of modules, a bus through which the modules are connected, the danger detecting control center and the modules being formed so that the modules are mountable and/or dismountable during an operation of the danger detecting control center.

Abstract: A logic state detection system for detecting the state of at least one state changing device includes a scanning circuit and a current detection circuit. The scanning circuit selectively activates at least one output line electrically connected with the at least one state changing device. Current passes through the scanning circuit to the at least one output line that is activated. The current detection circuit determines whether the state changing device is in a conducting or a non-conducting state as a function of the current.

Abstract: A fire detector having a sensor group containing at least one fire detection sensor and having a control and evaluation unit, which is connected to a sensor group that is set up to evaluate signals supplied by the at least one fire detection sensor, and if necessary, that is also set up to output at least one control signal for the at least one fire detection sensor. The sensor group includes one of a chemosensor and a chemosensor array, which is connected to the control and evaluation unit for evaluating a detection signal of the one of the chemosensor and the chemosensor array, and which is set up based on a chemical sensor-operation principle to detect gas emissions and/or smoke emissions associated with a fire. The additional chemosensor may be an optoelectronic gas sensor functioning on an optode basis or an optoelectronic gas sensor array functioning on an optode basis.

Abstract: Surveillance platforms detect dangers and transmit information signals describing the dangers to a control center, which determines the degree of danger and its geographic extent. The center generates a message that identifies the degree of danger and GPS coordinates of the impacted geographic area for a region. A vulnerability index determined using neural networks and fuzzy logic enables a prioritized message. The center broadcasts the message to remotely located warning devices, which compare the received danger coordinates with their own GPS coordinates and determine the extent to which they are in danger. Warning signals can issue automatically, appropriate to the degree of danger. Emergency manned vehicles may also directly receive the broadcast message and act appropriately relative to the degree of danger.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.

Abstract: A system to detect a status of a movable body having a status notification system from information supplied by a plurality of sensors installed on the movable body selectively transmits sensor information to a response apparatus connected to another network in a wireless manner based upon a result of the detection, and when the response apparatus requests additional sensor information, the status notification system transmits the stored sensor information selectively, thereby executing only the communication necessary for movable body rescue and support activities.

Abstract: An integrated security system includes a plurality of security devices each issuing an alarm signal. A plurality of control units are associated to control the security devices via a communication line. Each security device comprises an alarm storing section for storing alarm signals received from individual security devices as alarm information. An alarm transmitting section transmits the alarm information to all of the control units via the communication line. The alarm information stored in the alarm storing section during a predetermined storage time are transmitted at a time as an alarm notification command to the control units.

Abstract: An interface module is proposed, to which sensors are connected and which is positioned in a control device, it being indicated via an identification input how the sensor data are to be classified by the interface module. In particular, this can be used to distinguish between safety-relevant and safety-irrelevant data. Furthermore, the nature of the data can be identified therewith. This identification input is advantageously designed as a voltage input, the voltage levels being then converted into a bit sequence. The identification input is connected to ground via a resistor, so that, in the case of an unspecified input potential, the voltage level is connected to ground. The interface module has a logic circuit to which voltage comparators are connected, which compare the voltages to reference potentials, and then the logic circuit performs a coding using the bit sequences, as a function of the output signals of the voltage comparators.

Abstract: An event detection system has a control element coupled to a plurality of detectors, such as smoke detectors. The control element can be implemented with a programmed processor. The detectors can include a base which removably receives a separable detector housing and electronics. Group boundaries can be specified by incorporating boundary defining electrical elements, such as switches or resistors, into either a respective detector base or into the detector itself. The control element can include instructions for carrying out an automatic addressing process with respect to the detectors. Topology information obtained during the automatic addressing process in combination with the location of the boundary defining elements specifies one or more groups for the control element. In an alternate embodiment, groups can be defined based exclusively on the topology information. In this embodiment, boundary defining electrical elements are not needed.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an area and sounding an alarm comprising. The system employs one or more sensors positioned about the protected area. Each sensor has one or more pulse generators generating one or more pulses each with a preassigned pulsewidth. The sensors are connected to a controller by a single wire. The controller sounds an alarm upon receipt of one or more pulses and identifies the sensor actuating the alarm by the measured pulsewidth.

