Photography – Camera release control circuit
Reexamination Certificate
2002-12-02
2003-09-23
Perkey, W. B. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera release control circuit
C396S267000, C073S170240
Reexamination Certificate
active
06625399
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to devices for detecting flash events and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for detecting lightning and rapid pulse light flashes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The detection of lightning and rapid pulse light flashes have numerous applications ranging from photography, lightning protection devices, the detection of muzzle flashes and the like.
Prior art devices have provided the ability to detect lightning flashes, however they have lacked the ability to perform this function with sensitivity and selectivity necessary to be functional. Furthermore, they have lacked the ability to detect flashes as well during the day or at night.
For the purpose of this invention, an apparatus for the detection of lightning and rapid pulse light flashes have very similar design characteristics and wherein such an apparatus can perform the detection of rapid pulse light flashes and various forms of lightning through the use of properly selected filtering techniques. Furthermore, such a device can be provided wherein detection sensitivity is constant throughout the daytime and at night.
Lightning photography is a popular form of artistic expression commonly found in pictorial books and magazines. Such dramatic photographs of bolts of lightning have great visual impact.
Scientific uses of lightning photography are also well known to those skilled in the art. Lightning photography with conventional cameras is restricted to the well-known practice of using long exposure times, usually at night or in low ambient light levels. The lightning event is captured on film during the time period when the camera shutter is held open, which is typically five to ten minutes, requiring the use of a camera tripod.
However, the methods of the prior art are tedious and time consuming and do not provide for lightning photography during normal daylight hours. Further, the photographer must remain out of doors with the camera equipment and be exposed to the hazards of lightning.
Thus, the present invention has been developed to provide a lightning trigger device capable of interfacing with many commercially available cameras having sufficiently fast shutter lag times during both daylight and nighttime conditions.
In addition, the present camera triggering method can be practiced by utilizing the camera's remote shutter release, thereby photographing lightning events from a safe distance. Further, the cost of the present lightning trigger device is substantially lower in comparison to other automated methods of photographing lightning.
The present invention may also be utilized to detect the initiation of the stepped leader phase of the lightning event for preemptively disconnecting susceptible electronic and electrical devices via fast acting relays before the incipient and destructive return stroke occurs. Devices that may benefit by preemptive protection from the damaging effects of the return stroke and subsequent electromagnetic pulses (EMP) include electronic and electrical devices such as computers, telephones, household and industrial appliances, and the like. Back up power supplies may be incorporated with the lightning trigger detection device to ensure continuous operation and protect against a loss of service, data or critical operation.
The present invention may also be utilized to detect rapid pulse light flashes produced by sources such as a muzzle flash form a gun wherein an indication device or associated equipment may be activated in response thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,215 to Barker discloses an automated system for detecting and recording lightning strikes in the vicinity of power lines. In one embodiment of the invention, the automated system includes a toroid surge sensor; a phototransistor optical sensor located within a pole mounted housing; a magnetic loop sensor; a control circuit for one or more cameras and/or video camcorders; and a power supply all contained within a weather-tight housing. Such a system clearly lacks portability and is designed specifically for the monitoring of electrical power transmission utilities.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,161 to Byerley et al. discloses an optical radiation detector for lightning or other light signals such as pulses, bursts, flashes, and steady fluctuations. A silicon photodiode or other light-sensitive silicon device is arranged to receive light signals in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and wide-band ranges, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,152 to Fletcher discloses a system for monitoring and recording lightning strikes within a predetermined area with a camera having an electrically operated shutter and means for advancing the film in the camera after activating the shutter. The system includes an antenna for sensing electrical field changes which generate a signal that is fed to an electronic circuit for operating the shutter of the camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,195 to Harvey discloses an apparatus for photographing meteors in a selected area of the sky only at times meteors are likely to be passing through the area. A photo multiplier is pointed in the direction of the designated area. When a meteor passes through the area, the signal output of the photo multiplier increases, activating a camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,336 to Clegg discloses a method for optically detecting lightning radiation in both daylight and nighttime conditions. A silicon solar cell receives light radiation, converting them to electrical signals which are amplified and electronically processed for recording purposes. However, this apparatus is not used in conjunction with photographic equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,259 to Krider discloses an all-sky camera apparatus for time-resolved lightning photography. This invention utilizes a pair of all-sky cameras which are disposed with their respective lenses pointing vertically. One of the cameras is rotated about an axis passing through the zenith while the other is maintained in a stationary disposition to determine the time development of lightning discharge.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,038 to Suzuka discloses a remote control apparatus of a camera having a camera body with a finder eyepiece window including an infrared receiver which is associated with the shutter of a camera body. A remote release signal emitted from an infrared transmitter is received by the infrared receiver to release the shutter of the camera body.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,127 to Goedken discloses an auto-wireless shutter release control that will allow the user to take a photograph by remote control.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,496 to Iida et al. discloses a remote control camera having a fitting member for mounting thereon a signal receiving device to receive a remote control signal, the body of the signal receiver, when fitted on the camera body, serving to cover the entire eye-piece on the camera body to intercept light entering into the camera body through the eye-piece.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,284 to Eugenio discloses a lightning protection device for directly sensing a predetermined critical electrostatic field intensity of the stepped leader to prevent the formation of the return stroke. The device uses a charge storing sphere and a varistor grounding device to dissipate the charge of the otherwise incipient return strokes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,521,603 and 5,297,208 to Young disclose are electric field sensing devices for lightning detection and method for deactivating electrical equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,576 to Uman discloses a lightning protection device utilizing electric or magnetic field responsive detectors and means for isolating or grounding electrical equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,820 to Markson et al. discloses an optical warning system for distinguishing between strobe light flashes and lightning flashes and providing audio and visual indication of detection to an operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
After much study of the above described problems, the present invention has been developed to provide a lightning trigger and flash detection device. In photographic
Mills Law Firm PLLC
Perkey W. B.
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