Abstract: An integrated security system includes a plurality of security devices each issuing an alarm signal. A plurality of control units are associated to control the security devices via a communication line. Each security device comprises an alarm storing section for storing alarm signals received from individual security devices as alarm information. An alarm transmitting section transmits the alarm information to all of the control units via the communication line. The alarm information stored in the alarm storing section during a predetermined storage time are transmitted at a time as an alarm notification command to the control units.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.

Abstract: After a vehicle has entered a sleep mode, the disclosed method places the vehicle monitoring system into longer and longer nap periods provided the monitoring system does not receive a wake-up signal from one of a plurality of vehicle subsystems. During the nap periods, the monitoring system requires a reduced amount of operating power thereby decreasing the parasitic current drain on the battery during the sleep mode.

Abstract: A controller for use with a plurality of area sensors that controls more than one area sensor having a multiple of optical paths connecting a set of a light projector and a light receiver, the controller comprising: a master controller, for controlling not only one-of the area sensors but also at least one other area sensor; and a slave controller connected to the master controller, for performing signal transfer between the master controller and the at least one other area sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a distributed electronic system includes a plurality of electronic modules. Each of the electronic modules is coupled to one battery in a series connection of batteries. The electronic modules are coupled to a central controller via a data bus. Addresses are assigned to the electronic modules based on the potentials of corresponding nodes within the modules.

Abstract: A controller which controls the operation of the solenoid valve that regulates the flow of gas to the burner within a fuel-gas fired burner system is disclosed. The controller performs a number of diagnostic tests on the system components and provides an output in the form of a series of pulses having a specific code"embedded" therein to identify a fault condition when it occurs. The series of pulses is applied to a light emitting diode. A code reading device having an optical sensor and a liquid crystal display is provided to intercept the light pulses emitted by the light emitting diode and to"translate" the code embedded therein so that the specific fault condition can be identified and displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A security system for monitoring a protected area and sounding an alarm including a plurality of sensors arranged about a protected area for sensing incoming threat, device for generating at least one pulse for each sensor activated by the incoming threat to the area, an alarm controller for receipt of the pulses and sounding of an alert, and a single wire connecting outputs of the sensors to the controller for transmitting the pulses generated by the plurality of sensors to the controller.

Abstract: An intelligent fire detection system is disclosed which includes a control panel and a plurality of detectors distributed throughout the building being protected. The software of the panel treats the detectors as being in one or more groups. All the detectors in a group can be in the same room. The detectors are set so as to be sensitive to small concentrations of smoke eg 0.3% per meter obscuration. Only if all the detectors in a group, or a predetermined lesser number of the detectors in a group, have smoke concentrations at or above the threshold level does the panel establish an alarm condition. The panel can also establish an alarm condition when the presence in any single detector of smoke at a higher concentration eg 3% per meter obscuration is detected. The system can alternatively include detectors sensitive to other emissions from a fire eg heat, ionized particles or carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A latency counter for use in relatively complex systems having relatively large numbers of devices with associated timers. Whenever a timer is activated by setting a time period, the latency counter is set to the larger of its current value or a value associated with the time period of the last-expiring timer. Prior to scanning the timers to determine if a timer has expired, the latency counter is checked. If the value of the latency counter is equal to a predetermined value, then no timers are active and no scanning is performed. If the value of the latency counter is not equal to the predetermined value, the latency counter value is modified and a scanning operation of each timer is performed to determine if any timers have expired. Considerable processing resources can be saved.

Abstract: An automatic addressing scheme for a life safety system having a local rail, and a plurality of modules inter-connected by the local rail, a first of the modules being a central processing unit, and the remainder being I/O modules having a variety of functions, as well as a common line forming part of the local rail; an arrangement is provided for detecting the location of each of the I/O modules and assigning addresses thereto without human intervention, the arrangement including a resistor and transistor, capable of being conductive to ground, associated with each I/O module. A constant current source is located at the central processing unit, connected by the common line to the resistors in series circuit, and with a common address input means connected from the central processing unit to said common line and thereby to the I/O modules.

Abstract: A security system for monitoring a protected area and sounding an alarm including a plurality of sensors arranged about a protected area for sensing incoming threat, device for generating at least one pulse for each sensor activated by the incoming threat to the area, an alarm controller for receipt of the pulses and sounding of an alert, and a single wire connecting outputs of the sensors to the controller for transmitting the pulses generated by the plurality of sensors to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method can be used to pre-process an output signal from an ambient condition sensor. The preprocessing removes noise pulses which are not correlated with an ambient condition being sensed. Preprocessing can be carried out by comparing the present output value to a prior output value and selecting a minimum value there between. The apparatus and method can incorporate storage for two prior values and the present output value can be compared to two prior values and a minimum or a maximum of the three values selected. Additional processing can be carried out by comparing the present output value to a nominal expected clear air output value. If the present value exceeds the nominal expected output value, a minimum is selected among the present output value and one or more prior values. If the present output value is less than the nominally expected value, a maximum is selected from among the present output value and one or more prior output values.

Abstract: When updating the data of an EEPROM, wherein set data such as interlock data showing the interlock relationship between fire detectors and controlled equipment, data on correspondence between terminal addresses and places where the terminals are installed, display data to be shown on a display unit of the fire protection receiver, and receiver function data showing the functions of the fire protection receiver is stored, a fire protection receiver according to the present invention employs a memory pack comprised of an IC card or the like, which is disconnectably attached to the fire protection receiver, connects a memory pack, which stores data for updating set data, into the receiver, reads it, and writes it to the EEPROM.

Abstract: A voice warning system for fire accidents including a plurality of fire sensors, a first multiplex selector, a detecting and scanning circuit, a locking circuit, a decoding circuit, a memory circuit, a second multiplex selector, a scanning circuit, a load, a time pulse controlling circuit, a fire emergency assistance calling circuit, and a plurality of loudspeakers 12, the sensors and the loudspeakers being designed to arrange in appropriate positions and the other circuits being disposed with a fire-proof control box, whereby in case of a fire accident, the system will give fleeing instructions to all people in a building through the loudspeakers and will automatically call the fire emergency assistance at the same time.

Abstract: An alarm termination apparatus includes: a bi-directionally accessible random access memory for storing alarm bits sampled from a plurality of parallel inputs at memory locations; a flip-flop circuit for temporarily storing a first alarm bit read from one of the memory locations of the memory and for outputting the first alarm bit to an output transmission line; and a selector for receiving a second alarm bit sampled from the parallel inputs and for receiving the stored first alarm bit from the flip-flop circuit, the selector selectively outputting the second alarm bit or the first alarm bit to the above one of the memory locations of the memory in accordance with a value of a select pulse, wherein the temporary storing of the first alarm bit from the memory into the flip-flop circuit and the selective outputting of the first alarm bit or the second alarm bit to the memory by the selector are controlled to sequentially take place.

Abstract: A fire safety apparatus particularly useful in association with Christmas trees comprising a smoke detector, circuitry for processing a signal generated by the smoke detector, an audible alarm, a moisture level sensor and circuitry for interruption of the flow of electricity to a receptacle. In the event of a Christmas tree fire, the smoke detector activates the circuitry which cause the audible alarm to be sounded. The audible alarm is sensed by a receiver which contains the circuitry for interruption of the flow of electricity and is in the form of one or more switches. Any appliances, such as Christmas tree lighting which are plugged into the receptacle, are deactivated by the interruption of electrical flow at the receptacle. Additionally, moisture sensing probes are provided which activate circuitry which cause the alarm to be sounded when the moisture level contained in a Christmas tree base falls below a certain level.

Abstract: A fire disaster monitoring system of the present invention has a control unit and a fire sensor. The fire sensor includes a sensor base and a sensor body. The sensor base incorporates a first memory which stores first address information of the first memory. The sensor body incorporates a second memory and a CPU therein. The second memory stores second address information of the sensor body. The CPU includes an address reader, a comparator and an address generator. When the power is turned on, the address reader reads the address information in the first memory, and reads the address information in the second memory. The comparator compares the read pieces of address information with each other. When the comparison result by the comparator indicates agreement, the address generator leaves the address information in the second memory as valid data.

Abstract: An alarm information transfer system used in a digital transmission device can overcome a problem that all communications are stopped when a clock signal, which is sent from a master unit to slave units, is disconnected. In this system, the master unit sends ID numbers sequentially for specifying slave units, and alarm information is sent to the master unit from a slave unit specified by an ID number. The other slave units which are not specified by the ID numbers sent from the master unit store the alarm information sent from the specified slave unit, and one of the slave units detecting the disconnection of the clock signal from the master unit becomes a master unit to continue communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus having a plurality of interfaces, each corresponding to one of a plurality of MFCs which provide voltage signals corresponding to the control voltages controlling the MFCs; a plurality of wires for transmitting the voltage signals from the interfaces; a position switch coupled to the plurality of wires for selecting voltage signals corresponding to one of the MFCs; and a plurality of displays coupled to the switch for providing a visual display of the values of said voltage signals corresponding to one of the MFCs. The invention enables an operator to monitor/calibrate a plurality of MFC operating voltages simultaneously without interfering with other operations of a system using MFCs.

Abstract: A sensor connection apparatus for connecting a plurality of sensors to a process controller having a bus for transferring information, wherein each sensor produces an output corresponding to a sensed condition, includes a respective sensor cable that can be connected at one end to each sensor; a concentrator having each of the sensor cables connected thereto; the concentrator being connected to the bus; the concentrator comprising a circuit for producing for each sensor and associated sensor cable connected thereto a first signal in response to the sensor output and a second signal that corresponds to a sensor cable condition; the circuit further operating to couple the first and second signals for each sensor connected to the concentrator onto the bus for access by the process controller. In one embodiment, the concentrator transmits data to the process controller using a standardized communications protocol, such as CAN, using a microcontroller and transceiver.

Abstract: A fail-safe scan circuit sequentially and periodically drives and scans objective devices. The scan circuit has a failure detector that provides, upon detecting a failure, a signal of logical value 0 to inform of the failure. Adjacent input signals to the failure detector have a phase difference of .pi.. This phase difference results in simplifying the structure of the failure detector. The fail-safe scan circuit is employable to drive and scan many photosensors of a fail-safe multibeam sensor.

Abstract: A fire alarm system has address numbers that are given to terminal devices, such as transmitters, analog fire detectors and addressable fire detectors, and are given to the fire receiver similarly to the foregoing terminal devices. A signal to be transmitted from the fire receiver is given the address of the fire receiver as the sender address as well as the addresses of the terminal devices which are the information receivers, and a signal to be transmitted from the terminal device is given the address of the receiver of the signal as well as the self-address. As a result, information can be directly transmitted to the terminal devices, and therefore, the load of the fire receiver can be reduced. When the fire receiver and the terminal device transmit the data signal, a data length signal denoting the length of the data to be transmitted is calculated, and the data length signal is transmitted together with the data signal.

Abstract: A memory stores a vehicle identifier code which enables identification of a vehicle carrying the same type of electronic control unit (ECU) correspondingly to an ECU identification code (ECU-ID) and display means for displaying the vehicle identifier code is displayed on the basis of the ECU-ID provided by an ECU, and a predetermined fault diagnostic program corresponding to the vehicle identifier code is selected and initiated in response to the input of a verification signal of the displayed vehicle identifier code. When a plurality of faulty parts of a vehicle are detected, a priority table is referred to and fault codes corresponding to the plurality of faulty parts are displayed with priority. The necessary specific work procedure is sequentially displayed according to the selected diagnostic program.

Abstract: A remote monitor alarm system monitors discrete alarm and analog power supply voltage conditions at remotely located communications terminal equipment. A central monitoring unit (CMU) is connected via serial data links to each of a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs) that monitor the alarm and power supply conditions of the remote terminal equipment. Each RTU can monitor and store condition information of both discrete alarm points and analog power supply voltage points in its associated communications terminal equipment. The stored alarm information is periodically transmitted to the CMU in response to sequential polling of the RTUs. The number of monitored alarm inputs and permissible voltage ranges for the analog inputs can be remotely configured at the CMU and downloaded into programmable memory at each RTU. The CMU includes a video display, a hard disk memory, a line printer and an audio alarm for communicating and storing the alarm information received from each RTU.

Abstract: A flashtube circuit includes a switch which in a first position regulates the storage over time of energy in a first energy storage device and in a second position allows the transfer of energy from the first energy storage device to a second energy storage device. A microcontroller receives the input voltage and then samples and digitizes it for input into a lookup table. The microcontroller repeatedly cycles the switch between flashes by controlling the time the switch is in its first position. The lookup table output provides the signal for determining the time the switch remains in its first position. The time interval from the last flash controls the time the switch is in its second position. The cycling of the switch is controlled accordingly such that the second energy storage device acquires the predetermined amount of energy for the flash just as the triggering circuit is initiated by the microcontroller.